Vindication of Divers Important Gospel Doctrines, Title page – Errata
A VINDICATION OF Divers important Gospel-Doctrines, AND OF The Teachers and Professors of them: AGAINST The injurious Reflections & Misrepresentations CONTAINED In a late printed Discourse of the Rev. Mr. LEMUEL BRIANT's, Intitled, The Absurdity and Blasphemy of depreciating Moral Vertue.
Also a few Remarks are subjoined, on Mr. JOHN BASS'S late Narrative.
Published as his dying Testimony to the Cause of CHRIST, in the Protestant Churches, and particularly in New-England.
By SAMUEL NILES, Pastor of a Church in Braintree.
O formose Puer, nimiùm nè crede Colori. Virg.
Quid Romae faciam? Mentiri nescio.— Juven.
2 Pet. 1. 15, 16.
I will endeavour, that ye may be able after my Decease to have these Things always in Remembrance: For we have not followed cunningly devised Fables, when we made known unto you the Power and Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Chap. 3. 15, 16.—
Even as our beloved Brother Paul also, according 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 Scriptures, unto their own Destruction.
BOSTON: Printed and Sold by S. KNEELAND, opposite the Prison in Queen-Street. 1752.
THE PREFACE
THE Remarks contained in the following Pages were, for the Sum and Scope of them, drawn up soon after the Discourse, to which they refer, was published, with an Intent then quickly to offer them to publick View. In doing of which, I had no Design to enter into a personal Contest with the Author, or any others that may be Like-minded with him: but only to contend for the Faith, delivered to the Saints, in the Days of the Apostles, and primitive Times of Christianity; which also has been handed down to the Churches of the Saints in New-England, by those eminent Worthies, that were Instruments in the Hand of Christ to spread the Knowledge of those important Doctrines revealed and strongly recommended in the Gospel, which have been generally received and professed, not in this Land only, but in all the Churches of the Reformation. However, my Dependance is not upon human Tradition or Antiquity, with Respect to these Doctrines, that are now by some so much decryed and condemn'd, yea, even ridicul'd: But on the pure and unerring Word of GOD; as firmly believing them to be therein discovered, ratify'd and confirmed by Inspiration of the Holy Ghost.—My main Design in the Remarks before us, is, by divine Assistance, (according to my Measure) to vindicate those Doctrines of our holy Religion, so misrepresented and treated with so much Contempt in the Discourse under our Examination; and to remove the groundless and injurious Reflections cast on the whole Body of excellent Protestant Expositors, Ministers, and Profess…rs, in general, of the last and former Age; and also, if possible, to put a Stop to the prevailing Contagion of Arminian Errors and other loose Opinions among us, which threaten to banish vital Piety out of the Land.—Some worthy Gentlemen in the Ministry among us entering into the Controversy, and engaging (as I apprehend) on the Side of Truth, this occasioned my delaying to publish my Remarks; hoping, what was published by them, might lead our Opponent into a laudable Retracta…ion. But my Hopes in that Case soon vanished, upon his publishing a (pretended) Vindication of his Sentiments, not so much by fair Scripture-Argument (which, I suppose, he found impossible) as by Banter, and by personal Reflection and Invective, which doubtless he readily concluded to be much the easiest Method, and perhaps most agreeing to his Genius and Capacity.
