Follow us on Twitter | Report Error | + Larger Font | + Smaller Font | Print This Page
The Reign of Grace
by
Abraham Booth
Chapter 3
Of Grace, as it Reigns in Our Election
Among
the various blessings which flow from sovereign goodness, and are dispensed by
reigning grace, that of election deservedly claims our first regard. It was in
the decree of election that the grace of our infinite Sovereign did first
appear, in choosing Christ as the head, and in him, as his members, all that
should ever be saved. Election, therefore, is the first link in the golden chain
of our salvation: and the cornerstone in the amazing fabric of human happiness.
As
Jehovah
is the former of universal nature, the supporter and governor of all worlds; and
as it is no, consistent with the perfection of an infinite Agent, to act without
the highest and noblest design; so the adored Creator, before he imparted
existence, or time commenced, proposed and appointed an end worthy of himself,
in all he determined to do. This was his own glory. This was his grand design in
all the various ranks of existence to which his almighty
fiat gave birth. Not a single
creature in the vast scale of dependent being, but is connected with this as its
ultimate end. The loftiest seraph that surrounds the throne, and the meanest
insect that crawls in the dust, have the same original Parent, and are designed,
in different ways, to answer the same exalted end. To deny this, or to suppose
that the most perfect Agent did not act for the most worthy purpose, is highly
derogatory to the dignity of the First Cause.
Nobly conspicuous, among the various
orders of animate and inanimate existence in this lower creation, was man, when
first formed and recent from the hands of his Maker. Man, therefore, as bearing
the lively impress of his great Creator’s image; possessing such elevated
faculties and large capacities for operation and enjoyment; was designed, in a
peculiar manner, to answer this highest of all purposes. Nor was the entrance of
sin subversive of the grand design, but made subservient to it in various ways.
It was impossible such an event should bring confusion into that stupendous plan
of divine operation which consummate wisdom had formed. For,
known to the omniscient
God, are all his works, and all events, from the
beginning of the world. All that is comprehended in
what men call contingent,
is absolute certainty with Him who is perfect in
knowledge. The entrance of sin, therefore, among moral agents, whether angels or
men, could not possibly frustrate
Jehovah’s
purpose, or render his original designs abortive.
The counsel of the Lord shall stand, and he will do all his pleasure.
—Though the entrance of moral evil among mankind was an
awful event; though Adam, and every individual of his numerous offspring were
contaminated, injured, and ruined by it; yet it appears from divine revelation,
that He who declares the end from the beginning,
not only foresaw it, but from eternity determined
to display his perfections and promote his glory by it. His determination was,
to glorify himself in the complete salvation and endless felicity of some of the
apostate race, and in the righteous condemnation of others: so that a revenue of
glory shall arise to the great Supreme from all mankind. This glory shall arise,
as well from that haughty Egyptian monarch, who renounced God’s dominion and
said: Who is
Jehovah
that I should obey him? as from the king of
Such being the final cause of the
creation in general, and of mankind in particular, that Sovereign Being who has
an absolute right to do what he will with his own having determined to create
man and to leave him to the freedom of his own will, foreseeing he would
certainly fall; of his free distinguishing love,
chose a certain number out of the apostate race of Adam, and ordained them to a
participation of grace here, and to the enjoyment of glory thereafter.
In the execution of which purpose, by means every way
becoming himself, he determined to glorify all his infinite excellencies. Such
is that immanent act of God which is commonly called election, and is the
subject of this chapter.
The doctrine of election, or, which is the same thing, the
doctrine of distinguishing grace, is now very much exploded. It is generally
deemed unworthy of serious notice, by the learned and philosophic gentlemen of
the present age. Though it cannot be denied to have made a considerable figure
in those systems of divinity, that were adopted by men of eminence for piety and
learning in former ages; and particularly by our first reformers from Popery;
yet now it is ranked, by many, among the rash opinions of a credulous antiquity.
It is cashiered, as a doctrine abhorrent from reason, and as at eternal war with
the moral perfections of God. It is consigned over to oblivion, as worthy of no
more regard than the bold inquiries and wild conclusions; the laborious trifling
and learned lumber, of the ancient, doting, Popish schoolmen. It is also
traduced as a declared enemy to practical piety, and as highly injurious to the
comfort and hope of mankind. This being the case, we need not wonder that it is
now become quite unfashionable.
But what is the
reason of this tragical outcry against it? If I be not greatly deceived, it is
as follows. This doctrine lays the axe at the root of all our boasted moral
excellence. This doctrine, in its native consequences, demolishes every
subterfuge of human pride; as it leaves not the shadow of a difference between
one man and another, why the Deity should regard and save this person rather
than that; but teaches all who know and all who embrace it, to rest in that
memorable maxim;
Even So, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight;
resolving the whole into divine grace and divine sovereignty. Without paying the
least compliment to the learning, sagacity, or character of any who dare to
arraign the divine conduct, it repels their insolence in the following blunt
manner; Nay, but, O man! who art thou that repliest
against God? —It further teaches, that as unmerited
kindness and sovereign favor began the work of salvation: so the same grace must
carry it on and complete the vast design: while the Most High, ever jealous of
his honor, is determined to have all the glory. Other reasons might be
mentioned; but these may suffice to show, that the spirit of independence which
is natural to man, and reigns in the unregenerate, must be fired with resentment
by such an attack upon it. Hence the few votaries of this unpopular doctrine
must expect reproach and ridicule, if not something more severe, to attend the
profession of a tenet so impolite.
It is not, however, my present design,
to enter upon a labored defense of this offensive doctrine. I shall leave that
to the friends of truth, who have more leisure and greater abilities. This,
indeed, has been already often performed with great advantage to the
That those who in the volume of
inspiration are called the elect,
are a people distinguished from others, and that all
mankind are not included under this denomination; are so apparent as hardly to
need any proof. These things are so obvious, from the allowed signification of
the term, and the tenor of divine revelation, as to leave no room for dispute.
From the signification of the term—Because
where all, whether persons or things, are equally accepted, there is no
preference given; there is no choice made; there are none left. For to
elect and to
choose, are the same thing.
Where any are chosen, others must be refused. From the
tenor of divine revelation—As it is written; I
speak not of you all; I know whom I have chosen—I have chosen you out of the
world—The election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.
That those who are so denominated are
not collective bodies, appears with superior evidence from what is asserted
concerning them, in the same infallible rule of our faith and practice. They are
described as having their names written in heaven,
and in the book o
life. They are said to be
ordained to eternal life, and
chosen to salvation.
And, in the boldest manner imaginable, it is asked by one, who was thoroughly
acquainted with their state and privileges; Who
shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect?
Now a small degree of discernment will enable us to conclude,
that these things cannot with truth be affirmed concerning nations, churches, or
communities of any sort, considered as such. But, on the contrary, they strongly
imply, that the elect, as distinguished from others, are particular persons,
whose names are in a peculiar manner known to God; that election relates to
spiritual blessings and eternal enjoyments; and that the objects of it are dear
to God, and forever precious in his sight.
That the objects of election are particular persons, may
further appear from hence. From the beginning Jehovah designed to manifest his
love in the salvation of sinners. The damnation inflicted on many puts it beyond
a doubt, that this design extended only to some; for all are not saved, and the
divine purpose cannot be rendered void. That salvation was to be wrought by his
own Son, as invested with the character, and as performing the work of a
Mediator and Surety. As a Mediator and Substitute, he was to obey, and bleed,
and die; die, under a charge of the blackest guilt, and feeling the weight of
the heaviest curse, (2 Cor. 5:21. Gal. 3:13). It was necessary, therefore, to be
determined, how many, and who in particular, should be interested in this
wonderful work, and saved by it. Their persons, as well as their situation and
wants, must be known to him and distinguished from others. For it is absurd to
suppose, that he should engage as a substitute, to perform obedience and pour
his blood; to lay down his life as a ransom to satisfy justice, and all this for
persons unknown. When any one engages, in a legal way, to become responsible for
another in matters of debt or offence; he is always supposed to have some
knowledge of the person for whom he engages, so as to distinguish him from all
others, who may be in similar circumstances and stand in the same need; and the
name of the person, whose cause he undertakes, must also be mentioned in the
engagement to render it valid.
Nor does it appear that the design of God in the salvation of
sinners, by the incarnation and death of his own Son, could have been certainly
answered on any other hypothesis. Supposing, for instance, that it had been the
divine purpose to save, by the mediation of Jesus, all who should ever believe;
without ascertaining the persons who should thus embrace the Redeemer, it would
have remained dubious whether any would be finally saved; because uncertain
whether any would ever believe. But if it were certain that some would believe,
this certainty must arise from the purpose of God; for, on any other foundation,
nothing future can be absolutely certain. If it was determined that some should
believe, the divine appointment must be considered as extending to every
individual whose faith and salvation are supposed to be certain. For faith is a
gift of grace, and could not be foreseen in any but these on whom the great
Dispenser of every favor had determined to bestow it. Hence we may safely infer,
that as the death of Christ was absolutely certain, in virtue of a divine
purpose, and the everlasting compact between the Eternal Three; so all the
individuals that should ever be saved by the undertaking of Jesus, were chosen
of God; were distinguished from others, and consigned to the great Shepherd as
his peculiar charge.
