"Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with Me.”—Psalm 101:6 This and the following chapters are designed to give a sketch of some of the most noteworthy and useful of the exponents of the doctrines of grace during the nineteenth century; a few named did most of their work during the latter part of the preceding century, but, as they did not pass away till the earlier years of the nineteenth, they are included in these chapters. John Newton (1725-1807) claims the first place. John Newton He was Rector of St. Mary Woolnoth Church, Lombard Street, to which benefice he was appointed by his friend Mr. Thornton. He at first resided in Charles Square, Hoxton; afterwards he removed…

"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."—John 8:32 William Huntington (1743-1813) must occupy the first place in this chapter in order of time and reach of influence. He was born in the Weald of Kent, between Goudhurst and Cranbrook, his mother being the wife of a day labourer working for seven or eight shillings weekly in the winter, and in the summer for nine shillings per week. He learned to spell and read and write a little, and this constituted his educational equipment for the battle of life. He walked in evil paths, and at one period of his life used to unload coals from the barges at Thames Ditton; hence the title "Coalheaver." His autobiography is contained in…

"Cast thy bread upon the waters; for thou shalt find it after many days."—Ecclesiastes 11:1 The literature of the past century, expository of the distinctive truths of the Gospel, has been of singular value; and whilst it lacks the massiveness and majesty of the doctrinal Puritans and the beauty and power of others, it is adapted to the period in which we live, for it translates with unction and scripturalness immortal truths into the language of the day. The works of Huntington, already referred to, have become Christian classics amongst us, and few gracious readers can peruse his "Contemplations on the God of Israel," or his "Posthumous Letters," without being stirred and edified. Mr. Philpot's writings have also been named; they will endure as long…

"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another, and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His Name."—Malachi 3:16 Neither Luther or Calvin held those shallow Pelagian views, now so common, of a gradual amelioration and Christianising of the world. Calvin writes, "It is a superstition to think that the world is improving in religion and morality. It is not improving but it is always going back." Luther says, "I know that the world is becoming epicurean; that is to say, they will lose faith in God and immortality, and give themselves up to the pleasures of the things of this world, and then…