"As the case stood in the parable, a certain number of men had been bidden. It seems to be the theory of some theologians, that none ought to have been bidden but those who were sure to come. They hold, as we rejoice to hold, that there is an election of grace. In holding the doctrines of grace with a firm grasp they do well, but they err when they teach that the invitation is to be restricted to the chaser, for here it is as clear as daylight, that the first invitation was given to those who never were in the election of grace at all. They which were bidden proved to be "not worthy," and yet they were bidden, over and over again, honestly and in good faith. The king said they were bidden, and this means that God himself willed that the rejecters of His grace should be invited. His servants did not do wrong in bidding them, for the king bade them do so. It has been said, "It is useless to bid sinners come to Christ who are dead and will not come." It is useless as far as you can see – useless as to the bringing of them in, but we do not know all God's ends and designs, and some things, in which we see no use, may nevertheless be needful to His purpose."
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