It is equally clear that the elect were
chosen of God before time began; for their election is one of the first effects
of divine love. This love was from everlasting The love of God to their persons,
and their election to complete felicity, must, therefore, be eternal. If,
indeed, there had ever been a point in duration, in which the blessed God had no
thoughts of a Mediator, nor any designs of manifesting his love to miserable and
guilty creatures; then it might be supposed that there was an instant in which
the favored few, who are called his elect,
were not the objects of his choice; but if it was
Jehovah’s eternal purpose to manifest the riches of his grace by a Mediator; if
the Deity, subsisting in three distinct Persons, and acting under the personal
characters of the
Father, the
Son,
and the Holy
Spirit,
did, before all worlds, resolve on the measures to be pursued; and if a Mediator
was appointed, as the grand medium of divine operation in the wonderful work;
then we may safely conclude, that the persons to be interested in this mediation
and benefited by it, were fixed upon and chosen. For both reason and revelation
concur to forbid our supposing, that the Son of the blessed should engage as
Mediator, and act as a Substitute, for he did not know whom; or that the
counsels of Heaven should terminate in mere peradventures. It would be equally
incongruous for us to imagine, that a resolution in the Eternal Mind concerning
the work of redemption, which is evidently rite chief of all the ways of God,
should have any other date than eternity.
Expressly in our favor and in proof of
the point are the declarations of the Holy Ghost. Thus we read;
God hath, from the beginning, chosen you to salvation.
—He hath chosen us in him before the foundation of
the world. They were chosen in Christ as their head
and representative. Christ and the elect constitute one mystical body. He the
head, and they the members; the fulness of him that
filleth all in all. Before the foundation of the world.
This emphatical phrase is evidently expressive of
eternity. Before the world was formed, or any creature existed, time did not
commence. The commencement of time, and that of created existence, are exactly
of the same date. Prior, therefore, to the formation of the universe, duration
was absolute eternity. The same infallible writer in the same epistle, speaking
of the amazing scheme of man’s redemption formed in the mind of God, calls it
the eternal
purpose, which he
purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord; which, as we
have before proved, necessarily infers the choice of the objects of that
redemption.
This truth may be farther evinced by
considering, that as the inheritance of glory was prepared for its future
possessors, before the foundation of the world; so
grace, and all spiritual blessings that were
necessary to fit them for the enjoyment of it, were
given them in Christ Jesus;
were lodged in his hands, as their federal head, as the appointed Mediator, and
for their use, before the world began,
(2 Tim. 1:9; Eph. 1:3,4). Nor can we conceive of any new
determinations arising in the Eternal Mind, or any purposes formed by our Maker,
that were not from everlasting, without supposing him defective in knowledge, or
mutable in his perfections. Suppositions these, which very ill become the
character of Him whose name is
Jehovah.
But is there any reason assignable, why
the elect were chosen to life and glory, while others were left in their sins to
perish under the stroke of divine justice? None, in the creature. For all
mankind, considered in themselves, were viewed as in the same situation, and on
a perfect level. Notwithstanding, the great Author of all things and Lord of the
world condescends to assign the reason when he says;
I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy.
In this the adored Redeemer perfectly acquiesced, as
appears from those remarkable words; Even so,
Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight. In this
the penetrating judgment of that wonderful man, who was caught up to the third
heaven, rested completely satisfied, (Rom. 11:15,16): and in the same reason of
the divine procedure we ought all to rest, without a murmuring word, or an
opposing thought. Nor can we rebel against the sovereign determinations of the
Most High, without incurring flagrant guilt; or persist in so doing, and escape
with impunity.
But supposing there was no original
difference between the objects of distinguishing grace, and those who finally
perish; yet, did not the Omniscient foresee
them as possessed of faith, fruitful in holy obedience, and persevering to the
end? and were not these considered by a righteous God as the cause why he chose
them rather than others who were viewed as destitute of such recommendations? By
no means. For grace reigns
in the choice of all the elect; and grace, as a sovereign, rejects with disdain
every such proud pretence to a claim upon her. She never affords her smiles to
any because they are worthy. She ennobles none because they are better than
others. So to do would be quite inconsistent with her amiable character; would
be utterly subversive of her grand design. Wherever she bestows her kind
regards, it is with the condescension of an absolute sovereign. Wherever she
interposes her helping hand, it is on the behalf of those who have no other
assistance, nor any other plea. But, as a further proof of my negative, I would
offer the following arguments.
Faith in Christ and holy obedience are
represented by the unerring Spirit as the fruits and effects of election: they
cannot, therefore, be considered as the cause without absurdity in reason, and a
contradiction to divine revelation. For it is written;
As many as were ordained to eternal life, believed—He
hath chosen us—that we might be holy.
They believed because they were
ordained to eternal life; not
ordained to eternal life, because it was foreseen they would believe. They were
chosen, not because they were, or ever would be holy; but that they might be so,
(Acts 13:48; Eph. 1:4). Those, and those only, partake of faith, who are called
by divine grace: but such only are called to faith and holiness, who were
predestinated to be conformed to the image of Christ. For
whom he did predestinate them he also called,
(Rom. 8:30). Again: The chosen of God are the sheep of
Christ. None but those who are so denominated believe on him, according to his
own declaration; Ye believe not, because ye are not
of my sheep, (John 10:26). By which we are taught,
that believing in him does not make
us sheep, or give us a right to the character; but is an evidence that we were
so considered in the sight of God, and given into the hands of the great
Shepherd to be saved by him. Once more: God hath
called us with an holy calling, not according to,
not in consideration of our works,
whether past or future; but
according to his own purpose and grace, which he purposed in Christ Jesus before
the world began, (2 Tim. 1:9). If, then, we are not
called according to our works or worthiness, but according to the everlasting
purpose, and free distinguishing grace of Him who
worketh all things after the counsel of his own will;
much less is it to be supposed, that we were chosen
according to them, or in any foresight of them.
To illustrate the truth and confirm the
argument, it may be further observed, that faith and holiness, in the method of
grace, occupy a middle station. They are neither the foundation, nor the
topstone, in the spiritual building. Though inseparably connected with election,
they are neither its cause nor its consummation.
That is sovereign grace;
this infinite glory. Faith
and holiness are, as one observes, what stalks and branches are to a root; by
which the vegetable juices ascend, to produce and ripen the principal fruit.
By grace ye are saved
through
faith—chosen to salvation
through
sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth..
Consequently, they are no more the cause of election, than
the means necessary to attain any valuable end are the cause of appointing that
end; than which nothing can be supposed more absurd. Besides, if men were
foreseen as possessed of faith and holiness, prior to their election, and
independent on it: it is hard to conceive what occasion there was for their
being elected. There could be no necessity for it to secure their final
happiness. For the Judge of all the earth must do right: and eternal misery was
never designed to be the portion of any who believe and are holy; for peace and
salvation are inseparably joined to such a state, and to such characters. To
have ordained those to happiness and glory that were foreseen to be thus
qualified, would, therefore, have been altogether unnecessary.
Further: Election depends on the mere
good pleasure of God, without any motive in us to influence the Divine will. No
other cause is assigned by Paul, when stating and defending the doctrine; no
other reason is given by his Divine Master. The former asserts, that the King
immortal predestinated us—according
to the good pleasure of his will. That
it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth,
but of God that showeth mercy. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will.
And the latter with joy declares;
I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because
thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them
unto babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight.
That revelation which is here designed, is no other than
the execution of the
Divine purpose in election. And the only reason assigned by Him who is the
Wisdom of God, and perfectly acquainted with the counsels of heaven, why the
mysteries of the gospel are revealed to some; while others, of superior
abilities and greater reputation among their fellow-creatures, are left in
absolute ignorance, and suffered to oppose them to their aggravated ruin; is the
sovereign pleasure of Him who giveth no account of
any of his matters.
Much to our purpose are the words of
Paul, when professedly defending the doctrine of divine election.
The children being not yet born,
and, consequently, neither
having done any good or evil, to obtain the
approbation or to provoke the resentment of their Creator;
that the purpose of God according to election might stand;
not of works, or worthiness in the objects of it,
but of the grace of him that calleth: it was said
concerning Jacob and Esau, as an instance of the divine procedure towards
mankind in general, as an evidence of the truth of the doctrine;
the elder shall serve the younger.
And again: There is a remnant
according to the election of grace. This assertion
the sacred disputant proceeds to confirm by the following nervous argument—an
argument taken from the nature of grace, as contradistinguished to all works and
worthiness of every kind. And if by grace, then it
is no more of works; otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works,
then it is no more grace; otherwise work is no more work.
