Mark in what order: first, our calling; then, our election; not beginning with our election first. By our calling, arguing our election.

As the most generous vine, if it is not pruned, runs out into many superfluous stems, and grows at last weak and fruitless; so dote the best man, if he be not cut short of his desires and pruned with afflictions. If it be painful to bleed, it is worse to wither. Let me be pruned, that I may grow, rather than be cut up to burn.

There would not be so many open mouths if there were not so many open ears.

...Covetousness, looking more at what we would have than at what we have.

How apt nature is, even in those who profess an eminence in holiness, to raise and maintain animosities against those whose calling or person they pretend to find cause to dislike!

Mark in what order: first, our calling; then, our election; not beginning with our election first. By our calling, arguing our election.

God loves to see his creatures happy; our lawful delight is His; they know not God that think to please Him with making themselves miserable. The idolaters thought it a fit service for Baal to cut and lance themselves; never any holy man looked for thanks from the true God by wronging himself.