“For how would the power of darkness boast, If but one praying soul was lost.” But that cannot be, while Jesus lives to plead their cause; he _must_ deliver up his kingdom in the final consummation. For this is the Father’s will, that of _all_ he hath given me I should lose _nothing_, but shall raise it up again at the last day. This opposition to truth was raised originally by Pelaquis, revived in Holland by Van Harmin, Arminius, and brought over to this country in the sixteenth century; propagated by the Wesley’s, and received by so many thousands, because it is suited to the carnal world, the pride of the heart, and opposition to God’s divine sovereignty and justice. This subject, I say, not only drew forth the pens of great men in its defence, but also some sarcastic writings, treating it with the contempt it deserves. Amongst many other pieces, there was one which appeared in the Old Gospel Magazine, supposed to be written by The Rev. R. H—, or Mr. M’Gowan, and signed “Auscultator,” which, as it is printed, I here present it. _The Serpent and the Fox_; _or an Interview between Old Nick and Old John_. There’s a Fox, who resideth hard by, The most perfect, and holy, and sly. That e’er turn’d a coat, or could pilfer or lye. As this Reverend Reynard one day, Sat thinking what game next to play; Old Nick came a seas’nable visit to pay. “O your servant, my friend,” quoth the priest; “Tho’ you carry the mark of the beast, I never shook paws with a welcomer guest.” “Many thanks, holy man,” cry’d the fiend, “’Twas because you’re my very good friend, That I dropt in with you a few moments to spend.” JOHN. Your kindness requited shall be; There’s the Calvinist-Methodists, see, Who’re eternally troublous to you and to me. Now I’ll stir up the hounds of the _whore_ That’s called _scarlet_, to worry them sore; And then roast ’em in Smithfield, like BONNER of yore. NICK. O a meal of the Calvinist brood Will do my old stomach more good, Than a sheep to a wolf that is starving for food. JOHN. When America’s conquer’d, you know (’Til then we must leave them to crow), I’ll work up our rulers to strike an home blow. NICK. An excellent plan, could you do it; But if all the internals too knew it, They’d be puzzled, like me, to tell how you’ll go through it. JOHN. When they speak against vice in the great; I’ll cry out that they aim’d at the _State_; And the Ministry, King, and the Parliament hate. Thus I’ll still act the part of a lyar; Persecution’s blest spirit inspire; And then “_Calmly Address_” ’em with faggot and fire. NICK.