Object. But I am afraid I am not elected, or chosen to salvation,
though you called me fool a little before for so fearing.

Ans. Though election is, in order, before calling, as to God, yet
the knowledge of calling must go before the belief of my election as
to myself. Wherefore, souls that doubt of the truth of their
effectual calling, do but plunge themselves into a deeper labyrinth
of confusion that concern themselves with their election; I mean,
while they labour to know it before they prove their calling. "Make
your calling, and so your election, sure;" 2 Pet. i. 4-11.

Wherefore, at present, lay the thoughts of thy election by, and ask
thyself these questions: Do I see my lost condition? Do I see
salvation is nowhere but in Christ? Would I share in this salvation
by faith in him? And would I, as was said before, be thoroughly
saved, to wit, from the filth as from the guilt? Do I love Christ,
his Father, his saints, his words, and ways? This is the way to
prove we are elect. Wherefore, sinner, when Satan, or thine own
heart seeks to puzzle thee with election, say thou, I cannot attend
to talk of this point now, but stay till I know that I am called of
God to the fellowship of his Son, and then I will shew you that I am
elect, and that my name is written in the book of life.

If poor distressed souls would observe this order, they might save
themselves the trouble of an unprofitable labour under these
unreasonable and soul-sinking doubts.

Let us therefore, upon the sight of our wretchedness, fly and
venturously leap into the arms of Christ, which are now as open to
receive us into his bosom, as they were when nailed to the cross.