168 Use of the ivord Reprobation. CHAP. 



bation, which, by its etymology, and in the language 

 of Scripture, means rejection as the result of trial, 

 like a gun that does not stand the proof charge, 

 came in Calvinistic theology to mean rejection 

 by arbitrary decree, independently of trial. This 

 violent change in the meaning of a common and 

 perfectly intelligible word, is a strong presumption 

 against the truth of the theory under the influence 

 of which the change was made. 



NOTE TO CHAPTEE IX. 



The following is from Sonnets and other Poems, 

 chiefly religious, by the present writer. 



THE POTTER AND THE CLAY. 



WHY hast Thou made me so, 



My Maker ? I would know 

 Wherefore Thou gav'st me such a mournful dower : 



Toil that is oft in vain, 



Knowledge that deepens pain, 

 And longing to be pure, without the power ? 



" Shall the thing formed aspire 



The purpose to require 

 Of Him who formed it ? " Make not answer thus ! 



Beyond the Potter's wheel 



There lieth an appeal 

 To Him who breathed the breath of life in us. 