The Time of this Delay gave me Opportunity to review what I had wrote, & to exhibit the same to the Publick with considerable Enlargement on several Heads of Remark; by which Means, this Work is much lengthier than I at first purposed: Yet I hope, it may not be the less useful, to such as have not fallen into the dangerous Scheme I am opposing, and perhaps may minister some Caution to such as are in Danger to be led away by those Self-pleasing Notions, so industriously propagated in this Day of Degeneracy. The Prevalence of sundry pernicious Errors, tending to the Subversion of our holy Religion, is for a Lamentation, and shall be for a Lamentation, unto all the true Lovers of Zion, and Friends to the Churches of Christ in New-England. Truly sorrowful is the State of some of our Churches, who have Ministers set over them, that contest, and even deny, yea, I may say, deride some of the grand Articles of our holy Profession, as they are exhibited in the Assembly's Catechism (commonly so called) tho' the Doctrines contested are so plainly according to Scripture. Therefore it is, that some (we hope, not many) who have taken on them the pastoral Charge, do neglect the Lambs of those Flocks under their Care, by declining to instruct them in the private Way, by Catechising; and this in Places where the former Ministers were wont to make Conscience of attending this Work, as a Part of their ministerial Duty.— This Practice has obtained not only here in New-England, but in all the reformed Churches abroad. Unto this laudable, and necessary Practice (as I think it to be) I can give some Evidence. When I resided in this Town of Braintree at first, and was at School here, it was the known constant Method of the Rev. Mr. FISK, the then worthy Minister here, to appoint certain Times for the instructing the Children and Youth in the Catechism; the Benefit whereof I enjoy'd together with others.—And this religious and commendable Service was keptup by those worthy Ministers that succeeded him, the Rev. Mr. MARSH and Mr. HANcock. But now, I am informed, it is wholly laid aside; which must lie as a Reproach both upon Minister, and People, where it is indulged; as well as must be a dreadful Injury to the Souls of the poor Children, so shamefully and barbarously neglected.—Some Reasons of my Judgment I shall presently offer.—Another Instance or two I will mention of the like tender Care & Fidelity of godly Ministers, to the Souls of the Children and young People under their … Charge. When I was under the Tuition of the …ev. Mr. HOBART of Newtown, whose Memory and Character will ever be dear to me, which was when I was more capable of observing & making a Judgment on the Conduct of Ministers, in this Point of Catechising; his Method was to appoint a Time for the Children to attend this Service;&also for the young People, Males &Females, grown to Men's and Women's Estate. These, in their several Turns, all attended Catechising. Moreover, he was wont to explain and apply the Doctrines and Duties, held forth in the Catechism, at the same Time.—Another Instance of constant and indefatigable Care and Pains in Catechising, was my deservedly much honoured Father-in-Law, the Rev. Mr. THACHER of Milton; whose Example in this and all other Acts of Piety and Faithfulness, towards not only his own People, but the Indian Tribe, both young and old, at Punkapaug, and Packenee, as they were then called, now Stoug…ton,—I say, his Example, with that of the other venerable Fathers & memorable Brethren above mentioned, and the rest of Christ's Ministers among us, in general, is certainly worth the Notice & Imitation of their Successors, and of all that sustain the ministerial Character.—Nor wou'd I omit mentioning on this Occasion, the great Service done the World, by that excellent Minister of Jesus Christ, the Rev. Mr. WILLARD, in his elaborate Exposition on the Catechism: wherein all its Instructions are confirmed by Scripture-Proofs, and with nervous Arguments, sufficient for the Conviction of all Gainsayers.
