Spiritual refining

Thirdly, In Gods calling of us, consider the freeness of his grace, and the absoluteness of his purpose and good pleasure therein. He calls some, and leaves others; yea the far greater part of mankind, and those who have the greatest pomp and glory in this world, on whom the eyes of the world are most open. Thus the Apostle, Not many noble, not many wise hath God called, 1 Cor. 1. 28. but the poor and despicable things of the world hath God chosen. Indeed God partly by his Word to some, and partly by the works of Creation to others, hath left every man without excuse; he hath given to all men pregnant witnesses of his goodness, wisdom and power, that they might seek after him; but this is not the call of grace that is the fruit of Election; for that takes effect and cannot be totally and finally resisted; Thou therefore who hast been thus called, cry out, Oh the depths and unsearchable riches of Gods mercy! There are two in a bed, one is called the other is left: Two in a family, one is taken and the other left. As in Pauls Conversion, when there was a voice from Heaven, Paul heard distinctly, but his companions did not; so in the same Sermon, which is Gods call, one heareth it distinctly, receiveth the power of it in his heart, knoweth the experimental meaning of it; but others hear only a general sound, they understand nothing of it. Certainly this freeness of Gods grace in calling thee and not others, who happily have not been such sinners as thou hast been, never committed such foul abominations as thou hast done; that hath not called others of better parts, abilities and greater wisdom, who thereby if converted, might have brought more glory and honour to God then thou ever art likely to do. This free arbitrary grace (I say) of which a man can give no reason in the world but his own good pleasure, may justly fill thy heart with all astonishment and ravishing amazements. This is the mystery of Gods grace that thou shouldst always be contemplating and beholding, Oh Lord! Why am I called and not another? Why doth the Word of God come home to my soul, and others feel and understand nothing at all? It was a great favour of God to little Samuel, 1 Sam. 3. 9. when God called him twice or thrice, and did reveal his will to him, and took no notice of Eli the Priest and Judge in Israel.

Thirdly, In Gods calling of us, consider the freenesse of his grace, and the absolutenesse of his purpose and good pleasure therein. He cals some, and leaves others; yea the farre greater part of mankinde, and those who have the greatest pomp and glory in this world, on whom the eyes of the world are most open. Thus the Apostle, Not many noble, not many wise hath God called,