ONTHEATONEMENTANDINTERCESSIONOFJESUSCHRIST.WILLIAMSYMINGTON

PREFACE.

Thesubjectsdiscussedinthefollowingpages,are,withoutdoubt,themostdeeplyinterestingthatcanengagethethoughtsorfeelingsofmen.Ofthemannerinwhichtheyaretreatedothersmustjudge.Topreventdisappointment,itmayberemarked,thatitwasnotsomuchtheAuthor'sintentiontotreatthempractically,astoexplain,establish,andvindicatethem,asgrandleadingTRUTHSofthegospeloftheSonofGod,whichare,unhappily,muchmisunderstood,neglected,andimpugnedinthepresentday.

Thewriters,towhoselabourshehasbeenindebtedforassistance,willbefoundreferredto,andtheextentofhisobligationsacknowledged,inthecourseoftheworkitself.Hehasoften,sincehecommencedthisundertaking,hadoccasiontoregrettheremotenessofhissituation,atadistancefromthosestoresoflearningtowhichhemightotherwisehavehadaccess,andfromwhichhemighthavebeenenabledtoenrichhispages.

OnthesubjectofAtonement,writersofthegreatesteminencehave,ineveryage,exertedtheirtalents.ThelaboursofArchbishopMagee,andofDrJ.PyeSmith,standpre-eminentinmoderntimes.Theformerwriterhasaccumulatedabodyofprooffortherealityoftheatonement,whichwillservetotransmittoposterityhisfameforbiblicalknowledge,acutethinking,andlearnedresearch.But,besidesregrettingthathisvariedmaterialshadnotbeenarrangedinamoreorderlyandusefulform,thefriendsoftruereligionhavetolamentthattheopinionsofthisdistinguishedauthor,onsomevitalpoints,shouldhavebeennotonlydefectivebuterroneous.ThesedefectsoftheArchbishophavebeensuppliedbythelaboursofDrSmith,who,inhisFourDiscourses,hasgivenamasterlyviewofwhatmaybecalledthephilosophyoftheAtonement.

Thereareotherwriterswhotreat,someofthenecessity,andothersoftheextent,oftheAtonement.Butitappeareddesirablethatthereshouldexistawork

embracingaviewofthewholesubject;socomprehensiveasnottofatiguethemindonanyonetopic,andyetsocopiousasnotaltogethertodisappointtheseriousandanxiousinquirer,whoshouldwishtoobtainanadequateacquaintancewithalltheleadingbranchesofthisinterestingandabsorbingtheme.Tofurnishsuchaworkhasbeentheaimofthepresentwriter.Heisnotawareoftheexistenceofanytreatiseonpreciselythesameplan.ThatofDrDewar,hebelieves,comesnearesttoit.Thisopinion,however,isformed,simplyfromthetitleofthedoctor'svolume.Asitappearedafterthepresentundertakingwasprojected,theAuthor—whetherwiselyornothepretendsnottosay—abstainedfromreadingsomuchasasentenceofit,ashedidnotreckonitspublicationanygoodreasonwhyheshouldabandonhispurpose,andhewasanxiousnottoembarrasshismindwithanycoincidencesthatmightexistbetwixtthatwriter'splanandhisown.Thesubjectisofsufficientmagnitudeandimportancetowarranttheemploymentofmanyminds.Itisbutanarrowandcontractedviewthatcouldleadanyonetosuppose,onsuchasubject,thatbecausesomehadalreadywrittenuponit,othersshouldrefrainfromdirectingtheattentionofthepublictoitagain.No.ThethemeisoneonwhichallthemoralcreaturesofGodmayprofitablyexerttheirpowerswithoutinterruption.Thesubjectisindeedexhaustless—itisathemeforeternity!Everywriter,too,hashisownmodeoftreatingasubject,andhisownpropercircleofreaders,whowillperusewithinterestwhathehaswritten,while

thesuperiorproductionsofothersonthesametopicmayneverbeknowntoexist.

OnthesubjectoftheIntercession,thenumberofwritershasbeenmuchmorelimited.Itis,ofcourse,introducedinworksofsystematictheology,asoneofthefunctionsoftheSaviour'spriesthoodbutithasseldomreceivedafullandseparatediscussion.Tobesure,itadmitsnotofthesameamplitudeofremarkastheothertopic;but,inapracticalandconsolatorypointofview,itsinterestisnotexceededevenbytheAtonement.Thetwoare,however,inseparablyconnected;althoughwefearthat,inthisinstance,menhavenotbeenalwayssufficientlyawareoftheevilofputtingasunderwhatGodhasjoinedtogether.Thetreatise

ofCharnockonthispointisthemostcompletethathascomeundertheAuthor'snotice.

Thepresentworkwasundertakenfromtheimpulseofmotiveswithwhich,perhaps,thereaderisnotgreatlyconcerned.Tosupplywhatheconceivedtobea

desideratumintheologicalliterature—tocounteracttheevilsofprevalenterroneoussentiments—andtoleave,inthedistrictwhichhasbeenthesceneofhislabours,somememorialofthoseofficialserviceswhichhavebeenbasedontheprinciplesofAtonementandIntercession,areamongtheinducementsbywhichhewasstimulatedtoenterupon,andtoprosecute,thiswork.Whenithadbeenlittlemorethanbegun,allprogresswassuspendedfornearlyayear,inconsequenceofbodilyindisposition.And,evenafteritpleasedGodtogivehealthtoresumeit,ithasbeencarriedforwardonlyatsuchsnatchesofleisureascouldbeobtained,amidaconsiderablevarietybothofofficialavocationanddomesticaffliction.

ThewritercannotclosewithoutgivingexpressiontothegratitudehefeelstoHimwhohaspermittedhimtocompleteaworkonwhichhehadsethisheart.Andhenowcommendsit,withallduehumility,totheblessingofthatdivineIntercessor,whocanrenderthefeeblestservicesofhispeopleusefultomen,andacceptableto

God.

TableofContents

THEATONEMENT

SECTIONI:NATUREOFTHEATONEMENT

SECTIONII:OBJECTIONSTOATONEMENTCONSIDERED.

SECTIONIII:NECESSITYOFCHRIST'SATONEMENT.

SECTIONIV:PROOFOFCHRIST'SATONEMENT—ANCIENTSACRIFICES.

SECTIONV:PROOF—LEVITICALSACRIFICES

SECTIONVI:PROOF—PROPHECY

SECTIONVII:PROOF—THESUFFERINGSOFCHRIST.

SECTIONVIII:PROOF—THEAPOSTOLICALWRITINGS.

SECTIONIX:MATTERORSUBSTANCEOFCHRIST'SATONEMENT.

SECTIONX:VALUEOFCHRIST'SATONEMENT

SECTIONXI:EXTENTOFCHRIST'SATONEMENT

SECTIONXII:RESULTSOFCHRIST'SATONEMENT.

INTERCESSION:SECTIONI.

REALITYOFCHRIST'SINTERCESSION:SECTIONII.

NATUREOFCHRIST'SINTERCESSION"SECTIONIII.

MATTEROFCHRISTSINTERCESSION:SECTIONIV.

PROPERTIESOFCHRISTSINTERCESSION:SECTIONV.

RESULTSOFCHRIST'SINTERCESSION.

PartOne

THEATONEMENT

SECTIONI.

NATUREOFATONEMENT.

HowcanmanbejustifiedwithGod?Thisisthemostimportant,byfar,ofallthequestionsthatcaneverawakenhumaninquiry.Fromtheuniversalconsciousnessofguilt,itmaybepresumed,thateveryindividualofourrace,has,atonetimeoranother,beenforcedtoutterasimilarinterrogation.Theverylanguageinwhichitisexpressedconveystheideaofdifficulty;andonecanscarceconceiveofitsbeingusedwithoutbeingaccompanied,inthecountenanceoftheinquirer,withatleastalookofdeepanxiety,ifnotanairofutterdespondency.Itisaquestion,too,onwhichthemindofman,unassistedbyrevelation,findsitselfutterlyundone.Thelightofreason,thelampofphilosophy,thetorchofscience,havebeenunabletoshedasinglerayofhopeonthismomentoussubject;and,lefttothese,weshouldhavebeendoomedtotheblacknessofdarknessforever.Notthattherehavebeennoattemptstoanswer,withouttheaidofinspiration,theallmomentousquestion;buttheanswershaveeverbeensuchaswerecalculatedtobewilderanddeceive,ratherthantoquiettheapprehensionsofanawakenedconscience,ortoimparttruepeaceofsoul.Theutmostthatschoolmen,orphilosophers,ornaturalreligionists,havebeenabletoeffectinthisdepartment,hastendedonlytoapplypalliativestothewoundedheart,ortoadministerstupifyingopiatestothepatient.‘Forgersoflies,physiciansofnovalue'weretheyall,leavingtheirpatients,sosoonasthetemporaryeffectoftheirworthlessexpedientswentoff,asreadyasevertoexclaim,inmentalagony,IstherenobalminGilead?Istherenophysicianthere?

Tothelightofdivinerevelationalonedoesitbelongtoirradiatethismoralgloom;tothewisdomofJehovahwasitreserved,topointoutasovereignremedyforthedeep-rootedmaladyofhumanguilt.Thishehasdoneinhisword,whichcontainsfull,multifarious,andsatisfactoryinformationonthemost

importantofallhumaninquiries.Allwhobelievethescriptures,professtoregardtheworkofChristastheonlyremedyformoralevil.Theyallagreeinconsideringthathehasconferredthegreatestpossiblebenefitontheworld,andthatheistoberegardedastheonlySaviourofmenfromsinandwrath.ButbythosewhoagreethusfarverydifferentviewsaretakenrespectingthenatureoftheremedyChristhasprovided.Theseviewsmaybeconvenientlyreducedtothree,whichhavebeendistinguishedbythenamesoftheSocinian,theMiddle,andtheCatholic.

TheSociniansystemisfoundedonthesuppositionthatpuregoodness,orunmixedbenevolence,constitutesthewholecharacterofGod.Discardingvindictivejustice,theabettorsofthisopinionrepresenthimasreadytoforgivethesinsofhiscreatures,simplyontheirrepentance.NothingrequirestobedonebyChristtoprocurepardon;hehasonlytorevealormakeitknown.Hispriestlyofficeisobliterated,ormergedintotheprophetical.Hisworkistoinstructmankindbydoctrineandbyexample;andthesolevalueofhissufferingsanddeathspringsfromtheirtendencytoconfirmhisdoctrinaltestimony.Tothissystemtheyingeniouslyaccommodateallthelanguageofscriptureregardingthegospelremedy.Whenitissaid,Christ‘diedforus,'themeaningis,thathediedforourbenefit.Heiscalled‘Mediator,'onlybecausehecamefromGodtomakeknownthedivinemercytomen.He‘savesfromsin'bytheinfluenceofhispreceptsandexample,inleadingmentothepracticeofholiness.His‘bloodcleansethfromallsin,'becauseitwasshedinconfirmationofthatdoctrinewhichisthestrongestincentivetovirtue.‘Wehaveredemptionthroughhisblood,eventheforgivenessofsins,'inasmuchasweareled,bytheconsiderationofhisdeath,tothatrepentancewhichissuretoobtainforgivenessunderthemercifulconstitutionofthedivinegovernment.Respectingthissystem,itisonlynecessary,atpresent,torequestourreaderstoconsiderhowillitaccordswiththeviewsgiveninscriptureoftheexceedingmalignityofsin;howinconsistentitiswithotherfeaturesofthedivinecharacter;howmuchatvariancewiththeletterandspiritofrevelation;andhowutterlyirreconcilablewiththeexaltednatureofthemediatoryreward.

TheMiddlesystemrestsonthesuppositionthatacertainpowertopardonsinwasconferredonChristinconsequenceofwhathedid.Liketheformer,itdiscardstheideaofanythingbeingdonetoprocurepardon,butholdsthatJesus,byhisobedienceandsufferings,acquiredapowertosave.Thefriendsofthissystem,whiletheyallowthatGodcouldfreelyforgivethesinsofhiscreatureswithoutanysatisfaction,conceiveitrightinitselfthatsomedistinctionshould

beputbetweeninnocentsandpenitents—that,whiletheformerareacceptedfortheirowngoodness,theacceptanceofthelattershouldproceedonsomeprinciplewhichshall.servetomarktheircharacterastransgressors,andtopreventthemfromfeelingonaperfectequalitywiththosewhohaveneverdeviatedfromthecommandmentsofGod.Thesepurposesaresupposedtobeservedbysinnersbeingpardoned,onprofessionofpenitence,forthesakeofsomethingdonebyChrist,whichentitleshimtointercedefortheirdeliveranceasonefriendintercedesonbehalfofanother.Insomerespectsthisschememaybethoughtnearerthetruththantheformer,butitisopentosubstantiallythesameobjections.Itgivesamostdefectiveviewofthedivinecharacter.ItdoesnotservetoexplainthetenorofscripturelanguagerespectingtheworkofChrist:nottospeakofitsfailingtoaccountforthepeculiarityandseverityoftheRedeemer'ssufferings.

TheCatholicsystem,socalledbecauseitseemstohavebeenheldbythegreatbodyofChristianssincethedaysoftheapostles,isfoundedontheprinciplethatGodisjustaswellasmerciful.ItmaintainsthatthepardonofsinisprocuredbytheworkofChrist,bywhichhegavesatisfactiontothejusticeofGodonbehalfofthosetoberedeemed.ThisiswhatiscommonlyknownbythedoctrineofATONEMENT,deemed,ineveryageofthechurch,ofsuchtranscendentimportanceastodeservethemostcompleteandpatientdiscussion.Suchisthesystemwhichitisourobjecttoexplain,prove,anddefend.Indoingso,theothersmust,ofcourse,necessarilyfalltoberefuted;andtheobjectionsagainstthem,whichhavealreadybeenhintedat,willbemorefullyillustratedandconfirmed.

Itisimportant,attheoutset,tohaveacorrectdefiniteideaofthedoctrineofwhichwearetotreat.Manydefinitionshavebeengiven.Perhapsthesubstancemaybecomprehendedinthefollowing:—Theatonementmeans,thattheperfectsatisfactionGIVENTOTHELAWANDJUSTICEOFGOD,BYTHESUFFERINGSANDDEATHOFJESUSCHRIST,ONBEHALFOFELECTSINNERSOFMANKIND,ONACCOUNTOFWHICHTHEYAREDELIVEREDFROMCONDEMNATION.

ThisstatementsupposesthatmankindhaveoffendedagainstthelawandjusticeofGod.Thefactofman'ssincannotbedenied.AndthatsinisanoffenceagainstthealmightymoralGovernor,whichcallsforthhishighdispleasure,cannotbequestioned,withoutblasphemouslysupposingthathemakesnodistinctionbetweenmoralgoodandmoralevil;thatobedienceand

disobedience,righteousnessandsin,aretohimobjectsofequalindifferenceorcomplacency.

ThatGod,beingoffended,requirestobesatisfied,isalsosupposedinthestatement.Thisisapoint,theevidenceofwhichwillfalltobepresentedafterwards.Wenowcalltheattentiontoitasamatteroffact,andcontentourselveswithremarking,thatthecontrarysupposeseitherawantoftruthinhisprofessingtobeoffended,orawantofpowertopunishtheoffender.

Itisfarthersupposed,inourdefinitionofthedoctrine,thattherequisitesatisfactionisgivenbyasubstitute,notbytheoffendersthemselves.Satisfactionmaybegivenbytheoffenderhimself,whenwhatisrequiredforthispurposeisnotpreviouslyduetothepartyoffended;butwherethisisthecase,ifsatisfactionbegivenatall,itmustbebyasubstitute.Thecasebeforeusisofthelatterkind.Towhatevermencanperform,thedivineLawgiverhasapriorclaimonothergrounds,aclaimasstrongashehastothatthenonperformanceofwhichconstitutestheoriginalgroundofoffence.

Intothescripturedoctrineofatonementtheideaofsubstitutionentersasanessentialelement.

Onaccountofthesatisfactiongivenbythesubstitute,thepartyoffendedispleasedtopardontheoffenders,andtobereconciledtothem.Thisisanotherthingsupposedinthedoctrine.Therecouldbenoatonementwithoutthis.GodispleasedtoacceptthesatisfactionofferedbyhisSon,andonthisgroundtodispensepardonandreconciliationtosinners.

Theonlyotherthingincludedinthedefinitionis,thatthepersonsonwhosebehalftheatonementismade,areadefinitenumberofmankind;notangels,butmen;notallmen,butelectsinnersofthehumanfamily.

Topreventambiguity,itmaybeproper,beforeproceedingfarther,togiveabriefexplanationoftheprincipaltermsincommonuseonthissubject.

ATONEMENT.(Heb.word,Gr.word).Thisisthecharacteristicappellationofthedoctrine.ItoccursfrequentlyinourEnglishtranslationofthescriptures,butonlyonceinthenewtestament.TheHebrewwordwhichissotranslatedsignifiesacovering.Theverbmeanstocover,todrawover;whenceitcomes,byaneasyandnaturalprocess,tosignifytoforgive,toexpiate,topropitiate;thatis,tocoveranoffencefromtheeyeofoffendedjusticebymeansofanadequate

compensation.Thetermisappliedtothemercy-seat,whichwasthelidorcoveringofthearkofthecovenant,adivinelyappointedsymbolcloselyconnectedwiththepresentationofsacrificesonthedayofexpiation.Theideathatseemstobeexpressedbythisword,isthatofavertingsomedreadedconsequencebymeansofasubstitutionaryinterposition.Itthusfitlydenotesthedoctrineofsalvationfromsinandwrath,byaransomofinfiniteworth.—TheGreekwordmorecloselyharmoniseswiththeEnglishtermatonement.Itsignifiesreconciliation,ortheremovalofsomehinderancetoconcord,fellowship,orgoodagreement.ThisisthetrueimportofthetermAT-ONE-MENT,theactofreconcilingorunitingpartiesatvariance.‘Thenextday,he(Moses)showedhimselfuntothem,astheystrove;andwouldhavesetthematoneagain,saying,Sirs,yearebrethren;whydoyewrongonetoanother?'SinhasplacedGodandmanapartfromoneanother;allharmonybetweenthemhasbeenbrokenup;andthosewhooncedwelttogetherinperfectconcordhavebeenseparatedanddisjoined.WhatChristhasdonehashadtheeffectofreconcilingtheparties—ofrestoringthemtoastateofone-nesswitheachother.TheDeityisat-oned;Godisbroughttobeat-onewithhispeople;theworkoftheRedeemerisaproperat-one-ment.‘WejoyinGod,throughourLordJesusChrist,bywhomwehavereceivedtheAT-ONE-MENT.'

RECONCILIATION.—Thistermoccursinboththeoldandnewtestamentsseveraltimes.Butitisgenerally,ifnotalways,usedasatranslationoftheoriginalwordsaboveexplained.Indeed,ashasalreadybeenremarked,itisquitesynonymouswiththetermatonement,involvingthesameideasandservingthesamepurposes.Itsupposesbringingintoastateofgoodagreementpartieswhohavehadcausetobeatvariance,asisthecasewithGodandhissinfulcreatureman.Itmayfartherbeunderstoodtoexpresstheeffectingofharmonybetweentwoseeminglyincompatibleprinciplesinthecharacterandgovernmentofthegreatlegislator—equityandsovereignty,justiceandgrace.

REDEMPTION.(Gr.words)—Thistermisborrowedfromcertainpecuniarytransactionsamongmen,asthereleaseofanimprisoneddebtorbyliquidatinghisdebt,orthedeliveranceofacaptivebypayingaransom.Thesearetransactionswithwhichmankindingeneral,andespeciallytheJewsandprimitiveChristians,havebeenperfectlyfamiliar.Accordingly,bothintheHebrewandGreekscriptures,thedeliveranceofmanfromsinisfrequentlyrepresentedbylanguageborrowedfromsuchnegotiations.Thetermbeforeusisofthisnature.Itinvolvesalltheideasincludedinatonement.Itsupposessin,whichisthecauseofimprisonmentorcaptivity.Itsupposes

deliverancebyasubstitute,thecaptiveordebtorbeingunabletoeffecthisownescape.And,ofcourse,itsupposesalsoaclearemancipationorrestorationastheresultoftheransombeingpaid.‘TheSonofmancametogivehislifearansom(Gr.word)formany.'‘Yewerenotredeemed(Gr.Word).

withcorruptiblethings,assilverandgold,butwiththepreciousbloodofChrist.'

PROPITIATION.(Gr.words)—Inthethreecasesinwhichthistermoccursinthenewtestament(whicharetheonlycasesinthescriptures),itisappliedtohimbywhomatonementiseffected.ItisthesamewordwhichtheSeventyemploytotranslate(Gr.word)atonement.Thecoveroftheark,ormercy-seat,iscalledbythem(Gr.Word).ThewriteroftheEpistletotheHebrewsmakesthesameuseofit.Theverb(Gr.word)fromwhichitisderived,signifiestoturnawaywrath,toappeaseanger,todowhatevermaygivethejudicialauthorityavalidreasonforpardoninganoffender.Itsupposes,ofcourse,anoffence,andtheturningawayoftheoffence—twoideaswhich,wehaveseen,areinvolvedinthedoctrineofatonement;whiletheusethatismadeofitinscriptureconnectsitinseparablywithsacrificeasthemeansbywhichtheoffenceistakenaway.

SATISFACTION.—Thoughnotfoundinscripture,thistermisoffrequentuseinconnexionwiththesubjectunderdiscussion.Fromcertainmisconceptionsregardingitsimport,thegrossestprejudiceshavebeenraisedagainstitsuse.Itproperlydenotes,thatthesufferingsbornebyChristwerenottheidenticalpunishmentrequiredbythelaw,butaproperequivalentwithwhichthegreatmoralGovernorwaspleasedtobesatisfiedinits.place.WhatChristenduredwasnottheprecisepenaltyofthelaw,butsomethingequallysatisfactory,servingthesamepurpose,asfarastherectoralhonourofGodisconcerned.‘Bysatisfaction,'saysanaccurateandlearnedtheologianofthepresentday,‘wemean,suchactoractsasshallaccomplishallthemoralpurposeswhichtotheinfinitewisdomofGod,appearfitandnecessaryunderasystemofrectoralholiness,andwhichmustotherwisehavebeenaccomplishedbytheexerciseofretributivejusticeupon

transgressorsintheirownpersons.....IftheworkofChristhave

thatexcellencyandmerit,whichtheunerringjusticeofheavenhasseentobeanactualdoingofthatwhichwasrequisitetocompensatefortheinjuryperpetrated,andtorestorethemoralharmonywhichhadbeenviolated,itmaywiththe

utmostproprietybecalledasatisfaction.ThetheologicaluseofthewordwasprobablyintroducedfromtheRomanlaw.Tertullian,whowaswellacquaintedwiththatscience,says,Christuspeccatahominumomnisatisfactionishabituexpiavit:whichmaybe,Iconceive,justlytranslated,‘Christatonedforthesinsofmenbyasatisfactionperfectineveryrespect.'Heclearlyshowshisunderstandingoftheterm,whenhesaysthatourLord,byhealingthewoundofMalchus,repairedtheinjury.Itisscarcelynecessary,toadd,thatthisterminvolvesalltherequisiteideasofourdoctrine—sin,substitution,andpardon.

SUBSTITUTION.—Neitheristhistermtobefoundinthebible,thoughincommonuse,andofgreatmoment.Thedoctrinesupposes,ashasbeensaid,thatChristtakestheplaceofoffendingsinners,bearingtheirguilt,andsufferingtheirpunishment.Assuretyformen,hevoluntarilyplaceshimselfintheirsituation,asviolatorsofGod'sholy,just,andgoodlaw;heholdshimselfresponsibleforalltheirguilt;andbareshisbosomtothefullawardofthethreatenedpenaltyduetothemforsin.Hesubstituteshimselfintheirstead,notmerelyinregardtopunishment,butinrespectofobligationtopunishment.Christsubmittednotonlytobetreatedasasin-offering,buttobemadesinforus.Henotonly‘bareourgriefs,andcarriedoursorrows,'but‘hebarethesinofmany.'Whilehisholysoulwasfreefromallthemoralcontaminationconnectedwithastateofguilt;whilepersonalguiltnevercouldbechargeduponhim;he,nevertheless,behoovedtohaveimputedtohimtheguiltforwhichhewastomakeatonement.Thiswasnecessarythathissufferingsmightpartakeofthenatureofapunishment.Suffering,disconnectedfromguilt,iscalamityoraffliction,notpunishment;topunishment,guiltisindispensablyrequisite.Christhadnoguiltofhisown;hewasincapable,indeed,ofcontractingit;but‘theLordlaidonhimtheiniquityofusall.'

VICARIOUS.—Thisword,asitsLatinderivationimports,hasthesamemeaningasthatjustexplained.Itsignifiesperformingthefunctions,orstandingintheplaceofanother.

EXPIATION.—Theannullingofguilt,ortakingawayofsinbysomemeritoriousinterposition,isthedistinctiveideasuggestedbythisterm.ThoughnotfoundintheScriptures,nowordisofmorefrequentuse,orofgreatersignificance,inconnexionwiththesubjectofourpresentinquiry.

Such,then,aretheprincipalterms,scripturalandtechnical,whichareinuseonthesubjectnowunderreview.Itisofgreatimportancethattheyberightly

understood,sothatspecificanddistinctiveideasbeattachedtothemrespectively.Intheology,asinotherdepartmentsofscience,weareindangerfromthatcommonlawbywhichwordsandphrasesinconstantusecometobedisseveredfromthenotionstheyaredesignedtorepresent.‘Thisgravitation,'ashasbeenhappilyremarkedbyapowerfulanonymouswriter,‘whichbringstheheaviersubstance(knowledge)down,asaresiduum,andleavesthelighter(language)tofloatasafrothycrustonthesurface,istobecounteractedonlybycontinualagitationofthemass.'Letitberemarked,then,thatthefirstthreetermsaboveexplained(atonement,reconciliation,andredemption),directourattentionparticularlytotheeffectsofChrist'swork;thenext(propitiation),tothesourceofthesinner'sdanger,thewrathofGodwhichneedstobeappeased;thethreenext(satisfaction,substitution,andvicarious),tothemediumofdeliverance;andthelast(expiation),toitsnatureasadeliverancefromguilt.Someofthesetermsinvolvethesameideasasothers;but,generallyspeaking,thereareniceshadesofmeaningwhichservetodistinguishthem.Aknowledgeofthesedistinctionswillatonceservetodirectusinthechoiceofproperlanguageinspeakingonthesubjectourselves,andtendtofacilitateourrightunderstandingofwhatisspokenbyothers.Thetermsarenottoberegardedasmeresynonymesorexpletives.ThedeathofChristwasatonceexpiatory,andvicarious,andpropitiatory,andatoning.Whenwesayitwasexpiatory,wemeanthatitwasforsinthathedied.Whenwesayitwasvicarious,weaffirmthathediedforthesinsofothers,notforhisown.Whenwespeakofitaspropitiatory,werepresentitasdesignedtoappeasethewrathofGod,whoisangrywithsinnersfortheirsins.Andwhenwesayitwasatoning,weregarditaseffectingaproperreconciliation.

Letthereaderstrive,beforeheproceeds,tofixinhismindcorrectnotionsofthelanguageinuseonthissubject.Whateverbethematterofinvestigation,thisisofvastmoment;andmoreso,surely,whenthetheme,asinthepresentcase,isoneofsuchawfulmagnitude.Letthedoctrineinquestionbeclearlydistinguishedfromotherswhichhavebeensubstitutedbyhereticsinitsplace.LetitbedistinctlyunderstoodwhatismeantbyChrist'satonement.Letthetermsincustomaryuseintreatingofitbeassociatedwithdefiniteconceptions.Thusmayweexpecttheissueofourinvestigationtobesatisfactoryandprofitable.Butifwecontentourselveswithvagueambiguities,likepersonsinamisteverythingmustappeartousdimandilldefined;wearelikely,ateverystep,togetmoreandmorebewildered;andtheresultissuretobedarknessandconfusion.

Itmaybepropertoremindthereaderofthenecessityofbringingacandid,humble,andwell-disciplinedmind,totheinvestigationofthisgreatquestion.Asubjectsohighanddifficultinitself,andwithalsomuchcontroverted,isnottobeapproachedundertheinfluenceofprejudiceorpassion.Insuchaninquirymuchdependsonthestateofthemoralfeelings.Injusticetothepurelightofsacredtruth,thedarkmistsofmoralprejudicemustbedissipated,andthesoulfreedfromeveryunholybiaswhichtheloveorpracticeofsinisfittedtoimpart.PerfectsubmissionoughttobegiventothewordofGodasthesolestandardandunerringguide.ThereshouldbehumblerelianceonthepromisedassistanceofthedivineSpirit,andthewrestlingsofferventprayeratthethroneofmercyforlightanddirection.Careoughttobetakentoviewthesubjectasone,notofspeculativeresearch,butofpracticalandawfulimportance;affectingtheveryfoundationofasinner'shopes;thebondofChristiandoctrine;theheartandlifebloodofthereligionofJesus.Thenwilllevity,self-confidence,andpride,bediscarded;andtheinvestigationbepursuedinthatlowly,pure,andreverentialspirit,whichcannotfailtoberewardedwithultimatesuccess.WhatmanishethatfeareththeLord?himshallheteachinthewaythatheshallchoose.

SECTIONII.

OBJECTIONSTOATONEMENTCONSIDERED.

Theviewgiven,intheformersection,ofthenatureofatonement,isstrenuouslyopposedbymany.Theorthodoxdoctrineonthesubjectisdisbelievedbynotafew,who,nevertheless,layclaimtotheChristianname.Theirobjectionsareatbestbutthespeciouscavilsofacoldandspeculativephilosophy,and,inmanycases,thereisreasontofear,thenaturalresultofcriminalpassionsandirreligiousprejudice,producingasecretdislikeatthoseexaltedviewsofthedivinepurity,andthosehumiliatingsentimentsofman'sguiltanddepravity,whichthedoctrinenecessarilypresupposes.Butfromwhateversourcetheyspring,theobjectionsinquestionmustbedulyweighed.Iffoundtobevalid,itwillbeunnecessarytoadvanceanotherstep:ifprovedtobeunfounded,thefuturediscussionwillbefreedofnolittleencumbrance.Tothecandidconsiderationoftheseobjections,letus,then,proceed.

I.ItisobjectedthatthedoctrineofatonementrepresentstheSupremeBeinginanunamiablelight,destroystheattributeofmercy,andresolveshiswholecharacterintosternandinexorablejustice.

ThisitissupposedtodobyrepresentingthedeathofChristasthatwhichprocuresthemercyorloveofGodforsinners;thatwhichrendershimwillingtopardonthesinsofhiscreatures,andwithoutwhichhewouldnotbesowilling:inshort,asamotive,aninducement,aprice,abribe,asomethingwhicheffectsachangeinthedivinemindfromsternandvindictivewrathtomeltingcompassion.Now,sayouropponents,sofarfromthisbeingthecase,Godisuniformlyspokenofinscriptureasinhisverynaturemercifulandgracious;asdisposedtoregardsinnerswithspontaneousbenevolence;asperfectlyreconciled,andinsteadofneedingtobeappeased,as‘waitingtobegracious'and‘readytopardon.'ThatsuchisthelightinwhichthesacredwritersexhibitthecharacterofGod,isnotdenied;andifthedoctrinewemaintaincouldbeshowntobeatvariancewiththisviewofthedivinecharacter,thismustberegardedasaninsuperableobjectionagainstit.Butwebegattentiontothefollowingremarks.

1.Theobjectiongivesamistakenviewofwhattheatonementisunderstoodtoeffect.

Itisneversupposed,bythosewhounderstandthesubject,thattheworkofChristis,inanysense,thecauseofdivinelove,mercy,orgrace;butthemedium,throughwhichtheseperfectionsofGodfindexpressiontoguiltycreatures.ItisneverregardedasnecessarytoproduceinGodlovetowardmen,butasnecessarytohislovebeingmanifested.ItisnotlookeduponasthatwhichrendersGodplacable,butasthatwhichrenderstheexerciseofhisplacabilityconsistentwiththeotherperfectionsofhisnature.Itdoesnotprocurethedivinefavour,butmakeswayforthisfavourbeingshowninthepardonofsin.Thereisaclearandbroaddistinctionbetwixtthesetwothings,towhichitisoftheutmostimportancetoattend.Thisdistinctionisconsistentwithscripture,wherethewholeschemeofhumansalvationisreferredtodivineloveasitsorigin;anditisasclearlyimpliedinthedoctrineunderconsideration,namely,thattheworkofChristgivessatisfactiontoGodforthesinsofhispeople,forthisnecessarilysupposesapreviouswillingnessonthepartofGodtoacceptofsatisfaction;andwhatisthispreviousgood-willbutlove,ormercy,orgrace?Thetrueviewofthematteristhis,thatdivineloveisthecauseoftheatonement,andnotthatatonementisthecauseofthedivinelove.Andwhenthesubjectisplacedinthisitsjustandproperlight,sofarfromtheatonementrepresentingtheDeityasunamiable,itmustberegardedasitselfthebrightestdisplayofthedivineloving-kindness.NothingcanbeconceivedmoreexpressiveofthebenevolenceofGod,thanhissendinghisSonintotheworld

tosufferanddiefortheguiltyobjectsofhislove.Intheestimationoftheinspiredwriters,thegiftofhisSoniseverregardedasthemostperfectmanifestationoftherichesofGod'sgrace.‘ForGodsolovedtheworld,thathegavehisonly-begottenSon,thatwhosoeverbelievethinhimshouldnotperish,buthaveeverlastinglife.'‘InthiswasmanifestedtheloveofGodtowardus,becausethatGodsenthisonly-begottenSonintotheworld,thatwemightlivethroughhim.'WhenatonementisthusexhibitedastheeffectandnotthecauseofGod'sloveandmercy,theobjectioninquestioniscompletelyneutralized;forsofarfromrepresentingtheSupremeBeinginanunfavourablelight,itstandsforthasthemostbrilliantandoverpoweringmanifestationofhisloving-kindnessandgrace—thepureemanationofinfinite,eternal,andunchangeablelove.AndallsuchviewsofthedoctrineasareinconsistentwithJehovah'soriginaldispositiontobemerciful,orwhichrepresenthimaschanged,bytheSaviour'ssacrifice,fromwrathandfurytokindnessandgrace,areeitherthemisconceptionsoffriendsorthemisrepresentationsofenemies,whicharetobeviewedwithunmingleddisapprobationandregret.

2.Butthisisnotall.Theobjectionproceedsonamistakenassumption.

ItassumesthatGodisreadytopardonsinwithoutsatisfaction,thatretributivejusticeisnopartofhischaracter,andthat,consequently,forgivenessistheresultofamerearbitraryresolveofwill,withwhichlawandgovernmenthavenothingtodo.ButwemusttakeleavetoremindtheobjectorthatGodisjustaswellasmerciful.RectitudeisasessentialafeatureofthedivineBeingaslove.IfthescripturesrepresentGodinthelightofaFather‘inwhomcompassionsflow,'theynolessdistinctlyrevealhimasaLawgiver‘whowillbynomeansdeartheguilty.'Theseviewsofthedivinecharactermustneverbeopposedtooneanother,butconsideredasalikeessential,co-existent,co-operative,andharmonious.ItisquiteamistaketoregardGodasactingatonetimeaccordingtotheone,andatanothertimeaccordingtotheother;atonetimeaccordingtomercy,andatanotheraccordingtojustice.Heactsagreeablytobothatalltimes.Theexerciseoftheoneneversupposesthesuspensionoftheother.Whenhepunishestheguilty,itisnotattheexpenseofmercy;whenhepardonsthetransgressor,itisnotattheexpenseofjustice.Mercymust,therefore,proceedonaprinciplewhichisagreeabletojustice.Whilemercyinclineshimtoforgive,justicemustreceivesatisfactioninordertoforgiveness.Denythis,andyouplaceinirreconcilableoppositiontwoessentialattributesofthedivinenature.Admitthis,andtheobjectionunderconsiderationfallstotheground;forthesatisfactionwhichthedoctrineofatonementsupposes

tobemadebyChristisnecessary,notindeedtoawakenthefeelingofmercyinthedivinebosom,buttoreconcilethemercifulforgivenessofsinwiththeequitabledemandsofjustice.If,then,justiceorequityformanypartofthecharacterofGod,iftherebesuchathingasamoralgovernmentintheuniverseoverwhichGodpresides,thatthepardonofsinshouldproceedonaprinciplewhichrespectstheclaimsofthedivinecharacterandgovernment,canneverrepresenttheSupremeBeinginanunfavourablelight;unlessitcanbeshown,thattheproperdisplayofonefeatureofhischaracterinvolvestheobliterationofanother.

Theobjectionthusappearstoproceedonagrossmistakeregardingthenatureofthatconnexionwhichsubsistsbetweentheloveof

GodandthesatisfactionofChrist.Aconnexionthereis,andaconnexion,too,ofcauseandeffect.Butinthemindoftheobjectorsthesearemadetoexchangeplaces;thecauseisputfortheeffect,andtheeffectforthecause;theloveofGodisrepresentedastheeffect,andthesatisfactionofChristasitscause:whereasthefactisquitethereverse;theloveofGodisthecause;andthesatisfactionofChristtheeffect.Andwhenviewedinthislight,whichisthatofGod'sword,theobjectionlosesallitsforce.

II.Thedoctrineofatonementhasbeenthoughtinconsistentwiththedivineimmutability.

Godisunchangeable.Inhisnature,perfections,andwill,hecanundergonoalteration.Thisweretosupposehimcapableeitherofimprovementorofdeterioration,whichsuppositionsalikeinvolveadenialofhisperfection.Ifheiscapableofimprovement,hewasnotbeforeperfect.Ifhecanundergoadeterioration,supposinghimperfectbefore,heisperfectnolonger.Thesesuppositionsareequallyblasphemousandabsurd;and,consequently,inapplicabletoHimwhosays,‘IamtheLord,Ichangenot.'YettheatonementofChristissupposedtoeffectsuchachangeinthemindofGod,thatheisreconciled,onaccountofit,tothosewithwhomhewasformerlydispleased,andinducedtolovewhatheformerlyhated.

Thisobjectionresolvesitselfintotheformer,andmightbedisposedofinthesameway.Yet,astheforminwhichitispresentedmakesittoturnontheimmutabilityratherthantheamiablenessofGod,itrequiresadistinctconsideration.

1.Firstofall,letitberemarked,that,iftheorthodoxemploylanguagewhichseemstoimplyachangeinGod,thisisnothingmorethanisdonebytheinspiredwritersthemselves.

ThephraseGod'sbeingreconciledmaynot,insomanyexactterms,befoundinthebible;but,certainly,phrasesofpreciselyequivalentimportaretobefoundthereinabundance.Isnothisangersaidtobeturnedaway?‘Inthatdaythoushaltsay,OLord,Iwillpraisethee:thoughthouwastangrywithme,thineangeristurnedaway,andthoucomfortedstme.'Ishenotspokenofaskeepingnothisangerforever?‘Goandproclaimthesewordstowardsthenorth,andsay,Return,thoubackslidingIsrael,saiththeLord,andIwillnotcausemineangertofalluponyou:forIammerciful,saiththeLord,andIwillnotkeepangerforever.'‘Heretainethnothisangerforever,becausehedelightethinmercy.'Nay,ishenotrepresentedasbeingpacified?‘Thatthoumayestrememberandbeconfounded,andneveropenthymouthanymorebecauseofthyshame,whenIAMPACIFIEDTOWARDTHEEforallthatthouhastdone,saiththeLordGod.'Intheseandsimilarpassages,althoughtheword‘reconcile'isnotused,theideaofreconciliationissurelyexpressed.Itistonopurpose,then,thattheenemiesofatonementcitethosepassagesinwhichmanissaidtobereconciledtoGod,asifitwereimpossible,atthesametime,thatGodshouldbereconciledtoman.Manis.indeedreconciledtoGod,andthisreconciliation,too,iseffectedbyChrist.‘Whenwewere,enemieswewerereconciledtoGodbythedeathofhisSon.AllthingsareofGod,whohathreconciledustohimselfbyJesusChrist.'TheorthodoxbelievethattheatonementofJesushasabearingonman,atendencytobringdowntheproudoppositionofthehumanheart,andtoslaytheenmityofthecarnalmindagainstGod.Buttheybelieve,also,thatithasabearingonGod,becausethescripturesformerlyquotedteachasmuch.Andthereisnothinginthisincompatiblewiththoseothertextswhichsupposethatithasabearingonman.Sofarfromtherebeinganythinginconsistentinadmittingbothideas,itcanevenbeshown,wethink,thatthelattersupposestheformer.

Inscripturephraseology,whenanoffenderisspokenofasbeingreconciled,itmeanshistakingsomestepstoreconcilehimwhomhehasoffended.WhentheprincesofthePhilistinesarewrothwithDavidandsay,‘Wherewithshouldhereconcilehimselftohismaster?'themeaningtheyintendtoexpress,plainlyisthatheshouldfindadifficultyinreconcilinghismastertohimself.Such,also,istheimportofthephraseinthewell-knownpassage,‘Ifthoubringthygifttothealtar,andthererememberestthatthybrotherhathoughtagainstthee,leavethere

thygiftbeforethealtar,andgothyway;firstbereconciledtothybrother,andthencomeandofferthygift.'Thispassageismostdecisive.Thepersonaddressedistheoffender;hehasnothingagainsthisbrother,buthisbrotherhassomethingagainsthim;yetisheexhortedtogoandbereconciledtohisbrother,thatis,togoandreconcilehisbrothertohimself.Thisistheonlymeaningwhichthepassagecanbear,consistentlywiththetermsemployed.Onthesameprinciple,whenmanisrequiredtobereconciledtoGod,maywenotbewarrantedtoconcludethatthephraseimpliesthatGodistobereconciledtoman?Whenthefactsofthecaseareconsidered,thisinferenceisthemoreconfirmed.Godistheoffendedparty,manistheoffender;thereconciliationiseffectedbythebloodordeathofChrist,whichisfrequentlyrepresentedinotherplacesasofferedtoGod;andtheeffectproducedisequivalenttothenonimputationoftrespasses,whichiscertainlytheprerogativeofGodalone.‘Godwas,inChrist,reconcilingtheworldtohimself,notimputingtheirtrespassesuntothem.'

Howfutile,thus,arealltheattemptsofSocinianstogetridofthescripturedoctrineofGod'sbeingreconciledtomenbyJesusChrist!Thedoctrineisplainlyexpressedinnumerouspartsofholywrit,anditisclearlyimpliedeveninthosewhicharesupposedtoexcludeit.Letthemexplaintous,therefore,ontheirtheory,thetextsofscriptureinwhichlanguageisusedthatseemstoimplyachangeinGodaswellasinman.Ontheprincipleofatonement,thesepresentnodifficulty.Bothsetsofpassagesareeasilyinterpreted,forGodissupposedtobereconciledtomanaswellasmanreconciledtoGod.OntheSocinianhypothesis,however,whichsupposesthatonlymanisreconciledtoGod,itisnoteasytoseehowtheoneclassoftextsistobeunderstoodatall.Betwixtthetwo,ontheorthodoxprinciple,thereisnodisagreement,butthemostcompleteanddelightfulharmony;ontheprincipleofitsopponents,theinconsistencyisglaringandpalpable.

2.Still,itmaybethought,thisdoesnotgetridofthedifficulty;itmerelyshiftsitfromourownshoulderstothoseofthesacredpenmen.

Andarewetosuppose,ontheauthorityofscripturetoo,thattheatonementdoeseffectachangeontheimmutableGod?Farbethethought.Thedoctrineisnotchargeablewithanythingsoblasphemous.Whatwehaveaffirmedis,thatthetextsinquestionseeminglyimplyachangeinGod.Wehavenotsaidthattheyreallyimplysuchathing.What,then,dotheyimply?Tospeakofachangeinthenature,orattributes,orwillofGod,isblasphemousandabsurd,aswehavejust

nowsaid.Butitisneitherblasphemousnorabsurdtospeakofachangeinthemodeofthedivineadministration.Nowtheanger,wrath,anddispleasureofGod,arenotpassionsoraffectionsofthedivinenatureresemblingthosewhichreceivethesamenamesinman.TheyaretermsdenotingthenecessaryoppositionofthedivinerectitudetosuchashaveviolatedtheholylawoftherighteousLordwholovethrighteousness.Theymarktherelationintowhichiniquitybringssuchasarechargeablewithit,totheLawgiverandJudgeoftheuniverse.Itisthelanguageofgovernment,notofpassion.Andwhattheatonementeffectsis,notachangeinGodtheLawgiver,butachangeintheadministrationofhisgovernment;achangeintherelationsubsistingbetweenhiscreaturesandhimself.Thosewhomheformerlytreatedinawaywhichisfitlyrepresentedtousbyanger,indignation,andwrath,he,inconsequenceofwhatChristhasdone,treatsinawaywhichisfitlyrepresentedbyloveandcomplacency;ButthechangeisnotinGod,itisinthecreature,andintherelationinwhichthecreaturestandstowardsGod.GoddoesnotloveatonetimewhatHehatedatanother.Hedoesnot,inrespectofChrist'satonement,lovewhat,irrespectiveofthisatonement,hehated.No.Hehatesandlovesthesamethingsatalltimes.WhatdoesGodhate?Itissin,andnotthesinner;hecannothatehiscreaturesassuch,butonlyasviolatorsofhisjustandholywill.WhatdoesGodlove?Holiness,hismoralimage,whichisreflectedfrommen,notasmerecreaturesbutasmoralcreatures,asnewcreatures;notassinners,butassaints.ThechangethusappearstobenotinGod.Heispleasedanddispleasedwiththesamethingsatalltimes.Healwayshatessin—alwayslovesholiness.TheatonementdoesnotmakeGodlovesinwhichheformerlyhated,norhateholinesswhichheformerlyloved.ThechangewhichiteffectsisnotinGodwhoistheauthoroflove,butinmanwhoistheobjectoflove.BymeansofChrist'sdeath,manisbroughtoutofastateofcondemnationanddepravitywhichGodcouldnotbutregardwithrepugnance,intoastateofreconciliationandpuritywhichhecannotbutlookuponwithcomplacency.Thechange,everyonemustperceive,is,inthiscase,notinGod,butinman,orintherelationinwhichmanstandstoGod.Whateverchangethecreatureundergoes,Godcontinuesthesame.Thesun,thegloriousfountainoflightandbeauty,isalwaysthesameinitsnatureandproperties,althoughtheearthmayreflectitsraysatonetimeandnotatanother.Butitwereeverywhitasreasonabletoascribethedifferentappearanceswhichtheearthassumesbydayandbynight,toachangeinthesolarluminary,ratherthantoitsownrelativepositionwithregardtothatluminary,astoascribethestateofman,inconsequenceofChrist'satonement,toachangeinGodratherthaninmanhimself.Thusdowedisposeoftheobjectionfoundedonthedivineimmutability.

III.Itisfurtherobjectedtothedoctrineofatonement,thatitisincompatiblewiththegraciousnatureofpardon.

Theforgivenessofsin,saytheobjectors,isuniformlyinscriptureascribedtograce.Itisanactoffreefavour,ofsovereigngoodness.But,onthesuppositionofsatisfactionbeinggivenforsinbyJesusChrist,theactcannolongerbecalledanactofgrace;itisanactofjustice;and,insteadofitsbeingmercifulinGodtopardonsin,itwouldbeunjustinhimtowithholdforgiveness.Suchistheobjectionwithwhichwehavenowtodeal.Itismorespecious,certainly,thansomeothers,and,consequently,agreatfavouritewiththeenemiesofatonement.Butthefollowingobservationsmayserve,itishoped,toshowitsgroundlessness.

1.Theobjectionsupposesjusticeandgracetobeopposedtooneanother,notonlyintheirnature,butintheirexercise,sothatbothcannotrespectthesameobject.

Thissuppositionhasalreadybeenrefuted,andwemustbegourreaderstoreverttowhatwasbeforeadvancedinproofoftheperfectharmonyoftheseperfectionsofthedivinenature.Inaddition,wemayhereobserve,thattheinspiredwritersappeartohavehadnoideaofanyincongruitybetweenjusticeandgraceinthepardonofsin.Onthecontrary,theyrepresentbothasconnectedwithforgiveness.Whatoneapostleascribestograce,anotherreferstojustice.Paulsays,‘Wehaveredemptionthroughhisblood,theforgivenessofsins,accordingtotherichesofhisGRACE:'whileJohn,writingunderthedirectionofthesameSpirit,tellsus,that‘Ifweconfessoursins,HeisfaithfulandJUSTtoforgiveusoursins,andtocleanseusfromallunrighteousness.'Itisworthyofremark,too,thatinboththesepassagespardonisconnectedwithatonement;intheformermentionbeingmadeof‘redemptionthroughtheblood'ofChrist,andinthecontextofthelatterreferencebeingmadeto‘thebloodofJesusChristGod'sSonwhichcleansethfromallsin.'Thisisagreeabletootherpartsofscripture;as,forexample,whenPaul,writingtotheRomans,inoneverseascribesforgivenessthroughtheredemptionofChristtograce,andintheverynextspeaksofitasamanifestationofjustice.‘BeingjustifiedfreelybyhisGRACE,throughtheredemptionthatisinChristJesus;whomGodhathsetforthtobeapropitiation,throughfaithinhisblood,todeclarehisRIGHTEOUSNESSfortheremissionofsins.Cananythingmoredistinctlyprovethattheinspiredwritershadnonotionwhateverofanessential

incompatibilitybetweenjusticeandgrace,orbetweenatonementandfreefavour?

2.TheobjectionoverlookstheoriginofChrist'ssatisfaction.

Itdidnotoriginatewithman,butwithGod.Mandidnotfindasuretyforhimself;itwasGodthatfoundouttheransom.IfanotherthanGodwhopardonssinhadprovidedthegroundonwhichthepardonrests,theremighthavebeenroomtodenythegraciousnessoftheact.ButasitisGodthatprovidestheMediator,theworkoftheSurety,sofarfrominterferingwiththefreenessofman'sforgiveness,becomesthemostillustriousproofandconfirmationofdivinegrace.Godmanifestshisgraceindeterminingtopardonman;itisfartherdisplayedinprovidingalegalgroundonwhichpardonmightproceedinconsistencywithjustice;anditisagainbroughtintoviewinacceptingthesatisfactionofferedbytheSurety,whichhewasnotboundinabsolutejusticetodo.

3.Theobjectionalsooverlooksthecircumstance,thatalthoughthesatisfactionofChristmayberegardedasalegalpurchaseofpardon,thebestowmentofpardonisaltogetheranactofgraceasregardsthepersonsonwhomitisconferred.

Itisfreepardonatleasttomen.Theyhavenoclaim;nosatisfactionismadebythem;theydonothingtoprocureforthemselvesforgiveness.Ifthepardonofsinisanactofjusticeatall,itissoonlytoChrist;tothesinneritisoneofpuresovereigngoodness.Itflowsthroughanequitablechannel;itproceedsonarighteousfoundation;thegroundonwhichitrestsissuchastomeeteveryclaimofdivinejustice:but,asregardsthespringfromwhichitissuesandtheobjectsonwhomitterminates,itiswhollyadisplayofsuperaboundingmercy.‘BeingjustifiedthroughtheredemptionthatisinJesus,‘isthusnowayinconsistentwith‘beingjustifiedfreelybyGod'sgrace.'‘Fancytoyourselves,'saysDrWardlaw,‘abandoftraitors,apprehended,convicted,condemned,lyinginironsunderthesentencewhichtheircrimeshavedeserved.Supposetheirprince,naturallybenignant,desiroustoextendmercytothem;butatthesametime,wiseandrighteousandmindfuloftheinterestsofthecommunity,aswellasbenignant,solicitoustoeffectthisinsuchawayasmayatoncesecurethedignityandauthorityofhisgovernment,attachtheheartsofthecriminalstoitsadministrationandtohimself,andimpressallhissubjectswiththeconvictionthattheremissionofthepenaltyintheparticularcaseimpliesnorelaxationof

therigourofthelawandthestabilityofitssanctions.Supposethat,insuchcircumstances,

heshouldcontrivesomemethodbywhichtheseendsmightbeeffectuallyanswered;andthat,havingcompletedhisscheme,andpubliclyannounceditspurpose,heshouldgivehisclemencyitsdesiredindulgence:—wouldthepardonnowbelessamatteroffreefavourorgracetothedelinquents?Clearlynot.Theschemedoesnotrenderthemonewhitmoredeservingofit.Itdoesnotlessentheirguilt:itrathershowsitsmagnitude,bydeclaringitsuchascouldnotbepassedbywithoutsomeprecautionarymeansforsecuringthehonouroftheprinceandtherespectduetohisgovernment;nay,itaggravatesinsteadofextenuating,byshowingthecharacteroftheprince,andgovernmentagainstwhichtherebelshadrisenup,notaruthlesstyrantandanoppressivedespotism,butapaternalrulerandanadministrationofequityandlove.Thepardonistothem,therefore,asmuchanactofmercyasever:—andthecharacteroftheprincestandsforthtomoreprominentviewandtomorerapturousadmiration,asadornedwiththetwofoldexcellence,ofagracioussolicitudetoshowmercy,andatthesametimeadecidedattachmenttorighteousness,andadetermination,forthegoodofhissubjects,thatitsclaimsshallnotbetrifledwith,butshallbemaintainedinviolate.—Inlikemanner,thedivineRuler'sadoptingaplanformaintainingthehonourofhischaracterandgovernmentinthedispensationofforgiveness,doesnot,intheleastdegree,renderthatforgivenesslessamatterofpuregracetothosewhoreceiveit.—And,whileitispuregrace,itisalsorich:—richindeed!thatprovidedsuchanatonement!—andrichindeed!which,onthegroundoftheatonementsoprovided,blotsout,toeverysinnerwhopartakesofit,sovastanamountofevil,andyetembracesamongitsfavouredobjectsamultitudewhichnomancannumber,outofallkindreds,andpeoples,andnations,andtongues!'

4.Theseremarksmaybedeemedasufficientreplytotheobjection.

But,inrefutationoftheSocinian'sfavouriteposition,wemayperhapsgofartherstill.

Itmayfairlybequestioned,whethertherecouldhavebeenseentobegraceatallinthepardonofsin,haditnotbeenfortheatonementofChrist.HadGodpardonedsinwithoutsatisfaction,ouropponentsthinkhewouldhavegivensomesatisfactorydisplayofhisgrace.Weareinclinedtosuppose,onthecontrary,that,insuchacase,therewouldhavebeennoproofofgraceat

all.MakethesuppositionthatGodhadpardonedsinwithoutanatonement,andpardonednotonlysomebutallthefamilyofman,andwhatistheinferencewhichintelligentandmoralbeingsshouldhavebeendisposedtodrawfromthisact?ThatGodisgracious,andthathisgraceisaltogetherwithoutlimits?Wepresumenot.Woulditnotbeamuchmorereasonableinferencethatsin,theviolationofhislaw,wasnoevil,nogreatevilatleast,notsuchanevilasithadbeensupposedtobe,seeingitcouldbesoeasilypassedoverbyaBeingofabsolutemoralperfection?This,wehavenohesitationinsaying,wouldbethemorenaturalinferenceofthetwo.Ifeventheawfulviewofsin'smagnitudewhichthecrossofChristisfittedtogiveisfoundinsufficienttopreventmenfromthinkinglightlyofit,itisnottobesupposedthattheirsenseofitsturpitudewouldhavebeenenhancedbytheabsenceofanatonement.‘Sofarthenisitfrombeingtrue,thatthemercyof.Godwouldhavebeenreadytoforgivethesinnerwithoutatonementhadjusticeallowedit,andthatitwouldhavebeenhighlyhonouredbysodoing,thattheveryexistenceofmercycanbeprovedonlybytheatonement.Removethatproofofit,andImayverysafelychallengeallthewisdomofhumanphilosophytoprovethatanysuchthingasmercyexists.Iknownotifthisviewofthematterbeurgedupontheattentionofthechurchwithsufficientfrequencyandprominence:butifitwere,Icanhardlythinkthatsostrangeanobjectiontotheatonementcouldeverhavebeenconceived,asthatwhichconsiderstheatonement,—theonlyfactbywhichtheveryexistenceofmercy,andmuchmoreitsinfiniteextent,canbeproved,—asadrawbackuponthefulnessandfreenessofthatmercy.'

IV.Objectionhasoftenbeenmadetothedoctrineofatonement,onthegroundthatitsupposestheinnocenttosufferfortheguilty;athingwhichisregardedasinconsistentwithreason,andwiththegoodnessandjusticeofGod.

Thedoctrineofatonementcertainlyinvolvestheprincipleofsubstitution:whetherthatprinciplebeliabletotheobjectionallegedagainstit,isthethingtobeconsidered.Wehavenowishtogetridofthedifficultybydenyingthefact;butaslittlearewedisposedtosuffertheadmittedfacttolieundertheweightofaspersionswhicharethrownuponitunjustly.Letussee,then,howthematterstandsastothispoint.

1.Itmustbeadmittedbyall,that,underthemoralgovernmentofGod,theinnocentdosometimessufferfortheguilty.

Itisnotpretendedthatcasesexactlysimilartothatweareconsideringareof

frequentoccurrenceintheprovidenceofGod.Thecontrary,indeed,isfranklyadmitted.ThesubstitutionofChristisallowedtobealtogetherextraordinary—tobewithoutaparallelinthedivineproceedingswithregardtomoralcreatures.Nothinglikeit,inallrespects,hasyetexistedorislikelyevertoexistagaintotheendoftime.Yetcasessufficientlyliketoneutralisetheobjectioninquestionarenotofunfrequentoccurrence.Theinnocentdooftensufferfortheguilty,andthattoowithoutsuchexaltedpurposesbeingservedbyitasinthecaseof

Christ.Poverty,andpain,anddisgrace,anddiseasearenotseldomentailedonchildren,inconsequenceofthecriminalindiscretionsoftheirparents.Thisiswhatcannotbedenied.ItisnotthesamethingasthesubstitutionofChrist;thesufferingisofthenatureofcalamityratherthanofpunishment.Yetitistheinnocentsufferingfortheguilty;andasthisisthepointonwhichtheobjectionturns,wemaycallupontheobjectorstoexplainthisundeniablefactindivineprovidence,beforewecanadmittheirrighttourgetheprincipleofthefactagainstadoctrineofdivinerevelation.Ifthethingisunreasonableandunjustintheonecase,itcannotbelesssointheother.Willtheyhavethehardihoodtoaffirm,thatsuchoccurrencesinprovidenceashavebeenmentioned,implyinjusticeintheadministrationofthemoralgovernmentofourworld?Iftheywill,wehavenothingmoretodowiththem;weleavethemtoonefromwhomtheywillnotfinditsoeasytoescape.‘HethatreprovethGod,lethimanswerit.'Butiftheywillnotventuresofarwithregardtoprovidence,wehavejusttotellthemtheyhavenorighttomakeanysuchassertionsinamatterofpurerevelation.Thedifficulty,ifitbeadifficulty,isonewhichtheycannotbepermittedtourgeasaninsuperableobjectioninonecase,whileinaparallelcasetheyfeelittobenodifficultyatall.

Andthattheideaoftheinnocentsufferingfortheguiltyisnotsorepugnanttothenaturalreasonofmanastheobjectorsallege,seemsconfirmedbytheuniversalprevalenceofexpiatorysacrifices.Whetherthepracticeofofferingsuchsacrificesbeofdivineoriginornot—aquestionwhichwillfalltobeconsideredatanotherstageofourargument—itsuniversaladoptioncannotbedenied.This,beitremarked,isnotalittleinourfavour,asthepracticeinquestionproceedsdistinctlyontheprincipleoftheinnocentsufferingfortheguilty.Whetheryousupposethispracticetohaveoriginatedwithman,orwhether,aswearepersuadedwasthecase,thesuggestionproceededfromGod,thefactisaliketoourpurpose.Ifitoriginatedwithman,theideaofsubstitutionwhichitessentiallyinvolvesmustbeanythingbutrepugnanttothehumanmind.

SupposingittohaveoriginatedwithGod,itshavingbeeneagerlyanduniversallyembracedbymanwhensuggestedconductsustothesameconclusion.

2.Buttheverysameobjectionpresses,withallitsforce,againstthedoctrineofouropponents.

TheyadmitthatJesusChristsufferedforthebenefitofmankind.Theyadmit,too,thatatleastasregardstheallegedgroundsofhissufferingshewasinnocent.Fewofthem,indeedhaveventuredevento‘hintadoubt'withregardtohisperfectimmaculatepurity;andnonehasgonethelengthtosupposehewastheblasphemoususurperwhichhisenemiesallegedhewas,asthegroundoftheirinflictionsuponhim.Well,then,whatisthisbuttheinnocentsufferingfortheguilty?Intheonecaseheissupposedtosufferforourbenefit;intheother,tosufferinourstead;inbothheisunderstoodtobeinnocent.Theinnocent,then,suffersfortheguilty.Thereis,itisadmitted,adistinctionbetweenwhatSociniansunderstandbyChrist'ssufferingforourbenefitandwhattheorthodoxmeanbyhissufferinginourstead;butthedistinctionisnotofsuchanatureastorendersufferingontheonesuppositionmanifestlyjust,andontheothermanifestlyunjust.Ifitbejustintheonecaseitisjustinboth:ifitbeunjustinone,itissoalsointheother.Nay,inasmuchassufferingforourbenefit,accordingtothesenseofSocinians,isanendeverywayinferiortowhattheorthodoxunderstandbysufferinginourstead,ifinjusticeissupposedtobeinvolvedinanydegreeinthelattersupposition,inamuchhigherdegreemustitbeinvolvedintheformer.TheSocinian,then,bytheobjectioninquestionstultifieshimself.Itisatwo-edgedweapon,whichiscapableofbeingturnedwitheffectagainsthisowncause.Ifitpossessanyweight,itfallswithtenfoldforceonthesystemwhichheispledgedtosupport.

3.Itisoverlookedbytheobjectors,that,althoughChristwaspersonallyinnocent,hewasviewedaslegallyguilty.

Inhimselfhecouldputtothemostimpudentaccuserthedefiance—'Whichofyouconvincethmeofsin?'butasthesuretyandsubstituteofelectsinners,‘theLordlaidonhimtheiniquityofusall—hemadehimtobesinforus,whoknewnosin—hebarethesinsofmany.'Itwasformerlyexplained,andwebegnowtoremindourreadersoftheexplanation,thatwhenChristtooktheplaceofoffendingsinners,henotmerelysufferedtheirpunishmentbutboretheirguilt,thatistosay,wasregardedbytheholylawofGodasunderobligationtosuffer.

Apartfromthisobligation,aswasremarked,hissufferingswouldhavebeennothingmorethancalamities;therecouldhavebeennothingpenalinthem,nothingofthenatureofpunishment,nothingpossessingthecharacterofalegalsatisfaction.Inordertothishebehovedtobebroughtunderanobligationtosuffer,and,ashehadnopersonalguiltbywhichthiscouldtakeplace,itwaseffectedbytheimputationoftheguiltofothers.‘TheLordlaidonhimtheiniquityofusall.'Thisaltersthecaseentirely.Guilt,notinthesenseofblameworthinessbutoflegalanswerableness,washis.Innocentindeedhewasinhimself;andhadhenotbeensohecouldnothavestoodasthesubstituteofothers;hemust,inthiscase,havehadtoanswerforhimself:but,whilefreefromallpersonalguilt,hewaspleasedtotakeuponhimtheguiltofhispeople,andinthecharacteroftheirsuretyorsubstitutewasitthathesufferedthepenaltyofthelaw.Thelawheldhimguiltyasstandingintheroomoftheguilty,andinthischaracterhesuffered.SuchaunionsubsistedbetwixtChristandhispeopleastolayfoundationforareciprocalproprietorship,inconsequenceofwhich,whilehewas‘madesinforus,'weare‘madetherighteousnessofGodinhim.'Norletitbesaid,thatthissupposesGodtohavetreatedChristassomethingdifferentfromwhathewas,—asguiltywhenhewasnotguilty,whichwouldbeessentiallyunjust.Bynomeans.Hewasnotpersonallyguilty,andGoddidnottreathimaspersonallyguilty:buthechosetotakeuponhimourguilt,andGodtreatedhim,notasonewhohadmadehimselfguiltybypersonaltransgression,butasonewhowastherepresentativeoftheguilty,standingintheirplace,andbearingtheirsinsinhisownbody.SuchwasthelightinwhichGodviewedhim;and,viewinghiminthislight,toinflictonhimthesufferingsduetohumanguiltinvolvednoinfringementoflegalrectitudeorjustice

4.ItoughtalsotobeconsideredhowfarthecircumstancesofChrist'ssufferingforguiltymenunderthesanctionofdivineauthority,andbyhisownvoluntaryagreement,gotodoawaywiththepresentobjection.

Aninnocentperson'sbeingcompelledtosufferfortheguiltyinvolvesthehighestinjustice;butChristvoluntarilysubstitutedhimselfintheroomofhispeople;—hetookuponhimtheirsins;hebowedhisnecktotheyoke;helaiddownhislife,noonetookitfromhim,buthelaiditdownofhimself.Itwasadeliberateact,theresultofsolemnpurpose,andnotthesuddenimpulseoftransiententhusiasm.Hehadaperfectrighttodisposeofhimselfashethoughtfit,beingundernoantecedentobligationtolaw,butpossessinganabsoluteindependence,andbeingatperfectlibertytogivehislifearansomformany.‘I

havepowertolayitdown,'sayshe,‘andIhavepowertotakeitagain.'—Norwasthiswonderfulactofvoluntarycondescensionwithoutthesanctionofsupremeauthority.Althoughaprivateperson,heroicandbenevolentenoughtoofferhimselfasasubstitutefortheguilty,couldbefound,itisclearthat,totheconsequencesofsuchsurrenderbeingperfectlyjust,thetransactionmustreceivethesanctionoftheoffendedlawgiver.Healonehasarighttosaywhetherhewilladmitoftheproposedcommutation,asheonlycanjudgewhethersuchaproceduremaybeconducivetoalltheendsofjustice.While,therefore,Christ‘gavehimselfforoursinsthathemightredeemusfromthepresentevilworld,'hedidso‘according,tothewillofGodevenourFather;'and,whenabouttoenteronthelastawfulsceneofwoe,hewasheardtosay,‘AstheFathergavemecommandment,soIdo;arise,letusgohence.'Theinnocentsufferingfortheguiltyinvoluntarilyandwithoutthecountenanceoflegalsanction,maybeallowedtobeinconsistentwithreasonandwiththegoodnessandjusticeofGod;butthesamecannotsurelybesaidoftheinnocentsufferingfortheguiltywiththefullapprobationofsupremeauthority,andinamannerwhichisperfectlyvoluntary.

5.Thefutilityoftheobjectionwillstillfartherappear,ifitcanbeshownthat,bytheinnocentsufferingfortheguilty,theendstobesubservedbypunishmentaremorefullyattainedthanbythesufferingoftheguiltyforthemselves,whileatthesametime,noinjuryisdoneeithertothelawortothesufferer.

Thatnoinjuryisdonetothelawortothesufferer,inthepresentcase,appearsfromwhatwehavealreadyadduced.Itremainstobeshown,thattheendstobeaccomplishedbysufferingthepunishmentofthelaw,aremuchmorecompletelysubservedbythesubstitutionaryschemethantheycouldotherwisehavebeen.‘Themattermaybeillustratedthus,—Arebelistaken,tried,andcondemned.Asheisledouttopunishment,theking'sson,—theheirofhiscrown,stepsforwardandproposestopurchasethelifeandlibertyoftherebel,byhavingthesentencetransferredtohimself,andconsentingtoundergoitsinfliction.Hisfatherconsents,andhisofferbeingaccepted,thelawhasthesameholduponhimthatithadupontherebel,whileuponthelatteritceasestohaveanyfartherclaim.Andthoughitbenowhisownsonuponwhomthesentenceistobeinflicted,thekingabatesnotoneiotaofitsseverity,butcausesittobecarriedintoexecutiontoitsfullestextent.Thisshowsonthepartbothofthefatherandtheson,howhighlytheyprizethesafetyoftherebel.Itshowstheunpardonableguiltofrebellion,thateventheheirtothethronecannotdelivertherebelotherwisethanbyundergoinghissentence.Itshowsthemajestyofthe

government,andthesanctityofthelawinamuchmorestrikingmannerthanthedeathoftherebelhimselfcouldhavedone,whentheking'ssonissparednothingofwhattherebelwasdoomedtobear.'

Ifsuchbethecase,—ifbythemethodofavicariousinterpositionratherthanbysufferingrighteousvengeancetofallwhereitwaspersonallydue,theendsofGod'sholygovernmentareattained,notonlyequallywell,butunspeakablybetter;iftherectoralhonouroftheEternalSovereignismoreinviolablypreservedandexhibited;ifsinishelduptothemoraluniverseasmoredeservingofabhorrenceandexecration;ifthedesignsofwisdom,justice,andmercyaremoreamplyandeffectuallyaccomplished,whowillpresumetosaythatthedivineBeingwasnotatlibertytoadoptthismethodwithoutsubjectinghisproceduretothechargeofinconsistencyandinjustice?Naybut,Oman,whoartthouthatrepliestagainstGod?

6.Itought,moreover,tobetakenintoconsideration,that,inrespectofthesubstitutionarysufferingsoftheSonofGod,thecaseadmitsofsuchacompensativearrangementastopreventallultimateinjurytothepartyconcerned.

Theideaheresuggesteddeprivestheobjectionbeforeusofallforce,andthisideaissohappilystatedandillustratedbyoneofthegreatestornamentsofourage,thatIcannotresistpresentingitinhisownnervousandfelicitouslanguage.‘Howevermuchwemightbeconvinced,'saysMr.Hall,‘ofthecompetenceofvicarioussufferingtoaccomplishtheendsofjustice,andwhateverthebenefitswemayderivefromit,abenevolentmindcouldneverbereconciledtothesightofvirtueofthehighestorderfinallyoppressedandconsumedbyitsownenergies;andthemoreintensetheadmirationexcited,themoreeagerwouldbethedesireofsomecompensatoryarrangement,someexpedientbywhichanampleretributionmightbeassignedtosuchheroicsacrifices.Ifthesufferingofthesubstituteinvolvedhisdestruction,whatsatisfactioncouldagenerousandfeelingmindderivefromimpunityprocuredatsuchacost?WhenDavid,inanagonyofthirst,longedforthewaterofBethlehem,whichsomeofhisservantsimmediatelyprocuredforhimwiththeextremehazardoftheirlives,themonarchrefusedtotasteit,exclaiming,Itisthepriceofblood!butpoureditoutbeforetheLord.Thefelicitywhichflowsfromtheirreparablemiseryofanother,andmoreespeciallyofonewhosedisinterestedbenevolencealoneexposedhimtoit,willbefaintlyrelishedbyhimwhoisnotimmersedinselfishness.Iftherebeanyportionsofhistory,whoseperusalaffordsmorepureandexquisite

delightthanothers,theyarethosewhichpresentthespectacleofaconflictingandself-devotedvirtue,afterinnumerabletoilsanddangersundergoneinthecause,enjoyingadignifiedreposeinthebosomofthecountrywhichitsexamplehasennobled,anditsvaloursaved.Suchaspectaclegratifiesthebestpropensities,satisfiesthehighestdemandsofourmoralandsocialnature.Itaffordsadelightfulglimpseofthefutureandperfecteconomyofretributivejustice.Intheplanofhumanredemptionthisrequisitionisfullysatisfied.WhileweaccompanytheSaviourthroughthesuccessivestagesofhismortalsojourning,markedbyacorrespondingsuccessionoftrials,eachofwhichwasmoreseverethantheformer,tillthescenedarkened,andthecloudsofwrathfromheavenandfromearth,pregnantwithmaterialswhichnothingbutadivinehandcouldhavecollected,dischargedthemselvesonhiminadelugeofagonyandofblood,underwhichheexpired,weperceiveatoncethesufficiency,Ihadalmostsaid,theredundancy,ofhisatonement.But‘surelydeliveranceevenfromthewrathtocomewouldaffordanimperfectenjoyment,ifitwereimbitteredwiththerecollectionthatwewereindebtedforittotheirreparabledestructionofourcompassionateRedeemer.TheconsolationarisingfromreconciliationwithGodissubjecttonosuchdeduction.WhilewerejoiceinthecrossofChristasthesourceofpardon,oursatisfactionisheightenedbybeholdingitsucceededbythecrown;byseeinghimthatwasforalittlewhilemadelowerthantheangels,forthesufferingofdeath,crownedwithgloryandhonour,seatedattherighthandofGod,thenceexpectingtillhisenemiesaremadehisfootstool.'

7.Thereisonecircumstancemorewhichdeservestobetakenintotheaccountinreplyingtothisobjection.ThesubstitutionofChristisacasewhichisabsolutelypeculiar.

