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fact we have the authority of the "Edinburgh Encyclopedia,” Art. Calvinism. Well might the late Dr. Miller, of Princeton, say, that "no system was ever more grossly misrepresented or more foully villified," and that it would be difficult to find a writer or speaker who has opposed it, who has fairly represented the system, or who really appeared to understand it."* We fear the modern Bishop (at Pittsburgh), and Mr. Foster, whom he indorses, must fall under the same condemnation.

According to these authors, Calvinism is justly chargeable with "unaccountable and horrid teachings," "revolting and shameful deformities," "inculcates licentiousness and recklessness, licenses crime;" "a man may become during life a devil in sin, but he cannot miss of heaven;" "endangers all the interests of sound virtue and true religion;" "dishonors and demonizes the God of the universe," &c. &c. Such, according to Bishop Simpson and Mr. Foster, are correct features of Calvinism! Their book swarms with such misrepresentations as these, only worse, if that were possible! And one of their chief authorities for these charitable statements, is the Presbyterian "Confession of Faith." Now in all Christian courtesy, we of course must suppose that these Arminian brethren and their church, which publishes "The Objections to Calvinism," really believe their own statements. But if the picture be a true one, it is difficult to understand Mr. Wesley, when, in speaking of our Larger Catechism, which is a summary of Calvinistic doctrines, he says that, "in the main, it is a ✔ very excellent composition." And how could he affirm, "I believe Calvin was a great instrument of God, and that he was a wise and pious man." "John Calvin was a pious, learned, sensible man." Could such a man have taught a system of doctrine as foul and monstrous as Atheism itself?

More than this: The Confession of Faith of our church, which Messrs. Foster and Simpson say they have demonstrably convicted of such enormities, was the work of the Westminster Assembly of Divines. Who were the members of that Assembly? What was their character? Let the "Methodist Quarterly Review "? give the answer: That Assembly included "a galaxy of illustrious persons, of unequaled brightness"-"such were the leading spirits of the body"-"stars of the first magnitude." But according to Messrs. Simpson and Foster, this " 'unequaled galaxy of stars" shed upon the world unequaled

darkness!

*On Presbyterianism, pp. 26, 27.
Works, vols. i. and ii. pp. 546, 475.

† Original Sin, part 2, sec. 2.
2 For October, 1848.

Again: "That famous Confession," says the same high Methodist authority, "is in many particulars a remarkable production"—“ a well written instrument"-though "most thoroughly Calvinistic." "Whoever adopts it as the formulary of his faith, though he may err as to some speculative points, will be sound in all things essential to a saving appreciation of the way of salvation." Compare this honorable testimony with the statements of Messrs. Simpson and Foster. And what have been the practical results, the fruits of this Confession? "The influence of the labors of the Assembly," adds the same “Methodist Quarterly," "has been extensive and controlling over multitudes of the better classes of the inhabitants *** wherever the English language is spoken. To their formularies"-mark this!" millions have owed their preservation from destructive errors, their theological knowledge, and SAVING SOBER PIETY.” And all this from a system which, in certain of its features, "inculcates licentiousness, licenses crime, and demonizes the God of the universe!" So at least say these Arminian brethren.

But has not this "wild vine" of Calvinistic growth and culture, often produced "the grapes of Sodom and the clusters of Gomorrah?" The Methodist Quarterly" shall answer: "Ever since,"—i. e. since the meeting of the Westminster Assembly-"it (the Confession) has exerted a most salutary influence in the world. By it the Romanizing tendency of the English Establishment has been kept in check; its opposition to uniformity has perpetuated religious liberty, while its deeptoned orthodoxy has stood as a bulwark against the onsets of every form of seductive error." These are certainly not the clusters of Sodom! In confirmation of these facts, the "Methodist Quarterly" next cites Scotland as 66 an exemplification of the practical tendency of these formularies," and quotes from the Life of Alexander Henderson what is called "a felicitous statement of the case," as follows: "These (Westminster) divines have erected a monument in almost every heart in Scotland. * * * Next to the introduction of Christianity, and the translation of the Bible into the vulgar tongue, the framing of the Confession of Faith and of the Catechism, has conferred the greatest boon on every Christian in our country." This differs slightly from the picture of Foster and Simpson!

"He was

Still further: The same Quarterly has a glowing eulogy of that distinguished Calvinist, Alexander Henderson, "who wrote the principal part of the Confession of Faith with his own hand." evidently of that sort of men of which martyrs are made." country honors his memory as that of one of her chief benefactors

"His

and the whole Christian world owes him a debt of lasting gratitude." If our Arminian brethren, Foster and Simpson, are right, the Christian world must be grateful for very small favors!

