The Puritans, who were Calvinists, believed in the idea of predestination. This is the concept that God chose those who were going to be saved before they were born. The elect were those who were chosen before birth to be saved.
There was nothing that people could do to change their fate during their lifetimes, and participation in the sacraments did not affect one's chances of being saved. However, the Puritans believed that if they experienced worldly success, such as achieving high position or wealth, during their lifetime, it was a good sign that they could be among the elect. Therefore, they had the motivation to work hard and to show outward signs of their godliness.
Though the Puritans did not have the comfort of knowing that good works could win their salvation, they took comfort in a God who bestowed order on a chaotic universe (see the link below).
http://nationalhumanitiescenter.org/tserve/eighteen/ekeyinfo/puritan.htm
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