One is sometimes called to bear testimony before unbelievers, of the hope that is in us. It is difficult to speak of the manifestation of Christ to the heart, so that the Saviour alone may be exalted and glorified: somewhat of self naturally creeps into the relation. It is very pleasing to nature to be esteemed as one highly favoured, and to have made great attainments in Christianity. Oh that single letter, with great sound, I! But it was farthest from the heart of Paul, that eminent champion for free-grace salvation, to give the least encouragement from his conversion to any fellow sinner to talk of obedience to God’s call, or faithfulness to his

Before days began or years were numbered, in the book of God’s election were all the members of Jesus written, ‘which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.’ Ps. 139:16. God’s electing love would have remained an eternal secret to us, had not the Spirit of truth made it known. But as it is revealed in the word, it is an object of our faith; and it ever will be the subject of glorying and of triumph to those who possess the faith of God’s elect; for faith is a blessed evidence, that ‘God hath chosen them in Christ, before the foundation of the world.’ Eph. 1:4. Was the man Jesus, God the Father’s ‘elect, in whom his soul delighteth.’…