GOod Friend Aquila , now that wee haue such opportunitie of place , being heere in a pleasant greene field , and are at such good leysure , wee should doe well to passe our time away in some wholsome communication which may tend to our edification in godlinesse .

It is a very good motion . For seeing time is a thing so precious as we must giue a reckoning to God of euery minute of our time ; and hauing in the former dayes of our life spent so much of our time either in doing nothing , or in doing other things , or doing other things then pertaineth to vs to deale in ; it is therefore meete that we should now redeeme the time , and the litle remainder of it to bestow it well , as wee may reape a present benefit , and an euerlasting good : for surely , vpon the well-husbanding of our time heere , there will follow a blessed haruest of a glorious 〈◊〉 heereafter . But whereof shall we talke , what shall be the subiect of our speech ?

I heard you say , that when the workes of Christ , which ( as the King of his Church ) hee worketh in the elect alone ( such as are giuen to him of his Father ) were taught openly to you and to the rest of your good neighbors : that you held it a doctrine very worthy the teaching , as being of great vse for Gods Children . Will ye that I try your memory , and put you to call to mind the principall and maine heads of that doctrine ?

I did indeed iudge it to be a matter very profitable , and still do so iudge : and me thought when I heard so many seuerall fruites of the Spirit giuen vs together with our Calling , distinctly and in good order propounded to our consideration , that it was as if one should haue led me vnto a garden planted , & set forth with variety of sweete and delicate flowers , whereof I might take enow to delight my senses withall , both while I was there and afterwards . Therefore if it please you to aske me , I will answer you as farre as I beare away that which I heard .

Let me then heare from you , what these graces are , which Christ Iesus doth worke peculiarly in the elect .

They may al be brought to these two heads . 2. workes of the Spirit proper to the elect Calling , and Gifts . The first is an effectuall calling . Secondly , the fruits that arise and spring from thence , or the gifts which doe accompany and come from that calling .

How proue ye that there is a calling proper to the elect , seeing 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the Gospel , That there are many called which are not chosen ? Math. 20 , 16. It may be also that there bee some chosen , which haue no calling .

It is true , some may be called which were A double calling . neuer chosen ; and it is alsotrue , that none are chosen , but they be called : because it is written , Whom he predestinated , them he called , Ro. 8 , 30. By which it is apparent , that there is one calling which is common to the Elect , and to such Reprobates as line within the bosom of the militant Church , and this calling is outward only : 1. Outward & common to all and there is an inward calling , which flowes from the grace of predestination , and is proper vnto the Elect , and this is an effectuall and inward calling ; of 2. Inward & peculiar to some . which S. Peter speaketh when hee saith , Make your calling and election sure , 2 Peter 1 , 10.

How differeth this effectuall calling , from the common calling ?

First , that draweth vs to Christ , to become Difference between inward and outward calling . members of him : This brings men onely to a profession of Christ , to become outward worshippers of him . Secondly , that enlightneth vnto faith , this vnto knowledge onely . Thirdly , that worketh a through change of the heart from euill to good , as in S. Peter , S. Paul , & those mentioned , Acts 2 , 37 : this changeth but lightly Effectuall calling hath 3. inseparable cona panions , first vnion with Christ , 2. Iustification , 3. Sanctification and slightly to external ciuil obedience , or to a restraint onely of inward corruption , as in Iudas , Simon Magus , and 〈◊〉 : so as an effectuall calling carrieth with it , first , vnion with Christ ; secondly , iustification ; thirdly , sanctification , Called and 〈◊〉 , Rom. 8 , 30. Called & sanctified , Iude 1. Saints by Calling . 1 Cor. 1 , 2. all which the common calling lacketh .

How is this 〈◊〉 calling described in the word of God ?

Thus : It is a 〈◊〉 of the elect out of Effectuall calling what it is . the kingdome of darknesse ; that is , of ignorance & sin , into the kingdome of Christ , Col. 1 , 13. that is , of faith and holinesse . Orthus : It is a seuering of the elect , from the world of 〈◊〉 , to become members of Christ by Faith , Iohn 15 , 19. You are not of the world , but I haue chosen you out of the world .

Thus the case standeth : The elect and reprobate being in Adam all reuolted and departed from God , & put vnder the power of satan , they lye together as an heape of chaffe and wheat in a great floore , or as great and little fish in a net , vntill by an effectuall calling ( as it were by a fanne ) there be a separation made , as the wheate is seuered from the chaffe at winnowing . And this first separation is begun in this world by the fanne of the Gospell , Math. 3 , 12 : Which hath his fanne in his hand , &c. and is finished perfectly , at that great and last separation , in the day mentioned , Math. 25 , 32. Where the Goats shall for euer be seuered from the sheepe .

Now that you haue shewed what an effectual calling is , tell vs by what meanes Christ worketh it ?

Christ Iesus doth worke it inwardly , by his Inward means Spirit of wisedome and reuelation which hee giueth to all the elect , not excepting infants which dye in their infancy , who cannot be saued except they be called & brought vnto Christ , Actes , 4 , 12. and other band and No name giuen , &c. linke whereby to be knit vnto Christ , there is none besides the Spirit , as it is written , By one Spirit wee are all baptized into one body , 1 Cor. 12 , 13.