But now, as my Sentiments in the Case I am upon, are not built on Tradition, or the Authority of our Fathers, I shall offer some of the Reasons of my Opinion. I apprehend it very obvious, what evil Consequences will necessarily follow the Omission of instructing Children, in the Catechism. It is well known, that Catechising has been of long and singular Use among us: the Advantages thereof Multitudes are ready from their own Experience to witness to. As it has ever been esteem'd by the Ministers in these Churches, a Part of their ministerial Work to Catechise the Children of their Congregations, as well as to instruct elder Persons by publickly preaching the Word of God, they have grounded their Judgment partly on that solemn Charge our Saviour laid upon Peter as a leading Minister, and for a Test of his Love to Christ, (Joh. 21. 15…) Feed my Lambs. These are a Part of the Flock: and it is to be noted, here the Lambs are set before the Sheep; which might be designed to shew the tender Care Christ had particularly of Children and young People, who, to answer the Metaphor, must be principally intended by the Lambs of the Flock. Agreable to this is that Charge given to Ministers, and usually laid on them at their Ordination, Feed the Flock of God which is among you; the young, as well as old, under your pastoral Care. See 1 Pet. 5. 2. Or as it is express't, Act. 20. 28. Take …eed unto your selves, and to all the Flock; of which the Children are a great, growing Part, and a hopeful Part, when well instructed in the Principles of Religion, by Catechising.—We may also see (to the Shame of such as habitually neglect this important Part of their Duty) how emphatically Christ, the Head-Shepherd o… his Flock, both Sheep and Lambs, has answered his Character and Trust, and left an Example to all his Ministers or Under-Shepherds, in fulfilling so exactly in his personal Ministry on Earth, and leaving the same in Charge to his Ministers, what was predicted of old by the Prophet concerning him, Isai. 40. 11. He shall food …his Flock, like a Shepherd: He shall gather the Lambs with his Arm, and carry them in his Bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
Ministers, Parents, or Tutors neglecting this Branch of their Duty is an inexpressible Injury to the Souls of the Youth thus neglected. That the Soul be without Knowledge, it is not good. And what better Expedient can be found, to promote the good Knowledge of God, in the Minds of young Ones, than the Means I am pleading for? How otherwise can the Lambs be said to feed after their Manner? (Isai. 5. 17.) Or, the Kids be said in a Scripture-Sense to feed beside the Shepherds Tents? (Cant. 1. 8.) Or can any suppose, that the Knowledge Timothy had of the Holy Scriptures, consisted only in a meer literal Knowledge, by the bare reading of them? and not rather, that he had been well instructed from his Childhood, in the Contents of the Bible, especially the great Truths contained in the Holy Scriptures; and that those Doctrines were received by him and rested on by Faith? Otherwise they cou'd not have had such an happy Effect on him, as to make him wise unto Salvation. The Knowledge Timothy had in the holy Scriptures, we may justly conclude, was through the pious Care of his Parents, his Grand-mother Lois, and his Mother Eunice (2 Epi…t. 1. 5.) who are set as Examples, of carefully instructing Children in Religion.
Moreover, an Omission of this Duty towards Children, will necessarily and by inevitable Consequence, not only be a Means to rase the Foundations of Zion, but tend to banish true Religion, and bring in Heathenism like a mighty Flood upon a People. For, it is beyond all Contradiction, I suppose, generally speaking, that many Parents, and such as are charged with the Education of Children, are too r…m…s… and negligent in teaching them the Knowledge of … the Scripture, and promoting them in learning their Catechism, for their early Acquaintance with the Things of God and the Religion of Jesus: And what a wonderful gratifying Indulgence must it be to such Parents and others, when their Minister tells them (practically at least, if not verbally) that the Catechism is corrupt, containing false Points of Doctrine (as some in this evil Day pretend) and that he dare not teach the Children what …e himself does not believe: Or else excuses himself from Catechising them, by a more plausible Pretence, That it is no Part of a Minister's Work!—These and such like Evasions in Ministers, bear a near Resemblance with Jerob…am's carnal Policy to secure his Authority over the People; of whom it is said—Who sinned & made Israel to sin.—Such Ministers are in danger of the like Character with his, who is also said to …ive Israel to Sin, and from following the Lord. (2 Kin. 17. 