Suchacasecouldneverbejustifiedasamatterofordinaryorfrequentoccurrence.Itcouldonlybewhensomethingextraordinarycalledforitsintroduction,whensuchacombinationofrequirementsmetascouldbutseldomcometogether,thatitwouldbewarrantabletoadmitoftheinnocentbeingsubstitutedinroomoftheguilty.Itsfrequentoccurrencecouldnotfailtohaveamostinjuriousinfluenceinweakeningthesenseofmoralobligation.Thatthebadshouldbepardonedattheexpenseofthegood,thevirtuoussacrificedthatthewickedmightbespared,andthosewhoareablessingtosocietycutoffthatsuchasareacursemightbeperpetuated,arewhatnowisegovernmentcouldtolerate.Thepunishmentofcrimewould,inthiscase,besodisseveredfromtheperpetrationofcrime,astoimpairthemotivestoobedienceandtakeawayallfearofoffendingagainstthelaw.Thepurposesofgoodgovernment

thusrequirethattheprincipleofsubstitutionshallbebutrarelyintroduced.Itcannottakeplaceinthecommoncourseofjustice;itmustbeanextraordinaryinterposition;notcontrarytolaw,butabovelaw;departingfromtheletter,butmaintainingthespirit;andintroducedbyonewhopossessestherightofexertingadispensingpower,thatistosay,bythelawgiverhimself.NowthesubstitutionofChristisexactlyofthenaturerequired.ItisaneventquiteuniqueintheadministrationofGod'smoralgovernment.Itisstrictlyandliterallyanextraordinaryproceeding.Wehavenoreasontoconcludethatthelikeeverexistedbefore,orshalleverexistagain.Itstandsforthaninsulatedandprominentfactintheeconomyofdivineprovidence—'asingleandsolitarymonumentamidstthelapseofagesandthewasteofworlds.'Inspiredhistorycontainsnotahintofanysuchtransactionhavingeverbeforeoccurredonthetheatreoftheuniverse;nordoesprophecygiveusgroundtoexpectthatanythingsimilariseveragaintooccurintheannalsofeternity.Itisthemasterpieceofinfinitewisdom—anunparalleleddisplayofinfinitegoodness,calculatedtoengagetheenrapturedandeternalcontemplationofeveryorderofcreatedintelligences.ChristhathONCEsufferedforsins.ChristwasONCEofferedtobearthesinsofmany.ONCEintheendoftheworlddidheappeartoputawaysinbythesacrificeofhimself.

V.Weshallnotice,onlyfarther,theobjectionthattheatonementofChristwasunnecessary.

Itissupposed,thatGodcouldashonourablyacquitsinnerswithoutaswithasatisfaction.Itwillnotbenecessarytodwelllonginreplyingtothisposition,asweintendtodevotethenextsectionwhollytotheinvestigationofthenecessityofChrist'satonement.Afewbriefremarksmayheresuffice.

1.Theobjectionispresumptuous.

Itisnotforus,onthegroundofmereabstractreasoning,tosayabsolutelywhatisnecessaryornotnecessaryinacaselikethepresent.WhenweventuretosaywhatGodoughttodooroughtnottodo,whatcourseitwouldbehonourableandwhatnothonourableforhimtopursue,westepquitebeyondourlimits;wesetupourweak,erring,finiteunderstandingsasjudgesovertheinfinitemindofJehovah.TheonlysafegroundonwhichwecandeterminewhetheracertainlineofprocedurebenecessaryorhonourableinGod,isjudgingfromwhathehasalreadyrevealedordone.Topronounceitantecedentlyunnecessaryisthustobegthequestion,—itisjusttoaffirmthatanatonementhasnotbeenmade,

noranydatagivenfromwhichitcanbeinferred.This,however,istheverypointindispute,andmustbedeterminedbyquiteadifferentprocessfromthatofarrogantlypronouncinganatonementunnecessary.

2.Butsupposing,forthesakeofargument,thatthenecessityofanatonementcouldnotbeshownfromanythingthatappears,itwouldnotfollow,eventhen,thatweareatlibertytopronounceitabsolutelyunnecessary.

Theremaybereasonsforitsexistencewhichwehaveneverdiscovered,orwhichwearenotqualifiedtocomprehend.Theremaybepurposestobeservedbyitwhichhaveneverbeenmadeknowntous,andwhichourunaidedfacultiesareincapableofpenetrating.Unlesswecansaythatweareacquaintedwitheverypossiblereasonthatcanexistforsuchacourse—unlesswecanaffirmthatweknoweverypurposewhichitiscapableofserving,itmustbeobviouswehavenorighttopronounceitunnecessary;for,amongstthosethingswhicharenotknowntous,theremaybereasonsnumerousandsufficientwhyanatonementshouldbemade.Aswellmayachildobjecttothenecessityofsomeintricateschemeofnationalpolicy,becauseitcannotperceivesuchnecessity,whentheonlyreasonofitsnotperceivingitisitswantofcapacitytounderstandthesubject.Letitnotbesupposed,fromtheseremarks,tobeouropinionthatthereasonsforavicarioussatisfactiontothelawandjusticeofGod,areeithernotrevealedorincapableofbeingunderstood.Fardifferentisourconviction,aswillappearinthesequel.Butsupposingitwereso,wemeantosaythattheobjectionbeforeussupposesanunwarrantableoverleapingoftheboundsofthehumanunderstanding.

3.Theobjection,too,supposesamostimperfectandrestrictedviewofthenatureofman'soffenceagainstGod.

Inadequateviewsofsinareatthefoundationofalmostallthedoctrinalandpracticalerrorsthatexistintheworld.MenarereadytoregarditassomethingaltogetherdifferentfromwhatitisregardedbyGod.Athousandpalliativesandexcusestheycaneasilyconceiveforthecommissionofit,and,afterithasbeencommitted,theycantalkofitinlanguagewhichtooplainlyindicatestheimperfectionoftheirviews.Ifsinwereamereinsultofferedtomajesty,itmightbeoverlooked,fordignityisoftenmoreconsultedbypassingbyanoffence,thanbyrigorouslydemandingsatisfactionforeveryslightthatisofferedtoitIfsinwereameredebt,itmighthavebeenremitted,asacreditormay,withoutanyimpropriety,sufferhisdebtortogofree.Ifsinweremerelyathingtobe

abhorred,itmighthavebeenpardoned,simplyontheperson'sshowing,byhisrepentance,adispositiontoabhorit.Butitissomethingmorethanallthis.Itistheviolationofaholy,just,andgoodlaw,aninfractionofamoralconstitution,inthemaintenanceofwhichthehonourofGodandthegoodofallhismoralsubjectsareconcerned.Thisaltersthecasematerially,andrendersitnecessary,asweshallafterwardssee,thatstepsbetakenwhichwouldnototherwisehavebeenrequired.

4.Theobjection,weshallonlyadd,proceedsonamostimperfectviewofthenatureofhumansalvation.

AdmittingthatGodmighthonourablypardonsinwithoutasatisfaction,itshouldberememberedthattheremissionofsinisnotthewholeofsalvation.Thepenalinflictionsduetosinmaybesupposedtoberemittedwithoutthesoulbeingsaved.Thesalvationofthesoulsupposesdeliverancefromotherevils,andthepossessionofotherqualities,towhich,afterall,thevirtueofanatoningsacrificemaybeindispensable.‘Wereweeventoconcede,'saysDrSmith,withmuchacutenessandforce,‘thattheDeitycouldremitthepositivepunishmentofsin,byadeterminationofhisgraciouswill;yetthiswouldnoteffectthesalvationofthesinner.Thismeasureofgraciouswill(thesuppositionofwhich,however,Ibynomeansthinktenable)wouldbemerelytheforbearingfromcertainpositiveactsofrighteouspower,merelywaivingaright,merelydecliningtoeffectuatethatwhich,speakinganalogically,asthescripturessooftendo,wouldbeaninsulatedactintheprocedureoftheblessedGod,alienfromtheordinarytendencyandcharacterofhisgovernment,andwhichhewouldnotexecutewithoutthegreatestreluctance,‘hisstrangework.'Butunderaverydifferentrespect,inmoralconsideration,wouldcomethearbitrarytakingawayofthenaturalandnecessaryconsequencesofsin.Thesearenotinflictions;buttheyareeventsandstatesofthingswhichfollowofthemselves,accordingtothegeneralconstitutionsoftheuniverse,thelawsofintellectualandmoralnature;constitutionsandlawswhichareessentialtotheharmonyandwellbeingofGod'sentireworld.Tointerceptthiscourseofthings,whichinfinitewisdomandgoodnesshaveestablished,topreventtheseeffectsfromensuing,whentheirpropercauseshavealreadyoccurred,isnotacaseofforbearingtoact;itistheexactreverse,itisacaseofacting.ItwouldbeaninterferenceoftheDeitytosuspendtheoperationofhisownlaws,tocutofftheconnexionbetweenthecauseandtheeffect,tochangethecourseofnature;itwouldbetoworkamiracle.'

Wehavethusendeavouredtostatewithfairness,andtoexaminewithcandour,theprincipalobjectionstothedoctrineunderreview.Iftheyhavebeen,aswehope,satisfactorilyrefuted,anadditionalandimportantstepofadvancementhasbeenmade.Wenownotonlyseewhatatonementmeans,butareconvincedthatthereexistsnoantecedentimprobabilitythatsuchanexpedientshouldbeintroducedintothemoraleconomyofGod.Nosuchantecedentimprobabilitycanbeurged,eitheronthegroundofreason,orofthedivinecharacter,orofthenatureofsalvation.Wecannot,therefore,butbewailthatdeepdepravityofman'sunderstandingandwill,whichismanifestedinhisfailingtoperceive,or,perceivingit,refusingtoadmitthedoctrinebeforeus.Greatindeedaretheprideandpresumptionofhumanreason,whichstartsitslittlecavilsagainstthegreattruthsofrevelation.Wehaveneedtobeonourguardagainsttheinfluenceofobjectionswhichspringfromastateofmoralcorruptioncommontoall.Letusdistrustourselves,and,whilewepitysuchasareledastraybygrossandfatalerrors,letusseektoenjoythepromisedguidanceofHimwhoseprerogativeitistoleadintoalltruth.ItbelongstoGodtobringgoodoutofevil;and,althoughtheexistenceofobjectionstodivinetruthisinitselftobedeplored,thegoodnessandwisdomcanneverbetoomuchadmiredwhichrenderthisveryevilameansofultimategood.Byleadingtoinvestigatethetruthwithgreatercare,bytendingtoquickentheunderstanding,byrousingtoamorezealousdefenceofwhatisvaluable,byproducingstrongerattachmenttothatforwhichwehavehadasitweretofight,andbyinducingafirmerconfidenceinthetruthitselfashavingstoodthetrialofthemostsearchingscrutiny,theobjectionsthemselvesmaybeturnedtoaprofitableaccount.Andhowtrulythankfuloughtthosetobe,whohavebeenkeptfromerrorandestablishedinthetruthasitisinJesus.Ifthosewhohaveescapedthetemptationsoftheworldthroughlusthavereasontobegrateful,thosewhohaveescapedthetemptationsoferrorthroughtheprevalenceofhereticalopinion,havenolesscauseofgratitude.Thatmentalerrorissafeandinnocent,ismuchthesameassayingthattruthisathingofnovalue;andneithertheonesentimentnortheothercanbeheldbythosewhohaveseriouslyponderedtheimportofthoseawfulwords—thattheyallmightbedamnedwhobelievednotthetruth.Andiferrorisinanycaseunsafe,andtruthinanycasevaluable,itmustbeinamatterofsuchvitalimportanceasthatnowunderdiscussion.

SECTIONIII.

NECESSITYOFCHRIST'SATONEMENT.

Theremarksattheconclusionoflastsection,ontheobjectionthatanatonementisunnecessary,aremerelynegative.Theyaredesignedtoproveonlythatitcannotbeshowntobeunnecessary,withoutgoingthelengthofpositivelymaintainingitsnecessity.Wenowadvanceastephigher,andshallendeavourtoshowthattheatonementofChristisnecessary.

Itcannotsurelyberequisiteheretodomorethanremindthereaderofthesenseinwhichthetermnecessityisused.Itisemployed,notinanabsolute,butrelativesense.ItisnotsupposedthattheDeitywasobliged,eitherbytheperfectionsofhisnature,orbytheclaimsofhiscreatures,tofurnishanatonementinordertothepardonofsin.Therewasnothinginhisowncharacterthatrendereditabsolutelyimperativetotakeanystepswhatevertowardtheremissionofiniquity;suchasuppositiongoestodivesthimentirelyofgraceorsovereigntyintheexerciseofforgiveness.Neitherwasitpossiblethattheoffendersagainsthismoralgovernmentcould,byanythingtheywerecapableofperforming,layhimunderanobligationtofurnishthemwithalegalgroundofdeliverancefromsin;thisgoestoinvestaguiltycreaturewiththepowerofcontrollingthedivineLawgiver,aswellastodeprivethegloriousprovisionofinfinitemercyforthesalvationofmanofallclaimstothecharacteroffreeunmeritedfavour.Thenecessityofwhichwespeakisnotofthisnature.ItisarelativenecessitythatisaffirmedwithrespecttoChrist'satonement,anecessityspringingfromGod'santecedentpurposetosavesinnersfromthewrathtocome,arisingsolelyoutofhisownfreepurpose,determination,orpromise.Havingresolvedthatsinshallbepardoned,itbecomesnecessarythatanatonementshallbemade.Thenecessity,inoneword,isnotnatural,butmoral.

Themoralnecessityofanatonementsupposesthreethings,allofwhichareunderstoodasdistinctlyadmittedinthesubsequentreasoning.Itsupposesthatmanisamoralcreature,thesubjectofaholy,just,andrighteouslaw,whichattacheseternalpunishmenttotheviolationofit:—Itsupposesthatmanhasbrokenthislawandbecomeobnoxioustothepunishmentthreatened:—Itsupposes,infine,thatGodhasdeterminedtodeliversomeatleastofsuchviolatorsfromthelegalconsequencesoftheirtransgression.Theseassumptions,itwillnotbeexpected,weshouldwaittoprove.Theyareallunderstoodasadmittedbythosewithwhomwearecontending,andnoadvantageistakenofouropponents,whentheyaretakenforgranted.Thefirstisinvolvedinman'snatureasamoralbeing:thesecondrestsonthebroadundeniablefactofthefall:thethirdissupposedinallreasoningaboutsalvation.Lettheseadmissions,then,bekeptdistinctlyinview—letitbeunderstoodthatGodhasdeterminedtosave

guiltymenfromthepunishmentduetotheirsins;andweasknomoreas

abasisonwhichtoconstructourproofofthenecessityofChrist'satonement.

I.TheperfectionsofGodrenderedanatonementnecessarytotheremissionofsin.

ThismightbearguedevenfromthehonourormajestyofGod.HisdignityasCreatoroftheendsoftheearth,Preserverofmanandbeast,Lordofheavenandearth,andLawgiverofthemoraluniverse,isunspeakablygreat;itisinfinite.SinisadishonourdonetothisgreatLordGod;adirectinsultofferedtothemajestyoftheskies;and,ifpardonedwithoutsatisfaction,itisasmuchastosaythatGodmaybeinsultedwithimpunity;thattoofferthehighestaffronttotheGreatSupreme,tobidopendefiancetoinfiniteexcellency,exposestonohazard,involvesnoforfeitureofsafety.Whatisthis,buttounhingethewholemoralconstitutionofthings,andtoholdoutatemptationtouniversalrevolt?ForifGodmaybeinsultedwithimpunityonce,itmaybeoftener,itmaybeatalltimes;therecanneverbeanyinfallibleinducementtohonourhim;butlicenseisproclaimedtoalltotreathimwithsovereignandperpetualcontemptIfsuchrevoltingconsequencesasthesearetobereprobatedandrejectedwithabhorrence,astheymustbebyallwhohaveanyremainsofamoralsense,itfollows,that,tothepardonofeverysin,satisfactionmustbegiventotheinsultedmajestyofGodbyanatonement.

ThetruthofDeitydoesnotlessimperativelycallforsuchaprovision.HeisaGodoftruthandwithoutiniquity,justandrightishe.Heisabundantingoodnessandtruth.ThestrengthofIsraelwillnotlie.HeisaGodthatcannotlie.Now,letwhatGodhasspokenwithregardtosinbehereremembered.Hehassaid—'Cursediseveryonethatcontinuethnotinallthingsthatarewritteninthelawtodothem—thesoulthatsinnethitshalldie—thewagesofsinisdeath—woeuntothewicked,itshallbeillwithhim—theLordwillbynomeanscleartheguilty.'ThesearethetruesayingsofGod.Hisveracityandfaithfulnessrequirethattheybefulfilled.Butifsinispardonedwithoutasatisfaction,fulfilledtheyarenot—theviolationofthelawisnotcursed;deathisnotthewagesofsin;itisnotillwiththewicked;Goddoescleartheguilty.AndwhatisthisbuttoimpeachthetruthofGod—tomakeGodaliar?Noristhereanywayofreconcilingsuchexpressionswiththefactofman'sforgiveness,butbyreferringtohimwhowas‘madeacurseforus,'who‘tasteddeathforeveryone'oftheredeemed,andwhosesubstitutionarysatisfactionisrendered

necessarybythefaithfulnessofGodtohisownword.

Moredistinctlystill,ifpossible,doesthisnecessityappearfromthedivineholiness.TheLordourGodisholy.Heisfreefromeveryvestigeofmoralpollution;hedelightsinwhateverispure;hehateswhateverisofanoppositecharacter.Now,sinisopposedtotheholinessofGod;itisessentiallyimpure,filthy,abominable.Itfollows,thatitistheobjectofhissupremedetestation;heisofpurereyesthantobeholdevil,andcannotlookoniniquity.Buthowcanthisbemadetoappear,withoutthepunishmentofsin?Itisnotenoughthatapenaltybeannexedtotransgression,thatathreatbeappendedtotheviolationofhislaw;ifthepenaltyisnotinflicted,ifthethreatisnotexecuted,thereisstillroomlefttosupposethatsinisnottheabominablethingthatwassupposed;theblasphemousthoughtmayneverthelessspringupinthebosomofmoralcreatures,thatGod,afterall,approvesofsin,andsecretlyconnivesatthecommissionofit.Tovindicatetheholinessofthedivinecharacter,thepenaltyannexedtodisobediencemustbeexecuted.Butitsbeingexecutedonthetransgressorisincompatiblewiththetransgressor'sbeingforgiven.Tothepardonofsin,then,consistentlywiththepurityofGod,thepunishmentmustfallonthesinner'ssubstitute.Inotherwords,thedivineholinessproclaimsthenecessityofChrist'satonement.Thus,andthusalone,canthesinnerbesavedwithoutsinbeingpalliated,ortheperfectmoralpurityoftheHolyOnebeingsullied.

Totheseaddtherequirementsofdivinejustice.Justiceconsistsingivingtoeveryonehisdue—inrenderingtoeverybeingwhatisright.Itismuchthesameasequityorrectitude,andisanessentialandunchangeableperfectionofthedivinenature.Ofjusticetherearesupposedtobefourkinds:—general,commutative,distributive,andvindictive.Thetwolastapplytoourpresentsubject.Distributivejusticeconsistsingivingeveryonehisdue,treatingallaccordingtotheirdesert,actingtowardthesubjectsoflawagreeablytothetermsoflaw.Thisrequiresthatsinbepunishedaccordingtoitsdesert.Theevilofsinisinfinite.Itmust,therefore,receiveaninfinitepunishment—infiniteeitherinnatureorinduration.Apunishmentwhichisinfiniteinnaturecannotbebornebyafinitecreature;punishmentinfiniteindurationisexclusiveofallpossiblepardon;whenceitfollows,thatifsinistobepunishedagreeablytoitsdesert,andyetsinnerssaved,itmustmeetthispunishmentinthepersonofonewhocansustainaninflictionwhichisinfiniteinnature;thatistosay,thedistributivejusticeofGodrendersnecessaryanatonement.

ThisisstillmoreapparentfromthevindictiveorretributivejusticeofGod.Thatoppositionofthedivinenaturetosin,whichleadstotheannexationofapenaltytothebreachofhislaw,theexecutionofwhichpenaltyisreferabletodistributivejustice,iscalledthevindictiveorretributivejusticeofGod.TheoppositionofGod'slawtosin,isjusttheoppositionofhisnaturetosin;hisnature,nothiswill,istheultimatestandardofmorality.Hisdeterminationtopunishsinisnotvoluntary,butnecessary.Hedoesnotannexapunishmenttosinbecausehewillstodoso,butbecausehisnaturerequiresit.Ifthewholeofsuchprocedurecouldberesolvedintomerevolition,thenitisnotonlysupposablethatGodmightnothavedeterminedtopunishsin,but,whichisblasphemous,thathemighthavedeterminedtorewardit.Thisisnotmoreclearlydeduciblefromthenatureofabeingofperfectmoralexcellence,thanplainlytaughtinscripture.Hewillbynomeanscleartheguilty.TheLordisajealousGod,hewillnotforgiveyourtransgressionsnoryoursins.ThouartnotaGodthathathpleasureinwickedness,neithershallevildwellwiththee.Godisangrywiththewickedeveryday.TheLordwilltakevengeanceonhisadversaries,andhereservethwrathforhisenemies.Whocanstandbeforehisindignation?andwhocanabideinthefiercenessofhisanger?IsGodunrighteouswhotakethvengeance?OurGodisaconsumingfire.WemayconfidentlyappealtoeveryunprejudicedmindwhethersuchdescriptionsasthesedonotfullybearusoutintheviewwehavetakenofGod'sretributivejustice.Andifthisviewiscorrect,sincannotgounpunished;itcannotbepardonedwithoutasatisfaction;Godcannotbuttakevengeanceoniniquity:todootherwisewouldbetoviolatetheperfectionofhisnature.Justheis,andjustheevermustbe;andthereisonlyoneway,thatofanatoningsacrifice,bywhichhecanbeatonce‘aJUSTGodandaSAVIOUR.'ItistonopurposetotellusthatsuchlanguageaswehavequotedfromthewordofGodisfigurative,thatitcanneverbeunderstoodasascribingpassionstoGod.Thiswefullyadmit;butifwrathinGodisnotanagitatingpassion,somuchtheworseforouropponents.Itisasettledpurposeordeterminationtoopposeandtopunishsin.Haditbeenapassion,itmighthavebeensupposedtocool,and,inprocessoftime,todieawayaltogether;butbeingthefixednecessaryoppositionofhisnaturetoevil,itisasincapableofchangeasthedivinecharacteritself.

WemightevenurgethegoodnessofGodinproofofthenecessityofChrist'satonement.ThisistheviewofthedivineBeingtowhichtheenemiesofthedoctrineincessantlyappeal.Hisgoodnesspromptshimtoconsultthehappinessandwelfareofhiscreatures,especiallyhismoralandintelligentcreatures.Itisthetendencyofsintodestroyallhappiness,andinflictallpossiblemisery.

Naturalevilistheinvariableeffectofmoralevil.Itwassinthatexpelledangelsfromtheabodesofbliss;thatintroducedsorrowandsufferingandgloomintothislowerworld;andthatlitupthoseflamesofTophetwhicharetoinflictnever-dyingtormentonthewickedinafuturestateofbeing.Doesnotgoodnesssay,then,thateverythingshouldbedonetochecktheprogressandhindertheeffectsofsuchwidespreadingevil?Andisthistobedonebyinflictingonit,itsmeritedpunishment,orbysufferingittopassunnoticedandtooperateunrestrained?Everyman'sreasonmustanswerthisquestion.Sin,tobeputdown,requirestobepunished.ItisnotbypardoningitwithoutsatisfactionthatitisevertobepreventedfromspreadingwretchednessandwoeamongeveryrankofGod'smoralcreation.Mercy,notlessthanjustice,demands,inordertopardon,thatsomeoneshall‘drinkthecupofthewineofthefiercenessofthewrathofAlmightyGod.'JUSTICEISBUTGOODNESSDIRECTEDBYWISDOM.

II.TheatonementofChristwasrenderednecessarybythenatureofGod'smoralgovernment.

ThatGodhasplacedmoralcreaturesunderalawormoralconstitution,whichisdesignedtopromotethegloryoftheLawgiverandthegoodofhissubjectswill,itispresumed,befullyadmitted.Totheaccomplishmentofthesepurposes,itmustalsobeadmitted,thatthismoralconstitutionrequirestobeupheldandobeyed,andeverythingdonetopreventitsviolation.Sofar,allisclear,andcanadmitofnodispute.Itmeritsconsiderationwhetherthenotionofpardonwithoutatonementbenotdirectlysubversiveoftheobjectinquestion,anddestructiveoftheveryprinciplesofmorallegislation.

Itsupposesaviolationoftheveryletterofthelaw.Thelawsays,‘Thesoulthatsinneth,itshalldie;'butthetheoryinquestionsays,thesoulthatsinnethshallnotdie.Thelawsays,‘Cursediseveryonethatcontinuethnotinallthingsthatarewritteninthelawtodothem;'but,accordingtothesupposedtheory,noteveryone,nay,notanyone,shallbecursed.Thelawsays,‘Heavenandearthshallpassaway,butonejotoronetittleofthelawshallnotpassuntilallbefulfilled;‘but,saysthetheoryweareconsidering,notonlyonejotortittle,butthewholepenalsanctionofthelawshallpasscompletelyaway.

Itreflectsonthenatureofthelaw.Ifthebreachofthelawcanbepassedoverwithoutcompensation,itisclearlysupposedtohavebeenoriginallytoostrict,tohavebeenoverrigorousatfirstThisismuchthesameastoaffirmthatitwas

originallyunjust,inoppositiontothescriptures,whichdeclarethatthelawisholy,just,andgood.Whataperfectlawoncewas,itmustevercontinuetobe.Ifitwasoriginallyjust,itmustbealwaysjust;butpardonwithoutsatisfaction,sayseitherthatitwasoriginallyunjust,orthatitisnowso.Ifitwasoriginallyholy,itmustbealwaysholy;butifpardonmustbedispensedwithoutsatisfaction,eitheroriginallyitwasnotso,orithasceasedtobewhatitoncewas,asitcanneverbewrongtocarrythesanctionofaholylawintoexecution.Ifitwasoriginallygood,itmustbealwaysgood;butpardonwithoutsatisfactionproceedsonthesuppositionthatitwouldnotconsistwithgoodnessorbenevolencetofulfillthethreateningofthelaw.Thisschememilitates,thus,againstthenatureofthelaw,andsupposesthemoralconstitutionunderwhichmanisplacedtobedifferentfromwhatbothreasonandscriptureleadustoconclude.

Itsupposes,moreover,arelaxationtotakeplaceofthelawormoralgovernmentofGod,suchasaperfectconstitutioncanneverundergo.Ifsinispardonedwithoutanatonement,thenthelaw,whichrequiresperfectandperpetualobedience,andwhichdenouncespunishmentoneverydeviationfromitsrequirements,isclearlyunderstoodtohaverelaxeditsrigour:itsrequisitionsaresupposedtohavebeenmodifiedandabridgedinadaptationtowhatiscalledhumanfrailtyorinfirmity.Thisisnotonlysupposedinthetheoryofpardon,againstwhichwearecontending:itisopenlyavowed,andstrenuouslydefended.ButagainstsucharelaxationofGod'slaw,wehavemorethanonethingtourge.

Firstofall,wesaythatitsupposesthelawtohavebeenoriginallywrong,seeingitcouldeitherneedoradmitofachange;andthiswecannotbutregardasadirectimpeachment,bothofthewisdomandequityoftheLegislator.

Secondly:—Itsupposesthatman'sindispositiontoobey,(forhisinabilityiswhollytobetracedtowantofwill,)cannullifytheobligationtoobey,—aprinciplewhich,ifadmitted,wouldputanendtoalllegislationwhatsoever,astheconclusionwouldbe,thatmenwereboundtoobey,onlysofarastheychose.

Thirdly:—Alawwhichdoesnotrequireperfectobedienceunderpainofpositiveinfliction,isabsolutelynolawatall;itisjustalawwhichmaybeviolatedwithimpunity,theverypropoundingofwhichmustbeseentobeaburlesqueonlegislation.

Fourthly:—Itisimpossibletodefinetheextentofrelaxationrequisite.Noone

hasattemptedtosaytowhatextentthesupposedrelaxationhasbeencarried.Iftheabilityorinclinationofthesubjectistobetherule,therelaxationofthelawmustvaryineveryindividualcaseofitsapplication.Andwhatisthisbuttothroweverythingloose,andtoannihilateallstandardofmoralobligation.

Fifthly:—Thelawswhichgovernthemoralworldarefixedandunalterable,nay,moresothanthosewhichregulatethematerialworld.Theimportanceofmaintainingthelattersteadyandinviolable,isreadilyadmitted,andstronglyurged.Isitnotatleastofequalimportance—wethinkitcouldeasilybeshowntobeofgreater—thatthoseoftheintellectualandmoralworldbepermanentandinflexible?Shallitbeinsisteduponthatthelawswhichaffectinanimatenaturearetobeconsideredincapableofachange,andyetmaintainedthatthosewhichconnectthesuprememoralGovernorwithhissubjects,mayfluctuateandvaryindefinitely?Theonesupposesonlyachangeinthedivineprocedure,andconstitutesamiracle;theothersupposesachangeinthenatureofGod,andconstitutesagrandmoralcontradiction.

Infine:—Onthesuppositioninquestion,insteadofthewillofthecreaturebeingrequiredtoconformtothelawofGod,thelawofGodisrequiredtoconformtothewillofthecreature—whichisnotonlyasolecisminlegislation,butamonstrousdiscrepancyinmorals.Weconclude,then,that,forallthesereasons,thelawofGodcannotberelaxed:andifitcannotberelaxed,anatonementmustbenecessarytothepardonofsin.

Indeed,anyothersuppositiontendsdirectlytosubvertallthepurposesofGod'smoralgovernmentatlarge.SinisanoffenceagainstthemoralgovernmentofGod;itisrebellionagainstthedivinemajesty;itstrikesattherootofthatauthorityonwhichreposealltheorderandhappinessoftheuniverse.Itdenieshisrighttotherespectwhichisduetohimastheheadoftheuniverse,thelovewhichhedeservesonaccountofhisinfiniteexcellencies,andtheobediencewhichhehascommandedasthesovereignLordandlawgiver.Topardonitwithoutsatisfaction,then,istoholdoutsuchaviewofthesupremelawgiverascannotfailtoencouragehismoralcreatures,bothmenandangels,todisobey;itisholdingoutapowerfultemptationtorevolt;itislettinghismoralsubjectsofeveryclassdistinctlyunderstandthattheymayhoisttheflagofrebellionanddefiancewithoutfear.Onlyconceiveofthehideousconsequencesthatmustnecessarilysucceedfromsuchalineofprocedure,andyouwillacquiesceatonceintheopinionthatthepurposesofGod'smoralgovernmentatlargerenderanatonementnecessary.Ifsinispardoned,itmustbeinawaybywhichthe

lawismagnifiedandmadehonourable,andbyone,too,whosebusinessitis,nottodestroythelawbuttofulfillit.Wearethemoreconfirmedinthisviewofthematter,thatthepunishmentofsinisnecessarytopreventtherepetitionofit,andthattopardonitwithoutsatisfactionisequivalenttothrowingdownthebarriersofmorality,andsettingopenthefloodgatesofiniquity;especiallywhenwereflecthowinadequatelyeventheexhibitionofthedivinedispleasure,whichismadeinthecrossofChrist,restrainsthegrowthofcrime.

Suchareourreasonsformaintainingthatthenatureofthedivinemoralgovernmentrendersatonementanecessary,indispensableprovisiontothepardonofsin.Assinisaninfringementofthemoralconstitutionsupremewisdomhasappointed,itiscalculatedtointroducedisturbanceintotheconstitutedmoralorderoftheuniverse,andcastscontemptonallthemoralandlegislativeattributesofDeity,weholditutterlyimpossiblethatthesuprememoralGovernorcanconniveatanyonesin;forhisdoingsowouldinevitablyleadtothesubversionofthewholemoralsystemoftheuniverse.‘Asempiricsinmedicine,contentedwithafewfactsimperfectlyunderstoodandill-combined,deridetheextensivesearchandthecautiousinductionsoftheenlightenedphysician;andasthevulgar,lookingonlyatappearancesastheyseemtothem,rejectandoftenholdinhighcontemptthedemonstratedfactsofnaturalphilosophy;sothosewhodisbelievetheatonementofChristanditscorrelatedoctrines,seemtometoformtheirsentimentsfromaverysuperficialconsideration,hastyandincompleteviews,andanunwarrantableconfidenceinfirstappearances;overlookingthegreatprinciplesandgenerallawsofacomprehensivemoralsystem.Aboveall,IfearthattheyoverlookthenatureandobligationsofobediencetothewillofGod,the

rationalgroundsonwhichthoseobligationsrest,andthetruereasonsofthedemeritofsin.'

III.Thenecessityofanatonementmaybearguedfromtheinefficacyofeveryotherschemetosecurethepardonofsin.

Penitenceandfutureamendment,orrepentanceandgoodworks,astheyarecommonlycalled,arechieflybroughtforwardasallthatisnecessaryforthispurpose.Ifthesecanbeshowntobesufficient,itfollows,ofcourse,thattheatonementofChristisunnecessary,andconsequentlythatnosuchatonementhaseverbeenmade.Goddoesnothinginvain;anditisalawinallhisoperations

thatthegreatestgoodiseffectedattheleastpossibleexpense.Ifthepardonofiniquitycouldhavebeenrenderedconsistentwiththeperfectionsofhisnatureandtheinterestsofhismoralgovernment,bythemeresorrowandreformationofthesinner,itisnottobeconceivedthathewouldeversubjecthisonlybegottenSontothepainofcrucifixion,themiseryofsatanicassault,andtheunutterableanguishofdivinewrath.Itisimportant,then,toascertainwhetherthesebesufficientforsuchapurpose.

Thatrepentanceisnecessarytopardon,andinthecaseofadultsinseparablyconnectedwithit,isnotdisputed.Butthatitisallthatisnecessary,orthattheconnexionisthatofameritoriousground

orprocuringcause,weunhesitatinglyrefuse;forthese,amongstotherreasons:

First:—Noprovisionwasmadeforrepentanceintheoriginalmoralconstitutionunderwhichmanwasplaced,andthenecessityofmaintainingwhichinviolatehasalreadybeenshown.‘Inthedaythoueatestthereof,thoushaltsurelydie—Thesoulthatsinnethitshalldie,'isthelanguageinwhichthatconstitutionexpresseditssanctions.Thereisnostipulationofrepentance;notevenahintofsuchathingbeingsomuchasadmissible.Itisneverspokenofbutinconnexionwithawidelydifferentconstitution,inwhich,asweshallsee,itspringsfrom,ratherthanstandsasasubstitutefor,atonement.

Secondly:—Penitencedoesnotremoveguilt,orthelegaldesertofpunishment.Itchanges,indeed,thecharacterofthesinner,butitleaveshisliabilitytosufferthepenaltyofthelawthesameasbefore.Nocompensationwhateverismadebyittotheclaimsofjustice;theguiltislessenedinnodegree:itcannot,therefore,beenoughtosecurepardon,whichistheremissionofguilt.

Thirdly:—Penitencecanneverrepairtheconsequencesofsin.BysinthemajestyofGodisinsulted;repentancehasnoeffectinwipingoffthisreproach.Bysinadebtiscontractedtothedivinelawandjustice;penitencemakesnocompensationforthisdebt.Incaseofthebreachofhumanlaws,repentanceisneverlookeduponasmakinglegalcompensationorremovingtheconsequencesofguilt.Itisneverknownamongmenthatthethoughtlessspeculatorwhohasinvolvedhimselfinbankruptcy,ongivingsignsofrepentance,receivesadischargefromhiscreditors,andtakesagainthesamehonourableplacewhichheformerlyheldinthecommercialworld.Theintemperatevoluptuarywhohasruinedhischaracter,andfortune,andhealth,byhiscriminalindulgences,does

notfindtheseallretrieved,onhisbarelyrepentingofhismisconduct.Itdoesnotevenhappenthatthepenitentfindsimmediateandpermanentrelieffromthepainfulreflectionsofself-dissatisfaction;andifnotsatisfiedwithhimselfforhavingrepented,howdarehehavethepresumptiontofancythatGodwillbesatisfiedwithhimforit?Itiscontrarytoallournotionsofrectitudethatpunishmentshouldcontinuelongerthancriminality,thattheconsequencesofguiltshouldbeperpetuatedaftersatisfactionforguilthasbeengiven.Butitconsistswiththefactsofdailyexperience,thatcompunctionsandothereffectsofcriminalityremainaftermenhaverepented;and,asthesearethenaturalpunishmentsofcrime,theircontinuanceafterrepentancedemonstratesitsutterincompetencytoformalegalcompensation.

Fourthly:—Itdoesnotappearthat,withoutanatonement,therecouldeverexistsuchathingasgenuinerepentance.Thatdeepsenseofguiltwhichisessentialineverycaseofpenitence,wouldseemtobeotherwiseincapableofbeingproduced.IfallthatGodhaddonehadbeentomakeknownhisreadinesstoreceiverepentantsinners,wehavethebestreasontoconclude,fromwhatweknowofman,that,insteadofinclininghimtorepent,itwouldhavetendedrathertorenderhimeasyunderhisguilt,tohardenhisheart,andtoencouragehimtosinwithahigherhandthanever.Truemourningforsinisathingunknown,exceptingamongthosewhohavebeentaught‘tolookonHimwhomtheyhavepierced.'Repentanceisastateofsoulwhichcanonlybeproducedatthefootofthecross.‘Hewhoreceivestheatonementweepsnottowashawayhissins,butbecausetheyarewashedawayheweeps.'

Fifthly:—Thesinnerisasincapable,inhimself,ofrepentance,asofmakinganatonement.Thisimportantremarkissohappilyillustratedbyanabletheologianofourownday,thatIcannotresistlayinghisremarksbeforethereader.‘Whenitissaid,'remarksMr.Dods,‘thatGodiswillingtopardonusuponourrepentance,withoutanyatonement,itistakenforgrantedthatwecanrepentwhenweplease.For,ifrepentancebesomethingentirelyoutofourpower,thenitcanaffordusnocomforttotellus,evenifitweretrue,thatrepentancewillpurchaseourpardon.For,besidesthatitseemsjustasdifficulttoperceivetheconnexionbetweenrepentanceandpardon,astoperceivetheconnexionbetweenatonementandpardon,Iknownotthateventhemostdeterminedrationalism,haseverpromulgatedatenetmoreclearlyabsurd,ormoredecidedlyopposedtoallexperience,thanthetenetthatamancanrepentofhimself,withoutbeingledtodoso,andenabledtodoso,bytheHolySpirit.Manyasinnerisnodoubtsoothinghimselftopeacebythepromiseofafuture

repentance.Butheneitherknowsasyetwhatrepentanceis,norhisownneedofrepentance,elsehewouldbuildhimselfupinnosuchfoolishdelusion.Forwhatdoesthesinnerdo,whenhepromiseshimselfafuturerepentance?Hejustsays,today,nothingshallinducemetoabstainfromindulgingeveryappetiteandeverydesire,nothingshallleadmetothinkofGodatall,ortothinkofhimwithoutdreadandaversion;nothingcanmakemedelighttocontemplatehisperfections,orfindanypleasureindrawingneartohim:tomorrow,Iwillsitdownandmourn,intheutmostanguishofspirit,thoseindulgencesfromwhichnothingwillinducemetodaytoabstain,andwishathousandtimesthatIhadneveryieldedtothem;nothingshallgivemesuchdelightasthecontemplationofthosegloriousperfectionswhichtodayIhatetothinkof;andIshallaccountnothingsuchaprivilegeastodrawneartothatthroneofgracebeforewhichnothingshallinducemetodaytobendtheknee.Thisisexactlywhatthesinnersayswhenhepromiseshimselfafuturerepentance.Hepromisesthattomorrowhewillhatewiththemostcordialdetestation,thattowhich,today,heclingswiththemostardentaffection.Hewhosays,todayIamboweddownwithalltheweightofthreescoreyearsandten,buttomorrowIamresolvedthatIshallflourishinallthevigourofunbrokenyouth,formsaresolutionquiteasrational,andquiteasmuchwithinhis

powertoaccomplish,ashewhosaystomorrowIwillrepent.Hewhosaystohimself,Iwillmaketomyselfanewheavenandanewearth,makesapromisejustasmuchwithinhispowertoaccomplish,ashewhosays,Iwillmaketomyselfanewheartandanewspirit.RepentanceandrenovationarenotsacrificeswhichwegivetoGodasthepriceofourjustification;butgiftswhichGodbestowsuponus,andwhichGodonlycanbestow,inconsequenceofourhavingbeenfreelyjustified.Thatmanhassurelylittlereasontolayclaimtotheappellationofrational,whogoessodirectlyinthefaceofcommonsenseandofallexperience,astoteachthesinnerthatheiscapableofrepenting,andthatrepentancewillpurchasehispardon;atenetwhich,whetheritbemoredeplorablyabsurd,ormorefearfullyfatal,Ishallnottakeuponmetodetermine.'

Notlessinefficaciousistheschemeoffutureamendment.Goodworkscanaslittlesecurethepardonofsinasrepentance;yetbysuchasdenytheatonement,theworthofman'sowndoings,isunblushinglytaught.Asinthecaseofrepentance,itisnotourintentiontodenytheimportanceofgoodworksintheschemeofman'ssalvation;neithertodisputetheirconnexionwithpardon.Wearetoowellconvincedofthe‘necessaryuses'theyaredesignedtosubserve,withregardatoncetobelieversthemselves,totheirfellowmen,andtoGod;and

wearetoowellawareoftheirbeingthenecessaryfruitsandindispensableevidencesofajustifiedstate,toletfallsomuchasadisparagingsyllablerespectingthem.Godforbidthatweshouldforamomentforgetoroverlook,evenintheheatofargumentation,theholypurposeandtendencyofthegospel.Butletgoodworksbekeptintheirownplace.Wedenythemtheplaceofacauseinthesalvationofman;theirconnexionwithpardonweholdtobenotaconnexionofmerit,asissupposedbythosewhomaintaintheirefficacytosecurethepardonofsin.

Thereasonsofthisopinionaresoontold.

Inthefirstplace,mancanneverdomoreatanyonetimethanishispresentduty,Godhavingatalltimesasupremerighttoallhisservices.Hecanneverdomoreatanygiventimethanitishisdutyatthatverytimetofulfill.Beingunderobligationtothefullextentofhisability,andthroughoutthewholeperiodofhisbeing,presentobediencecandonomorethanfulfillpresentobligation.Itfollowsthatnothingmancaneverdo,canhavetheeffectofmeritinghisreleasefromthepunishmentduetoformerdemeritIfithasmeritatall,itsmeritisconfinedtothepresent,itcannotpossiblybeeitherretrospectiveorprospective.Itcanneithermakeamendsforapastoffence,norpurchaseanindulgenceforthefuture.Assoonmightthemanwhopaysadebtwhichhecontractedtoday,pleadsuchpaymentasliquidatingadebtwhichhecontractedyesterday,orentitlinghimtocontractanothertomorrowwithouttheintentionofpayingit.Tomaintainthatpastoffencesmaybepardonedonthescoreoffutureamendment,istoadopttheantichristianabsurdityofsupererogation.Nay,itiseverywhitasreasonabletosupposethatpastobedienceshouldatoneforfuturesins(whichistheprincipleofthePopishindulgences),astosupposethatpresentobedienceshouldatoneforpastsins:thatistosay,neithercanbemaintainedwiththeleastclaimtorationality.

Inthenextplace,therecanbenoworksgoodinthesightofGodbutwhatflowfrom,andareconnectedwith,theatonement.GoodworkscanbeperformedonlybythosewhoareunitedtoChristbyfaith,thatis,areinajustifiedstate.WithoutfaithitisimpossibletopleaseGod.WeareacceptedintheBeloved.Asanhonestactioncanonlybeperformedbyanhonestman,soagoodworkcanonlyproceedfromonewhoishimselfgood.ThewholeworldisbynatureguiltybeforeGod;thereisnonerighteous,no,notone;inourfleshdwellethnogoodthing;ourbestrighteousnessesareasfilthyragsinGod'ssight.NonebutsuchasareinChristcanserveGodinnewnessofspirit,canyieldhimtheobedienceof

faith;andtosupposeanyotherkindofobediencetobeacceptable,istofancythatHewholooksontheheartwillbepleasedwiththeperformancewithouttheprinciple,theshadowwithoutthesubstance,thebodywithoutthespirit.

Moreover,thenotionthatgoodworksaremeritoriousisexpresslycontradictedbyscripture.Onnothingisthebiblemorefallorexplicit.Theassertionsaresoexpress,thatonlythemostinveterateprejudicecanmistaketheirimportorevadetheirforce.Beforetheefficacyofgoodworkstosecurethepardonofsincanbeheldwithanyplausibility,itsadvocateswoulddowelltohavecertainplainaffirmationsblottedfromtherecordsofdivinetruth.Bythedeedsoflawthereshallnofleshbejustifiedinhissight.Andifbygrace,thenisitnomoreofworks;otherwisegraceisnomoregrace:butifitbeofworks,thenitisnomoregrace;otherwiseworkisnomorework.Asmanyasareoftheworksofthelawareunderthecurse.Notofworks,lestanymanshouldboast.

Suchistheinsufficiencyofthoseothergroundsofpardonwhichhavebeensupposedtorenderatonementunnecessary,or,rather,havebeenproposedassubstitutesfortheatonementofChrist.If,bythepreviousremarksonthissubject,wearewarnedagainstentertaininginsulatedviewsofthedivineperfections,anddefectivenotionsofGod'smoralgovernment,bythatwehavejustbeenconsidering,areweputonourguardagainsttrustingtorepentanceorfutureamendmentoflife,asameritoriousgroundofforgiveness.Whatimpiouspresumptiondosuchthoughtsimply!Howperilousthestateofthosewhoresttheirsoul'seternalinterestsonthedaringexperimentofsupplantingtherighteousnessofGod'sownSonbyworthoftheirown!Godgrantthatwemayhavedeeperimpressionsoftheevilofsin,andhumblerviewsofourselvesthansuchpresumptionsupposes!Theheathenthemselvesmaywellreprovesuchimpiety;fortheexistenceamongthemofexpiatorysacrifices,indicatesauniversalsenseoftheinefficacyofotherthingstosecurepardontooffenders,andofthenecessityofsomethingmorethanpardonandgoodworks,toappeasetheangeroftheirdivinities.Thisfactitselfishighlyinstructive,andshouldputtoshamethosepretendedChristianswhowouldsetasidealtogethertheplanofapropitiatorymediation.

IV.Withtheviewsalreadytakenofthenecessityoftheatonement,agreetheassertionsofholywrit.Thefollowingareaspecimen.

Lukexxiv.26.‘OughtnotChristtohavesufferedthesethings,andtoenterinto

hisglory?'ThesufferingsoftheRedeemerareherespokenofbyhimselfasbeingnecessary.Suchisthemeaningof‘Oughtnot;'(Gr.word).Theverbdenotesnecessity,inthestrictandpropersenseoftheterm.Necesseest,oportet,opusest,ita,utvelnecessitasabsolutavelrelativaindicetur?Thenecessityisnotabsolute,butrelative.ItspringsnotfromanypersonalsinonthepartofChrist;butfromGod'ssovereignandfreedeterminationtopardonthesinsofthoseinwhoseroomhestood,aswellasfromthosescripturepredictionsinwhichhisdeterminationhadbeenmadeknown,andwhichrequiredtobefulfilled.

Heb.ii.10.‘Foritbecamehim,forwhomareallthings,andbywhomareallthings,inbringingmanysonsuntoglory,tomaketheCaptainoftheirsalvationperfectthroughsufferings.'Herewehaveanobjectproposed,‘bringingmanysonstoglory,'orthesalvationofanumberofthehumanfamily;themannerinwhichtheobjectisaccomplished,by‘makingtheCaptainofsalvationperfectthroughsufferings,'thatis,bythesufferingsofChrist,whoisundoubtedlymeantbytheCaptainofsalvation;andthenecessitythatexistsfortakingthismethodofeffectingtheend,‘itbecamehimforwhomareallthings,andbywhomareallthings.'Necessityistheideaexpressedbytheoriginalterm—(Gr.word).Itisfit,decorous,becoming,proper.ThegroundofthisfitnessisthecharacterofGod—'itbecamehim.'Therewasamoralfitnessorproprietyarisingfromthenature,will,andgovernmentofGod,thatChristshouldsuffer,ifmenweretobesaved.AnyotherwaywouldnothavebeenbefittingthedivineBeing.Astrongernecessity,thanwhatisfoundedonthenatureofGod,cannotbeconceived;andsuchnecessitywehavehereadducedbytheinspiredapostleforthesufferingsoratonementofChrist.

Heb.viii.3.‘Foreveryhighpriestisordainedtooffergiftsandsacrifices:whereforeitisofnecessitythatthismanhavesomewhatalsotooffer.'Thepersonspokenofas‘thisman,'orthisone(Gr.word),i.e.thishighpriest,isChrist.Whatissaidofhimis,hishaving‘somewhattooffer,'somegiftorsacrificetopresenttoGodasanatonementforthesinsofhispeople.Andforthis,thereisstatedtoexistastrongnecessity—'itisofnecessity'—(Gr.word).Thetermexpressesthestrongestmoralnecessity,whatcannotbedispensedwith,indispensable.Notonlytofulfillthetype,tocompletetheofficeofhighpriest,buttosatisfythelawandjusticeofGod,onwhichaccountheassumedthisoffice,wasitnecessarythatChristshouldofferanatoningsacrifice.

Heb.ix.22.23.‘Andalmostallthingsarebythelawpurgedwithblood;andwithoutsheddingofbloodisnoremission.Itwas,therefore,necessarythatthepatternsofthingsintheheavensshouldbepurifiedwiththese;buttheheavenlythingsthemselveswithbettersacrificesthanthese.'Agrandgeneralprinciple,inthe

moraleconomy,isherelaiddown—WITHOUTSHEDDINGOFBLOODISNOREMISSION.Thetermsaremostexplicit;itisnotrepentance,itisnotamendment,butthesheddingofblood,—atonement,—withoutwhichthereisnoremissionoftheguiltorpunishmentofsin.Itisspokenof,tobesure,inconnexionwiththeceremoniesofthetypicallaw;buttheremissionofthetemporalpenalty,duetoceremonialoffences,bymeansoftypicalblood,wasprefigurative,ifthatdispensationhadanymeaning,oftheirreconcilableoppositionofthedivineholinessandjusticetosin,andofthenecessityofChrist'sdeathtotheremissionoftheeternalpunishmentduetothebreachofGod'smorallaw.Hencearoseanecessitythatthereshouldbesacrificesofatypicalnaturetosecuretheprivilegesoftheceremonialeconomy.Whenceitisinferred,thatasacrificeofsuperiorintrinsicworthandrelativevalue,wasnecessarytotheenjoymentofcommunionwithGodhereandofheavenlygloryhereafter,—thosehighandgloriousprivilegesofwhichtheotherswereonlyshadows.Thepluralnumber—'bettersacrifices'—presentsnoobstacletotheoneofferingofChristbeingunderstood;whenitisrecollectedthatthepluralforthesingularis,inscripture,anotuncommonenallage,usedtodenoteworthordignity;andmoreparticularlywhenitisconsideredthatherethesacrificeofChriststandsinantitheticalconnexionwiththesacrificesofthelaw,asthatwhichfulfilledwhattheseonlytypified.

SECTIONIV.

PROOFOFCHRIST'SATONEMENT—ANCIENTSACRIFICES.

Wecomenowtoapartofoursubjectwhichisofgreatimportance.Hithertowehavebeenoccupiedwithwhatmaybereckonedpreliminarymatter.Itwasnecessarytoexplainthenatureofatonement;toshowthattheobjectionscommonlyurgedagainsttheprinciplearedestituteofweight;andtoevincethenecessitythatexistsinthecharacterandgovernmentofGodforsuchanarrangement,inordertothebestowmentofpardononguiltymen.Butthesedonotprovethefactofanatonement.Theysupposesuchathingtoexist,either

actuallyorinthedivineintention;buttheyaffordnoevidenceofitsexistence.Hadatonementbeennothingmorethanatheory,allthathasbeensaidwouldhavebeennecessaryforitsexplanationanddefence.Butatonementismorethanatheory;itisaFACT;asolemn,important,andundoubtedfact,whichiscapableofbeingsubstantiatedbythemostcompleteandsatisfactoryscripturalevidence.Thisevidenceismultifarious,ample,anddiversified.Withoutpretendingtoexhibitthewhole,orevenanybranchofitcompletely,thenatureofourundertakingcallsforsuchadigestaswillrequirethediligentstudyandpatientattentionofthereader.

Letus,firstofall,giveourthoughtstotheantiquityanduniversalprevalenceofvicarioussacrifices,irrespectivealtogetheroftheMosaiceconomy.Thisisapointofnosmallmoment.Ifitcanonlybefirmlyestablished,aswepresumetherewillbenodifficultyindoing,theconfirmationitaffordsofthefactinquestionisoftheverystrongestnature.Itinvolves,however,avarietyofpointswhichrequiretobetakenupseparatelyandinorder.

I.AprimaryconsiderationisduetotheANTIQUITYofsacrifices.

Wespeaknowonlyofthefact,thatthepracticeofofferingsacrificestoGodexistedintheremotestagesoftheworld.Theinflictionofdeathonalivingcreature,inthewayofreligiousworship,didnotoriginate,asmanysuppose,withtheJews.WhentheIsraelitesenteredtheholyland,theyfounditsaboriginalinhabitantsaddictedtothepractice.CertainformsofitbeingexpresslydenouncedinthelawofMoses,ispositiveproofofitsexistencepriortothepromulgationofthatextraordinarydocument.Intherecordsofheathennationsalso,asfarbackastheygo,tracesofitaretobefound;andthesacredhistory,whichgoesthefarthestback,ofanyrecordswithwhichweareacquainted,containsabundantproofoftheantiquityofsacrifices.

InthebookofJob,whichisperhapstheoldestwritinginexistence,mentionismadeofsacrificingmorethanonce.Thepatriarchhimselffollowedthepractice:—'Anditwasso,whenthedaysoftheirfeastingweregoneabout,thatJobsentandsanctifiedthem,androseupearlyinthemorning,andOFFEREDBURNT-OFFERINGSaccordingtothenumberofthemall.'Thesamethingwasexemplified,underthesanctionofadivinecommand,byJob'sfriends:—'Thereforetakeuntoyounow,'saidGod,‘sevenbullocksandsevenrams,andgotomyservantJob,andOFFERUP

FORYOURSELVESABURNT-OFFERING,andmyservantJob

shallprayforyou......SoEliphaztheTemanite,andBildadthe

Shuhite,andZophartheNaamathite,wentandDIDACCORDINGASTHELORDCOMMANDEDTHEM.'Abraham,ifnot

belongingtoapreviousage,wasatleastcontemporarywiththemanofUz,andhealsofollowedthesamepractice:—'AndAbrahamlifteduphiseyes,andlooked,andbehold,behindhimaramcaughtinathicketbyhishorns:andAbrahamwentandtooktheram,andOFFEREDHIMUPFORABURNT-OFFERINGinthesteadofhisson.'Nearlyfivehundredyearsearlierthanthis,wefindNoah,thesecondfatherofourrace,actingasimilarpartonanoccasionofgreatsolemnityandimportance:—'AndNoahbuildedanaltaruntotheLord,andtookofeverycleanbeast,andofeverycleanfowl,andOFFEREDBURNT-OFFERINGSonthealtar.'Pushingourinquiryintostillmoreremoteantiquity,wemeetwiththepractice,inthecaseofAbel,atadistanceofnotlessthanfifteenhundredyearsfromthecaselastadduced:—'AndAbel,healsobroughtofthefirstlingsofhisflock,andofthefatthereof;andtheLordhadrespectuntoAbelandtohisOFFERING.'

Noriseventhisthehighestantiquitytowhichtheevidenceoftheexistenceofsacrificescanbecarried.Wearenow,indeed,withinlittlemorethanahundredyearsofthecreationofman.But,unlesswegreatlymistake,thereisgoodreasontobelievethatthepracticeofsacrificingwascoevalwiththefallofman.Weknownotwhatelsetomakeofthecircumstanceofourfirstparentsbeingprovidedwithgarmentsoftheskinsofanimals:—'UntoAdamalso,andtohiswife,didtheLordGodmakeCOATSOFSKIN,andclothedthem.'Theanimalswhoseskinsfurnishedthisprimitiveclothing,musthavebeendead,andthequestionis,howcametheybytheirdeath?—Weretheyslainonpurpose,merelytofurnishgarmentsforourfirstparents?This,tosaytheleastofit,isextremelyimprobable,whenweconsiderthatthereweresomanyotherwaysbywhichthesameendcouldhavebeenaccomplished,withoutinflictingpainonsentientandinnocentcreatures.Cantheybesupposedtohavediedofthemselves?Thisisbarelypossible,butnotatallprobable.Theyhadjustlatelybeencreatedinperfection,andthatinsoshortatimetheyshouldhavediedanaturaldeathisamostviolentsupposition.Couldtheyhavebeenslainforfood?This,too,isanunreasonablepresumption.'Itdoesnotappearthatanimalfoodwasinusetillaftertheflood.Thefirstgrantofanimalsformeat,whichwe

findonrecord,isthatgiventoNoahafterthedeluge.Toman,atfirst,wereadonlyoftheherbofthefieldandthefruitofthetreeyieldingseedbeinggivenformeat.'How,then,werepeatthequestion,couldthoseanimalshavediedwhoseskinsweretheclothingofourfirstparents?Andtheonlyanswer,thataccordswithreason,orwiththefactsofthecase,is,thattheywereslainforsacrifices.Theimpossibilityofsatisfactorilyaccountingotherwisefortheirdeath,takeninconjunctionwiththementionmadeofanimalsacrificesimmediatelyafterwards,givestothissuppositiontheweightoftheveryhighestpresumption,ifnottheforceofabsolutedemonstration.Andthusareweentitledtoclaim,forthepracticeofsacrificing,thehighestpossibleantiquity.Themostancientrecords,bothsacredandprofane,furnishevidenceinpoint.Thefarthestbackthatwecancarryourinquiries,evenwiththeassistanceofdivinerevelation,wemeetwithtracesofthe

practiceinquestion.Itisasoldnearlyascreation:itiscoevalwithman.

II.Connectwiththis,theUNIVERSALPREVALENCEofsacrifices.

Ofthisfacttherecanbeaslittledoubtasofthatofwhichwehavejustbeenspeaking.Theone,indeed,servestoaccountfortheother.Theantiquityofthepracticeexplainsitsuniversality.Havingitsoriginatatimewhentheinhabitantsoftheearthwerefewinnumber,itsadoptionbyallwhowerethenlivingcaneasilybeconceived;andthisagainsatisfactorilyaccountsforitsbeingspreadbythemamongtheirmorenumerousdescendants.ThefamiliesofAdamandofNoahcomprehended,attherespectiveperiodsoftheirexistence,alltheinhabitantsoftheearth.Attheseperiods,thepracticeinquestion,existinginthesefamilies,maybesaidtohavebeenuniversallyprevalent;andineveryperiodsince,bothancientandmodern,ithasbeenfoundtoexistamongallthosewhohavenotadoptedtheChristianreligion.Itsprevalenceisstrictlyuniversal.Amongantediluviansandpostdiluvians;amongtheGreeksandRomans,PheniciansandCarthagenians,GaulsandBritons,offormerages;aswellas,inmoderntimes,inAfrica,India,andtheislandsoftheSouthseas,thepracticeisknowntoprevail.Inproofofthis,appealmaybemadetothehistory,poetry,andlanguagesofthedifferentnations,aswellastowritersofourowndaywhohavemadethecustomsandmannersofdistanttribesthesubjectoftheirresearches.Pliny,speakingofsacrifices,says,‘Alltheworldhaveagreedinthem,althoughenemiesorstrangerstooneanother.'ThewritingsofHomerandVirgil,ofOvid,Horace,andJuvenal,aboundwithallusionsofthisnature.And,whatismoredecisivestill,thelanguageofeverypeopleonearthcontainsterms

whichexpresstheideaofsacrifice;acircumstancewhichcannototherwisebeaccountedforthanbysupposingthatthisideaentereddeeplyintotheirsentimentsandcustoms.TheGreekandLatinlanguagescontainmanysuchwordswhichhavebeentransfusedintothoseofmodemtimes,andespeciallyourown.WeneedonlyremindthelearnedreaderofsuchverbsasGreekword,Greekword,andGreekword,intheGreek;andpio,expio,lustro,&c.,intheLatintongue.Asforthecontinuanceofthepracticedowntothepresenttime,thewritingsofmodemtravellers,

antiquaries,andmissionaries,affordthemostampleandincontestableevidence.

III.Now,itisimportanttoascertainwhatwasthenatureofthosesacrifices,whichwehavefoundtoprevailfromtheremotestagesofantiquity,andamongeverypeopleunderheaven.

Whatideadidthosebywhomtheywereoffered,attachtothem?Didtheyinvolvethenotionofatonement?Thattheyshouldhavedonesoisnecessarytoourargument;butthishasbeenstoutlyandpertinaciouslydenied.IthasbeenaffirmedbycertainlearnedSocinians,thatneitherJewsnorheathenshadanyideaofaproperatonement,butwereequallystrangerstothenotionofexpiatorysacrifice.Itwillreadilybegrantedthatallthesacrificesofantiquitywerenotofanexpiatorynature;butthatsomeofthemwereofthisdescriptionadmits,weapprehend,oftheclearestproof.

Theancientsacrificesseemtohavebeenofthreekinds.SomewereimpetratoryordesignedtoexpressthedesireoftheofferertoobtainsomefavourofDeity.Otherswereeucharistical,ordesignedtoexpressthankfulnessforfavoursreceived.Andothersagainwereexpiatory,ordesignedtoobtaintheforgivenessofsinsofwhichtheoffereracknowledgedhimselfguilty.Buteventhosewhichhavebeenallowedtohavearespecttotheremovalofsin,havenotbeenunderstoodbyalltoinvolvetheideaofatonementorvicarioussuffering.Othertheorieshavebeencontrivedwithaviewtoexplaintheirnature.Theyhavebeenconsideredbysomeinthelightofgifts,orasofthenatureofavoluntaryfineorbribe,offeredbytheculpritwithaviewtobuyhimofffrompunishmentandpurchasethefavourofGod.Byotherstheyhavebeenrepresentedinthelightoffederalrites,expressiveoftherenewalofthatfriendshipwithGodwhichhadbeenbrokenoffbytheviolationofhislaw,aseatinganddrinkingtogetherweretheknownandordinarysymbolsofreconciliation.Anothertheoryis,thattheyaretoberegardedasasortofsymbolicallanguage,denotingeithergratitudeor

contrition,accordingastheyareeucharisticalorexpiatory.Thesetheories,thoughsupportedbysuchnamesasthoseofSpencer,andSykes,andWarburton,aremanifestlydefective,andcomefarshortofexplainingtheancientsacrificeseitheroftheheathenorofthepatriarchs.

Thattheancientheathensacrificeswereofanatoningnature—thattheyinvolvedtheidea,notmerelyofcontritionforsin,butofsatisfactiontoGodbysubstitutionarysuffering,appearsfromthelanguageinwhichtheyarespokenofbythewritersofantiquity.Thislanguageclearlydenotesthattheguiltyweresparedonaccountofthepunishmentbornebytheguiltless.Homer,Hesiod,andPlutarch,amongtheGreeks;andVirgil,Horace,Juvenal,Cesar,Ovid,Livy,&c.,amongtheLatins,haveallbeenadducedaswitnessesonthisparticularpoint.Thetestimoniesareindeedinnumerable,asthoseconversantwiththeancientauthorsareaware.Andtheearlierthetimesfromwhichtheyarecollected,theyarealwaysthemorenumerousandstriking.Theverynamegiventothesecondmonthinouryear,originatedinwhatitselfaffordsstrongconfirmationofthefact;thatbeingthelastmonthintheancientRomancalendar,whenitwascustomarytomakeatonementforthesinsofthesoulbysacrificeswhichwerecalledFebruaorexpiations.‘Thus,'ashasbeenwellobserved,‘stronglyanduniversallydidmenrecognisethattheircrimesinsuredthevengeanceofsuperiorpowers,exceptitscoursewasstayedbytheatonementofsacrifices,ofteninahighdegreedifficult,costly,andterrific.As,amidsttheerrorsofidolatry,itiseasytoperceivetheindelibleeffectsoftheprimitivebeliefandworshipoftheonlyGod;so,underthismassofcorruption,weobviouslyseethefoundationoforiginaltruth.'

Ofthevicariousnatureoftheancientpatriarchalsacrifices,theevidenceisnotlessdecisive.Thelearnedtheories,beforementioned,cannotexplaintheearlysacrificesofscripture.ThesacrificesofourfirstparentsandofAbel,forexample,cannotbelookeduponasmeregifts,forthispalpablereason,thatthedistinctionofprivateproperty,whichissupposedinagift,hadnotthenanexistence.Neithercantheyberegardedasfederalritesmerely,inasmuchasthereisnoevidencethatthepracticeofpartakingofthesacrificewasintroducedtillamuchlaterperiod;and,evensupposingitsexistence,itisanunwarrantablepresumptiontomaintainthatthisparticipationconstitutedthewholeessenceofthesacrifice,insteadofbeingamereadventitiouscircumstanceconnectedwithit.Withaslittleproprietycantheybereckonedasonlyaspeciesofsymbolicallanguage,therebeingnogoodgroundforsupposingthatthelanguagegiventomanatfirstwassodefectiveas

torequiresuchasupplement.Thattheywere,indeed,vicariousintheirnature,bestaccordswiththeirsubstancebeinganimal.Allotherpurposesbutthatofsubstitutionarysuffering,mighthavebeenequallywellserved,ifnotbetter,byvegetableproductions.ThepreferencegiventotheofferingofAbeloverthatofCain,corroboratesthisview,thefruitofthegroundbeingassuitableasagiftorasanexpressionofgratitudeasafirstlingoftheflock.ThegroundofpreferencemaybesupposedtohavebeenthestateofAbel'smind,hebeingsaidtohaveactedinfaith;andthisisnodoubttrue;butwehavereasontobelievethatthestateofhisminddirectedhiminthechoiceofthekindofofferingthatwouldbeacceptabletoGod,andthathadCainalsobeeninarightframeofsoulhewouldneverhavethoughtaninanimatesubstancetobeasuitableofferingtoanoffendedDeity.

WithregardtothesacrificeofNoah,severalthingsconcurtoshowthatitwasofanatoningnature.Theterm‘burnt-offering,'whichisemployedwithreferencetoit,isthetermwhichiscommonlyused,inotherpartsofscripture,todenoteanexpiatorysacrifice.Besides,withrespecttotheacceptanceoftheoffering,Jehovahissaidtohave‘smelledasweetsavour,'orasavourofrest,asitisgiveninthemarginofourbible—oranodourofplacability,astheSyriacversionhasit;—aphrasewhichimpliestheappeasingofonewhoisoffended.Andthen,theanswerwhichGodissaidtohavegiventoNoah,supposesthatthesacrificewasofsuchanatureastoprocurethewithdrawmentofdivinewrath:—'Iwillnotagaincursethegroundanymoreforman'ssake;neitherwillIagainsmiteanymoreeverythingliving,asIhavedone.'

ThesamethingmaybesaidofthesacrificesmentionedinthebookofJob.ItisclearthattheyweresacrificesFORsin.Jobassignedthisreasonforofferingthosewhichhepresentedonbehalfofhischildren:—'ItmaybethatmysonshavesinnedandhavecursedGodintheirhearts.'ThereasongivenbytheAlmightyforrequiringsacrificesofJob'sfriends,turnsonthesamething:—'LestIdealwithyouafteryourfolly,inthatyehavenotspokenofmethethingthatisright.'And,unlesswecanregardtheanimalssacrificed,inthelightofafine,orbribe,orgift,inconsiderationofwhichtheAlmighty,likeacorruptjudge,agreestoremitthesin,wemustlookuponthemasrealpropitiatoryofferings.Butthiswecannotdo,forGodexpresslydisclaimsanygiftpresumptuouslyofferedhimforthemerepurposeofdeprecatinghisdispleasure.ThereisnoiniquitywiththeLordourGod,norrespectofpersons,norTAKINGOFGIFTS.

IV.Wehavenowseenthatsacrificingexistedfromthemostremoteantiquity;thatthepracticewasuniversallyprevalent;andthattheseancientanduniversalsacrificeswereofastrictlypiacularor

vicariousnature.AndthepointnexttobeconsideredrespectsTHEORIGINoftheseancientanduniversalsacrifices.

Theymusthavehadsomeadequateorigin,andthatoriginmustbeeitherhumanordivine.Toaccountforthepractice,ontheprincipleofahumanorigination,manytheorieshavebeenformed,andmuchdiscussionhasbeenexpended;buttheonlysatisfactoryexplanationofthesingularfactistobefound,wepresume,intheprinciplethatsacrificewasoriginallyinstitutedbyGodwithreferencetotheatonementofChrist;theheathensacrificesbeingsomanyimitationsoftheprimitivepractice,aknowledgeofwhichwasobtainedbytradition,thoughgreatlycorruptedbycruelandfrivolousinventionsofman.Thisviewofthesubjectadmitsofbeingextensivelyargued.

1.Thedivineoriginofprimitivesacrificemaybearguedfromitsbeingimpossibleotherwisetoaccountforitsexistence.

Itcannotberegardedasadictateofreason;forreasoncandiscovernothingeitheracceptabletoGodorfittedtoremovetheguiltofsin,inthedestructionofaninnocentcreature;butratherthecontrary,assuchanactofcrueltyseemsmorecalculatedtoincreasethantotakeawayguilt,andaninjurydonetooneofGod'sworksseemsfittertoincurthantoappeasehisdispleasure.Itcannothaveoriginatedinnaturalinstinct;forthereisnoappetiteinmanwhichcanbesupposedtobegratifiedbysheddingthebloodandburningthefleshofanunoffendinganimal.Aslittlecanitbesupposedtohaveoriginatedinpriestcraft.Inprimitivetimes,nodistinctorderofpriesthoodexisted;thesacredfunctionswereperformedbytheheadofthefamily,whocouldhavenopecuniaryinducementtointroduceexpensivereligiousrites;and,eveninlatertimes,thesacrificeswereprovidedattheexpenseoftheofferers,andwerenosourceofemolumentwhatevertoanyorderofmen.Thereisjustoneothersupposition,andthisisnotlessunsatisfactorythanthosetowhich,wehavealreadyreferred,namely,thatthepracticeoriginatedinsuperstition.Butsuperstitionisthecorruptionoftruereligion,andsupposessomethingsimilarinthelatter,onwhichitisbased,andfromwhichittakesitsrise.Withouttruereligiontherecouldbenosuperstition,justaswithoutsinceritytherecouldbenohypocrisy;withoutagenuinecurrencytherecouldbenocounterfeitcoin;withouttruth

therecouldbenofalsehood;withoutaproperusetherecouldbenoabuse.Superstitioncannever,thus,ofitselfaccountfortheexistenceofsacrifice.Besides,superstitionisapttobeendlesslydiversifiedinitsforms,whilethepracticeinquestionisuniformthroughoutthewholerangeofitsexistence,whichwehaveseentobeuniversal.Admittingthatsuperstitionmighthaveaccountedforitsexistenceamongasinglepeople,itcouldnot,withoutamiracle,besupposedtohavegivenrisetothesameuniformpracticeineverynationoftheworld.

Itthusappears,thatnomerehumanprinciplecanaccountfortheoriginofprimitivesacrifice.Butthepracticeexistedfromthegreatestantiquity,andprevailedoverthewholeearth.Thereisnodisputingthisfact.Andasnoeffectcanexistwithoutanadequatecause,thefactinquestionmusthaveoriginatedinsomethingsufficienttogiveitexistence:andifthisisnotreason,nornaturalinstinct,norpriestcraft,norsuperstition,what,pray,canitbebutthesovereignauthorityofGod?‘Howanypractice,'saysDrPatrickDelany,inhisadmirabledissertationonthissubject,‘howanypracticecouldobtainintheworld,towhichmankindwereneitherurgedbytheinterestandsubtiltyofanysetofmen,norbyanydictateofreason,norbyanyinstinctordemandofnature,norbyanyinterestofanykind;butquitethecontrary,indirectcontradictiontoeveryprincipleofreason,andnature,andinterest;(forthedestructionofinnocentcreaturesisagainstreason,againstnature,andagainstinterest:)Isay,howsuchapracticecouldprevail,andprevailuniversally,isimpossibletobeaccountedfor,butfromsomepowerfulandirresistibleinfluenceofexample,orinjunctionofauthority.And,whatexamplecouldhavesuchinfluence,exceptthatofAdam,orwhatauthoritycouldhavesuch

power,exceptthatofGod,istome,Iown,utterly

inconceivable....Whereanypracticeisuniversal,itmustdemonstrablyhavesomeuniversalcause.Andthatcanbenootherinthecasebeforeus,buteitherGod,thefounderoftheworld,or

Adam,thefounderofthehumanrace;fromwhomitwasderived

toallhisposterity....Butsacrificewassuchapractice,as,unlessenjoinedbytheauthorityofGod,mustofnecessitybedetrimental;withoutanyprospectofpleasure,orprofit,oradvantageofanykind.Andtherefore,unlessAdamwasworsethananidiot,itwasimpossiblehecouldenjoinonhisposteritysucha

practice,fromanyothermotivethandivineauthority:or,ifhehad,itisunimaginablewhytheyshoulduniversallyobeyhim,fromanyothermotive;unlesstheyalsowereidiotsfortwothousandyearssuccessively.Nay,thisisnotall:foritwillfollowthattheEgyptians,andGreeks,andRomans,werelikewiseworsethanidiotsintheirturn;thatthewholeheathenworldwerebrutesandmonstersfortwothousandyearsmore,inthepracticeofthisveryrite;nay,theyactuallyaresotothisday.Inaword,eitherthisritehadsomefoundationintruereligion,whichswayedthewholeworldtothepracticeofitforfourthousandyears,andyetswaystheheathenpartofittothisday;orelsethisboastedprincipleofreason,whichcouldsuffermentogooninatrainofsuchabsurdityandbarbarity,forfourthousandyears,nay,forsixthousandyearstogether,isaverybadandinsufficientguide.Oneofthesepositionsisindisputablytrue;ifthelatterisadmitted,thenrevelationwasabsolutelynecessary,toreformandtoinstructtheworld,atthetimethatJesusChristcameintoit:iftheformer,thensacrificeswereofdivineinstitution.Lettheadversariesofrevelationtakewhichsideofthisdilemmatheylikebest.'

