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OBITUARY.

about two hours before she took her fight, "I now want my blessed Saviour to fetch me home."

She fell asleep in Jesus, Nov. 18, 1805. Her remains were deposited in the yard of the meeting-house at Brighton, Nov. 26; ou which occasion Mr. Hay, the minister then supplying Lady Huntingdon's chapel, delivered an address to a crowded auditory; and on the ensuing Sabbatif, Dec. 1, Mr. Robt. Winter, of the isle of Wight, preached to an overdowing congregation, from 1 Cor. xv. 57, "Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." On the same words the venerable father of the deceased had preached a funeral-sermon for his youngest daughter, Mrs. Sarah Addinion, Feb. 17, 1782. Mrs. IIamilton was the last surviving branch of a family, of whom it may be said, "These all with striking propriety, May the same faith died in faith." eminently prevail in the tender blos. W. I. W. soms which yet remain !

MRS. GREEN.

MRS. Ann Green, of Nuneaton, Warwickshire, was exercised with a long and painful affliction; during which it pleased God to discover his most merciful designs towards her, and effectually to bring her to himself.

She had lived without God in the
world till about seven years before
her death, when it pleased God to visit
her with lameness, which prevented
her from going out of her own house
ever after.

One of her sons, a dissenting minis-
ter, came to see her in the first stage
of this affliction, and preached in her
house; from which time, it seems, her
mind began to receive impressions of a
religious nature. His frequent letters
to her upon eternal things also seemed
considerably useful; the pious conver-
sation of friends was also much bles-
sed. The Holy Spirit took of the
things of Christ and shewed them unto
her, till she saw him able to save to
the uttermost, and a Saviour whose
goodness and mercy were fully equal
to all her need. This was evidenced
in that patience, gentleness, and meek-
ness, with which she bore so long and

painful an affliction. The Rev. Mr.
her in the last stages of her affliction,
Hartnell, of Nuneaton, who visited
being requested by her son to give
mind in the last hours of her life,
him an account of the state of her
transmitted the following answers to
any explicit account of the work of
his several questions: ---" Did she give
God in her soul?” --- ' Of the work of
---"Had she
God in her soul, she spoke with a
clearness peculiar to those instructed
by the Divine Spirit.'
tions of the love of God to her soul?"
any clear and confortable manifesta-
-- Ofredeeming love she spoke with
a pathos peculiar to those inflamed
any distinct views of the method of
by the divine beauty.'" Had she
the method of redemption by Jesus
redemption by Jesus Christ --- · Of
"Did she say any thing
Christ, she spoke with accuracy and
gratitude.--.
of the justice and mercy of God, in
her long and painful afliction ?"

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Of these she spoke with a resig nation peculiar to those who are fully convinced of the moral rectitude of the divine government. --- “ Did she speak any thing to her children who were present at her departure?” She spoke with an earnestness becoming those who know the value of an immortal soul; and of those who do not know the Lord, she spoke like one terrors of the Lord; and of yourself who had been made sensible of the (continues Mr. H.) she spoke with an extacy of joy, and often praised the Lord for his goodness to you; frequently mentioning what God had nestly praying that the Lord would done for her by you, and most earbless and prosper your labours.'

Thus she continued till the 20th of August, when, worn out with pain and Jesus, come quickly," her immortal affliction, and crying" Come, Lord Mr. fl. improved spirit took its fight to the glorious year of her age. inheritance of the saints, in the 63d the occasion, by preaching a funeral sermon from 2 Cor. v. 1.

RECENT DEATHS.

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The Rev. J. Crisp, of Harlestone, Norfolk, whilst riding, was suddenly taken ill, aligne from his horse, and instantly expired.

Also Js. Fry, Esq. of Bristol. Farther particulars in our next.

F

REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS PUBLICATIONS.

Milner's Ecclesiastical History reviewed, and the Origin of Calvinism considered a Discourse preached at the Visitation of the Archdeacon of Northampton, May 30, 1805. By the Rev. T. Wilkinson, A. M. Rector of Great Houghton, 8ro, Is.

nions of men, the wisest or best of men, ought no farther to sway us than as we have the fullest conviction of their truth; and all the advantages proposed by any church to her ministers, will only prove fatal snares to the basest prevarication, when those profess to be "inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost to enter on this ministry," and subscribe Articles in order thereto, in their literal and grammatical sense, disclaiming all idea of diversity of opinion from them, yet assume a right to put upon them whatever interpretation they please. This is indeed " private interpretation" with a vengeance!

