with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. The Saviour said unto them, "In this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. Luke x. 17, 20. How were they written there? By the foreknowledge of God; "For he knoweth them them that are his." 2 Tim. ii. 19. When were they written there? "From the foundation of the world." Rev. xvii.

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8. And may we not say, Before the foun

dation of the world, when Christ was loved as their Redeemer, and they were chosen in him? John xvii. Eph. i.

It is a subject on which the Saviour delighted to dwell. Nor is it at all surprising, that he should often speak of those who are so dear to him; who have engaged his heart from eternity, and will be the sure reward of his pains and agonies. When complaining of the unbelieving Jews, he adds, "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will who hath sent me, that of all whom he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day." John vi. 37-39.

In this passage we are taught, that there are persons whom the Father giveth, or hath given, unto Christ; that these persons shall certainly come unto him, and as certainly be saved: for it is the Father's will, that of them whom he hath given to Christ, he should lose none, but raise them up again at the last day, and give them eternal life. Hence they are drawn by the Father unto Christ; they are all taught of God, and by these means come unto Christ and are saved. 44, 45.

v.

Concerning these persons, Christ saith, I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. What life does Christ mean that they shall have? Certainly-spiritual and eternal life. Nothing less will satisfy the compassionate heart of the Saviour, and nothing shall be wanting on his part to accomplish this grand and benevolent design; neither will he turn away back nor quit the world, until he can say, "It is finished." Hence, it follows, "I am the good Shepherd the good Shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. I am the good Shepherd and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father, and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this

fold them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold and one Shepherd. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of my hand. My Father who gave them me, is greater than all; and none is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. John x. 10, 11, 14-16. 27-29.

What language can express more definitely, -what language can express more strongly,what language can express more comfortably,

that there are persons whom the Father hath given unto Christ that they might not perish, but have eternal life? And given before Christ came into this world; for he came to save them.

What precious life-giving words are these! Well might the church say of Christ, "His mouth is most sweet! He is altogether lovely! Cant. v. 16.

Believer, pray for the spirit of God to enable you with all meekness, lowliness, and thankfulness of heart, to meditate on these gracious words of your Redeemer. How will it add to your comfort, support, and joy, to have an experimental knowledge of these important

truths! But for what purpose has the Saviour revealed them, if not for the instruction, consolation, and sanctification of his people?

The same strain of divine and peculiar love is continued in the 13th and following chapters. Having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. He instructs, comforts, encourages, and animates them by the most endearing and powerful motives, that infinite wisdom and love can invent and propose. Amidst many other very precious, and very important promises, he repeatedly promises the Holy Ghost to be their guide, sanctifier, and comforter; and to abide with them for ever. Lest they should entertain the least idea that these divine favors originated with themselves, or on their account, he expressly tells them, "You have not chosen me but I have chosen you." John xv. 16.

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He then pours out his soul to God his Father, in the most divine, tender, affectionate, and interesting prayer that was ever presented to the heavenly throne. This remarkable prayer, which is recorded in the 17th of John, is full of the doctrine which we are establishing, and lays open the fountain of grace and mercy; whence flows that river, the streams whereof make glad the

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city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High. From this prayer, we discover the secret transactions between the Father and the Son, concerning the salvation of mankind. It unfolds the divine purpose; and we evidently see it to be a purpose of love-nothing but lovedivine, sovereign, eternal, and unchangeable love; referring both to the person of Christ, and to those who were given to him of the Father. In pursuance of this purpose of love, and for its accomplishment, the Redeemer prays, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: as thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him." Giving to Christ, spoken of here, and in various other places, signifies the same as choosing in Christ; and the same blessed effects follow from the one as from the other the persons, the love, the salvation, &c. are the same: the Lord Jesus Christ is engaged to give them eternal life. Will he not fulfil his engagement? Yes, he knows that it is the will of his heavenly Father, that not one of them should perish; and he could say, "I have glorified thee