TothesamepurposewritesMr.Faber,withadmirableclearnessandforce,inreferencetotheuniversalaccordanceofthepaganworldintheriteofsacrifice:—'Clearly,thecommonoriginofwhichweareinquest,mustbefarmoreancientthanthetimeof

Moses:andperhapsitwillnotbeeasytogiveanysatisfactoryaccountofit,ifwestopshortofthatsecondfatherofmankind,whomthetraditionsoftheGentilesthemselvesdescribeastheearliestpostdiluviansacrificer.LetNoahbepropoundedasthecommonoriginofthedoctrineandthepracticetoALLhisposterity;andtheriddleofpaganUNIFORMITYwillbeforthwithread:letNoahberejected,asthiscommonorigin;andtheriddleofpaganUNIFORMITYmustthenbeleftforamoresatisfactorysolutiontothosewhoadvocateMr.Davison'sopinion.But,ifNoahbeadmittedasthecommonoriginofthedoctrineandthepracticetoALLhisposterity,thenecessaryconclusionwill,Ifear,befataltothesystemnowunderdiscussion.Noahcouldnotcommunicatewhathehimselfdidnotpossess.Hence,ifNoahcommunicatedthedoctrineandthepracticetoallhisposterity,Noahmustassuredlyhavebeenwellacquaintedbothwiththedoctrineandwiththepractice.Butinwhatmannerdidthedoctrineandthepracticebecomeknowntothatgreatpatriarch?Wasitfromaspecialrevelation,madetohimselfortohisremoteancestors?Orwasitfromthewaywardoperationofapresumptuousandunauthorizedsuperstition?Thecharacterofthejustman,whowasperfectinhisgenerations,andwho

walkedwithGod,forbids,Ithink,thelatterpartofthealternative.Mr.Davisonhimselfallows,thatthedoctrineandthepracticecouldnotemanatefromthelightofnatureorfromtheprinciplesofreason.Itremainsonly,thatNoahreceivedthemfromrevelationeithermediateorimmediate.'Thusclearlydoesitappearthatonnootherprinciple,thanthatofadivineorigin,cantheexistenceofprimitivesacrificesbeexplained.

2.Thereadyacceptanceoftheancientsacrificesrecordedinscripturefurnishesanotherproofofthepointinhand.

Thefactonwhichthisargumentrestsiseasilyestablished.NothingisclearerthanthattheearliestsacrificesofwhichwereadwereimmediatelyacceptedbyGod,withouttheslightesthesitationordelay.ThatthesacrificesofJob'sfriendswereacceptable,appears,notmerelyfromtheirbeingdivinelyprescribed,butfromtherecordedpromiseanditsfulfilment,whichstandconnectedwiththem.Annexedtotheprescriptionweread:—'AndmyservantJobshallprayforyou,andhimwillIaccept;'andannexedtothecompliance:—'TheLordalsoacceptedJob.'ThewholeaccountofAbraham'ssacrifice,too,supposesitsacceptance;butforwhichweshouldnothavereadoftheactbeingimmediatelyfollowedbytheremarkablepromisemadetohimontheoccasion,norhadthepatriarchhadreason,ingratefulcommemorationofthedivinegoodness,tocallthenameoftheplaceJehovah-jireh.WithrespecttothatofNoah,weareexpresslyinformed‘TheLordsmelledasweetsavour,'—amodeofphraseologywhich,asbeforeremarked,stronglydenotestheideaofacceptance.AndastoAbel'soffering,itisdistinctlyrecorded,‘TheLordhadrespecttoAbel,andtohisoffering.'

Whatwasthemodeinwhichtheacceptanceofthesesacrificeswassignifiedisamatterofinferiormoment.Thefactofacceptabilityisthechiefconsideration;although,ifwesuppose,withtheChristianfathersandtheJewishdoctors,thatthiswasintimatedbytheofferingbeingconsumedwithfire,thefactisthusrenderedmorestrikingandimpressive.Wearesurethatsuchwasthemodeofsignifyingthedivineacceptanceofthesacrificesunderthelaw:—‘AndtherecameafireoutfrombeforetheLord,andconsumeduponthealtartheburnt-offeringandthefat.'HencetoturnasacrificetoashesistheHebrewfortoacceptit,asmaybeseenbycomparingthecommonversionwiththemarginalreadingofPsal.xx.3:—'Rememberallthyofferings,accept(turntoashes)thyburnt-sacrifice.'Itisthereforeahighlyplausiblesupposition,thattheacceptanceoftheearlysacrificeswasaccompaniedwiththisverysignificant

tokenwhichmightberegardedasaninfalliblesignoftheirdivineinstitution.Bethisasitmay,ofthefactoftheiracceptance,whateverwasthemodeinwhichitwasintimated,therecanbenodoubt;andforthisitwillbedifficulttoaccount,exceptingontheprincipleoftheirbeingdivinelyinstituted.Invaindotheyworshipme,saysGod,teachingfordoctrinesthecommandmentsofmen.Hadsacrificebeenahumaninvention,itmusthavebeenanessentiallyandpalpablysuperstitiousactofwill-worship,altogetheruncommandedandgratuitous.InthiscaseitcouldnotbepleasingtoGod,but,ontheprinciplefirstlaiddown,musthavebeen,asanactofworship,utterlyuselessandvain.Itisthusthattheclearlyestablishedfact,oftheunscrupulousandcomplacentacceptanceoftheearlysacrificesbyGod,standsforthasaninvincibleproof,ifnotanactualdemonstration,ofthedivineappointmentofthisprimitivemodeofworship.

ThiswillbecomestillmoreapparentifweconfineourattentiontoAbel'ssacrificealone.

Thereareseveralthingsrecordedconcerningitwhichproceedonthesuppositionofitsbeingdivinelyauthorized.Thereis,firstofall,somethingworthyofnoticeintheeasy,familiarwayinwhichthefactisintroducedinthesacrednarrative:—'Andinprocessoftimeitcametopass.'Thereisnothinghereoftheairofnovelty.Itisnonewoccurrence.Itisbroughtforwardasquiteanordinaryaffair:whichisallperfectlynatural,ifwesupposetheritetohavebeenpreviouslyinstitutedandobserved;butwhichitwillbedifficulttoexplainifthisisdenied.Thisinferenceisstillmoreconfirmedbythemarginalreading:—'Anditcametopassintheendofthedays'(Heb.word)orassomeofourmostlearnedcriticstranslatethewords,atthecloseoftheappointedseason.

Thereis,next,theconsiderationthatitwasananimalsacrifice.Theverysubstanceofitgoesfartoprovethatitwasagreeabletoadivineinstitution.Whileitisadmitted,thatnaturalreasonmightsuggesttheproprietyofofferingtoGodeucharisticoblations,itisplain,forreasonsformerlyadduced,thatthesewouldconsistofvegetableproductions.Itisabsurdtosuppose,thatthedestructionofaninnocentanimalshouldbe,initself,acceptabletoGod.Nothingbutduty,asisobservedbyDelany,couldmakeitacceptable,andnothingbutthecommandofGodcouldmakeitaduty.Somuchconvincedofthishavebeensomeofthosewhohaveopposedthedivineoriginofprimitivesacrifice,thattheyhavefounditnecessarytodenythatwhatAbelofferedwasananimalatall.Grotius,andsuchashaveadoptedhisviews,havemaintainedthat

itwasthewoolandthemilkoftheflockthatwerepresentedbyAbeltotheLord,andnotthefleshoftheanimals.Tothisopinion,sofanciful,andsocontrarywithaltothefactsofthecase,aswellastothewholetenorofthesacrificialrite,itwouldnotbenecessarytoadvert,wereitnotthatitshowsdecidedlyhowdifficultitisfoundtoaccountfortheexistenceofanimalsacrificesontheprincipleoftheirbeingahumaninvention,andhowfar,consequently,thebarecircumstanceofAbel'sbringingthefirstlingsofhisflockprovesthathewascomplyingwithapreviouslyexistingdivineinstitution.

Again;thelanguage,‘Ifthoudoestwell,shaltthounotbeaccepted?'impliesplainlyenough,thatAbelinthematterofhisoffering,didwell.Hedidwhatwasright,whatwasagreeabletothewillofGod,whatwassuretomeetthedivineapprobation.Butitisonlywhenweactinobediencetodivineauthoritythatwecanbesaidtodowell.Thisappliesinaspecialmannertoactsofworship.Obedience,evenwithoutsacrifice,maybegraciouslyapproved;butsacrificewithoutobediencenevercan.Toobeyisbetterthansacrifice,andtohearkenthanthefatoframs.Wethereforefeelentitledtoconclude,thatasAbel,inpresentinghisofferingtotheLord,didwell,hemusthavedoneitinobediencetoadivinecommand.

Itis,further,saidthatAbeloffered‘amoreexcellentsacrifice'thanCain:or,astheoriginalwordsmightberendered,amuchmoresacrifice,thatis,anofferingwhichpartookmoreofthenatureofasacrificethanthatofhisbrother.Butthislanguageseemstosupposetheexistenceofsomeoriginaldivineinstitution,whichisregardedasthestandardtowhichreferenceismadeindrawingthecomparison.

Butwhatputsthematteratrest,regardingthesacrificeofAbel,isitsbeingsaidtohavebeenofferedinfaith.‘ByfaithAbeloffereduntoGodamoreexcellentsacrificethanCain.'Ofthenatureofthepatriarch'sfaith,thecontextleavesusnoroomtodoubt.Itwasfaithindivinerevelation;inpromiseswhichreceivedtheirfulfilmentinMessiah;inanexpresscommandofGod.Such,atleast,wasthefaithoftheotherworthieswithwhomAbelisassociatedintheeleventhchapteroftheepistletotheHebrews,andwehavenorighttoconcludethathiswasdifferentinitsnaturefromtheirs.Noahinbuildingtheark,andAbrahaminleavinghiscountry,andMosesinrescuing,theIsraelites,actedinobediencetocommandsofGoddistinctlyinterposedandinsodoingtheyaresaidtohaveacted‘byfaith.'Fromthisarewenotentitledtoinfer,thatwhatAbeldidbyfaithwasalsodoneincompliancewithadivinecommand?Now,whatAbeldidwas

offeringasacrifice.Sacrificemust,therefore,havebeenadivineinstitution.ThiscrownsthewholewithregardtothesacrificeofAbel.CommentatorshavedifferedwithrespecttothepointonwhichthepreferencegiventoAbel'ssacrificeturned;somefixingonthematter,othersonthequalityoftherespectiveofferings,othersonthepreviousmoralcharacteroftheofferers,andothersagainonthestateofmindinwhichtheywerepresented.Butallthesefailtoaccountforthefactapartfromthatfaithofwhichwehavebeenspeaking,andwhich,indeed,itselfgivesrisetoalltheotherdistinctions.TheofferingsofCainandAbelweredifferent,tobesure,insubstance,inquality,inthepreviouscharacterandimmediatestateofmindoftheofferers.Butwhencearosethosedifferences,butfromtheonebeingabelieverandtheothernot?HadCainpossessedAbel'sfaith,hewouldhavepresentedAbel'ssacrifice;hismoralcharactermustnecessarilyhavebeendifferentfromwhatit'was;andhisstateofmindatthetime,insteadofbeingthatofaself-righteousinfidel,whotrustedtohisownmeritforacceptance,shouldhavebeencharacterizedbyanhumblerelianceonthatall-sufficientatonement,ofwhichtheveryacthewasperformingwasprefigurative.

4.TheexpostulationofGodwithCaingivesadditionalconfirmationtotheargumentinfavourofthedivineoriginofprimitivesacrifice

Accordingtothecommonversion,thatexpostulationrunsinthefollowingterms:—'Ifthoudoestwell,shaltthounotbeaccepted?andifthoudoestnotwell,sinliethatthedoor.'Tothistranslationitmayfairlybeobjectedthatitconveysnoverysatisfactorymeaning;thatitfailstoexplainthedistinctionthatwasmadebetweentheofferingsofthetwobrothers;andthatitrepresentstheAlmightyasspeakinginamannerunsuitedtoinfinitewisdomanddignity.Sinlying,orcouchinglikeananimal,atthedoor,is,atthebest,butuncouthphraseology.Butthisisnottheworstofit;forbyretainingthistranslationthesenseofthepassageisrenderedgrosslytautological.Sin'slyingataperson'sdoor,weunderstandtoexpressthatthepersonisasinner.Accordingtothis,allthattheclauseinquestionexpressesisthismiserabletruism,Ifthoudoestnotwell,thouartasinner,i.e.Ifthouartasinner,thouartasinner.Butthewordtranslatedsin(Heb.word)isthatwhichiscommonlyrenderedelsewheresin-offering,andaccordinglythepassagemay,withmanifestpropriety,betranslatedthus:—'Ifthoudoestwell,shaltthounotbeaccepted?Andifthoudoestnotwell,aSIN-OFFERINGCOUCHETHBEFORETHEDOOR.'Insupportofthisrenderingmuchmightbesaid;buttoenterinto,thesubjectatlargewouldrequiremorecriticaldiscussion'thanitaccordswiththeplanofthepresent

undertakingtointroduce.Itmaybeobserved,however,thatitwaslongagoproposedbyLightfoot,andhassincebeenadoptedbyKennicot,Faber,andotherlearnedwritersonthesubjectofsacrifice.Theprincipalterm,wehavejustsaid,isthatwhichisemployedinotherpartsofscripture,andparticularlyinthewritingsofMoses,todenoteanexpiatorysacrifice.Examplestothiseffectarenumerous.And,insupportoftheproprietyofthisrenderinginthecaseinquestion,thereisapeculiarityofgrammaticalconstructionwhicheveryscholarwilladmittohavegreatweight.Noristhistranslationliabletoanyobjectionofaformidablenature,especiallyifthefinalclauseoftheexpostulationbesorenderedastomarkitsreferencetothesin-offeringandnottoAbel.Insteadof‘UntotheeshallbeHISdesireandthoushaltruleoverHIM,'read‘UntotheeisITSdesire,andthoushaltruleoverIT,'asexpressiveofCain'shavingfullpowerovertheanimalwhichhewastouseasaburnt-offering.Viewedinthislight,thepassageamountstoacommandaddressedbytheAlmightyhimselftoCain,directinghim,incaseofsin,totakethenecessarystepofpresentingasin-offering.Thecommand,too,fromthemannerinwhichitisintroduced,supposestheriteofsacrificetohavebeenpreviouslyappointed;aswhatheiscommandedtoperformseemsplainlytohavebeenanantecedentduty,andtohavebeenknowntohimassuch.Butasanofferingforsincouldnothavebeenappointedbeforetheexistenceofsin,itfollowsthattheappointmentmusthavetakenplacesometimebetweenthefallofAdamandtheofferingsofCainandAbel.And,asitisreasonabletoconcludethatGod,withwhomtheappointmentoriginated,wouldintroduceitjustwhenitbecamenecessary,we

arethusledtotracethedivineoriginofsacrificetotheveryperiodofthefall.

Therearetwoobjectionscommonlyurgedagainstthedivineinstitutionofsacrifice,whichitbecomesus,incandour,toweigh.

Thefirstis,theallegedsilenceofthesacredwritersonthesubjectTheyarenotsilentwithregardtothefact;instancesofsacrificearerecorded;butwhethertheseoccurredinvirtueofanexistingdivineinstitution,orinconsequenceofamerespontaneousimpulseonthepartoftheofferer,isnotstated.Nowinreplytothis,itmightbedeemedsufficienttosay,thatforsuchsilenceitispossibletoaccountwithoutsupposingthenon-existenceofthatofwhichwearespeaking.TheverycommonnessandnotorietyoftheobservanceatthetimewhenthePentateuchwaswrittenmightaccountfortheomissionoftheoriginalcommand.Thesuccinctbrevityofthesacrednarrativerendereditimpossiblethateveryminutecircumstancecouldfindaplaceinit.Noristhe

divineinstitutionofsacrificestheonlythingthathasbeenomitted.Thereareotherthings,belongingtothesameperiod,ofwhichnomentionismadeinthenarrative,butofwhichwereadinotherpartsofscripture.Itmaybesufficienttoremindthereader,asinstances,ofthefallofangels,theprophecyofEnoch,andthepreachingofNoah,ofwhichwereadintheNewTestament,butofnoneofwhichhavewetheslightestintimationinthenarrativeoftheperiodwhentheyoccurred.Anexamplestillmoreinpoint,isthatoftheinstitutionoftheSabbath.Indeed,ithasbeensupposedbythosewhoadvocatethehumanoriginofprimitivesacrifice,tobeacircumstancegreatlyintheirfavour,thatthesacredhistorianiscarefultorecordthedivineoriginalofadayofsabbaticalrest,whileoftheriteofsacrificehemakesnosimilarrecord.Buthowstandsthefact?Thereismentionmade,inthenarrative,ofthefactthatGodrestedontheseventhday:fromallhisworkwhichhehadmade,andthatGodblessedtheseventhdayandsanctifiedit.Butthereisnothingsaidoftheinstitutionofaseventhdayofrestinsomanywords:wehavenoexpresscommandenjoiningtheobservanceofsuchaday.Welegitimatelyinferfromtherecordedfacts,thattheremusthavebeensuchacommand.Andthisisjustwhatwedointhecaseofsacrifice.Therearefactsstatedoftheearlyobservanceoftherite,withmanifestmarksofdivineapprobation;thereisnoexplicitintimationofitshavingbeenoriginallyenjoinedbyGod;but,withoutanexpressintimationtothiseffect,weareenabled,fromwhatisrecorded,toinferthattheremusthaveexistedsuchaninstitution.Thetwoinstancesareintheserespectsonalevel,andifthesilenceofscriptureonthesubjectofsacrificeistobeheldasavalidargumentagainstitsdivineoriginal,soalsomustthesilenceofscriptureonthesubjectoftheSabbathbeheldasavalidargumentagainstitsdivineoriginal.ButwearenottodictatetoGod,astothemethodinwhichheshallmakeknownanypartofhiswilltoman.Thereareotherwaysofconveyingatruthbesidesthatofaformalscholasticenunciation.Manyofthemostimportanttruthsofourholyreligionwantthisformality;and,bythosewhoadmitthesetruths,itoughttobereckonednoobjectiontothedivineoriginofsacrificethatthescripturescontainnopreciseintimationofthefact.

AnotherobjectiontothedivineoriginofprimitivesacrificehasbeenfoundedonthosepassagesofscriptureinwhichsacrificesseemtobedisownedbyGod.SucharethosepassagesinthePsalmsinwhichHeissaidnottodesiresacrifice,nortodelightinburnt-offering;andaparallelpassageinthepropheciesofJeremiah.Inreplytothisobjection,itiseasytoseethattheexpressionsinquestioncannotbetakenliterally,asinthiscasetheywouldcontradictthewholeofwhatiscontainedinLeviticusandDeuteronomyrespectingthe.appointment

ofsacrifices.Theymustthereforebeunderstood,likesimilarexpressionsinotherpartsofscripture,inacomparativesense;andthentheirmeaningwillbethatGoddesiresnotsacrifices,unlesstheybeaccompaniedwiththoseinwardprinciplesandthatoutwardbehaviourwithoutwhichtheycannotbeacceptable;toHim.ItisthusthatGod,bytheprophetIsaiah,addressesthepeopleofIsrael,onaccountoftheirwickedness:—'Towhatpurposeisthemultitudeofyoursacrifices?—Bringnomorevainoblations,incenseisanabominationuntome;thenewmoonsandSabbaths,thecalling;ofassemblies,Icannotawaywith—Yourhandsare.fullofblood.'Inthislightthelanguageunderconsiderationisinaccordancewiththatofthewiseman:—'ThesacrificeofthewickedisanabominationtotheLord.'Orthemeaningmaybe,thatotherthingsarepreferredtosacrifices,althoughthelatterarenotexcluded.Thelanguageofexclusionisoftenemployedwhenonlythepreferenceofonethingtoanotherismeant.‘IwillhavemercyandNOTsacrifice,'means,Iprefermercytosacrifice.‘LabourNOTforthemeatthatperisheth,butforthemeatwhichendurethtoeverlastinglife,'cannotbeunderstoodascondemningadiligentattentiontobusiness,butascommendingattentiontospiritualthingsinpreferencetothosewhichperishwiththeusing.Onthesameprinciplemustweexplainthewordsoftheapostle,‘AdamwasNOTdeceivedbutthewoman,'asmeaningthatthemanwasnotfirstintransgression.Thewhole,then,thatcanbelegitimatelyinferredfromthosepassagesonwhichtheobjectioninquestionisfounded,isthatJehovahprefersthedutifulobedienceofhiscreaturestothemereperformanceofritualservices;notthatthelatterisnotacceptabletohim,butthattheformerismore

acceptable;inshort,that‘toobeyisBETTERthansacrifice,tohearkenthanthefatoframs'

V.Havingnowseenthedivineoriginofsacrificeestablished,wehope,beyondallreasonabledoubt,itremainstocompleteourargumentinbehalfoftheatonementofJesusChrist,thatweconsiderwhatwastheUSEordesignofthisinstitution.

EveryinstitutionofGodmusthaveanendworthyofhimselfandappropriatetotheappointedmeans.Nordoesitseempossibletoconceive,consistentlywiththewisdomandgoodnessofGod,thattheinstitutionofsacrificecouldhaveanydesignshortofbeingaprefigurativememorialofthewayinwhichhehaddeterminedtosavethelifeofmanwhichhadbeenforfeitedbysin.Bytransgression,thehumanracehadforfeitedthelifetheypossessed,andall

righttoitscontinuance.Ofthistherecouldnotbeamorestrikingrepresentationthanwasgiveninrequiringalivingcreaturetobesacrificedonoccasionofeveryoffence;whilethesymbolstillfartherintimated,inanequallystrikingmanner,God'swillingnesstoacceptofthelifeofasubstituteforthatoftheactualoffender.Theinstitutionofsacrificethustaughtmanatoncetheevilofsin,thepunishmentsindeserved,andthewaybywhichhemightescapethismeritedconsequence.Deathbysin,andlifebysubstitution,wereasclearlypointedout,ascanwellbeconceivedpossible,insymbolicallanguage.Boththefallandtherecoveryofman,thedeathintroducedbysinandthedeathbywhichsinwastobetakenaway,werethusstrikinglyportrayed.And,asitisimpossibletoconceivethatthelifeofanirrationalanimalcouldbedeemedanadequatecompensationforthelifeofamoralcreature,itisclearthattheinstitutionmusthavebeenregardedasprefigurativeofagreaterandmoreexcellentsacrificeafterwardstobeofferedup.Apromiseofagreatdelivererhad,indeed,beenconveyedtoourguiltyprogenitors;andnothingismorenatural.

thantosuppose,thatsacrificewasappointedasamemorialofthedeliverancewhichhewastoeffect.

‘Ifweadmit,'saysoneoftheablestadvocatesofthedoctrine,‘thattheschemeofredemptionbythedeathoftheonlybegottenSonofGod,wasdeterminedfromthebeginning;thatis,ifweadmit,thatwhenGodhadordainedthedeliveranceofman,hehadordainedthemeans;ifweadmitthatChristwastheLambslainfromthefoundationoftheworld;whatmemorialcouldbedevisedmoreapposite,thanthatofanimalsacrifice?—exemplifyingbytheslayingofthevictimthedeathwhichhadbeendenouncedagainstman'sdisobedience:—thusexhibitingtheawfullessonofthatdeathwhichwasthewagesofsin,andatthesametimerepresentingthatdeathwhichwasactuallytobeundergonebytheRedeemerofmankind:—andherebyconnectinginoneview,thetwogreatcardinaleventsinthehistoryofman,theFALL,andtheRECOVERY:thedeathdenouncedagainstsin,andthedeathappointedforthatHolyOne,whowastolaydownhislife,todelivermanfromtheconsequencesofsin.Theinstitutionofanimalsacrificeseemsthentohavebeenpeculiarlysignificant,ascontainingalltheelementsofreligiousknowledge:andtheadoptionofthisrite,withsincereandpiousfeelings,wouldatthesametimeimplyanhumblesenseoftheunworthinessoftheofferer;aconfessionthatdeath,whichwasinflictedonthevictim,wasthedesertofthosesinswhichhadarisenfromman'stransgression;andafullrelianceonthepromisesofdeliverance,joinedtoanacquiescenceinthemeansappointedforitsaccomplishment.‘Ifthisviewofthematterbejust,'

addshe,‘thereisnothingimprobableeveninthesuppositionthatthatpartofthesignificationoftherite,whichrelatedtothesacrificeofChrist,mighthavebeeninsomedegreemadeknownfromthebeginning.'Whythelearnedauthorshouldhavefeltanyhesitationonthispoint,wemustconfessourselvesatalosstoperceive.ItwasJesusChristwhowasfromthebeginningthealoneobjectofsavingfaith,andasanignorantbeliefcanneverbelookeduponasentitledtothischaracter,manmusthavehadfromthebeginningsomeknowledgeofthereferenceofthesacrificialritetoHimwhowastoappearintheendasthepropitiationforoursins.Withoutsuchareferencetheriteitselfmusthavebeenanunmeaning,useless,burdensomeceremony;and,withoutsomesuchknowledge,theobservanceofitmusthavebeenanythingbutareasonableservice—musthavebeen,onthecontrary,apieceofheartlessdrudgery.

Nor,takingthisviewofthematter,canwereckonitasatallafancifulsupposition,thattheveryfirstpromiseofaSaviourgiventomanwasaccompaniedwiththesignificantratificationofasacrifice,settingforththatbruisingoftheheelofthewoman'sseedbywhichtheserpent'sheadwastobebruised.Anditisnotalittleinterestingtoremark,how,onthissupposition,thefirstbloodwhichstainedtheearthwasthatofasacrifice,andthefirstideawhichtheforefathersofourracewouldhaveofdeathwasderivedfromthatofavictimslaintoprefigureHimwhowasafterwardstoabolishdeathandbringlifeandincorruptiontolightbyhisgospel.‘Howmuch,'saysDrPyeSmithwithgreatbeautyandeloquence,‘howmuchmusttheimpressiononthehearthavebeenincreased,whenthefirstsacrificewasoffered:whentheparentsofourrace,recentfromtheirguiltyfall,wereabasedbythedivinerebuke,drivenfromtheirblissfulseat,andfilledwithdismayatthethreateningofDEATH!Athreateningpiercingthroughtheirsouls,butofthenatureandeffectsofwhichtheycouldformnonebutvagueideas.Butwhendirectedbysternauthority,toapplysomeinstrumentofdeathtothelambwhich,withendearinginnocence,hadsportedaroundthem,—anactofwhoseeffectstheyasyetknewnothing,—theyhearditsunexpectedcries,theybeheldtheappallingsightofstreamingblood,andstrugglingagonies,andlife'slastthroes,—theygazeduponthebreathlessbody,andtheyweretoldTHISISDEATH:howstrickenmusttheyhavebeenwithhorror,suchasnodescriptioncouldeverpaint!When,farther,theyhadtogothroughalltheotherprocessofthesacrifice,theirhandsreluctant,andtheirheartsbroken,andalltheirsoulcrusheddownbythesadconsciousnessthatthesehorridthingswerethefruitoftheirsin,andyetcontainedthehopeoftheirdeliverance,—whocanimaginetheextremityoftheirfeelings?'

Nowletuscollecttogetherinasinglesentencethedifferentpointsoftheargumentthuselaborated.Sacrificeshaveexistedfromtheremotestagesoftheworld,andprevailedamongeverypeopleunderheaven;—thesesacrificeshavebeen,withoutallcontroversy,ofanexpiatoryandvicariousnature;—itisfoundimpossibletoaccountfortheirexistencebutontheprincipleoftheirbeingderivedfromanoriginaldivineinstitution;—ofsuchaninstitution,wecanconceiveofnodesignworthyofGod,shortofitsbeingtoprefigurethedeathoftheLordJesusChrist:—but,asthetypeandantitypemustresembleeachotherintheirmostessentialandsignificantfeatures,thetypicalsacrificesofancientdivineinstitutionbeingvicariousandexpiatorymustbehelddemonstrativeoftheatoningnatureoftheSaviour'sdeath.

Suchisthefirstargumentinsupportofthedoctrineofatonement—anargumentwhichprejudicemayresistandignorancedespise,butwhichitwillnotbeeasy,eitherbylearning,orreasoning,or

scripture,tooverturn.

Howinexcusable,then,aresuchasdenytheatonementofJesusChrist!Blind,insolent,andrash,theyarraignthewisdomofGod,forwhichconducttheyarereprovedbytheheathenthemselves.Thoughreasoncouldneverhavedevisedtheplanofsubstitution,thevicariousnatureofpagansacrificesisaproofthatthereissomethinginGod'smethodofredemption,whenrevealed,whichunsophisticatedreasoncannotgainsayorresist.Thetestimonyhencederivedinfavourofourdoctrineis,thus,universalasthepracticeoftheriteofwhichwehavebeenspeaking;andeverysacrificeoftheheathenmayberegardedinthisway,aspointingdirectlytotheoneperfectsacrificeoftheSonofGod.Theerrorsandsuperstitionswhicharemingledupandincorporatedwiththeseofferings,cannotbutawaken,inthebreastofthetrueChristian,afeelingofpityforthosewhoarewithoutthesacredwritings,andofgratitudeforthisinestimableboon.Itisimpossibletoreflectonthehighantiquityofthesacrificialinstitute,withoutthinkingofthedivinegoodnessmanifestedingivingtomanatsoearlyaperiodtheknowledgeofatonement.Thisdoctrine,soessentialtohishopesasasinner,wascoevalwiththefall,sothattheveryfirsthumantransgressorwasmadeacquaintedwiththewaybywhichthefatalconsequencesofguiltmightbeforeveraverted.NoristhewisdomofGodlessapparentinthuspreparingtheworldfortheuniversalreceptionoftheonlytruereligion.WhereverChristianitycanbecarried,thepeoplemustbesofarpreparedtoacquiesceinitsgrandessentialprincipleofsalvationbyan

atoningsacrifice.Everypartofthegentileworldisfamiliarwiththeideaofsubstitution,andtheverytermswhichthisprinciplesuggeststheuseof,aretobefoundincorporatedinalmosteverylanguageonearth.Withoutthis,theprospectoftheuniversalspreadoftheChristianfaithmusthavebeen,humanlyspeaking,muchmorehopeless,asthedifficultyofbringingmentounderstanditsnaturemusthavebeengreatlyincreased.

SECTIONV.

PROOF—LEVITICALSACRIFICES.

ThedistinctionputonAbrahamandhisposteritybytheirbeingselectedasthedepositariesofcertainpeculiarprivileges,isastrikingcircumstanceintheprovidentialdevelopmentofGod'spurposesofgrace.Itformsanerainthehistoryofthespecies,andmoreparticularlyofthechurch.ItpleasedGodtoseparatethefamilyinquestionfromtherestofmankind;toappointthemlawspeculiartothemselves;andsotosituatethemthattheyshouldhaveeveryopportunityofpunctuallyobservingtheinstitutionsofJehovah.Theprescriptionoftheselawsoccurredabouttwothousandfivehundredyearsfromthecreationoftheworld,andaboutfifteenhundredyearsbeforetheadventofChrist.Thelawsthemselvesembracedeverythingrespectingthecivilandreligiousinterestsofthepeople;andamongthoseofareligiousnature,thelawofsacrificeheldaprominentplace.

Thiswasnotthefirsttimethattheriteinquestionwasmentioned.Wehaveseenthatitwasknowntothechurchlongbefore.And,indeed,themannerinwhichitisintroduced,intheLeviticalcode,isnosmallconfirmationoftheviewwehavegiven,intheprecedingsection,ofthedivineoriginofprimitivesacrifice.Itisnotbroughtforwardasanewthing,onwhichtheauthorityofGodisstampedforthefirsttime.Newregulationsrespectingthemodeandtheoccasionoftheritearelaiddown,buttheriteitselfisnotmadethesubjectofanyauthoritativeenactment.Itistakenforgrantedthattheriteexists,andthatitsdivineauthorityisacknowledgedandwellunderstood.‘SpeakuntothechildrenofIsrael,andsayuntothem:ifanymanofyoubringanofferinguntotheLord,yeshallbringyourofferingofthecattle,evenoftheherdandoftheflock.'SuchisthemannerinwhichtheLeviticalinstitutesregardingsacrificeareintroduced;anditmustbeadmittedtofurnishastrikingcorroborationoftheviewsofthose

whobelievethattheordinancewasnotthenappointedforthefirsttime.

Itisnotmeantbytheseobservations,toinsinuateadoubtwithrespecttothedivineauthorityofthesacrificeswhichexistedunderthelaw.ThatregulationswereprescribedbyJehovah,respectingthesubstanceofwhichthesesacrificesshouldconsist,thequalificationstheywererequiredtopossess,themodeinwhichtheyshouldbeoffered,andtheoccasionsonwhichtheyweretobepresented,isquitesufficientevidencethattheriteitselfpossessedthesanctionofdivineauthority.WearethusenabledtoappealtothenatureanddesignoftheLeviticalsacrificesasasecondargumentinfavourofthedoctrineofChrist'satonement.Thisposition,likethatofwhichwehavealreadydisposed,admitsofampleillustration.Toperceiveitsforce,itwillberequisitetoattend,inproperorder,tothesedistinctstatements:—thatsacrificesweresanctionedbyGodasapartofthereligiousserviceoftheHebrews—thatmanyofthesesacrificeswereunquestionablyexpiatoryandvicariousintheirnature—thattheywereinthemselvesincompetenttoremovemoralguilt—thattheyweredesignedtoprefigurethesacrificeofChristandwereactuallyfulfilledinhim.Ifthesestatementsaresuccessfullyestablished,itwillnotbepossibletoresisttheinferencethatthedeathoftheSonofGodwasarealandproperatonementforsin.

I.SacrificesformedanessentialpartofthedivinelyauthorizedreligiousservicesoftheJews.

Therecanbenodisputeonthispoint.ThelawwasgivenonthefirstdayofthefirstmonthofthesecondyearafterthedeliverancefromEgypt;andthesameyear,onthearrivalofthechildrenofIsraelatKadesh-barnea,theLeviticalpriesthoodwasinstituted,andeveryregulationconnectedwithitlaiddown.Noonewhobelievesthebibletobetrue,andwhotakesthetroubletoperusethebooksofExodusandLeviticus,cancallinquestionthedivineauthorityoftheJewishsacrifices.Thesesacrifices,however,wereofvariouskinds.Theyaregenerallydividedintobloodyandunbloody.Thelatterwere,strictlyspeaking,ratherofferingsthansacrifices;theyconsistedsolelyofvegetablesubstances,suchasmeal,bread,corn,oil,andfrankincense;andwerenotadmissibleassin-offerings,exceptinginthecaseofpersonssoverypoorastobeunabletoprovideanofferingoftwoyoungpigeonsorturtledoves.Thebloodysacrificesagainwerepartlystatedandpartlyoccasional.Theoccasionalsacrificeswereoffourkinds:—Burnt-offerings,orholocausts,whichwerefree-willofferings,devotedtoGodbythespontaneousactoftheofferers;—Peace-offerings,which

werepresentedintokenofreconciliationtotheLord,eitherinthewayofpetitionorofthanksgiving;—Sin-offerings,whichwererequiredforsinsofignorance,orsinscontractedwilfully;—andTrespass-offerings,whichweretobepresentedwhenapersonwasindoubtwhetherhehadviolatedthelawornot.Thestatedsacrificesweresomeofthemdaily;someweekly;somemonthly;andsomeyearly.Thedailysacrificesweretobeofferedmorningandevening.TheweeklysacrificesweretobepresentedontheSabbathday,whenthedailysacrificesweredoubled.Themonthlysacrificesoccurredonoccasionofthenewmoon.Andtherewerefouroccasionsonwhichannualsacrificeswereappointedtobeoffered;—atthefeastofthepassover,atthefeastofpentecost,atthefeastoftabernacles,andonthedayofexpiation.AllthesesacrificeshadtheexpresssanctionofGod,asanyonemayeasilysatisfyhimself,bylookingintothelawsdivinelyprescribedrespectingthem,recordedinthebooksofExodus,Leviticus,andNumbers.

II.ItisnotpretendedthattheJewishsacrificeswere,withoutexception,propitiatory;butcertainlymanyofthemwerevicariousandexpiatoryintheirnature.

Itisfreelyadmittedthattheunbloodyofferingsatthefeastsofpentecostandtabernacles,wereonlyeucharistical,commemorative,orimpetratory;butitispresumedthatallthebloodysacrificeswereofthedescriptionabovespecified,involvingatransferenceofguiltandsubstitutionofpunishment.Withregardtotheburnt-offeringweread:—'Ifhisofferingbeaburntsacrificeoftheherd,lethimofferamalewithoutblemish—andheshallPUTHISHANDONTHEHEADoftheburnt-offering;anditshallbeacceptedforhim,tomakeATONEMENTFORhim.'With

regardtothepeace-offering:—'Ifhisoblationbesacrificesof

peace-offering....heshallLAYHISHANDUPONTHEHEADofhisoffering,andkillitatthedoorofthetabernacleofthecongregation.'Withregardtothesin-offering:—'IfthewholecongregationofIsraelsinthroughignorance..thenthecongregationshallofferayoungbullockforthesin..andtheeldersofthecongregationshallLAYTHEIRHANDSUPONTHEHEADofthebullockbeforetheLordandthepriestshallmakeanATONEMENTforthem,anditshallbeforgiventhem.'—Withregardtothetrespass-offering:—'Asthesin-offeringis,soisthetrespass-offering;thereisonelawforthem:thepriestthatmakethATONEMENTtherewithshallhaveit.'—Withregardtoatleastoneof

thesacrificesappointedtobeofferedontheoccasionofthepassover,weread'Andonegoatforasin-offering,tomakeanATONEMENTforyou.'Withregardtothatonthedayofexpiationthereisnoroomtodoubt:—'AlsoonthetenthdayofthisseventhmonththereshallbeaDAYOFATONEMENT:itshallbeanholyconvocationuntoyou;andyeshallafflictyoursouls,andofferanofferingmadebyfireuntotheLord.Andyeshalldonoworkinthatsameday;foritisaDAYOFATONEMENT,TOMAKEANATONEMENTFORYOUbeforetheLordyourGod.'Manymorepassagesmightbeadded,inwhichsimilarlanguageisemployed;butthesemaybedeemedsufficienttoestablishtheposition,thatthebloodysacrificesoftheJewswerevicariousintheirnatureandimport.

Weareawareoftheobjectionsthathavebeenstartedagainstthisviewofthelegalsacrifices;buttheyhaveallreceivedthemosttriumphantrefutation.Indeed,letanyonecalmlyconsiderthecircumstancesconnectedwiththeactofsacrificing:—theselectionofthevictim;therelationoftheanimaltothepersonforwhomitwasoffered;itssubstitutioninhisstead;hisconfessingoveritallhisiniquities;theimpositionofhandsontheheadofthevictim;itsbeingactuallyslainandofferedtoGod;letanyimpartialpersoncandidlyconsiderthesecircumstances,andsaywhetherhecanresisttheinferencethatthesacrificewasregardedasapiacularsubstitutefortheindividualbywhomitwasbroughttothealtar.

Theceremonyofthescape-goatinparticular,meritsattentioninthisconnexion.Thissacredsolemnitybelongedtotheannualdayofexpiation.ItconsistedinpresentingtotheLordtwogoats,oneofwhichwasslain,andtheothersentawayaliveintothewilderness.Thetwoanimalstogethermadebutoneoffering,asthelanguageofthestatuteexpressesmorethanonce:—'HeshalltakeofthecongregationofthechildrenofIsraelTWOKIDSofthegoatsforASIN-OFFERING.AaronshallbringthegoatuponwhichtheLord'slotfell,andofferhimforasin-offering;butthegoatonwhichthelotfelltobethescape-goat,shallbepresentedalivebeforetheLord,tomakeanatonementWITHHIM(i.e.togetherwiththeothergoat)andtolethimgoforascape-goatintothewilderness.'Eachcontributedtotheatonement,andbothwereessentialtotheperfectionoftheceremony.Now,theimpositionofhandsontheanimals,andtheconfessionofsinswhichaccompaniedit,pointoutunequivocallythatthesinsofthepeoplewereunderstoodtobetransferredtothevictim,and,bymeansofthissubstitute,expiatedortakenaway.‘AndAaronshalllaybothhishandsupontheheadofthelivegoat,andconfessoverhimalltheiniquitiesofthechildrenofIsrael,andalltheirtransgressionsinalltheirsins,puttingthemupon

theheadofthegoat,andshallsendhimawaybythehandofafitmanintothewilderness.AndthegoatshallBEARUPONHIMALLTHEIRINIQUITIESuntoalandnotinhabited.'

III.LetitnowberemarkedthattheJewishsacrificeswerenot,inthemselves,sufficienttotakeawaysin,thatis,toatoneformoralguilt.

Thattheywereofferedincasesofmoraloffenceadmitsofthemostsatisfactoryproof.Weareawarethatacontraryopinionhasbeenstrenuouslymaintained.Ithasbeensupposedthatitwasonlyincasesofceremonialoffence,ofbreachesoftheceremoniallaw,orofsinsofignorancetowhichnomoralcharactercouldproperlyattach,thatsacrificeswereadmissible.Nottosaythatsinsofignorancemayinvolvemoralguilt,asignoranceitselfisoftencriminal;nottoinsistthatbreachesoftheceremoniallawmightwellbeconsideredasinvolvingmoralturpitudefromthestateofmindwhichtheyindicated;nottoremarkthatonceintheyear,atleast,atonementwastobemadeforALLtheiniquitiesofthechildrenofIsrael,andofcourseformoralaswellasceremonialoffences;nottobuildonthesethings,itissufficienttoobservethatsacrificeswererequiredincasesoffraud,injustice,perjury,debauchery—allofthemdirectviolationsofthemorallaw,whichitwasimpossibletocommitwithoutsuchastateofmindbeingimpliedascouldnotbutbehighlycriminalintheviewofaholyandjustGod.

Itistrue,therewerecertainmoraloffencesofanaggravatednature,suchasidolatry,adultery,murder,andblasphemy,forwhichnosacrificewasappointed,orpermittedtobeoffered.Butthereasonofthiswas,notthatsacrificeswereinadmissibleincasesofmoraldelinquency,butthattheoffencesinquestionsubjectedtheoffenderstodeath,andconsequentlydidnotadmitofexemptionfromtheoutwardpenaltyattachedtoalloffencesofthelaw,andwhichexemptionalwaysresultedfromtheofferingofanacceptablesacrifice.Norfromthecircumstanceofasacrificebeinginadmissibleisittobesupposedthattheseoffenceswereunpardonable.Theywerecapitaloffencesagainstthestate,andthereforenosacrifice,tendingtoreinstatetheoffenderinhisplaceinsociety,wastobeoffered.Buttheguiltypersonmightstillliftapenitentialprayertothethroneofmercy,and,throughthepropitiationofChrist,mightobtainthefullforgivenessofhisiniquity,berestoredtothefavourofGod,andbeadmittedtohispresenceforever.Independentlyofthis,however,itisclearthatthelegalsacrificeshadarespecttomoralguilt,beingofferedonoccasionofbreachesofthemorallaw.

Now,whatwewishtobeobserved,istheirutterinefficacy,inthemselves,toexpiatemoraltransgression.‘Whichwasafigureforthetimethenpresent,'saysthewriteroftheepistletotheHebrews,‘inwhichwereofferedbothgiftsandsacrifices,thatcouldnotmakehimthatdidtheserviceperfect,aspertainingtotheconscience.'Theconscienceoftheofferertoldofguiltwhichtheycouldnotatone,ofpollutionwhichtheycouldnotremove,ofwrathfromwhichtheycouldnotprotect‘Thelawbeingashadowofgoodthingstocome,andnottheveryimageofthethings,canneverwiththosesacrifices,whichtheyofferedyearbyyearcontinually,makethecomersthereuntoperfect.'Thatmoralperfectionwhichconsistsinjustification,sanctification,peacewithandaccesstoGod,theycouldnevereffect,fromaninherentunfitnessforsuchapurpose.‘FORITISNOTPOSSIBLETHATTHEBLOODOFBULLSANDOFGOATSSHOULDTAKEAWAYSINS.'Thereasonofthisinefficaciousnessofthelegalsacrifices,was,notsimplythattheywerenotappointedbyGodforthepurposeinquestion.Itistrue,theywerenotappointedforsuchanend.Buttheinspiredapostlecarriesthereasonmuchhigher—theycouldnothavebeensoappointedbyawiseandperfectGod,becauseinherentlyinadequatetofulfilanysuchdesign.ItwasNOTPOSSIBLEthatthebloodofbullsandofgoatsshouldtakeawaysin.TheydidnotcomportwiththemajestyofHimagainstwhomthesinwascommitted,thegreatGodofheavenandearth,whomthedeathofabeastcouldneverappease.Theygavenoproperexpressionofthedivinedispleasureatsin;theholyrepugnanceofGod'snatureatiniquity,andhisrighteousdeterminationtopunishit,couldnotbethusunequivocallyannounced;ifsomethingmorehadnotbeenrequiredtoprocureremission,itcouldneverhaveappearedthatsinwasexceedinglysinful.TheygavenoadequateexhibitionoftheinviolablerectitudeandauthorityofGod'smoralgovernmentorlaw;forifsuchwasallthatwasrequisitetosecureexemptionfromthepenaltyannexedtoitsviolation,noinferencecouldbemorelegitimatethanthatitsrequirementswereoriginallytoostrict,itssanctionsoriginallytoosevere,andthatitmightbeviolatedwithcomparativeimpunity.Theyborenoproperrelationtothesinner,eitherinpointofnatureorlegalobligation;theanimalswhichcomposedthemwereinrespectofnaturegreatlyinferiortoman,andinnosenseunderthatlawthebreachofwhichoccasionedtheguilt.Andtheypossessednovalueatallproportionedtothelifethathadbeenforfeited,andwhichrequiredtoberedeemed;thatwasthelifeofanintelligent,moral,immortalcreature,butthesacrificewasonlyanirrational,perishingbeast.Fortheseandsimilarreasons,thesacrificesofthelawcouldnottakeawaysin.Lebanonwasnotsufficienttoburn,northebeaststhereofsufficientforasin-offering:anditmightwellbeasked,WilltheLordbepleasedwiththousandsoframs,orwithten

thousandsofriversofoil?

Itdoesnotfollowfromthis,thattheJewishsacrificeswereuseless.Becausetheydidnotserveapurposeforwhichtheywereneverdesigned,itwouldberashsurelytoinferthattheyservednopurposeatall.Theyservedallthepurposesforwhichtheywereappointed.Theytaughttheevilofsinanditsdesertofdeath.‘Inthosesacrificestherewasaremembrancemadeofsinseveryyear.'Theywereofferingsofmemorialbringinginiquitytoremembrance.Andtheynotonlyremindedmenoftheirsins,butstrikinglyintimatedthatthesesinswererememberedalsobyGod;thatsomethingmorewasnecessarytocoverthemfromtheeyeofomniscientjustice;thatsomethingelsewasrequiredbeforetheycouldassurethemselvesthatHEwouldnomorerememberthem.TheyalsoprocuredtheremissionofthosetemporalpenaltieswhichattachedtotheiniquitiesofthepeopleofIsrael.Fromthetheocraticnatureoftheconstitution,everyviolationofthelawspossessedadoublecharacter.Asanoffenceagainstthestatutelaw,ithadacivilcharacter,andexposedtotemporalpains;asanoffenceagainstthemorallaw,ithadamoralcharacter,andexposedtospiritualpains.Thesacrificesseemtohaveprocuredaremissionofthetemporalpains,whatevermightbetheinwardfeelingandexerciseoftheofferer,andtohaverestoredhimtohisstatusinthecommonwealth.Andthisisalltheusewhichmanyconceivethelegalofferingstohaveserved.Butwepresumetheyservedafartherandmuchhigherend—anendconnectedwiththeremissionofmoralguiltThoughinadequate,inthemselves,toprocuresuchremission,theywerecapableofprefiguringthatwhichcould.Thoughunabletoatoneforasinglemoraltransgression,theycouldpointdistinctlyforwardtothatoneofferingbywhichChristwasafterwardstoperfectforeverthemthataresanctified.Thiswastheirgreatandchiefuse;and,whenofferedbythosewhosefaithclearlyembracedandwhoseheartscordiallyapprovedthisultimatereference,itisnottoomuchtobelievethattheywereconnectedwiththeremissionofthose

spiritualpainstowhichthecontractionofmoralguiltexposedtheoffender.

IV.Itis,thus,incumbentonus,intheprosecutionofourargument,toshowthattheJewishsacrificesweredesignedtoprefigureChrist,andwereactuallyfulfilledinhim.

Fromthis,itispresumed,alltheirvalueandefficacyarose.Withoutsuchareference,itisimpossibletoaccountfortheirappointmentbyawiseand

beneficentGod.Tothemtheremarkisequallyapplicableastothepatriarchalsacrifices,that,exceptingontheprincipleofbeingprefigurativeofChrist,theyappearuselessandunmeaning,aculpablewasteofanimallifeandvaluableproperty,andanintolerableyokeofburdensomeexaction.Thisitselfaffordsstrongpresumptiveevidenceoftheirultimatedesign;butthedirectproofisneitherscantynorobscure.

Ifwelookintothewritingsoftheprophets,wefindthemspeakingofthelegalsacrifices,insuchconnexionwiththatoftheMessiah,asplainlytointimatethefulfilmentoftheformerinthelatter.

‘Sacrificeandoffering,'saysDavid,‘thoudidstnotdesire;mineearshastthouopened:burnt-offeringandsin-offeringhastthounotrequired.ThensaidI,Lo,Icome:inthevolumeofthebookitiswrittenofme,Idelighttodothywill,OmyGod;yea,thylawiswithinmyheart.'ThatthispredictionreferstoMessiah,isobviousfromtheusetowhichitisappliedintheepistletotheHebrews.‘Wherefore,whenHEcomethintotheworld,hesaith,Sacrificeandoffering,'&c.ItistotheSonofGod,inregardofhisincarnation,thattheinspiredwriterreferswhenhespeaksofhiscomingintotheworld;onwhichoccasionheisrepresentedashavingusedthelanguageinquestion.ThislanguagecouldnotbeusedbyDavidoranyothermemberoftheJewishchurch,ofwhomsacrificeandofferingwereperemptorilyrequired;neitherisitnecessarytosupposethatitwasemployedliterally,insomanywords,bytheMessiahathisadventintheflesh;itissufficienttounderstanditasexpressivegenerallyofwhatwasthenhisgreatdesignorintention.Andwhatisitthatheexpresses?Thespeechconsistsoffourclauses,eachofwhich,accordingtothepoeticalstructureofthepsalm,makesalineofatetrastichorstanzaoffourlines,thefirstcorrespondingtothethird,andthesecondtothefourth;thus:

‘Sacrificeandofferingthoudidstnotdesire;

Mineearshastthouopened;

Burnt-offeringandsin-offeringhastthounotrequired.

ThensaidI,Lo,Icome,'&c.

Now,‘sacrificeandoffering,'‘burnt-offeringandsin-offering,'mustbeunderstoodasmeaningthewholesacrificialritesofthelaw.Oftheseitis

affirmed,thatGod‘didnotdesire—didnotrequire'them;whichcannotmeanabsolutelythattheywerenotrequired,forthisiscontrarytothewholetenorofthelaw.NorcanitmeanmerelythatGodhadnopleasureinthesesacrificeswhenimproperlypresented,forthisdoesnotcomportwiththescopeofthepassage.Butitplainlyenoughintimates,thattheywerenotrequiredbyGodasarealatonementforsin;thatforsuchapurposetheywerequiteinadequate;thatGodcouldtakenodelight,couldfeelnosatisfactionorcomplacencyintheminthisview;that,inshortforsuchapurposetheywereneverappointed,andcouldnotbeacceptedbythemoralgovernoroftheworld.

But,ontheotherhand,hesays,‘Mineearshastthouopened'(or‘abodyhastthoupreparedme'),and‘Lo,Icome,inthevolumeofthebook,'&c.Whicheverreadingoftheformerclauseweadopt,whetherthatoftheHebrewtext,orthatoftheSeptuaginttranslationwhichisadoptedbyPaul,themeaningisthesame;itdenotestheentiredevotednessofChristtothewillofhisFatherinofferinghimselfasapropersacrificeforsin,—hisfullacquiescenceinthisasthegrandpurposeofhisincarnation.Suchalsoistheimportofthecorrespondingclause,‘Inthevolumeofthebook,'&c.Thebookofthelaw,thepentateuch,theonlyvolumeextantwhenthepsalmwaspenned,taughtingeneralthatahighersacrificewasrequisitetoaccomplishthewillofGod,andcontainedseveralparticularanddistinctpredictionsrespectingtheMessiahhimself.Abody,orhumannature,wasprovided,inwhichhemightaccomplishwhattheLeviticalsacrificescouldnoteffect,mightdothatwhichJehovahwilled,andinwhichhecouldtakefullpleasure;andthisthepersonagebywhomthelanguageis

spokenfulfilled,mostreadily,cheerfully,andpiously,withouttheleastreluctanceoraversion.

Suchisplainlyenoughtheimportofthisfamouspassage.InthiswayitinvinciblyassertstheprefigurativereferenceofthesacrificesofthelawtothatofChrist:andifanyshadowofdoubtshouldremainofthecorrectnessofthisview,letitbedissipatedforeverbythetestimonyoftheinspiredwriterwhothusexpoundsitsmeaning:—'Above,whenhesaid,sacrifice,andoffering,andburnt-offering,andofferingforsin,thouwouldestnot,'&c.—'HETAKETHAWAYTHEFIRSTTHATHEMAYESTABLISHTHESECOND.'Thatis,heabolishesthelegalsacrificesfirstspokenof,asinsufficientforthepurposeofarealatonement;andconfirmsorratifiestheworkofChrist,secondspokenof,asall-efficaciousandperfect.Itisnoteasytoseehowtheideacouldhavebeen

morestronglyexpressed,thatChristwasactuallytofulfilwhatthelegalofferingswereintrinsicallyincapableofaccomplishing,andthustosupersedethesesacrificialobservancescompletelyandforever.

TheprophetDanielmayalsobeadducedasawitness.Hiscelebratedprediction,intheninthchapterofhisbook,plainlyteaches,thatwhenMessiahtheprinceshouldbecutoff,forthepurposeoffinishingtransgressionandbringingineverlastingrighteousness,thesacrificeandtheoblation,whichhadpreviouslyexistedamongthepeopleofIsrael,shouldbeabolished.Fromthisitisanaturalandirresistibleinference,thattheJewishsacrificesweresymbolicalrepresentationsofthesacrificeofChrist.‘Seventyweeksaredetermineduponthypeople,anduponthyholycity,to

finishthetransgression,tomakeanendofsins,tomake

reconciliationforiniquity....andafterthreescoreandtwoweeks

shallMessiahbecutoff,butnotforhimself.....andheshallconfirm

thecovenantwithmany,andinthemidstoftheweekheshallcausethesacrificeandtheoblationtocease.'

IfweturntotheNewTestament,weshallfindnolackofevidencetoprovethatthesacrificesofthelegaldispensationhadadesignedreferencetoChrist.Hispersonandhisdeatharespokenofinsuchtermsastoleavenoroomtodoubtonthesubject.Johnthebaptistsays,‘BeholdtheLAMBofGodthattakethawaythesinoftheworld.'Christhimselftellsus,that'theSonofMancametogivehislifeARANSOMformany.'PaulspeaksofChristhaving‘givenhimselfforusANOFFERINGANDASACRIFICEtoGodforasweet-smellingsavour.'ThroughouttheepistletotheHebrews,thisapostlespeaksofJesusasapriest—ahighpriest—asacrifice;asofferinghimselftoGod,—bearingthesinsofmany—andofferingonesacrificeforsins.Fromsuchexpressionstheinferenceisplain—aninferencewhichwearenotlefttodrawofourselves,theSpiritofGodhavinggivenitinsomanywords,—thatCHRISTISTHEENDOFTHELAWforrighteousness,andthelawaschoolmastertobringustoChrist.

Indeed,thestrikinganalogysubsistingbetwixtthelegalsacrificesandthatofChrist,stronglycorroboratestheviewthatthelatteristhesubstance,reality,andantitypeoftheformer.Withregardtosacrificesingeneral,theselectionofthe

victim,thepropertiesitrequiredtopossess,itssubstitutioninroomoftheofferer,itsdeath,anditspresentationtoGodonthealtar,arecircumstancesallofwhicharemostexactlyfulfilledintheeternalappointment,thespotlesspurity,theactualsubstitution,andthefinalcrucifixionoftheincarnateRedeemer.Theminutedistinctionsthathavebeenindustriouslytracedbetweenthesin-offeringsofthelawandthedeathoftheMessiah,affectnotintheleasttheinferencededuciblefromtheaboveanalogy,asthesedifferencesarisesolelyfromthenecessarysuperiorityoftheantitypeascomparedwiththetype.—Inthecaseoftheannualexpiation,thepointsofresemblancearestillmorenumerousandstriking.Here,theexclusivenatureofChrist'sofficeasourgreatHighPriest,hismakingatonementforthewholechosenofGod,andhisentranceintothehighestheavens,notwithoutblood,theretoministerontheirbehalfinthe

immediatepresenceoftheMostHigh,weredistinctlyshadowedforth.

ButtheJewishritewhich,aboveall,prefiguredthesacrificeofChrist,isthepassover.Ithasbeenquestioned,indeed,whetherthepaschallambpartookofthenatureofasacrificeatall:andothersbesidesSocinianshaveheldtheopinion,that,itwassolelyofafestalnature.Thosewhowishtoexaminethequestionminutely,canconsultthedocumenttowhichreferenceismadeinthemargin.Itmaybesufficientheretoobserve,thatthereseemstobeabundantreasontoconclude,thatthepaschallambwasarealsacrifice.Indeed,itisexpresslysocalled,againandagain:—'ItisthesacrificeoftheLord'spassover,whopassedoverthehousesofthechildrenofIsraelinEgypt—Thoushaftnotofferthebloodofmysacrificewithleaven;neithershallthesacrificeofthefeastofthepassoverbeleftuntothemorning—ThoushaltsacrificethepassoveruntotheLordthyGod—Thoumayestnotsacrificethepassoverwithinanyofthygates;butattheplacewhichtheLordthyGodshallchoosetoplacehisnamein,therethoushaftsacrificethepassoverateven.'Besides,priestswereemployedinslayingthepaschallamb:—'Moreover,JosiahkeptapassoveruntotheLordinJerusalem,andtheykilledthepassoveronthefourteenthdayofthefirstmonth.AndhesetthePRIESTSintheircharges,andencouragedthemtotheserviceofthehouseoftheLord;andsaiduntotheLevites—sokillthepassover,andsanctityyourselves,andprepareyourbrethren.Sotheservicewasprepared,andthePRIESTSstoodintheirplace,andtheLevitesintheircourses,accordingtotheking'scommandment,andTHEYKILLEDTHEPASSOVER,ANDTHEPRIESTSSPRINKLEDTHEBLOODFROMTHEIRHANDS.'Thesprinklingofthebloodbythepriestsisrelatedelsewhere:—'Thentheykilledthepassover—thepriestssprinkledthebloodwhichtheyreceivedofthehandofthe

Levites.'Moreover,thepaschallambwastobeofferedonlyinthetabernacleortemple,theplaceappointedforsacrifice:—'Thoumayestnotsacrificethepassoverwithinanyofthygates,butattheplacewhichtheLordthyGodshallchoosetoplacehisnamein.'Onthesegroundsdoweregardourselvesaswarrantedtoviewthepassoverinthelightofatrueandpropersacrifice;andtheanalogybetwixtitandChrististoomarkedandparticulartoadmitofadoubtthattheonewasdesignedtoprefiguretheother.

Thepaschallambitself,bothinitsnaturalqualitiesandparticularcircumstances,strikinglyportrayedthepersonoftheRedeemer.Theproverbialmeeknessandunresistingpatienceoftheanimal,rendereditafitrepresentativeofHimwhowas‘ledasasheeptotheslaughter,andlikealambdumbbeforehisshearers,soheopenednothismouth.'Itsbeingwithoutspotandblemish,pointeddirectlytohimwhowas‘holy,harmless,undefiled,andseparatefromsinners.'Itsbeingtakenoutfromtheflock,agreeswithhisbeingchosenfromamongmen,apossessorofthenatureofthoseforwhomhewastodie.Itsbeingsetapartsometimebefore,typifiedhiseternaldedicationinthecovenantofpeace.Notlessstrikingistheanalogyinthematterofitssufferinganddeath.Theroastingofthepaschallambwithfire,pointsnotobscurelytothenatureandintensityofthosesufferingswhichtheSonofGodenduredfrommen,anddevils,andhisheavenlyFather,andwhichdrewfromhimtheagonizingcomplaint,‘Myheartislikewax;itismeltedinthemidstofmybowels.'Eventheforminwhichitissaidtohavebeenroastedboreastrikingresemblancetothedeathofthecross.JustinMartyr,whoflourishedinthebeginningofthesecondcentury,tellsus,inhisconferencewithTryphotheJew,thattheanimalwastransfixedlongitudinallywithonespit,andhorizontallywithanotherwhichpassedthroughtheforelegs,thusgivingittheexactformofapersonundercrucifixion.Tosomethismayseematriflingcircumstance.Butthefactatleast,isabundantlysingular:and,asitcannotbedoubted,wearenotatlibertytooverlooksostrikingacoincidence,believingthatnothingisunworthyofnoticewhichithasseemedgoodtoHimwhoissovereigninallhiswaystoconnectwiththeprefigurationofthedeathofhisSon.Thetime,too,whenthepaschalofferingwasslain,namely,betwixttheevenings,correspondstothatwhenthecrucifixionofChristtookplace.Andtheadvantagesresultingfromtheoneresembletheblessingsconnectedwiththeother;—protection,redemption,andsalvation.Consideringthismanifoldanalogy,wecannolongerwonderthattheapostleshouldhavesaid,‘EVENCHRISTOURPASSOVERISSACRIFICEDFORUS.'

Theanalogyinthecaseofthescape-goatisnotlessremarkable;butweshallnotwaittospecifytheparticulars.Enoughhasbeenadducedforthesakeofourargument.Thereisonlyoneadditionalcircumstancetowhichwewouldadverthere,namely,thememorableandundoubtedfact,thatimmediatelyafterthedeathofChristtheJewishsacrificeswerecompletelyabolished,andhaveneverbeenrestored.Inashortperiod,theLeviticalgenealogiesfellintoinextricableconfusion,sothatitbecameimpossibleforanyonetosubstantiatehisrighttothesacerdotaloffice;anditwasnotlongtillthesacredstructure,withinwhoseprecinctsalonelegitimatesacrificecouldbeoffered,wasirretrievablydemolished,andeveryattempttorebuildithasbeenmetwiththefrownofanincensedProvidence.Itisnowimpossible,withoutamiracle,toofferasinglesacrificeagreeablytotheprescriptionsofthelegaleconomy.TheinstitutionhasfullyanswereditspurposeinpointingforwardtoChrist,and,ashasbeenwellremarked,‘bythefingerof

Omnipotenceitsexpirationisrecordedontheeverlastingcolumnsofhistorictruth.'

Topreventcavil,itmaybeproper,beforeconcludingthisdepartment,totakenoticeofsomethingsthathavebeenurgedinoppositiontotheviewonwhichtheargumentitcontainsisbuilt.ThatthesacrificesofthelawweredesignedtoprefigureChristisessentialtothisargument,andthis,wethink,hasbeenprovedintheforegoingpages.Yetitisfairtoremark,thatotherviewshavebeentakenofthenatureanddesignoftheserites,which,iftheycouldonlybesubstantiated,wouldgofartooverturntheabovereasoning.Itmayhelptostrengthenourposition,ifweallowourselvestimetoexaminealittlemorecloselytheseviews.

Ithasbeenallegedbysomethatthelegalsacrificeswereappointed,simplyinaccommodationtotheheathenishtasteacquiredbytheIsraeliteswhileinEgypt.Nosuppositioncanbemorerepugnanttoallrightconceptionsregardingthedivinecharacter.Theinclinationsofmanarenaturallycorrupt;andtosupposethemaruleofproceduretotheDeity,orastandardtofixtheformsofreligiousworship,isaltogethermonstrousandabsurd.Besides,inthepresentcase,thesuppositionisatvariancewithfacts.SofarfromtheJewishworshipbeingformedonthemodeloftheEgyptianrites,inordertomeetthepervertedtastewhichthepeoplehadcontractedinthelandoftheircaptivity,weknowthattheywereledaboutinthewildernessfortyyears,tillthegenerationwhocameoutofEgypthadperished,withoutbeingpermittedtoenterthatcountrywheretheirreligiousritescouldbeobservedinperfection.Thegenerationwhoentered

Canaanwereuncontaminatedwiththepaganceremoniesofwhichtheirfatherswerewitnesses;and,lesttheyshouldbecomecorruptedwithanyspeciesoffalseworship,theywererequiredtoextirpatecompletelytheraceofidolaterswhowerepreviouslyinpossessionofthelandthathadbeenassignedthembyGod.Nay,inthebookofstatuteswithwhichtheywerefurnished,expresswarningwasgivenagainstimitatingtheconductorpractisingtheritesofanyheathennationwhatever,withspecialreferencetoEgyptand

Canaan.‘SpeakuntothechildrenofIsrael,'saidJehovahtoMoses,‘andsayuntothem,IamtheLordyourGod.AFTERTHEDOINGSOFTHELANDOFEGYPTWHEREINYEDWELT,SHALLYENOTDO;andAFTERTHEDOINGSOFTHELANDOFCANAAN,whitherIbringyou,SHALLYENOTDO;neithershallyewalkinTHEIRORDINANCES.YeshalldoMYjudgments,andkeepMINEordinances,towalktherein;IamtheLordyourGod.'Howcanitbethought,afterthis,thattheLeviticalriteswereformedonthemodeloftheEgyptianceremonies?OrwhatlanguagecanmoredecidedlyexpressthemarkedoppositionthatexistedbetwixttheordinancesoftheheathenandtheLord'sordinances?Inadditiontothesethingsitmaybeobserved,thatitismorereasonabletosupposetheLeviticaleconomywasformedwiththeviewofpreservingtheIsraelitesfromidolatry,thanthatitwasitselfanimitationofanidolatroussystem.

Others,again,supposethatthesacrificesoftheJewsweremereemblemsofholiness,ormemorialsofdivineplacability,andnottypesofabettersacrificeatall.Thattheyservedthesepurposes,alongwithothers,mightperhapsbesafelygranted;butthatsuchwastheirsoleuseanddesigncannotbesoeasilyconceded.Itmustoccurtoeverysoberthinkeronthesubject,thatforthesepurposestheywerenotindispensablyrequisite,therebeingothermethodsofexpressingthesamethings.Moreover,itmustbeadmitted,thatagreatdealmorewassignifiedbythem.Norisitunworthyofnotice,thatneithertheholinessnorplacabilityofGod,aswehaveseeninanotherdepartmentofthesubject,canbeshowntoconsistwiththepardonofsin,onanyotherprinciplethanthatofanatonement.Anditisnotalittleunfortunateforthesupportersofthisopinion,thatthecasesinwhichsymbolsoftheholinessandplacabilityofGodweremostnecessary,suchasmurderandadultery,didnotadmitofsacrificesbeingofferedatall.

Ithas,also,beenmaintained,inoppositiontotheviewwehavetakenoftheLeviticaleconomy,thatitwasnotthesacrificeswhichmadeatonement,butthe

appearanceofthehighpriestintheholyofholies.Fromthisitisinferred,thatthedeathofChristconstitutednopartofhissacerdotalwork,thewholeofwhich,itisalleged,wasperformedinheaven.Itissufficient,inreply,toremark,thattheappearanceofthehighpriestintheinnersanctuarypresupposedtheofferingofasacrifice.Unlessasacrificehadbeenpreviouslyofferedonthebrazenaltarhecouldnotenterwithintheveil,atleasthisenteringcouldservenopurposewhatever;thebloodoftheburntofferinghadtobecarriedbyhimintotheholyplaceandsprinkleduponthemercy-seatTheonewasasmuchapartofhispriestlyfunctionsastheother;andifthelatterprefiguredChristinanypartofhissacerdotalservice,soalsodidtheformer;toseparatethemistoputasunderwhatGodhasjoinedtogether.

ButtheviewwhichismostcommonlytakenbythemodemenemiesofChrist'satonement,is,thatalthoughthesacrificesofthelawwererealandpropersacrifices,sofarfrombeingtypesofChrist,thesacrificiallanguageusedrespectinghiminthenewtestamentisemployedonlyfiguratively,inallusiontothecustomsandpracticesoftheJews,withaviewtoconciliatethatpeopletotheChristianreligion.Itiswonderfulthatthispositionshouldeverhavebeenmaintained,consideringhowcontradictoryitistoscriptureandtoreason.TheverysametermsaresooftenappliedtothesacrificesofthelawandtothatofChrist,that,ifthelatterisnotarealandpropersacrifice,thelanguageofscriptureseemsfittedtomisleadratherthaninstruct.Indeed,theobjectofthewholeepistletotheHebrewsseemstobelostsightofbythosewhoholdtheopinionwearenowconsidering.Thedesignofthispartofscriptureevidentlyis,toremovetheobjectionsoftheJewstotheChristianeconomy,byshowingthateverythingwhichwaspossessedunderthelawisenjoyedinequal,naygreater,perfectionunderthegospel;—thatChristianityhasitshighpriest,anditssacrifice,anditssanctuary,aswellasJudaism.Andarewetosupposethattheprivilegesandblessingsofthenewdispensation,whichtheapostledescribesbysuchlanguage,aremerelyfigurative,—shadowyemblemsandnotsubstantialrealities;andthatallhispowerfulreasoning,tosecuretheattachmentoftheJewstothereligionofJesus,isbuiltonadeception,andconsistsonlyofawell-managedtrickinwhichadisingenuoususeismadeofthelanguageofaccommodation?Isitnotinfinitelymoreworthyofthecharacterofaninspiredwritertobelieve,thatheaffirms,whatundoubtedlyhiswordsarecalculatedanddesignedtoconvey,thattheimportofthelegalceremoniesiscompletelyfulfilledintheLordJesusChrist?Thetheoryinquestionreversesthescripturalorderofrelationbetweentheritesofthelawandtheprivilegesofthegospel.Ininnumerableinstancesaretheformerspokenofastypes,figures,

shadows,ofwhichtheantitype,thereality,thesubstanceisaffirmedtobeChristBut,ifthesacrificeofChristwasonlyfigurative,thisorderisinverted,thesacrifice,sanctuary,andhighpriestofthenewdispensationaretheshadowsofwhichthoseunderthelawarethesubstance.Nothingmorecanrequiretobesaidtoexposetheunsoundnessoftheviewonwhichweareanimadverting.Yetwecannothelpremarking,howmuchmorereasonableandnaturalitistosuppose,astheJewishreligionundoubtedlypossessesalessdegreeofperfectionthantheChristian,thatthelanguageemployedundertheformershouldderiveitscomplexionfromwhatwastoexistunderthelatter,thanthereverse.Itissurelymorelikelythatthelessperfectsystemshouldlookforwardtothemoreperfect,thanthatthemoreperfectshouldgobacktothelessperfect.Itappearsamorerationalmodeofproceeding,toconstructascaffoldingwithreferencetotheformanddimensionsofacontemplatedbuilding,thantoshapethebuildingagreeablytoascaffoldingwhichhappenedtoexistbefore.Inlikemanner,itismorereasonabletoviewthesacrificiallanguageinuseunderthelawastakingitsrisefromtherealityofthatsacrificewhichwasafterwardstoexist,thantosupposethatsuchlanguageisemployedwithreferencetothelatteronlyinaccommodationtothemodesofspeakinginuseunderamoreimperfecteconomy.Inshort,itweremuchnearerthetruthtomaintain,thattheonlyrealandpropersacrificeisthatofChrist,andthatallotherswereonlyfiguresofit.Thisisthesubstance;therestwereshadows.‘WhichareaSHADOWofthingstocome,'saysPaulwhentreatingoftheLeviticalrites,‘BUTTHEBODYISOFCHRIST.'

ThefutilityofallotherviewsoftheJewisheconomy,thusconfirmsthesentimentbeforeexpressed,ofitsfigurativereferencetoChrist—theonlyviewwhichsatisfactorilyexplainsitsusages,orcomports,withthewisdomofitsdivineAuthor;andwhich

infalliblyconducts,asweshallsee,toanirrefragableargumentinfavourofthedoctrineofatonement.

V.Wearenowpreparedtodeduce,fromtheprecedingevidence,anargumentinfavouroftheatoningnatureofChrist'sdeath.