The adversaries of the Articles, in the Augustinian or Calvinistic sense, are continually endeavouring to shift the ground of dispute, and, under pretence of ascertaining what is the doctrine of Scripture, would conclude that their interpretation must have been the sentiment of the Reformers, in defiance of the plain meaning of language (such as they themselves never did, nor could use on the subject) in opposition to all the numerous writings of the men who framed the Articles, and in contradic

THE happily increasing diffusion of gospel-truth hath raised up a multitude of adversaries; and every friend to that truth as it is in Jesus, cannot but rejoice greatly to see how impotent are the attempts made to debase the Articles of the Church, by interpretations as contrary to their literal and grammatical sense, as opposite to the spirit of those venerable reformers who framed them. It is indeed a Procrustean effort to rack them from the meaning obvious to common sense, and admitted by every unbiassed examiner, foreign and domestic. Instead of one clear and uniform meaning, preventive of all diversity of opinion, we see them tortured into as many senses as there are subscribers; and we cannot but smile at the sarcastic remark of certain reviewers, that a loop-hole is still left for tender consciences," under the supposition to all historic proof. Thus they tion that every man may interpret them according to his sense of the Scriptures; which would be an admirable mode of precluding diversity of opinion, and realize Swift's Tale of a Tub. Jadeed, this would be leaving so wide a hole for tender consciences, that, instead of creeping, they may drive boldly in with a coach and six.

It is confessedly of the last importance to hold only the revealed truths of God, renouncing all human impositions contrary thereunto; and those who subscribe articles of religion, designed to secure uniformity of opinion, ought surely to be fully satisfied that their sentiments who framed them were clearly according to the mind of God in the Scriptures, and their own perfectly accordant with the framers of these Articles; and whoever subscribes with different views, instead of a tender conscience, has evidently a very accommodating one.

That the counsel of the Lord alone should stand, we earnestly maintain; and urge every man, before he subser bes articles of human interpretation, to be fully assured that this interpretation is perfectly correspondeat with the disine pattern. The opi

determine to conclude, that the framers of the Articles meant the very reverse of every proposition which they have advanced.

Were our Reformers then Augusti nians, Calvinists, Pelagians, Arminians, Socinians, since men will have names to characterize opinions? Assuredly, they meant to call no man Master, after the flesh, neither ancients nor moderns. They vindicated the great Protestant principle, That the revealed will of God alone must be the rule of judginent for every Christian. They have given us in the Thirtynine Articles, their opinions in terms the most precise and explicit, avow edly to preclude all diversity of opinion. They profess their high opinion of Augustine; they maintained the most friendly correspondence with Calvin: and as they drew from the same sources with these venerable men, it is not possible but that there should be a coincidence of sentiment and similarity of expression, on the points of which they treat. This our adversaries ought to admit at least, unless they are wilfully ignorant, and determined to pervert the most evident facts.

Of late, Augustine and Calvin, how

REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS PUBLICATIONS.

ever highly reverenced by the church, ancient or reformed, have sunk with our inodern divines into deep disgrace, are laid by them under the most odious brands of error and heretical pravity: and as the current of the nominal Church of England, especially of her superior ministers, has run strongly in this channel, many of those who profess to espouse the evangelical doctrines, studiously endeavour to exculpate themselves from any close connection with the reputedly offensive doctrines of Augustine and Calvin, tho' our Reformers counted themselves honoured and happy in their connections with the latter, and avowed their general agreement in sentiment with the former. Oh, when will good men cease to fear reproach and shame for their open avowal of the truths of God, and not glory in them the less because they are maintained in the writings of Calvin or Augustine! We have indeed higher authority than these venerable Juen for what we advance. We believe the testimony of our Lord; have heard his prayers for us; have examined on our knees the epistles of Paul, of Peter, and James, and all the inspired persons bearing witness to the same truths; and we have cordially embraced, not merely on moral suasion, but under divine conviction, the great fundamental, That a sinner must and can only be saved by grace, through faith, the gift of God."

Mr. Wilkinson's Visitation-Sermon and Preface have given occasion te these preliminary remarks. His Pree face particularly attacks the venerable Joseph Milner and his Ecclesiastical History: a man as eminent for learning as amiable for manners, and whose holy life and zealous and useful labours have received their reward from the great Shepherd and Bishop of Souls. It will be well for those who censure or malign him, if they shall be able to give up their account as satisfactorily to the eternal Judge. Per

fection is not the lot of humanity. No proficiency in knowledge or grace will admit of infallibility in our decisions: but we may venture to say, the man who stands on higher ground, and is more exempt from human infirmity than Joseph Milner, is rarely to be found; and if those who differ from him in sentiment, would more nearly'imitate his example of close walking with God, in all holy conversation, in deadness to the world, and in indefatigable exertions for the salvation of meus' souls, they would be compelled to retract

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their censures, and to change them to commendations.

To vindicate Milner's Ecclesiastical History in general, would occupy a space inadmissible for a Review. Το the chief of Mr. Wilkinson's charges, however, we hope, a short conclusive reply will be made.