In this passage the truth under consideration is asserted
in the plainest manner, and confirmed by the strongest reasoning. So that if any
submission of judgment and conscience be due to the positive dictates of the
infallible Spirit; if any regard ought to be paid to a demonstrative argument
urged by the Lord’s ambassador; here they are due, and here they ought to be
paid. For Paul teaches and proves, that our election to eternal glory must be
either entirely of grace, or entirely of works; grace and works being directly
opposite. They cannot, therefore, unite in producing the same effect, or in
promoting the same end. Whoever, then, acknowledges any such thing as an
election of sinners to future happiness, must necessarily maintain, either, that
the sole reason why they were chosen rather than others, was their own
superior worthiness, without
grace being concerned at all in the choice; and so their election is an act of
remunerative justice; or, that they were equally
unworthy of the divine regards any of those that
perish; and so their election is an act of sovereign grace. One of these he must
hold, in opposition to the other. For if there be any other alternative, the
apostle’s argument is inconclusive. There is no reconciling expedient that can
be devised by the wit of man. We may attempt a coalition between works and
grace, but it will be found impracticable; while, in so doing, our pride and
folly will be great, and our disappointment certain. For such an attempt would
not only bring the greatest confusion into all our ideas about works and grace;
but, as far as possible, destroy the very things themselves· Such persons as
maintain the contrary hypothesis, may, to save appearances,
say, that election is of
grace; but if it be on a foresight of faith and obedience, there is in reality
nothing of grace in it: for grace is free favor.
On this supposition, election is no other than an
appointment of a reward to its objects, on a
foresight of the requisite conditions being prescribed, and performed by them.
But, as such, it is an act of remunerative justice;
or, at least, of fidelity and truth; and cannot, without open violence to the
common signification of the terms, be denominated an act of mere favor, or of
pure benevolence.
That it is the design of Paul, when describing the subject in
his epistle to the Romans, to exclude all consideration of human worthiness, and
to resolve the election of those who are saved entirely into the grace of God,
as infinitely free and divinely sovereign, appears from those objections to
which he replies. For the objections made, and the answers returned, are of such
a nature as would appear quite impertinent, and without the least shadow of
reason to support them, on supposition that God, when he chose his people, had
any regard to their superior worthiness, in comparison to those who perish. The
objections suppose that the divine conduct in this affair is inequitable. But
such a supposition could not have been made, such a charge could never have been
laid against it, by any man of sense, or of the least reflection, if the
Almighty, in the decree of election, had proceeded to distinguish between one
man and another, according to their personal qualities and moral worth.
The infallible writer having treated
about God’s distinguishing love to Jacob and his rejection of Esau, starts an
objection against the tenor of his arguing and the truth he maintained; an
objection, he knew, that was both plausible and common.
What shall we say, then? what
will be inferred as the necessary consequence of our foregoing assertion? Will
any one dare to conclude that there is
unrighteousness with God, because he dispenses, or
withholds his favors, according to his own sovereign pleasure?
Far be it! such a consequence
will be held in the utmost abhorrence, by all who revere their Maker. The
apostle having rejected the shocking inference, in the strongest manner,
proceeds to confirm his assertions and to prove his doctrine. This he does by
appealing to the ancient scriptures. For He,
whose name is Jehovah, saith
to Moses; I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have
compassion on whom I will have compassion. From
which memorable and ancient oracle, he infers the following conclusion:
So, then, it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that
runneth, but of God that showeth mercy. Hence it
appears with striking evidence, that it was Paul’s design to prove, not only
that some of the fallen race were chosen, in contradistinction to others; but
also, that those objects of the Divine choice were appointed to glory, not in
consideration of anything which caused them to differ from others; but purely,
solely, entirely, because it was the good pleasure of God to make them partakers
of that mercy on which they had not the least claim, any more than those who
perish. For, on a supposition of the contrary, it does not appear that his
quotation from the writings of Moses, and the conclusion he forms upon it, were
at all to his purpose; but rather adapted to mislead his reader, and to bias his
judgment in favor of error.
The zealous and indefatigable teacher
of heavenly truth, in prosecuting his subject, meets with another objection
which he is equally careful to obviate. For, after having asserted that Jehovah
has mercy on whom he will, and whom he will, he
hardeneth, it is added; Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault
with any of his creatures, or blame their conduct?
for who hath resisted his will, or rendered his
purposes void? —This objection exhibits a faithful mirror, in which every
opposer of divine sovereignty may see his face and read his character. The most
horrid and shocking consequences that are now charged on the doctrine of
eternal, unconditional, and personal election, are here included and reduced to
a small compass. This objection, in modem style, reads thus: “According to the
Calvinistic doctrine of election, men are mere machines. They are impelled to
this or that by a fatal necessity. They are no longer the proper objects of
praise or blame, of reward or punishment. Adieu, therefore, to every virtuous
action and all praiseworthy deeds. Whether we be righteous or wicked, here;
whether we be saved or damned, hereafter; an arbitrary will, and a sovereign,
omnipotent decree are the cause of all.” —Such persons, however, as are inclined
to repeat the stale objection, may do well to consider, in what manner the
apostle refutes it; and how he treats the proud opposer of the sovereign
prerogative of the great Supreme. The objection is leveled against the
sovereignty of God, in making such an immense distinction between persons
equally unworthy of Divine clemency. But, though bold and blasphemous to the
last degree, the unerring teacher does not refute, or attempt to remove it, by
informing the objector, that it was not his design, by the immediately foregoing
assertion, to affirm, that the sole cause of that infinite difference which
shall subsist to eternity between the state of one man and of another, equally
guilty and alike miserable, considered in themselves, was the sovereign pleasure
of God. No; he is far from giving any such hint; but immediately recurs to the
supreme dominion of
Him who formed the universe, as a clear consideration of sufficient importance,
and sufficiently clear, to establish the point. So far from softening his former
assertions, however harsh they might seem, that he at once confirms the truth he
asserted, and illustrates the propriety of his language. In doing of which he
suggests, that the objection, horrid as it is, cannot have the least force, or
pertinency of application, except it were proved that the Majesty of heaven had
not an absolute right to dispense his favors just as he pleases. But this the
resolute asserter of Jehovah’s honor was not willing to grant. This he could by
no means allow, without denying the God that is
above. He, therefore, boldly repels the confidence
of the proud objector, by a strong exclamation, and a mortifying query.
Nay, but, O man I who art THOU that repliest against God?
Shall a worm of the earth, an insect, an atom,
arraign his conduct who is Lord of the universe, and pronounce it unrighteous?
Shall impotence and dust fly in the face of Omnipotence? Shall corruption and
guilt prescribe roles of equity, by which the Most Holy shall regulate his
behavior toward the rebellious subjects of his boundless empire? Far be it!
Wo to him that striveth with his Maker! Let the
potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth;
but let not the despicable fragment presume to make war upon Heaven; lest Divine
wrath, like a devouring fire, break out and consume it.
The zealous and cautious disputant
having severely rebuked the opposer’s folly and arrogance, proceeds to confirm
his assertion, and to illustrate the momentous truth by a familiar instance, and
by appealing to the common sense of mankind. Shall
the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?
For example:
Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel to
honour, and another to dishonour? None can
deny it. Is this power allowed, by the common consent of mankind, to belong to
the meanest artificer; and shall it be denied to
him,
who is the Former of all things? Such a denial would be a monstrous compound of
absurdity and blasphemy. —The apostle now proceeds to apply his illustration.
What if God, willing to show his wrath and to make
his power known, having endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath
fitted for destruction, by their own rebellion
against him, should, in the end, pour out his vengeance upon them; who shall
dare to pronounce his conduct unrighteous? And,
what if the same sovereign Being,
that he might make known the riches of his glory on the
vessels of mercy, which, he had afore prepared unto glory,
determined to manifest infinite love in their complete
deliverance from deserved destruction, who has a right to complain? Shall the
eye of any be evil, because their offended Maker is good? Has he not an eternal
right to do what he will with his own? Or, is he a debtor to any of his
creatures? If so, they shall be fully recompensed. Shall every petty sovereign,
in the kingdoms of this world, be allowed to choose his own favorites; and, in
certain cases, to manifest his clemency to some delinquents, while he leaves
others to suffer the desert of their crimes, without being subject to the
control of his meanest subjects in the performance of those sovereign acts? and
shall he
who rules over all be denied the exercise of his supreme royal prerogative?
Absurd, in supposition! impossible, in fact! —But though God bestows his favor
on whom he pleases, yet, as he is an infinitely wise agent, he must always have
the highest reason for what he does. Divine sovereignty, therefore, must not be
considered as a blind partiality, or a dictate of mere
will without wisdom; but as
the exercise of an all-comprehensive understanding, and of a will that is
inflexibly right, ordering all the affairs of Jehovah’s vast empire for the
manifestation of his own glorious attributes. To conceive of a sovereign decree,
as detached from wisdom and rectitude, is to picture to ourselves the conduct of
a Turkish despot; not the appointment of Him that governs the world.
The love of God to his offending
creatures must be considered, in the whole of its exercise, as under the
direction of his Divine understanding: and as his boundless intelligence
comprehends all possibilities, his love must be consummately wise in all its
operations. The supreme perfection of Jehovah’s nature forbids our supposing,
that he can decree without wisdom, any more than govern without rectitude, or
punish without justice. Hence the apostle, when discoursing on that profound
subject, eternal predestination, concludes thus; O,
the depths! —of what? An arbitrary will, or an
absolute sovereignty, detached from wisdom? far from it. But
of the riches both of the
wisdom
and
knowledge
of God! To resolve those
eternal decrees, which constitute the great plan of
If, then, we consider the Almighty as
choosing any of the fallen race to life and happiness, we behold him exercising
the mercy of a compassionate Father,
to his miserable offspring. But if we consider him as
choosing this person rather than that, when both were equally wretched; we view
him as vested with the character of a sovereign
Lord, and as the sole proprietor of his own favors.
