Page images
PDF
EPUB
[ocr errors]

all his true people, as one with him, "are kings " and priests."—" A holy nation;" as Israel was typically, though, alas! in reality, too generally an unholy nation in respect of character. The "elect strangers, scattered throughout Pontus, "Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia," five 'extensive countries,' were not a nation, at all, as to any external concerns; but select individuals from divers nations, Jews and gentiles. Yet, under Christ their King, "whose kingdom was not of this "world," as reconciled to God by him," and becoming his willing subjects, they were incorporated as a nation, notwithstanding their dispersions, under his protection, and governed by his commandments; being in reality, what Israel was typically, "a peculiar people," Aads is TEPITONY. All nations are the creatures, and ought to be the subjects and servants of God; but Israel was his by a peculiar right; a choice, a calling, a redemption, peculiar to that nation: yet this was only a shadow of the privilege of those for whom Christ" gave "himself, that he might redeem them from all "iniquity, and purify them unto himself, a peculiar

people zealous of good works." These persons, whom the apostle thus addressed, had not only been admitted to the marvellous light of the 'gospel,' but had been specially "called out of "darkness into his marvellous light." They were indeed become "the people of God;" they "had "obtained mercy." "2 Can all these things meet in any except true Christians? It would not be more contrary to scripture to deny that the ritual law, the Aaronic priesthood, and the kingdom of 'Mal. iii. 17. Sept.

2

Compare I Tim. i. 13. with 1 Pet. ii. 9, 10. Gr..

David and his race, were typical of the spiritual blessings of the Christian dispensation, than to deny that the nation of Israel was typical of the true Israel. Not to adduce more passages, let what the inspired apostle has stated concerning this subject in the interpretation, as an allegory, of the particulars respecting Sarah and Isaac, Hagar and Ishmael; and that which he has stated on the same subject, in writing to the Hebrews, be carefully examined: 2 and then let it be determined, whether true Christians are not, under the Christian dispensation, that, in deed and truth, which Israel of old was typically." We are the "circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, "and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confi"dence in the flesh."3 That the words quoted from the second epistle, "Them that have obtained "like precious faith with us, through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ," 4 should be adduced as putting beyond all doubt' a contrary interpretation to that which I have given; that their being said to have "obtained "like precious faith" with the apostles, should be considered as demonstrating that nothing more was meant, than their being externally called to 'the knowledge of the gospel;' this may well excite surprise. To me the words seem fully to confirm the conclusion which I have deduced from the passage in the first epistle.-"To be elect, and to be a believer,' are not the same thing, according to our views; because a man may be "elect according to the foreknowledge of "God," and not be as yet called by his grace. 'Gal. iv. 21-31.

3 Phil. iii. 3.

2

[ocr errors]

Heb. xii. 18-26.

4
1 2 Pet. i. 1.

But no man can know, or scripturally conclude himself to be elect, except by his faith. This the apostle calls "like precious faith with us." He therefore addressed none but those who had the "same precious faith" which he himself had; and, consequently, they who had a dead and worthless faith are not included. The apostle Paul calls this precious faith, "the faith of God's elect." None, we think, have it but the elect. It is precious in its nature, in the blessings which it appropriates, and in its holy fruits. It is "our most holy faith."2

'When the Christians of these five extensive 'countries' are spoken of, a superficial reader might suppose that the population of these regions was in general professed Christians, as that of England now is: whereas, in fact, the Christians, were only a small company in the several cities and districts, amidst an immense majority of gentiles or Jews; and this small company generally from among the lower orders in society: even as, at present, a few hundreds in a town or city appear in earnest about the concerns of religion, while the bulk of their neighbours, though called Christians, do not so much as seem to be real Christians, and make no pretensions to the title of " saints."

-The words, while other nations were still wan'dering in the darkness of heathenism,'3 still further uphold the supposition of national churches existing at that time: as if the bulk of the inhabitants of these regions, in which Christian churches had been planted, were not as much wandering in the darkness of heathenism,' as those of any other countries!

6

3

1
1 Tit. i. 1.

* Jude 20.

See Book I. chap. i. sect. 4. On the Case of the Gentiles.

6.66

'Among other precepts and exhortations he 6 says, "Give diligence to make your calling and 'election sure;" "for if ye do these things, ye 'shall never fall:" therefore the salvation of these 'elect, of this chosen generation, was so far from being certain, that it depended upon their own diligence;" their "not falling" was so far from being infallibly decreed, that it depended upon 'their doing those things which the apostle com'manded and he even predicts, that "false 'teachers, who would bring in damnable here'sies, denying the Lord that bought them, should 'make merchandize of some of them;" that is, 'should seduce them from the true faith in Christ, ' and consequently defeat their salvation: some 'therefore of these elect persons were not saved.'1

The salvation of all who might read the epistle was not sure, either as 'infallibly decreed,' or in any other way: but Calvinists think that the salvation of all, who had "obtained like precious "faith" with the apostle, was sure in itself. Yet, even in respect of these, their personal assurance of salvation, and the comfort arising from it, must depend on their own diligence in the use of the appointed means.2 Indeed the salvation of true Christians is so connected with diligence in the means of grace, and in all holy duties, that every confidence of a happy event must be suspected, if not absolutely condemned, which is not obtained and preserved by it. In respect of what is said of false teachers, and their success, it may suffice to say with our Lord, "If it were possible, they would "deceive the very elect:" and with his apostle, They went out from us, but they were not of

[ocr errors]

1 Ref. 205.

2 Heb. vi. 10—12.

us; for, if they had been of us, no doubt they "would have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they (( were not all of us.'1

[ocr errors]

6 Election in the Calvinistic sense includes an 'infallible decree; but the apostle could not call upon the Christian converts to make an infallible 'decree sure.'

[ocr errors]

6

[ocr errors]

2

[ocr errors]

By "calling," in this exhortation, 3 Calvinists understand effectual calling, or regeneration and conversion. Thus our Article: They be called ' according to God's purpose, by his Spirit, work'ing in due season; they through grace obey the 'call; they be justified freely; they be made the sons of God by adoption; they be made like to 'the image of his only-begotten Son Jesus Christ; they walk religiously in good works; and at length by God's mercy they attain to everlasting felicity.'4 An infallible decree' cannot be made more sure in itself; but it may be made more sure to a man's own mind, that "God has from "the beginning chosen him unto salvation;" and that, in consequence," he hath called him accord"ing to his purpose." This "full assurance of "hope," 5 this inward satisfaction of our election to eternal life, must be sought by diligence: and, the more evidently we love God, and "keep his "commandments" with alacrity and delight; and love the brethren and all men, and take pleasure in every work and labour of love; the more full assurance of our eternal salvation, and consequently of our election, we scripturally attain.

1 John ii. 19.

4 Art. xvii.

2

Note, Ref. 205.

3.2 Pet. i. 10. Heb. vi. 11.

« PreviousContinue »