To Mr. Wilkinson, the ideas of Mr. Milner respecting the influences of God's Spirit, must, no doubt, appear strange. Many have never known if there be any Holy Ghost; and never truly prayed to him with a real expectation of receiving from his divine inspiration all holy desires, all gənd counsels, and ability for all just works: yet from what other source can they proceed?

The next charge is Mr. Milner's excluding works meral as well as ceremonial from contributing any thing to a sinner's justification before a holy God. This is the crambe repelita of the unhumbled, wise or ignorant. But does Mr. Milner, by excluding them from any share in recommending the sinner to the divine favour, supersede the obligation to the practice of good works? Doth he not, with the Articles, continually, powerfully, urge the inseparable, the necessary connection between the faith of God's elect and every good word and work, as secured by the most effectual means, — “God having before ordained that we should walk in them, and created us anew in Christ Jesus," for that very purpose? Nay, is it not a matter of fact and well known, that this righte ousness and true holiness, on which Mr. Milner and his friends insist, are more the object of censure and abhorrence with their adversaries, than every thing beside? Declamations against vice, general recommendations of piety, almsgiving, and formal devotions, fall wonderfully short of newness of life, purity of heart, deadness to the world, its gain, honours, and amusements, devotedness to the work and service of our Lord, preaching the word in season, out of season; in short, the whole tenor of life uniformly devoted to promote the glory of God our Saviour, and to seek the souls purchased by his most precious blood. It is this strictness, this preciseness, as our enemies term it, in these religionists, which is the great stone of stumbling. Mr. Milner and his followers, they say, insist on such a measure of vital Christianity as no man can live up to; at least, which they are little inclined to attempt. If Mr. Mil ner's principles were less holy in all

their tendencies, notwithstanding M. Wilkinson's bold assertions to the contrary, they would meet with less opposition. Let him lower the standard of duty, from perfect to a supposed sincere obedience, guard men against being righteous overmuch, plead for a becoming conformity to the world, and do as his brethren, he will then escape all the censures of gloomy Calvinistic severity, and his piety be no longer suspected of hypocrisy.

Mr. Milner is charged (p. 6.) with asserting early piety to be injurious; because he made an observation, that men called from a state of much sin and vanity to the kuowledge of Christ, often make the most vigorous exertions afterwards for the glory of their Lord; and outstrip many who have started before them. State fairly, and abuse him and welcome. Mr. Milner, perhaps, took more pains, in his parish, in instructing youth, and was more happy in the success of his tuition than most men. Let Mr. Wilkinson deign to compare his own efforts on this behalf, with those known by the whole town of Hull, to be daily exercised by the excellent Milner, and then he shall be allowed to abuse him by every step in which he surpasses him. We appeal to facts: they are the most conclusive evidence.

Where can be the advantage to an adversary of unfair representation ? Has Mr. Milner anywhere asserted, "That grace to overcome depravity, and hope of eternal reward to encourage us, were unnecessary for such as are clected, and have already received assurance of salvation?" So far from this, let Mr. Wilkinson produce one line from Mr. Milner's numerous works, in which the shadow of such a sentiment is to be found. Will not every page afford the uniform assertion, that no man has any cause to conclude himself elected, or assured of salvation, but as the faith of God's elect enables him to overcome the world, to subdue the depravity of human nature, and to walk with God in a course of humble, consistent, and uniform obedieuce to his will?

In the present imperfect state of the human understanding, we can by no means admit the supposed reductio ad absurdum, conclusive that Election includes Reprobation: that terrible spectre constantly conjured up to terrify us. The decrees of Providence, the origin of evil, the eternal punishment in consequence, leaves us in all our reasonings, obliged to cry with Paul," O Alu

tudo!" Calvin and Augustine may, therefore, reason bly do the same. All the doctrines of Scripture are capable of being abused by men of corrupt minds; but every consistent Calvinist, we presume, will agree that no man's calling and election can be made sure to himself, whatever it may be in the decree of God, but by giving all diligence to make it so. The means being as much decreed as the end, and inseparable from it.

From the Preface pass we on to the Discourse itself; which will be dispatched in fewer words, as the whole argument is comprized in these prelimi nary ose va ions.

The words of the text (1 Pet. i. 20.) as they respect private interpretation, see much m-understood y Mr. Wilkinson. Contrary to ais conclusion (p. 2.) every individual is bound to form his own judgment of the Scriptures; and to follow the convictions of his own mind, and not those of any man at church, farther than he is persuaded that their conclusions are agreeable to God's word. This is, among the essential diferences between Protestants and Papisis, between assumed authority to interpret for us, and conscientious enquiry for ourselves. But indeed the Greek words ιδέας επιλύσεως, will, we think, be more eva y rens dered from a man's own sng,estion; and thus the context will be clear. "No prophecy of Scripture is of a man's own suggestion; for the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."