Thesacrificesofthelaw,wehaveseen,wereexpiatoryandvicarious;—theseexpiatoryandvicarioussacrificesweredesignedprefigurationsofthedeathoftheLordJesusChrist;—THEREFORE,thedeathoftheLordJesusChristwasexpiatoryandvicarioustoo.Suchisourargument.Ifthepremisesare

admitted,theinferencecannotberefused.Thetypeandtheantitypemustcorrespondineveryessentialpoint.Nothingwassocharacteristicofthetypicalsacrificesastheirpropitiatorynature:and,iftheantitypepossessnotthisquality,thewholetypicaleconomyisnullified.Inthiscasethesacrificesofthelawwereuseless,nayworsethanuseless;theywerepositivelyhurtful;theywerefittedtomisleadmorethantoassisttheancientworshipper.Theytaughthim,asplainlyassymbolicallanguagecouldteach,tolookforwardtoasacrificewhichshouldbearealsubstituteforthesinsofmen.If,thereforeweholdthatthedeathandsacrificeofChristweredestituteofeverythingatoningintheirnature,wemustbepreparedtoadmitthattheentireLeviticaleconomywasadivinelyestablishedsystemofdelusion—agraveimposturepalmeduponawholenationbytheexpressappointmentofGod.TheadmissionofthedoctrineofChrist'satoningsacrificecanalonesaveusfromthisblasphemousassumption.Onthisprinciple,thelegaldispensationadmitsofaneasysolution;itappearstobenotsimplyharmlessbutuseful,highlyuseful,andeverywayworthyofitsrighteousandbeneficentAuthor.

Itisnotpossibletoconcludethissection,withoutrecommendingtoourreadersthediligentstudyoftheLeviticalinstitutes,particularlythoserespectingsacrifice.Thiswewouldenjoin,notasmatterofvaincuriosity,butofprofitableanddelightfulinstruction.Withoutthis,thebeautyandforceofmanypartsofthenewtestamentscripturesmustbelost.Anacquaintancewiththelawsrespectingthedailyoblations,thepaschallamb,thescapegoat,andsuchlike,cannotfailtoaffordvaluableassistanceinunderstandingthemostimportantdoctrinesoftheChristianfaith.Thespiritualreader,asheperusesthepagesofthelaw,willneverbewithoutsufficientmattertoremindhimofthegreatHighPriest,whoispassedintotheheavens,theLambofGodwhichtakethawaythesinoftheworld,theLordJesusChristbywhomwehavereceivedtheatonement.Whenburdenedwithsin,hewilllearntoputhishandbyfaithontheheadoftheblessedSurety,bywhomallhisiniquitiesmaybecarriedtothelandofforgetfulness.FromthebleedingvictimofCalvary,histhoughtswillbeconductedtotheheavenlysanctuary,wherethetruePriestappearsinthepresenceofGodforus,notwithoutblood.

Inconnexionwiththeinstitutesofthelaw,lettheepistletotheHebrewsbemadethesubjectofdevoutinvestigation.Thelatterrecordsthefulfilmentoftheformer.ThismasterpieceofskilfulreasoningisadaptednottoJewsonly,buttoallwhoneedapriest,asacrifice,aSaviour.Everysinnerofthefamilyofmanwillfindherewhatissuitedtohiscase,ifhehasonlythewisdomtoperceive

andthegracetoimproveit.ThedignityoftheChristianhighpriest,theworthofhissacrifice,theefficacyofhisintercessions,areheresetforthinthemostlucidandimpressivestyle;andnowherecanthesin-burdenedsoul,pantingforsalvation,go,withsuchprospectsoffindingrelief,astothisincomparablecomposition,anacquaintancewithwhichwilldomoretoestablishthefaith,andcomforttheheart,anddirecttheconductofanhumbleinquirer,thanallthathasbeenwrittensincethedaysoftheapostles.Happytheywhoread,believe,andapply.Wherefore,holybrethren,partakersoftheheavenlycalling,considertheApostleandHighPriestofourprofession,ChristJesus.WehavesuchanHighPriest;whoissetontherighthandofthethroneoftheMajestyintheheavens;aministerofthe

sanctuary,andofthetruetabernaclewhichtheLordpitchedandnotman.

SECTIONVI.

PROOF—PROPHECY.

ThegloriousPerson,ofwhoseworkwearenowtreating,isHeofwhomMosesinthelawandtheprophetsdidwrite,JesusofNazareththesonofJoseph.Fromthelegalinstituteswenaturallypasstopropheticintimations,inproofofChrist'satonement.Inproceedingthus,weadvanceintostillclearerlight.Theevidenceadduced,itwillberemarked,isnotmerelycumulative,eachsuccessiveproofbeingonlyanadditiontothenumberofarguments;butprogressive,eachbeing,initsownnature,strongerthanthatbywhichitispreceded,inasmuchasitisdrawnfromasourceinwhichthelightismoreperfect,theevidencemoredirect,andthereasoninglessopentodispute.Thelightderivedfromthelawisbrighterthanthatderivedfromtheancientanduniversalpracticeofmankind;andthelightderivedfromprophecyisbrighterstillthanthatfurnishedbythelaw.If,ontheonehand,thelawmayberegardedasakeytounlockthemoredifficultwardsofprophecy;ontheother,prophecymaybelookeduponasanexposition,aninspiredexposition,ofthelaw.Prophecyliftstheveilwhichhadpreviouslyconcealedthemysteryofman'sredemption,andrescuesitfromtheshadeofthoseceremonialrites,throughwhich,comparativelyspeaking,itcouldbebutfaintlydiscerned.

Themysteryofredemptionformingthepropersubjectofarevelationfromheaven,itwastobeexpectedthattheprophecywhichcamenotinoldtimebythewillofman,butwhichholymenofGodspakeastheyweremovedbytheHolyGhost,shouldtreatdistinctlyofthismatter.Thisexpectationisjustifiedbyfact,andbytheassertionsofthenewtestament.Theapostlesnotonlydeclaredthat‘theSpiritofChristwhichwasintheprophets,testifiedbeforehandthesufferingsofChristandtheglorythatshouldfollow,'butprotestedthat,intheirpublicministrations,they‘saidnoneotherthingsthanthosewhichtheprophetsandMosesdidsayshouldcome,thatChristshouldsuffer.NayJesushimself,inconversationrespectinghissufferingswithtwoofhisdisciplesafterhisresurrection,madeexpressreference,morethanonce,tothewritingsoftheprophetsonthisverysubject:—'Ofools,andslowofhearttobelieveallthattheprophetshavespoken!OughtnotChristtohavesufferedthesethings,andtoenterintohisglory?andbeginningatMosesandALLTHEPROPHETS,heexpoundeduntotheminallthescripturesthethingsconcerninghimself—'ThesearethewordswhichIspakeuntoyouwhileIwasyetwithyou,thatallthingsmustbefulfilledwhichwerewritteninthelawofMosesandinthe

prophets,andinthepsalmsconcerningme.Thenopenedhetheirunderstanding,thattheymightunderstand

thescriptures,andsaiduntothem,thusitiswrittenandthusitbehovedChristtosuffer.'

ThepassagesintheprophecieswhichtreatofthesufferingsofChristareinnumerable.Indeed‘Godhathshowed,bythemouthofALLtheprophets,thatChristshouldsuffer.'But,insteadofgoingoverthewholeofthepropheticaltestimonies,itwillserveourpurposebettertoconfineourattentiontotwo,inwhichnotmerelythefact,butthenatureandthereason,oftheMessiah'ssufferings,arestatedwithgreatfulness,clearness,andforce.

ISAIAHliii.

I.ThefirstoftheseisthedistinguisheddescriptionofthesufferingsanddeathofChristgivenbyIsaiahinhisfifty-thirdchapter,whichhasbeenjustlycalledoneofthebrightestconstellationsintheprophetichemisphere.

Theprophecy,whichcommencesatthe13thverseoftheprecedingchapter,notwithstandingtheobjectionsofcertainenemiesofthetruth,bearsanobviousreferencetotheMESSIAH.

TheTargumorChaldeeparaphraseofJonathanBenUzzielsupportsthisview,aswellasotherearlyJewishexpositors:nottospeakoftheearliestChristianfathers.Indeedthetestimonyofthenewtestamentwritersistoodecidedonthispoint,toadmitofanyroomfordoubt,inthemindsofallhumbleandcandidinterpretersofthewordofGod.Matthewquotes,withreferencetoJesusofNazareth,thefourthverseofthischapter:—'Himselftookourinfirmitiesandbareoursicknesses.'MarkandLukerefer,withthesameview,tothetwelfthverse:—'Andhewasnumberedwiththetransgressors.'John,speakingoftheunbeliefofthepeoplewithregardtothemiraclesofChrist,findsinitafulfilmentofthefirstverse:—'Lord,whohathbelievedourreport?andtowhomhaththearmoftheLordbeenrevealed?'IntheActsoftheApostles,thatbeautifulpartoftheprophecywhichspeaksoftheMessiahbeingledasasheeptotheslaughter,isrepresentedasthetextfromwhichPhilippreachedtotheeunuchconcerningChrist:—'ThenPhilipbeganatthesamescriptureandpreacheduntohimJesus.'AndPeter,inhisfirstepistle,hasobviouslyaviewtothepredictionofIsaiah,whenhespeaksofChristthus:—'Whodidnosin,

neitherwasguilefoundinhismouth.Whohisownselfbareoursinsinhisownbodyonthetree—bywhosestripeswearehealed.'ThesetestimonieswillbesufficienttoconvinceallwhoregardChristandhisapostlesascorrectinterpretersoftheoldtestamentscriptures,thatthisprophecyofIsaiahreferstotheMessiah.Thatthisshouldeverhavebeencalledinquestion,byanywhoclaimtheChristianname,mighthaveexcitedsurprise,hadwenotknown,that,ineveryage,therehavebeenthosewhohaveresistedtheclearestevidenceinsupportofthemostvitalandimportantgospeltruth.

ThegroundsonwhichithasbeendeniedthatthispredictionreferstothesufferingsoftheMessiaharemostuntenable.Nosmallstresshasbeenlaidbysomeonthewantofallallusiontoit,inillustrationofthedoctrineofsubstitution,inthewritingsofPaul.Thefactissingularenough,itmustbeacknowledged;buttheinferencededucedfromitisfarfrombeingconclusive.WearenotatlibertytosayfromwhatsourcetheinfinitelywiseGodshoulddrawhisconfirmationsorillustrationsoftheprecioustruthsheispleasedtomakeknowntousbyhisSpirit.Ourdutyistoreceiveandimprovewhathehasseenmeettogive;withoutcomplaining,eitherthathehasnotgivenusmore,orthatthatwhichhehasgivenisnotdifferentfromwhatitis.Theapplicationofthelanguageofsomepartsofthisremarkableportionofrevealedtruth,hasbeenthoughttoproceedontheprincipleofaccommodation.Withoutdenyingthatsuchauseisevermade,inthenewtestamentscriptures,ofthelanguageoftheold,itissufficientatpresenttoremark,howpreposterousitistoresorttothismethodofinterpretationinacaselikethepresent,wherethepassagesquotedareexpresslydeclaredbytheinspiredwriterstohaveareferencetotheMessiah.

II.ThispredictiontreatsoftheSUFFERINGSoftheMessiah.

Thesearesetforthwithaplenitudeandvarietyofexpression,whichitisdeeplyinterestingandhighlyinstructivetomarkandconsider.Thetermsandphrasesmadeuseofforthispurpose,aretrulyworthyofnotice,andaconsiderationoftheseliesdirectlywithinthelineofourargument.Itmayalsoserveagoodend,tonotethetranslationsgivenoftheoriginaloftheserespectiveexpressions,bysomeofourmostdistinguishedmodernbiblicalscholars,evensuchasdonotaccordinsentimentwiththedoctrinewhichitisourobjecttoestablish.Thefollowingclassificationoftermsandphrases,mayhelptogiveussomeideaoftheamountofevidencewhichtheprophecycontains,totheextentofMessiah'ssufferings:—

1.‘Despisedandrejectedofmen.'v.3.(Hebwords).Despised,noraccountedinthenumberofmen.(Lowth.)—Despisedandneglectedbymen.(DrP.Smith.)—Contemptible!themostfeebleofmen!(Michaelis.)—Disdainedishe,scornedamongmen.(Seiler.)—Disdainedwashe,anddesertedbymen.(Gesenius.)—Themostdespisedandrejectedofmen.(Rosenmueller.)

2.‘Amanofsorrowsandacquaintedwithgrief.'v.3.(Hebwords).Lowthadoptsthecommonversion.Amanofsorrowsandfamiliarwithsufferings.(P.Smith.)—Fullofsufferings,andrecognisedonlybyhiswounds.(Mich.)—Themanofsorrows,knownbyhissufferings.(Seil.)—Sorrow-ladenandmarkedwithdisease.(Gesen.)—Amanafflictedwithsorrows,eminentlymarkedwithdisease.(Rosen.)

3.‘Stricken,smittenofGod,andafflicted.'v.4.(Hebwords).Judiciallystricken,smittenofGod,andafflicted.(Lowth.)—Stricken,smittenbyGod,anddevotedtoaffliction.(P.Smith.)—MarkedoutbythestrokeofGodandthrowndown.(Mich.)—ByGodpunished,smitten,andtormented.(Seil.)—PunishedbyGod,smittenanddistressedbyGod.(Gesen.)—Ruin-stricken,smittenofGod,andafflicted.(Rosen.)

4.‘Wounded.'(Hebword).v.5.Lowth,Michaelis,Gesenius,andRosenmuelleradoptthecommonversion.—Pierced.(P.Smith.)—Piercedthrough.(Seil.)

5.‘Bruised.'v.5.(Hebword).Smitten.(LowthandSeiler.)—Crushed.(P.Smith.)—Broken.(Mich.)—Smittendown.(Gesen.)—Bruised.(Rosen.)

6.‘Chastisement.'v.5.(Hebword)Lowth,Smith,andRosenmuellerfollowthecommonversion.—Punishment.(Mich.,Seil.,andGesen.)

7.‘Stripes.'v.5.(Hebword).Bruises.(LowthandMich.)—Bloodystripes.(P.Smith.)—Wounded.(Seil.)—Wounds.(Gesen.)—Wheals.(Rosen.)

8.‘Hewasoppressed.'v.7.(Hebword).Itwasexacted.(LowthandSeil.)—Itisexacted.(P.Smith.)—Hecametoit.(Mich.)—Illtreatedwashe.(Gesen.)—Cruellytreated.(Rosen.)

9.‘Hewascutoffoutofthelandoftheliving.'v.8.(Hebwords)SmithandRosen,adoptthecommonversion.—Cutofffromthelandoftheliving.(Lowth.)—Tornoutofthelandoftheliving.(Mich.)—Outofthelandofthelivingheistornaway.(Seil.)—Takenawayoutofthelandoftheliving.

(Gesen,)

10.‘Travailofsoul.'v.11.(Hebwords).ThecommonversionisadoptedbyLowth.—Theeffectsofhissoul'spains.(P.Smith.)—Severetoil.(Mich.)—Labour.(Seil.)—Sorrows.(Rosen.)

11.‘Hehathpouredouthissouluntodeath.'v.12.(Hebwords).Lowthadoptsthecommonversion—Heyieldethhislifetodeath.(P.Smith.)—Hepouredouthislife'sblooduntodeath.(Mich,andSeil.)—Hegaveuphislifeuntodeath.(Gesen.)—Hepouredouthislifeuntodeath.(Rosen.)

III.WehavenowseenthatthissingularpredictionreferstotheMessiah,andtotheMessiahassuffering.THEPUNITIVEcharacterofhissufferings,asheresetforth,isthenextthingtowhichwesolicitattention.

Wehavebeforeadvertedtothedistinctionbetweensufferingonaccountofsin,andsufferingdisconnectedfromguilt,thelatterbeingwhatiscalledcalamity,theformerpunishment.NowthesufferingsofMessiah,astheyarehereexhibited,wereoftheformerdescription,—notcalamitous,butpunitive.Hesufferedforsin;whetherhisownorthatofothers,remainstobeseen;meanwhile,webegattentiontothoseexpressionsinthepredictionwhichdistinctlymarkthepunitivecharacterofMessiah'ssufferings.Theyarethefollowing:—

1.‘Hehathbornegriefs.'v.4.(Hebwords)‘Heshallbeariniquities.'v.11.(Hebwords).‘Hebarethesin.'v.12(Hebword).Theoriginalword,inthefirstandlastoftheseverses,isthesame;and,intheirrenderingofit,thereisacloseagreementamongallthecriticsformerlyreferredto.Inthesecondpassage,theoriginalwordisdifferent,althoughourtranslationandthatofmostoftheothercritics,arethesame.DrSmith,however,rendersit‘takeaway,'andRosenmuellerrendersit‘madeatonement.'ThatMessiahtookawaythesinsofhispeople,bymakingatonementforthem,we,ofcourse,believetobetrue,andtobetaughtinthispartofscripture;although,perhaps,itadmitsofbeingquestioned,whetherthisbetheexactimportofthephraseswearenowconsidering.Itistheopinionofmanylearnedmen,thattheoriginaltermsdenote,notsomuchtheremovalofsin,asthesustainingofguilt;notsomuchthebearingofitaway,asthebearingofitsweight;notsomuchChrist'sbeingthemeansoftakingsinfromothers,ashisactuallylyingunderitsload,orbeingsubjectedtoitsawfulpressurehimself.Theythuspointourattentiontothe

resultofhissufferings,ratherthantothemannerinwhichthesesufferingseffectedtheirresult.Theenemiesofthedoctrineforwhichwearecontending,areanxioustorestricttheirmeaningtotheresult:butthattheymarkthemannerofbringingabouttheresult,seemscapableofbeingsatisfactorilyestablished.ThereferencetotheJewishceremonyofthescape-goat,whichwasunderstoodto‘bearuponhimalltheiniquities'ofthechildrenofIsrael‘untoalandnotinhabited,'issupposedtobestronglyinfavouroftheformerview;but,ifanothercircumstanceconnectedwiththisriteisdulyconsidered,itwillbeseentobenotlessstronglycorroborativeofthelatter,forthehighpriestwastoconfessovertheanimalalltheiniquitiesofthechildrenofIsrael,‘PUTTINGTHEMUPONTHEHEADOFTHEGOAT,'andthisasapreparatorysteptohisbeing‘sentawaybythehandofafitmanintothewilderness.'

Itisalsoworthyofnotice,thattheseoriginalterms,whentheyoccurinconnexionwithsinsoriniquities,neversignifytobearaway,buttobearaburden;tosustainaload;tobearthepunishmentofsin,thesufferingduetoiniquity.Hencethedoctrineofthispredictionis,thattheloadofguilt,theburdenofpunishment,wasbornebytheMessiah,thatis,thathissufferingswerepunitive.

2.‘Thechastisementofpeacewasuponhim.'v.5.(Hebwords).Lowth,Rosenmueller,andP.Smith,agreewiththecommonversion.Michaelis,Seiler,andGeseniusemploythewordpunishment.Eachofthesesupposessinorguilt,and.consequentlydeterminestheviewofMessiah'ssufferingswearenowattemptingtosetforth.

3.‘Hewaswoundedfortransgressions—bruisedforiniquities',v.5.Thecriticsemploydifferentwordshere,butalwayssuchas:conveytheideaofcrimeormoralturpitude.

4.‘Hebaresin.'v.12.Thesameremarkappliestothisexpression.

5.‘Thoushaltmakehissoulasin-offering.'v.10.(Hebword).Apropitiatorysacrifice.(Lowth.)—Asacrificeforsin.(Smith.)—Atrespass-offering.(Mich.,Seil.,Gesen.)—Anatoningsacrifice.(Rosen.)Thisrequiresnocomment.

ThusampleistheevidenceofthepunitivecharacterofMessiah'ssufferings.Thesesufferingswerenotmerecalamities,then,orafflictionswhichcameuponthepersonwithoutanyreferencetoguilt,butpartookdirectlyofthenatureofa

punishmentorpenalty,judiciallyinflicted,somehoworother,onaccountofmoraltransgression.

IV.Itremainstoexaminewhethertheguilt,forwhichMessiahsufferedalegalpunishment,washisown;and,onthispoint,theevidenceisnolessfull,whichthispredictionsupplies,oftheSUBSTITUTIONARYcharacterofthepunishmenttheMessiah'endured.

1.‘Hehaddonenoviolence,neitherwasanydeceitinhismouth.'v.9.Nowrong,neitheranyguile.(Lowth.)—Noinjustice,noguile.(Smith.)—Nounrighteousness,nodeceit.(Mich.)—Nowrong,neitheranydeceit.(Seil.)—Noinjustice,andnodeceit.(Gesen.)—Norviolence,nordeceit.(Rosen.)Languagestronglyaffirmativeofthepersonalinnocenceofthesufferer.

2.‘HehathborneOURgriefs,andcarriedOURsorrows.'‘HewaswoundedforOURtransgressions;bruisedforOURiniquities;thechastisementofOURpeacewasuponhim.'v.4,5.Languageasstronglyimplyingthattheguiltforwhichhesufferedwasthatofothers.

3.‘TheLordhathlaidonhimtheiniquityofusall.'v.6.‘Heshallbeartheiriniquities.'v.11.‘Hebarethesinofmany.'v.12.Languageinwhichthesubstitutionofoneforanotherisnotmerelysupposed,butmostdistinctlyexpressed.

Someofthesephraseshaveanundoubted,referencetotheancientceremonyofthescape-goat.Letus,byaneffortofimagination,supposeourselveswitnessingthisexpressiverite.Theanimalsareselected.ThesinsofthepeopleofIsraelaretypicallytransferred.Thepriestpronouncestheimprecationofvengeanceduetothesesins.Thewholecongregationstandroundinsilentawe.Astheonegoatisimmolatedandlaidonthealtar,aprophetoftheLord,wraptinholyvisions,pronouncesthesewords,‘Hewaswoundedforourtransgressions.'And,astheotheranimalboundsfromtheviewintothelandofoblivion,thesamesacredperson,exclaimsunderthesamedivineinfluence,‘Surelyhehathborneourgriefsandcarriedoursorrows.'Wouldthere,beone,weask,inallthesolemnizedassembly,whocouldfailtoperceivethatthepersonto

whomthe‘predictionreferredwaspointedoutasarealvicarioussacrifice?

SuchisthetestimonyofthisremarkablepassageofholywrittothedoctrineofChrist'satonement.Themoreitisexamined,themoredecidedwilltheevidence

itaffordsappear.Thedoctrineisinterwovenwithitsverytexture,soasnottobeseparatedfromitbutbyaprocesswhichmusteffectthedestructionofthefabricitself.Whiletheprophecyholdsaplaceinthevolumeofinspiration,itwillnotbepossibletorobthechurchofthisprecioustruth.‘Ifthescriptures,'toadoptthewordsofDrSmith,‘areofanyusetomankind:iftheyconveyanydefinitesentiments,ifwecanatallrelyonthemeaningofthewords,ifthestrengthandvarietyofphrasehereemployedbythewisdomofinspirationcanavailtoinformandimpressourminds,—WEMUSTbelievethattheMessiahwoulddevotehimselfasavoluntarySACRIFICE,arealandeffectualEXPIATION,sufferingtheheaviestwoes,andallthebitternessofDEATH,inconcurrencewiththegraciousintentionsofJehovah,andforthesalvationofrebelliousmen.'

Theotherprophecytowhichwereferis

Danielix.24—27.

ThereferenceofthissplendidpredictiontotheMessiahisadmittedonallhands.Indeedtheexpressmentionmadeinitof‘MessiahthePrince'precludesalldoubtonthispoint.AnditsfulfilmentinJesusofNazarethisnotlessplainlyestablished,bytheagreementofthedescriptionwithhisgeneralcharacterandhistory,andbytheseventyweeks,whendatedfromtheseventhyearofArtaxerxesLongimanus,terminatingintheyearofhiscrucifixion.

ThedeathoftheMessiahisobviouslymeantbyhisbeing‘cutoff;'phraseologywhichimpliesapainful,violent,anduntimelydeathatthehandsofothers.

Thecharacterunderwhichheshoulddie,namely,asasubstitutionarysacrificeforthesinsofothers,isheredistinctlymarkedbyavarietyofimpressivelanguage.Thesacrificialnatureofhisdeathis,firstofall,clearlyimpliedinthecircumstancethatimmediatelyonitstakingplacethesacrificeandoblationshouldcease:thuspointinghimoutasthegreatantitypicalsacrifice,theofferingofwhichnecessarilyputanendtoeveryother.Tothiscircumstancethereissupposedbysometobeareferenceintheclause,‘tomakeanendofsins,'v.24,or‘sin-offerings,'asthewordmaysignify.—Thereis,next,theveryremarkableclause,‘butnotforhimself,'inwhichhisdeathismostexplicitlytakenoffthegroundofpersonaldemerit.—Whiletheexpiatoryandpropitiatorynatureofhissacrificeisdirectlyaffirmed,initsobjectbeingdeclaredtobe‘tofinishtransgression,tomakereconciliationforiniquity,andtobringineverlasting

righteousness.'v.24.

Itisunnecessarytogomoreatlengthintothispartofscripture;oreventodwelllongeronthisdepartmentofproof.ThesepassagesofIsaiahandDanielaresufficienttoshow,thatevidenceinsupportofourdoctrineisnotwantinginthewritingsofthoseprophetswhowereprompted,bythedivineSpirit,totestifybeforehandthesufferingsofChristandtheglorythatshouldfollow.Soconclusive,indeed,isthetestimonythussupplied,thatafterdulyconsideringitsamount,wecanonlyexpressourwonderatthewilfulblindnessorlamentableperversityofmindbywhichitsforceisresisted.

SECTIONVII.

PROOF—THESUFFERINGSOFCHRIST.

Thecircumstanceonwhichwearenowtofoundismatteroffact.ThesufferingsofJesusChristarerecordedinindubitablehistory.Theargumentderivablefromthissource,isofastrongernaturethananyofthepreceding.Historyissomuchmoreplainand

distinctthanprophecy,thattheevidenceitaffordsmustbehigherthanthatwhichisderivedfromthelatter.

ThefactsregardingthesufferingsoftheSonofGodarenotaffectedbythesentimentsthatareentertainedrespectingthenatureanddesignofthesesufferings.Thedoctrinalopinionsofmenmaydiffer,buthistoricaltruthsmusteverremainoneandunalterable.Thereisnoroomfordiversityhere;whoeveradmitsthecanonicalauthorityofthewritingsoftheevangelists,mustgivecredittothestatementstheycontain;thesearesubjectsofbelief,notofopinion.AndhowstandsthematteroffactwithregardtothesufferingsofEmmanuel?Itwillbeadmittedbyallwhobelievethenewtestamenthistory,that,intheirnature,variety,intensity,andcontinuance,thesesufferingswereofnoordinarycharacter.

Hiswholelifewasasceneofsuffering.Fromhisbirthtohisdeath,fromthecradletothecross,fromthemangeratBethlehemtothetombofJoseph,sorrowandsufferingseemtohavemarkedhimastheirown.Whileyetababeinhismother'sarms,hewasdrivenintoexile,toescapethefuryofthosewhosought

hislife;whenbutayouth,hewasdoomedtofollowaservileemployment,thathemightprocurethemeansofbodilysubsistence;andwhenhebecameaman,hewassuccessivelyreproached,persecuted,accused,condemned,andcrucified.Ateveryperiodofhisabodeonearth,wemeetwiththesamegeneralfeaturesofsuffering;weseethemintheweepinginfant,thepensiveyouth,themanofsorrows,andthebleedingvictimofCalvary.Heseemstohavebeenmarkedoutastheobjectofbitterhatred,themomentheenteredourworld;tohavebeenfollowedthroughoutwithdeadlymalice;andtohavebeenatlasthunteddownwithimplacablerevenge.Thecupofwoe,puttohislipsathisbirth,wasneverremovedtillhewrungoutitsbitterdregsonthecross.Calledtodiphisfeet,sosoonashewasborn,inthetroubledwatersofaffliction,waveafterwavecontinuedeveraftertolashwithundiminishedstrength,deepcallinguntodeep,tillthebillowsofdeathoverwhelmedhim,andcasthisexanimatebodyonthedesolateshore.

Everyvarietyofsufferingwascompressedintohislifeofwoe.Hesufferedpovertyinallitsrigour;beingborninastableandcradledinamanger,beingofttimesdependentonthecharity,ofothersforaprecarioussupport,havingnopropertythathecouldcallhisown,andbeinginmanycasesworsesituatedthantheinferiorordersofcreation:—'Foxeshaveholes,andbirdsoftheairhavenests;buttheSonofmanhathnotwheretolayhishead.'Hesufferedreproachinallitsbitterness;whichtoone,consciousofperfectinnocence,ashewas,andpossessingthekeenestmoralsensibility,musthavebeeninconceivablysevere;Themostmalignantaccusations,thevilestaspersions,themostcuttingsarcasms,weredirectedagainsthisperson,character,andsufferings;andhewhohaddonenoviolenceneitherwasguilefoundinhismouth,hadtosubmittobetauntedasaglutton,awinebibber,adeceiver,ablasphemer,aSamaritan,adevil,naythePrinceofdevils.Hesufferedtemptationinallitsmalignity.Theprinceofdarknessassailedhimwithallhisingenuityandpower,andletlooseuponhimhislegions,withtheirinfernalsuggestions,andwickedpurposes,andcruelaims,surroundinghimasstrongbullsofBashan,andgapingonhimwiththeirmouthslikeraveningandroaringlions.Hesufferedtheindignityofanunjusttrial;beingrudelyapprehended,draggedunceremoniouslytothebar,falselyaccused,subjectedtothetestimonyofsubornedwitnesses,andfinallycondemnedwithoutashadowofproof.Hesufferedcrucifixionwithallitsignominyandpain,beingsubjectedtothepreviousscourging;bearingthecrossonhislaceratedbody;havingtheboltsdrivenwithferocityintohishandsandfeet;havingthewholejointsofhisbodydisseveredbytheuprightbeambeingletfallwithasuddenjerkintoitsplaceintheground;beingleftto

lingeroutawretchedexistenceamidthetaunts,andjeers,andinsultsofanunfeelingmob;andhavinghisheartpiercedthroughwiththespearoftheinfuriatedsoldier,whosedemoniacwickednessimpelledhimtoseekinfamousdistinctionbyanactofgratuitousbarbarity.Hesuffered,aboveall,thewrathofGod.ItpleasedtheFathertobruisehim.Hisagonyinthegardenandonthecrosscannototherwisebeaccountedfor.WhenhecameintotheplacecalledGethsemane,‘hebegantobesorrowfulandveryheavy'—'hebegantobesoreamazed'—hesaid‘Mysoulisexceedingsorrowful,evenuntodeath'—'beinginanagony,heprayedmoreearnestly,andhissweatwas,asitwere,greatdropsofbloodfallingdowntotheground'—intheclimaxofhisanguish,fallingontheground,thricedidhepray‘OmyFather,ifitbepossible,letthiscuppassfromme'—'heofferedupprayersandsupplicationswithstrongcryingandtears.'And,whenhangingonthecross,hegaveutterancetothebitter,piercing,piteouscryoffeltdesertion,‘MyGod,myGod,whyhastthouforsakenme?'Inallthisdescription,thetranslationfallsasfarshortoftheoriginallanguage,astheenergeticoriginalfallsshortoftheawfulreality;nowordsbeingadequatetoexpressthatfearfulamountofmingledterror,andamazement,andhorror,whichthenseized,withallitsintensity,ontheholysoulofthedevotedsufferer.Withoutanyvisiblecause,hissufferingswereawfullyintense,asthebittertearswhichhewept,andthedeepsighswhichheheaved,andtheloudgroanswhichheuttered,andthebloodydropswhichhesweat,andtheheart-rendingexclamationtowhichhegavevent,doallmostabundantlytestify.‘Iampouredoutlikewater,andallmybonesareoutofjoint:myheartislikewax;itismeltedinthemidstofmybowels.Mystrengthisdrieduplikeapotsherd;andmytonguecleavethtomyjaws;andthouhastbroughtmeintothedustofdeath.'

Sucharethefactsofthecase.Theyarerecordedplainlyonthepageofinspiredhistory.Itisnoexaggerateddescription,nooverchargedpicturewehavegiven,ofthesufferingsoftheManofsorrows.Therecitalmayfallbelow,butitcertainlydoesnotgobeyond,thematteroffact.Andnowcomesthequestion,canthese

facts,respectingtheSaviour'ssufferings,beaccountedforwithoutanatonement?Letussee.

ThesufferingsofJesusofNazarethcannotbeexplainedonthesimpleprincipleofretributivejustice.Hewasperfectlypureandinnocentinhimself.Notonlywashislifeunmarkedbyany.atrociouswickednessdemandingapeculiarseverityofpunishment,buthewassofreefromtheslighteststainofsinasnotto

havehad‘onerecollectiontingedwithremorse.'Ifitbedeniedthathesufferedasthesubstituteofguiltymen,itconcernssuchashold:thisopiniontoshow,how,inconsistencywiththeequityofGod,hecouldhavebeensubjectedtoasinglepangofthataccumulatedwoewhichcameuponhimtotheuttermost,muchlesstothewholeamountofthisfearfulsuffering.The.ordinarycourseofequitableretributionfailstoaccountforasingledropofthatfullandbittercupofwrath,whichhedranktotheverydregs.

Thesamereason;namely,theinnocenceofthesufferer,precludesthesuppositionthatthesufferingsweresimplycorrective,—chastisements,severeinthemselves,butkindlymeantforthegoodofhimwhowastheirsubject.Inthecaseofonewhowasholy,harmless,undefiled,andseparatefromsinners,onewhohadnosin,ofwhatcouldhissufferingsbecorrective?forwhatcouldtheybechastisements?Godcorrectsmanforiniquity;butJesushadnoiniquity.Ifhischildrenforsakehislawandwalknotinhisjudgments,Godvisitstheirtransgressionwiththerodandtheiriniquitywithstripes;butheofwhomwenowspeak‘didalwaysthosethingsthatpleasedtheFather.'EventhedaringtheorywhichrepresentstheRedeemerasapeccablemortalwillnotavailhere;asitisnottheliabilitytotransgress,butactualtransgression,whichcallsforcorrection;notthepossibilityofgoingastray;butactualdeviationfromtherightpath,whichcallsforchastisement.

Norwillitdotoassert,thatthesufferingsanddeathofChristwerenecessarytoconfirmthetruthofhisdoctrinesingeneral,asifthisweretheonlypurposeservedbythem.Thisisallthatmanywilladmit.Hesufferedanddied,saythey,asamartyr.Thathissufferingsanddeathprovehissincerity,isreadilygranted,andthusfartheymaybesaidtoinvolvetheideaofmartyrdom.Butitmeritsconsiderationhere,thattoprovethesincerityofbeliefinadoctrineisonething,andtoprovethetruthofthedoctrinebelievedin,isquiteanotherthing.Sufferingsanddeathonitsbehalfmaydotheformer;buttheycannotdothelatter.ThesufferingsofChristcouldneverhaveprovedhisdoctrinetrue,haditbeenfalse.Theycannotthenbesaid,properlyspeaking,toconfirmitstruth,somuchastoconfirmthesincerityofhisbelief.ButthedeathofChristiswhatmakeshisdoctrinetrue.Thedoctrinesofthegospelderivetheirtruthitself,ratherthantheconfirmationoftheirtruth,fromthedeathofChrist;andhadJesusnotsufferedanddied,therecouldneverhavebeensuchasystemofdoctrinaltruthasthegospelexhibits.Incarnation—atonement—resurrection—theSpirit'sinfluence,wouldallhavebeennonentities.Thetendency,then,ofthetheorywhichexplainsthefactofChrist'ssufferingontheprincipleofitsbeing

confirmatorymerelyofhisdoctrine,isvirtuallytoannihilatethepriesthoodofChrist,andallthepeculiaritiesofthegospel.Accordingtothis,heistobelookedupononlyasaTeacher,aProphet,anInstructor:—ateacher,too,ofnothingmorethanthesimpleprinciplesofdeism.ThedivineBeingisthusrobbedofalllegalsatisfactioninthesalvationofsinfulmen;thelanguageofscriptureingeneralonthesubjectofsalvationisconvertedintounmeaning,unintelligiblejargon;whiletheepistletotheHebrewsinparticularbecomesaforcedandunnaturalallegory.Where,inthiscase,istheproprietyofsomuchbeingsaidaboutthesacrifice,andblood,andcrossofChrist?WhyishesooftenandsoemphaticallycalledaSaviour,ifallthathisdeatheffectedwasmerelytosealthetruthofwhathetaught?Nay,where,thisbeingthewhole,wasthenecessityatallforhisbecomingman?Couldnotthetruthsofrevelationhavebeenestablishedwithoutsoformidableanexpedientasthis?Wastheresogreatalackofexternalandinternalevidence,astorendersuchastepindispensable?Werethedoctrines,inwhichitwasthoughtnecessarythattheworldshouldbeinstructed,possessedofsolittleintrinsicreasonableness?Wereprophecyandmiraclessodestituteofallpowertoconvince,thatnothingwouldsuffice,butthattheSonofGodmustleavetheheavenlyglory,assumethelikenessofsinfulflesh,tabernaclewithmenupontheearth,submittoeveryformofbodilypainandmentalanguish,andfinallydietheaccurseddeathofamalefactor;andallfornohigherpurposethantogivecredibilitytoasystemofdivinetruth?BeforethiscanbereceivedasthetrueexplanationofChrist'ssufferings,itmustbeshown,—whichnevercanbeshown,—thattherewasnopossibilityofestablishingthetruthofthegospelwithoutthem.Naymore,itmustbeprovedthatthegospeltruthcouldnothavebeenconfirmedwithoutthewholeamountofsufferingtowhichhewassubjected.For,admittingthatsufferinganddeathwerenecessaryforthepurpose,itwillbedifficulttoshowthatsuchseverity,variety,andintensityofsuffering,wereindispensable.But,unlessitismaintainedthathadonepangofallthatheenduredbeenspared,therewouldnothavebeensufficientgroundtobelievethegospel,thetheoryfailssatisfactorilytoaccountforthesufferingsofChrist.

Itmaybesaid,that,ifthedeathofChristwasnotnecessarytoconfirmthetruthofhisdoctrineingeneral,itwasindispensabletoputusinpossessionofthatofhisresurrectioninparticular.True;withouthisdeaththerecouldnotbesuchathingashisresurrection.But,whilewebelievethedoctrineofChrist'sresurrectionfromthedeadtobeamostimportantandessentialpartofChristianity,itissurelygoingtoofartosaythathisdeathhadnootherorhigherdesignthantoputusinpossessionofthistenet.Accordingtothishediedonly

thathemightriseagain.Tobesure,thathemightriseitwasnecessaryheshoulddie;butitisnotthesimplefactofhisdeathorofhisresurrection,whichgivestoeitheritsimportance.Hadnotthepurposeanddesignofhisdeathbeenwhatweconceivethemtohavebeen,hisresurrectionwouldhavebeenvoidofallthatimportancewhichattachestoitintheChristiansystem.ItisasthetestimonyofGodtothevalueofhissacrifice,andasthepledgeandsecurityofhispeoplebeingraised,thattheresurrectionofChristpossessessohighaclaimonourregard;andbothoftheseviews,itwillbeperceived,itderivesfromtheatoningcharacterofhispreviousdeath.But,thisreasoningapart,itmustbeobvioustoall,that,admittingthedeathofChristtohavebeennecessarytohisresurrection,hadthisbeenallthatwasnecessary,nothingmorethanthesimplefactofhisdeathwouldhavebeenrequired.Thesimplestforminwhichthiscouldhaveoccurredwouldhaveservedallthepurpose.Itwouldhavesufficedtohavediedineaseandinhonour.Themagnitudeandseverityofhisprevioussufferings,theagony,andtorture,andignominy,andbitternessofdeathbycrucifixion,arethusallunaccountedfor,andinexplicablygratuitous.Beinguncalledforbythenecessityofthecasesupposed,theyarestillunexplainedon

theprinciplesofdivineequity,andsomeotherviewisnecessarytobetakenofthem.

Norwillthetheoryofexamplesupplythedesideratum.Muchstresshasbeenlaidonthis,asifthewholedesignofChrist'ssufferingsanddeathwastosetmankindapatternoffortitude,andresignation,andpatientendurance.Onthesuppositionthathemadeatonementforsin,hecertainlydidsetsuchanexample;butnototherwise.Putthecasethathesufferednotasalegalsubstituteforsinners,andwhatanexamplehavewebeforeus!Theinnocentsubjectedtothemostcruelandexcruciating.sufferings!Perfectobediencerewardedwiththemostterriblepunishments!Thegreatestholinessdoomedtothegreatestanguish!—anexamplewhichwehesitatenottopronouncefrightful,disgusting,detestable,andimpossibleunderthemoralgovernmentofarighteousGod.PutthecasethatChristsufferednotthewrathofGodforoursins,andwescruplenottosaythathefailedtosetustheexamplesupposed,Hismentalagony,theanguishofhissoul,thefearfulbitternessofhiscriesandhisprayers,thebloodysweatofthegarden,andthepiteousexclamationofthecross,are,onthissupposition,outofallproportiontotheintensityoftheexternalcauseswhichweobserveinoperation.Thedesertionofhisfriends,andthecrueltyofhisenemies,mightsurelyhavebeenbornewithmoreequanimityofsoul.Manymartyrshavebeentreatedwithgreaterexternalseverity,andyethavemanifested

underitallmoreapparentmagnanimityandcomfort,andhaveexpiredintriumphantanticipationofheavenlyglory:whereasJesusdiedamidthehorriddarknessofdesertion,andcomplaining,inaccentsofinconceivablebitterness,ofbeingforsakenbyGod.Whowillsay,afterthis,thathediedonlytosetmankindanexampleofpatienceandresignation?Neithershoulditescapenotice,that,ifthewholedesignofChrist'ssufferingswastoexhibitanexample,itwasimpossiblethatthosewholivedinprecedingagescouldbebenefitedbyit.ItwillbeadmittedthattheworkofChristhadaretrospectivevirtue;thelawwasonlyashadowofgoodthingstocome,ofwhichthesubstancewasChrist;thepatriarchsbeheldhisdayafaroffandrejoiced.Buttotheefficacyofanexampleitisessentialthatitexistpriortothebenefitwhichitconfers.Itsinfluencecannotberetrospective;itcannotbethesubjectofbeneficialanticipation.Itmayalsobeobservedhere,thatthetheorywearenowexaminingtendstoprecludeallbutadultsfromthebenefitofChrist'ssufferingsanddeath.Iftheseweresimplyexemplary,itfollows,ofcourse,thatonlysuchasarecapableofimitating,canderiveadvantagefromthem.ThusinfantscanreapnobenefitfromthesufferingsofChrist;andallwhodiebeforetheyarequalifiedtostudytheexampleexhibitedinhishistorymustnecessarilyperish:—aconclusionwhichwouldgodirectlytodestroythedearesthopesofbereavedChristianparents,didnotsuchknowassuredlythatitisindirectcontradictiontothetestimonyofhimwhosaid,‘Sufferthelittlechildrentocomeuntome,andforbidthemnot,forofsuchisthekingdomofGod.'

Sucharethetheoriestowhichtheenemiesofthedoctrineofatonementhavehadrecourse,withtheview.ofaccountingforthesufferingsofChrist.Howentirelytheyfail,theprecedingobservationsmayhelpustojudge.Theyleavethefactsofthecase,inalltheirpeculiarfeatures,wraptininextricablemystery.ThesolutionofthedifficultyistobefoundinthedoctrineofChrist'satonement.Admitthisandallisclear.Consideringthatheboreouriniquities,thathesufferedthewrathofGod,thathewasexposedtoallthedirefulconsequencesofGod'smanifesteddispleasureatguilt,thathedrankthebittercupofpenalwoe,inshortthathegavehissoulanofferingforsin—consideringthis,themysteryofhisintensestsufferingisexplained;thebitteranguish,andbloodysweat,andawfuldesertion,andfinalcry,giveusnodifficulty;allisnatural,andeasy,andconsistent.Oneveryothersupposition,however,thewholeisinvolvedinimpenetrableclouds.Canwehesitate,then,whatviewofthesubjecttoadopt?Trulywemust

say,CHRISTSUFFEREDFORSINS,THEJUSTFORTHEUNJUST,THAT

HEMIGHTBRINGUSTOGOD!

SECTIONVIII.

PROOF—THEAPOSTOLICALWRITINGS.

Theevidencewearenowtobringforwardisnotinferential,likethatformerlyadduced.Itisdirect,conveyedinplaindidacticstatements;statements,indeed,soplain,numerous,andunequivocal,asnottobemistakenwithoutthemostobstinateresistanceofthelight.Inthisdepartmenttheevidenceissoabundant,scatteredoversowideafield,andsodiversifiedwithal,thatitisnotpossibletoconveyadefiniteideaofit,withouthavingrecoursetoaprocessofclassification.

Thereare,firstofall,thosepassagesinwhichexpressmentionismadeofatonementorreconciliation,aseffectedbyChrist.Inourversion,theformertermoccursbutonceinthenewtestament:—'WealsojoyinGodthroughourLordJesusChrist,bywhomwehavenowreceivedTHEATONEMENT(Gr.words).Buttheoriginalwordoccursinotherpassages:—'AndallthingsareofGod,whohathreconciled(Gr.words)ustohimselfbyJesusChrist,andhathgiventoustheministryofreconciliation(Gr.words);towit,thatGodwasinChristreconciling(Gr.words)theworlduntohimself;notimputingtheirtrespassesuntothem;andhathcommittedtousthewordofreconciliation(Gr.words).Oftheproperimportofthisterm,wehavebeforegivenouropinion.Wehaveseenthatreconciliationandatonementaresynonymous,andthattoconfinetheeffectexpressedbythesetermstoman,iscontraryaltogethertothescriptureusageofthem,aswellastoaconsistentinterpretationofthepassagesinwhichtheyoccur.Thatsalvationimpliestheremovalofman'smoralenmitytoGodisfranklyadmitted;butthisisnotinconsistentwithfirmlymaintainingthatitalsonecessarilysupposesandrequirestheremovalofGod'slegalenmitytoman.Thepartyoffendedmustbereconciledaswellastheoffender,beforeanyrealorpermanentfriendshipcanbeeffected;andthiswecontendiswhatthelanguagewehavequotedaboveisdesignedtoexpress.Thereconciliationoratonementspokenof;issaidtobeeffectedbythedeathofChrist;whereastheremovaloftheenmityofman'sheartismoreproperlytheworkoftheHolySpirit.Itisalsorepresentedassomethingsynonymouswiththenon-imputationoftrespasses,whichitselfisdecisiveofthesenseinwhichitistobeunderstood;for,whiletheimputationofguiltpresentsalegalbarrier

toreconciliationonthepartofGod,itinterposesnomoralbarrieronthepartofman.Besides,thephraseologyofthefirstofthetextsisitselfsufficienttodeterminethepoint:—'bywhomwehavenowreceivedtheatonement.'Tospeakof,aperson'sreceivingtheboonofreconciliationtoGod,inthesenseoftheremovalofalllegaloffence,isintelligibleenough;buttospeakofhisreceivingthelayingasideofhisownenmitytoGodis,tosaytheleast,uncouthandunnaturalphraseology.

Alliedtothese,andtomuchthesamepurpose,arethosetextswhichascribepropitiationtotheworkofChrist:—'WhomGodhathsetforthtobeapropitiation(Gr.words)throughfaithinhisblood.'‘JesusChristtherighteous—heisthepropitiation(Gr.words)foroursins.'‘Hereinislove,notthatwelovedGod,butthathelovedus,andsenthisSontobethepropitiation(Gr.words)foroursins.'Thecorrespondingverbisalsoused:—'Godbemerciful(Gr.word)tome,asinner.'‘Amercifulandfaithfulhigh-priestinthingspertainingtoGod,tomakereconciliationfor(Gr.word.—topropitiate)thesinsofthepeople.'TheuseofthesetermsbytheSeptuaginttranslatorsoftheoldtestament,todenotethemercy-seatandthetakingawayofwrathbymeansofsacrifice,hasalreadybeenmentioned.Nordoesthisapplicationrestsolelyontheirauthority,forthewriteroftheepistletotheHebrewsgivesithishighsanction,when,treatingofthefurnitureoftheancienttabernacle,hespeaksof‘thecherubimsofgloryovershadowingthemercy-seat(Gr.words).Themercy-seatsprinkledwiththebloodofthesacrifice,wasthattowhichthepiousIsraelitelookedwhenimploringthepardonofsin.OverithoveredtheShekinah,orsymbolofthedivinepresence,withreferencetowhichJehovah,aspropitiatedbysacrifice,wasunderstoodtodwellbetweenthecherubim,andtocommunewithhisguiltychildrenfromabovethemercy-seat.CananythingmoresatisfactorilydeterminethesenseinwhichwearetounderstandtheworkofChrist?HisdeathisthatbywhichthewrathofGodisappeased;bywhichDeityispropitiated;thegrandpropitiatory,withreferencetowhichaloneitis,eitherthatGodcanregardmanwithbenignity,orthatmancaneverapproachGodinthehopeofbeingaccepted.

Tothesamepurposeareallthosepassagesbeforecited,inwhichransomandredemptionarespokenofinconnexionwiththeworkofChrist.Thesetermsarecorrelativeintheirimport,theformerdenotingthesumpaidfortheemancipationofaprisonerorcaptive,thelattermarkingthedeliveranceorescapewhichisthuseffected.Theuseofthemwithreferencetoman'ssalvation,ofwhichweshalladduceinstancesimmediately,showsthatthissalvationis

broughtaboutbytheinterpositionofasubstitutewhoprocurestheliberationoftheprisonerbypayinghisdebts,ortheemancipationofthecaptivebytenderinghisransom.MenbytheirsinsarebroughtunderobligationstothelawandjusticeofGod,whichGodcanneithergratuitouslyfallfromdemanding,normenofthemselveseverimplement,forreasonsthathavebeenalreadyassigned.TothelawofGodtheyaredebtors;theyaretheprisonersofdivinejustice.Theirsalvationisnotasimpledischargewithoutcompensation—notameremanumissionwithoutprice.Neitheristhesalvationofguiltymenanactofpoweronly,effectedbytheinterpositionofanarmfullofmighttosecuretheirescape.Gratuitousfavourandalmightypowerareboth,doubtless,concernedinit;thegraceofGodbeingperfectlyfreeasregardsthepersonssaved,whothemselvesgivenopricefortheredemptionoftheirsouls;andtheomnipotenceofChristbeingexertedonthefootingofhislegalpurchasetorescuethemfromthethraldomofsin.Butthereismorethangraceandpower.Thereisapricepaid,aransomlaiddown—aprice,aransom,everywayequivalenttotheredemptionforwhichitisoffered.Inproofoftheseassertions,observethefollowingtexts:—'TheSonofMancame—togivehislifearansom(Gr.word)formany,'‘Justifiedfreelybyhisgracethroughtheredemption(Gr.words)thatisinChristJesus.'‘Inwhomwehaveredemption(Gr.words)throughhisblood.'‘Whogavehimselfaransom(Gr.words)forall.'‘Whogavehimselfforusthathemightredeem(Gr.words)usfromalliniquity.'‘Yeknowthatyewerenotredeemed(Gr.words)withsilverandgold,butwiththepreciousbloodofChrist.'Thesepassages,—andtherearemanymoretothesamepurpose,—abundantlyshowthatthesalvationofsinnersiseffectedbyaprocessofcommutation,thatitissomethingforwhichanadequatepriceispaidwithoutthepaymentofwhichitcouldnothavetakenplace.Itisvaintoattempttothrowridiculeonthisviewofthesubject,byrepresentingtheideaofapecuniarycompensationastoosordidanddegradingaprincipleforthedivineBeingtoactupon;forthetruthis,thatcommutativeequityisinvolvedintheessenceoftruerighteousness.NeitherwillitavailouropponentstoassertthatasmanisthecaptiveofSatan,ifpriceforhisdeliveranceispaidatall,itmusthetotheEvilOne.ManiscertainlytheslaveofSatan,butthisisonlyasecondaryviewofhisbondage.WhoisitthatdelivershimovertoSatan,onaccountofhissins?Isitnotbydivinejusticethatheisboundovertopunishment?TheprinceofdarknessisonlytheexecutionerofGod'srighteoussentence.ItistoGodthedebtofobedienceorsufferingisdue.ItisGodwhohastherighttodetainhiminprison.Thedetainingpoweristheequityofthedivinelawandgovernment,butforwhichSatancouldnotholdhiminthraldomasinglemoment.Thepassages,thus,withoutcontroversy,provethefactthatsalvationis

effectedbythebloodordeathoftheLordJesusChrist,whichisofferedtoandacceptedofbyGod,asaperfectsatisfaction,aproperequivalentforthesinsofsuchasaremadepartakersofredemption.Theyarenottheirown,butBOUGHTWITHAPRICE.Cananythingmoredistinctly

expresstheideaofsubstitutionarysatisfaction,whichisjusttheideaofatonement?

TherearetwotextsinthewritingsofPaul,strikinglyanalogous,whichsetforththedoctrineofatonementinthestrongestpossiblemanner.Theoneis:—'Hehathmadehimtobesin(Gr.words)forus,whoknewnosin.'Theother'Christhathredeemedusfromthecurseofthelaw,beingmadeacurse(Gr.word)forus.'Intheone,Christissaidtobemadesin;intheother,tobemadeacurse.Theformertextisoftenexplainedtomeanonlythathewasmadeasin-offering;andthelatterthathewassubjectedtothecurseddeathofthecross.Eveninthisview,thepassagesarestrongproofsofourdoctrine.Butweareinclinedtotakethemliterallyastheystand,andtoviewthemasmeaningthatsinandguiltwereactuallylaiduponChrist,orimputedtohim;hewas,inlawreckoning,regardedasifhehadsinned,treatedasifhehadbeenaccursed.This,asbeforeremarked,wasnecessarytothepenalcharacterofhissufferings;andwithoutittheycouldhavebeenregardedonlyinthelightofafflictionsorcalamities,whichmay,andoftendo,befallthosewhoareinnocent.ButifChristwasmadesinandacurse,itmusthavebeenintheroomofothers;hehadnosinofhisown;‘heknewnosin;'inhimself,heever‘continuedinallthingswritteninthebookofthelawtodothem.'Herethenagain,havewethedoctrineofChrist'ssubstitutionintheplaceofothers,affirmedinthemostforciblemanner.

ThepassagesinwhichChristissaidtohavebeenmadeasacrificearenottobeoverlooked.InsomeofthesethedeathofChristisspokenof,intheplainestterms,asbeingasacrifice:—'Christhathlovedus,andhathgivenhimselfforusanofferingandasacrifice(Gr.word)toGod.'‘Nowonceintheendoftheworldhathheappearedtoputawaysinbythesacrifice(Gr.word)ofhimself.'‘Thisman,afterhehadofferedonesacrifice(Gr.word)forsins,foreversatdownontherighthandofGod.'Inmanymorepassagesthanwecanquote,isthedeathofChristspokenofinthesamesacrificialterms,whichareelsewhereappliedtotheofferingsofthelaw.Wehavealreadyexposedtheuntenablenessofthetheorywhichwouldaccountforthis,ontheprincipleofitsbeingmerelyinfigurativeallusiontotheritesoftheMosaicdispensation;andassignedourreasonsforbelievingthattheonlyrealsacrifice,properlyspeaking,whichwas

everpresented,wasthesacrificeofChrist.Itwillnotdototakerefugefromtheproofforatonement,deducedfromthecircumstanceofwhichwearenowspeaking,byreferringtothecasesinwhichthemoralandreligiousservicesofGod'speoplearerepresentedassacrifices,orthingsdevotedtoGod,asiftheworkofChristwasasacrificeinnootherorhighersensethanthis.Forletitberemarked,thatunderthelawtherewereotherthanatoningsacrifices,sacrificesthatwereeucharisticalnotexpiatory,thank-offeringsaswellassin-offerings,inwhichsensetheservicesofthepeopleofGodmayreceivethesamedesignation.Buttherewerealsoburnt-offerings,sacrificesforsin,ofadistinctlypenal,expiatory,substitutionarycharacter;andwhenwhatChristdidisspokenofasasacrifice,itisinlanguageofthesamekindthatwefindusedwithregardtothese.Theservicesofbelieversareneverspokenofassacrificesforsin,sacrificesofferedtoputawaysin;yetsuchisuniformlythestyleinwhichthedeathofChristisalludedtointhenewtestament.Theinference,toeverycandidmind,mustthereforebe,thatChrist'sdeathisasacrifice,innofigurativeorinferiorsense,butasapenal,substitutionary,expiatorysatisfactionforthesinsofthosewhomhecametoredeem,thatistosay,anatoningsacrifice.

Wecomenowtospeakofthelanguageofsubstitution,whichisplainlyanddirectlyemployed,bythewritersofthenewtestament,inrelationtothesufferingsanddeathofChrist.WealludetothefrequentuseoftheprepositionFOR,asinthefollowingpassages:—'TheSonofMancamenottobeministeredunto,buttominister,andtogivehislifearansomFOR(Gr.word)many.—InduetimeChristdiedFOR(Gr.word)theungodly.—HesparednothisownSon,butdeliveredhimupFOR(Gr.word)usall.—ChristourpassoverissacrificedFOR(Gr.word)us.—HehathmadehimtobesinFOR(Gr.word)us,whoknewnosin.—Christhathredeemedusfromthecurseofthelaw,beingmadeacurseFOR(Gr.word)us.—ChristalsohathlovedusandgivenhimselfFOR(Gr.word)us,anofferingandasacrificetoGod.—OurLordJesusChrist,whodiedFOR(Gr.word)us.—WhogavehimselfaRANSOMFOR(Gr.word)all.—WhogavehimselfFOR(Gr.word)us.—ChristalsosufferedFOR(Gr.word)us.—HelaiddownhislifeFOR(Gr.word)us.'—Theprepositionsemployedinthesetextsnaturallydenotetheideaofsubstitution.TheGreeklanguagehasnotermsbywhichsuchanideacanbemoresignificantlyexpressed;anditisnottobequestionedthatbothsacredandprofanewritersusetheminthisacceptation.Thefirstofthem,—(Gr.word),—literallyinvolvestheideaofapposition,ofonethingsetoveragainstanother;whencenaturallyspringthoseofcommutation,recompense,andsubstitution.Xenophon,speakingofArtaxerxesbeingmadeasubjectinsteadof

aking,expressesitthus:(Gr.words)—OurLordsays,‘Orifheaskafish,willheforafishgivehimaserpent?'—(Gr.words);Inthesecasestheideaofsubstitutionissufficientlyapparent.NorisitlesssosurelywhenChristissaidtogivehislifearansomformany—(Gr.words)togivehimselfaransomforall—(Gr.words).Theotherpreposition,—(Gr.words),—whichmostcommonlyoccurs,literallysignifiesover,andthusdenotestheideaofcovering,protection,substitution—thatwhichisplacedoveranothertosavethatotherbyreceivingwhatmustotherwisehavewroughthisdestruction.Thephrase(Gr.words)occursinXenophon,inthesenseoftodieinthesteadofone.ThesameisthesenseinwhichthewordoccursinJohnxv.13,‘Greaterlovehathnomanthanthis,thatamanlaydownhislifeforhisfriends,'(Gr.words).Suchbeingthecase,wearenaturallyledtoconcludethatthesameistheimportoftheprepositioninthenumerouspassagesquotedabovewithreferencetothedeathofChrist,namely,thathediedinourstead,thathisdeathwassubstitutedforours.

Itformsnovalidobjectiontothisconclusionthatthesamephraseologyoccursincircumstanceswhichdonotadmitofpreciselythesametermsbeingemployedinexplanation.Thesamepreposition,oroneofsimilarimport,isusedwithreferencetosin,asisemployedintheabovetextswithreferencetothesinner.Thusitissaid,speakingofChrist:—‘WhowasdeliveredFOR(Gr.word)ouroffences.—ChristdiedFOR(Gr.words)oursins.—WhogavehimselfFOR(Gr.word)oursins.—ChristalsohathoncesufferedFOR(Gr.word)sins.—HeisthepropitiationFOR(Gr.word)oursins;andnotFOR(Gr.word)oursonly,butalsoFOR(Gr.word)thesinsofthewholeworld.—Helovedus,andsenthisSontobethepropitiationFOR(Gr.word)oursins.Now,itisadmittedthatintheseandsimilarpassagestheprepositionFORcannothaveexactlythesamemeaningaswhenusedwithrespecttopersons.WecansaywithproprietythatChristdiedinourstead,butnotthathediedinsteadofouroffences.Inthelattercase,formustbeviewedassynonymouswithonaccountof—hegavehimselfonaccountofoursins;hewasdeliveredonaccountofouroffences.Butthisdoesnotprovethatthesenseofthepreposition,intheothercase,isnotcorrectlyexpressedbythephraseinquestion.Itonlyshowsthatthesameprepositionhasdifferentmeanings,oradmitsofbeingtakenindifferentsenses,accordingtothesubjecttowhichithappenstobeapplied.Itisnotnecessary,neitherisitpossibleevenonthetheoryofouropponents,togiveoneuniformmeaningtothewordineverycasewhereitoccurs.Ofcourseitsbeingusedinonesetofpassagesinonespecificsenseagreeabletothenatureofthesubjectspokenof,isnoproofthatitisnotemployedinanothersetofpassages

inanotherspecificsenseagreeabletothenatureofthesubjecttreatedofinthosepassages.Andthisconclusionwillappearthemoretenable,whenitisobserved,that,althoughdifferentshadesofmeaningattachtothesamewordintherespectivephrases,thephrasesthemselves,takenasawhole,expressbutonedoctrinaltruth.InthepropositionsChristdiedforus,andChristdiedforoursins,thewordforbearsdifferentsignifications,butthepropositionsthemselvesareequivalent;bothstatementscontainthesameidea;themeaningofeachisconsistentwiththatoftheother.Christ'sdyingonaccountofoursins,anddyinginthesteadofussinners,amounttothesamething.Toreasonfromthesenseoftheprepositionintheonephrase,againstthatinwhichitisusedintheother,whenthephrasesthemselvesarenotwithstandingidentical,isutterlyfutileandnugatory.

Buttheenemiesofatonementwillinsistthatthepropermeaningoftheterminquestion,inallthecasesinwhichitoccurs,isonaccountof,or,forouradvantage—thatitdenotesthefinalcause,andnotsubstitution.ItisperfectlytruethatChristdiedforourbenefit,thathesufferedonouraccount,andthisisdoubtlessimpliedinthephraseologyinquestion;butthatitisallthatisimplied,thatitdoesnotimplyalsothatthewayinwhichouradvantagewaspromotedwasbythesubstitutionofanotherinourstead,wearenotpreparedtoadmit—Firstofall,itisworthyofremarkthattheaboveexplanationdoesnotpreserveauniformityofmeaninginthepassagesinquestion.ThatthephraseChristdiedforusshouldmeanthathediedforourbenefitisintelligibleenough;butdoesthephraseChristdiedforoursinsmeanthathediedforthebenefitofoursins?—Besides,ifthosepassageswhichteachthatChristdiedforoursins,offences,&c.,meannothingmorethanthatwereapimportantadvantagesfromhisdeathwithrespecttothepardonofsin,inasmuchasthatdeathwasameansofconfirmingormakingknowntousthedoctrineofforgivenesswhichhetaught,itseemsimpossibletoaccountforsuchabeneficialresultbeingconnectedexclusivelywithhisdeath,andnotwithhisministry,hismiracles,hisexample,orhisresurrection.Itismanifestthatoneandallofthesecontributedtoouradvantageinrespectofourbeingmadeacquaintedwiththedoctrineofpardon,atleastasmuchas—nottosay,morethan—hisdeath.Inhisministryhetaughtthedoctrine;byhismiraclesheconfirmedit;inhislifeheexemplifiedit;whilehisresurrectionaddedstrengthtotheevidencebywhichallthathetaughtwassupported.YetisitneversaidthatChristpreachedforoursins;thathehealedthesick,orraisedthedead,orgavesighttotheblindforoursins;orthathelivedforoursins;orthatherosethethirddayforouroffences.Onthesuppositionwearecombating,however,suchphraseology,shouldhaveoccurred

asfrequentlyasthatofwhichweareendeavouringtoascertainthemeaning.Andfromitsnonoccurrence,fromitsmanifestuncouthnessandunintelligibility,weconcludethat,whentheinspiredwritersspeakofChristdyingforouroffences,theremustbesomeotherconnexionbetweenthedeathofChristandman'sdeliverancefromsin,thanthatwhichissupposedintheformerbeingaconfirmationofthedoctrineofpardon;inshort,thatthedeathofChristnotmerelyconfirmedthedoctrine,butprocuredthebenefit,ofremission.

Buttheuntenablenessofthismethodofexplainingthephraseologyinquestionmaybeplacedinastillstrongerlight.IfthesufferingsanddeathofChristareforusinnohighersensethanthatofbeingforourbenefit,thenmightthesamelanguagehavebeenusedwithrespecttotheapostlesanddisciplesofourLord.Itcannotbedoubted,thatnumerousandimportantadvantagesresulttobelievers,fromthesufferingsoftheapostlesandprimitiveChristians.Theirconstancyinsuffering,andtheirheroisminsubmittingtomartyrdom,notonlytaughtthemostvaluablemorallessons,buttendedtostrengthentheevidencebywhichthedivineoriginofthereligiontheyprofessedissupported.Ofthiscircumstancetheyweredistinctlyaware,andtheyrecognizedthefactwithdisinterestedsatisfaction.‘YeaandifIbeoffered,'saysPaul,‘uponthesacrificeandserviceofyourfaith,Ijoyandrejoicewithyouall.'‘Whonowrejoice,'saysheonanotheroccasion,‘inmysufferingsforyou,andfillupthatwhichisbehindoftheafflictionsofChristinmyfleshforhisbody'ssake,whichisthechurch,—'andwhetherwebeafflicted,itisforyourconsolationandsalvation.'Butareweatlibertytoinfer,fromthislanguage,thatthesufferingsofChristbearnootherrelationtotheadvantagesofhispeoplethandothoseoftheapostles?WasChristdeliveredforouroffencesinnohighersensethanPaultheapostlemaybesaidtohavebeen?Onthetheoryofinterpretationwearecombating,wemustregardthemasexactlyparallel.Butthisisaconclusionfromwhich,atleast,Paulhimselfwouldhaveshrunkbackwithabhorrence.WhatelsecanwemakeofhisappealtotheCorinthians:—‘WasPaulcrucifiedforyou?'Surelyhecouldneverhaveemployedsuchlanguage,hadhebelievedthatthecrucifixionofChristhadnootherrelationtothesalvationofChristiansthanthatmerelyofbeingfortheirbenefit.

SuchistheproofoftheatonementofChrist,derivedfromthewritingsofthenewtestament.ThedoctrineoftheremissionofsinsthroughtheatoningbloodofJesus,indeed,pervadesthesewritings,andlikethesun,investstheirpageswithasacredlight.‘ThatthesufferingsoftheRedeemer,'saystheeloquentRobertHall,‘werevicariousandpiacular,thatheappearedinthecharacterofa

substituteforsinners,indistinctionfromamereexample,teacher,ormartyr,issounquestionablythedoctrineoftheinspiredwriters,thattodenyit,isnotsoproperlytomistake,astocontradicttheirtestimony;itmustbeascribed,nottoanyobscurityinrevelationitself,buttoawantofsubmissiontoitsauthority.Thedoctrineinquestionissooftenassertedintheclearestterms,andtacitlyassumedasafundamentalprincipleinsomanymore;itisintermingledsocloselywithallthestatementsoftruth,andinculcationsofdutythroughouttheholyscriptures,thattoendeavourtoexcludeitfromrevelationisashopelessanattemptastoseparatecolourfromtherainbow,orextensionfrommatter.'Tothesamepurposeisthetestimonyofanothereminentwriter,withwhosewordsweconcludeouradductionofproof:—'ThatChristsufferedanddiedasanatonementforthesinsofmankind,isadoctrinesoconstantlyandsostronglyenforcedthrougheverypartofthenewtestament,thatwhoeverwillseriouslyperusethosewritings,anddenythatitisthere,may,withasmuchreasonandtruth,afterreadingtheworksofThucydides

andLivy,assert,thatinthemnomentionismadeofanyfactsrelativetothehistoriesofGreeceandRome.'

Wehave,thus,givenaviewoftheevidencebywhichthefactofChrist'satonementissupported.Intheantiquityanduniversalprevalenceofvicarioussacrifices,forwhoseexistencewehavefounditimpossibletoaccountexceptingontheprincipleofbeinginstitutedbyGodtoprefigurethesacrificeofChrist,wehaveoneargument.InthesacrificesoftheLeviticaleconomy,purposelydesigned,andeminentlycalculated,toleadtoChrist,wehaveanotherargument.Thepropheciesoftheoldtestamentsupplyuswithathird.ThefactsofChrist'ssufferings,ofwhichitisotherwiseimpossibletogiveasatisfactoryexplanation,furnishuswithafourth.WhilethepassagesinthenewtestamentscriptureswhichspeakofChristmakingreconciliation;ofhisbeingapropitiation;ofhisgivingaransomandmakingredemption;ofhisbeingmadesin,acurse,asacrifice;andofhisdyingforusandoursins,addafifthprooftothisbodyofevidence.ThewholeoftheseargumentsaretakenfromthewordofGod.Someofthemarededucedbywayofinferencefromestablishedpremises;othersarederivedfromacarefulexegesisofscripturelanguage;buteachrestsonabasisofinfallibletruth,andalltogetherconstituteamassofevidencesoclear,cogent,andconvincing,asnothingbutthemostwilfulenmitytothetruthcanresist.Ifthesacredscriptures,andnotourownpreconceivedopinionsandprejudices,arethestandardtowhichwearetoappeal,itseemsimpossible,butbythemostobstinatemoralperversity,torefusethetestimony

theybearonthismomentoussubjectInshort,unlessthedoctrineofsubstitutionisadmitted,thesacredvolumeseemsreducedtoamassofunintelligible,meaningless,contradictoryassertions;thefeelingsofthewritersseemtobeoutofallharmoniousproportionwiththenatureoftheirsubject;theirelevationisfanaticism,theirenthusiasmidolatry,andtheirtransportsofpassionindicateonlyzealwithoutknowledge:wemaysafelyjoinissuewiththosewhorepresentthemas‘besidethemselves,'anddenouncethemas‘babblers,'for,inthiscase,theirreasoningsareinconclusive,theirinferencesunsupportedbytheirpremises,andtheirpremisesthemselvesatvariancewithfact.Letusbewareofadoptingopinions,oractingapartwhichleadstosuchfrightfulconsequences;andletusyieldourmindsup,withallbecomingsubmission,tothedivinelyauthoritativetestimonybywhichitisaffirmedthatCHRISTHATHLOVEDUSANDHATHGIVENHIMSELFFORUS,ANOFFERINGANDASACRIFICETOGOD,FORASWEET-SMELLINGSAVOUR.

SECTIONIX.

MATTERORSUBSTANCEOFCHRIST'SATONEMENT.

HerewearetoinquirewhatitwasbywhichChristmadeatonementforsin.Thathedidmakeanatonement,weconsiderasestablishedinsomeprecedingsections;itisnaturalnexttoaskhowthiswaseffected.Christdidmanythingswhileonearth;hetaught,heobeyed,hesuffered,hedied.Now,thethingtobeascertained,is,bywhichofthesehegavethatsatisfactiontothelawandjusticeofGodinwhichweconceivetheessenceofatonementtoconsist.Thetruth,onthistopic,weareinclinedtothink,liesinthefollowingstatement:—ThatChristmadeatonementbyhissufferingsalone;thatallhissufferingswerecomprehendedinthematterofhisatonement;andthatapeculiarimportanceattaches,inthisconnexion,tothesufferingsofhissoulandoftheconcludingperiodofhislife.Letusattendtotheseveralbranchesofthisposition.

I.Christmadeatonementbyhissufferingsalone.

Thisstatementhasbeenquestionedbysomeoftheolderwritersonthesubject,andtheopinionitinvolveshasbeendeemedheretical.Tothisconclusiontheyhavebeenled,bytakingamoreextensiveviewofthenatureofatonementthan

respecttostrictaccuracyofdefinitionseemstowarrant.Indeedthewholecontroversy,onthispoint,dependsontheextentofmeaningwhichisattachedtothewordatonement.IfunderstoodtoembracethewholeoftheSaviour'sworkfortheredemptionofman,thenmorethanhissufferingsoughttobeincludedinitssubstance.Ontheotherhand,ifbytheatonementofChristismeantonlyaparticulardepartmentoftheworkperformedbyhimforoursalvation,correctthinkingwillrequireustorestrictourviewofitsmattertohissufferingsalone.

Toobviatealldifficultyonthissubject,itseemsnecessaryonlytoadverttoourdefinitionofatonement.Itisthis—ThatsatisfactiongiventothelawandjusticeofGod,bythesufferingsanddeathofJesusChrist,onbehalfofelectsinnersofmankind,onaccountofwhichtheyaredeliveredfromcondemnation.Fromthetermsofthisdefinition,theatonementofChristisunderstoodtoconsistingivingsatisfactiontothelawofGod,soastoprocureescapefromitscurse;and,takingthisasacorrectviewofthenatureofatonement,itfollows,asathingofcourse,thatitsmattershouldberestrictedtosuffering.

