And indeed it is with perfons of this character, that we have the best hope of fucceeding, on religious fubjects in general. An obfervation therefore of Monfieur Pafcal, has been both a direction and an incentive to the author, in the compofition of his book. He has expected no more, than it encourages him to look for; and to this extent, he humbly hopes, that he shall not have written in vain: "Il faut plaire à ceux qui ont les fentimens "humains et tendres, et non aux ames barbares "et inhumaines *” *Penfées de Monfieur Pascal. The vast numbers of people in the metropolis, who never attend any place of worship...... The incompetency of fuch men, for reducing CHAPTER III. Impartial enquiry into the character and views of the clafs of clergymen, called evangelical minifters Page 31 32 33 41 SECTION I. On their being confidered as univerfally Cal- The variations exifting among them, with respect Their co-operation on the points in which they SECTION II. 46 50 53 On fome misconceptions respecting those, who hold the Calvinistic doctrine of election.. 57 They maintain the neceffity of perfonal holinefs.. The adoption of Calvinifm not in all instances to be attributed to predifpofition.... 58 61 ..... Devout men on either fide of the queftion de- 66 Hints on the qualifications neceffary for the dif- 69 SECTION IJI. On the fentiments of the clergy in queftion, refpecting the doctrine of juftification. ... 74 77 81 Whether they are chargeable with the folifidian Conditions of juftification confidered..... The enfe of the paffage in St. James's Epiftle law.. SECTION IV. Page 83 92 Of their infifting on the neceffity of a change Whether they maintain that all piety begins in an 94 .... Whether they difcard the inftrumental means of Whether there be any impropriety, in urging this The attachment of the clergy in queftion to the SECTION VI. 111 ib. 114 121 123 On the deviation of their preaching, from the models generally imitated of late years. 128 The rife of a new school of preachers in the English Church, noticed by Bishop Burnet.... 130 Obfervations on the ftrain of preaching introduced by it...... Reformers apt to go too far.... SECTION VII. Of their feclufion from the body of the clergy, and their connexion with each other... The first circumftance accounted for...... 131 135 139 140 141 The charge of enthusiasm brought against them, not ib. 153 Depreciation of the clerical body, in fome measure Allegorizing preachers.... 156 ib. A caft of preaching that nourishes melancholy... 157 . .. 159 General reflections on the character of this class of 162 CHAPTER IV. On the expediency of enquiring, whether there be any individuals of unexceptionable character, among the perfons denominated evangelical clergymen. With hints for the avoidance of error in the enquiry.... 167 Indifcriminate rejection of them, unadvifeable in the present state of religion and morals.... 169 The whole not to be judged of, by fuch as may 172 appear in a metropolis. Nor by fuch as may have acquired great popu- 173 The publications of fuch of them as become authors, may be no certain rule of judging..... 176 The advantage taken of their miniftry by mean and mercenary tradesman...... 177 No apology intended for those who depart from the .... 182 The true Church of England paftor defcribed..... 183 |