we not a "carnal mind that is enmity against God?" Do we not_ " walk according to the course of this world, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind ? " and are we not all " children of wrath, even as others?" What then is there in us that can operate as a motive with God to bestow his grace upon us rather than upon others ? It is clear enough, that the same word which operates eflPectually on some to the conver- sion of their souls, produces on others no other effect than that of exciting greater hostility against the Gospel*?. To what can this be ascribed but to the sovereign grace of God, whose gifts are his own, and who divideth to every man severally as he will ? It is also plain, that many under less advantageous circumstances are turned from the power of Satan unto God, whilst others, with far greater advantages, are left still in bondage to sin and Satan : And what other account can be given of this, than that which our Lord him- self supplies, " Even so. Father, for so it seemeth good in thy sight 1^?"
During the whole remainder of our lives it is the same grace which operates even to the end. Demas apostatizes ; and Luke perseveres': Peter repents; and Judas commits suicide : Blessed Saviour, who would not prove chaff, if thou didst leave him to be sifted by his great adversary ? and whose faith would not fail, if thou didst not intercede for him in the hour of trial '^? If any one of us be kept unto salvation, it is by thy power and grace alone ^ : thou, who hast been " the Author of our faith, must also be the Finisher"':" and, when the head-stone of thy spiritual temple shall be brought forth, we must cry, " Grace, grace unto it"."
Thus in our own case, as well as in the Apostle's, the glory of all that is good must be given to God alone; who " hath loved us with an everlasting love, and therefore with loving- kindness hath he drawn us°."]
But from the speculative view of the Apostle's assertion, let us proceed to notice it, II. As a practical acknowledgment —
Speculation is of no further value than as it leads to practical results. But the forementioned truth is discarded by many under the idea of its being replete with injury to the souls of men. In its source, it is supposed to spring from pride ; and in its tendency
e Acts xviii. 6 — 8. h Matt. xi. 25, 26.
' Compare Col. iv. 14. with 2 Tim. iv. 10, 11.
^ Luke xxii. 31, 32. i 1 Pet. i. 5. m Heb. xii. 2.
" Zech. iv. 7. « Jer. xxxi. 3.