Rom. viii. 29, 30. Whom he did foreknow, he also did pre- destinate to be conformed, to the image of his Son, that he might be the first-born among many brethren. Moreover
whom he did predestinate, them he also called : and whom he called, them he also justified : and ivhom he justified, them he also glorified.
THE subject of predestination is confessedly very deep and mysterious : nor should it be entered upon without extreme caution, both as to the mode of stating it, and to the persons before whom it is stated. Tt is much to be lamented, that there exists in the minds of many a strong prejudice against it ; insomuch that the very mention of it is deemed by them little short of heresy ; I had almost said, of blasphemy. But this surely is not a way in which any part of God's revealed will is to be treated. That the inspired writers do speak of it, is undeniable : and that our own Church also has made it an Article of faith, which all her ministers and members are to receive, is also certain. On these accounts we must not discard the doctrine through fear of offending any who may be hostile to it; though on the other hand we ought not so frequently or so strongly to insist upon it as unnecessarily to wound and grieve them. The true medium which a minister should aim at, is, to give to this doctrine, as well as to every other, as precisely as possible that measure of prominence and importance which it bears in the sacred writings. To be bringing it forward on every occasion, just as if it were among the first principles of religion, we consider as very injudicious, and detrimental to the best interests of religion : but to omit it altogether, we deem unworthy of a faithful servant of Christ. To the doctrines which have an opposite aspect, we give all due weight ; and therefore we may be allowed to put this also before you, according as it is plainly declared in the passage which is now under our consideration.
The Apostle having designated " those who love God" as persons " who have been called according to God's purpose," proceeds to shew, that from first to last God is the author of their salvation : he fore- knew, and predestinated them from all eternity to the privileges which they enjoy ; and will infallibly com- plete his purpose respecting them, in their effectual