But for such elect as are of discretion and yeares , the Outward and inward . Spirit in them worketh by the outward preaching of the word , calling them preparatiuely by the preaching of the Law , therein shewing them their sinnes , and iust Law . Spirit of feare condemnation , to the terrifying of them , and astonishing of their conscience : but effectually calling them by the preaching of the Gospell , wherein by the secret and Gospell Spirit of adoption great force of the Spirite , they are so made to see the mercies of God for the forgiuenesse of their sinnes , vnto their saluation by Christ , as they are perswaded to rest in them : and thus become they that which before they were not , that is to say , true Christians , the members of Christ his mysticall body , the sons and daughters of God . And this is their effectuall calling , which is nothing els but a making vs to be that which we were not , as the Apostle sayth , Rom. 4 , 17. God calleth those things which are not , as though they were . Whereby it appeareth to be a very easie thing for the mighty God , to call and draw vs to his Son , euen as easie as for vs to speake a word , and to call one to vs .

Some are called sooner , and some later , as GOD in The time of Calling . his eternall counsell hath ordained the time of euerie ones calling : which is shadowed somewhat vnto vs , in the parable of the Husbandman , calling to work in his vineyard , some at the third houre of the day , others at the sixt , and others at the ninth , yea and some at the eleuenth , Math. 20 , 1 , 2 , 3. Further , we do find in Scripture , examples of such as haue bene called in euery part of mans life . We may gather , that Timothy and Iosias 1 Tim. 4. 6. were called in their childhoode . For , of the one it is testified 2 Tim. 3. 1. of him , that he knew the Scriptures of a child , & was nourished vp in the words of faith and sound Doctrine : 2 Kings 22 , 1. of the other , that in his yong yeares he sought God . Of Iohn the Baptist , it is expressely saide , Luke 1. that he was filled with the holy Ghost in his mothers womb . Of Paul , as also of Zacheus , it may appeare by the story , that they were conuerted about their middle age , in the strength of their life . For Paul liued long after his calling , and Zacheus at his conuersion was so lustie of body , as he could climbe vp into a high tree to behold Christ passing by , and hastily come downe at Christs commandement , Luke 19. which is a signe that hee was not gone farre in yeares . Lastly , wee reade of one whom Iesus called at the last houre of the day , to wit , the theefe conuerted at his death : but only one such we reade of , least any presume ; yet one , least any which are long vncalled , should despaire .

After this which ye haue saide of the time Persons . of Calling , let vs heare somewhat of the persons who are to be called . Who be capeable and fit , who be vnfit and vncapeable therof for the most part ; and as men may iudge of it ?

Such as liue out of the precincts of the church , Who not . they are vncapeable of this calling to Christ whereof 1. Pagans . we speake . For God hath denied vnto them the means . He hath not giuen them his statutes and his lawes : hee sendeth not vnto them his messengers with his Word , but leaues them ( for iust causes knowne to himselfe ) in their ignorance . Yet a calling they haue , by the voyce Creatures teach somewhat of God , but nothing of Christ . and sound of the creatures ; which is sufficient thus far , as to take from them all excuse , as S. Paul affirmeth of them , Rom. 1 , 20 , 21. but not so farre as to be powerfull to their conuersion and saluation . For seeing the world by wisedome knew not God in the wisedome of God , it pleased God by the foolishnesse of preaching , to saue them that beleeue , 〈◊〉 Cor. 1. If there be any among Pagans , which are secretly inspired with the knowledge of the Messias to saluation , it is more then wee can take knowledge of .

Now , as touching them which are within the visible 2. Proud Iusticiaries . Church , there are some persons which become vncapeable of Gods calling , as the proud , which are puffed vp and swolne with conceit and opinion of their owne excellency and righteousnesse . Christ came not to call the righteous to repentance , Luke 5 , 32. And againe , God resisteth the proud , Iames 4 , 6. to teach , that there is nothing such an enemy to the worke of the Spirite , in calling and conuerting vnto faith , as pride of heart , when once it hath taken deepe roote , and is come vnto the height ; not but that God can take such downe , as appeareth in the taming of that swelling Pharisie Saul , after made S. Paul .

Moreouer , the scornfull , which are set downe in the 3. Scorners . chaire of pestilence , as Dauid saith , Psal: 1 , 1. & as swine and dogges do wickedly despise , and contemptuously refuse all godly admonitions , raging with haued against the light , and such as set it before them ; to these the holy things of God are forbid to be offered , Math. 7 , 6. Generally , all such make themselues vnfit for calling , 4. Impenitent or obdurate finners . as haue by custom of sinne so hardned their harts , as all feare and feeling of sin , or wrath due to it is gone : so as they stop their eares at Gods voice , and withdraw their shoulders from the yoake , and make stiffe theyr neckes against it . These because they hate knowledge , and abhorre to be reformed , therefore God is so farre off from them , as that when they come and call to him , he wil vouchsafe them no answer ; yea though they cry vnto him in the anguish of their heart , yet hee will not heare ; because when he very long , and with all lenitie had called to them , they would not heare : but after their hardnesse , and heart that cannot repent , despised the bounty and long suffering patience of God .