21.) He perswades them, that it was too far for them to go up to Jerusalem, to worship after the Manner which God had appointed: therefore sets up Golden Calves, under a corrupt Pretence, that these were the Gods that brought them out of the Land of Egypt; and so drew the Body of that People into Idolatry, which probably he learnt in Egypt, when he fled thither for fear of Solomon. And this their Idolatry continued until God sent them into Captivity, for their Apostacy, in casting off and forsaking the true Worship he had appointed, and setting up a Religion of their own…—The Example of Abraham, and the high Encomium God gives of him and his Conduct, respecting the Case I am upon, is worthy the Imitation of Parents, Ministers, and all others, to whom the Education of Children or Instruction of Youth is committed. See Gen. 18. 19. I know him, that he will command his Children and his Houshold after him, and they shall keep the Way of the Lord. Parents should train up their Children in the Way of Truth, if they wou'd not have them depart from it when they are old. (Prov… 22. 6.) They should labour to bring them up in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord. (Eph. 6. 4.) But how can Parents do thus, if by the Instigation of their Minister, by his Example, or by any other Means, they are led to neglect teaching their Children the very first Principles of the Oracles of God? Which are in an excellent Order and a clear compendious Manner exhibited in the Catechism, that has been mostly in Use among us, and highest in Esteem with the generality of Churches in New-England. Alas, what we read in Lam. 4. 3, 4. I think is applicable in the Case before us; Even the Sea-Monsters draw out the Breast, they give suck to their young Ones: the Daughter of my People is become cruel, like the Ostriches in the Wilderness.—The young Children ask Bread, and no Man breaketh it unto them.—This seems to be the lamentable Case with poor Children, when the Catechism is thrown out of its wonted commendable and necessary Improvement for Soul-advantage to Children. And what can be expected to follow, but Vice, Ignorance & Atheism?—Thus Parents entail their Sin on their miserable Offspring: and give them Example, to do … to their Children. (Ezek. 16. 44.)
Before I dismiss this Point, I shall make one brief Observation upon it, which I suppose few will deny to be just:—Had this Neglect of Catechising the Children been proved upon any Minister in these Churches, though under any Pretences whatsoever, before our venerable Fathers in the Ministry of the last Age, or their Predecessors, in New-England, when convened in Council, they would have thought it necessary immediately to dismiss such Minister from his Pastoral Office: And supposing the Church he was set over, should refuse to concur with their Determinations in this Case, I believe, then such a Church wou'd be deem'd unworthy of Communion with the other Churches, as having in Effect denied the Faith, and made themselves accessary to the promoting of such Ignorance& Error, as I think to be inconsistent with and destructive of that vital Religion, for which our Ancestors were famous, and this People were once greatly renown'd. Certainly such an Omission must be judged by all sober and well Principled Persons, not only irreligious in Ministers, &Parents, but even inhuman and barbarous, to the Souls of their Children! Who can account for it! How can it be excused! I truly think, Ministers, or Parents, or others that have the Care of educating Youth, if they habitually don't practise this Duty of Catechising, have no Cloke for their Sin. Neither can we rationally expect better Times, without a Reformation in this Matter.—I shall only add one Word further upon it, viz. If the Minister in any Place will not be persuaded to attend his Duty in this Point, Heads of Families will do well to take the more Pains in catechising their Children and Servants at Home; and in doing it, to make frequent Use of some familiar Exposition of the Catechism, for the safer and clearer explaining Things to them, as they go along. There are many Books of this Kind to be had; which might be of singular Service, if made more Use of, to spread the Knowledge of divine Things, among elder People, as well as young ones, and to secure them in the Belief of the Truth. For, if by such Helps they become well acquainted with the great Doctrines and Duties of Christianity, as they will the better understand the Sermons of their Minister on these Subjects, so they will be the more capable of distinguishing between Truth & Error; and if they should sometimes hear any Thing advanced in Discourses from the Pulpit, contrary to sound Doctrine, or leading to dangerous Errors, the well-instructed Youth would be less exposed to receive ill Impressions therefrom, or at least their more judicious and faithful Parents would be able to fortify and guard them, and I hope would take Care to do it seasonably and effectually, as knowing that they (as well as the Minister) must give Account.
