God's Eternal Purpose

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, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], According to his purpose: Anselm renders it, according to his good will. Peter Martyr reads it, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], according to his Decree; and so Beza interprets it. This purpose, or decree of God is the fountainhead of all our spiritual blessings; it is causa [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉], 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.