Bere'ans

Bere'ans, an almost extinct sect of Christians, who originated in Scotland in the 18th century. They took this name from the people of Berea, who are spoken of in Acts, xvii. 11, as having 'received the word with all readiness of mind.' Their founder was the Rev. John Barclay (1734-98), a native of Muthill, in Perthshire, who acted as assistant minister at Fettercairn for nine years. They believe that the knowledge of God's existence and character is derived from the Bible alone, and not from reason or nature; that the Psalms of David relate exclusively to Christ; that assurance is of the essence of faith; and that unbelief is the unpardonable sin. In other points of doctrine they are ordinary Calvinists.