John Brine on Means

Hyper-Calvinists and Hardshells love John Brine and John Gill. But, though both had "inklings" of hyperism, neither were Hardshells. Both Gill and Brine taught the necessity of evangelical faith for salvation.

Brine wrote:

"Something of it will most clearly appears by a just Definition of it. And I think it may be defined thus: The Gospel is the Revelation of a gracious, holy, righteous, effectual, and wise Provision of Salvation, made by God for some of the human Race. Because it is the Revelation of a Provision of Salvation, it is called the Gospel of our Salvation...It is a gracious Provision which GOD has made for the Salvation of Sinners. Salvation is wholly of Grace."

"The Choice of Men unto Salvation must be an Act of pure Favour, without any Motive, in them; because Faith and all its Fruits, in them are the Effects of that Choice. For they were chosen to Salvation, through Sanctification of the Spirit, and the Belief of the Truth (2 Thessalonians 2:13.)."

("The Glory of the Gospel, Considered" by John Brine, London: George Keith, 1762 SERMON 35)

"It is begetting us again. Quickening of us when dead in Tresspasses and Sins. And it is creating us in Christ Jesus unto good Works. Therefore, something is produced in us, except there may be a Regeneration without any Thing being generated. Unless Quickening may be, without a Communication of Life. And, unless a creating Act may take Place, when nothing is produced, or brought into Being; neither of which can reasonably be supposed. It is effectual: Thy People shall be willing in the Day of thy Power. Every Man that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto Christ. None remain unwilling, when Divine Power is exerted to make willing. And no Man refuses to come to Christ, or believe in him, who receives gracious Instruction from, and is drawn by the Father." (pg. 10 in "The causes of salvation and vocation considered" sermon)

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Hardshell regeneration is such a thing as Brine describes, an experience where nothing is generated, certainly not faith and repentance.

"God the Father appointed them not to wrath, but to obtain salvation by Jesus Christ. He chose them to salvation, through sanctification of the spirit, and belief of the truth. And it is according to the purpose of his free, sovereign grace and mercy, that they are saved and called with an holy calling. This gracious decree is that solid foundation, whereon their eternal salvation securely rests."

"Faith receives atonement, as what existed prior to its self; and, consequently, its being is independent of that grace, and previous to it in existence: nor is this inconsistent with any truth contained either in the law, or in the Gospel of Christ: nor does it take from faith anything which the Holy Spirit attributes to it, either in its nature, or its office and work."

"For they were regenerated, converted, and sanctified by the spirit of God. Since all these things were wrought for them, and in them, by the Father, Son, and Spirit, none of these particulars can be included in that exhortation the Apostle gives them to work out their own salvation."  ("A Christian’s Duty and Divine Efficiency Represented" In A Sermon Preached On Lord’s-Day, November 1750, Near Cripplegate)

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"...such as are the sheep of Christ, believe in him, hear his voice, and follow him."  ("An Antidote Against a Spreading Antinomian Principle")

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