other time, to Mrs. N. "How deplorable a thing is this, that I, who have preached so much of the glory of another world, should now be deprived of it all? You will as surely see me damned, as you now see me stand here. And, again, being much pressed to publish his repentance for his book, that had caused him so much trouble; he answered, "I have thought sometimes so to do; But I am so confused and confounded in my mind, that I know not what to do: I can do nothing to purpose. Again (with a deep sigh) said, "The black tokens of reprobation are upon me; I cannot stoop to the sovereignty of God, I would be above him. short, he drew three papers of recantation, written with his own hand. The first of which, begins thus :

In

"That it is a dishonour to the church and clergy of England, to have such an one, that hath no wit, so little justice, reason, and conscience to plead for them; that the author of this libel is worthily so represented, appears by divers base, false, devilish, and most scandalous passages, therein contained."

"THEY (the Calvinist Dissenters) are represented as a people, weak, and fantastical, and not rendering a tolerable reason for their differing from others,

which is a devilish stroke, made by a black blow. To assert the Nonconform ists have no kind of order in sending forth their ministers; that preachers run on their own heads, upon a fanciful supposition that they are able to preach, or, at the most, have but the consent and connivance of a few weak persons, is a devilish lie, as thousands can witness. To say this is a true statement, or the case is truly thus, as we are able to make it good, is a lie, if possible, more than damnable, &c.". After which, he miserably destroyed himself, Oct. 13, 1684.

History of remarkable Providences, by the Rev. W. Turner, M. A. page 20.

REFLECTIONS.

It appears necessary, before we raise a hue and cry against the Bigot, that we properly describe him; otherwise,

we

shall be liable to seize the innocent, and suffer the guilty to escape. Dr. Watts, who long had his eye on him; has pointed him out as being, "a man devoted, unreasonably, to a certain party, or to certain opinions." The accurate Dr. Johnson, has given precisely the same description of him. To say the least, he is an unlovely character; I hope, reader, thou art not the man.

I fear that Bigotry, of which we have such lamentable proof in the narrative, is an epidemical sickness, from which, even the soundest minds are not always exempt. Bigotry has been found in all places, and among all persuasions. In the Dissenters pulpit, bigotry has been seen haughty and repulsive; and on the bishop's throne, with a dark scowl on his countenance; and in his hand, a rod dipt in blood. At Rome he has been seen sitting in the temple, as a God; and in the infidel club, has been beheld, grinning like an ape, at truths which should have made him serious as death; and heard, gnashing his teeth like a beast of prey at that cause, which is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.

No one is more universally decried than this Bigotry; and yet, at the same time, no one is more imitated. Not a man owns him for an inmate; all disown him as a favourite; yet alas, how many cherish him as an only son! But, how is this? We know what human nature is; and we know, what is the power of prejudice and self-will. And, who sees not, that it is owing to these, that the vulture is treated with tenderness, and the dove torn in pieces.

The highly culpable spirit of Doctor du Moulin sprang not from the calvinism

which he defended, but from his predominant, overpowering, naughty temper. He who degrades Calvinism, because of the spirit of its advocate, must also, to be consistent, condemn Arminianism, for its defender displayed the same acrimonious disposition. Alas, this spirit of bigotry and intolerance, was the woeful effect, not so much of their differing systems, as of their common apostate, and unsubdued nature. Principles have, most undoubtedly, their influence in controversy, but not to the extent which is often assigned them. There have been holy, meek, and heavenly men-Men eminently owned of God, among Churchmen and Dissenters, Calvinists, Baxterians, and Arminians. This fact is incontrovertible; and it should breathe tolerance, into our spirits; and impartiality, into our censures.

What a contradictory being is man! What more absurd-what more contradictory, than an Arminian maintaining the doctrine of sinless perfection and universal love, with reproachful words, biting sarcasms, and unkind invectives? And, what more inconsistent, than a Calvinist thus acting, towards those, who see not with him; and who yet, professes to believe, that men can only see, as God gives them to see. The love of God, expe

R

rimentally enjoyed, is the only alkali, that can neutralize these acid spirits.

The case of the learned and acute Doctor du Moulin and Mr. Child, may well serve as a beacon and an index, both to Calvinists and Arminians. Here are things to be avoided; to be execrated; and to be imitated. They deserve a deep and frequent attention, from those theological champions, who would turn the tents of Salem into a camp of warriors. Let us, my reader, beware that we do not catch the contagion.

The deeply humbled and penetential spirit of Dr. du Moulin, on account of the unworthy manner, in which he defended the principles of Calvin, well became him. The important advice which he gave, was worthy of his head, and of his heart. Happy would it be for the Christian church, were it more reduced to practice. And, why should we not reduce it to practice?

The frank, and affecting acknowledgment of Mr. Child, the Arminian writer, respecting his foul misrepresentations of the Calvinistic Dissenters, is most impressive. It is a glass, in which many furious modern declaimers against Calvinism and Dissent, would do well, frequently to look, and deeply to blush.