Thiswillappearinaclearerlightifthefollowingobservationsareattendedto.ThelawofGodistobeviewedinatwofoldlight,—initspreceptandinitspenalty;theoneprescribingdutyanddemandingobedience,theotherdenouncingpunishmentontheguiltyviolator.Correspondingtothese,thereisatwofoldviewtobetakenofman'srelationtothelaw,—consistinginanobligationtoobeytheprecept,andanobnoxiousnesstosufferthepenaltyincaseoftransgression.Man'ssubjectiontothelaw,again,maybeviewedinthreelights,—natural,federal,andpenal.Naturalsubjectiontothelawarisesnecessarilyoutofman'scircumstancesasamoralcreature,andcannotbeincreased,ordiminished,ornullified,byanythingwhichisdoneeitherbyhimselforbyanotherinhisstead:itremainsunalterablythesameatalltimes,andabidesthrougheternity:itbelongstomanasamoralbeing,andcontinuesduringtheperiodofhisexistence:itcouldnotbeobliterated,butbyanentirechangeofnature,whichistantamounttoanannihilationofhisexistence.Federalsubjectionspringsfromthecovenantformofthelaw,inwhichthefulfilmentofdutiesis

enforced,notmerelybyathreateningofpunishment,whichseemstobeessentialtotheverynatureofalaw,butbyapromiseofrewardwhichtheabstractviewoflawdoesnotnecessarilyrequire.Thisbelongsnottomanasacreature,butasapartyinavoluntarytransactionoreconomicalarrangement,the

obligationofwhichissupposedtoceasewhentheobjectforwhichithasbeenenteredintohasbeenaccomplished;thatistosay,whentheconditionofthecovenantisfulfilled.Penalsubjectionconsistsinanobligationtosufferthepunishmentduetothebreachofthelaw,andisincurredbyaviolationofitsrequirements.Thesedifferentkindsofsubjectionarefoundedondifferentviewsofthedivinecharacter,andarealikeindispensable,exceptingontheprinciplethattheclaimsofDeityareanswered.ThefirstisfoundedonthenatureofGod,andisnecessarilyimmutable.ThesecondisfoundedonthewillofGod,andcanonlybedispensedwithbyafulfilmentofthewholeconditionofthecovenant.ThethirdisfoundedontheretributivejusticeofGod,andcanceaseonlywhenthepenaltyhasbeenfullyborne.

FallenmanistoberegardedasundersubjectiontothelawofGodinthesethreelights:—naturally,federally,penally.Heisundernaturalsubjection,asacreature.Heisunderfederalsubjection,asincludedinthecovenantwhichGodmadewithAdaminhischaracteroflegalrepresentativeofhisposterity.Heisunderpenalsubjection,asinvolvedintheguiltresultingfromtheviolationoftheoriginalcovenantengagement,andfromhisownactualtransgression.

Now,man'sneedofsalvationarisesoutofhisinabilitytomeetthisthreefoldobligationofGod'sholyandrighteouslaw.Heisundersubjection,buthecannotfulfillwhatthatsubjectionsupposestoberequiredofhim.Heisundernaturalsubjection;buthecannotmeettherequirementsofthelaw,becausemorallydepraved.Heisunderfederalsubjection;buthecannotyieldtheperfectobediencewhichistheconditionofthecovenant,becauseheiswithoutstrength.Heisunderpenalsubjection;buthecanneverfullyendurewhatthesanctionofthelawprescribes,becausethepunishmentitdenouncesiseverlasting.

Thesalvationofmanmust,therefore,includetwothings:—deliverancefromthefederalandpenalobligationofthelaw,andqualificationforthefulfilmentofthatnaturalobligationfromwhichtherecanbenodeliverance.Toqualifymanforcomplyingwithwhathisnaturalobligationtothelawimposes,istheworkoftheHolySpirit,inregenerationandsanctification.Todelivermanfromthefederalandpenalobligationofthelaw,istheworkofJesusChrist.ButtheworkofChrist,itwillthusbeseen,mustconsistoftwoparts,orratheristobeviewedintwolights—asasatisfactiontothefederaldemandsofthelaw,andasacompliancewithitspenalsanction.Theformerisnecessarytogivemanatitletothelifepromisedinthecovenant,andiseffectedbypositiveobediencetothewholepreceptsofthelaw.Thelatterisnecessarytofreemanfromthedeathor

cursedenouncedinthecovenantonhumandisobedience,andiseffectedbysufferingthewholeamountof.thepenalty.Now,itisthelastoftheseobjectswhichiscontemplatedbytheatonement,andhencethenecessityofrestrictingitsmattertosuffering.

Itisnottobeunderstood,that,inmakingthisdistinctionbetweenthepositiveobedienceandpenalsufferingofChrist,itismeanttobeinsinuatedthatthesewereeveractuallyseparatedfromoneanother.IsChristdivided?No,bynomeans.TheworkofChristisone,althoughitmaybeadvantageouslyviewedindifferentlights,orasincludingdifferentparts.Itisnotsupposed,thatinsomeactsheobeyed,andthatinotheractshesufferedonly.Obedienceandsufferingaredifferentviews,or,ifyouwill,differentpartsofhismediatorialwork;buttheyareinseparablefromoneanother—inseparableincovenant,inact,andinconsequence.Theyareinseparablyconnectedinthecovenant,bothbeingincludedinthestipulatedconditionwhichheengagedtofulfil],namely,thatheshouldmakereconciliationforiniquityandbringinaneverlastingrighteousness.Theywereinseparablyunitedinwhathedid;—whilehesufferedheobeyed,andwhileheobeyedhesuffered;hebecameobedientuntodeath.Theyareinseparableintheconsequencesofhiswork;thatistosay,nooneeverreapsthefruitsoftheone,withoutreapingalsothoseoftheother;whoeverisdeliveredfromdeath,ismadeapartakeralsooflife;whoeverisfreedfromcondemnation,isputinpossessionofavalidtitletoglory;whoeverreceivesforgivenessofsins,obtains,atthesametime,inheritanceamongthemwhoaresanctified.Yet,thoughthusindissolublyunited,theyareneverthelessdistinguishablefromoneanother;andtheworkoftheRedeemeradmitsofacorrespondingdistinction,intheaspectsinwhichitmaybeviewed.TheformalmatterorsubstanceofChrist'satonementis,thus,hissufferings,bywhichhefulfilledthepenalobligationofthelaw,andprocuredthepardonofsinordeliverancefromguilt;asdistinguishedfromhisformalobedience,bywhichhecompliedwiththepreceptivedemandsofthelaw,andinvirtueofwhichhispeopleareregardedasrighteousandentitledtoglory.

II.ThewholeofChrist'ssufferingsarecomprehendedinthematterofhisatonement.

Itwasnotbythoseofhissoultotheexclusionofthoseofhisbody,orbythoseofthelatterperiodofhislifeonearthtotheexclusionofthoseofanearlierdate,thatheeffectedthepurchaseofoursalvation.Allwerenecessary,fromhisbirthtohisdeath,fromthefeeblecryofinfancytothepiercingcomplaintof

desertion.FromthebenevolenceofGod,weconclude,thatnotasinglepangwasinflictedmorethanwasrequisite.Everypainheendured,everygriefwhichhefelt,constitutedanindispensablepartofthatsacrificebywhichhemadereconciliationfortheiniquitiesofhispeople.Allhissufferingswereofavicarious,noneofthemofapersonalnature.Ineverycasehesufferedforus,neverforhimself;hesuffered,thejustfortheunjustthathemightbringustoGod.

Somehaveheldtheopinion,thatasacreature,Christwasundernaturalobligationtothelawforhimself.Thiswereckonanobjectionalstatement,asitoverlooksthecircumstancethathehadnopersonalexistenceasman,anditisapersonalonethatcanbethesubjectofalaw;aswellasthathisbeingunderthelawnaturallyforhimselfasacreature,musthavedisqualifiedhimforcomingunderitfederallyforothersasasurety.Butevenwereitadmittedthathewasundernaturalsubjectiontothelawonhisownaccount,itisneversupposedbyanythathewasunderpenalsubjectiontothelawforhimself;hehadnosin,consequentlywasentitledtonodegreeofsufferingonhisownaccount;hehadnoiniquityofhisownforwhichherequiredtoatonebyhissufferings;norwasthereanymoraldisciplineofapersonalnaturetobesubservedbywhatheendured.ItpleasedGod,indeed,tomakethecaptainofoursalvationperfectthroughsuffering;butitwasarelativeperfectionasthesuretyofsinners,notapersonalperfectionastheSonofGod,thatwas,inthisway,promoted.Whatissaidofhisdeath,maybeaffirmedofeverysufferingbywhichitwaspreceded—itwasNOTFORHIMSELF.Notonethrobofpaindidhefeel,notonepangofsorrowdidheexperience,notonesighofanguishdidheheave,notonetearofgriefdidheshed,forhimselfAllwereformen;allwereforus.Ifnotoneofhissufferingswaspersonal,itfollowsthattheywereallsubstitutionary,thattheywereall,ofcourse,includedinthematterorsubstanceofhisatoningsacrifice.Duringthewholeperiodofhismortallifethevictimwasa-slaying.Atthemomentofhisbirth,theswordofjusticewasunsheathedagainstthemanwhoisJehovah'sfellow,andreturnednottoitsscabbardtillithadbeenbathedinthebloodofCalvary.

Itmaybedeemedatvariancewiththisviewofthesubject,thattheredemptionofmanissometimesinscriptureascribedsimplytothebloodofChrist,ortohisdeathalone.ButsuchlanguageisnottobeunderstoodaslimitingtheatonementofChristtothesimpleactofdying,ortothosesufferingsinwhichtherewasaneffusionofliteralblood.Thebloodyagonyofthegarden,andtheaccurseddeathofthecrosswereprominentandconcludingpartsofhissufferings,and,bya

commonfigure,werefitrepresentativesofthewhole.Theywerethelastportions,sotospeak,thecompletionofhishumiliation,withoutwhichallthatwentbeforemusthavebeenvain;andmayberegardedashavingprocuredsalvation,inthesamewayasthelastinstalmentofasumwhichispaidbydegrees,maybesupposedtocancelthedebtandprocureadischarge.But,aswhenChristissaidtohavebeen‘obedientuntodeath,'wearetounderstandthephrase,notofasingleact,butofthedurationofhisobediencethroughoutthewholeperiodofhislife,somayitbesaidthathesuffereduntodeath,asexpressiveofthedurationofhissufferingthroughoutthewholeofhisearthlycourse.

III.YetisitnotintendedbytheseremarkstodenythataspecialimportanceattachestothesufferingsofChrist'ssoul,andoftheconcludingperiodofhislife.

Itisimpossibletoperusethescripturesattentivelyandnotperceivethataspecialemphasisisputuponthese.Wearenottoconfinethematterofatonementtoanyonekindordegreeofsuffering;butaslittleareweatlibertytooverlookthespecialitythatattachestothosesufferingstowhichwenowrefer.Hisbodilypainswereofconsequence,buttheagoniesofhisholysoulwereofmoreconsequence.Thesufferingofinfancyandchildhoodandyoutharenottobelostsightof,butthoseofthefinalconflictcallforparticularnotice.

Thesoulisoftenspokenofwithpeculiaremphasis.‘ThoushaltmakehisSOULanofferingforsin—ThewatersarecomeinuntomySOUL—MySOULisfulloftroublesandmylifedrawethnightothegrave—MySOULisexceedingsorrowfulevenuntodeath—NowismySOULtroubled,andwhatshallIsay?'Whatourdivinesuretysufferedinhissoulmusteversurpassallourpowersofdescriptionorconception.Thelanguageusedbytheinspiredwritersdenotesthehighestpitchofintensity,whilewehavethebestreasontosupposethateveryvarietyofinwardagonywhichasinlessspiritcanpossiblyfeelwasexperiencedbyhim.Hissoulwasexceedingsorrowful;—themostpungentsorrowfilledhisbosom;hisheartwaspiercedthroughwithmanysorrows;hewasamanofsorrowsandacquaintedwithgrief.Hebegantobeveryheavy:—anunutterableloadofdejection,anoverpoweringweightofconsternationpresseddownhisspiritstothelowestdepthofdepression.Hewassoreamazed:—filledwithinexpressiblewonderandhorrificterrorattheevilofsin,andthemagnitudeofthecursetobeenduredforitsexpiation.Hissoulwastroubled;—agitatedwithalarm,filledwithapprehension,overwhelmedwithanguish,atthoughtof

thatawfulwrathwhichhehadtoendure;atsightofthatthickdarkness,thatmidnightgloomofhellwhichhehadtoapproachandtodissipate;atexperienceofthatcondemnationwhichnowweighedhimdownunderitsmountainload;thattasteofthatcupofgallwhichhadtobedrunkwithallitswormwoodbitterness.Wellmighthetakeupthecomplaint,‘Mysoulisfulloftroubles;thewatersarecomeinuntomysoul.'Andthuswasitthat‘hemadehissoulanofferingforsin.'

Norcanitbedoubtedthatthesufferingsofthelatterperiodofhislifepossessaspecialityofinterest.Theperiodofhismysteriousagony,hisawfuldesertion,andhisactualdeathcallsforparticularnotice.Thisiswhatisemphaticallycalled‘hishour—thehourandthepowerofdarkness—thehourthatheshoulddepartoutofthisworld.'Itwasnowthathewassubjectedtothatinexplicableagonywhich,intheabsenceofeveryadequateexternalcause,coveredhimoverwithacopioussweatofblood.Itwasnowthathewascruellydesertedbyallhisformerfriends,therenotbeingamongthewholemultitudeofthosewhomhehadcuredoftheirsicknesses,towhomhehadpreachedthegospelofsalvation,andwhomhehadchosenashisdisciples,onetoabidewithhiminhisdireextremity,butbeinglefttouttertheheavycomplaint,‘Ilookedforsometotakepity,buttherewasnone;andforcomforters,butIfoundnone.'ItwasnowthathesufferedthewithdrawmentofallsensibletokensofhisFather'slove;thesuspensionofeverykindofsensiblesupport,ofeverydisplayofdivinecomplacency;thefeltmanifestationofGod'srighteousdispleasureatsin;thetotaleclipseofthehallowedlightwhichhadformerlycheeredhimamidthedeepestgloom;thepaternaldesertionwhichdrewfromhimthedeepgroanofbereavement,‘MyGod,myGod,whyhastthouforsakenme.'Itwasnowthathesufferedthepainsofactualdissolution;hediedthedeathofthecross;hebowedtheheadandgaveuptheghost.Itwasnofaint,noswoon,notemporarysuspensionofthevitalfunctions.Itwasdeath,—acompleteseparationofthesoulandbody;thehearthavingbeenpiercedbythesoldier'sspear,andhisenemiesthemselvesbearingwitnesstotherealityofhisdeparture.‘Thencamethesoldiersandbrakethelegsofthefirst,andoftheotherwhichwascrucifiedwithhim:butwhentheycametoJesusandsawthatHEWASDEADALREADY,theybrakenothislegs:butoneofthesoldierswithaspearpiercedhisside,andforthwithcamethereoutbloodandwater.'ThiswastheperiodwhenemphaticallytheSonofGodmadeatonementforsin;whenthetideofsufferingrosetoitsheight;whenthedregsofthebittercupofanguishwerewrungout;whenthesentenceofwoereacheditsclimax.Aperiod,intowhichwhateverispainfulintorture,ignominiousinshame,distressingin

privation,terrificinsatanicassault,andoverwhelminginexperiencedwrath,was,asitwere,compressed!—aperiod,whethertothesuffererhimselfortotheguiltyworldwhosecauseheundertook,themostawfully

momentousthathadeveroccurredsincethecommencementoftime.

Such,then,iswhatconstitutesthematterorsubstanceofChrist'satonement,—hissufferings,allhissufferings,andthesufferingsofhissoulandoftheconcludingperiodofhislifeinparticular.ItisnotnecessarytosupposethatthesufferingswhichChristenduredonourbehalfwerepreciselythesameinkindanddegreewhichareexperiencedbythewickedintheplaceoffinalwoe.Thereare,ontheonehand,ingredientsintheirmiserywhichhecouldnotfeel,asremorse,despair,andthefuryofevilpassions.Remorsehecouldnotfeel,forhissoulwasastrangertopersonalguiltDespairhecouldnotfeel,forhehadfullassuranceofdeliverancefromthebondageofdeathandtheprisonofthegrave.Andasforsinfulpassions,theyhadatnotimeaseatinhisbreastontheotherhand,therewereingredientsinthesufferingsofChrist,arisingfromtherepugnanceofhispuresoulatmoraldefilement,whichthosewhogodowntothepitareincapableoffeeling.‘Itis,Ihumblyconceive,'saysDrPyeSmith,‘worsethanimpropertorepresentthesufferingsofJesusChrist,intheirlastandmostterribleextremity,asthesamewiththoseofcondemnedsinnersinthestateofpunishment.Inthecaseofsuchincorrigibleandwretchedcriminals,thereisaleadingcircumstancewhichcouldnot,byanypossibility,existinthesufferingSaviour.Theyeatofthefruitoftheirownway,andarefilledwiththeirowndevices.Amostmaterialpartoftheirmiseryconsistsintheunrestrainedpowerofsinfulpassions,foreverragingbutforeverungratified.Theirmindsareconstantlytornwiththerackingconsciousnessofpersonalguilt;withmutualaggravationsandinsults;withtheremorseofdespair:withmalice,fury,andblasphemyagainsttheHolyandBlessedGodhimself;andwithanindubitablesenseofJehovah'srighteousabhorrenceandrejectionofthem.Nosuchpassionsasthese,northeslightesttinctureofthem,couldhaveplaceinthebreastoftheholyJesus.ThatmeekandpurestLambofferedhimselfwithoutspotHisheart,thoughbrokenandbleedingwithagoniestousunknown,everfeltaperfectresignationtothehandthatsmotehim,andafullacquiescenceinallthebitternessofthecupwhichwasappointedhimtodrink:theresignationandacquiescenceofloveandconviction.Hesufferedinsuchamannerasabeingperfectlyholycouldsuffer.Though,animatedbythejoythatwassetbeforehim,heenduredthecrossanddespisedtheshame;yetthereappeartohavebeenseasonsinthehourofhisdeepestextremity,inwhichheunderwentthe

entireabsenceofdivinejoyandeverykindofcomfortorsensiblesupport.Whatbutatotaleclipseofthesunofconsolation,couldhavewrungfromhimthatexceedinglybitterandpiercingcry,MyGod!myGod!whyhastthouforsakenme?—ThefireofHeavenconsumedthesacrifice.ThetremendousmanifestationsofGod'sdispleasureagainstsinheendured,thoughinhimwasnosin:andheenduredtheminamannerofwhicheventhoseunhappyspiritswhoshalldrinkthefiercenessofthewrathofAlmightyGod,willneverbeabletoformanadequateidea!TheyknownottheHOLYANDEXQUISITESENSIBILITYwhichbelongedtothisimmaculatesacrifice.Thatclearsightofthetransgressionsofhispeopleinalltheirheinousnessandatrocity,andthatacutesenseoftheinfinitevilenessofsin,itsbaseness,ingratitude,andevilineveryrespectwhichhepossessed,—musthaveproduced,inhim,afeelingofextremedistress,ofakindandtoadegreewhichnocreature,whosemoralsenseisimpairedbypersonalsin,canjustlyconceive.AssuchafeelingwouldaccruefromthepurityandardourofhislovetoGodandholiness,actinginhisperfectlypeculiarcircumstances;soitwouldbeincreasedbythepityandtendernesswhichheeverfelttowardstheobjectsofhisredeeminglove.Awiseandgoodfatherismoredeeplydistressedbyacrimewhichhisbelovedchildhasperpetrated,thanbythesameoffenceifcommittedbyanindifferentperson.'

SECTIONX.

VALUEOFCHRIST'SATONEMENT.

Whatevermaybethephilosophicaldifficultiesinwhichthesubjectisinvolved,thereisnoideawithwhichwearemorefamiliarthanthatofcausality.Thetermspower,cause,andeffect,areindailyandconstantuse.Itseemscapableofsatisfactorydemonstrationthattheonlycorrectnotionattachabletothesewords,isthatofinvariableantecedenceandconsequence.Therearecertainthingswhichneverexistwithoutbeingimmediatelyfollowedbycertaindefiniteevents.Totheantecedentwegivethenameofcause,totheconsequentthenameofeffect;andthepropernotionofpoweris,notthatintheantecedentthereisanythingwhichproducestheconsequent,butthesimplefactoftheircombination,—thenakedcircumstanceofimmediateinvariableantecedence.Thefactoftheconjunctionoftheobjectsisallthatweknoworarecapableofperceivinginthematter;thebondofconnexion,thetiewhichbindsthemtogether,theconnectinglink,isanincomprehensiblemystery,ineverycaseimpenetrabletohumansagacity.Itseems,therefore,reasonabletoconcludethattherealimmediatecauseofeveryeffectisthewilloftheSupremeIntelligence;andthatthoseinvariableantecedencesandconsequencesinevents,whichwedenominatecausesandeffects,arenothingbuttheorderofthatperfectharmonioussystemwhichtheAlmightyhasestablishedintheuniverse.Itisnot,however,tobeinferredfromthis,thattheconnexionofcauseandeffecthasnootherfoundationthanmerearbitrarywill,orcapriciousappointment.Farfromusbetheunworthythought.FromtheknowncharacterofGodweareboundtobelievethat,ineverycase,awiseandrighteousgroundofconnexionexists.Thisinferenceisnowayinvalidatedbythecircumstancethatweareunable,inanyinstance,totellwhatthatiswhichconstitutesthebondofconnexion.Such,weareinclinedtothink,istheuniformprocedureoftheAlmightyinallhisworks—thetrueaccountofthephenomenaoftheuniverse,whichexhibitsaconstitutedseriesofantecedentsandconsequents,underthecontrolanddirectionofinfinitewisdom,infiniteholiness,andinfinitepower.

TothisgrandlawofGod'suniversalgovernment,theeconomyofhumansalvation,itishumblypresumed,willbefoundtopresentnottheshadowofanexception.Fortheproductionoftheeffect,whichisinthiscasesalvation,thereexistsaproperandadequatecauseinthevicarioussufferingsoftheSonofGod.

Themeansbearatruerelationtotheend.Thegreatobjectofredeemingmercyiseffectedinperfectandbeautifulconsistencywithlegislativerectitude.Thesearebutpartsoftheoneall-wisesystemoftheuniverse,andtheconnexionbetwixtthemrestsonabasisofinfinitewisdomandjustice.Thisbasisistheformationofamoralconstitution,accordingtowhich,ontheonehand,guiltandpunishmentshouldbetransferredtoadivineSubstitute,and,ontheotherhand,theobedienceandsufferingsofthissuretyimputedtothosewhoaretobesaved.Thistransferenceofsinandimputationofmeritproceed,letitbedistinctlymarked,onprinciplesofrightreasonandperfectequity,onadivinely-constitutedunionofnatureandfederalrelationshipbetweenthespotlessvictimandthosewhoreaptheadvantagesofhismeritorioussufferings.Bythisconstitution,suchareciprocalproprietorshipismadetoexistbetwixttheparties,that,asregardsthebenevolentissue,theuniversallawofcauseandeffectwhichGodhasestablishedisupheldandillustratedratherthaninfringed.Takingthebenevolentintentionandholynatureofdeityintotheaccount,thatthesufferingsanddeathoftheSonofGodshouldprocurethesalvationofsinners,restsonasfirmabasisofphilosophicaltruthasanyothercaseofantecedenceandconsequenceintheuniverse.

Thisbringsusdirectlytothesubjectofthissection,whichistoinquirewhatitwasaboutthesacrificeofChristwhichrendereditanadequatecausetoproducetheeffectofhumansalvation;thatistosay,whatitisthatconstitutesthemoralworthorvalueofChrist'satonement.

ThevalueofChrist'satonement,weconceivetoarise,notfromthenature,orintensity,orcontinuanceofhissufferings.TheworkofJesuswasnotamerecommercialaffairofdebtandpayment.Wehavenoconceptionthat,hadthenumberofthoseforwhomhesufferedbeengreaterthanitwas,orhadtheirsinsbeenmorenumerousormoreaggravatedthantheywere,hissufferings.musthavebeenproportionallyincreased.Neithercanwesubscribetothenotionthatonepangorpainofallthatheenduredwasitselfsufficienttoeffectatonement.Weconceive,onthecontrary,thathesufferednothingbutwhatwasnecessary,thatiflesscouldhavesufficedlesswouldhavebeenrequired;while,ontheotherhand,theintrinsicworthofwhatheactuallyenduredwassuchastorenderitsufficientforthesalvationofmanymorethanshallbeultimatelysaved,hadGodonlyseenmeettoextendtothemhismercyinChristJesus.ThesufferingsofChristweregardasamoralsatisfactiontothelawandgovernmentofGod,whichwouldhavebeennecessaryhadtherebeenonlyonetobesaved,andwhichwouldhavebeenfoundsufficienthadthewholehumanracewithout

exceptionbeentorankamongtheredeemed.Justasthearrangementwhichexistsfortheoutwardilluminationofourglobe,wouldhavebeenrequiredhadtherebeenbutoneinhabitanttoreapthebenefitpresentlyenjoyed,andwouldhavebeensufficienthadtherebeenmanymoremillionsinexistencethanactuallyinhabittheearth.TheworthorvalueofChrist'satoningsacrificeweconceivetohavearisen,notfromonecircumstancealone,butfromseveralcircumstancescombined,noneofwhichcanbedispensedwithinformingaproperestimateonthesubject.Thesecircumstancesweshallnowattempttounfold.

I.ThefirstisthedignityoftheSaviour'sperson.

Hewho,inmakingatonement,isatoncethepriestandthesacrifice,isdivine.HeistheSonofGod,thebrightnessofhisglory,andtheexpressimageofhisperson.HeisGodhimself,coequalwiththeFather,Jehovah'sfellow.Titleswhichinvolveessentialdignityareunhesitatinglyascribedtohim.HeisspokenofaspossessingallthenecessaryattributesofDeity.WorkswhichbelongonlytoGod,aresaidtobeperformedbyhim.Andthehighestformsofdivineworshipareusedbyallmoralcreatures,indoinghimhomage.Thetruthoftheseassertions,wemustbepermittedtotakeforgranted,astoexhibitevenanoutlineoftheirevidencewouldleadusintoanimproperdigression.ThedoctrineofChrist'sdignityisprominentlysetforthinthevolumeofrevealedtruth.ItisthegloryofChristianity.Itsparkles,likearadiantgem,ineverypartofthesacredfield.ItinveststhewholeChristiansystemwithheavenlybeauty.Itimpartsapeculiargrandeurandsublimitytothedoctrinesofthecross.

Fromthedignityofthepartyoffendedbyman'ssin,itwasrequisitethathe,whoshouldsuccessfullytransactforpardon,shouldpossessacorrespondingelevationofcharacter.HewhoisoffendedistheinfiniteJehovah,thegreatGodofheavenandofearth.ItistheinfiniteMajestywhosehonourhasbeenviolated;itisthethroneoftheEternalwhosestabilityandauthorityhavebeeninvaded.Toeffectreconciliation,insuchacase,isaworktowhichnoman,noangel,nosuperangeliccreatureisadequate.NopriestoflesspersonalconsequencethantheLordofglory,iscompetenttotheofficeofappeasingthewrathofthehighandloftyonewhoinhabitetheternity.ButwehaveSUCHanHighPriest,whoissetontherighthandofthethroneofthemajestyintheheavens.

Thesacrificebywhichatonementismadeforoffencesofinfinitemoralturpitude,mustbepossessedofinfinitemoralworth.Therelativevaluearising

fromdivineappointmentisnotenough;elseitcouldneverhavebeensaid,‘Itisnotpossiblethatthebloodofbullsandofgoatscouldtakeawaysin.'Thebloodofinferioranimalswasascapableasanyotherofalltheworthwhichmereappointmentcanimpart.Butanintrinsicworthwasrequired,whichcouldbepossessedbynothingshortof‘blooddivine.'HencethesacrificeofChristissooftenspokenofinscriptureasbeinghimself.‘ChristhathlovedusandgivenHIMSELFforusanofferingandasacrificetoGod.—WhogaveHIMSELFaransomforall.—WhenhehadbyHIMSELFpurgedoursins.—HeofferedupHIMSELF.—HeappearedtoputawaysinbythesacrificeofHIMSELF.'

AsthesubstanceofChrist'satoningsacrificeconsistedinhissufferingsordeath,ithasbeenallegedthatitsintrinsicworthcouldbenothingmorethanhuman,ashishumannaturealonecouldsufferanddie.ButthecloseandinseparableunionsubsistingbetweenthedivineandhumannaturesinthepersonoftheSonofGodisheretoberemembered.Althoughthehumannaturealonecouldeithersufferordie,itwastheSonofGod,aspossessedofthisnature,whoenduredthesufferingsanddiedthedeathofthecross.Thepossessionofahumannaturequalifiedhimforsuffering;thedivinityofhispersongavetohissufferingaworthequivalenttoitsowndignity.Althoughthehumannaturewasalonecapableofsuffering,itwasneverthelessthepersontowhomthisnaturebelongedwhosuffered.Itmaybethoughtthatatthisrate,asthepersonwasdivine,suchanassertioninvolvestheblasphemythatDeitysuffered.Bynomeans.Whenapersonsuffersitdoesnotfollowthathesuffersinallthatpertainstohim.Hemaysufferinhispropertyandnotsufferinhishonour;hemaysufferinhishappinessandnotinhischaracter;hemaysufferinhisbody,andnotinhissoul:stillitisthepersonwhosuffers.So,inthecasebeforeus,whiletheSonofGodsuffersinhishumannatureitisstillthepersonwhichsuffers.If,beforeweareentitledtosaythatapersonsuffers,allthatpertainstohimmustsuffer,itfollowsthatwecanneversayapersondies,asthesoul,anessentialconstituentpartoftheperson,neverdies.

But,grantingthatitisthepersonwhosuffers,itmaystillbesaidthatthevalueofthesesufferingsistobeestimatedonlybythenatureofthatinwhichhesuffers.Whenamartyrsuffersdeath,asitisthebodyonlythatdies,therecannotbelongtohisdeathaworthproportionedtohissoul.Inlikemanner,whenChristsuffers,asDeitycannotsuffer,hissufferings,itmaybesaid,canpossessonlytheworthofhumanity.Butthisistoleaveoutofconsiderationaltogetheracircumstancewhichisallowedbyalltohavetheeffectofincreasingthevalueofcertainactsandsufferings.ThecircumstancetowhichIreferisdignityof

character.Therearesomethingswhichareofthesamevalue,bywhomsoeverperformed.Money,forexample,paidbyaprince,isofnomoremercantilevaluethanmoneypaidbyanyotherman.Butthereareotherthingsinwhichthecaseiswidelydifferent,theirvaluedepending,insomemeasure,onthedignityofhimbywhomtheyareperformed.Therelativevalueofcertainactionsdependsontherankinthescaleofintellectual,ormoral,orsocialbeingofthepersonwhoperformsthem.Totheactionofaninferioranimalweattachlessvaluethantothatofahumancreature;—tothatofamanless,again,thantothatofanangel.Onthesameprinciple,theactionofapeasantandthatofakingmaydiffermaterially,withregardtorelativeworth.Inonepointofview,thelifeofaslaveandthelifeofamonarchareofequalvalue;theyarebothhumancreatures.But,inanotherpointofview,thelifeofakingisoffargreatervaluethanthelifeofaslave:andtheactoflayingdownhislifeinvolvesahigherdegreeofworthintheonethanintheother.ThisdistinctionisrecognizedintheaddressofthepeopletokingDavid,whenhewouldgoforthwiththemtobattle:—'Thoushaltnotgoforth:forifwefleeaway,theywillnotcareforus;neitherifhalfofusdie,willtheycareforus:butnowTHOUARTWORTHTENTHOUSANDOFUS.'Forakingtosubmittoexcruciatingtorturesandanignominiousdeath,withaviewtosavesomeoneofhissubjects,willbereckonedbyallamoremeritoriouspieceofconductthanifsuchhadbeensubmittedtobyonewhoheldtheplacemerelyofafellowsubject.Yethereitmightbesaid,itishumanityandnotroyaltywhichsuffers,andwhyattachtoitavaluearisingfromthelatter,ratherthanconfineittothatwhichspringsfromtheformercircumstance?Thecaseisparalleltothatofwhichwearenowspeaking.ThehumanityofChristalonecouldeithersufferordie,butthathumanitybelongedtoapersonwhoisdivine,andthisgavetohissufferingsanddeaththevalueofdivinity.

Howitcomestopass,thatthepersonaldignityofthesuffererconveystothesufferingsofhishumanityaworthproportionedtohimwhosuffersratherthantothatwhichsuffers,wepretendnotfullytoexplain.Theaboveobservations,however,servetoshowthattheprincipleonwhichthisisaffirmed,isoneonwhichwearenotaltogetherunaccustomedtoreason.Itisnotmeanttobeinferredthatanyanalogies,suchasthatresortedtoabove,cangiveusacompleteideaofthenatureofacasewhichistranscendentlyandawfullypeculiar.Itisenoughiftheyservetoneutralizetheobjectionsofsuchasaredisposedtocavilatthetruth.Onasubjectofthisnature,itillbecomesustospeakeitherwithcarelessnessorwithprecipitation.Itistobeapproachedonlywithcautiousreverence.Here,ifanywhere,weshouldbecarefultobe

‘lowlywise.'Yetwemaybepermittedtoshowthereasonablenessofadoctrine,andtoexposethetemerityandpresumptionofitsadversaries,withoutlayingourselvesopentothechargeofbeingwiseabovewhatiswritten.Thefollowingstatementmaynotaltogetherbewithoutitsuse,insheddingarayoflightonthisacknowledgedlygreatandprofoundmystery:—Apersononlycanperformmoralacts:ThehumannatureofChristpossessednopersonalsubsistence:Ofcourse,althoughthehumannatureofChristalonecouldeithersufferorobey,theobedienceandsufferingsofhishumanity,viewedinthemselvescouldhavenomoralcharacter:Togivethemamoralcharactertheymustbeviewedinconnexionwithhisperson:Whenceitfollowsthat,theobedienceandsufferingsofChrist,physicallyconsidered,possessedonlytheworthofhumanity,butmorallyconsideredpossessedaworthproportionedtothedignityofhisdivineperson.Now,thesufferingsanddeathofChristforthesinsofhispeoplewereofamoralcharacter,beingenduredwithaviewtomeettheclaimsofthedivinemoralgovernment,tosatisfythelawandjusticeofGod.Itfollowsthatthereattachedtothemallthevaluewhichdivinedignitycouldimpart.

Butwearemoreconcernedwiththeevidenceofthefact,thanwiththeexplanationofthemode,ofthisgreatandimportanttruth.ThosewhoholdthedoctrineofChrist'sdivinity,canneverhesitatetoadmitthatthesufficiencyorefficacyofhisatonementspringsfromthesupremedignityofhispersonastheSonofGod.Thevalidityofhissacrificetakesitsrisefromhistrueandessentialdivinity.Tothisthetestimonyofscriptureisdistinctlyborne.TheepistletotheHebrews,whichtreatsprofessedlyoftheinsufficiencyofthelegalsacrifices,andtheintrinsicvalidityofthatofChrist,commenceswithanelaboratedemonstrationofChrist'sdivinity,asthebasisonwhichthesubsequentreasoningismadetorest.TheHighPriestoftheChristianprofessionisexplicitlyshowntobethebrightnessoftheFather'sgloryandtheexpressimageofhisperson;tobemuchbetterthantheangels;tobeGodwhosethroneisforeverandever;tobeJehovahwholaidthefoundationsoftheearth,whoshallremainwhenallelsehasperished,whoisthesameandhisyearsshallnotfail.While,inanotherpartofthebook,thebloodofChristisrepresentedasderivingitssuperiorityovertheceremonialsacrifices,fromitsbeingoffered‘THROUGHTHEETERNALSPIRIT'—aphraseunderstoodbysomeof.ourmosteminentcriticsanddivinestorefertothedivinedignityofhisperson.‘HowmuchmoreshallthebloodofChrist,whothroughtheEternalSpiritofferedhimselfwithoutspottoGod,purgeyourconsciencefromdeadworkstoservethelivingGod.'ItisbecauseJesusChristisGod'sSonthathisbloodpossessesintrinsicvaliditytocleansefromailsin.Thevalueofthegiftandthesufficiencyofthepropitiatory

sacrificearisefromthesamecircumstance.‘GodsenthisSONtobethepropitiationforoursins.'

II.Butthisisnotall.Relationshipofnaturetothoseforwhomtheatonementwasmade,isanessentialelementinitsvalidity.

Christrequiredtoberealandproperman,asmuchasthetrueGod.Toqualifyhimformakingatonementhemustpossessoppositeattributes,afrailandmortalnaturecombinedwithineffabledignityofperson.WealludenotnowtothenecessityoftheincarnationtofittheMessiahforsuffering,torenderhimsusceptibleofpainanddeath,tomaketheofferingofhimselfasasacrificeathingpossible.Wereferrathertothepossessionofhumannatureasimpartingacharacterofworthorvaliditytowhathedid.Thiswasrequisite,notmoretoenablehimtosuffer,thantoimparttohissufferingsanessentialvalueintheestimationofthedivinelaw.Hadtheworkofourredemptionbeenameremercantiletransaction,itmatterednotbywhomthepricemighthavebeenpaid.ButbeingamoralsatisfactiontothelawofGodforthesinsofmen,thereexistedamoralfitnessornecessitythatthesatisfactionshouldbemadebyoneinthenatureofthosewhohadsinnedandweretoberedeemed.TheRedeemerbehoved,asofold,tobeakinsman,abrother.Withoutthis,neithercouldthemoralgovernmentofGodbevindicated,northegloryofthedivineLawgivermaintained,northeprinciplesofthelawupheld.Thelawinitspreceptwassuitedtoman,andinitscurseithadaclaimuponman.Itsrequirementsweresuchasmanonlycouldfulfill;itspenaltysuchasonepossessingthenatureofmanonlycouldbear.Thepenaltywassufferingevenuntodeath;andnoangel,noonewhohadnotabodyaswellasasoul,coulddie.Thedeathonlyofamancouldpossessamoralandlegalcongruitytothecurseofalawgiventomanandbrokenbyman.Itwasnot,then,merelytoqualifyhimforsufferingthattheMessiahtookuponhimthenatureofman,buttoqualifyhimforsuchsufferingasshouldpossessvalidityintheeyeofthedivinelaw.BothhethatsanctifiethandtheywhoaresanctifiedmustbeALLOFONE.WhereforeinallthingsitbehovedhimtobemadeLIKEUNTOHISBRETHREN,thathemightmakereconciliationforthesinsofthepeople.SincebyMANcamedeath,byMANcamealsotheresurrectionofthe

dead.Theserpent'sheadcouldbebruised,onlybytheSEEDOFTHEWOMAN.

III.Freedomhimselffromallpersonalobligationtosuffer,isanotheressential

ingredientinthevalueofChrist'satonement.

Hewhomakesatonementforothersmusthimselfbeentirelyfreefromthatwhichrenderstheatonementnecessary.Whatrendersatonementnecessaryissin.ButJesuswasaltogetherholy.Itwouldseemtobeadictateofreasonandcommonsense,thatvicariouspunishmentcannotbebornebyonewhoishimselfasharerintheguiltwhichcallsforit.Thelaw,inthiscase,hasapreviousclaimuponhim.Hisownstaterendersanatonementnecessary.Hocannotremovehisownguiltbyhissufferings,andhowcanitbepossiblethatheshouldremovetheguiltofothers?Asubstitutionaryvictimmustitselfbeperfectlyspotlessandpure.

ThiswasplainlyenoughpointedoutintheLevities!law.Thehighpriestwasrequiredtopossessahighdegreeofceremonialpurity.Perfectmoralpuritywasimpossible;butthenecessityofthisintheantitype,wassufficientlytaught,bythislegalfunctionarybeingrequiredtobefreefromallbodilydefectordeformity,tobethesonofonewhowasavirginandnotawidowwhenmarriedtohisfather,andbyhisbeingexemptedfromcertainmethodsofcontractingceremonialdefilement.Thesacrificialvictim,also,wastobealambwithoutblemishandwithoutspot.Tothesamepurposewas.itenactedthattheredheifershouldnotonlybeonewithoutspotwhereinwasnoblemishbutoneuponwhichnevercameyoke.Allthis,doubtless,wasdesignedtoshadowforththeimmaculatepurityofthegreatHighPriestofourprofession,whoputawaysinbythesacrificeofhimself.

Invirtueofhisspotlessinnocence,Jesuswascompletelyfreefromallmanneroflegalobligationtosuffer,arisingfromhimself.Legalobligationtothecursemayarisefromoneorbothoftwothings:eitherfrombeingbornunderthecurse,thatistosay,fromoriginalsin;orfrombecomingexposedtothepenaltyinconsequenceofapersonalbreachofitsrequirements,thatis,byactualtransgression.Infantsofthehumanfamilyareunderitintheformerway;adultsinboth:butJesuswasneithertheonenortheother.

Hewasfreefromallactualsin.Hisobediencetothedivinelaw,underwhichhevoluntarilybroughthimself,wascomplete.Histhoughtswereeverpure;guilewasnotfoundinhismouth;andhedidalwaysthosethingsthatpleasedhisfather.AsregardedGod,hefullyexemplifiedthedutiesofreligion;—cherishingeverypiousemotionoflove,faith,gratitude,patience,andsubmission;andscrupulouslyperforming,withpunctualityandexactness,every

actofdevotion,meditation,prayer,praise,andattendanceontheservicesofpublicworship.Asrespectedmen,everysocialduty,whetherofaffectionandobedienceandrespecttorelatives,orofkindnessandfidelitytofriends,orofjusticeandequityandbenevolenceandintegrityingeneralsociety,wasfullyexhibited.Norwerethepersonaldutiesoftemperance,sobriety,circumspection,andself-command,lessstrictlyobservedbyhim.

Thesearenotunsupportedassertions.ThetestimonybornetotheinnocenceoftheSaviour'slifeismostcompleteanddecisive.Prophetsspakeofhimasthe‘HolyOne',who‘haddonenoviolenceneitherwasanydeceitinhismouth.'Theangelannouncedhimas‘thatholything'whichshouldbebornofMary.Himselfsaid‘IdoalwaysthosethingsthatpleasetheFather—Whichofyouconvincethmeofsin?—theprinceofthisworldcomethandhathnothinginme.'Hisapostlesspokeofhimasone‘whoknewnosin'—whowas‘withoutsin'—'whowasholy,harmless,undefiled,andseparatefromsinners'—'whodidnosin,neitherwasguiltfoundinhismouth'—one,ofwhomitcouldbesaid,‘inhimisnosin.'Butthemostdecisivetestimonyofallisthatwhichwasbornebyhisinveterateenemies.TheJews,whowerebrim-fullofprejudiceagainsthispersonandclaims,wereunwillinglycompelledtoaffirm,‘Hehathdoneallthingswell.'Thetraitorwhogavehimuptohisenemies,exclaimedundertheagoniesofconviction,‘IhavesinnedinthatIhavebetrayedinnocentblood.'Thejudge,whounjustlydoomedhimtothecross,acknowledged,‘Ifindnofaultinthisman.'Nay,eventhefallenspiritswereforcedtoconfess,saying,‘Letusalone:whathavewetodowiththee,thouJesusofNazareth?Artthoucometodestroyus?Iknowtheewhothouart,THEHOLYONEofGOD.'SuchistheevidencethatChristdidnotbringhimselfunderthecurse.

SomeofthesepassagesarequiteasdecisiveinfavouroftheinnocenceoftheSaviour'snature,asofthatofhislife.Thathewasnotbornunderthecurseisasunequivocallytaughtasthathedidnotbringhimselfunderit.Indeed,aninnocentlifewouldseemtoaffordverysatisfactoryproofofaninnocentnature.Wecanconceiveofaholynaturelapsingintosin,ashasbeenexemplifiedbothinangelsandmen;buthowaholylife,alifefreefromtheslightesttaintofcorruption,couldspringfromanatureineverydegreecorrupt,is,wemustsay,tousutterlyinconceivable.Itseemsanaturalimpossibility.Animpurefountaincannotbutsendforthimpurestreams:acorrupttreecannotbutbearcorruptfruit.Tocontendtherefore,assomehavedone,forthesinlessnessoftheSaviour'slife,andyettomaintainthesinfulnessofhisnature,appearstoustobegrosslycontradictoryandparadoxical.Butofthestrictinnocenceofthe

Saviour'snature,ofitsperfectfreedomfromwhatevershouldentitleittothecharacterof‘fallen,'weshouldreckonhisownwordsasdecisive:—'TheprinceofthisworldhathnothingINME.'TothesameeffectisthetestimonyofthewriteroftheepistletotheHebrews;—'whoisholy,'(Gr.word)signifyingpurityofnature,asdistinguishedfrom‘harmless'(Gr.word)meaningfreedomfromevilinrespectofexternalconduct,andalsofrom‘undefiled,'(Gr.word)whichseemstodenotepurityofofficialqualificationandadministration.Norcantherebeanythingmoreunequivocalthanthelanguageoftheangel,when,makingknownhismiraculousbirth,hecallshim‘thatHolything,'(Gr.words).ThisreferstowhatwasconceivedandbornofMary;not‘fallenandsinfulflesh,'buta‘holything,'essentiallyandnaturallyholyfromthefirstmomentofitsexistence.

ThemiraculousnatureoftheconceptionofourLord'shumanityaffordsadditionalproofofthispoint.Bybeingbornofavirgin,beinginapeculiarsensetheseedofthewoman,thehumannatureofChristescapedallconnexionwiththeAdamiccovenant.Itwasatonceconnectedwiththeraceofman,andyetfreefromthecontaminationspringingfromAdam'sfederalrepresentationofhisnaturaldescendants.Thisiswhatconstitutestheincarnationthegreatmysteryofgodliness,andbutforthisitisnotonlynoteasytoassignanygoodreasonforthemiraculousnatureofhisconceptionatall,butevendifficulttovindicateitfromconsequencesthatarenecessarilyandpositivelyinjurious.If,evennotwithstandingitsmiraculousproduction,hishumannaturewasfallenandsinful,onecanscarcehelpaskingforwhatpurposeamiraclewaswroughtatallinthematter,seeingthatfallenandsinfulhumanitycouldhavebeenproducedwithoutanymiraclewhatever.Butthemiraclewasnotonlyinthisrespectuseless:itwas,atthesametime,calculatedtoconveytheimpressionthatthehumannatureofChristdifferedessentially,inthisparticular,fromman'snatureingeneral,—animpressionwhich,onthe

suppositionagainstwhichwearecontending,wasfalseanddelusive.

WewaitnottoarguetheholinessofChrist'shumannaturefromtheonenessofhisperson;fromthenecessityofsuchholinesstohisbeingaproperexampletohispeople;fromtheimpossibilityotherwiseofhisdeathbeingvoluntary;andfromhishavingsurvivedtheconflictwiththepowersofdarknessandtheenemydeath,whichisnotelsetobeaccountedfor.Thediscussionofthesepointswouldcarryustoofarawayfromourgeneraldesign.Butwedeemitnecessaryto,mentionthem.Howfull,andvaried,andunequivocalthe

testimonyofscripturemaybe,therearemanywhowillnothesitateunceremoniouslytosetasidetheevidenceofparticulartexts,byhavingrecoursetosomevagueorloosemodeofinterpretation.Forthesakeofsuch,itmustbemadeknown,thattheviewtakenoftheseparticulartextsisfullyborneoutandsupportedbycertaingeneralprinciples,which,whiletheyharmonizewiththemeaningattachedtoindividualpassagesofscripture,themselvesperemptorilyandindependentlyrequireustoadmittheimmaculateholinessofChrist'satoningsacrifice.

TheperfectinnocenceoftheSaviour'snatureandlife—thus,wehope,satisfactorilyestablished—entersessentiallyintothatwhichconstitutesthemoralworthorintrinsicvalueofhisvicarioussufferings.Itshowshimtohavebeenfreefromalllegalobligationtosufferinginhimself.ThelawofGodhadinthiswaynoclaimuponhimforsubjectiontoitscurse;andhewasthusfaratlibertytosufferthepenaltyduetosin,onbehalfofothers.Itisonthisprinciplethattheapostlespeaksofhispersonalinnocenceasessentialtohissacerdotalcharacterandwork.‘Suchanhighpriest,'sayshe,‘becameus,whoisholy,harmless,undefiled,separatefromsinners,andmadehigherthantheheavens,whoneedethnotdailytoofferupsacrificefirstforhisownsins,andthenforthepeople's.'

IV.ItwasfurthernecessarytothevalidityofChrist'satonementthatheshouldbeentirelyathisowndisposal.

Itisnotenoughthatthesubstitute,beinginnocent,isfreefromtheclaimsofthelawtowhichhegivessatisfactionforothers.Hemaybeunderobligationstoanotherlaw,thefulfilmentofwhosedemandsmayrenderitimpossibleforhimtooccupytheplaceofasurety.Hiswholetimeandenergiesmaybethus,asitwere,previouslyengaged,soastoputitoutofhispowertomakeatransferofanypartofthemforthebehoofofothers.Thisis,indeed,thecasewithallcreatures.Whateverservicetheyarecapableofperforming,theyoweoriginallyandnecessarilytoGod.Theyare,fromtheirverynature,incapableofmeritinganythingforthemselves,muchmoreforothers.Therightofself-disposalbelongsnottocreatures.Themselvesandallthatpertainstothem,arethepropertyofHimwhomadeandpreservesthem.TheyareunderlawtoGod,andatlibertytodisposeofthemselvesonlyasthatlawdirects.Itthusappearsthatanangeloflight,thoughperfectlyinnocent,andfreefromall.theclaimsoftheparticularlegalconstitutionunderwhichmanisboundovertopunishment,couldnothavefurnishedasacrifice,ofvaluetoatonefor

humanguilt.Angelsarecreatures,andassuch,arenecessarilyunderlawtoGod.TheyarenotunderthecovenantwhichGodmadewithman,tobesure;butthelawunderwhichtheyexistdemandsalltheirenergies,ithasaclaimuponthemforthefullamountoftheservicetheyarecapableofperforming,andthusdeniesthemallrightofgivingsatisfactiontoanotherlaw,inbehalfofadifferentorderofcreatures.

ButtheSonofGod,notbeingacreature,wasoriginallyundernolaw.Hewasperfectlyathisowndisposal.Whateverhemightchoose,ofhisownfreewilltodoortosuffer,waswhatnoexistinglawhadapreviousrightto.Hewasnotonlynotunderthelawwhichmanhadbroken,buthewasundernootherlaw;hewasnotonlyinnocent,butfreetodisposeofhimselfasmightseemtohimtobefit.HewasLordofall,andsubjecttonone.He,andheonly,wasentitledtoassumesuchlanguageasthis:—'ThereforedothmyFatherloveme,becauseIlaydownmylife,thatImighttakeitagain.Nomantakethfromme,butIlayitdownofmyself:IHAVEPOWERTOLAYITDOWN,andIHAVEPOWERTOTAKEITAGAIN.'Heherenotmerelyclaimstohaveactedvoluntarily,buttohavehadaright,alegalright,(Gr.word)sotodo.Thisiswhatnocreaturecouldeversay.Ingivinghislifearansomformany,Christgavewhatwasstrictlyhisown,andentirelyathisowndisposal.Withoutthis,itdoesnotappearthatwhathedidcouldhavebeenpossessedofvalue;subjectiontoonelawcouldnothavebeenyieldedwithouttheviolationofanother,andthiswassufficienttodepriveitofallmoralworth.

V.Christ,inmakingatonement,wasperfectlyvoluntary;andherewehaveanotheringredientinitsvalue.

Withoutthis,itisclear,alltheotheringredientswereofnoavail.Lethispersonbeeversodignified;lethimbeeversocloselyrelatedtoman;lethimbeasfreeaspossiblefromallmoralcontamination;nay,lethimbeentirelyathisowndisposal,itismanifestthat,unlesshechoseactuallytodisposeofhimselfinthemannerinquestion,novaliditycouldattachtowhathedid.Vicarioussatisfactioncanneverbecompulsory;voluntarinessentersintoitsveryessence.Everywell-orderedmindrevoltsattheideaofonepersonbeingcompelledtosufferforanother.Suchanactinvolvesthehighestinjustice;andthesuppositionofattemptingtosatisfytheclaimsofinfiniterectitudebywhatamountstoadirectviolationoftheprincipleofequityistoomonstrousandshockingevertobeentertained.Thesacrificemustnotbedraggedtothealtar.Somuchisthisadictateofreason,thateventheheathenreckoneditanunpropitiousomen,ifthe

animalshowedanyreluctance.

Inallthathedidtomakeatonementforsin,Jesusmanifestednodegreeofreluctance.Ateverystepwemeetwithevidenceofthemostperfectwillingness.Totheproposalintheeternalcovenanthegavehischeerfulconsent,—'Sacrificeandofferingthoudidstnotdesire,burnt-offeringandsin-offeringhastthounotrequired.ThensaidI,Lo,Icome:inthevolumeofthebookitiswrittenofme,Idelighttodothywill,OmyGod;yea,thylawiswithinmyheart.'Itwasthesamespiritthatdictatedthewell-knownreplytohismother,whenyetyoung,—'Howisitthatyesoughtme?WistyenotthatImustbeaboutmyFather'sbusiness?'Atalaterperiodhesaid,‘Ilaydownmylife:noman(Gr.words-noone)takethitfromme,butIlayitdownofmyself.'Innoinstance,didhemanifesttheslightestsymptomofbackwardness.Theinspiredwritersspeakofhimassubmittingtoeverysufferingwithafixeddeterminationofpurposewhichnothingcouldshake.‘Hegavehisbacktothesmitersandhischeekstothemthatpluckedoffthehair—Hegavehimselfaransomforall.—Hegavehimselfforus—Hebowedhisheadandgaveuptheghost.'

Hisdeathwasasvoluntaryasanypartofhissufferings.TheRomansoldiers,indeed,wereemployedincrucifyinghim;andthisinstrumentalitywasnecessarytopreventhisbeinginvolvedintheguiltofsuicide.Butweerregregiouslyifwesupposethat,notwithstandingofthis,hediedotherwisethanvoluntarily.‘Ilaydownmylife;noonetakethitfromme,'ishisownunequivocalandemphaticlanguage.Hedied,neitherfromdiseasenorexhaustion.Justbeforeheexpired,hehadstrengthenoughtocrywithaloudvoice,‘Itisfinished.'Hecouldthen,oratanyothermoment,haditsopleasedhim,havesteppeddownfromthecross,totheconfusionofthosewhoassailedhimwiththebittertaunt,‘IfthoubetheChrist,comedownfromthecrossandsavethyself.'But,then,thescripturesshouldnothavebeenfulfilled,northeredemptionofmanhavebeeneffected.Nevertheless,hisowndecisivewords,aswellasthefactofhisdivinity,leaveuswithoutadoubtthat,hadhenotcheerfullygivenitupofhisownaccord,earthorhellcouldnothavewrungfromhimhislife.Neithercouldcruelmen,norhellishhostshaveborneoffhisbodyintriumphtothegrave,hadhenotfreelyresolvedtodescendintothetomb.Theverytimeofhisdeathwasthatofhisownchoice;forneithercouldthebarbaritiesofhispersecutorsprecipitate,northelingeringpunishmentofcrucifixionprotractitbeyondtheperiodinwhichhedeterminedhimselftoyielduptheghost;and,accordingly,whenthesoldierscametobreakhislegs,theyfoundthathewasdeadalready.

ThevoluntarynatureoftheSaviour'sdeath,itmayhereberemarkedbytheway,affordsastrongargumentinproofofthedivinityofhisperson,andalsoofthespotlessinnocenceofhishumanity.Hadhebeenacreature,evenasuper-angeliccreature,broughtintobeingforthepurposeofdyingforus,hisdeathcouldnothavebeensaidtobevoluntary.Muchlesscouldthisbesaidifhishumannaturehadbeeninanysensesinful,forthenhemusthavediedofnecessity,notoffree-will;hemusthavedied,ashasbeensaid,‘bythecommonpropertyoffleshtodiebecauseitwasaccursedintheloinsofourfirstparents,'andthenthedoctrineofatonementwithallitscomfortinginfluences,musthavebeengivenup.

ThiswillingnessofChristtosufferandtodie,wasnottheresultofignorance.Apersonmaythoughtlesslyengagetosubmittotreatment,oftheamountofwhichhemaynot,atthemomentofengagement,beaware;and,whentherealitycomestobeknown,hemay,fromtheforceofhonourorsomesuchprinciple,persevereinhisdeterminationtosuffer.Butsuchsufferingcouldscarcelybecalledvoluntary.Such,atallevents,wasnotthatofChrist.Heknew,fromthefirst,thefullamountofwhathewastoendure.Itwas,withtheperfectknowledgeofallthatshouldbefallhimintheJewishcapital,that‘hesteadfastlysethisfacetogotoJerusalem.'Itwas,knowingeverybitteringredientthatwasinfusedintothemingledchaliceofwoe,thathesaid,‘ThecupwhichmyFatherhathgivenmeshallInotdrinkit.'Itwas,withafullunderstandingofalltheterrorswithwhichthatcloudofJehovah'swrathwaschargedwhichwassoontoburstinawfulvengeanceonhishead,thathemagnanimouslyexclaimed,‘Ihaveabaptismtobebaptizedwith,andhowamIstraitenedtillitbeaccomplished.'ItwasnosuddenimpulseoftransiententhusiasmwhichmovedtheSonofGodtoundertaketheworkofourredemption.Itwasnomomentarymovementofgenerouspity,whichtheexperienceofdifficultiesanddangersmightcoolorextirpate.No.Itwasasettledandimmovablepurpose,whichtimeandobstaclesonlyservedtostrengthenandconfirm.Insteadofshrinkingfromdangers,andseekingexcusesfordesistingfromhisexpresseddetermination,hisfortitudeseemedtogatherpowerinproportionasheapproachedthefinalsceneofcompletewoe;and,itisremarkable,thattheonlyoccasiononwhichheeverusedlanguagethatmightbesaidtoindicateadegreeofintemperatefeeling,waswhenanattemptwasmadetodissuadehimfromsuffering.OnrepresentingtohisdisciplesthathemustgouptoJerusalemandsuffermanythings,Peterpresumedtoexpostulatewithhim,saying,‘Beitfarfromthee,Lord:thisshallnotbeuntothee;'butheturnedandsaiduntoPeter,‘Gettheebehindme,Satan;thouartanoffenceuntome:forthousavourestnotthethingsthatbeofGod,butthosethatbeofmen.'

Fromallthisitappears,thattheworkofChrist,ingivinghimselfuptosufferanddieforus,wasstrictlyvoluntary.Innostepofthatgloriousundertaking,washeconstrainedbyanythingbuthisownfreewillandmatchlesslove.Itwasahighactofsovereigngrace;notaboonforciblywrungfromareluctantbenefactor.Todenythis,istodestroyaltogetheritsefficacy.‘Itisoftheutmostimportanceforustoknow,'ashasbeenbeautifullyobserved,‘thatthrougheverystepofthepainfulprocessthroughwhichhepassed,thebenefitsderivedtousbyhissufferings,werenotbyconstraintwrungfromhim,butwillinglypurchasedforus,thathewasnotboundtoendurancebytheironchainofhisownfallenandsinfulpersonalconstitution,butbythegoldenchainofthatlovetoGodwhosegloriousperfectionshewasmanifestingtotheuniverse,andofthatlovetomenthroughwhosesalvationhewasmakingthe

manifestation,whichnowaterscouldquench,andnofloodscoulddrown.'

VI.Thereisoneingredientstillnecessary.Itisofsuchessentialimportanceastohavebeensupposedbymanytobeallthatisrequisite.Inacompensatoryarrangement,suchastheatonementis,bothpartiesmustbevoluntary.Notonlymusttheonepartybewillingtomakethecompensation;theothermustbewillingtoacceptofitwhenmade.TheappointmentoftheFatherisnolessimportantthanthevoluntaryengagementoftheSon;andthis,wehavenowtostate,isaprerequisitetovaliditywhichtheworkofChristdistinctlypossessed.

Thenecessityofdivineappointmentwillappear,ifitisconsidered,thatGod,beingthepartyoffendedbyman'ssin,hadarighttodeterminewhethersinshouldbepardonedatall,and,iftobepardoned,onwhatground.Itwasnotenough,thatapersonheroicandbenevolentenoughshouldbefound,tooffertosubstitutehimselfintheplaceoftheguilty.Totheoffendedsovereigndoesitbelongtodeterminewhethertheproposedsubstitutionshallservealltheendsofjustice.OfthisHeistheonlyjudge.And,supposinghimsatisfiedonthispoint,itisstillapartofhissovereignprerogativetodeterminewhetherheshallbepleasedtoacceptofthis,orshallinsistthatthepenaltybeinflictedonthepersonoffending.Tosayotherwise,istoholdthemonstrousopinion,thattheAlmightycouldbecompelledtoadoptalineofprocedurepointedoutbyanother.Inshort,theacceptanceofcommutativesatisfactionissuchadeviationfromtheordinarycourseoflegislativewisdom,thatnonebutthesovereignlegislatorhimselfisqualifiedtosaywhenitmaybewiseandpropertoputforthsohighanexertionofthedispensingpower.Thepowerofdispensing,inany

particular,withthelaws,canresideonlyinhimwhohasthepowerofmakingthelaws.Now,inthecasebeforeus,thereisadispensingwiththeletterofthelawasfarasitrequiresthepersonalpunishmentoftheoffender.Itisthusclearasnoondaythat,hadnotGodvoluntarilyconsentedtoacceptofthesufferingsofChrist,thesesufferings,howeverotherwiseprecious,couldhavebeenofnoavail.Theymighthavebeenrejected,asanunauthorizedinterferencewiththeregularflowoflegislativeprocedure.Nosecuritycouldhaveexistedfortheireverbeingaccepted.Intrinsicallyvaluablethoughtheywere,theymighthavebeenrelativelyworthless;and,asregardsthegranddesignofappeasingthewrathofGod,thepreciousbloodofChristmighthavebeenaswaterspiltupontheground.

TheevidencethatthesacrificeofChristwasappointedbyGodishappilyassatisfactoryasthenecessityfortheappointmentis

indispensable.Ingivinghimselfforoursinsthathemightredeemusfromthepresentevilworld,heacted‘accordingtothewillofGod,evenourFather.'Itwas,inconsequenceofnofortuitousconcurrenceofcircumstances,orprivateovertureofbenevolence,thatJesusdied,butfrom‘beingdeliveredbythedeterminatecounselandforeknowledgeofGod.'Thecharacterinwhichhesufferedwasstampedwiththeauthorityofadivinedelegation,—'Iwassetupfromeverlasting,fromthebeginning,orevertheearthwas.'Attheverytimethatheclaimsforhimselfthecharacterofentireself-devotement,hefailsnottopointdistinctlytohiscommissionfromabove,—'Ihavepowertolayitdown,andIhavepowertotakeitagain.ThiscommandmenthaveIreceivedofmyFather'.Justbeforeenteringonthefinalsceneofwoetowhichsomuchimportanceisattached,didhesay,‘AstheFathergavemecommandmentsoIdo;arise,letusgohence.'Notlessdecisiveisthetestimonyoftheapostles.‘Whom,'saysPaul,‘Godhathsetforth(foreordained,Gr.word)tobeapropitiationthroughfaithinhisblood.'‘Forofatruth,'saysPeter,‘againstthyholychildJesus,whomthouhastanointed,bothHerodandPontiusPilate,withtheGentiles,andthepeopleofIsrael,weregatheredtogether,fortodowhatsoeverthyhandandthycounseldeterminedbeforetobedone.'Andagain,‘Yewerenotredeemedwithcorruptiblethingsassilverandgold—butwiththepreciousbloodofChrist,asofalambwithoutblemishandwithoutspot,whoverilywasforeordainedbeforethefoundationoftheworld.'Inbeautifulharmonywiththesetestimoniesisthedescriptivelanguageofthebeloveddisciple,‘TheLambslainfromthefoundationoftheworld.'Thusdoesitfullyappearthat,inmakingatonementforoursins,Jesusacted,notonly

withthefullconsent,butunderthehighcommissionofGod.Heitwaswhoawaked,byhisvindictivecall,thefieryswordofvengeanceagainsttheShepherd,themanthatwashisfellow,whichcontinuedtosmitewithrelentlessseveritytilljusticewassatisfied,andcouldnotbequietbecausetheLordhadgivenitacharge.Sotrueisitthat‘theFathersenttheSontobetheSaviouroftheworld.'

Thesearethecircumstances,then,whichconstitutethevalidityofChrist'satonement.Theyareallofthemnecessary;notonecanbedispensedwith.Excludeanyoneofthem,anditwillbeinstantlyseentonullifyalltherest.Theyresolvethemselvesintosupremedivinity,perfecthumanity,anddivineappointment.These,notsinglybuttogether,arewhatconferredonthesufferingsanddeathofourMediatorthathighcharacterofintrinsicandrelativeworthwhichrenderedthemacompleteatonementtothelawandjusticeofGodforthesinsofmen.Withoutthese,theyhadhadnoefficacy.Inthiscase,thedyingconquerorhadnevergivenutterancetotheexpiringshoutofexultation,‘Itisfinished:'Neverhadhearisenfromthegrave,andascendedtoglory,andsatdownattherighthandofGod,amidthewelcomingshoutsofenrapturedseraphim:Themediatorialglorywhicheclipsesthesplendoursoftheshekinahhadneverthrownaroundhimitscelestialradiance:Norhadthesceptreofuniversalempireeverbeenputintohishand.Fromtheperfectionofhisatonement,arisingoutofthecircumstancesspecifiedabove,doesitproceed,thathemakesintercessionforuswithinthevailoftheuppersanctuary;thathedispenseswithamunificenthandthegiftsofhispurchase,andcausesthepreyofagreatspoiltobedivided.Andpeace,andpardon,andredemption,andholiness,andeternalglory,areamongtherichfruitsoftheroyalandtriumphantconquestheachieved,when,byhisinfinitelymeritoriousdeath,hespoiledprincipalitiesandpowers,andmadeashowofthemopenly.Withthemostentireconfidence,then,maytheneedysinner,smitten

withthedeepestsenseofconsciousunworthiness,relyforsalvationonthisall-sufficientatonement.

SECTIONXI.

EXTENTOFCHRIST'SATONEMENT.

Thepointofwhichwearenowtotreathasbeenextensivelyagitated,aswellin

ancientasinmoderntimes.Ataveryremoteperiod,Faustus,theleaderofthepelagians,andSirmandus,anacknowledgedsemipelagian,advocatedthesentimentthatChristdiedforallmen;andwereopposedbyAugustine,Prosper,Fulgentius,Remigius,andotherfearlessdefendersofthetruth.IntheRomishchurch,thiscontroversywascarriedonwithnosmalldegreeofwarmth,theJesuitsespousingtheonesideandtheJanseniststheother.Fromthepapistsitpassedtotheprotestants,LutheransandArminiansadvocatingthecauseofuniversality,whiletheCalvinistscontendedforadefiniteorrestrictedextent.TheopinionoftheremonstrantsonthistopicwaspointedlycondemnedbythesynodofDort.ItstillconstitutesaprominentfeatureinthecontroversybetweenArminiansandCalvinists;andevensome,whoareotherwisefreefromtheArminiantaint,haveadoptednotionsonthispointthatareatvariancewiththeCalvinisticcreed.TheHopkinsiancontroversy,whichhasoflatedistractedtheAmericanchurches,involves,amongstitspeculiarities,thepointinquestion.Andinourowncountry,ascannotbutbeknowntomanyofourreaders,thequestionrespectingtheextentofChrist'satonementhasbeenagitatedoflatewithconsiderablekeenness;norhasthesideofwhatweconceivetobetruth,beenalwaysespousedbythosewhoareotherwiseevangelicalintheirdoctrinalopinions.

I.Beforegoingintoanythinglikeargument,itwillbepropertoattendtosomepreliminaryEXPLANATIONS.

OntheextentofChrist'satonement,thetwoopinionsthathavelongdividedthechurchareexpressedbythetermsdefiniteandindefinite.TheformermeansthatChristdied,satisfieddivinejustice,andmadeatonement,onlyforsuchasaresaved.ThelattermeansthatChristdied,satisfieddivinejustice,ormadeatonement,forallmankindwithoutexception,aswellthosewhoarenotsavedasthosewhoare.TheoneregardsthedeathofChristasalegalsatisfactiontothelawandjusticeofGodonbehalfofelectsinners:theotherregardsitasageneralmoralvindicationofthedivinegovernment,withoutrespecttothosetowhomitmayberenderedeffectual,andofcourseequallyapplicabletoall.Theformeropinion,orwhatiscalleddefiniteatonementisthatwhichweadopt,andwhichweshallendeavourtoexplain,prove,anddefend,inoursubsequentobservations.Itmaybethusstated:—THATTHELORDJESUSCHRISTMADEATONEMENTTOGODBYHISDEATH,ONLYFORTHESINSOFTHOSE,TOWHOM,INTHESOVEREIGNGOODPLEASUREOFTHEALMIGHTY,THEBENEFITSOFHISDEATHSHALLBEFINALLYAPPLIED.Bythisdefinition,theextentofChrist'satonementis

limitedto,thosewhoultimatelyenjoyitsfruits;itisrestrictedtotheelectofGod,forwhomaloneweconceivehimtohavelaiddownhislife.However,topreventmistakes,andtogiveusaclearunderstandingofthepointindispute,itmaybenecessarytoofferafewexplanatoryremarks.

1.Thepointindispute,letitbecarefullyobserved,doesnotrespecttheintrinsicworthofChrist'sdeath.Thisisadmitted,onbothhands,tobeinfinite.Thereisnoroomforcontroversyhere.Ashasbeenshownintheprecedingsection,theinherentworthofChrist'satonementarisesnotfromthenature,intensity,orcontinuanceofhissufferings,butfromhispersonaldignityandotherconcurrentcircumstances,whichstampacharacterofinfinitevalueonallthatheendured.OnthisgroundweholdthatthesacrificeoftheLordJesusChristpossessedanintrinsicvaluesufficientforthesalvationofthewholeworld.Inthissenseitwasadequatetotheredemptionofeveryhumanbeing—abletoprocuretheexpiationofeveryman'ssinsthateverexisted,orevershallexisttotheendoftime.Herewefeelnohesitation;norcanwequalifytheseassertionsintheslightestdegree.WeshallyieldtononeinourestimateoftheintrinsicworthofChrist'satonementThatworthweholdtobe,inthestrictestsenseoftheterm,INFINITE—ABSOLUTE—ALLSUFFICIENT.Ifsufficiencywerethepointonwhichthecontroversyturned,itmightsoonbeended;andwearestronglyinclinedtobelieve,thatnothingmorethanthisismeantbymanyofthosewhocontendforChrist'shavingdiedforallmen;itiswithsuchpersonsamistakeofwordsmorethanofopinion.Inthefullestsenseoftheterms,then,weregardtheatonementofChristasSUFFICIENTFORALL.Thisall-sufficiencyiswhatlaysfoundationfortheunrestricteduniversalityofthegospelcall.Andfromeverysuchviewoftheatonementaswouldimplythatitwasnotsufficientforall,orthattherewasnotanamplewarrantintheinvitationsofthegospelforalltolooktoitforsalvation,weutterlydissent.Againsteverysuchlimitationorrestrictionweenteroursolemnanddeliberateprotest,asalikedishonouringtoChrist,andunwarrantedbythetestimonyofscripture.Norwouldwehesitateforamomenttoadoptthefollowingstrongprotestationofaneminentwriter,asexpressiveofourownsettledconvictiononthesubject:—'Suchismyimpressionofitssufficiency,thatwerealltheguiltofallthemillionsofmankindthathaveeverlivedconcentratedinmyownperson,Ishouldseenoreason,relyingonthatbloodwhichcleansethfromallsin,toindulgedespair.'

2.NeitherdoesthepresentcontroversyturnontheapplicationofChrist'satonement.Theextentofapplicationisalsoallowed,onbothhands,tobe

limited.Ouropponentsmustadmitthattheatonementismadeeffectualonlytosome.Onlysuchasbelieve,ultimatelycometoshareinthebenefitsoftheRedeemer'spurchase;anditisadmittedthatallmenhavenotfaith.Therehavebeenpersons—asPucciusandHuberasamongtheancients—whohavemaintainedthatallmenactuallyreapthesavingbenefitsofChrist'sblood;andtherearethoseeveninourownday,whocontendfortheultimateeternalwelfareofthewholeraceofmankind:butasthesesentimentsareheldinconnexionwiththemostvagueanderroneousviewsofthenatureoftheRedeemer'swork,inconnexioninshortwithadenialofthedoctrineofatonement,withthosewhomaintainthemwecannotconsiderourselvesashavingatpresentanydispute.Thosewithwhomwecontendrestricttheapplicationofatonementtobelievers,whiletheyallowthatmanyshallperishfinallyandeternallyinastateofunbelief.

