It

never saw one line of Calvin till after the first edition of that sermon was published: nor has he at all altered his sentiments on these subjects by what he has since read of Calvin and Calvinistic writers. It may be indecorous to speak thus concerning himself: but with what justice can he be called a disciple of Calvin? Such a charge on the whole body demands an explicit answer. may also be fairly apprehended that many of the evangelical clergy could, if called to it, make a statement not dissimilar on the subject: and it may confidently be said, that none of them believe these doctrines because they are contained in the works of Calvin; but because they judge that they are contained in the holy scriptures; and are confirmed in this conclusion by those Articles, which they have ex animo subscribed. We have no need to quote the words of any human, or foreign, author; when we can prove our tenets sufficiently from the word of God, and from our authorized books. We appeal to the authority of no master for Christ alone is our Master; and Calvin has no authority except what he derives from the word of God. We do not shrink from avowing the articles of the Calvinistic creed, except where we think any positions unscriptural. We not only virtually, but openly, allow a few things in Calvin, and many in some persons called Calvinists, to be indefensible. We do not

say that Calvinism is not to be judged of by the 'doctrines of Calvin;' but that our doctrines are to be judged of by the word of God, and, as ministers of the establishment, by our Articles, &c, and not by the writings of Calvin. We only

allow the name of Calvinists to prevent circumlocution: but, if being Calvinists implies having Calvin, instead of Christ, for our master, we indignantly disclaim it. "Was Calvin crucified "for us? Or were we baptized in the name of "Calvin?" Veneration for so eminent a man, and humble consciousness of inferiority, may, and often does, keep us silent, even when we disapprove of some of his positions; but we must speak fully what we think, when thus called to do it. We' profess a sort of moderate Calvinism; 'purged of its most offensive tenets.' And do we not believe what we profess? We would " prove "all things" by the touchstone of scripture; " and hold fast that which is good," and that only. Our appeal is not to reason and common sense,' to determine what is, and what is not,' derogatory ⚫ to the perfections of the Deity,' but to the holy scriptures; to" the law and to the testimony." Nor do we regard whether our views be any 'longer Calvinism' or not, provided they accord to the oracles of God: but even these are deemed by multitudes liable to most serious objections; and must they also be modified and explained away for fear of these objections ]

6

'Calvinism, in reality, will not bear defalcation, or admit of partial adoption. It has at least the ' merit of being so far consistent with itself. Its peculiar doctrines, considered as a system, are 'so connected and dependent upon each other, that if you embrace one you must embrace all; and, ' if the falsehood of one part of the system be 'proved, the whole falls to the ground. I cannot 'but suspect that many Calvinists deceive them

never saw one line of Calvin till after the first edition of that sermon was published: nor has he at all altered his sentiments on these subjects by what he has since read of Calvin and Calvinistic writers. It may be indecorous to speak thus concerning himself: but with what justice can he be called a disciple of Calvin? Such a charge on the whole body demands an explicit answer. It may also be fairly apprehended that many of the. evangelical clergy could, if called to it, make a statement not dissimilar on the subject: and it may confidently be said, that none of them believe these doctrines because they are contained in the works of Calvin; but because they judge that they are contained in the holy scriptures; and are confirmed in this conclusion by those Articles, which they have ex animo subscribed. We have no need to quote the words of any human, or foreign, author; when we can prove our tenets sufficiently from the word of God, and from our authorized books. We appeal to the authority of no master: for Christ alone is our Master; and Calvin has no authority except what he derives from the word of God. We do not shrink from avowing the articles of the Calvinistic creed, except where we think any positions unscriptural. We not only virtually, but openly, allow a few things in Calvin, and many in some persons called Calvinists, to be indefensible. We do not

say that Calvinism is not to be judged of by the 'doctrines of Calvin;' but that our doctrines are to be judged of by the word of God, and, as ministers of the establishment, by our Articles, &c, and not by the writings of Calvin. We only

allow the name of Calvinists to prevent circumlocution but, if being Calvinists implies having Calvin, instead of Christ, for our master, we indignantly disclaim it. "Was Calvin crucified "for us? Or were we baptized in the name of "Calvin?" Veneration for so eminent a man, and humble consciousness of inferiority, may, and often does, keep us silent, even when we disapprove of some of his positions; but we must speak fully what we think, when thus called to do it. We profess a sort of moderate Calvinism; 'purged of its most offensive tenets.' And do we not believe what we profess? We would "prove "all things" by the touchstone of scripture ; " and hold fast that which is good," and that only. Our appeal is not to reason and common sense,' to determine what is, and what is not,' derogatory ' to the perfections of the Deity,' but to the holy scriptures; to "the law and to the testimony." Nor do we regard whether our views be any 'longer Calvinism' or not, provided they accord to the oracles of God: but even these are deemed by multitudes liable to most serious objections; and must they also be modified and explained away for fear of these objections]

'Calvinism, in reality, will not bear defalcation, ' or admit of partial adoption. It has at least the ' merit of being so far consistent with itself. Its 'peculiar doctrines, considered as a system, are 'so connected and dependent upon each other, that 'if you embrace one you must embrace all; and, "if the falsehood of one part of the system be 'proved, the whole falls to the ground. I cannot 'but suspect that many Calvinists deceive them

never saw one line of Calvin till after the first edition of that sermon was published: nor has he at all altered his sentiments on these subjects by what he has since read of Calvin and Calvinistic writers. It may be indecorous to speak thus concerning himself: but with what justice can he be called a disciple of Calvin? Such a charge on the whole body demands an explicit answer. It may also be fairly apprehended that many of the. evangelical clergy could, if called to it, make a statement not dissimilar on the subject: and it may confidently be said, that none of them believe these doctrines because they are contained in the works of Calvin; but because they judge that they are contained in the holy scriptures; and are confirmed in this conclusion by those Articles, which they have ex animo subscribed. We have no need to quote the words of any human, or foreign, author; when we can prove our tenets sufficiently from the word of God, and from our authorized books. We appeal to the authority of no master: for Christ alone is our Master; and Calvin has no authority except what he derives from the word of God. We do not shrink from avowing the articles of the Calvinistic creed, except where we think any positions unscriptural. We not only virtually, but openly, allow a few things in Calvin, and many in some persons called Calvinists, to be indefensible. We do not

say that Calvinism is not to be judged of by the 'doctrines of Calvin;' but that our doctrines are to be judged of by the word of God, and, as ministers of the establishment, by our Articles, &c, and not by the writings of Calvin. We only