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for we are saved but by hope: but hope supposes things not yet present; for how can a man hope for what he has now in possession?

but if we hope for what is yet to come, our patience does necessarily intervene.

but whom he predispos'd, he calls: and whom he has call'd, he justifies: and whom he has justified, he glorifies.

he that spared not his own son, but delivered him up for us all, will he not with him likewise freely give us all things?

However, the divine promise cannot but have its effect. for they are not the whole of Israel, who are descended from Israel:

neither are they who are the race of Abraham, all children: but 'tis said, "in Isaac shall thy posterity be called."

that is, the children by natural descent are not thereby the children of God: but the children of the promise are alone considered as his posterity.

for before they were born, and had done neither good or evil, that the distinction which God had purposed to make might appear to be, not in consideration of their actions, but of his own free call,

as it is written, "Jacob have I loved, but Esau I have discarded."

so that this is a matter not dependent on him that wills or runs, but on God, who shews mercy.

But you will object, why does he then find fault? for "who can resist his will?"

nay, but, O man, who art thou, to raise a dust against heaven? shall the pitcher say to him that formed it, "why hast thou made me thus?"

but Israel, who followed the law of justice, hath not attained to the law of justice.

why? because they sought it not by faith, but indeed by the works of the law: for they stumbled at that stumbling-stone;

for I bear them witness, that they have a zeal for God, but not guided by true knowledge.

but the justification which is by faith, speaks in this manner; "say not in thine heart, who shall ascend into heaven, in order to bring Christ down from above?

But how, say you, shall they call on him on whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?

but all do not obey the gospel. for Esaias saith, "Lord, who hath believed our report?"

but still I ask, did not Israel know this? first, Moses saith, "I will provoke you to jealousy, by those that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you."

but Esaias is more express, and says, "I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest to them that asked not after me.