The Quakers, in viewing the doctrine as of public import, use the words “called,” “predestinated,” and “chosen,” in the ordinary way in which they are used in the scriptures, or in the way in which Christians generally understand them.

They believe that the Almighty intended, from the beginning, to make both individuals and nations subservient to the end which he had proposed to himself in the creation of the world.  For this purpose he gave men different measures of his Holy Spirit; and in proportion as they have used these gifts more extensively than others, they, have been more useful among mankind.  Now all these may be truly said to have been instruments in the hands of Providence, for the good works which they have severally performed; but, if instruments in his hands, then they may not improperly be stiled chosen vessels.  In this sense the Quakers view the words “chosen,” or “called.”  In the same sense they view also the word “preordained;” but with this difference, that the instruments were foreknown; and that God should have known these instruments before-hand is not wonderful; for he who created the world, and who, to use an human expression, must see at one glance all that ever has been, and that is, and that is to come, must have known the means to be employed, and the characters who were to move, in the execution of his different dispensations to the world.

In this sense the Quakers conceive God may be said to have foreknown, called, chosen, and preordained Noah, and also Abraham, and also Moses, and Aaron, and his sons, and all the prophets, and all the evangelists, and apostles, and all the good men, who have been useful in spiritual services in their own generation or day.

In this sense also many may be said to have been chosen or called in the days of the Apostle Paul; for they are described as having had various gifts bestowed upon them by the spirit of God. [94] “To one was given the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge; to another the ‘discerning of spirits;’ to another prophecy; and to others other kinds of gifts.  But the self-same spirit worked all these, dividing to every man severally as he chose.”  That is, particular persons were ’called by the spirit of God, in the days of the Apostle, to particular offices for the perfecting of his church.

[Footnote 94:  1 Cor. 12. 10. 11.]

In the same sense the Quakers consider all true ministers of the Gospel to be chosen.  They believe that no imposition of hands or human ordination can qualify for this office.  God, by means of his Holy Spirit alone, prepares such as are to be the vessels in his house.  Those therefore, who, in obedience to this spirit, come forth from the multitude to perform spiritual offices, may be said to be called or chosen.

In this sense, nations may be said to be chosen also.  Such were the Israelites, who by means of their peculiar laws and institutions, were kept apart from the other inhabitants of the world.