Finally, says the Reviewer: "The famous Westminster Assembly, * * * in its origin, progress and end, was like a meteor bursting suddenly into being and beaming with unwonted splendor for a season, &c." “Not so, however, were its effects. Like the genial flowers and sunshine of early spring, it imparted life and strength to what had seemed utterly dead, *** the pledge of the coming summer and the seed time of that harvest whose reaping is yet in progress." Such were, and continue to be the fruits of a system, which in several of its distinctive features, "licenses crime and endangers all the interests of sound virtue and true religion!"

And even when this Arminian Reviewer speaks of "the vexed question of decrees," it is in a tone of candor and fairness very different from that which pervades the "Objections," &c. "It may be very difficult,” he says, "by the force of logic, to evade the conclusion of the Predestinarians; it is equally difficult for them to reconcile their own views to a sense of justice and the revealed character of God. Both parties in this controversy have need to learn that some things are too high for them. If Revelation discloses truths which threaten to clash in their remote consequences, it becomes us to leave those consequences to God, nor dare to dim the glory of His name by limiting his natural attributes of knowledge aud power, &c." The allusion we suppose to be especially to Dr. Adam Clarke's theological foibles in regard to Divine Foreknowledge. This Reviewer writes in a spirit which cannot be too strongly recommended to certain persons, who, with presumptuous daring, “rush in where angels fear to tread." But if he imagines that the Calvinistic scheme "so hides the moral perfections of God, as to make him appear as an Almighty Tyrant," we can only say that in our humble judgment, the charge is altogether without foundation, and indeed may be fairly retorted upon his own system. But where there is so much that is fair and candid, so much that does honor both to the head and heart of the Reviewer, so much to evince a spirit that bows to the supremacy of truth, even when she frowns upon him—in such circumstances we cannot feel any great disposition to find fault.

From the very numerous expressions of approval which the writer has at different times received, the following are selected:

From the late Dr. Archibald Alexander.

“The subject has been treated in a fair and masterly manner. The argumentative part of the work is admirably conducted. The book should be widely circulated in our Church. Such a defense against the ungenerous attacks of many assailants, was called for, and will effectually subserve the promotion of evangelical truth.”

From the Biblical Repertory.

"The author has proved himself to be a workman that need not be ashamed. Whoever wishes to see the objections commonly made by Arminians to the Calvinistic system fairly rolled back on their own, will find satisfaction in the perusal of this volume."

From the Rev. William Engles, D. D. Editor of "The Presbyterian." "Mr. Annan was induced to undertake this work in self-defense. * * * He has furnished a popular treatise, which cannot be easily answered; hence his book has been assailed with great violence. But we can see no reason for so much wrath in the temper or style of this volume. He has carried the war into the enemy's territory. We advise Presbyterians, when assailed by Arminians, to procure and circulate this book."

From Rev. Dr. Musgrave.

"I was rejoiced to see a new edition of The Difficulties of Arminian Methodism.' It was quite time the slanders and gross misrepresentations of that denomination should be repelled and exposed. The author has used them up' handsomely, and deserves the thanks of all who love truth, honesty, honor, and rational piety."

From Rev. Dr. Elliott, of the Western Theological Seminary.

"The work is well executed. The author has presented the difficulties of the system which he assails, in a clear and forcible manner. The radical authorities which he has introduced, greatly enhance the value of the work. Those who are so fond of exhibiting the difficulties of Calvinism, will here find room for the trial of their skill in settling the difficulties of their own system. The work is cheerfully recommended to the patronage of an intelligent Christian public."

From the late Rev. Dr. Baird, Editor of the Pittsburgh Christian Herald. "It was wise to carry the war into the territory of the assailants, and this Mr. Annan has done with ability and success.”

From a Review in the Presbyterian.

“It is a work full of merit, from its rational exhibition of what may be called theological absurdities-a luminous exposure of the absurdities of the Arminian system. The style, from its original method, is agreeable. It includes also an able defense of the doctrine of Calvin and others. To all who can obtain the book, we say-Read."

From a Review in the Christian Herald.

"A successful development of the difficulties of the Arminian system. I know of no volume so well adapted to expose the weak points of Methodism. The style is popular and sprightly, the argument pointed and concise. The Difficulties of Arminian Methodism' are strongly, fairly, yet succinctly stated. The volume is convenient, portable, neatly executed and popularly written. It is therefore well adapted to strengthen Presbyterians in their confidence in the truth of their own system, and guard them against the claims of arrogant Arminians.”

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