3.Thepresentquestion,then,hingessolelyonthedivineintentionregardingthesubjectsofatonement,orwhatiscalledthedestinationofChrist'sdeath.This,somemaintain,extendstoallmankindwithoutexception,andnottothosemerelywhoaresavedbyitintheend.Thisistheturningpointofthecontroversy.Thequestionisnot,whetherChrist'satonementissufficientforall,orwhetherallfinallyenjoythebenefitofhisatonement:butwhetheritwasthesecretdesign,intention,ordeterminationofGodthathisSonshouldmakeatonementforall,oronlyfortheselectspecifiednumberwhoarefinallysaved.Now,confiningourselvestothedivineintentionordesignregardingtheobjectsoftheatonement,thereareonlythesesupposablecases,oneofwhichmustconstitutethetruthonthisimportantandmuchlitigatedpoint:—ThedesignorintentionofGodmusthavebeen,thathisSonshouldmakeatonementbyhisdeath;—eitherforSOMEofthesinsofALLmen—orforALLthesinsofALLmen—orforALLthesinsofSOMEmen—orforthesinsofnomaninparticular,butforSININGENERAL.Thefirstofthesesuppositionswedonotknowtobeheldbyany:noristhiswonderful,whenitisconsidered,thattodieforonlysomeofthesinsofmenwouldavailnothingforsalvation,aswhatremainedunatonedforwouldbesufficienttoensurecondemnation.Thesecondandthefourthareinvolvedinoneanother,astheadvocatesofuniversalorindefiniteatonementseemtomean,byChrist'sdyingforthesinsofallmen,thathisdeathwasamoralsatisfactiontothedivinelawforsiningeneral,which,withoutadesignedreferencetoanyoneinparticular,wascapableofbeingappliedtoall.Nowthisisthesentimentwhichwemeantooppose,byprovingandvindicatingthethirdsupposition,namely,thatitwasthedesignorintentionofGodthathisSonshouldmakeatonementforALLthesinsofSOMEmen

only.

II.TheseexplanationspreparethewayforthePROOFthattheatonementisdefiniteorlimitedastoitsextent,thatistosay,thatChristmadeatonementforthesinsofonlysomemen.

1.Andhereweappeal,firstofall,tothespecialityandimmutabilityofthedivinepurposerespectingthesubjectsofsalvation.

Weenternotonthewidefieldofcontroversyconnectedwiththedoctrineofdivinedecrees.Asovereignactofelectionfromalleverlastingisadmitted,webelieve,bythosewithwhomweatpresentcontend.Indeed,itisdifficulttoseehowthiscanbedeniedbyanywhobelieveinthewisdomandforeknowledgeofGod,orwhopayrespecttothedirecttestimonyofscripture.Itisadmittedthatthereissuchathingassalvation,andthatthissalvationistheprivilege,notofall,butonlyofsomeofthehumanrace.Itmustalsobeadmitted,that,ineffectingsalvation,theDivineBeingactsagreeablytoapreconceivedplanordesignedarrangement.TodenythisistoimputetotheinfinitelywiseGodconductsuchasweascribeonlytothemostfoolishandthoughtlessamongmen;conductsuchasisexemplifiedinnootherdepartmentoftheAlmighty'sworks,forinallofthemwemeetwithsuchorderandregularityasevincetheexistenceofanoriginalpurposeordesign.Well,then,ifGod,inthematterofsalvation,actsaccordingtodesign,anditsohappensthatsalvationislimitedinitsapplicationtosome,doesitnotfollowthatitwasthedesignofGodthatitshouldbesolimited?And,ifitwastheeternalpurposeofGodthatonlysomeshouldbesavedbythedeathofChrist,withwhatproprietycanitbeheldthatitwashisdesignthatChristshoulddieforall?Doesnotthisamounttothesupposition,thatGoddesignedhisSonshoulddieforsometowhomitwasnothisdesignthathisdeathshouldbeeffectual?Thatistosay,thatitwasGod'sdesignthatthedeathofChristshouldbeineffectualwithregardtosomeofthoseforwhomitwasdesigned—thatGoddesignedtheexistenceofacausewhichshouldnotbeattendedwithitsdesignedeffect.ThisappearstoustobeunworthyaBeingofinfinitewisdom,andatvariancewiththedirectscripturetestimony,thatwhomhedidpredestinatetobeconformedtotheimageofhisSon,themhealsocalled,andwhomhecalledthemhealsojustified,andwhomhejustifiedthemhealsoglorified.

1.Besides,thepurposesofGodmustbeallowedtobeimmutable.Scriptureasserts,andreasonapprovestheassertion,thathiscounselstandsandhewilldo

allhispleasure.AllthedesignsofaBeingofinfinitewisdomandalmightypowermustbefulfilled.Itisimpossibletoseehowtheycaneverbefrustrated.Toassertthattheycan,savoursofblasphemy.If,therefore,itwasthedesignofGodthatChristshouldmakeatonementforall,thisdesignmustbeaccomplishedinthesalvationofall.But,ifthefactisthatonlysomearesaved,itmusthavebeenthedesignofGodthatatonementshouldbemadeonlyforsome,elsethedesignsofGodmaybefrustrated—theintentionsofthedivinewillmaybedisappointed.IfitwasthepurposeofGodthatatonementshouldbemadeforall,andyetthefactturnsouttobethatonlysomearebenefitedbytheatonement,howcomesitaboutthatitfailswithregardtotheothers?Itcannotbefromanydeficiencyofknowledge,forGodisomniscient.Itcannotbefromanydeficiencyofwisdom,forhisunderstandingisinfinite.Itcannotbefromanyalterationofaffection,forherestsinhislove.Itcannotbefromanydefectofpower,forhisarmisomnipotent,andwhohathresistedhiswill?WearereducedtotheconclusionthatthedesignofGod,whateveritis,isinfalliblyaccomplished,andofcourse,arecompelledtoadopttheopinion,that,astheatonementactuallyextendsbuttosome,itwastheoriginalpurposeofthedivinewillthatitshouldnotextendfurther.Thefactisthebestinterpreterofthedivineintention.

2.Therectitudeofthedivinecharacterconductstothesameinference.

Shallnotthejudgeofalltheearthdoright?AGodoftruth,andwithoutiniquity,justandrightishe.Reason,conscience,revelation,andprovidenceallconcurinattestingthisperfectionofhisnature.ThesupremeBeinggivestoeveryonehisdue.Thisprinciplecannotbeviolatedinasingleinstance.Hecannot,accordingtothis,eitherremitsinwithoutsatisfaction,orpunishsinwheresatisfactionforithasbeenreceived.Theoneisasinconsistentwithperfectequityastheother.Ifthepunishmentforsinhasbeenborne,theremissionoftheoffencefollowsofcourse.Theprinciplesofrectitudesupposethis,nayperemptorilydemandit;justicecouldnotbesatisfiedwithoutit.Agreeablytothisreasoningitfollows,thatthedeathofChristbeingalegalsatisfactionforsin,allforwhomhediedmustenjoytheremissionoftheiroffences.ItisasmuchatvariancewithstrictjusticeorequitythatanyforwhomChristhasgivensatisfactionshouldcontinueundercondemnation,asthattheyshouldhavebeendeliveredfromguiltwithoutasatisfactionbeinggivenforthematall.Butitisadmittedthatallarenotdeliveredfromthepunishmentofsin,thattherearemanywhoperishinfinalcondemnation.Wearethereforecompelledtoinferthatforsuchnosatisfactionhasbeengiventotheclaimsofinfinitejustice—noatonementhasbeenmade.If

thisisdenied,themonstrousimpossibilitymustbemaintained,thattheinfalliblejudgerefusestoremitthepunishmentofsomeforwhoseoffenceshehasreceivedafullcompensation;thathefinallycondemnssomethepriceofwhosedeliverancefromcondemnationhasbeenpaidtohim;that,withregardtothesinsofsomeofmankind,heseekssatisfactionintheirpersonalpunishmentafterhavingobtainedsatisfactionfortheminthesufferingsofChrist;thatistosay,thataninfinitelyrighteousGodtakesdoublepaymentforthesamedebt,doublesatisfactionforthesameoffence,firstfromthesurety,andthenfromthoseforwhomthesuretystoodbound.Itisneedlesstoaddthattheseconclusionsarerevoltingtoeveryrightfeelingofequity,andmustbetotallyinapplicabletotheprocedureofHimwho‘lovethrighteousnessandhatethwickedness.'

3.Lettheconnexionoftheatonementwiththecovenantofgracebeconsidered,andfartherconfirmationwillbegiventoourargument.

Thescripturesrepresentthedivinepersonsasenteringintoafederalagreementforthesalvationofmen.Inthiscovenantofpeace,theFatheristherepresentativeofthegodhead,andtheSonrepresentativeofthosewhoaretoberedeemed.HeisonthisaccountcalledtheMediatorandtheSuretyofthecovenant.WhateverhedidasMediatororSurety,must,therefore,havebeendoneinconnexionwiththecovenant.Hisdeathwastheconditionofthecovenant.Itwasstipulated,astheconditionofhishavingaseedtoservehim,thatheshouldmakehissoulanofferingforsin;thatheshouldbeartheiriniquities;thatheshouldpourouthissouluntodeath.Inreferencetothis,thebloodoftheancientsacrificeswascalledthebloodofthecovenant,while,ofhisown,theSaviourtestifies,thiscupisthenewtestamentinmyblood.ThebloodofChristwasnotshedbyaccident,itwasnotpouredoutatrandomoronaventure.No:helaiddownhislifebycovenant.Thetermsofthecovenantmust,thereforedefinethedesignedextentoftheobjectsofhisdeath.Ifallmankindareincludedinthecovenant,—iftheSuretyofthecovenantrepresented,inthiseternaltransaction,thewholehumanrace,thentheatonementofChristmusthavebeenindefinite.But,ifthechildrenofthecovenant,asisadmitted,areonlyagivenspecifiednumberofthehumanfamily,thenmusttheatonementoftheMediatorberestrictedtothem.Thereseemsnoevadingthisinference.TogivethedesignedobjectsoftheSaviour'satonementagreaterextensionthanthecovenantofgraceistonullifyitscharacterasthestipulatedconditionofthecovenant,andtorendernugatoryandunavailingtheconsolatoryaddressbywhichtheheartofmanyanawakenedsinnerhasbeensoothed,‘Beholdthe

bloodofthecovenant.'

4.Wemayrefer;also,totheverynatureofatonement.

WhatistheatonementofChrist?IthasbeenalreadydefinedandexplainedasthatperfectsatisfactiontothelawandjusticeofGod,onaccountofwhichsinnersaredeliveredfromcondemnation.Or,inotherwords,itisthatwhichremovestheoffencesubsistingbetweenGodandmen,andprocuresareconciliation.Itsupposesacompensationtobemadetothelawgiver,inconsiderationofwhichcertainspecificblessingsflowouttomen.Fromitsverynature,then,allforwhomtheatonementismademustreapitsfruits.Itisnoatonementwithoutthis.ThatanyofthoseforwhomChristdiedshouldfailtoenjoythebenefitsofhisdeath,is,inthisway,utterlyinconceivable.ItisnotmoreatvariancewiththepurposeofGod,ortheequityofthedivinecharacter,orthetenorofthecovenantofgrace,thanwiththeverynatureoftheSaviour'swork.Hisworkisanatonement,thatis,areconciliation;andtotalkofhismakingatonementforsuchasareneverreconciled,isacontradictioninterms:itistosayhemakesatonementandyetnoatonement,inthecaseofthesameindividuals.ThesameconclusionfollowsfromotherdescriptionsoftheworkofChrist.Heissaidtogivesatisfactionforsin;buthowcanhehavegivensatisfactionforthesinsofthoseonwhomthelawistotakesatisfactioneternally?Heissaidtoappeasedivinejustice;butcanthejusticeofGodbeappeased,inthecaseofthoseagainstwhomitsflamingswordshallawakeforeverandever?Heissaidtoexpiateouroffences;buthowcanthosesinsforwhichtheguiltyperpetratorsaretosuffereverlastinglyhavebeenexpiated?Heissaidtoredeemfromthecurseofthelaw;buthowcanthosewhoaretobekeptineternalthraldomhaveredemptionthroughhisblood?HeisspokenofaspropitiatingthewrathofGod;buthowcanthosebeinterestedinhispropitiationwhoaretobetheobjectsofJehovah'sunceasingdispleasure?Heisdescribed,infine,asprocuringbyhisdeathgraceandglory;buthowcanthisapplytothecaseofthosewhocontinueunderthepowerofcorruptionhere,andsinkhereafterintonever-endingperdition?Weappeal,then,totheverynatureofatonement;wereverttothetermsofourdefinition,inproofofthedefiniteobjectofChrist'sdeath.Anyotherviewisdirectlyatvariancewiththeseterms,andthisweshouldconceiveassufficientinitselftodeterminethecontroversy.Allviewsofanindefiniteextentareatonceputtoflightbythisquestion,whatistheatonement?

Whatrendersthepresentargumentmoreemphaticis,that,previoustothe

atonementbeingactuallymade,multitudeshadbeenplacedbeyondthereachofeverbeingbenefitedbyit.BeforeChristdiedmanyofthehumanracehadgonetotheplaceofwoe,whereGodhasforgottentobegracious,andwherehismercyiscleangone.But,accordingtotheopinionwearecombating,theeternalsalvationofthesewasincludedinthedesignedextentoftheatonement.Andwhathavewehere?Why,thesupposition,notmerelythatChristmadeatonementonCalvaryformanywho.shouldafterwards,throughunbelief,comeshortofanactualparticipationinthebenefitsofhisdeath,butthathemadeatonementforthousandswho,longbeforehedidso,hadgonedowntoIRRETRIEVABLEperdition,andwereonthisaccount,attheverytime,placedbeyondthepossibilityofeverreceivingfromhisdeathasinglebenefitSucharethepalpableinconsistencies,nay,themonstrousabsurdities,whichtheerrorinquestioncompelsmentoadopt.

5.TheconnexionofthedeathofChristwithhisresurrectionandhisintercession,andwiththegiftoftheSpirit,isheredeservingofattention.

ThedeathandresurrectionoftheSaviourbearacloserelationtoeachother.Inwhatevercharacterhedied,inthesamecharacterherosefromthedead.IfhelaiddownhislifeasHeadofthechurch,andSuretyofhispeople,andMediatorofthecovenant,inthesamecapacitiesdidhetakeitupagain.Thepersonsinterestedintheoneeventandintheother,arethesame.‘Christdiedforoursins,androseagainforourjustification.'Hediedfornone,forwhosesakehedidnotrise.Andforwhomdidherise?Whoaretheywhoarebenefitedbyhisresurrection?Those,surely,who‘shallcomeforthuntotheresurrectionoflife.'‘NowChristisrisenfromthedeadandbecomethefirst-fruitsofthem,thatslept.'Thesleephereisnotthesleepofdeathmerely,whichallundergo,butthatrefreshingresttowhichthedeathoftherighteousiscompared,andwhichiscalled,bythesameapostle,inanotherofhiswritings,sleepinginJesus:—'ThemalsowhichsleepinJesuswillGodbringwithhim.'Thenheadds,inlanguagefullycorroborativeoftherestrictedextentofthosewhoprofitbyhisresurrection,‘Everymaninhisownorder;Christthefirst-fruits;afterwardtheythatareChrist'sathiscoming.'Those,then,towhomChristinhisresurrectionstoodintherelationofthefirst-fruits,aretheywhosleepinChrist,theywhoareChrist's,andnotthewholeraceofmankind.And,fromtheconnexionsubsistingbetweenhisresurrectionandhisdeath,fortheseonlycanhebeheldtohavedied.

AsimilarrelationsubsistsbetwixtthedeathandtheintercessionofChrist.Such

istheeconomyofoursalvation,thathisintercessionisnecessarytoaparticipationofthefruitsofhisdeath.Noonecaneverpartakeofthelatterwithouttheformer.Ofcourse,hecannotbesupposedtohavediedforanyforwhomhedoesnotintercede,ashecannotbesupposedtointercedeforanyforwhomhehasnotdied.Andforwhomdoeshemakeintercession?Forall,oronlysomeofthehumanrace?Letussee.‘IPRAYNOTFORTHEWORLD,BUTFORTHEMWHICHTHOUHASTGIVENME.'—'Father,IwillthatTHEYWHOMTHOUHASTGIVENME,bewithmewhereIam.'Ifhediedforall,howcomesitthathepraysonlyforsome?Arethereanyforwhomhedied,forwhomheneglectsorrefusestopray?Thethingisincredible,impossible,oneveryviewthatcanbetakenoftheRedeemer'scharacterandwork.Ifhediedforall,hemustprayforall;and,ifhepraysforall,allmustbesaved,forhimtheFatherhearethalways.ButtheintercessionofChristismanifestlyspecialandrestricted,asrespectsthepersonswhoarethesubjectsofit.Whence,wefeel

warrantedtoconclude,thatananalogousrestrictionattendshisdeath.

TheworkofChristandthatoftheHolySpiritarealsocloselyconnected,andbearanexactcorrespondencetheonetotheother.Itisnotourobjecttotracethiscorrespondenceextensively.Thefact,however,isabundantlyevident.‘Thisis.hethatcamebywaterandblood,evenJesusChrist;notbywateronly,butbywaterandblood:anditistheSpiritthatbearethwitness,becausetheSpiritistruth.'‘Theancientceremonyofthetwobirds,oneofwhichwastobekilledinanearthenvesseloverrunningwater,andtheothertobediptaliveinthebloodoftheslainbird,significantlyprefiguredthisconnexion.Nordothewritersofthenewtestamentfailtocallourattentiontothecircumstance.‘TheblessingofAbrahamcomesontheGentilesthroughJesusChrist,thatwemightreceivethepromiseoftheSpiritthroughfaith.'God'shaving‘sentforthhisSon,madeofawoman,madeunderthelaw,toredeemthemthatwereunderthelaw,'hearsadistinctrelationtoHis‘sendingforththeSpiritofhisSonintoourhearts,crying,Abba,Father.'Howappropriateandexpressive,inthisview,wastheactofthedivineSaviour,when,justafterhisresurrectionfromthedead,‘hebreathedonthedisciples,andsaiduntothem,ReceiveyetheHolyGhost.'Intheeconomyofredemption,theybearsoclosearelationtooneanother,astoinducethebeliefthattheymustnecessarilybecoextensiveasregardsthosewhoaretheirobjects.Theconnexionis,indeed,inseparable.Iftheatonementremovesthelegalobstructionstoman'ssalvation,theSpiritremovessuchasaremoral;butitwerealikepreposterousandnugatorytoconceivethatthereareanywho

enjoytheonewithouttheother,—anywhoaredeliveredbyChristfromthecondemnation,withoutbeingrescuedbytheSpiritfromthepower,ofsin.Iftheatonementopensthedooroftheheavenlysanctuary,theSpirit'sworkisnecessarytofitforinhabitingtheholyplace;anditwereofnoavailthattheoneoftheseweresecuredforanywithouttheother.IftheatonementofChristlaysthefoundation,theSpiritbyhisworkrearsthesuperstructureofgrace;butitwereareflectionalikeonthewisdomandgoodnessofourcovenantGod,tosupposethatthereareanywhopossesstheformeroftheseblessingswithoutthelatter,whichisnecessarytoitsperfectionandutility.Thequestion,then,comestobe,doallreceivethegiftoftheSpirit?Areallactuallyregenerated,sanctified,andputinpossessionofeternallife?Ifnot,wehavenogroundforsupposingthatallareinterestedintheatoningvirtueofChrist'spreciousblood;for,aswehaveseen,theworkofChristandthefruitsoftheSpirithaveacorrespondingextent.‘HewhosparednothisownSon,butdeliveredhimupforusall,howshallhenotwithhimalsofreelygiveusallthings.'Thisisgoodreasoning,butitisfataltotheopinionwearecombating,asitinfalliblyestablishesthatallforwhomGoddelivereduphisownSonshallcertainlycometotheenjoymentofeveryfruitofhispurchase.

6.Someweightisdeservingofbeingattachedtothelimitedapplicationandevenrevelationoftheatonement.

Theargumentfromthelimitedapplication,issubstantiallyinvolvedinwhatwehavealreadysaidrespectingthenatureofatonement,anditsinseparableconnexionwiththeworkoftheSpirit.OfthedesignedextentofChrist'satonement,wemayjudgefromthatofitsinfluence.Istheeffectorapplicationoftheatonementuniversalorrestricted?Restricted,aswehavealreadyseenisacknowledgedonallhands.ButastheomnipotentandomniscientGodcannotfailinanyofhisdesigns,theactualeffectletsusknowtheextentofthedesignedeffect.Betwixtthesetherecanneverexistanyproperdisagreement.Andastheeffectsofatonement,namely,redemption,reconciliation,sanctification,andglory,extendbuttosome,weareboundtoapplytotheatonementitselfasimilarrestrictioninthedesignedextentofitssubjects.

Eventhelimitedextenttowhichtheatonementhasbeenrevealed,wouldseemtopointtothesameconclusion.Aknowledgeofthefact,is,accordingtotheplanofoursalvation,necessary,inthecaseofadults,toaparticipationinitsfruits.‘BelieveintheLordJesusChristandthoushaltbesaved:'but‘faithcomethbyhearing,andhearingbythewordofGod;'and‘howshalltheybelieve

inhimofwhomtheyhavenotheard,andhowshalltheyhearwithoutapreacher?'Itseemstofollowfromthis,thatallforwhomtheremedyrevealedinthe.gospelisdesigned,mustbeputinpossessionofthegospel.Theymustbelievethattheymaybesaved;—theymustknowthattheymaybelieve;—andtheymusthearthattheymayknow.Many,forwhoseultimatebenefittheremedyitselfisnotsecretlydesigned,maypossesstherevelationofit;butall,forwhomitissodesigned,must.Now,inconnexionwiththis,considerthelimiteddiffusionofthegospel.Ineveryageoftheworld,therevelationofmercyhasbeen,infact,restrictedtoafew.Inancienttimes,theAlmightyshowedhiswordtoJacobandhisjudgmentstoIsrael,whilethenationsatlargesatindarkness.Inlatertimes,althoughthediffusionhasbeenmorewide,andthecommandhasbeenthatthegospelshouldbepreachedtoeverycreature,ithasactuallybeengreatlylimitedcomparedwiththepopulationoftheworld.Tothishourtherearehundredsofmillionsofourracewhoremainunvisitedbythedayspringfromonhigh.Andifwesupposethatforthesetheatonementwhichthegospelrevealswasasmuchdesignedasfortheothers,weshallbeledtothemostunworthyviewsofthedivinecharacter.Godcouldhavemadeitknowntoall,andyetitseemshehasnot.Itisvaintopleadtheremissnessofthosewhosedutyitwastodiffusethebenefitofgospellightamongtheirbenightedfellowmen;forastheywerecompletelyunderhissovereigncontrol,this,althoughitleavestheminexcusable,leavesthefactwhollyunexplainedasregardsthepurposeanddesignofGod.Thethinghashappenedunderhissuperintendingprovidence,andmust,therefore,beinharmonywiththesecretcouncilsofhiswill.Itis,ofcourse,utterlyirreconcilablewiththenotionthattheatonementofJesusChristwasdesignedforall.Whatwouldmenthinkoftheprince,who,designingtoemancipatealltheinhabitantsofarebelliousprovinceofhisempire,shouldprovideasufficientgroundofescapeforall,butshouldcommunicatetheknowledgeofthismercifulprovisiononlytoafew,whilethegreaternumberwereallowedtocontinueinperpetualduranceinconsequenceoftheirunhappyignorance?Or,whatwouldmenthinkofthephysician,whoshouldbenevolentlydeviseandprepareamedicinedesignedtocureadiseaseofuniversalprevalence,andyetsuffermultitudesforwhomitwassodesignedtoremainignorantofitsexistencethusrenderingitimpossibleforthemtoavailthemselvesofitshealingvirtues?Suchthingsmightoccuramongmen,withwhomgenerosity,andhumanity,andconsistency,andwisdom,arebutrarequalities,butthatanythinganalogousshouldeveroccurinthearrangementsofHimwhoseunderstandingisinfinite,whosenatureislove,andinwhomcompassionsflow,isutterly

inconceivable.Wehold,then,thelimiteddiffusionofthegospeltobedemonstrativeofthedefinitenatureofChrist'satonement.

7.Wetakethelibertyofadvertingtotheabsurditythatattendseveryothersuppositionbutthatofadefiniteatonement.

Thereare,aswehaveseen,onlyfoursuppositionsonthesubject:—thatChristdied,eitherforsomeofthesinsofallmen;orforallthesinsofallmen;orforallthesinsofsomemen;orforthesinsofnooneinparticular,butforsiningeneral.Thefirstisheldbynone:thethirdisthatwhichitisourobjecttoprove:thesecondandfourtharewhatareheldbytheopponentsofourdoctrine;andthese,wearenowtoshow,involvesuchasmaintaintheminabsurdity.ThatChristmadeatonementforallthesinsofallmen,isasuppositionfraughtwithabsurdity.Aswehavealreadyseen,itsupposeshimtobetheSaviourofthosewhoareneversaved,theRedeemerofthosewhoareneverredeemed,theDelivererofthousandswhoareneverdeliveredbutremainundereternalcondemnation.Butthisisnottheabsurditywehaveatpresentinview.WhenthosewhoholdthesentimentthatChristmadeatonementforthesinsofallmen,areasked,why,inthiscase,ithappensthatanyarecondemned?theyreadilyreply;thatsalvationwasprocuredformenontheconditionthattheyshouldbelieve,and,notbelieving,theyofcoursecannotbesaved.Thereason,inshort,whymanyofthoseforwhomChristdiedfailtoreapthebenefitsofhisdeath,istheirunbelief.Nowhereisaseriesofabsurdities.Itissupposed,foronething,thatmanyarecondemnedforunbelief,although,aswehaveseen,theyhadnotanopportunityofbelieving,neverhavingbeenputinpossessionofthegospel.Then,again;itissupposedthatmenareableofthemselvestobelieve—thatfaithisaspontaneousactofthenaturalman,irrespectiveofthedeathofChrist,andthatwithoutwhichthedeathofChristcanhavenoefficacy;whereas,accordingtothescriptures,faithisthegiftofGod,anactofthenewmanonly,andaneffect;notthecause,oftheefficacyofChrist'sdeath.Thisbeingthecase,itisabsurdtotalkofitsbeingtheconditionofman'ssalvation,onthefulfilmentofwhichtheeffectoftheatonementhinges.For,ifmancannotbelieveofhimself,ifthepowertodosoisGod'sgift,conferredoutofrespecttoandinconsequenceofthevirtueofChrist'satonement,itisasabsurdtospeakofChrist'smakingatonementformenonconditionthattheybelieve,asitwouldbetoofferablindmanasumofmoneyonconditionthathewillopenhiseyes.Besides,onthissupposition,thedeathofChristmighthavebeenutterlyandforeverunavailing,withrespecttothewholehumanrace.Theefficacyoftheatonementisthussuspendedontheconditionofman'sbelief;thereasonwhy

itprovesinefficacious,inthecaseofany,istheunbeliefofthepersonsinquestion;buthadallchosennottobelieve—andwhatsomedo,allmighthavedone—theatonementhadbeenrenderedaltogetheruseless.Everyviewofsalvation,then,isabsurd,whichdoesnotprovidesecurityfortheexistenceoffaithinallforwhomitisdesigned.Christdied,nottorendersalvationpossiblemerely,butcertain.

Norarethesetheonlyabsurditieswithwhichthissuppositionisburdened.ThebenefitofChrist'satonement,itissaid,extendsnottoallmen,becauseoftheunbeliefofsome.Butunbeliefiseitherasinornotasin.Ifitisnotasin,itisunaccountablethatanyshouldbecondemned,orcomeshortofsalvation,onaccountofit.Ifasin,Christeithermadeatonementforit,ordidnotmakeatonementforit.IfChristmadeatonementforthesinofunbeliefinallmen,itisinconceivablethatanyshouldperishonaccountofthatsin.IfChristdidnotmakeatonementforit,thenhemadenotatonementforallthesinsofallmen.TosaythenthatChristmadeatonementforallthesinsofallmen,andyetthatmanyperishbecauseofunbelief,isabsurd.Fromthisdilemmaweseenowayofescape;andtheabettorsofthepointindisputemustlaytheiraccountwithbeingtossedononeorotherofitshorns,tilltheyarepleasedtoabandontheuntenablepositiontheyhaveassumed.

ThatChristmadeatonementfornoman'ssinsinparticular,butforsiningeneral,isasuppositionasabsurdasthatwehavenowexposed.Weareafraidtheideaisnotuncommonlyentertained,thatthedeathofChristwasonlyapublicexhibitionofGod'sdispleasureatsin,introducedsimplywithaviewtomaintainthehonourofthedivinemoralgovernment.Nottomentionotherobjectionstothisviewofthesubject,weremarkatpresentthatitleadstoabsurdity.Christ,accordingtothis,didnotdieforsinners,butforsin.Butsin,apartfromsinners,hasnocounterpartinnature;itisametaphysicalabstraction,anonentity.Sinisamoralquality,which,likeallotherqualities,supposesnecessarilyasubjecttowhichitbelongs;anditwereeverywhitasrationaltotalkofrednessexistingapartfromanobjectthatisred,orroundnessapartfromanobjectthatisround,asofsinapartfromasinner.Separatesinfromsinnersandyouhaveamereabstraction,forwhichitisdishonouringtothecharacteroftheblessedSaviourtosupposehimtomakeatonement.

Addtoall,thatsiningeneral,—sinintheabstract,includesthesinofangelsaswellasthatofmen.And,ifChristdiedonlytomakeapublicdisplayofthedivineabhorrenceatsiningeneral,weseenotwhytheextentoftheatonement

shouldbelimitedeventothehumanfamily;weseenotwhy,besidescomprehendingthewholeraceofman,itshouldnotalsoembraceallthefallenangelswithoutexception.Soabsurdinitself,andsosubversiveinitstendencyofthewholegospeleconomy,isthesuppositionwehavethusendeavouredtooverthrow.

8.Butletuscloseourproofwithadirectappealtothetestimonyofthedivineword.

Whatsaythescriptures?Theargumentsalreadyadduced,itisnotdoubted,arescripturalarguments.Theyarefoundedonviewsofthedivinecharacter,thecovenantofgrace,andtheSaviour'swork,whicharetakenfromthewordofGod.But,inadvancingthem,wemaybesaidrathertobe‘reasoningoutofthescriptures,'thantobeappealingdirectlytothescripturesthemselves.Theformerlineofprocedureservestoshowtheharmonyofourdoctrinewiththesystemofrevealedtruthatlarge:thelattercallstheattentiontoindividualtextswhichhaveadirectbearingonthesubject,andwhich,byconfiningourselvestotheother,wouldbeindangerofbeingoverlooked.Weshallgiveaspecimenofthetextswhichmighteasilybemarshalledinoverpoweringnumbers,andthisweshalldointheorderofthebooksofscriptureinwhichtheyoccur.

Wepassovertheoldtestamentwritings,withoneremarkofageneralkind,namely,thattheyeverywheresupposeandrecogniseadistinctionbetweenthepeopleofGodortheIsraelites,andtheGentilesorthenationsoftheworld:andthatthebenefitsofthesacrificialrite,whichprefiguredtheatonementofChrist,wereexclusivelylimitedtothosewhoareincludedundertheformerdescription.ThisdistinctionisincorporatedintheveryfirstintimationgiventomanofthedivineVictim,anintimationinwhichtheseedoftheserpentandtheSeedofthewomanareplacedinstrikingandinstructiveantithesis;norisiteverafterwardssufferedtodropoutofsight.Wewaitnottoadvert,inparticular,tosuchexpressionsasthese,‘Forthetransgressionofmypeoplewashestricken,'‘Hebarethesinsofmany;'butproceedtothewritingsofthenewtestament,towhichweprincipallymakeappealinthisdepartmentofourargument.

Letthereadercandidlyperusethesewords—'Noteveryonethatsaithuntome,Lord,Lord,shallenterintothekingdomofheaven;buthethatdoeththewillofmyFatherwhichisinheaven.Manywillsaytomeinthatday,Lord;Lord,havewenotprophesiedinthyname?andinthynamehavecastoutdevils?andinthynamedonemanywonderfulworks?AndthenwillIprofessuntothem,INEVER

KNEWYOU:departfrommeyethatworkiniquity.'Hereabroadlineofdistinctionisdrawnbetweentwoclassesofthehumanfamily,withrespecttooneofwhichtheSaviourmakestheappallingaffirmation,‘Ineverknewyou.'Theimportofthewords,accordingtoscriptureusage,itisbynomeansdifficulttoascertain.ThedoctrineoftheSaviour'somniscienceprecludestheideathatsimpleknowledgeisallthatisdesigned.Theantagonistassertions,‘YouonlyhaveIknownofallthefamiliesoftheearth,'and‘TheLordknoweththemthatarehis,'leaveusnoroomtohesitate.Thereferencecanonlybetoaspecialsavingcognizance,ofwhichsomearetheobjects,andothersnot.Butwithwhatshadowofplausibilitycansuchknowledgebedenied,withregardtoanyforwhomJesussuffered,whosesinsheactuallyboreinhisownbodyonthetree?Arethereanysuchwhomheneverknew?

Takeanothertestimonyfromthesameevangelist:—'AtthattimeJesusansweredandsaid,Ithankthee,OFather,Lordofheavenandearth,becausethouhasthidthesethingsfromthewiseandprudent,andhastrevealedthemuntobabes.'Itishereaffirmed,asplainlyaslanguagecandoit,thattherearesomeofmankindfromwhomthesavingbenefitsofChrist'skingdomare‘hid.'Now,wearenotconcernedwhatinterpretationisputuponthisphrase.Thatitimportssomeawfulprivationinthematterofthesoul'seternalinterests,cannotbedenied.Whatwehavetodowithisthis,whetherChrist'sbeingsaidtohavehidthesethingsfromthewiseandprudent,canbemadetocomportoragreewithhishavingprocuredtheseverythingsforthesameindividualsbyhisdeath.Canitbehonouringto‘theonlywiseGod,ourSaviour,'tosupposeinhisconductsoglaringacontradiction,asthatoffirstpurchasing,attheexpenseofhisownpreciousblood,savingbenefitsformen,andthendeliberatelyhidingthesepurchasedbenefitsfromthoseforwhomtheywerethusexpensivelyprovided?Takewhatviewyouwillofthehidingfromthewiseandprudent,itwillbefound

tobeincompatiblewiththepersonsinquestioneverhavingbeeninterestedintheatonementofChrist.

Inthefollowingpassages,thedistinctionmadebetweenthesheepandthegoatsorthewolves,fortheformerofwhomonlyChristissaidtolaydownhislife,oughttobecarefullymarkedanddulyweighed:—'Iamthegoodshepherd:thegoodshepherdgivethhislifeforTHESHEEP.IlaydownmylifeforTHESHEEP.Butyebelievenot,becauseyearenotofMYSHEEP,asIsaiduntoyou.MYSHEEPhearmyvoice,andIknowthem,andtheyfollowme:andI

giveuntothemeternallife,andtheyshallneverperish,neithershallanypluckthemoutofmyhand.'BesidestherestrictionofChrist'slayingdownhislife,—thatis,hisatonement,—tothesheep,theidentityofthoseforwhomhelaiddownhislifeandthosetowhomisgiveneternallifesothattheyshallneverperish,isdeservingofparticularnotice.

ThesingularlydecidedpassageinourLord'sintercessoryprayerhasalreadybeencommentedon,andhererequiresonlytobenoted:—'Ipraynotfortheworldbutforthemwhichthouhastgivenme.FortheirsakesIsanctifymyself,thattheyalsomightbesanctifiedthroughthetruth.Father,IwillthattheyalsowhomthouhastgivenmebewithmewhereIam.

Paulsays,‘ButGodcommendedhislovetowardsus,inthat,whilewewereyetsinners,Christdiedforus.Muchmorethen,beingnowjustifiedbyhisblood,weshallbesavedfromwraththroughhim.'WeknownothowitcouldbemoreclearlytaughtthatthoseforwhomChristdiedarejustifiedbyhisbloodanddeliveredfromthewrathtocome;butthiscannotbeaffirmedofall.Tothesamepurposethisapostlegivesutterancetothechallenge,‘WhoshalllayanythingtothechargeofGod'select?ItisGodthatjustifieth.Whoishethatcondemneth?ItisChristthatdied.'ThedeathofChrististhussupposedtobethebestpossiblesecurityagainstcondemnation:noneforwhomChristdiedcaneverbeexposedtothecurse;buttherearesomeonwhomthecursewillpressforever:ofcourse,itcannotbesaidthatforsuchChristdied.

Thenexttextweadduceisthis:—'Forhehathmadehimtobesinforuswhoknewnosin,thatwemightbemadetherighteousnessofGodinhim.'Itwillbeallowed,thatbyChristbeingmadesin,ismeanthissufferingforouratonement.Buttheobjectofhisbeingmadesinis,thatthoseforwhomheissomade,mightbemadetherighteousnessofGodinhim.Theseareofthesameextent,asregardsthepersonsinterestedinthem.Theyare,infact,theverysamepersonsforwhomhewasmadesin,andwhoare,inconsequence,madetherighteousnessofGodinhim.Now,thatallarenotmadetherighteousnessofGodinChristneedsnottobe

proved;andwehaveonlytodrawtheinference,thatforallhehasnotbeenmadesin.

Twootherkindredpassagesmayclosethisdepartmentofproof:—'Husbands,loveyourwives,evenasChristlovedthechurch,andgavehimselfforit'.Two

points,infavourofourposition,arefurnishedbythistext:—inthefirstplace,itisthechurch,andnottheworld,forwhichChristgavehimself;and,inthesecondplace,theloveofChrist,bywhichhewasactuatedinsodoing,ispeculiarandexclusivetowardsthechurch,asthatofhusbandsisrequiredtobetowardtheirwives.Thelatterconsiderationcompletelysetsasidethediscreditableshiftbywhichsomehaveendeavouredtogetridofthispassage,namely,byallegingthatChrist'sgivinghimselfforthechurchdoesnotimplythathegavehimselffornoothers.Onthisprinciple,weshouldbeobligedtoadmitthatChrist'slovingthechurchdoesnotimplythathelovednoneelse;and,then,whatbecomesofthepassageassettingforthanexampleorpatternfortheimitationofhusbands?Analogoustothistextisthatofthesameapostle,inhisepistletoTitus:—'Whogavehimselfforus,thathemightredeemusfromalliniquity,andpurifyuntohimselfapeculiarpeople,zealousofgoodworks.'ThisrequiresnocommentThoseforwhomChristgavehimselfareapeculiarpeople,andnotthewholeraceofmankindindiscriminately.

III.OpposedtotheseargumentsarecertainOBJECTIONStothedoctrineofadefiniteatonement,which,itisproper,weshouldweighwithcandour,andagainstwhichitbecomesustovindicatethepositionwehavetakenup.

1.ItisobjectedthattherestrictionforwhichwecontendisderogatorytothehonourandthemeritsofChrist.

Tothiswereply,thatitbelongsnottomantodeterminetheshareofhonourduetotheSaviour.ThisistheprerogativeofGod.And,supposingitadmitted—whichitisnot—thatlesshonourwouldredoundtoChristfromhisatonementbeingdefinite,ifthehonourofmakingadefiniteatonementisallthatGoddesignedheshouldhave,orallwhichhehimselfclaimsorexpects,whatrighthavementointerfereandsayitisnotsufficient?Ontheprincipleonwhichthisobjectionrests,mightitbecontendedthatChristmadeatonementforfallenangelsaswellasformen,because,forsooth,itmaybesupposedtobemorehonouringtoChristtoholdsuchasentimentthantheother.Thethingwithwhichwehavetodois,notwhichoftwosuppositionsreflectsthegreatestdegreeofhonourontheRedeemer,butwhichisthefact.Jesusclaimsthehonouronlyofwhatheperforms.Hemakesnotatonementforangels,andclaimsnotthehonourofsodoing:andifhemakesatonementonlyforsomeofthehumanfamily,thehonourofsodoingisallherequires,andmorehewillnotreceive.

Butallthisproceedsontheassumption,thatwhatisallegedisthefact,namely,

thatthetheoryofouropponentsis,abstractlyspeaking,morehonouringtoChristthanthedoctrineforwhichwecontend.This,however,ismorethanwearedisposedtoconcede.TheobjectionoverlookswhenceitisthatthemeritorhonourofChrist'satonementproceeds;itproceedsnotfromitsefficiency,butfromitssufficiency.Itsworthistobeestimated,notbywhatiteffects,butbywhatitiscapableofeffecting.Thelatterarisesfromitsintrinsicmerit,andis,aswehaveseen,infinite:theformerdependsonthesovereignwillofGod,andmaybeheldtobelimited,asinfactitis,withoutdetractingintheslightestdegreefromthehonourandmeritoftheSaviour.Therestrictionoftheatonementisattributablesolelytothedivinepurpose,andleavesaltogetherunaffectedtheintrinsicmeritsoftheRedeemer'swork.Sufficiencyandefficiencyarenotalwaysco-extensive,evenintheworksofGod.Theevidencesofrevealedreligionsupplyanaptconfirmationofthisremark.Everybelieverinthebiblemustadmitthattheseevidencesaresufficienttoconvinceall,butweknowthattheyareefficienttoconvinceonlysome.Buttherestrictedextentoftheiractualefficiencyisnovalidobjectionagainsttheirperfectsufficiency.Ourreaderscaneasilyapplythisillustrationtothepointinhand.

Noristhisall.Theobjectionmaybefairlyretortedonthosewhomakeit.Itis,inourhumbleopinion,thedoctrineofanindefiniteatonementwhichreflectsdishonouronChrist.Wethinkitmightsafelybelefttothecandiddecisionofanyunprejudicedjudgetodetermine,whetheritbemoredishonouringtoChristtosuppose,asourdoctrinedoes,thatallforwhomhediedshallbesavedandfinallysecuredinthepossessionofeverygraciousbenefit;ortosuppose,asthedoctrineofouropponentsdoes,thatthegreaternumberofthoseforwhomhediedshallbeeternallylost,withoutderivingfromhisdeathasinglesavingblessing.Norationalmindcanhesitatetoconclude,thatitismoreglorifyingtotheHighPriestofourprofession,toregardhisatoningsacrificeasonewhichinfalliblysecurestheeternalwell-beingofallforwhomitwasoffered,thantoregarditofsuchanatureastoadmitofmanyforwhomitwasofferedbeingdoomedinjusticetoeverlastingwoe.Whether,weask,isitmorecreditabletoanintelligentagenttomaintainthatwhatheperformseffectsitsdesign,orthatitcomesshort,toagreatextent,ofaccomplishingtheobjectforwhichitiswrought?

2.ItisallegedagainstourviewoftheextentoftheatonementthatitsupposesanunnecessaryredundancyinthemeritsofChrist'sdeath.

IfChrist'sdeathbe,intrinsicallyconsidered,ofvaluesufficientforallandyet

designedonlyforsome,doesnotthissupposeasuperabundanceofmerit,whichisavailablefornoendwhatever,andwithregardtowhichthequestionmaybeasked,‘Towhatpurposeisthiswaste?'

Tothiswereply,inthefirstplace,that,evenadmittingthedivineintentionwithrespecttotheatonementtobeunlimited,thesamedifficultymeetsuswithregardtoarestrictedapplication.Whateveristheextentofdestination,itisadmittedthattheactualefficiencyislimited.Now,asinthiscasethedegreeofavailablemeritexceedstheextentofactualgooddone,everyonemustperceivethatthereisasmuchroomasintheothercaseforthequestion,‘Towhatpurposeisthiswaste?'Thedifficultypresseswithasgreatforceontheopinionofouropponentsasonours.

Again,itmayberemarked,thatitaccordswiththegeneralprocedureofGodinotherdepartmentsofhisworks,toconferhisfavourswithaprofusionwhichtomanymayseemredundantandunnecessary.Forexample,hecauseshisraintofallonbarrendeserts,sterilerocks,andthewaterydeep,aswellasonfertilehillsandvalleys.Therearemanyfertiletractsoflandwhichhaveneverbeencultivated;muchspontaneousfruitgrowsinregionswherethereisnotaninhabitant.Andhowmanyflowersexpandtheirblossomsanddiffusetheirfragrance,inwildswherethereisnotahumanbeingtoadmiretheirbeautyorinhaletheirsweets.Areweatlibertytosaythat,insuchcases,thereisawastefulexuberanceofdivinegoodnessorofprovidentialcare?Nomorecanitbesaidthat,inthecasebeforeus,thereisanunnecessaryredundanceofmerit.Wemustnot,intheonecaseanymorethanintheother,presumetolimittheAlmighty,ortositinjudgmentontheworksofhishand;butfirmlybelieveitwillbeseenintheendthathehasdonenothinginvain.

Moreover;letitbeobserved,thattheobjectionproceedsonthemistakensupposition,thattheatonementofChristisanexactequivalentforthesinsofmen,andthat,hadthenumbertobesavedbeeneithermoreorlessthantheyare,orhadtheirsinsbeenofgreaterorlessamount,thesufferingsoftheRedeemermusthavevariedinproportion.Now,tothisviewofthesubjectthereareinsuperableobjections.Itisatvariancewithwhatwehavebeforeestablished,namely,theinfiniteintrinsicvalueofChrist'satonement.Itoverlooksthegranddesignoftheatonement,whichwas,notsimplytosecureamerecommutativesatisfactiontothejusticeofGod,buttoglorifyallthedivineperfections,andtomakeanillustriousmanifestationoftheprinciplesofhisgovernmentbeforethewholeuniverseofmoralcreatures.Itleavesnoroom

forsuchanunlimitedofferofChristinthegospel,astorenderthosewhorejecthimwithoutexcuse;foriftheatonementofChristboreanexactproportion,inpointofworth,tothesinsofthosewhoareactuallysavedbyit,thenthesalvationofanyotherswasanaturalimpossibility,andnoblamecouldattachtosuchforneglectingtoembracetheprofferedboon;indeedtherewouldbenogroundonwhichsuchanoffercouldbemade.Nay,itwouldrequireustobelieve,thatafargreaterdisplayoftherighteousnessofGodandhisabhorrenceatsincouldhavebeenmadebythesufferingsofmenthanbythoseofChrist;for,as,onthesuppositioninquestion,thenumberactuallysavedislimited,andthesufferingsofChristwereanexactcounterpartofthesufferingsduetothesinsofthatlimitednumber,itwasonlynecessarythatthewholehumanraceshouldhavesufferedfortheirownsins,tosecureanamountofsufferinggreatlysuperiortothatoftheSaviourofsinners.Forthesereasons,werejectthetheoryofatonementagainstwhichtheobjectionispointed,andholdbytheviewalreadyexplained,namely,thatthesufferingsofChristaretoberegardedinthelightofamoralsatisfactiontothelawandjusticeofGod,whichwouldhavebeenrequisitehadtherebeenbutonesinnertobesaved,andhadthatsinnerhadbutonesin,andwhichwouldhavebeenadequatehadthenumbertobesavedbeentoanyconceivableextentgreaterthanitis.Buttothisviewofthesubjecttheobjectiondoesnotapply,asthemeritoftheatonementisnotgreaterthan,accordingtothis,isabsolutelyindispensable.

3.TheuniversaloffermadeofChristinthegospel,hasbeenurgedasanotherobjection.

Thefactonwhichthisobjectionisfoundedweadmitwithoutreservation.Wecontendfortheunlimitedextentofthegospelcall,andregardeveryattempttorestrictitashostilealiketotheletterandthespiritofthegospel.Herewetakethephrases‘everycreature'—'alltheworld'—'everyone'—‘whosoeverwill,'&c.,inthefullestextentofacceptationofwhichtheyadmit.Theministersofreligionoughttoesteemitaprivilegeandapleasure,notlessthanaduty,tobepermitted,asambassadorsforChrist,beseechinglytosaytoallwhocomewithinthereachoftheirvoice,‘Weprayyou,inChrist'sstead,beyereconciledtoGod.'Norisitdeniedthatthegeneralinvitationsofthegospelrest,astheirbasis,ontheatonementofJesusChrist‘Weprayyou,inChrist'sstead,beyereconciledtoGod,FORhehathmadehimtobesinforuswhoknewnosin.'‘Allthingsareready—comeuntothemarriage.'Wedonotpretendtobeabletoremoveeverydifficulty,connectedwiththereconcilablenessoftheunrestrictedofferofsalvationandparticularredemption.Thesubjectinvolvesallthe

difficultiesconnectedwiththeprofoundabyssofthedivinedecrees,whichitisnotforshort-sightedmantopretendabilitytofathom.Ifwecanonlysaywhatmaybesufficienttonullifytheobjection,toshowtheunreasonablenessofcavillers,ortoremovetheperplexityofhumbleinquirers,weshallnotcomeshortofouraim.Withthese

views,webegtosubmit,withalldeference,thefollowingconsiderations.

Itwouldnotbeasufficientreasonforrejecting,eitherthedoctrineofadefiniteatonement,orthatofanunlimitedgospelcall,thatwefounditimpossibletoreconcilethemwithoneanother.Thatweareincapableofreconcilingthemdoesnotprovethemtobeirreconcilable.Godmaybecapableofreconcilingthem;creaturesofahigherintellectualandmoralrankmayseetheirreconcilableness;orweourselves,whenelevatedtoabrightersphereofbeing,mayyetbefullyequaltothedifficultproblem.Theirperfectconsistencywithoneanother,isnotthegroundonwhichwearerequiredtobelieveeithertheoneortheother.Thisgroundis,withregardtoboth,thetestimonyofGodinhisword.Tothistestimonywemustyieldimplicitsubmission,andwemustbewareofthedaringpresumptionofrefusingtoreceivewhatGodhasmadeknown,becauseofitsappearingtoourreasoneitherunintelligibleinitself,orinconsistentwithsomeotheracknowledgeddictateofinspiration.

TheprinciplesofhumanobligationarenotaffectedbythesecretwillofGod.Whatmanaughttodo,isonething;whatGodwilldo,isanotherthing.Now,thegospelcallmayberegardedasexpressiveofman'sduty,ratherthanofthedivineintention.Godmayanddoescommandmanythings,whichheknowsthepersonscommandedwillneverfulfill.Thesethingsitisthedutyofmantodo,butitisnotthesecretwillofGodtoaccomplish.Bythewarnings,andremonstrances,andsolemnadmonitionsofNoah,hecalledtheantidiluvianstorepentandbesavedfromthewatersofthedeluge;andthatitwastheirdutytodoso,isnotsurelydisprovedbywhatwenowknow,fromthefact,thatitwasnotthesecretdesignofGodtosavethem.BymeansofhisservantMoses,GodcommandedPharaohtoletIsraelgo,asameansofsavinghisownlifeandthoseofhispeople;itwashisdutycertainlytoobeythiscommand;butitwasnotthesecretintentionofGodthattheEgyptiansandtheirkingshouldescapethedestructionoftheRedsea.TheJewsandRomansoldierswereunderobligation,fromthecommand‘Thoushaltnotkill,'nottoputJesusofNazarethto

death;yetitwasinconsequenceofbeingdeliveredbythedeterminatecounsel

andforeknowledgeofGod,thathewastaken,andbywickedhandscrucifiedandslain.Inlikemanner,maywenotsay,thattheunlimitedofferofthegospelprovesonlythatitisthedutyofallmentobelieveinChristforsalvation,andnotthatit

isthedesignorintentionofGodthatallshouldbesavedbyhimorthatheshouldobtainsalvationforall.

TheunlimitednatureofthegospelcallnecessarilyresultsfromGod'splanofsalvation.ItisGod'smethodtosavemenbyfaith.Withhisreasonsforsodoingwearenotatpresentconcerned.Itisenoughforustoknow,that‘ithathpleasedGodbythefoolishnessofpreachingtosavethemwhichbelieve.'Now,tothistheunrestrictedofferofChristisessential,asotherwisemencouldhavenowarrantforfaith.ThewarrantoffaithisthetestimonyofGodinthegospel.And,itmaybeasked,couldnotthistestimonyhavebeenmadeonlytothosetowhomitwashisdesigntogivegracetoreceiveit?Weanswer,—not,withoutdoingawaywiththatmixedstateofhumanexistence,whichGodhasappointedforimportantpurposes;—not,withoutmakingaprematuredisclosureofwhoaretheobjectsofhisspecialfavour,andwhoarenot,totheentiresubversionofthatmoraleconomy,underwhichitisthegoodpleasureofhiswillthatmenshouldsubsistinthisworld;—not,withoutevensubvertingtheverydesignofsalvationbyfaith.For,onthissupposition,theverycommunicatingofthedivinetestimonytoanyonewouldamounttoavirtualintimationofhisownpersonalsalvation;itwouldmakethatsalvationassureasitcouldpossiblybemade;andwhere,inthiscase,wouldthereberoomforthatfaithwhichisthesubstanceofthingshopedfor,theevidenceofthingsnotseen?Thusdoesitappear,that,ifGodshouldchoosetosavesomeofthehumanfamilybyfaithinthegospelmessage,itisnecessarytothisdesignthatthepublicationofthismessagebeuniversal.WemusteitherdenythatGodhasarighttosaveanybymeansoffaithinthegospel—andwhoaretheythatwilltakeuponthemthustolimittheHolyOneofIsrael?—oradmitthatanunrestrictedgospelofferisperfectlyconsistentandindispensable.

Theobjectionweareconsideringmilitatesasdirectlyagainstthelimitedapplication,asagainsttherestrictedintention,ofChrist'satonement.Itisasked,howcanGodoffertoallsalvationbyChrist,ifthissalvationhasnotbeenpurchasedforall?Weask,onthesameprinciple,howcanGodoffertoallsalvation,byChrist,when,evensupposingitpurchased,itishisintentionnottoconferitonall?Andwhenouropponentshavegivenasatisfactoryreplyto

thelatterquestion,weshallhavenodifficultywhateverinreplyingtotheformer.Adesignedlimitedapplication,whichouropponentsadmit,affordsnobroaderabasisfortheuniversaloffer,thanadesignedlimitedpurchase.Thedifficultyisonly,bythismeans,shiftedastepforward,whereitpresses,notonlywithallitsoriginalweight,butwiththatofotherencumbranceswhichithasgatheredinitsprogress.

Thegroundonwhichtheuniversalityofthegospelofferproceeds,istheall-sufficiencyofChrist'satonement.Thistheuniversalgospelmessagesupposesandaffirms.Itisnotsaidinthegospel,thatChristdiedwiththeintentionthatallshouldbesaved,butthathisatonementisasufficientgroundofsalvationtoall,andthatallwhorestonthisgroundbyfaithshallbesaved.Thisisallthatthegospelasserts;andthereisnothingherebutwhatistrue,andfittobemadeknowntoall.Norisanythingmorerequisitetovindicatetheuniversalityofthegospelofferfromthechargeofinconsistencyorinsincerity.TheatonementofChristbeingsufficientforall,possessingaglorious,infinite,all-sufficiency,itiswithproprietymadeknownandofferedtotheacceptanceofall.Thereis,inthiscase,nonaturalimpossibilityinthesalvationofanyman.ThesecretdesignofGod,bywhichtheapplicationisrestricted,hasnocausalinfluenceinproducingunbelief.Theobstaclestosalvationareallmoral,thatistosay,aresuchonlyasarisefromthenativerebellionandhardnessofman'sownheart.Asufficientgroundofsalvationexists;theappropriatemeansofsalvationareprovided;and,ofcourse,aproperfoundationislaidforman'saccountability,sothat,inrejectingsalvationbyChrist,heisabsolutelywithoutexcuse.‘Hethatbelievethnotshallbecondemned.'

Addtotheseconsiderations,thattheuniversalityofthegospelofferisnecessarytoglorifyGod.Wearetooapttolimitourviews,inthismatter,totheinterestsofman.ButthegraciouscharacterofDeity,andthebeautyoftheschemeofmercy,arealsoconcernedinit.Bytheuniversaloffer,meansofsalvationareprovidedforall,andGod'swillingnesstosaveallthatcomeuntohimiswidelyproclaimed.Itisthusmadeknown,thatheis‘long-sufferingtous-ward,notwillingthatanyshouldperish,butthatallshouldcometorepentance.'Heisrevealedas‘GodourSaviour,whowillhaveallmentobesaved,andtocomeuntotheknowledgeofthetruth.'Andthesincerityofhisownremarkabledeclarationisseenandvindicated,—'AsIlive,saiththeLordGod,Ihavenopleasureinthedeathofthewicked,butthatthewickedturnfromhiswayandlive:turnye,turnye,fromyourevilways;forwhywillyedie,OhouseofIsrael.'Itis,further,madetoappear,thatthereason,thesolereason,whymen

perishintheirsins,isnot,inanysense,becauseChristdidnotdieforthem,butbecausetheywouldnotavailthemselvesofthemeritsofhisdeath,bybelievingtherecordwhichGodhasgivenofhisSon.ThecharacterofGodisvindicatedfromeveryaspersion,andtheblameofeternalmiseryisseentorestwiththeunbelievingthemselves.‘Thisisthecondemnation,thatlightiscomeintotheworld,andmenloveddarknessratherthanlight,becausetheirdeedswereevil.'

4.Theuniversaltermsusedinscripture,inspeakingofthesubjectsofChrist'satonement,constitutethemostplausibleobjectiontotheviewwehaveadopted.

Beforeproceedingtoconsidertheparticulartermsandphrasesinquestion,wecraveattentiontosomegeneralremarks,applicabletothewhole,andwhich,inouropinion,oughtofthemselvestogofar,inthewayofremovinganydifficultythatmaybefeltonthathead.

Firstthen,thedifferencebetwixttheoldandnewtestamentdispensations,withregardtoextent,isdeservingofmarkedattention.Theformerwasgreatlyrestricted;itwasalmostexclusivelyconfinedtoonepeople;andtothislimitationthemembersofthechurchhadbeenlongaccustomed.Thenewdispensation,again,waspossessedofanoppositecharacter;itwasdistinguishedbyauniversalextensionofitsprivileges;itthrewdownthemiddlewallofpartitionbywhichtheJewswerekeptseparatefromtheothernationsoftheearth,broadlymaintainedthattherewasnodifferencebetween,theJewandtheGentile,andopeneditsarmstoGreekandJew,BarbarianandScythian,bond:andfree.Butthepreviousstateofthingshadgivenrisetodeep-seatedprejudicesinfavourof,exclusiveprivilege,whichitwasnoeasymattertouproot.AlthoughtheSaviourhadmanifestedaregardforaRomancenturion,andforawomanofCanaan,andhadevenplainlydeclared‘othersheepIhavewhicharenotofthisfold,'stilltheexclusivesentimentappearstohaveretainedafirmholdonthemindsevenofhisowndisciples.TheywereJews,andweremanifestlyreluctanttodescendtoacommonlevelwithothers,inregardtotheenjoymentofreligiousprivilege;amiracleevenrequiredtobewroughttoconvinceanapostlethatGodisnorespecterofpersons,andtocarryhometohimthelesson,‘WhatGodhathcleansed,thatcallnotthoucommon.'Ifsuchnarrowviewswereentertainedbythosewhohadthebestopportunitiesofcorrectinformation,weneednotwonderatthebigotedprejudicesofothers.ThepreachingofthegospeltotheGentilesawakenedthejealousyoftheJews,andtosuchalengthdidtheycarrytheiropposition,thattheyevenpersecutedthe

preachers,‘forbiddingthemtospeaktotheGentiles,thattheymightbesaved.'Takeonespecimen:—‘AndthenextSabbath-daycamealmostthewholecitytogethertohearthewordofGod.ButwhentheJewssawthemultitudes,theywerefilledwithenvy,andspakeagainstthosethingswhichwerespokenbyPaul,contradictingandblaspheming.ThenPaulandBarnabaswaxedbold,andsaiditwasnecessarythatthewordofGodshouldfirsthavebeenspokentoyou:butseeingyeputitfromyou,andjudgeyourselvesunworthyofeverlastinglife,lo,weturntotheGentiles:forsohaththeLordcommandedus,saying,IhavesettheetobealightoftheGentiles,thatthoushouldestbeforsalvationuntotheendsoftheearth.'Consideringsuchastateofthings,itissurelynotdifficulttoaccountfortheuseoftermsofextensiveimport,inspeakingoftheblessingsoftheneweconomy.Tomarkthecontrast,thestrongestlanguagethatcouldbeemployed,becamenecessary.Inthesecircumstances,wecanconceiveofnothingmorenaturalthantousethephrasesallmen,alltheworld,&c.,todenotemeningeneral,withoutregardtonationaldistinction.Norletitbesurmisedthat,ingivingthisexplanation,wearesupposinglanguagetobeemployedwhichisnotstrictlytrueorcorrect.Wemakenosuchsupposition;wereasononthecommonlyreceivedprincipleofverbalinterpretation:itisanordinaryoccurrencetouseageneraldesignation,whenitisintendedtoexpressageneralprinciple,andnottoincludeeachindividualcomprehendedinthegeneraldesignationemployed.Take,asanexplanationofwhatwemean,thesewordsutteredinreferencetotheconversionofCornelius:—'ThenhathGodalsototheGentilesgrantedrepentanceuntolife.'Whatdotheyexpress?NotthattoeveryindividualoftheGentileworldGodhadgrantedrepentanceuntolife;butthattheconversionofCornelius,aRomansoldier,evolvedandestablishedtheprinciplethatGentilesaswellasJewswereeligibletotheenjoymentofsavingblessings.Inpreciselythesameway,arewewarranted,toexplainthephrasesinquestionasmeaning,notthatChristdiedforallmenwithoutexception,orforeveryindividualintheworld,butforallwithoutdistinctionofnationalcharacter.Bearingthisinmind,andrememberingthatitisthelanguageofaJewaddressedtoJews,thewordsofJohncannotbemisunderstood:—'IfanymansinwehaveanadvocatewiththeFather,JesusChristtherighteous:andheisthepropitiationforoursins,andnotforoursonly,butalsoforthesinsofTHEWHOLEWORLD.'Thesameprinciplewillapplytomanysimilarpassages.Thedifferencebetweenallwithoutexceptionandallwithoutdistinctionisdeservingofparticularattentioninthiscontroversy.Ifwedonotgreatlymistake,itsuppliesthetruesolutionoftheapparentdifficultyonwhichtheobjectionbeforeusisfounded.ThatChristmadeatonementforallwithoutdistinctionisfreelyconceded;thathemadeatonementforallwithout

exceptioncannotbemaintained,aswehaveseen,withoutinvolvingourselvesinthemostpalpablecontradiction;noristhereanything,itappears,inthelanguageofscripture,whichrequiresustoadoptsuchasupposition.

Butfurther,itmayevenbeadmittedthattherearecertainadvantagesorprivileges,notofasavingnature,resultingfromthedeathofChrist,theparticipationofwhich,bythosewholiveunderthegospel,maybeheldtobestrictlyuniversal.Thepreservationofthehumanraceitselfmaybetraceduptothissource;andcertainlywe.areindebtedtoitforthemeansofmoralandreligiousimprovement,formuchvaluableandusefulknowledge,foramorefullandclearexhibitionofduty,forgreaterrestraintsonwickedness,andstrongerincentivestorighteousness,andbenevolence,andpurity;withmanyotherthings,contributingtotheprosperityofsocietyandthewelfareofindividuals,whichunassistedreasonorcivillegislationcouldneverhavesecured.Thesystemofgrace,establishedonearthandrestingasitsbasisonthe.atonementofChrist,surrounds,sotospeak,‘ourguiltyworldwithanatmosphereofnaturalandmoralgood,andscattersanendlessvarietyofpersonalandsocialenjoyments.'Theseadvantagesarestrictlyuniversal;andifthesentimentthatChristdiedforallmen,wereunderstoodtohavenohigherreferencethanthese,wemightnotfeelourselvescalledupontodisputeit.Still,atthesametime,weshouldbedisposedtoquestiontheproprietyofthelanguageemployedtoexpressthesentimentinquestion.Becausecertainbenefits,notofasavingnature,springtoallmenfromthedeathofChrist,wedonotconceiveitpropertosaythatChristdiedforallmen.Itisplainthat,inthissense,thephraseexpressesameaningdifferentaltogetherfromthatwhichitbearswhenusedwithreferencetothesubjectsofsaving,grace,ortheobjectsofGod'spurposeofmercy.And,withnearlythesamepropriety,mightitbeaffirmedthatChristdiedforangels,foritisnottobedisputed,asweshallafterwardssee,thattheyalsoderiveimportantadvantagesfromthedeathofChrist,moreespeciallyanenlargementofknowledgeandanaccessionofcompanions,which,butforthis,theycouldneverhaveenjoyed.

Besides;itoughttobeobserved,thatuniversaltermsarenottobestretchedbeyondthatwithreferencetowhichtheyareused.Theydenoteallcomprehendedwithinaspecifiedwhole,butthewholeitselfmaybelimited.Inthissense,thetermallmayexpressanendlessvarietyofextension;itmaybeallthemembersofafamily,orallthecitizensofatown,orallthepopulationofacountry,oralltheinhabitantsoftheglobe.Itsmeaningmustbedefinedbythatwhichisspokenof.ThatChristdiedforall,iscertainlyaffirmed;butforall

whom?Thisisthequestion.Whetherforallthehumanfamily?oronlyforallthatweregivenhimbyhisFather,—forallhisown,forallhischurch?Because,inspeakingofprivilegessecuredforthepeopleofGreatBritain,awritershouldhappentosaythattheseprivilegesweresecuredforall,itwouldsurelybeunfairtoinferthathemeanttheyweresecuredforalltheinhabitantsoftheearth.Notlessunwarrantableisit,becauseChristissaidtohavediedforall,whenthewholecontextistreatingoftheprivilegesofthepeopleofGod,todrawtheconclusion,thathediedforallthehumanfamilywithoutexception.Anditisherenotalittlenoticeable,that,inthewholecompassofrevelation,sofarasweareaware,itisneveroncesaid,insomanyterms,thatChristdiedforallmen,orforeveryman.Inthereceived,version,itistrue,thewordsmenandmanoccur,buttherearenocorrespondingtermsintheoriginal;allandeveryonearethewordsemployed,leavingthesensetobefilledupbytheconnexion.Itmayherealsoberemarked,thattheGreeklanguagepossessestermsmorestrictlyexpressiveofabsoluteuniversalitythanthosewhichareusedintreatingoftheextentofChrist'sdeath;sothatwemayinfer,itwasnotthedesignoftheinspiredwriterstoexpressthegreatestdegreeofuniversality,elsethesemoreextensivetermswouldhavebeenemployed.

Havingmadethesegeneralobservations,wearenowpreparedforenteringonamoreclosereviewoftheparticularpassagesofscripture,onwhichtheobjectionweareconsideringisfounded.

Thesepassagesmaybearrangedintotwoclasses:—SuchasconnectthedeathofChristwiththeworldorthewholeworld—andsuchasspeakofhishavingdiedforallmenorforeveryman.

ThepassageswhichconnectthedeathofChristwiththeworldorthewholeworld,aresixinnumber.Itmaybepremised,thatthetermworldisusedinscripturesubjectivelyforthematerialworld,ortheworldcontaining;asintheexpressions,‘theworldwasmadebyhim,'and‘thefieldistheworld.'Itisalsousedadjunctivelyfortheworldcontained,thatis,themenintheworld;aswhenGodissaidto‘judgetheworld.'Itisscarcelynecessarytoremark,thatitisinthelattersensethetermoccursinthepresentcontroversy.Buteveninthissense,itsmeaningisnotalwaysuniform;itsometimesmeansallmencollectively,andatothertimesalldistributively,thatis,someofallclasses.Nothingisclearerthanthatthephrasestheworld,alltheworld,andthewholeworld,oftenoccurincircumstanceswhereabsolutecollectiveuniversalityisperfectlyinadmissible.Suchisthecaseinthefollowingpassages:—'Therewentoutadecreefrom

CaesarAugustusthatalltheworldshouldbetaxed;'wherealltheworldcanmeanonlytheinhabitantsoftheRomanempire:—'Theworldknewhimnot;'wherealltheinhabitantsoftheearthcannotbemeant,astherecertainlyexisted,eventhen,somewhoknewChrist:—'Perceiveyehowyeprevailnothing;beholdtheworldisgoneafterhim;'where,asdenotingthosewhowaitedontheministryofJesus,averyrestrictedsenseonlyofthetermcanbeapplicable:—'Thewholeworldliethinwickedness;'where,thoughmoreextensivethaninthelastquotation,universalityistotallyinadmissible,as,atthetimethislanguagewasused,therewere,atleast,severalthousandgodlypersonsintheworld:—'Alltheworldwonderedafterthebeast;'atthetimetowhichthislanguageappliestherewerewiththeLambonmountZionahundredandfortyandfourthousand,whohadnotthemarkofthebeastintheirforehead.Thusisitdistinctlyprovedthatthephrasesinquestion,donotnecessarilydenoteuniversality.Ifabsoluteuniversalityistobeunderstood,whentheyoccurinreferencetothedeathofChrist,itmustbeonsomeothergroundthanthescriptureusageofthelanguage.Andiftheextentofimportattachabletothewordsistobedeterminedbycircumstancesconnectedwiththethingspokenof,wecandidlysubmitwhethertheprinciplesformerlyadvanced,fromthepurposesofGod,thecovenantofgrace,theresurrectionandintercessionofChrist,andtheworkoftheHolySpirit,arenotsufficienttowarrantarestrictedimport,whilethegeneralobservations,latelymade,determinethenatureandextentofthislimitation.Butletuslookatthepassagesthemselvesinwhichthesephrasesoccur.

‘BeholdtheLambofGodwhichtakethawaythesinoftheworld.'Here,thefactthattheLambofGoddoesnottakeawaythesinofeveryindividualintheworld,peremptorilydemandsthatthetermshallbetakeninarestrictedacceptation;whilethecircumstanceoftheaddresshavingbeenmadeoriginallytoJews,sufficientlyaccounts,onaprincipleformerlyexplained,fortheuseofanextensiveterm.Johnwassenttoannounceaneworderofthings,widelydifferent,inpointofextent,fromtheLeviticaleconomy,whichhadnowwaxedoldandwasreadytovanishaway.

‘For,GodsolovedtheworldthathegavehisonlybegottenSon,thatwhosoeverbelievethinhimshouldnotperish,buthaveeverlastinglife.ForGodsentnothisSonintotheworldtocondemntheworld,butthattheworldthroughhimmightbesaved.'Thesameremarksapplytothispassageastothelast.Thelatterexpressioninitexplainswhatismeantbytheworld.Wehaveonlytoask,whethereveryindividualintheworldisactuallysavedby

God'sonlybegottenSon,toascertaintheextentofthatworldwhichistheobjectofGod'sredeeminglove;foritmustbeblasphemytosupposethatthedesignforwhichGodsenthisSonintotheworld,could,evenintheslightestdegree,bethwarted.

‘Wehaveheardhimourselves,andknowthatthisisindeedtheChrist,theSaviouroftheworld.'ThisexpressestheopinionofcertainSamaritans,and,astheywerebelievers,itmaybesupposedtobeaccordingtotruth.ItrepresentsJesusastheSaviouroftheworld.Iftheappellationbeunderstoodtodenoteonlyfulnessofmeritorsufficiencyofmeansforsalvation,therecanbenodifficultyinexplainingit.Butifitbesupposedtodenotetheactualprocurementofsalvation,thentheultimatefactcomesintodeterminethattheterm‘world'shallbetakeninarestrictedsense,foritisnotmoreasolecisminlanguagethanrevoltingtoeveryrightandhonourableconceptionregardingChrist,tospeakofhimastheSaviourofthosewhoarelost.

Thesameremarksapply,inalltheirforce,totheSaviour'sownwords:—'ThebreadthatIwillgiveismyflesh,whichIwillgiveforthelifeoftheworld.'AnexpresscontrastisdesignedbetweentheprivilegesofancientIsraelandthoseofwhichJesuswastobetheimmediateauthor,whichsufficientlyaccountsfortheuniversalterminthisplace;while,asinalltheotherinstances,thefactobligesustoadoptalimitedinterpretation.

Thesameprinciplesmustguideusinexplainingtheapostle'swords:—'GodwasinChristreconcilingtheworlduntohimself,notimputingtheirtrespassesuntothem.'Itisenough,here,toaskwhetherallwithoutexceptionarereconciledtoGod?—whetherallparticipateintheblessednessofthemantowhomtheLordimputethnothissin?

‘Ifanymansin;wehaveanadvocatewiththeFather,JesusChristtherighteous:andheisthepropitiationforoursins;andnotforoursonly,butalsoforthesinsofthewholeworld.'Thisseems,atfirstsight,thestrongestpassageofallinsupportoftheobjection,yetthereisnotone,which,whenviewedinitsconnexion,ismore,easilyexplainedinconsistencywiththeviewwehaveadopted.Thechiefexplanationhasalreadybeenbroughtforward,inspeakingofthecomparativeextentofthenewandoldtestamentprivileges.Thecontrastishereplainlymarked—'oursins;thesinsofthewholeworld.'Theaimofthepassage,too,isclearlytoaffordconsolationtobelieverswhentheyfallintosin,nottoholdoutencouragementtothewickedtocommitiniquity.

‘Propitiation'itselfsupposesanactualdeliverancefromthewrathoftheAlmighty,inwhichwearecertainalldonotshare,forwereadofsomeonwhomthewrathofGodabidethforever.Moreover,thepropitiationforsinisconnectedwithadvocacy,bywhich,asbeforeexplained,thereferenceoftheformertermisnecessarilylimited.Nottomentionthepassagesbeforeadduced,inwhichtheverysamephraseoccursinaconnexionwhichnecessarilyprecludesabsoluteuniversality:towhichweherebegleavetoaddothertwo:—'Ialsowillkeeptheefromthehouroftemptationwhichshallcomeuponalltheworld.—Thegreatdragon,calledthedevilandSatan,whichdeceiveththewholeworld.'

Thesecondclassoftexts,onwhichtheobjectioninquestionisfounded,consistsofthoseinwhichChristissaidtodieforallmenorforeveryman.Wemusthereremindthereaderoftheestablishedcanonofcriticismbeforelaiddown,namely,thattheextentofimportattachingtouniversaltermsdependsonthesubjectinreferencetowhichtheyareused.Now,thetermallisoftenemployedinscriptureinarestricted,ordistributivesense.