It may not be altogether impertinent or unseasonable, if I now take Occasion to mention it as another dark Omen, and a Symptom of the declining State of Religion in this Land, that our wonted Lectures on Week-days are of late so much laid aside, or neglected, and practically despised among us. In some Places, perhaps the Minister may voluntarily omit them, either by Reason of his Support's being too scanty to allow of the Expence usually arising on such Occasions, or because the Burden of Labour created hereby takes him too much off from other (as he thinks) more necessary Parts of his Ministry, or else because he is discouraged by the thin Appearance of Auditors, &c. And undoubtedly the People are very much to Blame▪ For eve…here the Minister is not at all in Fault, but resolutely surmounting all Difficulties in his Way, as being chearfully willing to spend and be spent in the Cause of Christ and for the Good of Souls, diligently keeps up his stated …ec…re, yet how frequently do's he see it poorly attended, and finds herein a great Discouragement to his Labours, as it soems a practical Contempt of the Means of Grace, and an Argument of a sad Prevalence of the Spirit of this World among his People? Indeed it must needs be a Sign of the sorrowful Change of State in Point of visible Godliness thro' the Land, unto all those who are trembling for the Ark of God, and who have seen the crouded Assemblies for Worship on Lecture-days (as well as on Lord's-days) in former Times, now to see the Degeneracy this People are fallen into, by the general Neglect of such Opportunities for the Exercises of Religion and the Care of their Souls. Which Neglect shamefully prevails, not only in many Country-Towns, but even in our Me…ropolis also, the chief Place of Concourse; where tho' in a Judgment of Charity there be some Thousands of devout Souls, yet it was surprizing to me to behold (as I lately did) at their Thursday-Lecture, the Pews and Seats in a Manner empty; and this, notwithstanding some Pains have lately been taken (as I am informed) to revive that ancient Lectures, particularly by reprinting and dispersing an excellent Discourse of the memorable and Rev.Mr. JOSHUA MOODEY'S on the choice Benefit of Communion with God in his House; thought to be very well calculated to that Purpose, and accompanied with a recommendatory Preface, by sundry Reverend and worthy Ministers of Boston, viz. Dr.Sewall, Mr. Prince, and the late Mr. Webb. Whose pathetick Wishes therein expressed, it is not unreasonable here to repeat, in their own Words, which are these. May the Ministers of Christ be intreated to do their utmost to revive our first Love for the …ouse of God, by insisting on the great …ruths of the GOSPEL; such are, the Doctrines of the Divinity and saving Offices of our Lord JESUS, God-Man Mediator; concerning the Godhead and divine Operations of the HOLY SPIRIT, on which all the Success of the Gospel-Ministry depends: Such are, the Do…rines of Original Sin, and our lost and perishing State by the Fall; the Nature and Necessity of Regeneration by the Spirit of God; our Justification thro' the perfect Righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by Faith; the Nature and great Importance of Gospel-Obedience,&c. And may God's People shew their earnest Concern in this Matter, by a diligent constant Attendance on the Word and Ordinances, and by their Care to bear the Fruits of the Kingdom.—
On this Occasion, I would take the Liberty (which, I hope, I may do without Offence) humbly to suggest, that as there is a Charity-Lecture, annually at the Ministers Convention on the Day after the General Election, one View of which is to promote the Collection then expected, for the Support of some Ministers that have a difficult Situation, but small Congregations and so but small Salaries, if our honoured Patriots at the Council-Board and in the House of Representatives, taking the Case into Consideration, would be pleased, as many of them as might be, to countenance so useful a Charity by attending that Lecture in particular, and giving their Contribution, as several Members of that honourable Body and others of distinguish'd Character, I know, have sometimes done, and therein have not a little honoured themselves, this doubtless would be a Sacrifice well pleasing to God thro' Jesus Christ; and such a laudable Pattern in our civil Leaders and principal Gentlemen might happily be the Means of diffusing a Spirit of Liberality, and draw in many to imitate them, in honouring the Lord with their Substance on such Occasions; which would be Matter of abundant Thanksgivings to God, especially from those who receive these yearly Benefactions.—I hope, it will be excused, if I take the Freedom to add here, that a Concio ad Clerum being partly the Design of this annual Lecture, I trust, it will from Time to Time be the Care of the Minister who preaches it, to exemplify and recommend on that Occasion the evangelical Preacher, and lay hold of that Opportunity for bearing his faithful Testimony, as in Behalf of the peculiar Doctrines and Duties of Christianity, which should chiefly fill our Pulpit-Discourses, so likewise against the growing Errors, Neglects, and Miscarriages of the Day, whether among Ministers or People.
