wledge of
Christ, then, I say, this simple question cannot hurt thee; for thou art
in the book of life, which is Christ himself.

Also we learn by this sentence, "Many are called," that the preaching of
the gospel is universal; that it pertains to all mankind; that it is
written, "Through the whole earth their sound is heard." Now seeing that
the gospel is universal, it appears that he would have all mankind saved,
and that the fault is not in him if we are damned. For it is written thus,
"God would have all men to be saved:" his salvation is sufficient to save
all mankind, but we are so wicked of ourselves that we refuse the same,
for we will not take it when it is offered unto us; and therefore he
saith, "Few are chosen;" that is, few have pleasure and delight in it; for
the most part are weary of it, they cannot abide it. And there are some
that hear it, but they will not abide any danger for it, they love their
riches and possessions more than the word of God. And therefore few are
elected, there are but a few that stick heartily unto it, and can find in
their hearts to forgo this world for God's sake and his holy word.

There are some now-a-days that will not be reprehended by the gospel; they
think themselves better than it. Some again are so stubborn, that they
will rather forswear themselves, than confess their sins and wickedness.
Such men are the cause of their own damnation; for God would have them
saved, but they refuse it; like as did Judas the traitor, whom Christ
would have had to be saved, but he refused his salvation; he refused to
follow the doctrine of his master Christ. And so, whosoever heareth the
word of God, and follows it, the same is elect by him. And again,
whosoever refuses to hear the word of God, and to follow the same, is
damned. So that our election is sure if we follow the word of God.

Here is now taught you how to try out your election, namely, in Christ,
for Christ is the accounting book and register of God; even in the same
book, that is, Christ, are written all the names of the elect. Therefore
we cannot find our election in ourselves, neither yet in the high counsel
of God; for "Secret things belong to the most High." (Deut. xxix.) Where
then shall I find my election? In the counting book of God, which is
Christ; for thus it is written, "God hath so entirely loved the world,
that he gave his only begotten Son, to that end, that all that believe in
him should not perish, but have l