Forexample,whenPaulsays,‘Forallseektheirown,notthethingsthatareJesusChrist's,'thetermmustberestrictedtothoseselfishpersonsofwhomhecomplainsinthecontext,yetthetermitselfisasnakedandgeneralasinanycaseinwhichitisusedinconnexionwiththedeathofChrist.Again,whenthesamewritersays,‘marriageishonourableinall,'thetermmustlikewiseberestricted,astherearenotonlymanywhoenterintomarriagedishonourably,butmanywhonevermarryatall.Further,whenhesays,‘Iexhort,thatsupplications,prayers,intercessions,andgivingofthanks,bemadeforallmen,'thatthetermistobeunderstoodnotcollectivelybutdistributively,isplainfromwhatfollows,‘forkingsandforallthatareinauthority.'Keepingthesethingsinmind,thepassagesinwhichsimilarlanguageisusedinconnexionwiththedeathofChrist,cangiveusnodifficulty.Butitmaybepropertolookalittlemorecloselyintothesepassagesthemselves.

‘AndI,ifIbeliftedupfromtheearth,willdrawallmenuntome.'Theword‘men'isasupplement;theoriginalis‘all'(Gr.words),leavingthesensetobefilledupagreeablytothenatureofthatwhichisspokenof.Whatisspokenofis,theattractivepoweroftheSaviour'scross,indrawingmentohim.Thispowerisexemplifiedinjustification,regeneration,communion,andperfectsalvation;andisrathermoralthanlegalinitsnature.ItistheactualefficacyofthecrucifixionofChristthatisthesubjectofthisassertion,andthis,bythe

acknowledgmentofall,islimitedwithrespecttothenumberofitssubjects.Besides,thewordswerespokeninconsequenceofcertainGreeks,whohadcomeuptoworshipatthefeast,havingexpressedadesire,throughAndrewandPhilip,tobeintroducedtoJesusfromwhichitisfairtoinferthatthe‘all'heremeansallwithoutdistinction,notallwithoutexception.

‘Thefreegiftcameuponallmenuntojustification.'Here,also,theactualresult,justification,isspokenof.Areallmen,withoutexception,actuallyjustified,thatis,deliveredfromcondemnationandacceptedofGod?

ForasinAdamalldie,soinChristshallallbemadealive.'Itwouldbeoutofplacehere,toenterintothecontroversy,whetherthedeathinthispassagemeansanythingmorethantemporaldeath,andthelifeanythingmorethanthebodilyresurrectionwhichiscommontotherighteousandthewicked.Thereseemstoustobeverysatisfactorygroundsforrejectingthisview.Butwesubmitthefollowingremarks,as,inourhumbleopinion,sufficienttoneutralizetheobjectionfoundedonthisandsimilartextsinthewritingsofPaul.—ThereisgoodreasontobelievethatthecomparisonorparallelisminstitutedbetweenAdamandChristreferstothepublicrepresentativecapacitiesofboth;whichbringsthemattertothequestion,whetherChriststoodinafederalrelationtothewholehumanrace,and,ifhedidnot,becausetheallrepresentedbyAdamareallwithoutexception,toconcludethattheallrepresentedbyChristmustbesotoo,isanunfoundedinference.Thecomparisonis,also,obviouslymeanttobeunderstoodwithreferencetotheactualefficacyofwhatisperformedbyeach:andastheoffenceofAdamhasnotmerelyprocuredcondemnationforall,whichmayormaynotcomeintooperation,accordingtocircumstances,buthasactuallybroughtallinhimunderthecurseofdeath,soweareboundtoadmitthattheallwhoaremadealiveinChrist,arenotmerely—accordingtothesuppositionofouropponents—thoseforwhomChristhasprocuredlife,butthose,onwhomthisblessingisactuallybestowed.

‘FortheloveofChristconstrainethus,becausewethusjudge,thatifonediedforall,thenwerealldead,andthathediedforallthattheywhichliveshouldnothenceforthliveuntothemselves,butuntohimwhodied,forthem,androseagain.'Whatdoesthispassageaffirm?NotthatChristdiedforallwhoweredead,butthatallforwhomhediedwerepreviouslydead.Thereisavastdifferencebetwixtthesetwothings;thelatter,however,isallthatiseitheraffirmedorsupposed,andleavesroomforthesupposition,thattheremightbemanymorewhoweredeadthanthoseforwhomChristdied.Besides,thevery

wordsthemselveslimitthealltothosewhofeeltheobligationarisingfromthedeathofChristtopromotehisglory:—'hediedforall,thattheywholive—orrather,thattheseallliving,(Gr.words)—shouldnotlivetothemselves,'&c.Moreover,thepassageestablishestheinseparableconnexionbetweenthedeathandresurrectionofChrist—‘himwhodiedforthemandroseagain'—which,asbeforeshown,necessarilyrequiresalimitationinthenumberofthoseforwhomhedied.

‘Whogavehimselfaransomforall,tobetestifiedinduetime.'Thecontextleavesnoroomtodoubtthattheuniversaltermisemployed,inthisinstance,distributively,asmeaningallwithoutdistinction.Thereference,inwhatgoesbefore,istokingsandpersonsinauthority,(v.2;)and,inwhatfollows,tothe‘gentiles,'(v.7).Andthisexplainstheapparentdifficulty,(v.4,)‘whowillhaveallmentobesaved,'asiftherewereacontrarietybetweenthe‘secretandrevealedwillofGod,'orbetweenthepurposeofDeityandtherealstateofthings.Weareexhortedtoprayformenofallranksanddescriptions;foritisGod'swillthatmenofallranksanddescriptionsshouldbesaved;andofthiswehavesufficientevidenceinChrist'shavinggivenhimselfaransomforallranksanddescriptionsofmen.Suchisplainlytheconnexionofthevariousclausesinthischapter,andhowfarisit,inthisview,fromgivinganysupporttothedoctrineofindefiniteatonement!

‘WetrustinthelivingGod,whoistheSaviourofallmen,especiallyofthosethatbelieve.'ASaviourisone,notmerelywhodesignstosave,butwhoactuallyeffectssalvation;andasallmenwithoutexceptionarenotactuallysavedfromsin,theterm‘Saviour,'inthispassage,musthavesomeothermeaning.ItmeansPreserver;andinthissensethelivingGodistheSaviourofallmenwithoutexception;heupholdstheminbeing,hesustainsthemintemporallife,inhimtheyliveandmoveandhavetheirbeing;whileheextendsapeculiarcaretobelieverswhoarepartakersofhisspecialgrace.

‘WeseeJesus,whowasmadealittlelowerthan,theangelsforthesufferingofdeath,crownedwithgloryandhonour;thathe,bythegraceofGod,shouldtastedeathforeveryman.'Thewordmanhereisnotintheoriginal;thephraserunsforeveryone,—(Gr.words).Now,therulewithregardtouniversaltermsis,nottoextendthembeyondthesubjectofwhichthewriterhappenstobetreating;and,inthecasebeforeus,thepersonsspokenofarethe.'sons'whomtheCaptainofsalvationbringstoglory,—'theywhoaresanctified,'—his‘brethren,'—‘thechildrenwhichGodhadgivenhim';fromallwhichwearesurely.warrantedto

presumethemeaningofthedisputedexpressiontobe,thatJesustasteddeathforeveryoneofthese,andnotforeveryoneofthehumanrace.Noristhisinterpretationdifferentfromwhatwearerequiredtoadoptinsimilarinstances,inwhichevenstrongerlanguageisemployedintheoriginal.‘ButthemanifestationoftheSpiritisgiventoeveryman(Gr.word)toprofitwithal.'Thiscannotpossiblybeunderstooduniversally.Neithercanthe.following,whereeventhetermmanoccursintheGreek,—'Whomwepreach,warningeveryman(Gr.words)andteachingeveryman,'(Gr.words).

These,webelieve,areallthepassagesinwhichthephrasesinquestionoccur,inconnexionwiththedeathofChrist.Or,ifthereareanyothers,theyaretobeexplainedonthesameprinciples.Thesourcesofexplanationarechieflytwo:—thatuniversaltermsarenottobeextendedbeyondthesubjectinreferencetowhichtheyareused—and,that‘all,'withspecialreferencetothegreaterextensionofnewtestamentblessings,meansallWITHOUTDISTINCTION,andnotallWITHOUTEXCEPTION.Thesecanonskeptinviewandapplied,willservetoexplaineverydifficultywhichmaybesupposedtoarisefromtheuseofuniversalterms,inspeakingofthesubjectsofChrist'sdeath.

5.Thereremainsbutoneotherobjection,that,namely,whichrestsonthosepassagesofscripturewhichseemtoimplyapossibilityofsomeperishingforwhomChristdied.

Ifsuchathingcouldbeshowntobefact,orevenprovedtobepossible,thenwouldthedoctrineofadefiniteatonementbeoverthrown,andthetheoryofuniversalitywouldpossessahighdegreeofprobability.Butthepassagesreferredto,whencloselyexamined,givesupporttonosuchidea.Letusgiveourattentionforalittletothesepassages.

‘ThosethatthougavestmeIhavekept,andnoneofthemislost,butthesonofperdition:thatthescripturemightbefulfilled.'Here,itissupposedthatoneofthosewhoweregiventoChristtoberedeemedbyhisbloodissaidtobelost.Theexplanationofthispassagedependsontheviewtakenofthephrase,‘thosethatthougavestme.'IfthisrefersofficiallytothegivingtoChristofcertainpersonstobehisapostles,thenthereisnothingwhichimpugnsourdoctrineinwhatisexpressed,namely,thatJudas,oneoftheapostles,hadapostatisedandfallenfromhisapostleship.ButweapprehendthatbythosegiventoChrist,wearetounderstandtheelectofGod,theredeemedfromamong

men,whointhecontextaresaidtohave‘kepthisword,'andtohave‘believedinhim.'Tothisnumber,Judas,whowasalwaysahypocrite,neverbelonged.Theparticlebut(Gr.words)isthusnotexceptivebutadversative;itdoesnotsupposethesonofperditiontobeincludedinthenumberofthosegiventoChrist,buttobecontrastedwithsuch;thelanguageiselliptical,andtheellipsisrequiresbuttobesupplied,torenderthepassageoneofthestrongestinthebibleinourfavour:—'thosethatthouhastgivenmeIhavekept,andnoneofthemislost.Butthesonofperditionislost,thatthescripturemightbefulfilled.'Suchistheforceoftheparticleinmanyotherpassages,whichmayservetoillustrateandconfirmthisexplanation:—'NomanknoweththeSon,buttheFather—(Gr.words,i.e.buttheFatherknoweththeSon);neitherknowethanymantheFather,buttheSon,'(Gr.words,i.e.buttheSonknoweththeFather.)‘ManywidowswereinIsraelinthedaysofElias—butuntononeofthemwasEliassent,saveuntoSarepta(Gr.words),acityofSidon,untoawomanthatwasawidow.'Thattheparticleishereadversative,notexceptive,isplainfromthecircumstancethatSareptawasnotinJudea,andofcoursethewidowwhoabodetherewasnotawidowinIsrael;themannerinwhichGodtreatedthiswidow,bysendingtoherhisprophet,iscontrastedwithhistreatmentofthemanywidowsinIsrael,towhomhesenthimnot.Thus,also,inthepassagewhichimmediatelyfollows:—'ManyleperswereinIsraelinthetimeofEliseustheprophet;andnoneofthemwascleansed,saving(Gr.words)NaamantheSyrian.'NaamantheSyrianwasnotaleperinIsrael;theforceofthepassageliesintheimpliedcontrast;—'noneofTHEMwascleansed.ButNAAMANTHESYRIANwascleansed.'Taketwootherexamplesoftheadversativeforceoftheparticle:—‘Anditwascommandedthemthattheyshouldnothurtthegrassoftheearth,neitheranygreenthing,neitheranytree;butonly(Gr.words)thosemenwhichhavenotthesealofGodintheirforeheads,'i.e.onlythosemenshalltheyhurt.‘Andthereshallinnowiseenterintoit,anythingthatdefileth,neitherwhatsoeverworkethabomination,ormakethalie;but(Gr.words)theywhicharewrittenintheLamb'sbookoflife:'i.e.theyshallenterintoit.'Surely,afterthesepassagesareconsidered,nocandidpersonwillinsistthatJudas,thesonofperdition,wasincludedamongthosewhoweregiventoChristtoberedeemedbyhisblood;for,onthesameprinciplemightitbemaintained,thattheFatherwasaman,thatSareptawasacityofJudea,thatNaamantheSyrianwasaleperinIsrael,thatthemenwhohadnotthesealofGodintheirforeheadsweregrassortrees,andthatthosewhoarewrittenintheLamb'sbookoflifewerepersonswhoaredefiled,andworkabomination,andmakealie.ThatamereEnglishreadermightbeled,bythepassageunderconsideration,toadopttheidea,thatthoseforwhomChristdiedmay

possiblyperish,wouldnotbewonderful,althoughthetextsinwhichaparallelphraseologyoccursmighthavepreventedevensuchfromerror;butthatpersonsconversantwiththeoriginallanguageshouldtakesuchaviewofit,isutterlyinexcusable,inasmuchastheveryoppositeiswhattheoriginaltermsimport.

‘Butifthybrotherbegrievedwiththymeat,nowwalkestthounotcharitably.DestroynothimwiththymeatforwhomChristdied.'Similartothisisapassageinanotherepistleofthesamewriter,whichmustbeexplainedonthesameprinciples:—'Andthroughthyknowledgeshalltheweakbrotherperish,forwhomChristdied?'Thesetextsseematfirstsighttobeformidable;buttheyarecapableofbeingsatisfactorilyexplained.Itoccurstoremark,attheoutset,that,iftheyactuallyimplythatthosewhoareredeemedbythebloodofChristmayfinallyfallawayandperish,thendotheydirectlycontradictotherpassagesofscripture,whichasexpresslyteachusthecontraryofallthis;suchasthefollowing:—‘AllthattheFatherhathgivenmeshallcometome;andhimthatcomethtomeIwillinnowisecastout.ThisistheFather'swillwhichhathsentme,thatofallwhichhehathgivenmeIshouldlosenothing.—Igiveuntothemeternallife,andtheyshallNEVERPERISH,neithershallanypluckthemoutofmyhand.—WhoshallalsoCONFIRMyouuntotheend,thatyemaybeblamelessuntothedayofourLordJesusChrist.—TheLordisfaithfulwhoshallSTABLISHyouandkeepyoufromevil.—WhoarekeptbythepowerofGod,throughfaithuntosalvation.'SuchasmaintainthepossibilityofanyforwhomChristdiedperishing,willfinditdifficulttoexplainthesepassagesinconsistencywiththisopinion;buttheyareasmuchboundtoreconcilethepassagesonwhichtheyfoundthesentimentinquestionwiththosewehavenowadduced,asaretheadvocatesofadefiniteatonementtoreconcilethesamepassageswiththesentimenttheyhaveespoused.Nay,

wegreatlymistakeifthelatterbenotamuchmoreeasytaskthantheformer.

Thereareseveralwaysinwhichthesepassagesmaybefullyexplained.‘ThebrotherforwhomChristdied,'maybetakeninitspopularsensetodenoteonewhoprofessesorseemstobesuch,althoughhemaynotbesoinreality.Itisinthiswaythatthepersonstowhomtheapostolicalepistlesareaddressedaredesignated,‘saints,'‘elect,'&c.,becauseasmembersofthechurchtheyprofesstobesuch,and,whiletheydonothingtobelietheirprofession,weareboundincharitytosupposethemwhattheyprofesstobe;andthatsomewhothusprofesstobebrethrenmayperish,isperfectlypossible.—Besides,thepeaceorcomfortofaperson'smindmaybedestroyed,withoutsupposing

thedestructionofthesoul;anditisnotimprobablethat,intheformerofthepassagesonwhichwearecommenting,thismaybethethingthatismeant,asacontrastismanifestlydesignedbetweentheuntenderconductoftheuncharitablebrother,andthegraceofChristingivinghimselfuntothedeathforus.—Orrather,thetrueexplanationofthesepassagesseemstobe,thatthetendencyofthewickedconductdenouncediswhatispointedout.Thetendencyistodestroy,ormaketoperish,thebrotherforwhomChristdied.Allsintendstothedestructionofthesoul;andsuch,ineverycase,wouldbeitseffect,weretherenothingtopreventit.ThisisthecasewiththesinsofthepeopleofGod,aswellasthoseofothers;andnothingbutthejustifyingrighteousnessoftheRedeemerinwhichtheyareinterestedbyfaith,preventsthisendfromsupervening.Such,ofcourse,isthecasewiththetemptationstosintowhichtheyareexposedfromothers;thetendencyofthesetemptationsistobringabouttheirdestruction,tocausethemtoperish.Becausesuchaconsummationshallnotbepermittedtotakeplace,itisnotlesstruethatitisthetendencyoftheconductinquestiontoleadtoit.And,inspeakingofalineofevilconduct,andsettingforthitsenormitywithaviewtodeterfrompursuingit,whatmorenaturalorfittingthantodescribeitbyitsevilandpernicioustendency!ItisthusthathewhobelievethnotGodissaidtomakeGodaliar.Thetendencyoftheconductistosuchanend;buttheenditselfcanneverbeinreality.Sointhecasebeforeus;thetendencyoftheconductdescribedistocausethebrothertoperishforwhomChristdied,althoughsuchisthegraceofGodthatthisconsummationshallneverbepermittedtotakeplace.

‘Ofhowmuchsorerpunishment,supposeye,shallhebethoughtworthy,whohathtroddenunderfoottheSonofGodandhathcountedthebloodofthecovenantwherewithhewassanctified,anunholything,andhathdonedespiteuntotheSpiritofgrace.'Theapostleisshowingtheaggravatedcriminalityofapostasyfromthegospel.Oneaggravatingcircumstanceis,thattheapostatetreatswithcontemptthebloodofthecovenant;whichbloodissaidtobe,asmagnifyingstillmorethecrime,that‘wherewithhewassanctified.'Thequestionhereis,whoisitthatisreferredtobythepronoun‘he'?Whoisitthatwassanctified?Isittheapostatehimself?orisittheSonofGod?Theformeris,ofcourse,understoodbythosewhoadducethepassageasanobjectiontothedoctrineofadefiniteatonement.Butthiswearedisposedtoquestion;theimmediateantecedentistheSonofGod;thusunderstood,thepassageisrenderedmorestronglyexpressiveofthewriter'sobject;andthisistheviewwhichistakenofitbysomeofourbestwriters.Thattheblood,whichapostatesfromthegospelprofane,isthatbywhichtheSonofGodwashimself

consecratedorsetaparttohismediatorialoffices,issurelyaconsiderationfittedtodeepentheircrime.But,admittingthattheapostatehimselfismeant,thepassagepresentsnooppositiontoourdoctrine.Inthefirstplace,theword‘sanctified,'oftenmeansnothingmorethanconsecrationtotheserviceofGod,whichmayapplytohypocritesaswellastruesaints,inrespectoftheirprofessionofthegospel;makingthatprofession,theyavowedlysetthemselvesaparttotheserviceoftheMostHigh.Andinthesecondplace,supposingthewordsanctifiedtobeusedinitsmorefrequentacceptationtomeaninwardpurificationofthesoul,maywenotunderstandtheapostleheretoreasonregardingtheguiltofapostasy,onsuppositionofthetruthofwhattheapostateprofesses?Thehypocriteprofessestobesanctifiedbythebloodofthecovenant,claimsthecharacterofonewhohasfeltthecleansingvirtueofthebloodoftheSonofGod,and,supposingitforamomenttobetrue,howdoesitaggravatehisguilt,thathebyhisapostasycountsthisveryblood,wherewithheprofessestobesanctified,acommonthing?Nothingcanbemorenaturalthansuchatrainofreasoning;and,inthislight,thepassagepresentsnooppositiontotheviewofChrist'sdeathforwhichwecontend.

‘Buttherewerefalseprophetsalsoamongthepeople,evenasthereshallbefalseteachersamongyou,whoprivilyshallbringindamnableheresies,evendenyingtheLordthatboughtthem,andbringuponthemselvesswiftdestruction.'Someareofopinionthat‘theLord'heredoesnotrefertoChrist;andcertainlytheoriginalterm(Gr.word)isnotthatbywhichtheSaviouriscommonlydesignated.Others,again,thinkthatthebuyingheredoesnotrefertothemeritoriouspurchasewhichChristmadeofthechurchwithhisblood,buttotheredemptionfromEgyptorsomeotherthingofinferiorimportance.ButwearewillingtoadmitthatChristis‘theLord'spokenof,andthatthepurchaseofredemptionbyhisbloodiswhatismeantbytheword‘bought:'andyetweseenothinginthetextthatopposesourdoctrine.Itisnotnecessarytosupposethatthefalseteacherswhoweretobringonthemselvesswiftdestruction,wereactuallyboughtwiththebloodofChristItisenoughfortheapostle'spurposethattheywereprofessedlyso.Hearguesagainstthemontheirownprinciples,andshowsthusthattheirconductwasheinousanddangerousintheextreme.Andindoingso,heonlyfollowstheexampleoftheSaviourhimself,whoconfutedthePhariseeswhoprofessedtoberighteousandwerenot,ontheirownacknowledgedprinciples:—'Isayuntoyou,thatlikewisejoyshallbeinheavenoveronesinnerthatrepenteth,morethanoverninetyandninejustpersonswhichneednorepentance.'Arewetoconclude,fromthis,thattherewereanysuchjustpersonswhoneedednorepentance?Surelynot;buttherewere

personswhomadepretensionstothischaracter;andagainstthesewasthereproofcontainedinthepassagedirected.Neitherarewe,fromtheexpressionunderconsideration,toconcludethatthepersonsspokenofwereactually‘bought'withthepriceof

Christ'sblood;buttherewerepersonswhopretendedtobesoandyetactedinconsistentlywiththesupposition;andsuchpretensioncertainlytendedtoenhancetheenormityoftheirguilt.

ThushavewebroughttoaconclusiontheargumentrespectingtheextentofChrist'satonement.Wehaveendeavouredclearlytoexhibitthestateofthequestion;havestated,itishoped,withfairness,thedifficultieswithwhichthesubjectisbeset;andhavebroughtforwardwhathasseemedtoussufficienttorefutewhatweconceivetobeerror,andtosupportwhatweconceivetobethetruthonthisimportantpoint.Itistobefearedthat,inthecaseofmany,theoppositionshowntoadefiniteatonement,springsfromobjectionstothedoctrineofdivinesovereignty,andwehavereasontobeonourguardagainstthisfruitfulsourceoferror.Letusbeware,too,ofbeingcarriedawaywiththemeresoundofscripturelanguage,totheoverthrowoftheanalogyoffaith.LetsaintsrejoicethatnotoneofthoseforwhomChristdiedshallcomeshortofeternallife,forwhomGoddidpredestinatetobeconformedtotheimageofhisSon,themheshallcertainlyglorify.Butletitnotbethought,fromanythingwehavesaid,thatwehaveawishtolimitundulythesavingvirtueoftheRedeemer'sblood.Werepeat,that,inintrinsicworth,weregarditasinfinite;norwouldwebeunderstoodtomeanthatitsactualefficacyisnotgreatlyextensive.Wedenythatitisuniversal,butwerejoicetothink,notwithstanding,thatitextendstoamultitudewhichnomancannumber—that‘numberwithoutnumber'ofredeemedmen,who,gatheredfromeverynation,andpeople,andkindred,andtongue,shall,withharmoniousvoicesandgratefulhearts,singpraisestotheLambthatsittethonthethrone,foreverandever.

SECTIONXII.

RESULTSOFCHRIST'SATONEMENT.

Theresultsofthegreatdoctrinewehavethusendeavouredtoexplain,establish,anddefend,aresonumerousanddiversifiedthatanattemptfullytodiscuss,oreventoenumeratethemallcannothepresumed.Butthepresentworkmightbe

deemedtobeessentiallydefectivewerethesealtogetherpassedoverwithoutnotice.Webegthereader'sattentiontothefollowing.

I.Theatonementservestoillustrate,inthemostinterestingmanner,theCHARACTEROFGOD.

EventhenaturalperfectionsofDeityarethusillustriouslymanifested.Whatwisdomisshownindevisingawaybywhichthegrandobjectofredeemingmercymightbegained,inconsistencywithlegislativerectitude,andtheseeminglyinharmoniousconjunctionofcharactersmightbeeffected—'ajustGodandaSaviour.'Nomortalmind,noangelicintellectcouldeverhaveconceivedthisplan,couldeverhavesolvedthisproblem.Wellmayitbecharacterisedasadisplayof‘themanifoldwisdomofGod;'norcanweexpressourselvesregardingitinmore

appropriatetermsthanbysaying,‘Hehathaboundedtowardusinallwisdom.'

Initweseethepower,notlessthanthewisdom,ofGod.Powerfullove,lovestrongerthandeath,mustithavebeen,whichmovedtheappointmentofsuchaplanofsalvation.Suchaloadofguiltaspressedonhimwho‘bareouriniquities,'suchaweightofwrathaswasenduredbyhimwhom‘itpleasedtheFathertobruise,'couldhavebeenbornebynopowerlessthanalmighty.Thecursewhichhesustainedwassufficienttosinkthewholeguiltyworldofsinfulmentothedepthsofperdition.Whatevenwheninflictedonangelswho‘excelinstrength,'requirestobebrokenupintoportionsanddealtoutthroughthesuccessiveagesofeternity,waspouredforthontheheadofEmmanuelatonceandinoneunbrokentorrentofaccumulatedvengeance.NordotheeffectsresultingfromtheatonementofChrist,inhistakingthepreyfromthemighty,callingintobeinganewcreation,andperformingallthoseactsofalmightygracewhichevincethegospeltobe‘thepowerofGoduntosalvationtoeveryonethatbelieveth,'givealessstrikingdisplayofomnipotence.

HerealsothemoralattributesofGodshineforth.Nowhereelsedowemeetwithsuchadisplayofdivineholiness.Heismanifested,indeed,tobetheHolyOne,ofpurereyesthantobeholdiniquity,whocannotlookuponsin;forsuchistheimmaculatepurityofhisnaturethatmoralguiltmustnotbecancelledbyasovereignactofwill,normoralpollutionwipedawaybyamereeffortofpower,butsinsignallystampedwiththebrandofJehovah'sdeepestabhorrencebythesubstitutionarysufferingsofhisownSon.ByGod'ssparingnothisown

Sonbutdeliveringhimupforusall,wearemoreimpressivelytaughttheinviolabilityofdivinejusticethanwecouldbebylayingopenthecavernsofendlessdespair,anddisclosingtoviewthehorridandappallingscenesofsufferingandwoewhichtheypresent.Inthecrossofheaven'sspotlessVictimwereadmostplainlythatGodwillbynomeanscleartheguilty.ThewrathofGodishererevealedasitisnowhereelse,againstallungodlinessandunrighteousnessofmen.Theimmovabledeterminationofthedivinenature,tovisiteverydeviationfromrectitudewithitsmeritedandappropriateawardofjudgment,isunanswerablydemonstrated.Norcananythingbeconceived,betterfittedtofillwithterrorsuchasperseveringlyoutragetheauthorityofthedivinelaw,for,iftheswordofjusticewasmadetoawakeagainsttheShepherd,andsmitethemanwhoisJehovah'sfellow,who,continuinginacourseofsinandunbelief,canexpecttoescapethevengeanceofeternalfire!Ifsuchthingsweredoneinthegreentree,whatshallbedoneinthedry?

ButitisthegraciouscharacterofGodthatisprincipallyexhibitedintheatonementofChrist.Compassion,mercy,love,grace,beamwithrefulgentsplendourfromthecross,andfromthecrossonly.Wisdomandpower,holinessandjustice,thoughheretranscendentlymagnified,areelsewheredisplayedtoacertainextent:buttheatoningsacrificeofChristiswhatalonegivesanyintimation,eventheslightest,offorgivingmercyandredeeminglove.Iflefttocreationandprovidence,ouranticipationsmightwellbeofadifferentcharacter,seeingthepainsandprivations,andsorrows,anddeath,whicheverywhereprevail,wouldseemtoannounceGod'sfixeddeterminationtoavengethequarrelofhiscovenantBut,inthefaceofthesufferingSaviour,wereaddistinctintimationsofmercyandlove.GethsemaneandCalvarythusdisclosewhatthefairestscenesinnaturecanneverexhibit.The‘humanfacedivine,'evenwhenmarredwithgrief,andlaceratedwiththorns,andfoulwithweeping,andpalewithdeath,reflectsmoreofthedivineglorythanthesunwhenshininginhisstrength.ThehourofmidnightgloomanddarknessanddesertionwhichcameupontheholysouloftheRedeemer,was,sotospeak,thenoon-tideofGod'seternallove,themeridiansplendourofmercytoperishingmen,thereignandtriumphofsuperaboundinggrace,—'Godcommendethhislovetowardusinthat,whenwewereyetsinners,Christdiedforus.'‘Hereinislove,notthatwelovedGod,butthathelovedusandgavehisSontobeapropitiationforour

sins.'‘GracereignsthroughrighteousnessuntoeternallifebyJesusChristourLord.'

II.Itvindicatesthehonour,andestablishestheprinciplesoftheDivinemoralGovernmentingeneral,andofthemoralLawinparticular.

ThehomagetohisexcellencewhichtheLordoftheuniversedemandsofallhisrationalcreatures,ofwhateverclass,togetherwithadulyapportionedexpressionofhisapprobationordisapprobation,accordingastheirconductmeets,orfallsshortof,hisdemands,constituteswhatweunderstandbytheDivinemoralGovernmentingeneral.ThemoralLaw,again,isthatspecialmoralconstitutiongiventothehumanraceinparticular,comprehendingthedivinerequirementsobligatoryonman.Theoneisjustabranchoftheother,and,asfarastheirclaims,sanctions,andobligationsareconcerned,theymayberegardedasidentical.

TheoriginalclaimsofGod'smoralgovernmentandlawarehigh,—entireaffection,andperpetualanddevotedobedience.Theseclaimsarefoundedontheundoubtedsupremacy,intrinsicexcellence,andinherentproprietorshipofGod.NotestimonytotheirequitycouldbemoreunequivocalthanthatwhichthedeathofChristsupplies.Hadtheynotbeenatfirstperfectlyequitable,hadtheybeenessentiallyunjust,orevenintheslightestdegreeoverrigorous,theirtonewouldcertainlyhavebeenrelaxed,ratherthanthattheSonofGodshouldbesubjectedtosuffertheaccurseddeathofthecross.Hisbeingsosubjectedthusproclaimsinthemostdeterminateaccentsthatthelawisholy,just,andgood.

ThesanctionsoftheDivinemoralgovernmentarenecessary,aswellasitsclaims.Withoutthese,neithercouldthedispleasureoftheSuprememoralGovernoratthebreachofhislawbeadequatelyexpressed,norcouldthesubjectsofthislaweverbedeterredfromsin.Whileitisobvious,thattoeffecttheseendstheyrequiretobeawful,itisequallyplain,thatthemoralGovernorhimselfisaloneentitledtodeterminewhatshallbethoughtadequate.Thishedidbygivingforththeappallingdeclarations,‘Inthedaythoueatestthereofthoushaltsurelydie'—‘cursediseveryonethatcontinuethnotinallthingsthatarewritteninthebookofthelawtodothem.'Butthedoctrineofatonement,whichsupposesthiscurseofthelawtobebornebytheSonofGodhimself,surelystrikinglydemonstrates,thatthesesanctions,howeverawful,werenothingmorethanjust,nothingmorethannecessary;thattheyweredictatedbynolittlefeelingofrevenge,foundedonnopitifulcalculationofexpediency,andwereutterlyincapableofbeingdepartedfrominanyoneinstance.

Thus,thepermanentobligationoftherequirementsandsanctionsofthesupreme

moralgovernmentwassatisfactorilyandforeverestablished.Itappearsthattheseobligationsarenottobeviolatedwithimpunity,noraltered,norabatedintheslightestdegree.Noabrogation,orabridgment,ormodificationofthemcantakeplaceoutofrespecttoman'sdisinclination,ortowhatiscalledhumanfrailty.Thoughpalpablyirrational,theheartofmanhasbeenwickedenoughtoconceivethismonstroussupposition;and,butforthedirectconfutationitreceivesfromthevicarioussufferingsoftheRedeemer,thereisreasontofearthatthebaseandperniciousprinciplewouldhavebeenextensivelyadopted.Butforthesesufferings,onthesuppositionthatmanhadbeensaved,itmusthavegoneforthtothemoraluniverse,thatthelaw,thoughrequiringperfectobedience,wouldbesatisfiedwithless,andthoughdenouncingcondemnationoneveryguiltyviolator,wouldpermittheperpetratortoescapewithimpunity.Andtheconsequenceofthisannouncementmusthavebeen,togivesuchaviewoftheLawgiverandhislaw,ascouldnotfailtoencouragemoralsubjects,ofeveryorder,torevolt,andembarkinthemosthardenedandextensiverebellion.Theatonement,ontheotherhand,proclaimsthestabilityofthelaw,andtheunflinchingrectitudeoftheLawgiver.Itassuresusthattheoneisnottobeinsulted,northeothertobetrifledwith;thateitherGodmustbeobeyed,ortheconsequencesofdisobediencemustbeborne;thatthethroneofthedivinemoralgovernmentisstrictlyinviolable,andthathisrectoralpowersarenottobeletdowntothemostpresumptuousmortalonearth,ortothemostambitiousarchfiendinhell.Thelawismagnifiedandmadehonourable.Christappearstobetheendofthelawforrighteousness.Hecamenottodestroythelawbuttofulfilit.AndGodhathsetforthapropitiationthroughfaithinhisblood,todeclarehisrighteousness.

III.Itaffordsademonstrationoftheexceedingevilofsin.

Thatsincouldnotbepardonedwithoutasatisfaction,andthatnosatisfactioncouldsufficebutthedeathofGod'sownwell-belovedSon,aresurelydemonstrativeofthedreadfulandmalignantnatureofmoralevil.Noproofequaltothiswasevergiven.AbstractreasoningsfromtheinfiniteexcellenceandholinessofGod,andpracticalcommentsontheoverthrowofangels,thedrowningoftheAntediluvians,theburningofSodom,andtheexterminationoftheCanaanites,mustallyieldtotheaffectingsceneofCalvary.Eventhemostprofoundstudyofthelawitself,towhichsinisopposed,couldconveynosuchimpressionofitsdeepdemerit.Thecrossis‘themirrorwhichreflectsthetruefeaturesandlineamentsofmoralevil.'ItiswhenlookinguponHimwhomwehavepierced,thatweseesininsuchlightastoinduceustomournasone

mournethforafirst-born,andtobeinbitternessasonethatisinbitternessforanonlyson.Men,intheirignoranceandpartiality,mayconceiveofitasasmallmatter,andspeakofitas‘alittlething;'theymaypalliatetheiroffencesandpleadexcusesforthem,asiftheyweretoolighttobenoticed,ortootrivialtobeseverelypunished;Butletthemseriouslyweighthemomentoustruth,thatChristdiedforoursins,thattheSonofGodhadtopourouthissouluntodeathbeforeasingletransgressioncouldbeforgiven;letthemrecallthecontradictionofsinnersandthefuryofdevils,theagoniesofthegardenandthetorturesofthecross,thedesertionofhisfriendsandthehidingsofhisFather'sface,towhichhehadtosubmitbeforeoneiniquitycouldbepardoned,andthensaywhethersindoesnotnowassumeanewcharacter;whetheritdoesnotappeartobeanevilandabitterthing;whethertheyarenotbetterpreparedtoappreciatethelanguageinwhichitisspokenofas‘exceedingsinful'—'theabominablethingwhichGodhates.'Itisthusthatwelearntoentertainrightviews,andtocherishrightfeelings,withregardtomoralevil.Grief,andshame,andabhorrencecanonlybeinspiredbyabelievingviewofthisdoctrine;andthusonlycanthosepungentconvictionsforthepast,andthosevigorousdeterminationstoresistitinfuture,befelt,whicharetheessentialcharacteristicsandingredientsofgenuinerepentance.Nowheredothetearsofgodlysorrowflowwithsuchprofusionasatthefootofthecross;noristhereanotherstationsowellcalculatedtonervethepenitentwiththeresolutiontosay,‘Ihavedoneiniquity,Iwilldosonomore.'Oh,whoistherethat,livingunderthehabitualinfluenceofthecrossofChrist,isnotinducedtohatesinwithaperfecthatred?Whoisthere,withthesufferingsofacrucifiedSaviourfullinhisview,thatcanbringhimselftolovesin,orrollitasasweetmorselunderhistongue;thatisnotratherimpelledtopurifyhimselffromallfilthinessofthefleshandofthespirit,andtoperfectholinessinthefearoftheLord.

IV.ItinfalliblysecurestheperfectandeverlastingsalvationofthechosenofGod.

Thisisthegrandbenevolentpurposeofthedivinewill,whosenature,preparations,andconsequencesbespeakitstranscendentmagnitudeandimportance;andeverybarriertowhich,whetherarisingfromtheperfectionsofDeity,ortheprinciplesofthedivinegovernment,orthemoralcorruptionofman'snature,hasbeenremovedbythebloodofatonement.

Everylegalobstructiontothesalvationofmanisthustakenaway.Guiltisatoned;redemptionfromcondemnationisprocured;andeverydemandwhich

thelawcanpreferagainstthesinner,whetherofrequirementorofsanction,iscompletelyanswered.‘Hehathredeemedusfromthecurseofthelaw,beingmadeacurseforus.'‘Wehaveredemptionthroughhisblood,eventheforgivenessofsins.'Noimpedimenttothemostamplepardonnowexists.‘ThereisnownocondemnationtothemthatareinChristJesus.'ThroughfaithintheatoningdeathofEmmanuel,thosewhobeforecouldonlygiveventtotheshriekofhorror,maynowsinginfullanthem,‘Thouartworthy,forthouwastslain,andhastredeemedustoGodbythyblood.'Andthesinner,whoformerlycrouched,andtrembledineverynerveatthesanctionsofthelaw,maynowlifthisheadinhumbleconfidence,and,biddingdefiancetoawholeuniverseofaccusation,say,‘WhoshalllayanythingtothechargeofGod'select?Whoishethatcondemneth?ItisChristthatdied.'

Themoralobstructionstoman'ssalvationarethusalsoremoved.God'sbenevolentdesignembracessanctificationaswellaspardon.Theremustbeemancipationfromcorruptionaswellasfromthecurse;anactive,vital,andprevailingholiness,aswellasforgiveness.Now,Christ‘gavehimselfforus,thathemightredeemusfromALLiniquity,andpurifytohimselfapeculiar

people,zealousofgoodworks.'ThebloodofJesusChristcleansethfromallsin.'‘Forwhatthelawcouldnotdo,inthatitwasweakthroughtheflesh,God,sendinghisownSoninthelikenessofsinfulflesh,andforsin,condemnedsinintheflesh.'‘WearesanctifiedthroughtheofferingofthebodyofJesusChrist,onceforall.'‘WhereforeJesus,thathemightsanctifythepeoplewithhisownblood,sufferedwithoutthegate.'Withsuchpassagesasthesebeforethem,itiswonderfulthatthedoctrineofatonementshouldeverhavebeenrepresentedbyitsenemiesashostiletotheinterestsofmorality,orthatanywhoprofesstobelieveitshouldeverhavetakenoccasionfromittoindulgeinslothorwallowinlicentiousness.Themoralinfluenceofthecrossisgreatanddirect,throughtheaccompanyingpoweroftheSpirit.ItrestorestothefavourofGod;laysrestraintsonthespringsofmoralcorruption;weakensthepoweroftemptation;dissuadesfromthepracticeofsin;andfurnishesthemostpowerfulmotivestosincere,constant,anduniversalobedience.Itstendencytoinspireahatredofsinhasalreadybeenremarked.Nordoesitsupplyalessenergeticstimulustothecultivationofpersonalholiness.Theviewwhichitgivesofthedivinepurity,andjustice,andlove,thedemonstrationitfurnishesoftherectitudeandinviolabilityofthedivinelaw,andtheobligationsofgratitudeandloveunderwhichitbringsus,arealldirectlyfavourabletotheinterestsofmoralobedience.Itiseventhegrandinstrumentinbringingaboutamoralregenerationofnature;itbeingby

theinfluenceofthisdoctrine,thatthedivineSpiritmeltsandsubduestheadamantineheartofthesinner,andtransformsitintotheimageofChrist.

Itnolessinfalliblysecuresthehappinessofman,hereandhereafter.ThesovereignpurposeofGodextendstoman'sdeliverancefrommisery,aswellasfromguiltandpollution.And,bythesufferingsoftheSonofGodinourstead,wasfoundationlaidforwhatevercancontributetohispresentoreternalfelicity.ThatcommunionwithGod,whichisthesourceofalltrueenjoyment,istobehadonlythroughthismedium.‘ThroughhimwehaveaccessbyoneSpirituntotheFather.'‘Seeingthatwehaveagreathighpriest,letuscomeboldlyuntothethroneofgrace.'‘HavinganhighpriestoverthehouseofGod,letusdrawnearwithatrueheart,inthefallassuranceoffaith.'Thoseprayersandpraises,bymeansofwhichtheintercoursewithheaveniskeptup,areacceptedonlyforthesakeoftheAngelwiththegoldencenser,whoministersatthegoldenaltarwhichisbeforethethrone,andoutofwhosehandthesmokeoftheincenseascendsupbeforeGod.Italsoopensupawell-springofconsolationtothebeliever,amidtheinnumerableillstowhichheisexposedinthisevilworld.Whenburdenedwithguilt,it‘purgestheconsciencefromdeadworks.'WhenbesetwithSatan'swiles,itaffordshimcomforttoreflectthat,‘inthatthemercifulandfaithfulhighpriesthimselfhathsuffered,beingtempted,heisabletosuccourthemthataretempted.'Whenvisitedwithafflictionsandtrials,heiscomfortedandupheldwiththethoughtthat‘wehavenotanhighpriestwhocannotbetouchedwiththefeelingofourinfirmities.'Wheninthearmsofdeath,andthesoulabouttobedismissedfromthebody,abelievingviewoftheSonofmanstandingontherighthandofGod,‘alambasifhehadbeenslain,'canenablehimcalmlytoresignhimself,inthespiritandlanguageoftheproto-martyr,‘LordJesus,receivemyspirit.'Nay,whenanticipatingthedayoffinalaccount,andconceivinghimselftostandbeforethebarofarighteousGod,hecanpossesshimselfinpatience,seeingheknowsthatthere‘shallbenocondemnationtothemthatareinChristJesus,'andthatthebloodofthecovenantshallsecureforhimanhonourableacquittal,andinfalliblyprotecthimfromthewrathtocome:thetribunalofeternaljusticeappearstobeencircledwiththerainbowofmercy,and,insteadoftheshriekofshudderinghorror,heisenabledtogiveexpressiontothelanguageofconfidinghopeandexultinganticipation,‘Thouwiltshowmethepathoflife:inthypresenceisfulnessofjoy;atthyrighthandtherearepleasuresforevermore.'

Itis,besides,theprocuringcauseandsolesecurityofeternalglory.Throughfaithinthisblessedtruthalonecananyofouroutcastfamily‘rejoiceinhopeof

thegloryofGod.'Heavenisprocured,prepared,takenpossessionof,andretained,bymeansoftheatonement.Thebloodofthecovenantconstitutesthetitletoitspossession.Theheavenlythingsthemselvesarepurifiedwithbettersacrifices,thanthosebywhichthepatternsofthingsintheheavenswerepurified.WehaveboldnesstoenterintotheholiestofallonlybythebloodofChrist,andtotheLambinthemidstofthethronearetheredeemedindebtedforthepermanencyoftheirgloryandbliss.Thoseimmortalhonours,thoseglorioushopes,thoseperennialenjoyments,whichareimagedbycrownsofglory,palmsofvictory,harpsofgold,andriversoflife,havealltheirmeritorioussourceinthecross.HeavenhaseverythingaboutittodeepentherecollectionsofCalvary;and,couldweconceiveasoulsuddenlysnatchedfromthefootofthecrosstothesanctuaryabove,itwouldundergonoviolentchangeoffeeling,foritwouldstillbreathetheatmosphereandbesurroundedwiththesymbolsandmemorialsofatonement.Yes:thecentralobjectofattractiontomenandangelsis‘theLambinthemidstofthethrone.'Therobesoftheredeemedare‘madewhiteinthebloodoftheLamb.'‘WorthyistheLambthatwasslain,'istheburdenofthecelestialsong.Andthoseenlivening,gladdeningstreamswhichsendforthintotheheartanever-wellingtideofunmingledbliss,‘proceedoutofthethroneofGodandoftheLamb.'‘Notonethoughtinthecrowdofeternalideas,notonenoteinthecompassofeternalanthems,notonemomentintheroundofeternalages,cantherebe,butreferstoChristcrucified.HeavenisnoplaceforflightfromtherecollectionsofCalvary!Itisfilledwiththeapparatusandmonumentsofatonement!Itsatmosphereisbrightenedbyit—redolentofit—vocalwithit.'

V.Bytheatonement,awayisopenedupforthehonourableegressofdivinemercyinthebestowmentofsalvation;sinnershaveampleencouragementtorelyonthismercy;andfoundationislaidforeverypiousemotioninthebreastsofsaints.

Theexerciseofmercyinconsistencywiththeclaimsofjustice,istheperplexingproblemwhichonlythedoctrineofatonementsolves.Totheflowoftheformerthedemandsofthelatterseemtopresentinsuperablebarriers.Thesedemandsmustbesatisfied,and,ifsatisfiedinthoseonwhomtheyprimarilytakehold,thewayofmercyisnecessarilyshutup.

‘Dieman,orjusticemust,unlessforhim

Someother,able,oraswilling,pay

Therigidsatisfaction,deathfordeath.'

Itwastherevelationoftheall-momentousfactofChrist'satoningdeath,thatenabledthegiftedpoettohintevenatthismethodofextricationfromtheabovedilemma.Noughtelsecouldsupplyareconcilingprinciple.Notearsofpenitencehowevercopious,noprayershoweverfervent,nogoodworkshoweversincere,couldwarrant‘ajustGod'to‘justifytheungodly.'ThesufferingsofChristsolvethedifficulty;bytheseeveryobstructiontotheconsistentexerciseofmercyisremoved;thestreamoftheLord'sbloodhasopenedupachannelinwhichfull,free,andabundantgracemightflowunobstructedlyandforevertotheverychiefofsinners.‘GodisinChristreconcilingtheworldtohimself,notimputinguntomentheirtrespasses.'NotonlyisthisthewaybywhichGodhasseenmeettomakeanharmoniousdisplayoftheperfectionsofhisnature,butitmayeven,withoutpresumption,beaffirmedtobetheonlymethodbywhichhecoulddoso.Itisnot,indeed,forustolimittheMightyOne,whoseunderstandingisinfinite.Yet,consideringtheconstitutionofthings,andthepeculiarityofthecase,wemaysafelyaffirm,thatthemethodwhichhehasadoptedisthebestthatcouldhavebeenadopted;and,asitisimpossiblethataBeinginfinitelywisecandootherthanwhatisbest,itfollowsthatitwastheonlyplanwhichevendivinewisdomcouldemploy.Thenecessity,beitobserved,whichisheresupposed,isamoralnecessity;and,inassertingthatGodcouldnotsavemenotherwisethanbytheatonementofhisSon,wenomoreimpeachtheperfectionofhisnature,thanwhenwesaythathecannotlie,cannotlovesin,cannotcontradicthimself:wejustaffirmthathecannotbutdowhatisbest.

BytheatonementeveryencouragementisheldouttosinnerstorelyonthedivinemercyinChristforsalvation.Iftheviewwhichitexhibitsoftherigoursofjusticeandtheinviolabilityofthelawarefittocausethesinner‘meditateterror,'theviewwhichit,atthesametime,givesofthegreatnessofGod'smercyandofhiswillingnesstosavetotheuttermostcannotbutawakenhope.IfGodsparednothisownSon,butdeliveredhimupforusall,willherefusetoreceivesuchascometohimhumblysolicitingpardon?ThegiftofhisownSonissuchademonstrationofhismercifuldesignthatnosinnerneeddespair;andthemeritsofJesusChrist,theintrinsicworthandsufficiencyofhissacrifice,aresufficienttoinspirethehopeofforgiveness,evenshouldoursinsbeinnumberasthesandofthesea,andinaggravationascrimsonandscarlet.‘ItisafaithfulsayingandworthyofallacceptationthatChristJesuscameintotheworldtosavesinners,eventhechief.'‘Hecamenottocalltherighteousbutsinnerstorepentance.'Nodegreeofguiltcanexceedtheworth,nodepthofpollutionsurpassthe

cleansingvirtue,oftheSaviour'sblood.Tothetimid,theconscience-stricken,theheavy-laden,theboweddown,hesays,‘Comeuntome,andIwillgiveyourest.'Andevenshould‘thewholeheadbesickandthewholeheartfaint,andfromthesoleofthefootevenuntothecrownoftheheadtherebenosoundness,'hiscallisstill,‘Comenowandletusreasontogether;thoughyoursinsbeasscarlettheyshallbeaswhiteassnow;thoughtheyberedlikecrimsonthey

shallbeaswool.'Unbeliefanddespairarethustotallywithoutexcuse.

Astheatonementisthehopeofsinners,soisitalsothesourceofeverypiousemotioninthebreastsofsaints.Itistheveryobjectoffaith,‘Christistheendofthelawforrighteousnesstoeveryonethatbelieveth.'Itisthespringofrepentance;‘theyshalllookonmewhomtheyhavepiercedandtheyshallmourn.'Thewisdomitdisplays,theamazingloveitdiscloses,andthemightypowerwhichitexhibits,areallfittedtofillthebosomwithadoringwonder.Gratitude,thestrongestgratitude,isawakenedbyaviewofthemagnitudeoftheblessingswithwhichitisfraught,andthesacrificeswhichrequiredtobemadeinordertosecurethem.WhothatthinksoftheSonofGod,who,beingintheformofGod,andthinkingitnorobberytobeequalwithGod,yetmadehimselfofnoreputation,tookuponhimtheformofaservant,andwasmadeinthelikenessofmen,andbeingfoundinfashionasaman,humbledhimself,andbecameobedientuntodeath,eventhedeathofthecross;—who,thatremembersthat,thoughrich,foroursakeshebecamepoor,thatwethroughhispovertymightbemaderich,butmustfeelimpelledto‘offerthesacrificeofpraisetoGodcontinually,thatisthefruitofhislips,givingthankstohisname?'—Itiseminentlyfittedtowarmtheheartwithlove.Wemustlovehimwhohassolovedusastogivehimselfaransomforoursins.Coldmustbethatheart,obtusemustbethoseaffections,whicharenotkindledintoanirrepressibleglowbytheatonementofChrist.TheloveofChristmustconstrainallwhorightlyunderstandthissubject,tolovehiminreturn.‘Whomhavingnotseenwelove,'expressesthespontaneousfeelingofeverysaint.Nobelieverbutwillbewillingtosay,‘Lord,thouknowestallthings,thouknowestthatIlovethee.'ThisisindeedthetestofpersonalChristianity.‘IfanymanlovenottheLordJesusChrist,lethimbeanathema,maranatha.'‘LovetheLord,allyehissaints.'Howisitpossibletocomeundertheardentraysofthisburninglove,andnotfeelinducedtoreflectitsbeamsinkindredandreciprocalemotion!Howisitpossibleforagracioussoultotreatlovesodignifiedwithneglect,lovesofreewithingratitude,lovesoproductivewithcontempt,lovesoardentwith

indifference,lovesoconstantwithevenwaveringaffection!

Norcananythingbeconceivedbettercalculatedtoproducetruehumility,thanthedoctrinethatmanisutterlyincapableofsavinghimself,andthatsuchwerehisguilt,andcorruption,andmisery,thatlesscouldnotsufficeforhisescapethantheawfulsufferingsoftheSonofGod.Oh,whothatdulyconsidersthisbutmustbedeeplyhumbledandself-abased!Whatbetterfittedtostaintheprideofhumanglory,andtofillwithalllowlinessofmind!Themanwhofirmlybelievesandcordiallyembracesthistruth,mustseehimselftobenothing,yea,andlessthannothing.Selfrighteousness,self-sufficiency,self-complacency,self-dependence,canneverbemadetocomportwithChrist'shavinggivenhimselfaransomforus,thathemightredeemusfromalliniquity.

Itisnowayatvariancewiththis,thatthedoctrineshouldbeviewedascalculatedtofillthesoulwithhope,andjoy,andexultingtriumph.Nolimitscanbesettotherapturousgladnesswhichitisitsnativetendencytoinspire.Inthelowestdepthofhishumiliation,thebelievingsoul,lookingforwardtotheblessings,andanticipatingthetriumphsthecrossofChristisdestinedtosecure,rejoicesinhopeofthegloryofGod.Seeinginiteveryreasonforthehighestmoraldelightandcomplacency,andfeelingthatallbesidesisnothingincomparison,hetakesupthepassionateyetdignifiedavowal,‘GodforbidthatIshouldglory,saveinthecrossofourLordJesusChrist.'

VI.Theatonementmoreorlessaffectsallthedivinedispensationstowardourworld.

Eventhecreationoftheworld,thereiseveryreasontobelieve,waswiththeviewofitsbeingatheatreonwhichtoexhibittheworkofman'sredemptionbytheeternalSon.Itistheworkmanshipofhishand.Thisisthepurposewhichitserves;andthatitwasframedwithaviewtoitsservingitspurposeissurelynodisputableassertion.Difficultiesconnectedwiththatprofoundmystery,theoriginofmoralevil,mayencumberthisstatement.Butwearenotboundtoremoveeverydifficultyfromsuchasubjectbeforebeingentitledtodemandforittheassentofthemind.Theapostle,inexpressterms,notonlyclaimsforChristthehonouroftheworld'screation,butassertsthepurposeofitscreationtoterminateinHim:—'AllthingswerecreatedBYhim,andFORhim.'Heisthefinalaswellastheefficientcauseofthisworld'screation.Ourearthwasselectedasthechosenspotonwhichthemysteryofredemptionwastobedisplayed;andallthescenesofthemediatorialeconomywerehereexhibited.Theadventofthe

promisedMessiahtookplacehere;herewasledhisinstructivelife;herewerewroughthiswondrousmiracles;herewerespokenhisstillmorewondrousaddresses;herewerebornehismysterioussufferings;herewasaccomplishedhisawfuldecease;andherewereachievedhisgloriousvictoriesovermenanddevils,oversinanddeath.Thisisindeedthegloryofourworld.ThatitwastheabodeofChristandthesceneofredemption,throwsoveritasurpassinglustre,impartstoitamatchlesshonour.‘Itisthegloryoftheworldthathewhoformeditdweltinit;oftheair,thathebreathedit;ofthesun,thatitshoneonhim;oftheground,thatitborehim;ofthesea,thathewalkedonit;oftheelements,thattheynourishedhim;ofthewaters,thattheyrefreshedhim;ofusmen,thathelivedanddiedamongus,yea,thathelivedanddiedforus.'Yes;andwemayadd,haditonlybeenthatitwasstainedwithhisblood,itwashonouredbyhimbeyondallhumanconception.—Itisthroughtheatonement,also,thatthethingsofthisworldcometobepropertyenjoyed,asitlaysafoundationforthatcovenant-righttotheirpossessionwhichisessentialtoalltrueenjoymentTherighteousenjoythegoodthingsofthepresentlife,becausetheyknowtheyaresecuredforthembythebloodofEmmanuel,andaretaughttousethemastheprovisionofatemporarystate,lookingforwardtoabetterandanenduringportionintheskies.Andthusitis,thattothemtheroseofthegardenappearstowearadeeperblush,andthelilyofthefieldtoreflectapurertint,andthesuntoshinewitharichersplendour,andthemorningstartosparklewithabrighterbeam,becausetheyarethehandiworks,astheyaretheconsecratedemblemsofhimwhodiedonCalvary.

--------------“Onespirit—His,

Whoworetheplattedthornswithbleedingbrows,

Rulesuniversalnature.Notaflower

Butshowssometouch,infreckle,streak,orstain,

Ofhisunrivalledpencil.-------------------

Hispresencewhomadeallsofair,perceived,

Makesallstillfairer.”

Cowper.

Thedispensationofprovidenceregardstheatonementasitscentre.Redemptionisthegrandcentralpointofprovidence,andatonementisthecentralpointofredemption.ThewholeapparatusofredemptionowesitsbeinganditsefficacytothedeathofChrist;andeverymovementofthecomplicatedwheelsofprovidencederivesitsimpulsefromredemption.Precedingeventslookforward,succeedingeventspointbackward,andmeetasinacommoncentreinthecross.ThecourseofprovidenceforfourthousandyearsbeforetheadventoftheSonofGodpreparedthewayforthisstupendousevent;andthetrainofoccurrencessinceonlyservestofollowupthegreatdesignofhiscoming.‘TheLordreigneth—thegovernmentisuponhisshoulders.'‘Theworldis,therefore,notawanderingstar,abandonedinwrath,discardedfromuse,rushingtodestruction,butisstillheldforadesign,andturnedtoanaccountthemostglorious.ItsMakerhasnotdenouncednordisownedhisproperty.Itmaybearebel,butheisstillitssovereign:itmaybearecusant,butheisstillitsLord.'

Thedispensationofmercy,inallitsseveralstages,stands,ofcourse,inintimateconnexionwiththecrossofChrist.Revelation,therecordoftheseprogressivedispensations,iseverywheresprinkledwiththebloodofatonement.History,type,prophecy,song,epistle,allbreathethesweet-smellingsavourofthisonetheme;andtheirvariedcontentsderiveacharacterofunityfromthispervadingcircumstance.

FromAdamtoMoses,thepracticeofsacrificing,wehaveseen,existed.Adam,Abel,Noah,Lot,Abraham,allpresentedtheirburnt-offerings,which,fromthesubstanceofwhichtheyconsisted,andthelanguageinwhichtheywerespokenof,appeartohavebeenbothdesignedandunderstoodtoprefigurethegreatChristianExpiation.Withoutthistheyhavenomeaning,noworth;butareacruelmockeryofman'smisery,andadeceptionofhumanhopes.

TheMosaiceconomyhadinnumerableritesandinstitutions,calculatedtoconveydistinctideasofpropitiationandvicarioussuffering.But,withouttheatonementofChrist,theyweremeaningless,useless,hurtfulall.Thewholesystemwasnothingbetterthanapompousparadeofgaudyceremonies;acriminalwasteofvaluableproperty;awantoninflictionofunnecessarypainonsentientunoffendingcreatures.TheatonementofChristiswhatgivesitallitssignificancy,utility,andconsistency.

Thepeculiarityofthenewtestamentdispensationconsistsinafree,full,unhamperedproclamationofmercyandsalvationintheLordJesusChrist,toall

men.Itisanofferofeternallifeandeveryspiritualblessingtothemthatbelieve.‘Holdingforththewordsofeternallife.'‘Comeuntome,andbeyesaved,allyeendsoftheearthforIamGod,andbesidemethereisnoSaviour.'Butonwhatgrounddotheseuniversalproffersproceed?Whencederivetheytheirconsistencyandtheirpower,butfromtheperfectallsufficientatonementoftheSon.ofGod?‘WepreachChristcrucified.'‘IdeterminednottoknowanythingamongyousaveJesusChristandhimcrucified.'‘GodforbidthatIshouldglorysaveinthecrossofourLordJesusChrist.'Thisisthelanguageheldbyitsministers;and,indeed,everyindividualbenefititbestows,theyareaccustomedtospeakofinlanguagewhichmarksthesameconnexion.Isitredemption?‘Wehaveredemptionthroughhisblood,eventheforgivenessofsins.'Isitreconciliation?‘GodhathreconciledustohimselfbyJesusChrist.'Isitpeace?‘WehavepeacewithGodthroughourLordJesusChrist.'Is.itjustification?

‘BeingjustifiedfreelybyhisgracethroughtheredemptionthatisinChristJesus.'Thegospelminister'scommissionissealedwiththeblood,andstampedwiththecrossofEmmanuel;norcanheeverexecuteit,inconsistencywiththecharacterandgloryofGod,unlessheexhibitthesacrificeofChristasthechiefarticleofhismessage,theburdenofhisdoctrine,thecentralorboftheChristiansystemwhichgivestoeverypartitslivingenergy,andbindsthewholetogetherinsweetandindissolubleunion.

Thedivineforbearancetowardourguiltyraceisgreatlymoreextensivethaneithertheefficacyorrevelationofthedispensationofmercy.Thehistoryoftheworldisonecontinuedillustrationofthisfact.Theloudwarningswhichareutteredintheearsofmoraloffenders,theapparentreluctancewithwhichthesovereignJudgeproceedstoexecutehisthreatenings,andthemanifestreservationevenwithwhichtheyareinflicted,bespeakthelong-sufferingandforbearanceofGod.‘Judgmentishiswork—hisstrangework.'‘Yetfortydays,andNinevehshallbedestroyed.'‘HowshallIgivetheeup,Ephraim?howshallIdeliverthee,Israel?howshallImaketheeasAdmah?howshallIsettheeasZeboim?'‘Yea,manyatimeturnedhehisangeraway,anddidnotstirupallhiswrath.'Now,howarewetoaccountforthis,inconsistencywiththecharacterofGod?Ontheprincipleoftheatonementalone.Naturalbenevolencedoesnotexplainit,asthis,wouldhavedictatedthesamecoursetowardstheangelswho.sinned,whereasthedispensationofforbearanceislimitedentirelytoourrace.NorisitthatHeiswaitingtoseewhethermanwillnotclearhimselfofguiltandreturnofhis.ownaccordtothepathofduty.No.Heknowsthatforbearance,initself,canneversecuresalvation.Manmayassoonannihilatehimselforcreatea

world,asemergefromguilttoinnocencebyhisownmeritsfromcorruptiontoholinessbyhisownpower.Itiswithnosuchview,then,thattheAlmightyforbearstoexecutehisjustjudgmentsontheworkersofiniquity.TheatonementofChristexplainsthephenomenon,andgivesconsistencytothispartofthedivineproceduretowardfallenman.TheatoningdeathofChristrendersthesalvationofmenpossible;andtheexecutionofjusticeissuspended,thatmenmayhavetimeandopportunitytorepentandbesaved,forGodisnotwillingthatanyshouldperish,butratherthattheyshouldturnuntohimandlive.Butfortheatonement,mankindhadknownaslittleofthedivineforbearanceasthefallenangels;theguiltypairhadperishedassoonastheyhadsinned;theinstantoftheirdisobedienceandthatoftheirdeathhadbeenthesame;attheeatingoftheforbiddenfruit,notmerelyhad‘skyloweredandmutteredthunder,'butthebolthadleaptfromtheheavens,andburstingontheirheads,crushedthemintheirimpotentrebellion.

EventhefinaljudgmentwillexhibitaconnexionwiththeworkofChrist.NotonlyisalljudgmentcommittedtotheSon,aspartofhismediatorialreward;buttheequitablecondemnationoftheunbelievingandimpenitentwillderiveitscharacterandforcefromthissource,whilethesovereignacquittaloftherighteouswillrestupontheatonementasitsproperfoundation.

Theeternalstate,whetherofblissorofmisery,willderiveacharacterfromthiscircumstance.Inheaven,therelationsoftheredeemedtoGod,andtotheLamb,shalltaketheirrisefromtheatonement;allthecommunicationsofknowledge,andholiness,andfelicity,shallflowthrougheternityinthischannel;whileeveryservicetheyperform,shallfindacceptancewithGodonlyonthisground.Andinhell,itisnottobequestioned,thatthemiseriesofthedamnedshallbeinconceivablyaggravatedbythecontemptuousdisregardtheyhaveshowntothewayofescapeprovidedforthembyGodinthedeathofhisSon.Therejectionof

Christgivesahighlyaggravatedcharactertotheirsin;andtheremembranceofthisrejectionwillgiveweightandpungencytotheirmisery.ThebloodofChristwhichextinguishesthefireofTophetasregardssuchasbelieve,willhaveonlytheeffectofmakingitsflamesburnmoreintenselyasregardsthefinallyimpenitent.ThethoughtofhavingdespisedChrist,andcountedthebloodofatonementacommonthing,willhauntthewretchedmemoriesofthewickedforeverandever,inflictingonthem,withoutcessationordiminishedintensity,thehorrificeffectsofitstorturingpower.‘IfIhadnotcomeandspokenuntothem,theyhadnothadsin,butnowtheyhavenocloakfortheirsin.'‘He

thatdespisedMoses'lawdiedwithoutmercy:ofhowmuchsorerpunishment,supposeye,shallhebethoughtworthywhohathtroddenunderfoottheSonofGod,andhathcountedthebloodofthecovenant,wherewithhewassanctified,anunholything,andhathdonedespiteuntotheSpiritofgrace?'

VII.Infine.TheatonementofJesusChristwillformathemeofinterestingandimprovingcontemplationtothewhaleuniverseofmoralcreaturesthroughouteternity.

Thesavingeffectsofthisblessedfactarelimited,itistrue,toourrace:notsoitsmoraleffects.Thesearewideastheuniverse.ItisnottheredeemedfromamongmenonlythatsingpraisetotheLamb;angels,beingsofahigherorder,moreetherealintheirnature,andofmoreelevatedendowments,striketheirharpstothesong,‘WorthyistheLambthatwasslain.'Angelsdesiretolookintothismystery,andclaimrighttocelebratethepraisesoftheRedeemerofmen.Andwelltheymay.BytheatonementofftheSonofGod,newandenlargeddiscoveriesaremadetothemofthecharacterofGod.‘Untotheprincipalitiesandpowersinheavenlyplacesaremadeknownbythechurchthemanifoldwisdomoff

God.'Withoutthis,theycouldneverhaveknownevenwhat‘theydoofthenaturalandmoralperfectionsoftheDeity:andofhisgraciouscharactertheycouldnothavehadsomuchasanidea.Butheretheyhaveadisplayofinfinitesovereignty,insavingmenatall,andnotleavingthem,liketherebelsoftheirownclass,toperishintheirsins;andofinfiniteloveandmercy,inchoosingforsalvation,ofthetworacesofsinfulcreatures,thatwhichoccupiedthelowestplace.Theseareviewsforwhichtheyareentirelyindebtedtotheschemeofatonement;forhadnonebeensaved,theycouldhavehadnoknowledgeofmercy;hadbothordersoffallencreaturesbeensaved,theycouldnothavehadthesamedisplayofsovereignty;andhadangelsbeenpreferredtomen,theycouldnothaveknownthatthemercyofGodwasthegreatestpossible.Marvellouswisdom!whichthus,byoverlookingtheorderofangels,gavethemabrightermanifestationthancouldotherwisehavebeengivenofthecharacterofGod!Whataschemethisforintelligentcreaturesofthehighestranktorevolvethrougheternity!Asmoralcreatures,too,angelscannotbutfeelinterestedintheatonement,whichestablishestheinviolablerectitudeofthedivinegovernment.Asbenevolentintheirdispositions,theymustalsotakedelightinwhatconferssuchanamountofdignity,andholiness,andhappiness,onsolargeanumberofhumanbeings.Andwehaveonlytoreflect,thattheredeemedfromamong

menare,invirtueoftheirredemption,introducedtothecompanionshipofangels,toseethatthesecelestialbeingshaveanothermostpowerfulreasonforcontemplating,withthedeepestinterest,theatonementofJesus.Thethingsinheavenandthingsineartharethusbroughttogetherintoone.Menandangelsare,inconsequence,toengageinthesameexercises,partakeofthesameprivileges,shareinandreflectthesameglory.Anditadmitsnotofdoubt,thatthiscompanionshipwillproveasourceofknowledgeandofhappinesstoeventhe‘eldersonsoflight.'

Thusextensivedoesthesubjectwehavehadunderreviewappeartobeinitsinfluence.Men,somemenonly,arethesubjectsofChrist'satonement;butitsmoralbearingembracesnotmerelythehumanrace,butthewholemoralfamilyofGod.Asasourceofinstruction,socialhappiness,andmoraldelight,itreachesfarbeyondtheboundsofourearth.Itnotonlyscattersblessingsovertheplainsofthislowerworld,butcallsforththebenedictionsofangels,awakensthesympathiesoftheheavenlyhosts,andanimatescelestialbeingstojubilantsongsofthanksgivingandpraise.Who,then,darerepresentitasunimportant?Whocanestimatetheconsequencesoftreatingitwithneglect!Ratherletuscountitalloursalvationandallourdesire.‘Tothemthatbelieve

heisprecious.'‘HowshallweescapeifweneglectSOGREATSALVATION!'

PARTSECOND.

INTERCESSION.

SECTIONI.

REALITYOFCHRIST'SINTERCESSION.

INTERCESSIONisthecorrelateofatonementItisnot,therefore,tobewonderedat,thatthosewhodenythedoctrineofChrist'satonement,shouldhavemaintainedthepositionthathisintercessionisonlyfigurative.ThisistheviewtakenofthesubjectbySocinians,whoresolvetheintercessionofChristintohiskinglyoffice,understandingbyitnothingmorethantheexerciseofhisregalpowerincommunicatingtomentheblessingsofhismediation.ThattheSaviourpossessesandexertssuchapower,isnotbyanymeansdenied,butthatitisthesamethingashisintercession,andisallthatismeantbythispartofhiswork,mayfairlybedisputedonthemostsatisfactorygrounds.

Therelationwhichintercessionbearstoatonementhasjustbeenremarked.Theyarecorrelateideas.Theystandtoeachotherinmuchthesamecharacterasdotheideasofcreationandprovidence.TheprovidenceofGodconsistsinupholdingallthings,ormaintaininginbeingthecreatureshehasmade:itisbestconceivedofasacontinuedputtingforthofthecreativeenergy.SotheintercessionofChrististhecontinuedefficacyofhisexpiatorymerit;onwhichaccountithasbeenspokenofbysomeoftheancientwritersasaperpetualoblation.IftheprovidenceofGodweresuspended,allcreatedbeingmustbeannihilated;andifJesuswerenottomakeintercession,themeritofhisatonementwouldproveutterlyunavailing.Theargumentsbywhichtherealityofatonementhasbeenestablished,thussupporttherealityofintercession.AdmitthenecessityandtruthofChrist'satoningsacrifice,andthecertaintyandprevalenceofhisintercessionwithinthevailnaturallyandirrefragablyfollow.

Christ'sintercessionis,indeed,essentialtothefulfilmentofthecovenantofgrace.As‘mediatorofthecovenant,'everythingwhichheperformsasapriesthasarelationtothisdivineeconomy.Thesacerdotalfunctionsofoblationand

intercessionhaveregardrespectivelytotheconditionandtheadministrationofthecovenant.Thestipulatedconditionofthecovenantis,thatsatisfactionshallbemadetothelawandjusticeofGodforthesinsofthosewhoareredeemed;andthisisdonebythesacrificeofChristTheadministrationofthecovenantcomprehendswhateverisconcernedwithputtingandmaintainingthecovenantchildreninpossessionoftheblessingsofredemption:andthistakesitsrisedirectlyandimmediatelyfromtheintercessionofChrist.Trueitis,theagencyoftheSpiritandtheinstrumentalityofmeansareconcernedinthisobject:but,intheeconomyofman'ssalvation,theintercessionoftheMediatorisnecessaryaliketotheoperationoftheone,andtotheefficacyoftheother.Itissoarrangedbyinfinitewisdomthatallthegooddonetothesoulsofmen,inconnexionwiththecovenantofgrace,shallbebegun,carried

forward,completed,andmaintainedthrougheternity,inrelationtoChrist'sintercession.