But to return to the special Business of this Preface—
As the Growth of Armini…nism and loose Principles in Religion among us, tends to the utter Ruin of these Churches, in Point of Faith, Worship, and vital Godliness, I have for my own Part determined, while Opportunity continues, to testify the Gospel of the Grace of God, according to the Ability which God giveth. And as I tho't Mr.BRIANT'S published Discourse manifestly level'd against some important Doctrines of the Gospel, and calculated to promote Error, to depreciate the sound Principles commonly received in the Churches of New-England, and among Protestants in general, and to reflect Disgrace on those that profess the same; I have been moved (however unfit for such a Task) to undertake an Examination of his Discourse, and to endeavour (after my Measure) the Defence of the Gospel, and herewith a Vindication of the many Expositors and Professors reflected upon by him with so much Severity and Acrimony.
If in the Course of my Remarks it should happen, that I have taken Things any where otherwise than he intended, it is what I am not sensible of at present. If he should make such …an Objection, all I can now say to it, is, That to prevent Misunderstanding he should have forborn all ambiguous Expressions, and ought to have explained his Meaning better. I have taken Things as they stand in his Book, and am not at all conscious of wilfully perverting his Sense.—If he is able to offer me better Light from Scripture, on any Argument before us, I am ready to receive the same. But Sa…yr or Banter, sophistical Cavils, or evasive Replies, won't be worth my minding: And as for personal Reflections, Insults, and Abuses so familiar with him, I shall not value them a Rush.—
I see by his Management of the Dispute with Mr. PORTER, that when he can't fairly grapple with an Argument, he knows how to shuffle and evade: And knows how to satyrise and reflect, when he can no longer reason in any plausible Manner. And tho' at first he sat out with some specious Pretension of being a Calvinist; yet it seems▪ he has thought fit to drop it: And some think, after all his loud Noise, he has given up the Text it self, which he pretended to vindicate.—But perhaps I go t…o far, in touching on that Contro…ersy. Yet I had tho't it not improper for me to make some Remonstrances here against the many abusive Reflections, of a personal Aspect, which he has filled his published L…tters with. However, because I would not unreasonably swell this Preface, and because the worthy Gentlemen against whom he writes, are well able, if they think it worth while, to defend themselves, I forbear.—Only I can't help taking Notice of a Paragraph in his second Letter, where he deals in Scandal at a strange Rate; not only aspersing the Character of the Living, but even throwing Dirt upon the Memory of the Dead. I think it truly a Master-Piece of De…amation, as black & deformed as almost ever I met with: And this, it seems, in Retaliation for a comparatively soft Reflection; which, however, had perhaps better have been omitted.—Perit judicium, cum Res transit in A…fectum.—But I dismiss the disagreable Subject; hoping, this Author, upon a calm Review of Things, will take Shame to himself for so unaccountable a Sally of vindictive Passion.
