“Really, when you admit that, there is no use of discussion, for that purpose is predestination. We can ascertain what God’s purposes are, only by what takes place. We see that some men are lost and some are saved, and all this must be in accordance with God’s purpose, and that is what we mean by predestination.”
“You can beat me in argument,” suddenly exclaimed Ernest. “I have not studied the question sufficiently.”
“The more you study it,” said Mr. Hillston, “the more you will be convinced that it is the doctrine of the Bible.”
“Whenever I am convinced,” replied Ernest, “you may rest assured that I will accept it. But I am not satisfied. What you have said appears reasonable; but I know there is something to be said on the other side, if I knew how to get at it.”
“I don’t know,” answered Mr. Hillston; “you have mentioned the usual objections that men urge against it. But when you find any good argument on your side, let me know what it is. Let me caution you on one point, though. Do not seek out those passages of Scripture which teach free agency, and put them against the passages that favor predestination. For that is only fighting Scripture with Scripture. You must not make the Bible contradict itself, but you must try to reconcile these seemingly antagonistic passages. In the meantime, try to apply this doctrine to your own case. Your steps are ordered by the Lord. Recognize God’s hand in your affairs, and thus predestination becomes a practical, comforting doctrine, instead of that ‘horrid thing’ which some people call it.”
Ernest took his leave. He was almost convinced by the arguments of Mr. Hillston, but he was not yet prepared to acknowledge it.
Men pride themselves upon consistency, and some will even cling to an error rather than appear fickle-minded. Away, we say, with such absurd and false consistency! It is morally degrading.