Never was there a time in which a bold stand for the distinguishing doctrines of grace was more needed than now; for while Popery is rapidly spreading, and infidelity growing, what is called “the religious world” is contenting itself with the shell of Christianity, to the almost entire neglect of the kernel; yea, in instances, not a few, to the despising of the kernel, as if it were a dangerous, if not a poisonous thing. Proud free will is enthroned – creature capability is extolled – and external show of literature, ceremonies, and splendid buildings are become the idols of the multitude.

It is, therefore, imperative that the few veterans, who know and love the truth of God, should confront the traitor free will, with the boldest statements of God’s free grace; war with the deception of man’s capabilities by insisting upon the helplessness of fallen man, and the efficiency of the Holy Spirit’s operations, exalting Christ alone as the salvation of God, freely given in covenant love – fully accomplished by atoning blood, and fixed immovably in the heart of every elect vessel of mercy by the invincible power of the Holy Ghost. These are the only weapons that are “mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (2nd Corinthians 10:4) 

Popery and infidelity laugh at the meagre Christianity of the great bulk of professing Protestants . . . but no Cardinal nor Priest dare meet the truth of God, nor a man of truth.

Joseph Irons (1785-1852)