So glaring are the contradictions betwixt these respective doctrines on election, that a minute discussion of them would be, but a mere trifling upon the subject. And so great are the inconsistences betwixt them, that inferences from that of the apostles, cannot consistently be drawn in vindication of this, thus maintained by both Calvinisms.

Divine foreknowledge, like all other essential attributes of the Deity, must necessarily, infinitely transcend the utmost stretch of all finite comprehension. All therefore, who are disposed to indulge very positive assertions, and imaginary speculations, on this delicate and abstruse subject, are ever in danger of bewildering themselves in idle reveries, or of entangling themselves in the grossest absurdities.

It is a position deemed indisputable amongst Calvinists, that the predestinating decrees are the foundation or cause of the divine foreknowledge. But this tenet is involved in insuperable difficulties. For if predestination and foreknowledge are each eternal, (and Calvinists hold them to be so) and the former be still asserted to be the cause of the latter, thence will follow the inconsistency of an effect, being coeval with its cause, which is an impossibility. But if it be admitted that foreknowledge is not strictly eternal, because subsequent to the decrees, but yet not so, as perceptibly to fall short of eternal duration; then will follow the palpable absurdity of a limited duration, not being distinguishable from an illimitable one. Nor will these and other difficulties be obviated by the salvo of defining predestination and foreknowledge, to be different only as to the order of nature, but coequal and coeval in respect to the order of duration: For if coequal and coeval in respect to duration, neither can in any wise originate from the other; or if that were possible, the foreknowledge might as well produce the predestination, as the predestination produce the foreknowledge. Upon this deep and intricate subject,

the safest course is ever, to follow the infallible teachings of the holy scriptures. But Calvinism not only forsook this sure guide, but has even dared to act in opposition thereunto. But to this it has been compelled; for as Paul's golden chain of doctrines, now under consideration, exhibits its first link as composed of foreknowledge, and its last of glorification; and as Calvinism ever holds that chain, to be indissolubly strong and binding, and divine foreknowledge to extend to the whole human race, in all their varieties of actions and characters; it of course was constrained, in order to prevent the inevitable conclusion of universal salvation, to transpose the order of St. Paul's links, so, as that predestination should occupy the place of foreknowledge.

The ablest and best commentator on these doctrines of Paul, unquestionably, is Peter. For having seen and read his epistles, he thus remarks on them. "Ac

count that the long suffering of our Lord is salva❝tion; even as our beloved brother Paul, also, ac"cording to the wisdom given unto him, hath written "unto you; as also in all his epistles, speaking in "them of these things; in which are some things "hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned "and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scrip"tures, to their own destruction." 2 Epistle 111, 15, 16. That Peter here refered very particularly to Romans 11, 4, and generally, to that whole epistle, can hardly be doubted by any attentive, intelligent and candid reader. And from his fore cited definition of "election, (being) according to fore knowledge, &c."

wherein, he so expressly and particularly harmonized with Paul, on the same subject; it manifestly amounts to a very strong proof, that he had carefully studied the eighth chapter. And as he considered some parts of Paul's epistles hard to be understood, and those hard parts dangerous to unlearned and unstable persons, it therefore is to be concluded, that he would elucidate in some degree, those hard parts, and warn mankind, against those errours, to which they might thence, be most exposed. And hence sir, I must conclude, that a very considerable portion of his first chapter, in his second epistle, was occupied in this very manner. A few verses only, I shall here transcribe. "Giving all "diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue "knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and "to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly "kindness charity. For if these things be in you, "and abound, they make you, that ye shall neither be "barren, nor unfruitful, in the knowledge of our Lord "Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things, is "blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that "he was purged from his old sins. Therefore, the "rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling "and election sure; for, if ye do these things, ye "shall never fall." 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 verses. And whilst these apostolick teachings, thus instruct and admonish us, in respect to things, hard to be understood in Paul's writings; so, they tend likewise, to instruct us, in the true meaning of John x, 27, 28, 29, viz. "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them,

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"and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal "life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any

pluck them out of my hands. My father, who gave "them me, is greater than all; and none is able to "pluck them out of my Father's hands."

Upon a due comparison of this character of Christ's sheep; (that they hear his voice and follow him,) with Peter's character of those who make their calling and election sure, in following the forecited rules laid down by him, when feeding his master's sheep and lambs; we discover not only the strictest agreement betwixt the under Shepherd, and the Chief Shepherd, but we likewise in both have exhibited before us, a concise specimen of the real nature, and true character of the genuine doctrine, of the perseverance of the saints. And all sheep and lambs, who faithfully abide in Christ's pastures, and partake with appetite, of the food of doctrine, prepared for them when under sufferings or in danger, will most assuredly be kept unto life eternal; for saith this under shepherd, and well instructed apostle, unto all such, "Wherefore, let them "that suffer according to the will of God, commit the "keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator." 1 Peter 1 Peter IV, 19.

And now sir, permit me to assure you, that I am neither your enemy, nor yet an enemy to either Calvinists or Hopkinsians, notwithstanding any liberties here taken with your contrast, or, with their respective systems. Should you in these letters (as undoubtedly you will,) discover minor errours, I request you will generously overlook them, as the mere results of