state, who were aiming to destroy the liberties and religion of a great nation; as all descriptions of persons clearly saw. It was therefore a revolution evidently called for by almost the unanimous voice of the nation, as the event proved.-I may further add, that this was the only passage in the book which was inserted at the desire of those friends, whose judgment I had most reason to look up to; and it was thought it would render the statement more impartial and unexceptionable than it would otherwise have been. "In respect of my affairs, I shall lose 500l. and get the copy-right, which may perhaps be an advantage some time: but I am very well satisfied: if good be done, my end is answered. "Mrs. S., who is tolerably well, thank God, desires to be kindly remembered to you, and we both desire your prayers for us, and our's. "I remain "Your affectionate friend and servant, "THOMAS SCOTT." I VII. LETTERS TO THE REV. DOCTOR RYLAND.1 1787-1797. "DEAR SIR, "Chapel Street, January 20, 1787. "I was aware that you would not readily accede to what I advanced upon the extent, or sufficiency of the death of Christ: nor do I feel much inclined to attempt a more full discussion of the subject. But, as this was one of the first impressions I had of evangelical truth, and as I have never seen cause in the least to alter my sentiment; but have been more and more confirmed in it by every renewed examination: as it forms, and ever has formed, a very prominent feature in my preaching, and the very basis of all my invitations and warnings, and declarations of wrath against those who neglect so great salvation: as it is evidently the doctrine of the church of England, and of most of our more eminent divines: it was very proper that I should avow it on this occasion; (because it would have had an appearance of insincerity and shuffling, if I had not:) though I then foresaw, and now find, that many consider it as rather the ' Formerly of Northampton, now of Bristol. 2 In his Sermon on Election and Final Perseverance. See Life, p. 234, 253, 646. (240, 260, 664.) most exceptionable part of the sermon; and it has given Mr. Simms a handle to trouble some people's minds. However, in the long run, 'honesty is the best policy;' and most of the ministers, and even some in your line, cordially approve of the distinction. I suppose you will allow that there is an infinite sufficiency in the merit of Christ's atonement: and I do not in the least suppose (nay I avow the contrary,) that the death of Christ was intended to save those who eventually perish. You will allow that the language of the cross is goodwill to men, though sinners: and I allow that there is a peculiar purpose of special love to the elect. You will allow that no man perishes because of any deficiency in the provision made in the gospel; but for want of an appetite for that provision: and I allow that God gives that appetite to none but those for whom that provision was specially intended. In short, I cannot but think that you allow as much as I do, every time you invite a sinner to come to Christ, insist that faith in Christ is every one's duty, and unbelief an aggravated act of rebellion. And the reason why I think the distinction important (for I have other reasons for thinking it true,) is, that it affords, in my view, the only firm large ground for invitations; gives the most easy opening for encouragement to awakened sinners and leaves the sinner the most inexcusable. I am far from thinking that the lost soul can, in. Paul's sense, adopt his words; (Gal. ii. 20:) for they refer to the special love and intention of Christ: but the lost sinner may say, 'I am lost, not for want of sufficiency in the atonement, or of love in the heart of Christ, but through my own inexcusable impenitence and unbelief.' And this, I think, you will allow. In the second edition, which is coming out, I have added one more note upon the subject, and should have gone on further, but that I considered that it would come into fewer hands: and that, if it were necessary, I had better state and consider the subject in a distinct publication.-I trust the effect here has been considerable; though many have left us, and there are difficulties: yet I am not left to discouragement. Such siftings and separations do no harm.-Mr. Newton is, I think, too much afraid of controversy; others are too fond of it. It is necessary that some should contend for the truth, and oppose error: but we must look well to our spirits, not only lest we grow warm, but lest we forget in our preaching the proportion which the truth we defend bears to the whole system.-If have any strong new arguments against my you sentiments, I shall be obliged to you for them. Mr. Newton is very favourable to the sermon.I can sympathize with you, and I hope do not forget to pray for you in respect of your severe trial. I trust the end will be mercy and advantage: and I hope it will be better in a temporal sense than your fears; and that the Lord will spare and restore your help-meet. But all here is vanity and vexation, and nothing can comfort us long but the blessed Comforter... ... As for me my ground is taken; and, unless some one really convinces me that I am in error, I must maintain it as long, and as well as I can: the sword is drawn, and I must either yield, or follow up my stroke one way or other. I am yet in doubt how things will be at the Lock, but have many firm friends. But I have neither ambition nor expectation of proselyting the world. We are both opposing the same error, of most fatal tendency; and contending for the same truth, of invaluable excellency: and, if you feel yourself firmer on your ground, fight on, and the Lord prosper you! But the little ditch between us rather prevents our stepping so well to each other's assistance.-With best wishes and love to yourself, Mrs. R. &c. "I remain your affectionate brother, "DEAR SIR, "Chapel-street. June 18, 1787. "I was much disappointed in not finding you at home,1 as I rode through Northampton in my way to Creaton, and still more so when I found that you were not expected home till the next evening; as the two mornings were the only time I could possibly contrive to spend with you, and I stood engaged to preach twice the next day at Woolston, near Newport. My journey into the country was unexpected and short, and my preaching and engagements so numerous, that I wonder I was enabled to go through with them: but I had so many pleasing things to support me, that it was a very comfortable journey; and returning to town was like putting to sea in stormy weather. But he who hath caused me to triumph in other places is able to bring about the same here too : and he will do it, if he give me faith, patience, pru |