Mozley: A Treatise on the Augustinian Doctrine of

CHAP. xi. Conclusion. 317
as the only true mode of asserting the Divine Love and
Power ; and, therefore, his only support in this life, his
only security for a better life to come. He says all this ;
he it says from his heart he feels ; it he ; believes it. Then
what are we to ? say What, but that, however such a result
may be owing to an imperfection in his mind, this doctrine
is certainly to him, under this imperfection, a strength and
a consolation and that an ; error and an is obliquity over
ruled by Providence for good ? !
Whether the time, indeed, will ever come when men
in general will see that on this and some other questions
truth is twofold, and is not confined to either side singly
that our perceptions are indistinct and contradictory, and
therefore, do not justify any one definite position remains
to be seen. Philosophers have from time to time prophe
sied a day when a better understanding would commence
of man with himself, and of man with man. They have
risen up from the survey of the past with the idea that it
is impossible that mankind can go on for ever repeating
1 As the workings of the heart am persuaded there are) who differ
of man, and of the Spirit of God, are from me more or less in those points
in general the same in all who are which are called Calvinistic, appear
the subjects of grace, I hope most desirous that the Calvinists should,
of these hymns, being the fruit and for their sakes, studiously avoid
expression of my own experience, every expression which they cannot
will coincide with the views of real approve. Yet few of them, I be-
Christians of all denominations. lieve, impose a like restraint upon
But I cannot expect that every themselves, but think the import-
sentiment I have advanced will be ance of what they deem to be truth
universally approved. However, I justifies them in speaking their senam
not conscious of having written timents plainly and strongly. May
a single line with an intention either I not plead for an equal liberty?
to flatter or offend any party or The views I have received of the
person upon earth. I have simply
doctrines of grace are essential to
declared my own views and :
feelings. my peace
I could not live comfort-
.... I am a friend of peace; and ably a day or an hour without them,
being deeply convinced that no one I likewise believe, yea, as far as my
can profitably understand the great poor
attainments warrant me to
truths and doctrines of the Gospel speak, I know them to be friendly
any further than he is taught by God, to holiness, and to have a direct in-
I have not a wish to obtrude my own fluence in producing and mam-
tenets npon others in a way of con- taining a Gospel conversation ; and
troversy yet I do not think myself
bound to conceal them. Many
therefore I must not be ashamed of
them. Newton s Preface to the
gracious persons (for many such I Olney Hymns.