If, therefore, the question be asked; Why any were chosen to salvation, when all
deserved to perish? The answer is; Because oar Maker is merciful. But if it be
further asked; Why Paul, for instance, was chosen rather than Judas? The answer
is; Because he is Lord of all, and has an indisputable right to do what he will
with his own. But if this answer will not satisfy the curious inquirer, he is
directed by the Spirit of inspiration to ask the potter, what was the reason of
his very different procedure with the same lump of clay; and why he formed the
vessels into which it was wrought, for such different and opposite uses? The
answer will readily answer, as directed by common sense; “Not any thing in the
clay itself; but my own deliberate and free choice. For it was of the same kind,
and possessed the same qualities throughout the whole mass: nor could one part
dictate how it would be formed, or for what uses, any more than another.” Thus
the most ignorant potter, without hesitation, would assert a kind of sovereignty
over his clay. And are not mankind in the hand of God, as clay in the hand of
the potter? Or, shall Jehovah’s sovereignty over his offending creatures, be
inferior to that of a puny mortal over passive matter? Reason and revelation
forbid the thought. In election, therefore, we have a striking display of Divine
grace in its utmost freeness; and of God’s dominion in its highest sovereignty.
Of the former, toward the vessels of mercy; of the latter, toward all mankind.
That, we behold with admiration and joy; this, we revere in silence: well
remembering who it is that says;
be still, and know that I
am GOD.
Having shown, in the preceding
paragraphs, that election is an act of sovereign grace; I now proceed to
consider the great end
which the Supreme Lord intended by it. The ultimate end is his own eternal
glory; and, subordinate to it, the complete happiness of all his people. The
glory of the Supreme Being is, as before observed, the final cause of all the
eternal counsels, and of all Divine operations; especially of those, which
respect the salvation of sinners. They were all designed for the
praise of his glorious
grace.
Too ready we are to imagine, that the
purpose and pleasure of God terminate in the happiness of those that are chosen,
and in the misery of those rejected; as though the eternal felicity, and the
everlasting torment of sinful creatures, were the final cause of the Divine
decree. But this is a great mistake, and represents the doctrine of
predestination in a very false, as well as unfavorable light. For as it would be
pregnant with blasphemy to suppose, that He who is supremely blessed and
supremely good, should take delight in the infinite misery of a rational being,
without reference to a further and nobler end; (It is indeed said, I will laugh
at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh); so we cannot conceive, on
any principles of reason, or of Scripture, that he should propose anything short
of his own glory in the wonderful economy of human salvation. For as it would be
highly injurious to the Divine character to suppose that the misery of apostate
creatures is the ultimate end at which the eternal Sovereign aims, in the
damnation of those who perish; or that any thing short of his own glory, in the
displays of his spotless purity and inflexible justice, was the end which he had
in view; so it would be greatly unworthy of his infinite wisdom and boundless
perfection for us to imagine, that the glory of his own grace, and the
everlasting honor of all his adorable excellencies, were not his supreme design
in the free election and complete felicity of all his people. Does he execute
vengeance on any of the works of his hands? it is to demonstrate the infinite
opposition of all his perfections to moral evil, and for the honor of his
eternal justice, as a righteous Governor. Does he spare any of the rebellious
subjects of his vast dominions, and save them from the death they deserved? it
is to display his mercy in connection with truth and righteousness, and for the
glory of all his unchangeable attributes. We may therefore conclude with Paul,
that the great end of election, and of all its consequent blessings, is no other
than to make known the
riches of God’s glory
on the vessels of mercy.
As the eternal glory of God, in the
consummate happiness of all his chosen, is the exalted end of the decree of
election; so the means
appointed to accomplish the wonderful design, are equally
worthy of infinite wisdom. They are such as proclaim
the just God and the Saviour;
such as demand the testimony of conscience, that
the Lord is holy in all his ways, and righteous in all his
works. The principal of these means undoubtedly
are, the incarnation of the eternal Son, and his Divine mediation; the
sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth. For thus we read:
God hath appointed us to obtain salvation by our Lord
Jesus Christ—He hath chosen you to salvation,
through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.
Redemption by the blood of Jesus, and sanctification by
the Spirit of God, are equally necessary to accomplish the great design. For as
there is no remission without shedding of blood;
so, without holiness,
no man shall see the Lord. As none shall be
condemned to final perdition, but those who did such things as were
worthy of death, so none
shall enjoy the inheritance of glory, but those whom impartial justice shall
entirely acquit, and immaculate holiness completely approve. And as none of the
damned shall ever be able to assign any other cause of their infinite
punishment, but that sin which they freely committed so all the elect shall
ascribe their salvation to the grace of God and the work of Immanuel. We may
therefore conclude, that though Christ and his mediation were not the cause of
election, yet his obedience and death were the grand means appointed for the
execution of that gracious purpose. And though the Almighty chose no man to
glory, because of his future faith and obedience, yet provision was made, in the
sovereign decree, for the sanctification of all its objects, prior to their
enjoyment of blessedness.
The purpose of God in election is
immutable, and
infallibly connected with the
eternal felicity of all its objects. That this decree is unchangeable, appears
from the immutability of the divine purposes in general. For there is the same
reason that the appointment of God, in the choice of his people, should
unchangeably stand, as there is for any other of his eternal designs; and that
immutability is stamped upon the divine decrees in general, the Scriptures
abundantly show. Thus it is written: The Lord of
Hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? —My
counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure—He
is in one mind, and who can turn Him? And what his soul desireth, even that He
doth—To show unto the heirs of promise the
immutability of his counsel—Who hath resisted his
will? —That the purpose of God according to
election might stand. —With
whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning,
(Isa. 14:27; 46:10; Job 23:13; Heb. 6:17; Rom. 9:11,19;
Nor can we suppose that God should
reverse his decrees, or alter his purposes, without impeaching, either his
omniscience, as though he did not foresee
the events that would happen; or his power, as if he were
not able to execute
his own designs: neither of which can possibly attend that infinite Being, whose
will is fate, and whose word is the basis of the universe. If God were to change
his mind, it must be either for the better, or for the worse. If for the better,
he was not perfectly wise in his former purpose. If for the worse, he is not
wise in his present resolve. For there can be no alteration without a tacit
reflection, either on the past, or on the present determination. If a man change
his resolution, he is apprehensive of some defect in his former purpose, which
moves him to such a change: and this must arise, either from a want of capacity
to foresee, or from not duly considering the object of his counsel. But neither
of these can be supposed of Him who is supremely wise without denying his Deity.
A change of purpose may, indeed, be an act of wisdom in the rational creature;
but it supposes folly in his former conduct, which is inconsistent with
consummate perfection. The only wise
God had no occasion for second thoughts. As he is wise to
perfection, he sees no cause of reversing his purposes. As he is boundless in
power, he is subject to no control in executing his will, or in making his
people partakers of those blessings he designed for them. To suppose, therefore,
that any who were chosen to eternal glory should finally fail of enjoying it, is
an imagination absurdly impious; as it suggests a charge of palpable
imperfection against Jehovah, and would make him
altogether such an one as ourselves.
That election is infallibly connected
with eternal happiness, appears from the following remarkable passage:
Whom he did predestinate, them he also called; and whom he
called, them he also justified; and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
What shall we then say to these things? —If God be
for us, who can be against us? If the purpose of
God in election be not immutable; or if the objects of it might possibly fail of
the glorious end; there would be no certain connection between the several
blessings that are here mentioned. On such a supposition, to argue, as the
apostle does, from the past election of any persons, to their future
glorification, would be exceedingly weak, and the inference a gross
inconsequence. Nor would there have been any propriety in his joyful
exclamation; What shall we then say to these
things? nor any solid foundation for this bold
conclusion; If God be for us, who can be against
us? For, admitting that God may possibly change his
purpose; or, that his decree may prove weak and ineffectual, so that in any
instance the event designed by it may not be produced; there was but little
reason for Paul thus to exclaim in admiration and joy, or with confidence thus
to conclude upon his everlasting happiness, from the consideration of God’s
electing love. To impute such unmeaning and inconclusive argumentation to him,
would be an high reflection upon him, as Gamaliel’s pupil; would be absolutely
inconsistent with his more exalted character, as an amanuensis to the Spirit of
wisdom. We may, therefore, safely conclude that election to future happiness,
and the certain enjoyment of it, cannot be separated. For,
Whom he did predestinate—them
he also glorified.
Having considered this important truth
under the several foregoing views, I shall now proceed to show that it is
a doctrine according to godliness;
and that it is nobly adapted to promote the holiness and
comfort of true Christians. As an article of that faith which was once delivered
to the saints; as an infallible truth of the gospel, its tendency must be
salutary, its influence must be sanctifying, on all who cordially embrace it.
Such will ever find, that it wears the most friendly aspect on their progress in
real holiness, and on their enjoyment of substantial peace. Could it be proved
that it has no influence on these, we might venture, without hesitation, to
renounce it as an error, and to abhor it as an enemy. For that is no part of
evangelical truth, which, in its genuine tendency, is not adapted to promote the
happiness of real Christians, and to advance the interests of true holiness.
This, however, is not the case with the doctrine under consideration. For a
frequent and devout meditation upon it, by those who are taught from above, and
who view it in its proper connections, is evidently calculated to humble their
souls in the dust before the eternal Sovereign; to inflame their hearts with
love to his adorable name; and to excite their gratitude for benefits received
and blessings expected. Consequently, their holiness and comfort must be
advanced by it: for humility, love, and gratitude, are the vitals of real
religion. As these abound in the heart, our spiritual joys are increased, and
our Maker is glorified. As these abate, we lose the savor of divine things, and
the interests of religion decline. Where these have no existence, the most
extensive round of duties, the most costly and shining performances, are of no
esteem in the sight of God.
This doctrine is adapted to promote
genuine humility. For
it shows that all mankind, in their natural state, are equally obnoxious to
wrath and exposed to ruin; and, exclusive of that grace which appears and reigns
in election, that their condition is absolutely desperate. It allows not the
least liberty for any of the sons of men to claim superior worth, or to glory
over their fellows. When self-admiring thoughts arise in the Christian’s breast,
it stops them short with needful and sharp rebuke;
Who maketh thee to differ? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now
if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory as if thou hadst not received it?
Those therefore, who are the favored objects of
distinguishing love, and who look for salvation by it; discovering that their
persons are alike sinful and their state equally wretched, considered in
themselves as the persons or state of those that finally perish; cannot,
according to the genius of this doctrine, but lie low in humility before God.
Being fully convinced that the eternal choice of their persons was not on
account of the least possible difference between themselves and others; and that
the whole reason of their hope centers in that grace which might have been
manifested to others, had the great Sovereign so determined; they are at all
times free to acknowledge, that the chief of sinners, and the most worthless
objects, are their proper characters. The influence of this humbling truth they
feel in their consciences, and their ardent desire is to express it in their
lives.
Let us attend the believer in his
secret retirements: let us behold him on his bended knee, and hear him pouring
out his soul W God. In his intercourse with Heaven, at the throne of grace, his
language will be to the following import. “Thou
Great Supreme,
who art glorious in holiness, and the infinite Sovereign of all worlds; who
humblest thyself to behold the things that are in the highest heavens; whose
condescension is unspeakably great, in deigning to regard the persons or
services of the most holy and exalted creatures; didst thou consider
me in my low estate, as a
fallen creature and a miserable sinner? Did thy everlasting love fix on
me as its object, when I
might, with the greatest equity, have been marked out as a victim for eternal
justice? Is not my person polluted, and my state by nature damnable? Was not my
original depravity as great, and are not my actual transgressions as numerous as
any which can be found among the apostate sons of Adam? And hast thou determined
to make me an everlasting monument of sparing mercy, while millions are left to
suffer the awful desert of their crimes? Nothing in me couldst thou behold, but
a shocking compound of impurity and folly, of guilt and wretchedness. Nothing in
my conduct couldst thou foresee, but what was adapted to provoke thy abhorrence,
rather than to obtain thy regard. O, thou majestic Being! why such mercy to a
hardened rebel? why such love to an inveterate enemy? Obliged I am, in the court
of conscience, to plead guilty to the complicated charge which thy own righteous
law exhibits against me. Motive, or cause, of thy tender regards, I can find
none in myself. Thy own sovereign will, thy own free pleasure; these are the
only cause why mercy is manifested to me, of sinners the vilest. For should a
wretch who is now in hell advance a claim on thy favor, grounded on his own
worthiness, I must acknowledge it as well founded as any to which I can pretend.
Pride! thou most
detestable of all tempers, forever depart from my breast!
Humility! thou fairest flower
of heavenly origin, thou brightest ornament of the Christian character; be thou
my constant companion; be thou the livery in which I shall always appear! Shall
a miscreant, who might have been justly doomed to damnation; shall a worthless
worm, that is beholden to grace for his all, entertain aspiring thoughts, or
assert his own importance! as well might Lucifer himself challenge a seat in
paradise. O, my God, let me but view thy electing love in all its freeness, and
thy distinguishing favor in all its sovereignty, and I shall be truly humble.
Then shall my soul lie low in the dust, and reigning grace shall have the glory
of all my salvation. Whatever blessings I now possess, whatever enjoyments I
hereafter expect, I freely acknowledge the unrivalled honor belongs to Thee.”
Nor is the doctrine maintained less
adapted to inflame the heart with sacred love. Love
is of God; he, therefore, who dwells in love, dwells in God, and God in him.
“Didst
Thou, who needest not the services of angels; who art infinitely perfect and
infinitely happy in thy own eternal Self,” will the elect and regenerate soul
say, “didst THOU entertain thoughts of love towards me, before the foundations
of the world were laid? Did thy purposes of communicating bliss terminate on a
worm so mean, on a wretch so vile? How precious are
thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
Didst thou record my worthless name in the book of life,
and constitute me a member of that mystical body of which Christ is the head?
Were my person and all my immortal interests consigned over, by an irreversible
grant, into the hands of thy only Son, as the appointed Mediator in order to
secure my eternal happiness beyond the possibility of a failure? Didst thou, my
God, in the original plan of salvation, provide for the honor of thy justice, as
well as the glory of thy grace, by appointing a Surety to perform the obedience
to which I am bound, as a creature; and to suffer the punishment that I deserve
as a criminal? And, in order to effect the amazing design, didst thou determine,
before I had a being or time commenced, to deliver up the Son of thy love,
clothed in humanity, to the stroke of incensed justice, and to the execrable
death of the cross? and all this to rescue and save, to ennoble and
dignify—what? be astonished, O ye heavens, at this! —a
rebellious worm, a despicable insect? elated with
pride, and replete with enmity against Thee, thou greatest and best of Beings!
Stupendous goodness! Marvelous grace! O, my God! was I the object of thy eternal
choice when viewed by Omniscience as fallen under guilt, and sunk in ruin;
loathsome as the dunghill, and abhorrent as hell! and shall not my best
affections and warmest love be devoted to Thee? Didst Thou number me among the
objects of grace, when thou mightest with honor to thy crown and dignity, as a
righteous Governor, have consigned me over to endless perdition; and shall not
my heart flame with love to thy adorable name? Didst Thou love and choose me,
when deformed and filthy, possessed of dispositions partly brutal, and party
diabolical? Art thou infinitely amiable in all thy perfections, and completely
righteous in all thy ways, and shall not my very soul love and adore Thee? Hast
Thou, of thy mere grace, distinguished me as an object of thy complacential
regards; and shall not Thou be the object of my warmest passions and most
intense desires? Yes, blessed Lord! Come, possess my heart, and sway my
affections! Thine they are, and thine, through grace, they shall ever be. Depart
from me, ye rivals of my God! Ye idols of unregenerate hearts, pleasure, wealth,
pomp, and power, get you hence! Address me no more with your soft solicitations;
entice me no more with your gilded baits. Jehovah has condescended to take me
for his own: I choose him for my portion, I love him as my all.”
A devout consideration of this
momentous truth is also a noble incentive to
gratitude. Gratitude is a delightful disposition,
and an amiable temper. It burns in heavenly bosoms, tunes the harps of celestial
choirs, and gives the sweetest accent to all their songs. Love to the infinitely
amiable God, and gratitude to him for his boundless beneficence; these enter
into the essence, of all religion; these are the very life and soul of all
intellectual happiness. In proportion, therefore, as these are promoted, the
holiness and comfort of mankind are advanced. That an interest in the election
of grace, and a sense of it warm on the heart, are a powerful incentive to the
most generous gratitude, we may boldly assert, as we have an authority which
none can dispute. Paul, we find, when contemplating the riches of grace in
eternal election, breaks out in the following language.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who hath blessed us with all Spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ;
according as he hath chosen us
in him, before the foundation of the world. Again:
We are bound to give thanks always to God for you,
brethren, beloved of the Lord;
because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation.
Such are those grateful acknowledgments the apostle makes, on the behalf of
himself and his brethren, to the Author of all good, in reference to their
election: and similar will be the sentiments of gratitude in every regenerate
heart, in proportion as this important truth is known and experienced.
Let us once more listen to the devout
addresses and humble acknowledgments of the believer, when bending the suppliant
knee before his Father. O Thou, that art infinitely exalted above all blessing
and praise! what shall I render to Thee for all thy benefits? Hast Thou, my
Father, and Thou, my God, chosen me to holiness, chosen me to eternal life, and
that of thy mere grace; and shall not thy glory be the end of all my actions,
while I possess either breath or being? Didst Thou enter into an everlasting
covenant with the Son of thy love, to save me from final ruin and bring me to
immortal bliss; and shall not I freely engage with hand and heart to be thine
forever? Thine I am, by right of creation; thine I am, by electing love; and
thine I would eternally be, in the performance of every duty, and in the
exercise of all my powers. Were the treasures of infinite wisdom displayed in
contriving the way, and in appointing the necessary means for my complete
felicity; were the stores of unbounded mercy and the riches of sovereign grace,
laid open in the eternal counsels of peace on my behalf; and shall not my life,
my soul, my everlasting all, that are saved at such an expense, be devoted to
Thee ? Bind me, O blessed God! forever bind me to thyself, with the delightful
cords of love; that I may never desert thy service, that I may never dishonor
thy name. Dishonor
Thee?
painful thought! May I ever choose to die a thousand deaths, rather than act a
part so disingenuous. Hast thou chosen me out of the world? didst thou pity and
spare my guilty soul, while numbers were left in their perishing state; and, do
not reason and conscience, do not all the sentiments of honor and gratitude of
which the human heart is susceptible, conspire with divine revelation to show,
that I am laid under infinite obligations to admire thy goodness, and
continually to speak thy praise? Such an everlasting and immense distinction as
Thou hast made in election, between creatures equally deserving of punishment,
challenges from the objects of discriminating love all possible thankfulness.
