be thought of, it would not be possible to find one which could more strongly illustrate the sovereignty of God than this. It is here indeed supposed, that all men are alike corrupt and sinful, all one mass of sin ; no part of which has any greater claim upon God for mercy, than the potter's clay has on him for distinguishing favours at his hands.
Let this reasoning be candidly considered, and the inference from it will be clear. Nothing but our high thoughts of self, and our low thoughts of God, could ever make us entertain a doubt about the truth which is here maintained. Indeed, we see it at this day, as well as in former ages. God chose the Jews of old, and distinguished them above the rest of the world : so he has done with the Christians now. Moreover, he had an Israel in the midst of an Israel then: and so he has now: a people within a people ; a Church within a Church ; an elect within a mass who are partakers only of external privileges. Yes, as then, even so at this present time also, there is a rem- nant according to the election of grace k.]
2. All are not partakers of the same converting grace —
[The Jews had all the same ordinances of grace ; but did not all make the same improvement of them. In the ministry of John the Baptist, those who were the least likely to receive his word were the most effectually impressed with it: "The publicans justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John ; but the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him1." The twelve Apostles were chosen by our blessed Lord according to his sovereign will and pleasure; and for them were reserved advantages, not known to any others. To them our Lord explained in private the parables he delivered in public ; say- ing to them, " To you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven ; but to others, in parables ; that seeing, they may not see; and hearing, they may not understand"1." To them, in like manner, was peculiar favour shewn after our Lord's resurrection ; for " then opened he their understandings to understand the Scriptures"." But see this matter yet more plainly in the Apostle Paul. He was full of wrath, " breath- ing out threatenings and slaughter" against the whole Church of Christ; and yet, whilst pursuing his murderous career, he was stopped, and converted by the grace of God ; the Lord Jesus Christ himself appearing to him in the way, and reveal- ing himself to him ; whilst, of all who were present, not one except himself was permitted to- hear the words that were
k Rom. xi. 6. I Luke vii. 29, 30.
m Luke viii. 10. " Luke xxiv. 45.