God’s will was absolutely free in connection with election. In choosing a people unto eternal life and glory, there was nothing outside Himself which moved God to form such a purpose. As He expressly declares, “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion” (Rom. 9:15)—language could not state more definitely the absoluteness of divine sovereignty in this matter. “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself,