530    C.M.     W. Gadsby
Election. Eph. 1. 4-9; 2. 9; Deut. 7. 8; Matt. 11. 26

1 Election is a truth divine,
  As absolute as free;
  Works ne’er can make the blessing mine;
  ’Tis God’s own wise decree.

2 Before Jehovah built the skies,
  Or earth, or seas, or sun,
  He chose a people for his praise,
  And gave them to his Son.

3 Eternal was the choice of God,
  A sovereign act indeed;
  And Jesus, the incarnate Word,
  Secures the chosen seed.

4 He loved and chose because he would;
  Nor did his choice depend
  On sinners’ work, or bad or good,
  But on his sovereign mind.

5 Nor law, nor death, nor hell, nor sin,
  Can alter his decree;
  The elect eternal life shall win,
  And all God’s glory see.

6 His counsel stands for ever sure,
  Immortal and divine;
  And justice, mercy, truth, and power,
  Unite to make it mine.