Brother H. D. S. Helton, Valeria, Ky., Requests our views of Romans ix. 13, which reads, "As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated," In order to see what led up to this statement by the apostle in quoting from the language of prophecy it is necessary to read a few verses, beginning with verse 7, "Neither because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but in Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, they which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. For this is the word of promise, at this time will I come and Sarah shall have a son. And not only this: but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; (for the children being not yet born, nether having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of Him that calleth it was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated." We find in Gen, XXV. 23 that before Jacob and Esau were born the Lord said to Rebecca concerning them, "The elder shall serve the younger." This only shows God's choice of them before they were born, and the choice could not, therefore, have been made because of any good done by Jacob or evil done by Esau. God's choice manifests His love. Hence, God loved Jacob and hated Esau before they were born, and made choice of one (Jacob) and bestowed the blessing upon him, and passed Esau by. Paul explains this in verse 11, "For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of Him that calleth." For this reason it was said unto Rebecca, "The elder shall serve the younger." Why should the elder serve the younger? Because God had made choice of Jacob. Why did God make choice of Jacob? Because He loved him. God's choice of a poor sinner is a manifestation of His everlasting love. His love is everlasting. It is unchangeable. It is always the same. Nothing can separate one from it. There is much in this, but we do not have time now to write more. May the Lord bless this to the good of the readers. C. H. C. (Editorial Writings from the Primitive Baptist, page 482 of Volume iv.)