A History of the Origin and Progress of the Doctrine of Universal Salvation; Also the Final Reconciliation of All Men to Holiness and Happiness, Ful (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1826 edition. Excerpt: ... I shall now briefly tracet he doctrine of unlimited salvation, from where I left it, or from the Jlpostolic to the present age. It is often asserted by the opposers of the doc- trine of the salvation of all men, that it is a new doctrine, and one unknown in the christian world, till within a century past. But this manifests great ignorance of Ecclesiastical history, as the doctrine has been believed and preached in every age from the apostolic time to the present. Indeed, "by all God's holy prophets" and good men "since the world began." Dr. Mather, a popular writer, acknowledges that it is no novel, or new doctrine, but says he, "it is an old error revived, that has been again and again refuted." That is in his opinion. He finds fault with Clemens, one of the apostolic successors, for believing in the salvation of all men. "Whenever sinners repent," says Clemens, "whether here in this world, or in the next, they may be received to God." Dr. Whitby, a celebrated author and clergygyman of the church of England, who had an extensive knowledge of antiquity, having spent much of his time in searching the records of the primitive church, (he died, A. D. 1726.) states, that for the time of 4 or 5 hundred years, the general opinion of the bishops and elergy was, that all mankind would be finally saved. Andyv "this hath been the constant doctrine of the' He was a companidn of St. Paul, and author of an Epistle to the Corinthians, I see nothing in this Epistle contrary to the above quotation. Hs. ied, A. D. 100. church of Christ, owned by.the Greek and Latin fathers." And Dr. W. adds these words, "All the liatin fathers, who have left us any commentaries, on the Epistle of Romans, are plainly of the same mindr" as you may see by consulting...