John Newton (1725–1807) Accurately Describing Some Calvinists

And I am afraid there are Calvinists, who, while they account it a proof of their humility that they are willing in words to debase the creature, and to all the glory of salvation to the Lord, yet know not what manner of spirit they are of . Whatever it be that makes us trust in ourselves that we are comparatively wise or good, so as to treat those with contempt who do not subscribe to our doctrines, or follow our party, is a proof and fruit of a self-righteous spirit. Self righteousness can feed upon doctrines, as well as upon works; and a man may have the heart of a Pharisee, while his head is stored with orthodox notions of the unworthiness of the creature and the riches of free grace. Yea, I would add, the best of men are not wholly free from this leaven; and therefore are too apt to be pleased with such representations as hold up our adversaries to ridicule, and by consequence flatter our own superior judgments. Controversies, for the most part, are so managed as to indulge rather than to repress this wrong disposition; and therefore, generally speaking, they are productive of little good. They provoke those whom they should convince, and puff up those whom they should edify.

John Newton, “On Controversy,” in The Works of John Newton, 6 vols. (New York: Published by Williams & Whiting, 1810), 1:245.

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Substitute the term "controversy" with "debate," and read the quote again. There are some Calvinists who engage in debate, hold up their adversaries to ridicule in the process, and treat them with contempt. They provoke instead of convince, which serves only to harden the opposition instead of winsomely persuading them. This is contrary to their claim to be engaging in sincere evangelism in these debates. These verses are not heeded:

2 Timothy 2:24–26:  24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,  25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,  26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

Their combative approach serves to puff up their followers, instead of edifying them. While indulging in this behavior regularly, they consequently flatter their own superior judgments in the process, with the result that they consider themselves comparatively wise or good. Their self-righteousness feeds upon doctrines rather than upon good works. They still have the heart of a Pharisee, even though their heads are stored with orthodox notions of the unworthiness of the creature and the riches of free grace.

The Calvinists who are guilty of this would never admit to it, being blinded by pride, but their behavior gives them away. Watch how they are treating others in the midst of "controversy," or in the aftermath of "debate."