BY THE LATE REV. JOHN ROSS, BRUCEFIELD, ONTARIO.
MEDITATED a little last night on a passage I was reading in Rom. ix. 11. That the purpose of God according to election might stand not of works, but of Him that calleth—of God that showeth mercy—the vessels of mercy which He had afore prepared unto glory, even us whom He hath called not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles. I was meditating with some hope and encouragement and approbation of the fact and truth set forth with sufficient clearness in His Word that it is God Himself who calls effectually to His Son. His sovereign right to do so cannot be questioned, and as little can be questioned His wisdom to call whom He pleases. He can do it effectually and gloriously. It is especially His power to call that gave me encouragement and hope regarding men. I know they wont come, but I know God can call them. It is soul-inspiring to know and believe that the same Almighty power which made heaven and earth and created man, is engaged in the work of calling men to Jesus Christ for their salvation. Decisive results may therefore be confidently expected. We have thus a warrant to plead with Him and lay hold on Him in prayer for this very work, and the minister can go forth in His name and strength to beseech men in Christ’s stead to be reconciled to God with full confidence that it shall not be in vain. The work is the Lord’s and His hand is full of power and full of righteousness, and His heart full of mercy and grace, and all success is of Him that calleth—of God that showeth mercy—of God that giveth the increase. It is truly a precious part of the divine testimony which assures us that it is God that calleth. Take away any part from this part of the divine promise and you take away so much strength from the praying.