DEAR SIR, 127 LETTER I. Jan. 16. 1772. Ir is true, I was apprehensive, from your silence, that I had offended you; but when your letter came, it made me full amends: and now I am glad I wrote as I did, though I am persuaded I shall never write to you again in the same strain. I am pleased with the spirit you discover; and your bearing so well to be told of the mistakes I pointed out to you, endears you more to me than if you had not made them. Henceforward I can converse freely with you, and shall be glad when I have the opportunity. As to your view of justification, I did not oppose it; I judge for myself, and I am willing others should have the same liberty. If we hold the head, and love the Lord, we agree in him; and I should think my time ill employed in disputing the point with you. I only meant to except against the positive manner in which you had expressed yourself. My end is answered, and I am satisfied. Indeed, I believe the difference between a judicious Supralapsarian, and a sound Sub-lapsarian, lies more in a different way of expressing their sentiments than is generally thought. At the close of Halyburton's Insufficiency of Natural Religion, he has an Inquiry into the Nature of Regeneration and Justification, wherein he proposes a scheme, in which, if I mistake not, the moderate of both parties might safely unite. I have used the epithets judicious and sound, because, as I acknowledge some of the one 3 side are not quite sound, so I think some on the other side are not so judicious as I could wish; that is, I think they do not sufficiently advert to the present state of human nature, and the danger which may arise from leading those who are weak in faith and judgment, into inquiries and distinctions evidently beyond the line of their experience, and which may be hurtful; because, admitting them to be true when properly explained, they are very liable to be misunderstood. To say nothing of Mr Hussey, (in whose provisions I have frequently found more bones than meat, and seasoned with much of an angry and self-important spirit), I have observed passages in other writers, for whom I have a higher esteem, which, to say the least, appear to me paradoxical, and hard to be understood; though perhaps I can give my consent to them, if I had such restrictions and limitations as the authors would not refuse. But plain people are easily puzzled. And though I know several in the Supra-lapsarian scheme, at whose feet I am willing to sit and learn, and have found their preaching and conversation savoury and edifying, yet I must say I have met with many, who have appeared to be rather wise than warm, rather positive than humble, rather captious than lively, and more disposed to talk of speculations than experience. However, let us give ourselves to the study of the word, and to prayer; and may the the great Teacher make every scriptural truth food to our souls. I desire to grow in knowledge, but I want nothing which bears that name, that has not a direct tendency to make sin more hateful, Jesus more precious to my soul; and at the same time to animate me to a diligent use of every appointed means, and an unreserved regard to every branch of duty. I think the Lord has shewn me in a measure, there is a consistent sense running through the whole Scrip ture, and I desire to be governed and influenced by it all: Doctrines, precepts, promises, warnings, all have their proper place and use; and I think many of the inconveniences which obtain in the present day, spring from separating those things which God hath joined together, and insisting on some parts of the word of God, almost to the exclusion of the rést. I have filled my paper with what I did not in tend to say a word of when I began, and I must leave other things which were more upon my mind för another season. I thank you for saying you pray for me. Continue that kindness; I both need it and prize it. I am, &c. LETTER II. DEAR SIR, July 31. 1773. I RECEIVED your sorrowful epistle yesterday, and in order to encourage you to write, I answer it today. The ship was safe when Christ was in her, though he was really asleep. At present I can tell you good news, though you know it; he is wide awake, and his eyes are in every place. You and I, if we could be pounded together, might perhaps make two tolerable ones. You are too anxious, and I am too easy in some respects. Indeed I cannot be too easy, when I have a right thought that all is safe in his hands; but if your anxiety makes you pray, and my composure makes me careless, you have certainly the best of it. However, the ark is fixed upon an immoveable foundation; and if we |