The quotation made from Augustine cannot so much as seem contrary to the tenets of Calvinists; except as Calvinists are supposed to neglect warning men against perverting the gospel into an encouragement to sin: so that I hope I may be allowed to adduce these quotations from books published many years ago, for the purpose of shewing that we do not fail to caution men in this respect, as earnestly as any of the ancient fathers. I trust the reader will excuse me for taking them from my own writings; which I could do with less expense of time than from those of my brethren and I am confident that the evangelical clergy in general will approve these warnings, and, as far as our argument is concerned, be willing that they should be considered as their own.

That this their regard to holy practice, even " abounding in every good work," is not only "in "word and in tongue, but in deed and in truth ;” the appeal may safely be made to the public at large.

[There is scarcely an expression in the whole passage from Augustine, to be found in the Re'futation,' p. 439 to p. 442, that Calvinists would object to.- Become worthy of that habitation' is not language generally current among them: but, as it is not wholly unscriptural, it only needs a proper interpretation. To those only who lead good lives; that is, who shew their faith by their good works.-The reader of quotations to this effect, adduced as directly opposed to the ' tenets of Calvinism,' unless he is conversant with the argument, will of course be led to think,

'Matt. x. 37. Luke xx. 35. Rev. iii. 4.

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'glorify his own faithfulness. He had received Isaac from God, who had a right to dispose of him: honour and comfort were in this path; and, though untried before, with undaunted constancy he walked in it.-Hear this, ye inattentive objectors, who traduce the doctrine of salvation by faith as inimical to practical godliness. Go, and upon your principles equal or exceed this 'obedience: till then be dumb; or allow that, though you understand it not, this apparently 'weak principle produces effects beyond comparison prodigious. But hear this likewise, ye 'abusers of this most holy faith, whose conduct 'merits still deeper indignation; who " say you have faith," yet cleave to your sins, renounce 'not the world, deny not yourselves, refuse the cross, are lovers of yourselves, of pleasure, of money, more than lovers of God; and, instead of parting with a deservedly beloved Isaac at 'God's command, like Judas, kiss Christ, and sell 'him for a few pieces of silver, or some vile sen'sual gratification! Here then compare your 'faith with Abraham's, and acknowledge that you " are no genuine sons of this father of the faithful; 'but that your faith is dead, your hope presump'tuous, and that Abraham disowns and is ashamed ' of you. In plain language, nothing but faith 'will carry a man through with unreserved obe'dience in every possible trial; and that is no true faith which perseveres in refusing to obey a plain commandment, in any case whatever. “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."'i

1 Practical Observations on Gen. xxii. Comment on Bible, 1788.

The quotation made from Augustine cannot so much as seem contrary to the tenets of Calvinists; except as Calvinists are supposed to neglect warning men against perverting the gospel into an encouragement to sin: so that I hope I may be allowed to adduce these quotations from books published many years ago, for the purpose of shewing that we do not fail to caution men in this respect, as earnestly as any of the ancient fathers. I trust the reader will excuse me for taking them from my own writings; which I could do with less expense of time than from those of my brethren and I am confident that the evangelical clergy in general will approve these warnings, and, as far as our argument is concerned, be willing that they should be considered as their own.

"

That this their regard to holy practice, even "abounding in every good work," is not only "in "word and in tongue, but in deed and in truth ;' the appeal may safely be made to the public at large.

[There is scarcely an expression in the whole passage from Augustine, to be found in the Re'futation,' p. 439 to p. 442, that Calvinists would object to.- Become worthy of that habitation' is not language generally current among them: but, as it is not wholly unscriptural, it only needs a proper interpretation. To those only who lead "good lives; that is, who shew their faith by their good works.-The reader of quotations to this effect, adduced as directly opposed to the * tenets of Calvinism,' unless he is conversant with the argument, will of course be led to think,

' Matt. x. 37. Luke xx. 35. Rev. ii. 4.

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glorify his own faithfulness. He had received 'Isaac from God, who had a right to dispose of 'him honour and comfort were in this path; ' and, though untried before, with undaunted constancy he walked in it.-Hear this, ye inattentive objectors, who traduce the doctrine of salvation by faith as inimical to practical godliness. Go, "and upon your principles equal or exceed this 'obedience: till then be dumb; or allow that, though you understand it not, this apparently "weak principle produces effects beyond compa'rison prodigious. But hear this likewise, ye 'abusers of this most holy faith, whose conduct 'merits still deeper indignation; who " say you have faith," yet cleave to your sins, renounce 'not the world, deny not yourselves, refuse the cross, are lovers of yourselves, of pleasure, of money, more than lovers of God; and, instead ' of parting with a deservedly beloved Isaac at 'God's command, like Judas, kiss Christ, and sell ' him for a few pieces of silver, or some vile sen'sual gratification! Here then compare your 'faith with Abraham's, and acknowledge that you " are no genuine sons of this father of the faithful; 'but that your faith is dead, your hope presumptuous, and that Abraham disowns and is ashamed ' of you. In plain language, nothing but faith 'will carry a man through with unreserved obe'dience in every possible trial; and that is no 'true faith which perseveres in refusing to obey a plain commandment, in any case whatever. "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."'1

! Practical Observations on Gen. xxii. Comment on Bible, 1788.

The quotation made from Augustine cannot so much as seem contrary to the tenets of Calvinists; except as Calvinists are supposed to neglect warning men against perverting the gospel into an encouragement to sin: so that I hope I may be allowed to adduce these quotations from books published many years ago, for the purpose of shewing that we do not fail to caution men in this respect, as earnestly as any of the ancient fathers. I trust the reader will excuse me for taking them from my own writings; which I could do with less expense of time than from those of my brethren and I am confident that the evangelical clergy in general will approve these warnings, and, as far as our argument is concerned, be willing that they should be considered as their own.

That this their regard to holy practice, even ❝ abounding in every good work," is not only "in "word and in tongue, but in deed and in truth;" the appeal may safely be made to the public at large.

[There is scarcely an expression in the whole passage from Augustine, to be found in the 'Refutation,' p. 439 to p. 442, that Calvinists would object to.- Become worthy of that habitation' is not language generally current among them: but, as it is not wholly unscriptural, it only needs a proper interpretation. To those only who lead "good lives; that is, who shew their faith by their good works.-The reader of quotations to this effect, adduced as 'directly opposed to the * tenets of Calvinism,' unless he is conversant with the argument, will of course be led to think,

'Matt. x. 37. Luke xx. 35. Rev. iii. 4.