"doth easily beset him;" 5 instead of bringing his burthen anew to the foot of the cross, may discover, in its ceaseless pressure, a proof that he belongs to the reprobate; and sink under its weight into reckless and hopeless despair. Nor are those elated with spritual pride beyond its fearful influence; while believing that their names are already "written in the book of "life" and speaking peace to their souls, though they be still walking" in the imagination of "their hearts;" they may forget, to "perfect "holiness in the fear of the Lord," 8 that "ho"liness without which no man shall see God." 9 But worst of all is, the almost insurmountable obstacle that it presents in the very outset ; to every rational attempt, to convince and correct the sceptic or unbeliever. For, to describe our Moral Governor, as selecting, before they were born, some individuals for eternal happiness, and dooming others to everlasting misery, without being influenced (as the moving cause of such selection) by any regard to their foreknown characters, actions, motives or feelings; 1 is surely to represent the God of Christianity, as any thing, but a "rewarder of them that diligently 5 Heb. xii. 1. 6 Rev. xiii. 8. 8 2 Cor. vii. 1. 9 Heb. xii. 14. 7 Deut. xxix. 19. 1 See Appendix iv. "seek him ;" and obedience to him as any thing but a "reasonable service." 2 In addition are there not grounds to fear, that the doctrine of Absolute Election, when received (and it is so when abstractedly considered) 3 as the source and cause of all spiritual blessing here, and eternal happiness hereafter; may have a dangerous tendency, to withdraw the contemplation, and in a proportionate degree the affections; from that distinguishing characteristic of the Gospel; the doctrine of Christ, and him crucified. ?” 4 "The gospel "of Christ" is indeed, "the power of God "unto salvation to every one that believeth," 5 but it is so, through" the preaching of the 66 cross. "6 And is there no danger here of setting up irrespective election in place of "Christ" as "the power of God and the wisdom of "God?:"7 is there no danger here," lest the 66 cross of Christ should be made of none 66 66 effect,?" 8 that cross around which all the hopes and affections of the christian, should be ever taught to cling and cluster, in the abounding fruits of faith, gratitude, and love. These considerations should, I think, be ad 2 Calvin himself admitted that great dangers were incident 5 Rom. i. 16. 8 1 Cor. i, 17. mitted, as sufficient ground for any attempt, however humble, to investigate the reasonableness of a doctrine, which appears at least, to have such dangerous tendencies. And, if such an inquiry be conducted with moderation and temper; it cannot surely, be discerviceable to the cause of truth; Nay, though it may not terminate, in reconciling speculative differences, it may conduce to a much more important, because a practical, result. It may lead both sides, to propound their opinions, with such scriptural guards and cautions, as shall secure them, at least to a certain extent, from degenerating into the errors, to which they are respectively liable. On these grounds, therefore, I trust that in the discussion of this subject, I shall be acquitted of prejudiced views, and a controversial spirit, by pious and candid Christians of opposite sentiments: any of whom, I should regret to offend; and some of whom, I have long esteemed it a privilege, to call my friends. I rejoice, indeed, in reflecting that the times are passed away; when a diversity of sentiment on this subject, excited animosity and misrepresentation: and that now it can be discussed, (as every question ought to be by Christians,) in a spirit of charity and mutual forbearance: с each side admitting in the other, sincerity of motive; and making allowance for the bias of judgment, arising from differences of education, and previous habits of thought: but above all, keeping it continually in mind, that imperfection must ever characterise the investigation by finite capacities, of such high and mysterious themes. In addition; it has long appeared to me; that it might very much conduce to calm men's spirits in the consideration of this subject; if they would but reflect, that the same, or very similar differences of opinion, have divided the wise and learned, of almost all ages and countries: and that both sides of the controversy, have found strenuous supporters among those, who either never heard, or never received the Gospel.9 Surely then, unless it can be clearly proved, that Scripture has expressly and definitively decided the matter; Christians, of whichsoever side, should not regard the adoption of their own opinions on this point, as a test of genuine Christianity; much less condemn their opponents as departing from the faith of the Gospel. On the contrary, leaving the abstract question open to the investigations of Natural Theology; they should look among the peculiarities of Christianity 9 See Appendix ii. itself, for some more certain and appropriate criterion, of sound and orthodox belief. Were such false tests to be mutually abandoned; the pious of both sides, might be better prepared, to meet each other, in the full spirit of the Apostle's maxim; "I determined to "know nothing among you save Jesus Christ, "and him crucified." 1 I have only further to add; that I have preferred using in all cases, the term Irrespective Predestination 2 to Calvinism; in order to designate the doctrine to which I am opposed. Calvinism, in its popular sense, embraces not only the five points peculiar to itself; but other Doctrines, which even its opponents, justly value as of vital importance. It is therefore essential, to the cause of evangelical truth, that both parties should carefully avoid all such mis-statements of each others tenets; as might prevent their cordially uniting, in support of their common Christianity. In addition, it may be observed; that many 1 1 Cor. ii. 2. 2 I mean Irrespective Predestination to final salvation or Reprobation; with which I suppose connected the doctrine of Irresistable Grace, sometimes styled invincible, indefectible, effectual. I believe it may be fairly stated that these two dogmas are seldom separated. |