National Gazette

For the National Gazette.

Mr. Freneau,

The Arminians, and others, have long and justly merited the censures of all reflecting Christians, for holding (what those call) the unreasonable and dangerous doctrine of Predestination;—at least, for carrying it to such lengths as some of them have done; but it seems they have been (at least of late) much mistaken, and it's to be hoped they will in future spare their censure—for it plainly appears by the conduct of some of the more enlightened Calvinists, that to whatever latitude their former opinions on that subject extended, they are now (in this enlightened age) better informed;—witness one of their very popular leaders flying from this city, almost as soon as the present calamitous sickness was supposed to be contagious; and, another, publicly discouraging the assembling together in the house and time appointed for the public worship of God! It is to be hoped, these gentlemen will, in future, either fairly lay aside their favourite doctrine, or act more consistently therewith.

If any clergyman of any other denomination, has deserted his post in this time of great calamity, (when there was and is a loud call for his best services, and utmost exertions for the benefit of precious souls in deep distress, many on the brink of an awful eternity) we may pity (whilst we blame) the weakness of his faith: but we cannot, in the same sense and degree, charge him with inconsistency. But this I will venture to say, that the worthy ministering servants of God who have stood to their posts in this time of loud call for their services in public and private—who have "stood in the breach," in their places—and have not deserted many hundreds of precious souls in the extremity of deep distress (who perhaps were strangers to God and their Saviour, and in perishing need of the glad tidings of the gospel)—and who have not neglected to comfort and strengthen the people of God, in sickness, or near the hour of dissolution, putting them in mind of patience, resignation, and a holy filial acquiescence in the divine will—and praying with them for these and other spiritual blessings and supports. I say, all such faithful ministers do merit a double portion of the esteem and love of the inhabitants of this city, and I think they are sure to have it in future. They have the esteem of all I converse with—they show by their deeds that they have faith—I hope they are "full of faith," and such ought to be pastors under the great Shepherd, who was "full of compassion." It gives me no small pleasure to see and hear, that they are preserved in some measure of health—I hope they will be preserved and blessed—and remain their and your friend and fellow citizen.

PHILANTHROPOS.

P. S. Since writing the above, I hear that another very worthy minister of the Presbyterian society has left the city. I had almost said that I was surprised and sorry to hear it—but perhaps it was predestinated!!!

P. S. I was born and educated in Scotland, and brought up a Presbyterian; and (tho' no bigot) I still rather prefer their form of worship and church government; and though I could never understand or approve of the doctrine of predestination, in the very extended and extravagant sense to which some have carried it; yet, I am not altogether against it in a rational and limited sense: I believe in an omnipotent, general, and particular Providence; this is enough for me,—and is certainly more intelligible than eternal deep decrees, and dark predestinations. With respect to our moral conduct, and the consequences, and with respect to our believing and receiving the SAVIOUR, or rejecting HIM, I think a good and wise God has clearly and expressly revealed his decree;—and as to our other and lesser concerns, if we devote and commit ourselves to His hands and protection, there is not any fear of us (in the line of our duty to God or man). But, in prosperity or adversity—health or sickness—life or death—we are safe, and will certainly meet with what is best for us.