Lord, here I am thy devoted servant! To love and adore thy perfections, to know
and perform thy will, be all my delight and all my employ. I bow before thee,
and acknowledge myself entirely thine. I give myself entirely to thy disposal,
as my only and sovereign Lord. As unformed clay in the hand of the potter, to be
molded and fashioned according to thy own will, I commit myself and all my
concerns to Thee.” —Such is the salutary tendency of this doctrine, and such the
language of all that are truly acquainted with it, in proportion as faith is in
exercise.
But, however comfortable this truth may be, to such as are
persuaded of their interest in the love of God; “is it not adapted to discourage
the inquiring soul, and to overwhelm the awakened sinner with desponding fears?
Does it not administer abundant occasion for the anxious mind thus to reflect? I
know not whether Christ and his salvation be free for me. If I be not of the
number of God’s elect, I have evidently no interest in him, nor in anything that
he has done. Consequently, how much soever I may desire to believe and be saved
by him, I never shall, if not ordained to eternal life.” This objection, however
plausible it may seem, or however much the conscience of an awakened sinner may
be harassed by it, is weak and impertinent. It supposes that a person must know
the divine appointment concerning him; that he must, as it were, peruse the
eternal roll of God’s decrees, and read his name in the book of life, before he
can upon solid grounds apply to Christ for salvation. But this is a grand
mistake.
Let me illustrate the point. When food
is presented to a person pinched with hunger, would it be wise, would it be
rational for him to hesitate about the propriety of using it, because he does
not know whether his Maker has appointed that he shall be nourished by it?
though at the same time he well remembers, that man
does not live by bread alone, but by every word which proceedeth out of the
mouth of God: and therefore supposing he eat it,
without the concurrence of Providence, it will be of no service to him. Would he
not rather say; “Meat was made for the use of man: I feel my need: I will
endeavor to use it, therefore, as the appointed mean of satisfying my craving
appetite, and of supporting my animal frame?” —Now Christ is the bread of life,
and the food of our souls. This heavenly food was provided by grace, is
exhibited in the gospel, and freely presented to all that hunger, without any
exception. What, then, has the awakened sinner to do, but, as the Lord shall
enable him, to take, and eat, and live forever? It is very evident, that he has
no business to inquire about any further right to partake; since it was not
provided for sinners, nor can be of use to them, under any other character, or
considered in any other light, than that of miserable objects who are
starving for want of
spiritual food.
According to this doctrine, complete
provision is made for the certain salvation of every sinner, however unworthy,
who feels his want and applies to Christ. The gospel is not preached to sinners,
nor are they encouraged to believe in Jesus, under the formal notion of their
being elected. No: these tidings of heavenly mercy are addressed to sinners,
considered as ready to perish;
and all the blessings of grace are displayed for their
immediate relief, as convinced that such are their state and character. All,
without any exception of persons, or any regard to worthiness, who apprehend
their danger and feel their want, are invited by the Lord Redeemer to a
participation of spiritual blessings, previous to any inquiries about their
election, that being a following consideration. The order established in the
economy of grace, and in reference to this affair, does not require perishing
sinners to prove their election before they are permitted, or have any
encouragement to trust in Christ for complete deliverance: but, seeing their
state, they have all the encouragement which the word of Jehovah can give,
without hesitation to rely on the Saviour; and all the assurance which the oath
of God can impart, that in so doing they shall obtain pardon for their sins and
peace for their consciences; a freedom from wrath, and the enjoyment of glory.
These things are evident from the tenor of divine revelation; and to conceive
otherwise proceeds on a mistake of the doctrine, and is followed by an abuse of
the truth. Consequently, it administers no real occasion of discouragement or
fear, to the inquiring soul or the sensible sinner—to none of the human race, in
whose esteem a Saviour from the guilt and power of sin would be precious or
welcome. As to those who are dead in sin and unconcerned about their souls, or
that have an high opinion of their own righteousness; the Redeemer with all his
glory, and the gospel with all its blessings are despised by them, so that they
must be out of the question.
But may it not be inferred, “that this
doctrine is calculated to countenance spiritual sloth, and to encourage
licentious practices, in those who conclude that they are in the number of the
favored few?” That none who are so persuaded will find themselves deceived in
their expectations, I dare not assert. I will not therefore affirm, that there
are no instances of persons professing
to believe the evangelical doctrine, and
pretending to an interest in
the heavenly blessing; who do not abuse the former, and who may not fall
infinitely short of the latter. But this I will boldly affirm, that whoever,
from such a persuasion, encourages himself in spiritual sloth, or licentious
practices, is guilty of basely abusing the doctrine of grace, which, in its own
nature, has a directly contrary tendency; and marks himself out as a vessel of
eternal wrath, rather than an object of sovereign mercy.
Nor can this objection have any force,
except it were proved, that the infinitely wise God has appointed the end, but
entirely forgotten the means which are necessary to attain and enjoy it. A
supposition this, highly unworthy of his character, and contrary to his express
declarations. For though the eternal Sovereign had no respect, in the choice of
his people, to anything in them that was worthy of his regard, or to any good
works foreseen; yet his professed design in their election was,
that they might be holy and without blame before him in
love. This being the design of God respecting his
chosen, it would be strange indeed, strange to a wonder, if the revelation of
his immutable purpose should have a tendency to make them quite the reverse, and
prove an incentive to their vilest lust! —It is written,
God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation.
How? According to this bold objection one would
suppose it was in such a way, as allowed them larger scope and greater liberty
for gratifying their licentious passions and lawless appetites, than corrupt
nature could otherwise have enjoyed—in such a way as pays no regard to the
interests of holiness; as makes no provision for the honor of God in a Christian
conversation. If this could be proved, the doctrine would deserve the utmost
abhorrence: but it is far from being the case. For the objects of this gracious
purpose, we are expressly informed by the oracle of heaven, were chosen to
salvation through
sanctification of the Spirit,
and belief of the truth. Sanctification of the Spirit
may be considered not only as an appointed and
honorable mean of
attaining that exalted end, the salvation of the soul and the glory of God; but
also as an essential part
of that salvation to which they were chosen, which is
begun on earth and completed in glory. Taken in either view, it is obvious that
this instructive and important text is a full proof that the objection alleged
is quite impertinent, and entirely void of truth to support it. Consequently,
that those who make it are influenced either by gross ignorance or inveterate
prejudice. For hence it appears, that the holiness and the happiness of God’s
people are equally secured by the Divine purpose. Besides, those, and those
only, who live by faith on Jesus Christ, and walk in the ways of obedience, have
any evidence that they are the elect of God. In proportion, therefore, as they
lose sight of the glorious object of their dependence, and deviate from the
paths of holiness, they lose sight of their interest in distinguishing love. So
that their inward peace and spiritual joy are greatly concerned in a pious
conduct.
Nor is the following objection, so
frequently and violently urged, any more to the purpose. “If this doctrine be
true,” say our opponents, “there is little or no occasion for the use of means,
in order to attain salvation. For if we are elected, we shall be saved without
them; and if not, they will prove abortive. On such a supposition, all our
prayers, and tears, and strivings; all our circumspection and self-denial, will
be of no avail. We may, therefore, as well take our ease and rest contented. A
profession of religion is an useless thing: for the final event is fixed by a
predestinating God, and who shall reverse it?” This objection agrees with the
former, in supposing that the end is decreed without regard to the means. A
palpable fallacy, and pregnant with great absurdities. Let us apply the
principle, on which the objection proceeds, to the common affairs of life. I
take it for granted, that there is a superintending
This objection militates no less
against the infallible foreknowledge
of God, than against his purpose. For Jehovah is perfect
in knowledge. That knowledge which is absolutely perfect can admit of no
increase. All the volitions, therefore, of moral agents, and all the events
consequent upon them, were from eternity present to the Divine Mind, and open to
his omniscient eye. And as every thing future was included in his
all-comprehending view, before the world began; so it would be absurd to suppose
that any event should ever take place, otherwise than as He foresaw it. With
equal reason, therefore, might the objector infer from the Divine prescience,
that the use of means to attain any end is vain, as from the doctrine of
predestination. For between the foreknowledge and the purpose of God there is a
close and inseparable connection. To illustrate the point, and to apply the
argument. Admitting the perfect foreknowledge of God, the objector may thus
argue against the use of means, respecting his eternal state, “The foreknowledge
of God is perfect. From eternity he viewed my final state. Either he foresaw me
seated on a throne of bliss, and exulting in a sense of his favor; or loaded
with chains of darkness, and groaning in the agonies of endless despair. As he
from eternity viewed me, so it must inevitably be; for perfect foreknowledge is
infallible. My eternal state is therefore a fixed point with the Deity. What
need then of the use of means to avoid punishment, or to obtain felicity? Prayer
and watchfulness, all the exercises and all the duties of a painful profession,
are entirely in vain. If the omniscient foresaw me happy in the future world, I
cannot be miserable. If he foresaw me miserable, I shall not, I cannot be happy;
though all the angels in heaven, and all the men upon earth, were to afford me
their united aid.”
This argument, I humbly conceive, wears
the face of probability to as great a degree, and infers the objection I am now
refuting with as much propriety and force, as that which is formed, and the
inference from it, against the decree of election. But the truth is, neither
that nor this has the least force or propriety. For as Jehovah, when he decreed
the end, appointed the means and the application of them to their respective
objects; so, in his eternal prescience, he not only viewed the end, but also
foresaw the means, with their application and use, as connected with the final
event. As he foresaw none in the abodes of darkness, but those whom he viewed as
guilty, and as walking in the ways of destruction; so he determined to bring
none to glory, except in a way becoming himself as perfectly holy, and by the
use of means which grace should render effectual. Hence it appears, that the
objector must either give up his argument, or deny that his Maker is perfect;
which would be to undeify the God that is above.
This, indeed, with a bold impiety many have done,
in order to support their favorite notions about free-agency and the liberty of
the human will, in opposition to the doctrine of sovereign grace, and of Divine
predestination: being well aware, that whoever allows the eternal and perfect
foreknowledge of God, cannot consistently deny his decrees respecting the final
state of men. This the Socinians have freely acknowledged. Admitting, say they,
the infallible prescience of all future contingencies,
Calvin’s
doctrine of the predestination of some, by name, to life, and of others to
death, cannot be refuted.” They therefore do their utmost endeavor to prove
(horrid to think!) that He who formed and governs the universe, is not possessed
of such a foresight, in other words, that he is not God. This they do, by much
the same arguments that others use, in opposition to the doctrine here
maintained.
To the foregoing objections some,
perhaps, may be ready to add, with an air of confidence; “Does not this
doctrine, in its inseparable connections, represent the Most High as partial in
his conduct towards his creatures, and as a
respecter of persons? as dealing hardly, if not
unjustly, with far the greater part of mankind?” In answer to which I observe,
that as to the charge of partiality and respect of persons, here exhibited
against the Divine conduct, it is entirely void of the least foundation. For
wherever such a charge may be advanced with propriety against the conduct of any
one, it must be in the affairs of remunerative, or of punishing justice, and
where the rules of equity are more or less transgressed; but cannot possibly
have place in matters of sovereign favor and mere bounty, of which kind is
election. For instance: if we consider a person in the capacity of a
magistrate, as invested with
the executive power of the criminal laws of his country, and behold him
inflicting upon such offenders as are poor, and mean, and of little account in
the world, the penalties annexed to their respective crimes; while he suffers
others of nobler birth, of more elevated rank, and of affluent circumstances, to
escape with impunity; we have great reason to remonstrate against such a
procedure, as a culpable partiality, a criminal respect of persons, and as no
other than a perversion of justice. But if we consider the same person under the
character of a benefactor, and behold him dispensing his favors among his
indigent neighbors, in order to relieve their wants and render them happy; we
never imagine that he is under any obligation to show an equal regard to all
that are distressed with poverty. Supposing he distribute his bounty in great
variety to the favored objects of his beneficence; nay, supposing he indulge
some with favors, while others, who stand in the same need, are entirely
overlooked; shall we arraign his conduct, and call him a
respecter of persons? By no
means. For were that the case, there would be nothing indecent, if, after he had
manifested his beneficent regards to some, others were to come with a commanding
voice, and require his
assistance in the same way, and to the same degree; than which nothing can be
more impertinent. Besides, though men are under obligation to love and assist
one another; though, being only stewards of what they possess, they are
accountable to the Supreme Judge for the manner in which they use their
faculties, their time, and all their talents; yet God has the most perfect right
to do what he will with his own.
For no creature, and especially no
offending creature, has any
claim upon his bounty.
If Jehovah must be denominated a respecter of persons, and
his conduct pronounced partial on supposition that he loved and chose some to
everlasting happiness, while he rejected others and left them to perish under
his righteous curse; if the equity of his proceedings, in the affairs of grace,
must be called in question, because he bestows eternal blessings on some, and
entirely withholds them from others; how shall we vindicate the methods of
Providence in ten thousand different instances? Does not God, as to the concerns
of religion, afford those means of grace, his word and ordinances, to some,
while they are entirely withheld from others? and where they are enjoyed, does
he not regenerate and sanctify some by the Spirit of truth, while others, who
have the same external means, continue in spiritual darkness, and finally
perish? If, then, the uncontrollable God may do that in time for some, which he
is under no obligation to do for any; none can doubt whether he might from
eternity form such a resolution: for Divine Providence is nothing but the
execution of God’s eternal purpose. Similar to this is the conduct of God toward
mankind, as to temporal things. For nothing is more evident, than that the
Supreme Governor of the world is liberal in communicating enjoyments of every
kind to some; while others, not more unworthy, are all their lives exposed to
the greatest distresses. And though there is a vast disparity between temporal
and eternal blessings, yet, if to distinguish between his creatures, in
bestowing or in withholding the latter, would any way impeach his character; it
must in proportion do so in the former. For the Judge of all the earth must do
right. And as none can, without open blasphemy, quarrel with the sovereign
dispensations of Providence, on account of that difference which subsists
between one man and another in the present life: so none should indulge a
captious humor in finding fault with the methods of grace, because their Maker
does not manifest an equal regard to all.
Nor can it be inferred from anything implied in this
doctrine, that our eternal Sovereign deals hardly, much less unjustly, with any
part of mankind. Here let me ask the objector, and let him ask his own
conscience; Have all mankind sinned? Is sin a transgression of Divine law? Is
the law they have broken, righteous, just in its requisitions, and equitable in
its penalty? If so, every man is guilty before God, and every mouth should be
stopped: for all have deserved to die; to perish; to be destroyed with an utter
destruction. Either these things are acknowledged as undoubted truths, or the
authority of the Bible is rejected. These truths being admitted, reason itself
must allow, that if all mankind had perished under a curse, the honor of their
Maker, as the Supreme Governor and righteous Judge, must have been unimpeached.
But if so, it is impossible to conceive how his choosing some to life and
happiness, and his rejecting others, can afford the least occasion for the
charge suggested in the objection. For the election of those whom God determined
to save, does not injure the non-elect. Their situation would not have been at
all the better, if none had been chosen, nor any saved. For non-election is not
a punishment; it is only the withholding a free favor, which the sovereign Lord
of all may bestow on whomsoever he pleases.
When the whole world is considered as
guilty before God, we
must allow that he had an unlimited right to determine about the final state of
men. He was at perfect liberty to determine whether he would save any, or not.
He might have left all to perish, or he might have decreed the salvation of all.
Or, he might purpose to save some, and reject others: and, so determining, he
might love and save, he might condemn and punish, whom he pleased. Surely, then,
it cannot be absurd in reason, or inconsistent with the Divine character, to
suppose that he actually has chosen some to infinite glory, and determined to
punish others according to their demerit. To acknowledge that all have sinned
against God, forfeited his favor, and deserve to perish; and at the same time to
suppose, that he might not leave what number he pleased to condemnation and
wrath, imply a contradiction. For those who might not be rejected, whether more
or fewer, must have a claim on Jehovah’s favor; consequently, not justly liable
to perish, which is contrary to the supposition.
It is eternally fit that God should
order all things according to his own pleasure. His infinite greatness, majesty,
and glory, certainly entitle him to act as an uncontrollable Sovereign, and that
his will should in all things take place. He is worthy, supremely worthy, of
making his own glory the end of all that he does; and that he should make
nothing but the dictates of his own wisdom, and the determinations of his own
will, his rule in pursuing that end, without asking leave or counsel of any
creature, and without giving an account of any of
his matters. It is quite agreeable, that He who is
infinitely wise and absolutely perfect, should order all things according to his
own will; even things of the greatest importance, such as the complete
salvation, or the eternal damnation of sinners. It is right that He should thus
be sovereign, because he is the first, the eternal Being, and the fountain of
existence. He is the Creator of all things, and they are universally dependent
upon him; it is, therefore, entirely consistent with his character, that he
should act as the Sovereign Lord of heaven and earth.
If the objection under consideration were founded in truth,
God could not exercise mercy in his own right, nor would the blessing’s of grace
be his own to give. For that of which he may not dispose as he pleases, is not
his own, he cannot make a present of it to any of his creatures, they having a
claim upon it; for it is absurd to talk of giving to any one that to which he
had a right in equity. But what would this objection make of God? Must the High
and Lofty One be so circumscribed in the exercise of his grace, that he cannot
manifest it at his own pleasure in bestowing his gifts; but if he dispense them
to one, must be obliged to give them to another, or be obnoxious to the charge
of partiality and cruelty? Shocking to think! The very thought is blasphemy.
