on, nor deepest depression, nor any
other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God,
which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

CHAP. IX.

I SPEAK the truth in Christ, I lie not, (my conscience also bearing
witness to me in the Holy Ghost,) (2)that great is my sorrow and
unceasing the anguish in my heart. (3)For could I myself wish that an
anathema should be from Christ upon my brethren, my kinsmen according
to the flesh? (4)who are Israelites; whose is the adoption, and the
glory, and the covenants, and the gift of the law, and the sacred
service, and the promises; (5)of whom are the fathers, and from whom as
respecting the flesh Christ sprung, who is over all, the blessed God
for evermore. Amen.

(6)Now it is not supposable that the word of God hath failed. For these
are not all Israel, who are of Israel: (7)nor, because they are the
seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, in Isaac shall thy seed be
called. (8)That is, not the children of the flesh, these are the
children of God: but the children of the promise are accounted for the
seed. (9)For the word of promise is this, At that time will I come, and
Sarah shall have a son. (10)And not only so; but when Rebecca also had
conception by one, even Isaac our father; (11)(though the children were
not yet born, nor had done any thing good or evil, that according to
the election of God the purpose might abide, not from works, but from
him who called;) (12)it was said unto her, "That the elder shall be
servant to the younger[58]." (13)As it is written, "Jacob have I loved,
but Esau have I hated[59]." (14)What shall we say therefore? Is there
unrighteousness with God? God forbid. (15)For he saith to Moses[60], "I
will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion
on whom I will have compassion." (16)Well then, it is not of him that
willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God who sheweth mercy.

(17)For the scripture saith[61] to Pharaoh, "That for this very end
have I raised thee up, that I might display in thee my power, and that
my name may be proclaimed in all the earth." (18)Well then, he hath
mercy on whom he will, but whom he will he hardeneth. (19)Wilt thou
then say to me, Why yet doth he blame us? Who hath resisted his will?
(20)Nay but, O man, who art thou that disputest against God? Shall the
thing fashioned say to him that fashioned it, Why hast thou made me
thus? (21)Hath not the potter power over the clay, from the same ma