A Defense of Particular Redemption

The motives for the appearance of this work are these; for more than thirty years, it is presumed, some thoughtful believers have, with much anxiety, watched the progress of Christianity and Infidelity in this city, and are led to the painful conclusion, that the doctrine of a general or indefinite atonement, or that sin was atoned for in the abstract, has been the prolific source or fountain from whence arguments have been, and are drawn, designed to support those delusive errors embraced and propagated by Universalists, Unitarians, Arians, and Deists; and thus hare the depraved hearts of poor sinners been hardened, their eyes blinded, and they have been lulled into a fatal security, while strangers to a change of heart and the love of Christ Jesus. Some of God's dear children may take no interest in this work, assigning as a reason, "We are not fond of controversy; " but ought we not to remember the exhortation, " Contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints," and is it not possible that this plea was also used by the poor deluded opponents of Martin Luther at the Reformation? Again; some may say, "We do not like the spirit of the author, he seems to be so severe against his opponent; " but we should remember the inspired Apostle said, "Rebuke them sharply," and he even withstood the Apostle Peter to the face. Others may say, "The author is opposed to missionary exertions;" but if such will examine his work, and compare it with the word of God. it will be found, that he is only opposed to missionary errors, or the strange fire which is taken to the altar of the Lord. Some may suppose he is unfriendly to learning, and a well-educated ministry; but if they candidly peruse his work, or inquire into his character, they will find that he is a friend both to literature and science, as also to theological studies, though strenuously opposed to those blind guides, who are taught to preach by mere human agency, without the influences of the Holy Spirit to qualify them for the important work.