This impious imagination arises, absurd as it is, from the high opinion we form
of ourselves, and the diminutive thoughts we entertain of our Maker.
But why should the objector be so much
concerned about the honor of Divine justice, in the conduct of God toward
mankind, on supposition that he has chosen some and rejected others? Why should
he not be as much concerned lest the glory of his Maker should suffer a stain,
by the final rejection of all the angels that sinned and fell from their first
estate? Certainly, there is equal, if not superior reason. Why, then, does he
not plead the cause of those old apostates, those damned spirits, and quarrel
with God because he hath shown more regard to fallen men than to fallen angels?
Yet he is under no pain on their account; nor does he suspect that the Divine
character will lose any part of its glory, because they are all, without one
exception, the objects of Jehovah’s eternal vengeance—but, very likely, he
concludes that they deserve to be damned. True: and is it not so with men? If
not—how shall I speak it? the law of God is unrighteous, for it denounces
damnation as the desert of sin: the vicarious death of Christ was an unnecessary
and shocking event; the capital parts of the Bible are unworthy of the least
regard, and the distinguishing doctrines of Christianity are no better than a
dream, a fable—a gross imposition on all who believe them. Without admitting
this fundamental truth, that men, considered as guilty creatures,
deserve to perish forever; we
can behold neither equity in the law, nor grace in the gospel. The eternal
rectitude of the great Lawgiver, and the amiable glories of the wonderful
Saviour, are quite obscured; while the whole economy of redemption, as revealed
in Scripture, is thrown into the utmost confusion. Consequently, the objector
has no alternative, but either to give up his point, or blaspheme his Maker.
The truth maintained may now be
considered by way of improvement, as it respects the careless sinner and the
real Christian. —As it respects the careless
sinner. Is this your character, reader? If so, it
is happily adapted to strike your conscience and alarm your fears; to arouse
your lethargic soul, and awaken your inquiries after eternal blessedness. You
have seen that it is a righteous thing with God, to execute justice on all who
are guilty; and that, if he had left all mankind to perish, none would have had
any reason to complain. Now, though he has, of his mere goodness, chosen a
number of the fallen race, and determined to bring them to glory; yet millions
are left to suffer the awful desert of their crimes. How, then, do you know but
this may be your case? Remember, thoughtless mortal! that if you be rejected of
God, you are lost forever. And are you still unconcerned about your soul? then
the sentence of a broken law, and the wrath of an awful Judge, abide upon you.
You are in the hands of an offended God, and, shocking to think! you are at a
dreadful uncertainty what he will do with you. You are, it may be, sometimes
afraid what will become of you; afraid lest you should have your portion in the
lake which burns with fire and brimstone. Yes, and be it known to you, that
while you are habitually careless about your eternal interests, and a lover of
pleasure more than a lover of God, you have reason to fear. Your apprehensions
of eternal punishment have a real foundation. You have reason to tremble every
moment. But you will do well to remember, that though you be ever so much afraid
of the final event; though everlasting damnation be ever so dreadful, yet it is
what you have deserved. Your injured Maker and affronted Sovereign may inflict
it upon you, and be righteous, and holy, and glorious in it. However dreadful it
now is, in your apprehension; or however intolerable it would be to you in the
execution; yet, in regard to God, neither the one nor the other can render it
the less righteous. You should remember, sinner, that your Maker sustains the
character of a universal Sovereign, and of a righteous Judge. His honor,
therefore, is deeply concerned in punishing the guilty. Though damnation be
worse than the loss of being, yet you have no reason to complain of injustice;
except you can form a perfect estimate of what degree of guilt attends
innumerable acts of rebellion against unlimited authority, infinite majesty, and
boundless perfection, and, upon a just comparison of the degree of guilt, with
the intenseness and duration of the punishment, pronounce them unequal. But who
can tell to what an enormous height the guilt of one single act of rebellion
against infinite Majesty must arise in the boundless empire of God? We may
boldly affirm, that none but the omniscient—none but he who is possessed of that
peerless majesty, can solve the question. Meditate on these awful truths; and
may the Lord enable you to flee from the wrath to
come! (Hence it appears, that as the doctrine of
God’s general and equal love to mankind, and the sentiment of universal
redemption, are too evidently calculated to lull the conscience asleep, under a
false presumption of interest in the Redeemer and of happiness by him, where
there is no evidence of love to God and his ways; so the doctrine of
distinguishing grace, and of the Mediator’s substitution in the stead of his
chosen seed, has an obvious tendency to alarm the careless sinner and to awaken
the drowsy formalist.)
Does my reader profess to believe and
embrace this divine truth? Has he tasted that the Lord is gracious and is he a
real Christian? This
doctrine informs him whence his happiness flows, and to whom the glory is due.
Hence he learns, that grace is an absolute sovereign; that she dispenses her
favors to whomsoever she pleases, without being subject to the least control.
Here she appears, maintaining her rights and asserting her honors, with a
grandeur becoming herself. Yes, reader, this doctrine presents you with
grace on the throne;
while, as an herald, with a friendly importunity and a commanding voice, it
cries in your ear, Bow
the knee!
And as this doctrine presents you with a view of grace in its sovereign glory;
so it points out the objects of eternal love as in a state of the utmost
security. For who shall lay any thing to the charge
of God’s elect? To know your interest in the
election of grace, is therefore a matter of great importance: and that such
knowledge is attainable, is evident from that exhortation of the Holy Ghost:
Give all diligence to make your calling and
election sure; sure to your own mind, and
satisfactory to your own conscience. That such a persuasion, grounded on truth,
is intimately connected with a Christian’s peace and joy, is beyond a doubt. Nor
is there any other difficulty in attaining the certainty, than what attends a
well-founded persuasion of our being called by grace. Whoever has reason to
conclude that he is called by the gospel and converted to Christ, may, from the
very same premises, infer his election. For none but those that were chosen to
life and happiness are born of God, or believe in Christ. If then you espouse
the doctrine, you should not be satisfied with merely avowing the sentiment as
an article of your belief; but should consider it as a truth according to
godliness, and seek the advantage resulting from it. For you will find it of
little avail, that you have adopted the sentiment into your theological system,
if you experience no benefit from it, in a way of humility and love, of
consolation and joy. Viewed in such a connection with experimental religion, you
should meditate on it: considered as thus important, you should endeavor to
vindicate it from the hateful charges of the sons of pride.
Are you, on divine authority, not only
convinced that the doctrine is true, but also persuaded of your interest in the
love it reveals? Remember the exalted privileges to which you are chosen. Chosen
you are, to a participation of grace, with all its immense donations to the
fruition of glory, with all its eternal felicity. Regeneration, justification,
adoption, sanctification, and perseverance in faith; these, Christian, with all
that inconceivable bliss which results from the enjoyment of God himself, are
the blessings designed for you in the decree of election. Surely, then, with
such blessings in hand, and such prospects in view, it is but reasonable that
you should be entirely devoted to God, and live his obedient servant. If
gratitude have any persuasive energy, or if love have any constraining
influence, here they should operate with all their force. Henceforth the glory
of God and the honor of that adorable Person, by whose mediation you come to
enjoy these wonderful favors, should be your main concern, and the end of all
your actions. Remember the honorable character conferred upon you in the sacred
writings. Among those names of distinction which the people of God bear, that of
the elect is none of
the least remarkable. Of this character the Spirit of wisdom reminds believers,
when he urges upon them the duties to which they are called.
Ye are a chosen generation, a peculiar people.
Would we know to what end they are chosen, and why they
are a people distinguished from others, as God’s peculiar property? the
following words inform us. That ye should show
forth the praises of Him, who, as a fruit of his
electing love, hath called you out of darkness into
his marvellous light. Here the Christian’s duty in
general, and to perform it should be his constant business: for he was
chosen in Christ, that he might be holy and without blame
before him in love.
Or, is my reader one of those to whom
the remark would be applicable; “This man entertains high notions in religion,
and pretends to sublime attainments in knowledge.
Eternal purposes and
absolute sovereignty,
unchangeable love, and
distinguishing grace, are his
favorite topics: yet he lives in open neglect of the plainest precepts, and of
the most important duties. While pride and covetousness, wrath and malice, with
various other unsanctified tempers, govern his conduct and render him a scandal
to Christianity.” The very thought of such a reflection is grieving to godly
persons: for lamentable is the state of that professor to whom it may be justly
applied! You may dispute as long as you please, in vindication of divine
sovereignty in the affairs of grace; but it will be to little purpose, as to
yourself. Because it is plain that you are an enemy in your heart, and a rebel
in your life against that infinite Sovereign whose rights you pretend to
maintain. By such a neglect of his precepts and such a transgression of his
laws, you virtually deny his absolute authority, and renounce his supreme
dominion. Sinful appetites are the law you obey, and carnal pleasure the end you
pursue; while your Maker and Lord has neither the affection of your heart, nor
the service of your hands. May that omnipotent, sovereign grace, of which you
talk without any experience, deliver and save your sinking soul! For, verily, it
would be hard to find a more shocking character out of hell.
© Copyright 2004-2012 Providence Baptist Ministries
http://www.pbministries.org. All rights reserved.