“I do no see how anyone can read the eighth and ninth chapters of Romans without believing in the doctrine of predestination and election. Paul there answers the very objections which are to this day urged against divine fore-ordination. Peter certainly understood Paul to advocate this ‘horrid doctrine,’ for he says it is ‘hard to be understood.’ If Paul was writing about free agency, there was no need to say it was hard to be understood.” “I have read these chapters,” said Ernest, “and I confess they are mysterious.” “What makes them mysterious?” asked Mr. Hillston. “Don’t you see if you can eliminate predestination and election out of them, they would not be mysterious? Why do so many people stumble over these chapters especially? It is because their foot strikes against these two hard doctrines.” “You have used the word ‘election,’” said Ernest, “but do not some people say that it applies only to the election of classes or nations to temporal privileges, and not to the election of individuals to eternal salvation?” “Yes; but let us settle that point by the Scriptures. Turn to Acts 13:48: ‘_And when the Gentiles heard this they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord; and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed_.’ Some people have wished that the last clause could be transposed so as to read: ‘_As many as believed were ordained to eternal life_.’ But it is too plain to be tampered with in this way. Again, in second Thessalonians 2:13: ‘_But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren, beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth_.’ Again, Hebrews 12:23: ‘_To the general assembly and Church of the first-born which are written in heaven_.’ Again, Philippians 4:3: ‘_Whose names are in the book of life_.’ I could go on, and cite I know not how many more passages, all proving that there is an election of individuals unto eternal salvation.” “There is evidently an election of individuals,” said Ernest, “but why could it not be based upon men’s foreseen repentance and faith. I could accept that doctrine.” “No doubt,” answered the preacher, “for that is more agreeable to the carnal heart. Men like so much to deserve salvation by their own works--their own faith and repentance. According to the Scriptures, this election is based upon God’s will. But if you will modify your position a little, I think we can agree. If you will say that this election is based upon faith and repentance brought about by the Holy Spirit, we need not have any further discussion.” “But I do not mean that. I mean that men perceive the truth and act upon it.” “Of themselves, do you mean?” “Well, with the assistance of the Holy Spirit.”