Then & Now · 16 of 17
Chapter XV
Chapter XV
3. THe third and last thing in the Text, which I shall but briefly glance at, is, The Ground and Original of our Effectual Calling, in these words, κατὰ πρόθεσιν, According to his purpose: Anselm renders it, according to his good will171. Peter Martyr reads it, κατὰ γνώμην, according to his Decree; and so Beza Interprets it. This purpose, or decree of God is the fountain-head of all our spiritual blessings172; it is causa προηγουμένη, the impulsive cause of our Vocation, Justification, Glorification; it is the highest link in the Golden Chain of Salvation. What is the reason that one man is called, and not another? it is from the eternal purpose of p. 176 God. Gods Decree gives the casting voice in mans salvation.
3. The third and last thing in the Text, which I shall but briefly glance at, is, The Ground and Original of our Effectual Calling, in these words, κατὰ πρόθεσιν, According to his purpose: Anselm renders it, according to his good will152. Peter Martyr reads it, κατὰ γνώμην, according to his Decree; and so Beza Interprets it. This purpose, or decree of God is the fountain-head of all our spiritual blessings153; it is causa προηγουμένη, the impulsive cause of our Vocation, Justification, Glorification; it is the highest link in the Golden Chain of Salvation. What is the reason that one man is called, and not another? It is from the eternal purpose of God. God’s Decree gives the casting voice in man’s salvation.