St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1889-11-04
THE DOCTRINE OF ELECTION.
Ii Is Accepted by All the Churches
of Jesus Christ.

OIL Jesus Ohrists
Rev. DIR. Burrell yesterday morning
took as his text Deuteronomy xxx, 20.
1t is my purpose, said the speaker, to
touch upon the practical aspect OF this
Observation-Disclosures and perverted doc
trine, for in these days no doctrine Is
worth defending which cann0t be APP
piled to the common uses of life.
Let it be understood from the outset
that we are in the realm Of mystery.
1t were strange indeed IL the eternal de-
crees of Deity were plain to the human
understanding. We are finite; God Is
infinite.
can no more apprehend the divine
eOunSels than l can hold the unfathom-
able seas in the hollow of my hand.
But there are some things which we
know with reference to the election OF
saints.
First-It is true. The Scriptures are
full of it. The Savior declares it. Tire
apostles reiterate it.
Second-It is accepted by all the
churches of Jesus Christ. There is diff
ference of expression. but no difference
rs to belief. The churches known as
Arminian hold that the divine fore
knowledge antedates the divine fore
ordination. The CalviniStic churches IN
sist that with God there can be no chrome
logical succession. But both Calvinlsts
and Arminians are agreed to the fact
that God did from all eternity choose
some to everlasting life.
Third-ThiS doctrine Is necessary
influence from the divine sovereignty.
As we make more and more of human
nature, we are prone 10 minlfy the in
finite. God is high and lifted up, and
We are the creatures of his hand. Who
art thou that replieSt against God?
Shall not the potter have power over the
clay?
Fourth-This doctrine In no wise
antagOniZeS the freedom of the human
will. In all his dealings with us, God
uses such forces as are consistent Win
one nature. He will not turn aside the
right of man from before the face OF
the most high. He draws US with the
cords of man,
Fifth-We cannot see the MENUS, the
bond of harmony between the divine
sovereignty and the freedom or our
wills. We admit the paradox, but we
do not admit that there is anything UNI
reaSO nable in it. On the one hand we
know that God is sovereign; on the
other, that man is free.
Sixth-GOd is just in all his dealings
with men. He is never arbitrary. never
partial, never respecter OF persons.
We may not know the reason OF the d.
vine decree, nor do we admit that 1t
rests on any foreknowledge of the per-
sonaI merit of the elect; but we are sure
that some good and sufficient reason is
behind it, and we are willing to leave
this with God.
Seventh-Tbe divine decree has filled
heaven with redeemed saints. lu all
the celestial multitude there is not one
soul that was not reckOned among the
elect who does not say: II have not
chosen God, but he hath chosen me-"
Eighth-It never kept one soul out.
All who have ever rejected the divine
mercy have done SO voluntarily. There
is no decree of reprobation. If any of
US are lost it will be solely because we
would not come to Jesus that we might
have life.
Ninth-lt does not abridge the free
offer of salvation. whatsoever will. let
him come. The Savior tasted death for
every man, and he that believeth on the
Lord Jesus Christ shall be saved.
Tentb-It offers encouragement to all
who desire eternal life. The command
is, work out your own salvation with
fear and trembling; but if that were all
none could enter into life, wherefore 1t
is added, because it is God that worketh
in you 10 will and to do His good plea
sure.
In this we have the assurance of Dr.
vine help in the high call Of heavenly
reinforcement. If God be for US, who
shall be against US?
Fiually-Make your calling and cleo
ton sure. 1t is for you to say whether
or no you will have assurance that your
name is written in the book of life. All
that believe in the Lord Jesus Christ
are there. He that believeth in Him
hath sure hope, an anchor that taketh
hold Of that which is within the veil.