I shall only further observe, that what seems to have especially provoked him against his Opponents, is their being instrumental to bring him under the Repute of an Arminian or worse, to the Publick. And all I shall say to this, is, That had not his printed Discourse previously laid him under such a Character, the Rev. Gentlemen he so loudly complains of, would (I confess) have acted an unkind Part towards him: But as the Case really stood, I think his Offence groundless, and his Heat on this Occasion altogether unjustifiable. For he is himself the true (exemplifying) Author of this his Character, by his said Discourse; as he has therein disavow'd the orthodox commonly received Notions, on the Head of the Divine Decrees, of Original Sin, o… …Grace, of imputed Righteousness, &c. To all which he discovers a strange Antipathy; and at the same Time, makes the whole Doctrine of Christ but a more refined System of Morality, and resolves the whole Duty of Man into the Practice of moral Vertue; declaring this to be the Basis and whole Superstructure of the Religion of JESUS, the very Sum and Substance of Christianity; affirming, that Revelation every where suspends our whole Happiness on our personal good Behaviour, and constitutes this the Condition of all God's Favours; yea, that the grand Design of Christ's coming into the World was to be a Preacher of Righteousness, to set up the Christian Scheme, and propagate Truth and Vertue among Mankind; that to promote moral Righteousness is the ultimate View of GOD in all his Dispensations; that moral Vertue is the supreme Dignity of GOD himself, the chief (if not only) Subject of proper Gospel-Preaching, &c. And in short, that by the commonly received Principles, so inconsistent with his, the Christian Religion is in many Places turned into an idle Speculation, a mysterious Faith, a senseless Superstition,& a groundless Recumbency.—This is a true Breviate of his Discourse; and if his other Discourses from the Pulpit are analogous to this, or consistent with it, What other Denomination can such a Preacher expect to come under, among sober and judicious Christians, but that of an Arminian or worse? Certainly then he had no just Reason to reflect, as he has done, on Mr. Porter, or his Attestators. These Rev. Gentlemen's Testimony in that Case I think truly worthy of Imitation, as well as Commendation, by the faithful Ministers of CHRIST thro' the Land, and all others who have at Heart Soundness of Doctrine and Purity of Religion: Especially as these Churches appear now, more than ever, in Danger of being corrupted by Arminian Errors, or worse, so industriously propagated by several, with the Author we have in View, lately introduced into the Pastoral Charge. One flagrant Instance I can't help taking a particular Notice of; I mean, Mr. John Bass, who was not many Years ago settled in the Ministry, but has lately been dismiss'd, as having turned from Calvinism,&embraced the Arminian Scheme, by his own Account in his Narrative of the Affair. And I cannot help wishing, that every one of our Churches, which have been imposed upon by like Pretenders to Orthodoxy, would follow the laudable Example of the People of A…ford; & regularly labour to get free from the dangerous Contagion of a corrupt Ministry, such as disseminates Arminian Errors, and loose Opinions in Religion, that tend to subvert the Truth, and destroy vital Christianity among us. Nor can I forbear expressing my Wishes, that in the Choice and the Ordination of Ministers for the future, more Care might be taken, by all concerned therein, to have sufficient Evidence of their being …ound in the Faith, and hopefully such as will bring the everlasting Gospel to their People; and not such as under Pretence of doing that, will only or mainly preach up moral Vertue, and this in such a Way as tends to destroy the Faith and vacate the Gospel of Salvation.
I hope, what I have here offered to the Publick may by the Blessing of God serve some valuable Ends; if not to convince & reduce such as are already engaged in the Arminian Scheme, yet to warn others of the Error and Danger of it, and to establish them in the Belief of the Truth, as it is in Jesus. I send forth this Essay with my hearty Prayers to the God of all Grace, that for Christ's sake he would own and bless what is here said agreable to his Mind and Will, for those happy Purposes: And that the Lord in Mercy would help his Ministers, like Paul, to fight the good Fight, and keep the Faith; and help his Churches in this Land, even unto the latest Generations, to hold fast the Form of sound Words, in Faith and Love, which is in Christ Jesus, to keep his Word and not deny his Name, but to hold fast that which they have, that no Man take their Crown from them.
And may I, who having obtained Help of God, do continue unto this Day (being in the 78th Year of my Age) obtain Mercy to be faithful even unto the Death, and then finish my Course with Joy,—and with the more Joy from a Prospect of this People's walking in the Truth and continuing in the Grace of God.
Now unto him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, be Glory in the Church by CHRIST JESUS, throughout all Ages, World without End. Amen.
SAMUEL NILES. Braintree, Sept. 25th 1751.
ERRATA.
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