retort, by asking at each objector, the laconic, though appalling question: "Nay, but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God * ?" The principles, exhibited in these volumes, are not, by any means, to be regarded as abstract speculations, that can have no connexion either with the feelings of the heart, or the morality of the conduct. They will be found to have a direct, and a very powerful influence on both. They are fitted to secure unspeakable joy, and to give "everlasting consolation;" because they lead those, who truly believe them, to cherish "good hope throughgrace t."-Nor can any thing, but the grossest misconception of the nature of these doctrines, cause them to be viewed as leading to licentiousness. The very same grace, to which salvation, in its eternal source, in its eventual application, and its final completion, must be traced, is calculated, as the apostle intimates, in the passage just referred to, not only to "comfort the hearts" of its subjects, but also to "stablish them in every good word and work." The doctrines of grace, therefore, will always be found to be "doctrines according to godliness." They lay the axe to the very root of the tree of corruption; and at the same time, convey constant nourishment to that which is "the planting of the Lord," and which produces in the richest variety and abundance," the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God."-" The grace of God that bringeth salva . *Rom. ix. 20. 2 Thess. ii. 16. 2 Thess. ii. 17. tion" to those whom he had chosen in his Son from eternity, and redeemed by his Son in time, "teacheth us, that, denying ungodliness, and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world." A very powerful reason for this is added." The great God, even our Saviour Jesus Christ, gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works *." The discussions of Mr. TOPLADY, on these doctrines of grace and godliness, will be found peculiarly interesting. Seldom have these ever been brought in union, to bear on any topics, such a fund of information and learning, such vigour of mind, and such fervour of piety. To the original Editor of these Works, therefore, the Public were deeply indebted. In bringing forward the present uniform edition of them, the Publishers flatter themselves, that the volumes will be found worthy of yet more cordial approbation. In the Editorial department, they have been assisted by a Rev. Gentleman, who has availed himself of all the sources of information to which he had access, both in compiling the Memoir, and introducing some original matter, not in former editions. A new arrangement has been made in the order of many of the separate articles, which, it is presumed, will render the whole more luminous to the reader the errors of former editions have been corrected; and the typographical department has been executed, *Titus ii. 11-14. in such a manner, as will, they trust, do no discredit to the revered memory of the Author, and the intrinsic merits of his Works. How far the Editor, and the Publishers have succeeded in performing their respective tasks, must now be left to the judgment and decision of the religious Public. They are, in the mean time, conscious of having done their best, to offer, in an inviting form, the Works of a man, whose praise has long been in the churches, and whose name, they have no doubt, will be held in "everlasting remembrance." CONTENTS. Occasion of the present undertaking. Free-willers punished with imprisonment by king Edward VI. and our first refor- mers. Harmony between Popery and Arminianism. Re- Free-willers the first dissenters of the reformed church of England. Calvinism of king Edward, and of the Lord Pro- tector Somerset. That king a prodigy of parts, piety, and Modern Geneva arminianized, through the abolition of mini- sterial subscriptions. Some particulars concerning Dr. Christopher Potter. Arminianism proved on the church of Rome. Pope Leo X. anathematizes Luther for denying the The council of Trent called, with a view to stem the progress of the Calvinistic doctrines. The decisions of that council, and therein of the Romish church at large, in favour of free- will, conditional predestination, merit, and justification by Page The Arminianism of the church of Rome farther evinced, in her treatment of Janssenius and Quesnel. Concise history of Janssenius and Quesnel. Concise history of Janssenius, and of the celebrated five propositions. Extracts from the hundred and one propositions of Quesnel. Bull Unigenitus 248 Some account of the Ranters, and their principles. Doctrinal Arminianism not the doctrine of the four first centuries. The judgment of Barnabas, of Clement, of Ignatius, and of Poly- carp, concerning those articles of faith which stand between Judgment of some eminent persons, who flourished antecedent- ly to the Reformation, concerning those points. The Albi- genses and Waldenses. Sketch of Gotteschalcus' doctrines and sufferings. Remigius of Lyons. Florus Magister Judgment of several eminent persons in England, previous to the Reformation. Bede, Bishop Grosthead, Doctor John Judgment of eminent English martyrs, prior to the settlement of the Reformation. Sawtree, Claydon, Bilney, Bainham, |