Further , this is to bee obserued that of those which 5. Worldly wise . liue in the Church , such as haue great gifts of Nature , more pregnant wit , sharper capacities , more earthly wisedome , more humane knowledge : These hauing much of their owne , because they rest in it , are hardly drawne to see their owne wants , their inward spirituall nakednesse , and to empty themselues of all theyr owne worthinesse ; therefore they are so much the more vnfit and vncapeable of a calling : as it is written , Ye see your calling , not many wise . Againe , Where is the Scribe ? where is the disputer , & c ? 1 Cor. 1 , 20.

The like is to be saide of such as haue great store of 6 Worldlyrich wealth , of worldly honour and pleasure , which are things that blinde men , and keepe them from seeing any Example in the Laodiceans , Reuel . 〈◊〉 . great need of Christ ; being already full and happy , as they thinke . These cannot rellish the Doctrine of grace , which leadeth men wholly out of themselues , to seeke all riches , worthinesse , happinesse in Christ alone . Therefore it is also written , 1 Cor. 1 , 20 , 21. Not manie noble , not many mighty are called . Againe , It is as hard for a rich man to enter into the Kingdome ( of Grace ) as for a Camell to goe through a Needles eye , Marke 10 , 24 , 25. The way and gate to eternall life , is too strait and narrow for such as haue such a load of worldly wealth and honor on them to presse down their souls to the earth .

Now I haue heard yee speake of such persons , as for the most part of them neuer partake in this calling which drawes to Christ ; and perceiue that ye leaue to God ( as is fit ) this royall prerogatiue , as he may ( with a non obstante ) call out of them whomsoeuer hee hath ordained to life : let me now heare what persons ye thinke to be capable of this calling , and of what quality they bee , which for the most part are vouchsafed the grace and blessing of a true inward calling .

I would haue ye know that I iudge all men Who be more capable of calling . by nature , in regard of the common corruption thereof , alike vnfit , and vncapable of effectuall calling : and All alike vncapable by nature . that no man can in any measure , by any power left in his nature , prepare , or make fit himselfe for grace to receiue it , being offered : For we are dead in trespasses and sinnes ; Ephe. 2. 1. And the power to will , and to doe , is of God ; Phil. 2. 〈◊〉 Of our selues not being able to thinke a good thought ; 2 Cor. 3. All being sinne , whatsoeuer is thought , or done by vs , before Faith ; Heb. 11. 5. Howbeit thus In respect of outward condition , some more capable then other . much the Word hath reuealed vnto vs , for the outward estate and quality of such persons as bee called to Christ , that ( for the most part ) they are the simple , the poore , the meane , and little ones , which be contemptible Simple and needy . in the World for their parentage , and other outward things , as it is written ; The Gospell is preached to the poore , and they receiue it : Mat. 11. 5. Also , I thanke thee Father , that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent , and reuealest them to the simple , and little ones ; Mat. 11. 25. Moreouer , God hath called the foolish of the world , and the vile , and the things that are not , to confound the wise , and the mighty ; that none should glory in the flesh , but in Christ : 1 Cor. 1. 27 , 28 , 29. And this is one reason , why Christ will build his house of such timber , reare Reasons why such be commonly called , as be of mean condition in the World . vp his Temple with such stones , as be course & plaine , rather then to chuse the tall Cedar , or carued and polished stones . I say the reason why his banquetting Hall is furnished with such meane guests , as the halt , the maymed , the poore ; that is , the despised of the world , it is euen because they which be called and conuerted , hauing nothing in themselues whereunto to attribute their owne conuersion , they may ascribe the whole glory and praise of it vnto the grace of Christ ; who saw nothing in them , saue simplicity , meannesse , and basenesse , to moue him to preferre them afore others . And on the other side , when any rich , noble , or worldly wise , are powerfully changed and brought vnto God , to beleeue in him , and to become his true worshippers , they may vnderstand that it was no inward endowment of minde , or externall gift of body , or goods , but the meere loue of God in Christ that did all . In a word , that they may perceiue and confesse that they were borne againe , not of flesh and bloud , but of the will of God , because he was pleased to regenerate them , that the praise might be to him , as the worke was from him .

To this we may adde another reason , why the more simple and needy are more commonly drawne to Christ ; because such being void of those goodly things wherein men vse to place their felicity , hauing the lesse to set their hearts vpon , they are the sooner and more easily brought to see their spirituall pouerty and want , and to seeke for the fulnesse of all good things , out of themselues in Christ Iesus , In whom are hid all the treasures of wisedome , and knowledge ; Col. 2. 3. Of whose fulnesse we receiue grace for grace ; Ioh. 1. 16 : As being the most rich store-house of all heauenly goods ; without whom , whosoeuer are rich , they are but poore , and very fooles , whosoeuer are wise without him .