Mr. Wilkinson cannot be ignorant what was the Catholic doctrine before the Reformation, which the Bishop of Lincoln candidly avows was, in the Church of Rome, Calvinistic; and King, in his account of the Greek Church, assures us this is their creed to this day: so that the Catholic church, in all ages and all nations, was with us; which would be strange indeed, if the universal current of antiquity, till the time of Augustine, was the very reverse. Mr. Milner's clear and copious extracts may be lead in confutation of Mr. Wilkinson's assertions, I shall only quote a few passages from the two carliest and most respected The father, Clemens and Ignatius, first, in his Epistle to the Corinthians, besides the address, has the following incidental passages, which carry the stronger evidence, as not being the immediate subject: "Your care was day and night for all the brethren, that the

REVIEW OF RELIGIOUS PUBLICATIONS.

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number of the elect might be saved.""Through the godly conversation and labours of these men, a great multi'n'e of the elect were gathered." us go to him, influenced by the love of our gracious and compassionate Father, who hath made us, by his election, his peculiar people." "Since, therefore, we are elect of God, holy and beloved, let us work the works of holiness." "God hath elected our Lord Jesus Christ, and as thro' him." But these are with Mr. Wilkinson, merely Jewish phraseology and metaphorical; and this is a plain solution of the matter, and will serve for Ignatius, and as many more as he plenses. Yet let Ignatius speak for himself: "To the church in Ephesus, predestinated before the world to be perpetually permanent in glory, immoveable, united, and elected in the genuine suffering, by the will of the Father and Jesus Christ our God."

Whether the ideas of predestination, election, and grace were purely systematic invention, and unknown to primitive Christians" (sce Milner, vol. i. p. 170.) Mr. Milner, forevering the suggestions of his adversaries, coutures them before they were advanced by Mr. Wilkinson.

Doth Mr. Vilner anywhere suppose there is not room for repentance to all who are willing to tura to God? The question is, Who are willing? and, How they become so

The Tings of Chrysostom will be no authority to the man who has subscribed the Church Articles; and respecting the freedom of the human will, on which he advances nothing new, he is not bound by Irenæus or Chrysostom, Calvin or Augustine, but by his own subscription: and till he can loose this galling chain, it must fret, and produce similar edec's with those which breathe in the present discourse.

That the Articles of the Church of England may be taught, and generally taught in the sense usually called Calvinistic, without infusing Autmomianism, however inconceivable to Mr.Wilkinson, and those who have never felt the genuine constrainings of the love of Christ, is a fact pleasingly confirmed in the ministers' who teach, and of the multitudes who have embraced them; and this, among the inferior ranks of life, whom he supposes so much more ready to abuse them than the learned and well educated. If to this source (p. 23.) be conceives the licentiousness of the times imputable, his researches must have been very su

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perficial. Do the men of the world, the high or the low prodigates, believe one of the principles for which we contend ? Do they not equally abuse and ridicule them with Mr. Wilkinson ?Among the hundreds of thousands, ministers or people, who hold the Articles in the sense called Calvinistic, will they not, wo ore avow, that since they have chus believed, they have thought it their bounden duty to deny ungodliness and workly lusts? Will they not appeal to their fellows, who are of a like mind, and many of these glorying in the confession, that to the reception of these truths they impute the happy change in righteousness and true holiness, which they have experienced? — Among the multitudes associated in these sentiments in church communion and society, and those especially from the inferior ranks of life, is there a man who would be admitted to join them as brethren, whose outward walk and profession did not adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour? And if aught sinful or offensive occurred in their con inct, would not the rebuke of their fellows instantly follow, and separation from the impenitent?

These are facts known, avowed, and substantiated wherever the evangelical truths are preached and embraced. We know not the Rector of Great Houghton, nor its vicinity; but we intreat him to make a serious and candid examination, if there be any persons professedly Calvinistic in his parisa, however low their station in life, if they are not exemplary characters, whose houses are daily sanctided with the voice of prayer and praise; and instead of Antinomian principles and practice, whether, except the reproach they probably suffer, they are among the blameless and harmless, the sons of God without ollence? Let facts speak, and prejudice yield to candid enquiry, and produce generous acknowledgments.

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The doctrine which is after godliness will bear the divine stamp, and produce in every place, where it is zealously enforced, more or less its powerful effects; and Mr. Wilkinson will be a happy man, if, under his labours and ministry, he shall be able to present before the throne of God our Saviour as blessed a body of people, called by the word of truth, and sanctidied by Christ Jesus, as in the great day will stand to wituess the power of saving grace, received under the ministry of Joseph Milner,

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