many of its professors, consider the total disavowal of ancient Calvinism, so earnestly pleaded by their theological writers (who at the same time endeavour to insinuate upon the unguarded reader a scheme essentially the same,) to be equally discreditable to the character of a faithful teacher of religion, and the avowed principles of a fair Controversialist. As the unerring words of Divine wisdom can alone, on this subject, furnish a safe guide, and must necessarily be, in all cases of doubt, the ultimate ground of appeal, the Scriptural plan of refutation has been, in the present publication, alone adopted; the limits assigned to it precluding either an appeal to metaphysical reasoning, or to historic proof, in additional confirmation of the falsity of its pretensions. Although should the present attempt be favourably received

+ The defender of modern Calvinism, though disclaiming the gen. eral system of Calvin, and denominating the attack of it by certain writers (in allusion to his own party) a 'creature of their own,' a 'telum imbelle sine ictu,' very singularly tells us that Calvinistic principles are incontrovertible'-'that the Church of England built her doctrines on the same foundation,' &c, Overton's True Church man, p 94, 96, 355.

by the public, the Writer will lose no time in preparing for the Press, two other Tracts, in which the subject is continued, on the Metaphysical and Historical ground respectively; thus completing the plan which he had marked out. That the only or at least, the most conclusive argument is furnished by Holy Writ, will appear still more evident, from a brief consideration of the Calvinistic scheme, and the character of its supporters. We see the writings of its first champion, defaced by perpetual contradiction and ambiguity;§ its more modern Advocate, who has had the honour of giving his name to the rivived heresy, at one time, by a strange forgetfulness, completely overturning his own system;† and frequently by self

MOSHEIM (Eccl, History, vol ii, 90) speaks of Augustine, as a writer not always consistent with himself or intelligible to others; as an instance of his ambiguity may be mentioned his giving four differing interpretations in his works, to an important passage (1 Tim. ii 4) connected with his own system. Vossiu's history Pelag. 666.

+ Messias abundantly performed all those things which were necessary for the redemption of ALL MEN, neither truly was this benefit limited to one Israel (chosen people) only; but rather was continually to be extended (or offered) to the whole human race;

refutation affording a striking instance of the instability of error, whilst his almost equally celebrated colleague, with unparralelled theological audacity, was falsifying the word of God, to support his unscriptural dogma of partial redemption.|| Or, if we consider Calvinism in more modern times, advocated by writers of every class, and argument of every kind, from the unblushiug An

since by one Christ, the whole human race was to be reconciled to God. Calvin's preface to a French Edition of the New Test, 1535,

In proof and illustration of what is here asserted, I would allege the not unfrequent discrepancies which occur in the interpretation of these passages in which Calvinism is supposed to rest, as found in Calvin's Institutes, formed in early life, compared with those which appear in his COMMENTARY on the New Testament, the production of his maturer years, when his judgment was fully ripened, and his rash vehemence corrected by more profound and dispassionate inquiry. Nor are there wanting some discrepancies between the interpretations in the various editions of his Institutes published in his own life time, and under his own eye, And it is remarkable that this change is almost invariably from Calvinism, to a more Scriptural creed. I will only add, that the above allegations rest on authority of the most unexceptionable kind, name. ly that of one of the greatest Thelogians of the day, the present learned and truly venerable BISHOP OF SALISBURY,

|| Beza mistranslates (mala fide, says Bp Pearson,) the following passage, directly subverting his own system, by rendering òs παντας ανθρωπους θελει σωθηναι Qui quovis homines vult servari, (1 Tim. li 4,) See also verse 6 of the same chapter and Titus ii 11, as examples of similar perversion.

tinomian blasphemy of a Crisp, to the refined and unmeaning sophistry of a Williams,-at one time shrinking from defeat ining enious hypotheses, at another shrouding itself in unintelligible metaphysics-how arduous, nay I had almost said impossible, must be the task of effectual refutation, unless the sword of the Spirit

"For no falsehood can endure

Touch of celestial temper; but returns

Of force to its own likeness."

Paradise Lost, bk. 4, 811-13

arm in the conflict and crown us with success.

A strict originality in interpreting each passage could not be required in a work of this nature; though the Author is not aware that he has ever intentionally borrowed the thoughts or language of others on any matter of importance, without expressing his obligation; he would especially refer to several passages relating to the controversy in the Gospel of St. John (which have been though abounding in difficulties, strangely passed over by most Commentators, almost sicco pede) and of which an original, and as the Author hopes

a more satisfactory elucidation than any yet offered, has been attempted.

It is for the religious Public to decide how far the execution of the foregoing design has been successfully attained. And to the award of the competently informed and candid reader, as to its merits, the Author will cheerfully submit. Not, however, with any diminution of his confidence, in the goodness of the cause, of which he will be found, at least, a sincere upholder and strenuous defender. Of the final success of that cause, founded as it is on the unerring dicta of the Written Word, and therefore leaning upon the strength of the everlasting Arm-he cannot for a moment doubt, persuaded as he is that it will, under the all-powerful prevalence of TRUTH, go on conquering and to conquer.