Yet not so ancient as those precious things which are the delight
of our souls. Let us for a moment recount them, telling them over as
misers count their gold. The sovereign choice of the Father, by which
He elected us unto eternal life, or ever the earth was, is a matter
of vast antiquity, since no date can be conceived for it by the mind
of man. We were chosen from before the foundations of the world.
Everlasting love went with the choice, for it was not a bare act of
divine will by which we were set apart, but the divine affections
were concerned. The Father loved us in and from the beginning. Here
is a theme for daily contemplation. The eternal purpose to redeem us
from our foreseen ruin, to cleanse and sanctify us, and at last to
glorify us, was of infinite antiquity, and runs side by side with
immutable love and absolute sovereignty. The covenant is always
described as being everlasting, and Jesus, the second party in it,
had His goings forth of old; He struck hands in sacred suretyship
long ere the first of the stars began to shine, and it was in Him
that the elect were ordained unto eternal life. Thus in the divine
purpose a most blessed covenant union was established between the Son
of God and His elect people, which will remain as the foundation of
their safety when time shall be no more. Is it not well to be
conversant with these ancient things? Is it not shameful that they
should be so much neglected and even rejected by the bulk of
professors? If they knew more of their own sin, would they not be
more ready to adore distinguishing grace? Let us both admire and
adore tonight, as we sing--
"A monument of grace,
A sinner saved by blood;
The streams of love I trace
Up to the Fountain, God;
And in His sacred bosom see
Eternal thoughts of Love to me."
