3. The issue and consequence thereof, as it is farther observed in this answer, that many wilfully neglect, contemn, or refuse to comply with it, with respect to whom it is not made effectual to their salvation. This appears from the report that Christ’s disciples brought to him, concerning the excuses that many made when called to come to the marriage feast, in the parable: One pretended, that he had _bought a piece of ground, and must needs go see it_; and another, that he had _bought five yoke of oxen, and_ must _go to prove them_; and another _had married a wife, and_ therefore _could not come_. It is elsewhere said, that _they all made light of it, and went their ways; one to his farm, another to his merchandise; and the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them_, Luke xiv. 18-20. compared with Matt. xxii. 5, 6. And the prophet introduces our Saviour himself as complaining, _I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought_, Isa. xlix. 4, 5. And the reason hereof is, because Israel is _not gathered_; which words are to be understood in a comparative sense, as denoting the fewness of those who complied with his gracious invitations, to come to him, or were convinced, by the miracles which he wrought to confirm his doctrine. This is also farther evident, from the small number of those who are effectually prevailed upon under the gospel dispensation, which the apostle calls _the grace of God that brings salvation, that hath appeared to all men, teaching them to deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts; and to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world_. And also, from the great opposition and hatred, which many express to the person of Christ, who is the subject matter thereof; which the prophet not only relates, as what was observed in his day, but foretells, that in after-ages, a great part of mankind would not believe the report made concerning him; but that he should be _despised and rejected of men_, who would _hide_, as it were, _their faces from him_, and _not esteem him_, Isa. liii. 1, 3. This is certainly the highest contempt of the gospel; for it is an undervaluing the greatest privileges, as though they were not worthy to be embraced, desired, or sought after; and inasmuch as this is wilful, arising from the enmity of the will of man against God, and the method of salvation which he has prescribed therein, it has a tendency to provoke his wrath; so that being justly left in their unbelief, they will not come to Christ, that they may have life. And as they are judicially left to themselves, they contract a greater degree of alienation from, and averseness to God, and so never truly come to Jesus Christ; which is an awful and tremendous consideration.