Theperfectionofhispriesthoodalsodemonstratestherealityofhisintercession.ThatChrist'sintercessionbelongstohispriestly,andnottohisregal,office,isanecessaryproofofitsreality.Andthatitconstitutesoneofhissacerdotalfunctions,appearsfromtheconnexioninwhichitisspokenof:—'Hebarethesinofmany,andmadeintercessionforthetransgressors.'Tobearsin,means,wehaveseen,tomakeatonement,anditishereconnectedwithmakingintercession.‘Whoishethatcondemneth?ItisChristwhodied,yearatherthatisrisenagain,whoisevenattherighthandofGod,whoalsomakethintercessionforus.'Christdiedasapriest,andherehisintercessionstandsconnectedwithhisdeath.Buttheconnexionisexpressedinsomanyterms,inthefollowingwords:—'Thisman,becausehecontinuethever,hathanunchangeablepriesthood:WHEREFOREheisablealsotosavethemtotheuttermostthatcomeuntoGodbyhim,seeingheeverlivethtomakeintercessionforthem.'Moreover,heisspokenofasbeingapriestinheaven.Notonthecrossonlydoesheactinhissacerdotalcharacter:—'HeshallbeaPRIESTUPONHISTHRONE.'Hispriestlyofficeclaimsthestampofperpetuity:—'ThouartaPRIESTFOREVER,aftertheorderofMelchizedek.'Heavenisthesceneofhispriestlyacts:—'WehavesuchanHIGHPRIESTwhoissetontherighthandofthethroneoftheMajestyintheHEAVENS.'If,then,Christisapriestonthethroneoftheheavensforever,theremustbesomesacerdotalactwhichheperformsinthissituation.Andwhatisthisact?Oblationitcannotbe;heofferedhimselfasacrificeforsinonceforall;byoneofferingheperfectedforeverthemthataresanctified:andthisoneoblationwasmade

uponearth.Itcanonly,then,beintercession;andifitisdeniedthatChrististhusoccupiedinheaven,thenamePriestisanemptysound,andyoufixonhimthedegradingstigmaofholdinganofficewithoutafunction,ofacceptingatitlewithoutacorrespondingwork.Iffartherproofbenecessary,itisderivedfromthefact,thattheintercessionofChristiseverrepresentedasproceedingonthegroundofhisatonement.Onepassagemaysufficeinproofofthisassertion;that,namely,inwhichhispropitiationisexhibitedassupportinghisall-powerful,comfortingadvocacy:—'Ifanymansin,wehaveanADVOCATEwiththeFather,JesusChristtherighteous;andheisthePROPITIATIONforoursins.'Butthebestevidenceofall,isthatwhichisfurnishedbytheactofthehighpriestunderthelaw.Itwasnotenoughthatheofferedsacrificeonthebrazenaltarintheouterpartofthetabernacle,onthedayofexpiation:hemustafterwardsenterintotheholyplace,andburnsweetincenseonthegoldenaltar,afterhavingsprinkleditseventimeswiththebloodofatonement.‘AndAaronshalltakeacenserfullofburningcoalsoffirefromoffthealtarbeforetheLord,andhishandsfullofsweetincensebeatensmall,andbringitwithinthevail.AndheshallputtheincenseuponthefirebeforetheLord,thatthecloudoftheincensemaycoverthemercy-seatthatisuponthetestimony,thathedienot.'Theimportofthissignificantceremonywearenotlefttoconjecture.‘Christisnotenteredintotheholyplacesmadewithhands,whicharethefiguresofthetrue;butintoheavenitself,nowtoappearinthepresenceofGodforus.'‘Andanotherangelcameandstoodatthealtar,havingagoldencenser,andtherewasgivenuntohimmuchincense,thatheshouldofferitwiththeprayersofallsaintsuponthegoldenaltarwhichwasbeforethethrone.Andthesmokeoftheincensewhichcamewiththeprayersofthesaints,ascendedupbeforeGodoutoftheangel'shand.'TheintercessionofChristwassignificantlyprefiguredbythissolemnactoftheancienthighpriest:andasthelatterwas,withoutdoubt,asacerdotalact,soalsomustbetheformer.Inthiswaydoesitappear,that,fortherealityofChrist'sintercession,wehavethesameevidenceasfortherealityofhispriesthood.Iftheoneisfigurative,theotherisalsofigurative;iftheoneisreal,theotherisalsoreal.And,unlessitismeanttoreducethewholesacerdotalcharacteroftheRedeemertoathinshadow,amerefigment,hisintercessionmustbeheldtobeatrueandproperintercession.

WemightevencontendthatthecircumstancesofthepeopleofGodrendertheintercessionofChristnecessary.Numerousanddailyaretheirwants;theyaremadeupofwants;theirnecessitiesareinnumerableandconstant.Blessingstosupplythesenecessities,itistrue,areprocuredbytheatoningsacrificeoftheRedeemer.ButwhoshallapplytoGodforthebestowmentof

thesepurchasedbenefits?Theycannotthemselves;theyhaveneithermerit,norskill,norevenatfirstinclinationtoapplyforanysuchthing;theycannotpleadtheirowncause;theyarealtogetherunfittoappearinthepresenceofGodforthemselves;anothermustappearforthem.Withouttheintercession,thepurchaseofChristhadthusbeeninvain,andtheelectofGodmusthaveremainedstrangersforevertoasinglesavingblessing.

Thepassages,then,whichspeakoftheworkofintercession,weregardasdescriptiveofahighandgloriousfunctionwhichisactuallyperformedbytheSaviourofsinners.Afunction,withoutabelievingknowledgeofwhichwecanneitherbeholdtheSaviour'sglory,norunderstandthenatureofman'ssalvation,norexperiencethecomfortsoftheredeemed.

Itisnovalidobjectiontotheviewwehavegivenofthissubject,thatGodloveshispeople,andhasdeterminedtoconferonthemtheblessingspurchasedbyhisSon.Ifso,ithasbeenasked,whereisthereneedorroomforChrist'sintercession?TheobjectionproceedsaltogetheronamistakenconceptionregardingtheuseandobjectoftheSaviour'sintercession.ItisnottoawakentheloveoftheFather;itisnottoobtainadecreeinfavourofthosewhoareitssubjects,thatconstitutestheobjectofthismediatorialfunction.Farbetheimpiousthought!ItsveryexistenceisafruitofGod'slove—anevidenceofhisgraciouspurpose.Itis,thathisAlmightylovemaybedisplayed,hissovereigndecreefulfilled,inawaymostconsistentwiththedivineglory,mostcompatiblewiththehonourofthedivinegovernment,mostproductiveofthegoodofman,andmostconsonantwiththeinterestsofthemoraluniverseatlarge.ItisthemethodbywhichGodhaswiselydeterminedtoexpresshisaffection,andfulfilhispurposesofmercytowardfallenmen.Andnoobjectiononthisground,canbeurgedagainsttheintercessionofChrist,whichwillnotapplywithequalforceagainstourpresentingaprayeronourownbehalf,oronthatofourfellowmen.

Neitheristhereanyvalidityintheobjection,thatintercessionsupposessomethingderogatorytothehonouroftheRedeemer.Itistrue,thattheactofpetitioning,inonepointofview,impliesinferiorityinthepetitionerwithreferencetothepersonpetitioned.But,inthecasebeforeus,thereisnoinferioritysupposedinconsistenteitherwiththepersonaldignityorwiththemediatorialgloryoftheSonofGod.Hispersonisdivine,andonthisthevalueofbothhissacrificeandintercessiongreatlydepends;butastheyareofficialfunctions,whateverinferioritytheymaypossessiswhollyofficial,andaffectsnotintheleasthisdignityasGod.Ifitisnotincompatiblewithhisdivine

Majestytoofferhimselfasanoblation,nomorecanitbesotopleadthecauseofhispeople.IfitwasnotderogatorytothehonouroftheRedeemertoassumetheoffice,itcannotbederogatorytodischargeitsfunctions.Thedischargeofofficialdutiescanneverdisgraceanofficialfunctionary,unlesstheofficeitselfbediscreditable.ThispartofserviceisexpresslyrepresentedasrequiredoftheonlybegottenoftheFather,‘ASKofme,andIshallgivetheetheheathenforthineinheritance,andtheuttermostpartsoftheearthforthypossession;'andsofarfrombeingdishonouredbysucharequirement,itistheverypurposeforwhichhelivesinofficialglory.‘HeeverLIVETHtomakeINTERCESSIONforthem.'Itistoberemembered,too,that,inmakingintercession,hepleadsnotforhimself,butforothers.Thehumiliationattachingtopersonalsupplicationhasnoplacehere.Topetitiononbehalfofanotheriscompatible,notonlywithequality,butevenwithsuperiorityinthepetitioneroverhimwithwhomheintercedes.And,then,itistobeborneinmind,thatanessentialdistinctionexists,inrespectoftheirnature,betweentheprayerspresentedbyChristinhisstateofhumiliation,andthoseinhisstateofexaltationandglory.Onearth,‘heofferedupprayersandsupplicationswithstrongcryingandtears,untohimthatwasabletosavehimfromdeath;'butnoinfirmitiesofthiskindattachtohisintercessoryprayersonhigh;therealltearsarewipedawayfromhis,asfromhispeople's,eyes;thereisnothingofservilityorservitudesupposedinthese;theypartakemoreofdemandthanofpetition,ofclaimthanofrequest;andevinceratherthedignityofaclaimanturgingaright,thanthepovertyofasuppliantbegginganunmeritedfavour.‘Father,IwillthattheywhomthouhastgivenmebewithmewhereIam.'Saynot,then,thatthereisanythingdegradinginthesuppositionthatChristshouldmakeintercession.No.Whilehischurchhasawant,whilehispeople'snecessitiescontinue,hewillcountithisdelight,hispleasure,hishonour,hisglory,topresenttheircasetohis

Father,andtosecureforthemthebestowmentofeveryneededboon.

SECTIONII.

NATUREOFCHRIST'SINTERCESSION.

Tointercede,meansliterallyto‘passbetween.'Thetermisusedfiguratively,todenotemediatingbetweentwopartieswithaviewofreconcilingdifferences,particularlyinthewayofsupplicatinginfavourofonewithanother.Inthissense,‘intercession'isfrequentlyaffirmedofChristinthescriptures:—'Who

alsomakethintercessionforus.'‘Heeverlivethtomakeintercessionforthem.'Theverbemployedinthesepassages,(Gr.words)whenconnectedwiththeprepositionthatfollows(Gr.words),includeseveryformofactinginbehalfofanother;itisimpropertolimitittoprayer,asitdenotesmediatingineverypossiblewayinwhichtheinterestsofanothercanbepromoted.Butothertermsareemployedinspeakingofthesamething.Itisexpressedbyasking:—'AskofmeandIshallgivetheetheheathenforthineinheritance.'Itisexpressedbypraying:—'Ipray(Gr.word)forthem;Ipraynotfortheworld;'whichshowsthatsupplicationisincluded,thoughnottotheexclusionofotherideas.Itisalsodescribedbyadvocacy:—'Ifanymansin,wehaveanadvocate(Gr.word)withtheFather,JesusChristtherighteous.'Thisisalawterm,whichwasincommonuseamongtheGreeksandRomans,todenoteonewhoappearedinacourtofjusticetomaintainthecauseofapersonaccused,—anattorney,apleader,aspokesman,apatron,who,placinghimselfintheroomofhisclient,advocatedhisinterestswithallzealandability.ThetermisexpresslyappliedtoChristinthepassagequoted;and,inhisownwords,itisdistinctlysupposedtobelongtohim,when,consolinghisdisciplesinprospectofhisownremovalfromthem,hesays,‘IwillpraytheFather,andheshallgiveyouANOTHERcomforter(Gr.words).'But,withreferencetohim,theremustbeunderstoodthisdifference,thathispleaisnottheinnocenceofhisclientsbuthisownmerits;hisappealisnottoabsolutejusticebuttosovereignmercy;whathesuesforisnotalegalrighttowhichtheyareentitled,butafreefavourtowhichinthemselvestheyhavenoclaim.

HowtheintercessionofChrist,thusexplained,isconducted—inwhatformthisasking,praying,advocacy,iscarriedon,itdoesnotbecomeuseitheranxiouslytoinquire,ordogmaticallytoaffirm.Itbecomesusrathertocontentourselveswiththeaccountgivenofitinscripture.Beyondthis,itisuseless,andworsethanuseless,toconjecture.

Itmayberemarked,that,foronething,ChristissaidtoappearinthepresenceofGodforhispeople.‘Christisnotenteredintotheholyplacesmadewithhands,whicharethefiguresofthetrue;butintoheavenitself,nowtoappearinthepresenceofGodforus.'TothisthereseemstobeanobviousreferenceinthepreternaturalvisionofStephen,‘BeholdIseetheheavensopened,andtheSonofmanstandingontherighthandofGod.'Thesamealsoisthereferenceintheapocalypticvision,‘Andanotherangelcameandstoodatthealtar,havingagoldencenser,&c.'HispresentinghimselfbeforeGodisdenotedbyhisappearing,andstanding,languagewhichplainlyenoughmarkssomesortof

officialactivity.Thisisthefirstthingimpliedinhisintercession;whenourcaseiscalled,sotospeak,atthebarofheaven,heappearsinourroom;whenwearesummonedtoappear,hestandsupinourname.

Butappearanceisnotall.Heisfarthersaidtoexhibithisatoningsacrifice,asthegroundonwhichtheblessingsforwhichhepleadsaretobeconferredonhispeople.TheHebrewhighpriest'senteringintothesanctuary,onthedayofexpiation,prefiguredtheintercessionofChrist.Butitwasnotasimpleappearancewithintheholyplacethatwasmadebythistypicalfunctionary;hecarriedwithhimthebloodofthevictimwhichhadjustbeenofferedintheouterapartment,andsprinkleditseventimesonthemercy-seatandthearkofthecovenant.Withoutthishisappearancecouldbeofnoavail,hisentrancecouldhavenoefficacy;correspondingtowhichisChrist'spresentingthememorialsofhisatonementbeforeGodinheaven.Christbeingcomeanhighpriestofgoodthingstocome,byagreaterandmoreperfecttabernacle,notmadewithhands,thatistosay,notofthisbuilding;neitherbythebloodofgoatsandcalves,BUTBYHISOWNBLOOD,heenteredinonceintotheholyplace,havingobtainedeternalredemptionforus.'Tothesamecircumstancedoestheapostlereferwhenhesays,‘Itwasthereforenecessarythatthepatternsofthingsintheheavensshouldbepurifiedwiththese;butTHEHEAVENLYTHINGSTHEMSELVESWITHBETTERSACRIFICESthanthese.'Byhisbloodandsacrifice,representedinthesepassagesascarriedbyhimintoheaven,itisalmostunnecessarytoremark,wearenottounderstandthematerialbloodwhichflowedinthegardenandonthecross,butthemeritofhissufferingsanddeath,thevirtueofhisatonement,thesubstanceofhissacrifice,thewholeessenceofhispassion.Theintercessionisfoundedontheoblation.Theformerisnothingwithoutthelatter.Itmay,withoutimpropriety,besaidthatitisthesacrificewhichintercedes:itisthebloodofJesusChristinheavenwhichcriestoGodonourbehalf:‘thebloodofsprinklingSPEAKETHbetterthingsthanthatofAbel.'Eveninthemidstofthethrone,hestands‘aLambasithadbeenslain.'Thevestmentsofmediatorialexaltationconcealnotthemarksofmediatorialsuffering;thediademofgloryhidesnottheimpressionleftbythecrownofthorns;heisstillredinhisapparel,andhisgarmentsdyedwithblood;thescarsofconflictarevisibleinthebodyoftheConqueror.Hiswoundsarestillopen,andeverymouthpleadsourcausewithGod.Hisdeathpleadsforourlife;hisbloodcriesforoursafety;histearsprocureourcomfort;andeverlastingjoyisbornetousonthebreezeofhisdeep-drawnsighs.

Itisnotdifficultforustounderstand,howintercessionismadeforusinheaven

bythememorialsoftheSaviour'ssacrifice.Thelanguageofsignsisnostrangethingamongmen.Godhascondescendedtoallowhimselftobeaddressedinthesameway:—'Thebowshallbeinthecloud,andIWILLLOOKUPONITthatImayremembertheeverlastingcovenantbetweenGodandeverylivingcreatureofallfleshthatisupontheearth.'Or,toadduceanexamplemoredirectlybearingonthepresentsubject:—'Andthebloodshallbetoyouforatokenuponthehouseswhereyouare:andWHENISEETHEBLOOD,Iwillpassoveryou.'Inlikemanner,thereisarainbowroundaboutthethronelikeuntoanemerald,whichpleadswithGodourexemptionfromthedelugeofwrath,andwhichderivesitsvividtintsfromtheraysoftheSaviour'slove,refractedbytheshowerofdivineanger,andreflectedfromthedarkcloudofhissuffering.Itiswhenheseesthebloodoftheeverlastingcovenant,thatJehovahpassesbythosewhoweredeservingofdestruction.Evenprofanehistoryhasbeenhappilyadducedinillustrationofthissubject.Amintashad

performedmeritoriousservicesinbehalfofthecommonwealth,in

courseofwhichhehadlostahand.Whenhisbrother^chylusisabouttobecondemnedtodeathforsomeoffenceofwhichhehasbeenguilty,Amintasrushesintothecourt;withoututteringasyllableheholdsupthemutilatedlimb;thejudgesaremoved;and^chylusissetfree.ThusthesacrificeofourRedeemer,—thewoundsinhishandsandhisfeet,andhistransfixedside,pleadthecauseofhispeoplewithperfectclearness,andinfalliblepower.Theadvocateandthepropitiationarethesame:—'WehaveanadvocatewiththeFather—Heisthepropitiationforoursins.'

IntheintercessionofChristthereisalsoincludedanintimationofhiswillthatthepurchasedblessingsofredemptionbeconferred.Inwhateverformconducted,itsupposessubstantialprayerorpetition.Thereistheexpressingofawish,theintimatingofarequest.‘Father,IWILLthattheyalsowhomthouhastgivenmebewithmewhereIam.'‘Simon,Simon,Satanhathdesiredtohaveyouthathemightsiftyouaswheat:butIhavePRAYEDfortheethatthyfaithfailnot.'ThisseemstocorrespondtothatpartofthefunctionoftheLeviticalhighpriest,whichconsistedinburningincenseonthegoldenaltar,withinthesanctuary,onthedayofexpiation.Itwasappointedthatheshould‘takeacenserfullofburningcoalsoffirefromoffthealtarbeforetheLord,andhishandsfullofSWEETINCENSEbeatensmall,andbringitwithinthevail,andputtheincenseuponthefirebeforetheLord,thatthecloudoftheincensemaycoverthemercy-seatthatisuponthetestimony.'Theintercessoryprayersor

requestsoftheSaviourhimself,nottheprayersofhispeoplewhichhepresents,constitutetheantitypeofthisexpressivesymbol.Incenseandtheprayersofsaintsdonotyieldcorrespondingideas.ItistheprayersofChristwhichbreathethesweetness,andproducetheeffects,ofincense.Accordingly,inthevisionoftheangelseenbyJohn,‘thesmokeoftheincensecameupWITHtheprayersofthesaintsoutoftheangel'shand;'thusdemonstratingthattheincenseandtheprayersofthesaintsdonotmeanthesamething.Andwhatcanweunderstandbythiscloudofincense,butthoseinnumerableintimationsoftheSaviour'swill,which,inperforminghisworkofintercession,ascendtoGodwithsosweetasavour,andsuchgloriousresults?

Wetakenotuponustodeterminethequestion,whethertheserequestsofChristareconveyedvocallyorsymbolically,bywordsorbysigns.Indeed,weareinclinedtothinkthequestionisunworthyofbeingentertainedatall.Itseemsfoolishanduseless,ifnothurtfulandpresumptuous,tospeculateonthispoint.Themajorityofsoberwritersinclinetotheopinion,thattheintercessionisconductedsilently,withouttheuseofspokenlanguagealtogether.Withoutcallinginquestionthesoundness,ofthisconclusion,wemustbeallowedtosaythatwearelittlesatisfiedwithsomeoftheargumentsbywhichitissupported.TosaythatwordsareunnecessarytoconveytoGodtheSaviour'swill,issayingonlywhatmightwithequaltruthbeaffirmedoftheexhibitionofhissacrifice.Itisnotbecauseitisnecessarytoexpresshiswill,thatChristappearsbeforeGodaLambasifhehadbeenslain.ItisnottoremindGodofwhathewouldotherwiseforget,ortomakeknowntohimwhathewouldnototherwiseknow,ortoinclinehimtothattowhichhewouldbeotherwiseindisposed,thatChrist'sintercessionisintroducedatall.No.Itistoillustratethedivinemajestyandholiness;todisplaythewisdom,grace,andmeritoftheSon;andthemoretoimpresstheredeemedthemselveswiththeirobligationstodeepandlastinggratitude;—thesearethepurposeswhichthispartofthemediatorialeconomyisdesignedtosubserve.Andifforendslikethesevocalutterancecouldbeshowntobebetteradaptedthansilentsymbols,wecanseenoreasonwhyitshouldnotbesupposedtobeused.Besides,whatarewordsbutsigns?Theyarenothingmorethansymbols;symbols,itistrue,ofaparticularkind,but,afterall,onlysymbolsofthoughtsandideas.Wearenottobeunderstood,intheseremarks,asmaintainingthepositionthatvocallanguageisemployedbyChristinmakingintercession;weonlyobjecttosomepartsofthereasoningtowhichthosewhoopposethisviewofthesubjecthaverecourse.Weexpressnoopinionofourown.Weregardthewholequestionasvainandtrifling.Withoutindulginginfoolish

conjectures,itshouldbeenoughforustoknow,thattheintercessionofourdivineAdvocateisconductedinthebestpossibleway,forpromotingthegloryofGod,hisownhonour,andthegoodofhispeople.Andonethingiscertain,thatsuchistheefficacyoftheSaviour'sblood,suchthevalueofhisdeath,suchthemeritofhissacrifice,thatthememorialsofhisatonement,exhibitedbeforeGodinheaven,advocateourcausemorepowerfullythancouldeverbedonebythelanguageofmen.Notongueoforator,oreloquenceofangel,caneverpleadsoeffectuallyinfavourofguiltysinners,as‘thebloodofsprinklingwhichspeakethbetterthingsthanthatofAbel.'

SECTIONIII.

MATTEROFCHRISTSINTERCESSION.

Thepersonsforwhom,andthethingsforwhich,Christintercedes,aredifferentpoints,whichare,nevertheless,intimatelyconnectedwithoneanother.Thelatterisdeterminedbytheformer,andonthisitmaybepropertoofferafewremarksbeforeproceedingtowhatmayberegardedastheprincipalsubjectofthissection.

Ingeneral,however,itmayberemarked,bothwithregardtopersonsandthings,thattheextentofintercessionmustberegulatedbythatofatonement.AsitisunreasonabletosupposeChristtomakeatonementforanyforwhomhedoesnotintercede,soitwerepreposteroustoallegethatheintercedesforanybutthoseforwhosesinshehasatoned,orthatthematterofhisintercessionincludesanythingnotpurchasedwithhisblood.Intercessionandatonementarecorrelates,notmerelyinnature,butinextent.Forwhomsoeverandforwhatsoeverhehasprocuredbyhisblood,doeshepleadbeforethethroneofGod.Thisisaleadingprinciplewhichmayservetoguideusintheobservationswehavetoofferonthisdepartmentofoursubject.

Withrespecttopersons,weobserve,thatChristmakesintercessionfortheelectonly,andforallandeachoftheelect.ThatheintercedesfortheelectonlyisabundantlyplainfromthespecialityofGod'ssovereignpurposeofmercy,fromthedefiniteextentoftheatonement,andfromtheexplicittestimonyofthescriptures.Ithasalreadybeenadvertedtointheformerdepartmentofourwork.Indeed,wherevertheintercessionisspokenof,thislimitationoftheobjectsisexpressedorclearlyimplied.Paulsays,‘whoalsomakethintercessionFORUS.'

Notforall,observe,but

fortheelectspokenofintheprecedingverse.Again,‘HeeverlivethtomakeintercessionforTHEM.'Forwhom?Forthemonlywho,ashesaysintheclauseimmediatelygoingbefore,comeuntoGodbyChrist.TothesamepurposeisthetestimonyofJohn;—'Ifanymansin,wehaveanadvocatewiththeFather;'speakinginhisownnameandthatoftheChristianbrethrentowhomhisepistleisaddressed.WiththisagreesthelanguageofChrist'sintercessoryprayeronearth:—'IprayforTHEM:Ipraynotfortheworld.'Whotheyarethatareherereferredtobythepronounthem,maybejudgedfromtheexpressionthatoccurssofrequentlythroughouttheprayer—'themenwhichthougavestmeoutoftheworld.'Itisutterlyabsurdandpernicious,aswellasunscriptural,tosupposethathemakesintercessionforthosewholiveanddieinunbelief,whocontinuetodisownhismediatoryoffice,andtoplacerelianceonothergroundsofsalvationthanhisinfinitemerits.Withregardtoallsuch,hemustbeunderstoodassaying,‘Theirdrink-offeringsofbloodWILLINOTOFFER,NORTAKEUPTHEIRNAMESINTOMYLIPS.'

Therearesomepassagesofscriptureurgedinoppositiontothesentimentthusexpressedandsupported.Inthesameintercessoryprayertowhichwehaveappealed,itissaid,‘NeitherprayIforthesealone,butforthemalsowhoshallbelieveonmethroughtheirword.'Butonlyletouraffirmationbemarked,andnocontrarietywillbefoundtoitinthisverse.Wesaid,notthatChristintercedesforbelieversonly,butfortheelectonly.Alltheelectareatonetimeunbelievers,manycontinuelonginthiscondition,anditisonlyinconsequenceofChrist'sintercession,asweshallafterwardsseemoreparticularly,thattheyareeverbroughtoutofthisstate.Thosewhohavebelieved,andthosewhoshallbelieve,arebothincludedin‘themwhicharegiven'totheSon.Afterthis,theexpressioninthefifty-thirdchapterofIsaiah'sprophecy—'hemadeintercessionforthetransgressors'—cangivenodifficulty;whether‘thetransgressors'arethosewhosesinshebore,orthosewhowereactiveineffectinghiscrucifixion,thepassageadmitsofeasyexplanation.Itisnotsaidthathemadeintercessionforalltransgressors,andweknowthatthecharacterwhichthetermdelineatesbelongsbynaturetothewholenumberoftheelect.Iftheinstrumentsofhiscrucifixionaremeant,thenistheexpressionexplainedatoncebytheprayeronthecross,‘Father,forgivethem,theyknownotwhattheydo.'Weareawarethatsomeexcellentdivinesregardthisprayerasnotintercessory,butmerelyasapartofthatmoraldutyrequiredofChristinfulfilmentofthelawwhichenjoinstheforgivenessofoffences.But,withouttakinguponustodeterminethispoint,

itmaybeobserved,thatevenonthecontrarysuppositionthepassageiseasilyexplained.Weseenoreasonwhyitshouldnotbeadmitted,thatChristmadeofficialintercessionforhismurderers.Werenotthefivethousand,whowereconvertedbythepreachingofPeter,openlychargedbythatapostle,aspersonswho‘deniedtheHolyOneandtheJust,anddesiredamurderertobegranteduntothem,'andwho‘killedthePrinceofLife?'Andastothechiefpriests,whoactedsoprominentapartinthatsceneofcrime,arewenotafterwardsinformed,that‘thewordofGodincreased,andthenumberofthedisciplesmultipliedinJerusalemgreatly;andagreatcompanyofthePRIESTSwereobedienttothefaith?'ButthisonlyprovesthesovereigngraceofGodandtheinfinitemeritofChrist'sblood,inincludinginthenumberoftheelectandthesavedthebasestandmostguiltyamongmen,notthattheintercessionofChristisgeneral.

Christmakesintercessionforalltheelect.Whatevertheirstate,believersorunbelievers,theyarerememberedaccordingastheyrequire.‘NeitherprayIforthesealone,butforthemalsowhichshallbelieveonmethroughtheirword.'Whatevertheageoftheworldinwhichtheylive,fromtheentranceofsintotheendoftime,theyareincludedinhisprayers.WeareapttoconceiveoftheworkofintercessionasconductedonlysincetheSaviour'sascension,oratmostsincehisappearanceonearth.ButhewasalwaystheAngelofGod'spresencewhosavedhispeople.‘Hebarethem,andcarriedthem'onhisheart‘allthedaysofold.'Andbeforehisincarnation,wehaveonedistinctactofintercessiononrecord:—'ThentheangeloftheLordansweredandsaid,OLordofhosts,howlongwiltthounothavemercyonJerusalem,andonthecitiesofJudah,againstwhichthouhasthadindignationthesethreescoreandtenyears?AndtheLordansweredtheangelthattalkedwithme,withgoodwordsandcomfortablewords.'AmongtheinnumerablemultitudeofthechosenofGod,notoneshalleverbeomitted,inthispartofhissacerdotalfunction.OutofthehandoftheAngelofthecovenantascendcontinually,amidthecloudofincense,‘theprayersofALLsaints.'AsontheAaronicpectoral,wornbythehighpriestofoldwhenheenteredintothemostholyplace,wereengravenallthenamesofthechildrenofIsrael,soontheheartofourIntercessorwithinthevail,areborneallthechosenofGod.

Norisitforallinthemass,thattheSaviourmakesintercession.Hepraysforeachbyhimself.Evenasrespectsbelievers,hisintercessionisnotgeneral,butparticular.Withaspecialitysuchasmightbesupposediftherewereonlyone,doesheattendtotheinterestsofeachindividualinthevastnumberofthose

givenhimbytheFather.Ageneralremembranceofthemwouldnotsuffice.Theircasesarevarious;nottwoofthemareexactlyalike.But,withinfinitecompassionandskill,iseveryspecialcaseofeachindividualpresentedbythisdivineAdvocatetohisFather.‘Simon,Simon,Satanhathdesiredtohaveyou,thathemaysiftyouaswheat;butIhaveprayedforTHEEthatthyfaithfailnot.'‘Hethatovercometh,Iwillnotblotouthisnameoutofthebookoflife,butIwillconfessHISNAMEbeforemyFather,andbeforehisangels.'

Now,bytheseremarksonthepersonsforwhomChristintercedes,

wearepreparedtoenterontheSUBJECT-MATTERofhisintercession.

ChristintercedesthatthechosenofGodmaybebroughtintoagraciousstate.Theymingleoriginallywiththeworldlyinginwickedness,areenemiestoGodintheirmindbywickedworks,rebelsagainstthedivineauthority,andsinnersbeforetheLordexceedingly.Thereisnovisibledistinctionbetweenthemandtheworld;theyareinthesamestateofcondemnation,theypossessthesamecharacterofungodliness,andtheymeritthesamepunishment.Butthereisadistinction,andthatoneofimmenseimportance;theyarechosenofGod;theyaregiventoChristtoberedeemed;theeyeoftheomniscientSaviourisuponthem;and,whentheperiodfixedinthearrangementsofinfinitemercyfortheirsalvationarrives,hepleadshismeritsforthebestowmentoftheprimaryblessingsofthenewlife.Theblessingsofgracemaybeviewed,astheyaffectrespectivelythecommencement,theprogress,ortheconsummationofthenewlife.ItisnotforthetwolattermerelythatJesusmakesintercession,butalsoforthefirst;forjustification,regeneration,andadoption,aswellasforsanctification,andeternalglory.‘Askofme,andIshallgivetheetheheathenforthineinheritance.'Theheathen,andconsequentlythose,who,inrespectofcondemnation,arenotbetterthanheathen,mustbeprayedfor,inordertotheirbeingbroughtintoafitstatetobecharacterizedastheinheritanceofChrist.Justificationisanactofacquittalfromcondemnation,thegroundofwhichisthesacrificeoftheRedeemer;butasSatan,thelaw,andthejusticeofGodaccusethesinnerofguilt,theAdvocatewiththeFathermustpleadthemeritsofhissacrificeinanswertotheseaccusations,beforetheactofacquittalcanbepronounced.TheprocuringcauseofjustificationistheSaviour'smerits,buttheimmediatecauseofactualjustificationistheSaviour'sintercession.Hence,saystheapostle,‘WhoshalllayanythingtothechargeofGod'select?whoishethatcondemneth?ItisChristthatdied,yearatherthatisrisenagain,whoiseven

attherighthandofGod,whoalsomakethintercessionforus.'RegenerationisaresultoftheSpirit'sefficientpoweronthesoul;buttheintercessionofChristisconnected,intheeconomyofredemption,withthegiftoftheSpiritforthisend.‘IwillpraytheFather,andheshallgiveyouanotherComforter,eventheSpiritoftruth;whomtheworldcannotreceive,becauseitseethhimnot,neitherknowethhim:butyeknowhim,forhedwellethwithyou,andshallbeinyou.'Inlikemanner,inordertoadoptionoradmissiontothefamilyofGod,theSaviourmustpleadthegroundofadmissionasthatonwhichtheactinquestionproceeds.

Thusdoesitappearthat,butfortheintercessionofChrist,menwouldneverbebroughtintoastateofgrace,butremainforeverincondemnationandsin.TheIntercessorwithinthevail,however,looksdownwithomniscientinspectiononthewholefamilyofmankind:hesetsaneyeofspecialrecognitiononthosewhoweregiventohimbytheFather;theseareallwellknowntohim,for‘theLordknoweththemthatarehis;'theirnamesareallwrittenintheLamb'sbookoflife,theyareengravenonthepalmsofhishands,onthetabletsofhisheart;when,inthelapseoftime,theperiodfixedforthesalvationofeachoccurs,hecarriestheircasetothethroneofGod;theFatherhears;theSpiritissent;andthesinneristurnedfromdarknesstolight,fromthepowerofSatanuntoGod.Meansmayhavebeenatworkforlongtoaccomplishthisend.Thescripturesmayhavebeenread;thegospelmayhavebeenheard;

theremayhavebeentheentreaty,andexpostulation,andprayersofdeeplyinterestedfriends;theprovidenceofGodmayhavepreparedtheway;thelawmayhaveuttereditsthunders,thegospelmayhavewhispereditscomforts,anddeepseriousthoughtfulnessmayhavebeenproduced.Butnotone,orallofthesetogether,couldmakethemananewcreature,andconvertthesinnerintoasaint.Yetachangeiseffected,avisiblealterationtothebetterisproduced:andthetrueexplanationofthischangeistobefoundintheefficacyofChrist'sintercession.Itisthisthathasputallthewheelsinmotion;itisthisthathasgivenpowerandefficacytothemeans;theproperandsimpleaccountofthewholematteris,thatanunknownFriendinheavenhasspokenfortheelectsinnertotheKing.

TheneedforChrist'sintercessiondoesnotendonbeingbroughtintoagraciousstate.Saints,aswellassinners,requireaninterestinthisfunctionofthegreatHighPriest.ItisthusthatthepardonofthedailysinsofthepeopleofGod,isprocured.Believerssin,aswellasothers.‘Inmanythingsweoffendall.'‘Ifwe

saywehavenosinwedeceiveourselvesandthetruthisnotinus.'True,itiswritten,‘whosoeverisbornofGoddothnotcommitsin;forhisseedremainethinhim;andhecannotsinbecauseheisbornofGod.'But,inconsistencywiththeotherassertionjustquotedofthesamewriter,thiscanmeannothingmorethanthatatruechildofGodcannotsinwithcomplacency,orsoastobebroughtunderfinalcondemnation.Thereasonofthisis,notthatthesinsofsucharelesscriminalthanthoseofothers,for,besidesinvolvingrebellionagainstthesameauthorityandaviolationofthesameholy,just,andgoodlaw,theyarepeculiarlyaggravatedbytheobligationsarisingfromthebenefitsthathavebeenreceived.Butthereasonis,theinterestwhichsuchhaveinthejustifyingrighteousnessofChrist,towhichconstantefficacyisgivenbyhisintercession.Thisisthebeliever'ssecurityfromthedailycondemnationtowhichhisdailytransgressionsexposehim.Theactofjustificationispronouncedatonce;thestateofjustificationcontinuesforever.Thesecurityofthispermanentstateisthesamewiththatwhichconstitutesthegroundoftheprimaryact—therighteousnessofEmmanuel,andtheintercessioniswhatsecurestheconstantefficacyofthisperfectrighteousness.TheapostleJohnassertsthusmuch:—'Ifanymansin,wehaveanAdvocatewiththeFather,JesusChristtherighteous,andheisthepropitiationforoursins.'Butforthisadvocacy,thesinswhichthepeopleofGoddailycommitwouldprocureforthemcondemnation,justifyinggracewouldbewithdrawn,andtherichpromisesofsavingmercywouldbevirtuallycancelled.Believers,therefore,need,notonlytobewarnedagainsttemptationstosin,buttobefurnishedwithencouragementincaseofitsbeingcommitted:despondencyinthelattercasemayproveashurtfulassecurityintheformer.AndtheirconsolationspringsfromChrist'sintercession;butforwhich,amidthedailyshort-comingsarisingfromthecorruptionsofnature,thesnaresoftheworld,andthewilesofSatan,theymustbeutterlymiserable.Butletitnotbesupposedfromthis,thattheintercessionofChristgivesanyencouragementtomentosin.Toholdoutthecomfortingprospectofpardonwhensinhasbeencommitted,isaverydifferentthingfromholdingoutaninducementtocommitsin.Itisfortheformer,notthelatter,purpose,thatthedoctrineofChrist'sintercessionisintroducedinthescriptures:‘Ifanymansin,wehaveanAdvocate:'not‘thatanymanmaysin,'&c.Thelatterisafearfulabuseagainstwhichwemustbeeveronourguard.

Byhisintercession,Christ,further,protectshispeopleagainsttheaccusationsandtemptationsofSatan.Hecametodestroytheworksofthedevil.Hewaspredictedofoldashewhoshouldbruisetheserpent'shead:andforthispurpose

washemanifestedinduetime.Hecastouttheuncleanspiritswithaword;hevanquishedSataninsinglecombatinthewilderness;andbyhisdeath,didhedestroyhimthathadthepowerofdeath,thatisthedevil.ThesameworkhestillcarriesoningloryinthecharacterofIntercessor,answeringtheaccusationsbroughtagainsthispeople,andprotectingthemfromtheassaultsoftheadversary.Satanistheaccuserofthebrethren;heprefersheavychargesagainstthedisciplesofChristatthebarofconscience,and,throughhishumanagents,atthebarofpublicopinion.These,asbeingwellknowntoHim,maybeunderstoodtobepreferredatthebarofGod.Someofthemaretrue,othersfalse;butChrist,astheadvocatewiththeFather,answersthemall.Herefutessuchasarefalsebyshowingtheirgroundlessness;andfortheforgivenessofsuchasaretruehepleadsthemeritofhisblood.Inproofofthelatter,wemayrefertotheoftquotedpassageintheepistleofJohn:—'Ifanymansin,wehaveanAdvocatewiththeFather,JesusChristtherighteous:andheisthepropitiationforoursins.'Insupportoftheformer,wemayrefertothecaseofJoshua:—‘AndheshowedmeJoshuathehighprieststandingbeforetheangeloftheLord,andSatanstandingathisrighthandtoresisthim.AndtheLordsaiduntoSatan,theLordrebukethee,OSatan;eventheLordthathathchosenJerusalemrebukethee:isnotthisabrandpluckedoutofthefire?'Herearethreecharactersintroducedtonotice:—thepanelatthebar,‘Joshuathehighpriest;'thepublicprosecutor,‘Satan;'andtheadvocate,‘theAngelofJehovah.'JoshuahadjustescapedfromBabylon,where,itistakenforgranted,hehadbeenguiltyofmanycrimes,especiallyofneglectingtheworshipofthetrueGod,conformingtotheidolatrouscustomsoftheheathen,andformingallianceswiththeenemiesofIsrael.These,andsimilaraccusations,arebroughtagainsthimbySatan.ButtheAngeloftheLordstandsupinhisbehalfagainsttheaccuser;answerssatisfactorilyeverycharge;andbringsoffhisclientintriumph.Inthiswehaveaspecimenofthemannerinwhichheactstowardshispeopleinsimilarcircumstances.Hewho,havingdiedandrisenagain,alsomakethintercessionforus,isentitled,bywayofeminence,tosay,‘WhoshalllayanythingtothechargeofGod'select?'

NoristheintercessionofChristoflessavailinprocuringstrengthtoresistthetemptationsofSatan.ManyaretheassaultsmadebytheadversaryonthechildrenofGod.Theyarenotignorantofhisdevices.Theseassaultsareatonceformidablefromtheirnumber,appallingfromtheirstrength,anddangerousfromtheirskill.Theyaremanagedwithgreatdexterity,everyartoffearandhope,smileandfrown,allurementandterror,beingemployedtosecuresuccess;andthenatureorformofthesuggestionbeingcunninglyadaptedtoeverypeculiarity

ofindividualcharacterorsituation,soastoleadmentothinkevilofGod,todistrusttheSaviour,ortogrievetheHolySpirit;toneglectduty,ortopractiseiniquity;todespairofsalvation,orpresumptuouslytorestonafalsehope.Thusexposed,unlessthepeopleofGodhadontheirsideonemoreskilfulandmorepowerful,still,onewillingaswellasabletocounteracttheworkingofthismightyadversary,theymustnecessarilyfallapreytohissubtlety,andsinkbeneaththeweightofhisinfernalartillery.TheadvocacyofChrististheirsafety.‘Simon,Simon,beholdSatanhathdesiredtohaveyou,thathemightsiftyouaswheat;butIhaveprayedforthee,thatthyfaithfailnot.'BytheintercessoryprayeroftheirdivineAdvocate,theirfaithisrenderedfirmandimmovable;theyarestrengthenedtofightandtoovercome;theyresistthedevil,andhefleesfromthem;insteadofshrinkingfromhisattack,theyconfronthimboldly;theysay,withundauntedcountenance,‘Gettheebehindus,Satan;'andthestriplingcombatantcomesoffmorethanconqueror,leavinghisvauntingadversarystretchedonthefield.Thefaithofabeliever,invigoratedbytheintercessionofhisSaviour,musteverprovemorethanamatchfortheheaviestassaultofthePrinceofdarkness.Thisisashieldwhichnoarrowcanpierce;andanyimpressionthateventhemostformidabletemptationcanmake

uponitislikethatofaleadenbulletdischargedagainstabrazenwall.

Theprogressivesanctificationofthesaints,andtheirgeneralperseverancestandconnectedwiththeintercessionofChrist.Thewholeschemeofsalvationhasforitsendtheholinessofitssubjects.Thisend,everythingaboutitisadaptedaswellasdesignedtopromote.ThesacrificeofChristisfittedtoadvancemoralpurityinthesoul;thebloodofGod'sSoncleansesfromallsin;itisafountainopenedforsinandforuncleanness.Hisintercessionhasthesameeffect.Ifhewasmanifestedonearthtotakeawaysininitsguilt,heinterposesinheaventotakeawaysininitsdefilement‘Ipraynotthatthoushouldesttakethemoutoftheworld,butthatthoushouldestkeepthem,fromtheevil.—Sanctifythemthroughthytruth,thywordistruth.'Fromthisitwouldseem,thatbelieversareindebtedtotheintercessionoftheRedeemer,forallthatrepugnancetosinwhichleadsthemtocrucifytheflesh,tomortifythedeedsofthebody,todenyungodlinessandworldlylusts,andtoabstainfromallappearanceofevil;andforallthatloveofholinesswhichpromptsthemtoindulgepurethoughts,tocherishsacreddesires,toformspiritualresolutions,andtopractisesanctifiedobedience.Theexpulsionofsin,theimplantationoftheprincipleofrighteousness,andthemaintenanceofhabitualholiness,allproceeddirectlyfromthissource.Sanctificationinlife,aswellasinnature,isoneofthe

giftswhichtheascendedMediatorhasreceivedfortherebellious,andwiththebestowmentofwhichhisadvocacyonhighisinseparablyconnected.Withoutthis,indeed,nevercouldthebelieversubdueasinglecorruption,orthinkasinglehallowedthought,orfeelasinglepureemotion,orspeakasingleholyword,orperformasingleunpollutedact.

Andthusistheperseveranceofthesaintsingeneralsecured.Accusations,afterbeinganswered,mayberenewed;temptations,onceresisted,mayberepeated;holiness,onceimparted,mayhaveitsstrengthweakened,oritslustreobscured.Itisnecessarythatperseverancetotheend,inacquittal,resistance,andsanctification,besecured.Andthisiseffectedinthesamewayastheincipientbenefit.‘Ihaveprayedforthee,thatthyfaithfailnot.'Ifthefaithfailnot,therecanbenoaccusationwithoutitsanswer,notemptationbutissuretoberepelled,noranykindordegreeofholinessfinallyunattained.Butthestabilityofthebelieverarisesnotfromhisfaith,norfromanythingabouthimself,notevenfromtheworkofgraceinhissoul;butfromthattowhichheisindebtedforthestabilityofhisfaithitself,namely,theintercessionofChrist.‘Ihaveprayedforthee,thatthyfaithfailnot.'Hereliesthesecretofthesaints'perseverance.IfChristonlyperseveretoprayforthem,theycannotfailtopersevereintheenjoymentofwhathehasprocured,andthepracticeofwhathehascommanded.Anddoeshenotthuspersevere?‘HEEVERLIVETHTOMAKEINTERCESSIONFORTHEM.'

BytheintercessionofChristpeaceismaintained,andintercoursekeptupbetweenGodandmen.Hemadepeacebythebloodofhiscross;bypresentingthisbloodinheavenisthispeacemaintained.HehathreconciledustoGodbyhisdeath;butweneedtobeupheldinreconciliationbyhislifeofintercession.Therearemanythingsatworkwhichhaveatendencytodisturbthispeace,tobreakinonthisstateofreconciliation.SinseparatesbetweenbelieversandtheirGod;andtheaccusationsofSatanandofaguiltyconscience,tendtodeprivethemofallinwardtranquillity.

But,bymeansoftheSaviour'sintercession,thepropitiationforsinshallbesoapplied,andthebloodofsprinklingbesobroughthometotheconscience,thatanyinterruptionofintercourseorofpeace,shallbebutpartialandtemporary.‘ForasmallmomenthaveIforsakenthee,butwithgreatmercieswillIgatherthee.InalittlewrathIhidmyfacefromtheeforamoment:but,witheverlastingkindnesswillIhavemercyonthee,saiththeLordthyRedeemer.Forthemountainsshalldepart,andthehillsberemoved:butmykindnessshallnot

departfromthee,neithershallthecovenantofmypeaceberemoved,saiththeLordthathathmercyonthee.'HencethepeopleofGodhaveeveraccesstohimforthesupplyoftheirdailywants.Notaday,notanhour,buttheyhavebusinesstotransactinthecourtofheaven.Theyhaverequeststoprefer;sinstobepardoned;wantstobesupplied;iniquitiestoconfesswithshame;blessingstoacknowledgewithgratitude.Andhowshalltheyapproachathroneofsuchawfulmajesty;howenteracourtofsuchinexorablejustice!ThemediatorialAngelbeforethethrone,theAdvocateatthebar,istheirencouragement.‘ThroughhimwehaveaccessbyoneSpirituntotheFather—Inhimwehaveboldnessandaccesswithconfidence—SeeingthatwehaveagreatHighPriestthatispassedintotheheavens,letuscomeboldlyuntothethroneofgrace—HavinganHighPriestoverthehouseofGod,letusdrawnearwithatrueheart,infullassuranceoffaith.'

ItisthroughtheintercessionofChristthattheservicesofthepeopleofGodarerenderedacceptable.Theservicesrequiredofthemarespecial,manifold,great,andarduous.Thewholemorallawisthemeasureoftheseservices.Anditisamatterofnosmallconsequenceforthemtoknow,notonlyinwhatstrengththeseservicesmaybeperformed,butbywhatmerittheycanbeaccepted.IftheyarenottobereceivedandacknowledgedbyGod,theperformanceofthemmustbenullified.Thelawrequiresperfection,buttheservicesofthepeopleofGodareatbestimperfect;thelawrequiresunblemishedobedience,buttheirservicesareatbesttaintedwithpollution.Howthenshalltheybeaccepted?ThroughtheintercessionofChrist.Thismakesupforalltheirdeficiencies;thisremovesalltheirblemishes.TheprayersofthesaintsascendupbeforeGodoutoftheAngel'shand,inwhichisheldagoldencenserwithmuchincense.Andwhatistrueoftheprayersofthesaintsistruealsoofalltheirotherservices—theirsongsofpraise,theirtearsofpenitence,theirworksoffaithandlaboursoflove,theirdeedsofmercy,andtheiractsofholyobedience.Theirburnt-offeringsandtheirsacrificesshallbeaccepteduponminealtar.ItisinthiswaythatGodoverlooksalltheirimperfections;heseesnoiniquityinJacob,norperversenessinIsrael;hesmellsasweetsavourintheperformancesofhischildren;theirsacrificesofrighteousnessarewell-pleasingandacceptableinhissight;and,althoughinthemselveslike‘pillarsofsmoke,'dark,confused,andill-savoured,theycomeupbeforehim‘perfumedwithmyrrhandfrankincense,andallthepowdersofthemerchant.'LikeAaronofold,ourgreatHighPriesthasonhisforeheadtheinscription,HOLINESSTOTHELORD,thathe‘maybeartheiniquityoftheholythingswhichthechildrenofIsraelshallhallowinalltheirholygifts.'Sofarfromtheperformancesofmenbeingthegroundof

theiracceptancewithGod,itthusappears,thatfortheacceptanceofourperformancesthemselvesweareindebtedtothemeritsofanother.Ourservices,aswellasourpersons,areacceptedintheBeloved.Byexpectingtobeacceptedforanythingthatwedo,wesetasidetheSaviour'satonement;byexpectingthatanythingwedoshallbeacceptedonaccountofitsintrinsicexcellence,wesetasidetheSaviour'sintercession.Anditisthusweareenabledtounderstandhowitcomesabout,that‘acupofcoldwatergiventoadiscipleinthenameofadiscipleshallnotloseitsreward,'while‘theploughingofthewickedissin.'

Infine,theintercessionofChristsecuresthecompletesalvationofthechosenofGod,theirentranceintoheaven,andtheireverlastingcontinuanceinastaleofperfectblessedness.Godisarock,andhisworkisperfect.Whathebegins,hecompletes;norreststillhehassecuredforhisredeemedperfectacquittalbeyondthereachofaccusation,deliverancefromalltemptation,immaculateholiness,anduninterruptedandpermanentpeace.Itisbyhisintercessionthathethussavestotheuttermost.‘WhereforeheisablealsotosavethemtotheuttermostthatcomeuntoGodbyhim,seeingheeverlivethtomakeintercessionforthem.'Theworkofsalvationbeingthuscompleted,theredeemedareadmittedintoheaven,forwhichtheyareprepared.TheirreceptionintogloryisthematterofdistinctrequestonthepartoftheSaviour.‘Father,IwillthattheyalsowhomthouhastgivenmebewithmewhereIam,thattheymaybeholdmyglorywhichthouhastgivenme.'Thetitleofadmission,itistrue,istheSaviour'sdeath;buttheimmediatecauseoftheiradmissionishisintercession.Itisbythisthatthetitle,sotospeak,iscarriedintoheaven,andpresentedtoGod,andpledasthegroundonwhichtheiradmissionistotakeplace.Heenteredintoheaven,notwithoutblood,toappearinthepresenceofGodforus.Hegoestotheportalsoftheuppersanctuary,holdinginhishandthememorialsofhissacrifice;athisapproachthecelestialgatesflyopen;heentersinthenameandonbehalfofhispeople;heopensandnoonecanshut,tillallhisredeemedandchosenhavefollowedhimthither;and,then,heshutsandnoonecanopen,eithertoinvadetheirpeaceortopluckoneofthecountlessmultitudefromtheirhappyabode.

Thepermanentcontinuanceoftheredeemedinthestateofglorystandsconnected,inthesamemanner,withtheintercessionof

Jesus.‘Heisapriestforever.'Notonlyiseverlastingglorytheeffectofhisintercession;butitisthesubjectofeverlastingintercession.‘Heeverlivethtomakeintercession.'Theperpetuityofheavenlyblessings,andtheacceptanceof

celestialservices,mustallbetracedtothissource.Notarayoflight,notasmileoffavour,notathrillofgladness,notanoteofjoy,forwhichtheinhabitantsofheavenarenotindebtedtotheAngelstandingwiththegoldencenserfullofincense,beforethethrone.Removethisillustriouspersonagefromhissituation;divesthimofhisofficialcharacter;putoutofviewthissacerdotalfunction;andallsecurityforthecontinuanceofcelestialbenefitsisgone,—thecrownsfallfromtheheadsoftheredeemed,thepalmsofvictorydropfromtheirhands,theharpsofgoldareunstrung,andtheshoutsofhalleluiahceaseforever;nay,heavenmustdischargeitselfofitshumaninhabitants,andthewholebesentawayintoirremediableperdition!Butno

suchappallingcatastropheneedeverbefeared:CHRISTEVERLIVETHTOMAKEINTERCESSION!

SECTIONIV.

PROPERTIESOFCHRISTSINTERCESSION.

Fromthecharacteroftheadvocate,wemayjudgewhatwillbethequalitiesofhisadvocacy.Possessedofinfinitewisdomandknowledge,theintercessionofChristcannotbutbeeminentlyskilful.Askilfuladvocatemustknowwellthecaseofhisclient,thecharacterofthejudgewithwhomhehastodeal,andthelawaccordingtowhichhemustplead.Christ'sknowledgeofalltheseisperfect.Heknowsperfectlyallhispeople,andalltheircases.‘Heneedethnotthatanyshouldtestifyofman;forheknowswhatisinman.'‘Hesearcheththereinsandhearts.'Alltheexercisesanddoingsofhischildrenarethoroughlyunderstoodbyhim.Theirwants,necessities,sins,andinfirmities,arebetterknowntohimthantothemselves;eventheirinwardbreathingsandsecretgroaningsareaswellunderstoodas‘thewell-setphraseoftheorator.'NorthisonlyinrespectofhisintuitiveomniscienceasGod,butofhisexperimentalknowledgeasman.Experiencemustaddpowerfullytotheskillofanintercessor:andthisadvantageispossessedbyChristinaneminentdegree.‘Forinthathehimselfhathsuffered,beingtempted,heisabletosuccourthemthataretempted.'Hadhenootherknowledgeofhispeoplethanwhatisderivedfromtheirownstatementsandprayers,hecouldnotpleadtheircausewithskill.Theyareoftengreatlyignorantofthemselves,formthemostmistakenideas,entertainthemostinadequateviewsoftheirownwants,andareunableproperlytoexpressevenwhattheymayadequatelyfeel.Theirpetitionsforthemselvesareoften,

fromthesecauses,defective,erring,andstammering.ButneversothoseoftheirdivineIntercessorontheirbehalf.Byhim,theirthoughts,affections,anddesires,arefullyappreciated,andtheircaserepresentedwithconsummateskill.

Heknows,too,Himwithwhomhehastoplead.Muchofanadvocate'sskillmustdependuponthis,soastobeabletoadapthismannerofpleadingtothetemperanddispositionofthejudge.OurIntercessoristhoroughlyacquaintedwiththecharacterofGod.‘NooneknoweththeFatherbuttheSon.'Heisthusqualifiedtoadapthisappealstofeaturesofthedivinecharactercorrespondingtotheirnature.Arehispeopleweak?Hegoes,ontheirbehalf,toGodastheLordofhosts.Havetheyfallenintosin,andareinneedofpardon?HeaddressesGodasaGodofholiness.Doeshepleadthefulfilmentofpromises?HemakeshisappealtotherighteousnessofJehovah.

Norishelessskilfullyacquaintedwiththelawaccordingtowhichhisintercessionsaretoberegulated.Anditisnot,asistoooftenthecaseamongmen,byevading;orconcealing,orperverting,orexplainingawaythelaw,thatthisadvocateexhibitshisskill.No;headmitsitsauthority,vindicatesitsclaims,andmaintainsinviolablytherectitudeofallitssanctions.Nordoesheeverattempttomakeitappearthatthoseforwhomhepleadshavenotviolateditsrequirements,andrenderedthemselvesobnoxioustoitspunishments.Buthisabilityisshowninskilfullypleadingthefulnessofhisownmerits,bywhichsatisfactionhasbeengiventothelaw,andeveryblessingsecuredinconsistencywiththeclaimsofinfiniteequity.Such,inshort,ishisskill,thatheaskswhateverhispeopleneed,onlywhattheyneed,whathasactuallybeenprocuredforthem,andwhatiteverywaycomportswiththecharacterandlawofGodtoconfer;sothatnocausecaneverfailinhishandsfromwantofknowledgeorwisdomtoconductit.

MoralpuritycharacterizestheintercessionofChrist.Thenecessityofthiswassetforthunderthelaw,inthealtarofincensebeingofpuregold.Boththepleaderandthepleamustbeholy.Christintercedesnotforsin,butforsinners.Thetendencyofallthatheasksistopurifyfromalliniquity,andtoperfectholinessinthefearoftheLord.NorequestofacontrarycharactercouldeverbepresentedtoaholyandrighteousGod,orcouldeverpossiblybegranted.NorcouldanythingofthiskindevercomportwiththecharacteroftheAdvocatehimself.Heisnocorruptvenalpleader.HeistherighteousLordthatlovethrighteousness.Tothisistheefficacyofhisintercessionascribedbytheapostle:—'HeisabletosavethemtotheuttermostthatcomeuntoGodbyhim,seeing

heeverlivethtomakeintercessionforthem.Forsuchanhighpriestbecameuswhoisholy,harmless,undefiled,separatefromsinners.'Corruptioninanadvocate,ifdetected,issufficienttoblasthiscauseevenatthebarofman.AndtheslightesttaintofimpurityinChristwouldhavedisqualifiedhimforconductingasuccessfuladvocacyonbehalfofhispeople,atthebarofGod.Corruptionmaybeconcealedfromanearthlyjudge,butnodegreeofitcouldescapeundetectedbytheomniscientJudgeofall.TheintercessionofChristisaspureandsinlessashissacrifice.Everythingaboutitisholy,—thematterinwhichitconsists,thepleaonwhichitrests,theplaceinwhichitisconducted,thepersonbywhomitismanaged,andthejudgebeforewhomitistransacted.TrulymayourAdvocatewiththeFatherbedescribedas‘JesusChristTHERIGHTEOUS.'

JesusChristisacompassionateintercessor.Theadvocatewhoistopleadthecauseofthewretchedmustnotbehard-heartedandunfeeling;hemustbeabletoenterintotheirfeelingsandtomaketheircasehisown.Withoutthishecanneverexpecttosucceed;but,thusqualified,itisscarcelypossibleforhimtofail.Hislanguage,looks,tones,andwholemanner,indeed,willacquireamoremeltinginfluence,inproportiontothedepthofthecompassionwithwhichheistouched.SoofChristitissaid,thatitbehovedhimtobea‘merciful,'aswellasa‘faithful,'highpriest;and,hadhenotbeenmerciful,hecouldnothavebeenfaithful.But‘inhimcompassionsflow;'thecompassions,notofdivinitymerely,butofhumanity;ofahumanity,too,thesensibilitiesofwhichwereexquisitelyfine,fromitsbeingunaffectedbythebluntinginfluenceofsin.Andeventhedelicatesensibilitiesofhisholyhumannaturewereheightenedbyhispersonalexperiences.Hewhopleadsthecauseofthoseinwhosemiserieshimselfonceshared,mustbeadmirablyfittedtodoitwitheffect.‘Wehavenotanhighpriestwhocannotbetouchedwiththefeelingofourinfirmities;butwhowas,inallrespects,temptedlikeasweare,yetwithoutsin.'Hetastedofallthesorrowsofhumanlife.Oftheseverestafflictions,thebitteresttemptations,themostpungentsorrows,themostawfulprivations,hehadfullandfrequenttrial.Hewas,notonlycastintothesamemouldashispeoplewithrespecttonature,butintothesamefurnacewithrespecttoaffliction.And,althoughhehadnoknowledgeoftheevilofsinfrompersonalfeeling,wellheknewitsweightanditsbitternessfromhavinghaditsguiltimputedanditspunishmentexactedofhim.Norletanyoneobject,that,althoughthismightbethecasewhileChristwasonearth,itcannotbeexpectedtocontinuenowthatheisinheaven.Hisexaltationtogloryhaswroughtnochangeonhisnatureorhisaffections.Heisthesameinheaventhathewasuponearth.Heisstillpossessedofhumannature

—God-man—Emmanuel,Godwithus.Anditisnotmorecertainthat,inhisexaltedstate,humanbloodflowsinhisveins,thanthathumansympathiesglowinhisbreastHefeelsmorefortheobjectsofhisintercessionthanmanorangelcando,nay,thantheycanevendoforthemselves.ThepityofChristiansforthemselvescanneverequalthepitywithwhichtheyareregardedbytheirSaviour;fortheirsisthepityofacorruptednature,hisofuncontaminatedhumanity;theirsthepityofmerehumannature,hisofhumannatureindissolublylinkedwithallthetendermerciesofDeity.

Muchimportanceattachestothepromptitudeofanintercessor.Thevalueofabestowmentoftendependsonthetimeofitsbeingconferred.Allowthecrisistopass,andthegiftlosesitsvalue.AsuccessfuladvocatemustseizetheearliestopportunityfortakingupandintroducingthecauseofhisclientThisisapropertyofourLord'sintercession.Heisreadytoreceivetheapplications,andtopresentthecasesofhispeople.Heisneverabsentfromhisplace;theyknowalwayswhereheistobefound;heiseverattherighthandofGod,waitingtoundertakewhattheymaycommittohischarge.Nor,afteritiscommitted,doesitrunanyriskofbeinglostthroughneglect.No;asheisof‘quickunderstanding'toperceive,soisheofpromptactivitytoprosecute,whateverheundertakes.Theattitudeinwhichhewasbeheldbytheprotomartyr,inhisremarkablevision,indicatesatoncereadinesstoundertakeandactivitytoprosecutewhateveriscommittedtohim.Hewasseenstanding:—‘Helookedupstedfastlyintoheaven,andsawthegloryofGod,andJesusSTANDINGontherighthandofGod.'Withwhatpromptitude,forexample,doesheinterposeinbehalfofthechurch,when,inthedispensationsofprovidence,afittimefortherestorationofJerusalempresentsitself:—'OLordofhosts,howlongwiltthounothavemercyonJerusalem,andonthecitiesofJudah,againstwhichthouhasthadindignationthesethreescoreandtenyears?'ThisgivesthepeopleofGodencouragementtogowithboldnesstothethroneofgrace,thattheymayobtainmercy,andfindgracetohelpinthetimeofneed.TheirtimesofneedarewellknowntotheAdvocatewiththeFather,andnotoneofthemwillhesuffertopassunnoticed,orunimproved.ChristiansmaythemselvesoverlookthefittimeformakingapplicationtoGod,butnotsotheirgloriousintercessor.Theymayrelyonhimwithperfectconfidence,thatwhentheysin,hewillpleadforpardon;whentheyareaccused,hewillvindicatetheircharacter;whentheyareafflicted,hewillprocurethemsuccour;whentheyaretempted,hewillprayforthemthattheirfaithfailnot;andwhentheyperformwithdiligencetheirduties,hewillgivethemacceptancewiththeFather.Wewouldnothavethemtoexpectthathewillprocurethemcomfortsunlesstheymakeapplicationforthem,for,in

thatcase,theycouldneitherberelishednorfelt;butwhentheydomakeearnestandbelievingapplication,theywillfindthattheblessingsarealreadyprocured,andreadytobeputintotheirhands.Iftheybutopentheirmouthswide,hewillseetoitthattheyarefilledabundantly.HecansolicitblessingsfromtheFather,andbestowthemonhisdisciples,atthesametime.Whilehepresentsthegoldencenseratthealtarofburnt-incenseonhigh,hecanextendthesceptreofmercytothehumblesuppliantbelow.Theworkofintercessioncanoccasionnodelayinthecommunicationofneededbenefits;fortopleadtheirbestowment,andactuallytobestowthem,aretheworkofthesamemoment.

TheprecedingremarksprepareustohearoftheearnestnessofChrist'sintercession.Hisskill,compassion,andpromptitude,allsupposethis.Thisisanessentialpropertyinsuccessfulpleading,whetherforourselvesorforothers.Itismoreapt,certainly,tooccurintheformercasethaninthelatter;many,whoexhibitallthewarmthofanimationinpetitioningforthemselves,beingcoldenoughinpresentingrequestsforothers.Butitisnotsointhepresentinstance.NothingcanexceedthefervourofourSaviour'sintercession.Theearnestnesshedisplayedinlayingthefoundationofoursalvationinhissufferingsonearth,whenhewasstraitenedtillhisbloodybaptismshouldbeaccomplished,andusedstrongcryingandtears,maybetakenasapledgethathewillnotbelessearnestincarryingouthisbenevolentundertakingtoitscompletioninheaven.Thespecimenofintercessionwhichhegavebeforeheleftourworld,sofullofholyardourandvehemence,mayservetogiveussomeideaofthewarmthwithwhichthesameworkisconductedinthesanctuaryabove.Theaffection,too,whichhebearstohispeople,cannotbutgiveapeculiareagernesstohissupplicationsontheirbehalf.Hebearsthemuponhisheart,asthenamesofthechildrenofIsraelwereengravenonthebreastplatewornbythehighpriestofoldwhenhewentintotheholyofholies;andtheburningcoalsoffirewithwhichtheincense-censerwasfilled,wereanapt,thoughfaintrepresentation,oftheholyardourwithwhichtheloveoftheRedeemerglowswhenheministersasourintercessorbeforethethroneofGod.Heisnocoldselfishpleader;hissoulisinthework;hisprayersaretheprayersoftheheart;lovepromptsallhisrequests,selectsthebestarguments,andurgesthestrongestpleas.‘Whoisthisthatengagedhishearttoapproachuntome?saiththeLord.'Yes,Christians,yourprayersforyourselvesarenothinglikesoferventasthoseoftheRedeemerforyou.Ohhowshamefullycold,andlanguid,andlifeless,andformal,inmanycases,areyourpetitions!Howoftendoyouusewordswithoutfeeling,andputforthafrothyvehemenceoflanguagewhenthereisnocorrespondingardencywithin!Everysaintmusthave

somethingofthiskindwithwhichtoaccusehimself;butnosuchchargecanbebroughtagainstChristHisintercessionseverexceedinardency,ourwarmestaddresses,ourmostvehementappeals.Wecanneverbesaidtopleadwithallourheart;heneverpleadsinanyotherway.

TheauthoritativecharacterofourLord'sintercessionshouldnotbeoverlooked.Itisnotenoughthatanadvocatebeapersonofskill,integrity,compassion,andzeal;hemustalsobeauthorized;hemustbearacommission;hemustberegularlylicensedtopractiseatthebar.Theremustbealegal,aswellasanintellectualandmoral,qualification.This,inthecaseofChrist,isundoubted.Hedoesnotassumeofhimselftheofficeofintercessor,nordoeshederivehiscommissionfromhispeople,butfromGod.‘Iwillcausehimtodrawnear,andheshallapproachuntome:saiththeLord.'Hisintercessionisapartofhissacerdotalfunctions;andweknow‘Christglorifiednothimselftobemadeanhighpriest,butHethatsaiduntohim,Thouartmyson,todayhaveIbegottenthee.'Hisgeneralsuretyshipimpliessuchaspecialcommission;foritsupposesarighttoseeallthestipulationsofthecovenantfulfilled,allthedebtsofthecovenantchildrendischarged,andpaymentmadeofeverypurchasedbenefit.Theverymannerinwhichheconductshisintercessioncarriesinitthusmuch.Hesuesforthenewcovenantblessings,moreasamatterofrightthanoffavour;hedemandsratherthanpetitions;heclaimsratherthanbegs.Thereisatoneabouthisrequests—'Father,Iwill'—thatbespeakstheauthorityunderwhichheacts.Theysavourofthethronenotlessthanofthealtar.HeisaPriestuponhisThrone.

BetwixttheintercessionofChristandadvocacyamongmen,thereare,aswehaveseen,manypointsofresemblance,but,inotherrespects,itisaltogetherpeculiar.Itpossessesacharacterofutterexclusiveness;neithermannorangelmustinvadeit;soabsoluteisit,indeed,astoexcludeeventheotherpersonsofthegodhead.Thispeculiaritywassetforthinthetype.Noman,noteventhekinghimself,mightintrudeintothefunctionsofthepriesthoodingeneral;norwasanyonebutthehighpriestpermittedtocarryincense,onthedayofexpiation,intotheholyofholies.Thereisnoneelseinheavenorinearth,eitherqualified,orauthorized,orrequired,tomakeintercession.‘NoONEcomethuntotheFatherBUTBYHIM.'‘ThroughhimwehaveaccessbyoneSpirituntotheFather.'‘ThereisONEmediatorbetweenGodandmen,themanChristJesus.'Thesaintsmay,indeed,lawfullyintercedeforoneanother,butinawayverydifferentfromChrist.Theyintercedeonearth,heinheaven;heonthefootingofhisownmerit,theyaltogetherdeniedtoeverythinglikepersonal

worthasthegroundonwhichtheytrustforbeingheard.AngelsmaynotintrudeonthishighandpeculiarfunctionoftheLordofangels.Theyareoftensaidtopraise,butnever,thatweareawareof,topray.Norcantheyhaveanypersonaldisposablemerittoformthefoundationofvicariousintercessions.TorepresenteitherangelsormenasjointintercessorswithChrist;asisdonebythechurchofRome,istobeguiltyofadaringinvasionofahighandexclusiveprerogativeoftheoneMediator.Totheentranceintotheholyplacenotmadewithhands,inthesenseinwhichwearenowspeakingofit,thelanguageoftheprophetmaybefitlyaccommodated:—'Thisgateshallbeshut,itshallnotbeopened,andnomanshallenterinbyit;becausetheLord,theGodofIsrael,hathenteredinbyit,thereforeitshallbeshut.ItisforthePrince.Yes,MessiahthePrince,thePrinceofpeace,claimstheworkofintercessionashispeculiarprerogative.Itisaprerogative,indeed,whichheclaimsashistotheexclusion,aswehavesaid,evenoftheotherpersonsofthegodhead.TheFather,astherepresentativeofDeity,sustainingthecharacterofthejudicialsovereignwithwhomtheintercessionmustbetransacted,cannotbesupposedtoactinthecapacityofintercessor.Woread,indeed,oftheSpirit'sintercession—'TheSpiritmakethintercessionforthesaintsaccordingtothewillofGod,'—butitisessentiallydifferentfromthatofChristWecannot,atpresent,enterminutelyintoallthedistinctionsbetweenthem.ThatofChristispersonal;thatoftheSpiritmoral.TheSpiritdoesnotstandup,asdoesChrist,beforeGodinthecourtofheaven,andliterallypleadthecauseofmen.Suchasupposition,besidesimplyingareflectionontheperfectionofChrist'swork,isatvariancewiththeexclusivedivinityoftheSpirit,hehavingnohumannatureasChristhasinwhichhecanappropriatelyappearinthecapacityofapleader.TheSpirit'sintercessionconsistsinthemoralinfluenceheexertsonthesoulsofthepeopleofGod,inleadingthemouttoprayforthemselves,bydiscoveringtothemthematterofprayer;byimpartingadispositionorinclinationtopray;byfixingthemindonthesubjectofprayer;bygivingenlargement,freedom,andconfidenceintheexercise;andbydirectingthemintheuseofproperarguments.Fromthisitwillplainlyenoughappear,inwhattheintercessionofChristandthatoftheHolySpiritdifferfromoneanother.Theydifferintheirnature,theonebeingmeritoriousandtheothermoral;intheirobjects,thatoftheonebeingtoremovetheobstaclestoman'ssalvationthatexistonthepartofGod,thatoftheothertoremovethosewhichexistonthepartofman;intheirlocality,theonebeinginheaven,theotheronearth;intherelationwhichtheybeartotheirsubjects,theonebeingwithoutmen,theotherwithin;andintheireffects,theoneenablingtopray,theotherrenderingprayeracceptabletoGod.ItthusappearsthattheintercessionoftheSpiritinterferesinnopointwhateverwiththatofChrist,but

leavesitinallitsnakedpeculiarityorexclusiveness.

TheprevalenceorefficacyofChrist'sintercessionisafeatureonwhichwemightdescantatgreatlength.Itisaninvitingtheme,sofullisitofcomfortandencouragement.Itoftenhappens,amongmen,thatthemosturgentpetitions,themosttouchingappealsonbehalfoftheoppressed,thewretched,andtheneedy,arepermittedtoremaindisregardedandunheard.ButnotonerequestofourdivineAdvocatecanpossiblysharethisfate.HimtheFatherhearethalways.Thisviewadmitsofampleconfirmationandillustration.Itwastypified,indeed,underthelaw,bythesuccesswhichattendedtheentranceofthehighpriestintotheholyofholiesonthedayofexpiation;for,hadhenotbeenaccepted,thefirewouldhavebeenextinguishedonthegoldenaltar,thecenserofincensewouldhavedroppedfromhishand,andhewouldneverhavebeenpermittedtoreturntoblessthepeople.Inthetwenty-firstPsalm,which,fromtheloftytermsinwhichitisconceived,musthaveahigherreferencethantotheliteralDavid,weread,‘Thouhastgivenhimhisheart'sdesire,andhastnotwithholdentherequestofhislips.'NordidChristever,whileonearth,intercedeinvain.‘Father,Ithanktheethatthouhastheardme,'ishisowntestimonyononeparticularoccasion,towhichhesubjoinsthegeneralaffirmation,‘AndIknewthatthouhearestmealways.'Theapostleassuresus,that‘wheninthedaysofhisfleshhehadofferedupprayersandsupplicationswithstrongcryingandtears,hewasheardinthathefeared.'Onerequestonlywasheeverdenied,‘Father,ifitbepossibleletthiscuppassfromme.'Butthiswasnopartofhisintercession:itwasthenaturalshrinkingofhisholyhumannaturefromtheawfulscenethatwasbeforehim;and,insteadofmilitatingagainstourposition,itgivesitsupport,inasmuchashisdrinkingthebittercupofmingledwoe,whichcouldnotpossiblypassfromhim,laidameritoriousfoundationforthesuccessofhisadvocacy.Ifthatoneprayerhadbeenheardonhisownbehalf,notanothercouldhavebeenheardonours.Whenthecharacteroftheintercessorisconsidered,therecanbenoreasontodreadhiseverbeingunheard.Thedignityofhispersonmustgiveweightandinfluencetohispetitions;therelationinwhichhestandstoGodasaSon,cannotbuthaveitseffect;norarehispersonalandofficialqualificationsheretobeforgotten.Thatonewhoisinfinitelywise,andholy,andcompassionate;whosediligence,andzeal,andaffectionareboundless;whoactsmoreoverunderthehighauthorityofadivinecommission,shouldfailinhissuitisutterlyimpossible.Werehemanonly,orevenangel,failurewerenotimpossible;butbeingtheSonofGod,Jehovah'sfellow,itmustbethatasaPrincehehaspowerwithGodandshallprevail.Thefoundationonwhichhisintercessionrestsaffordsfarthersecurity.ItproceedsonthefootingofhisatonementHeasks

nothingforwhichhehasnotpaidthefullpriceofhispreciousblood.Whatheseeksiswhathehasmerited;andhewhohas‘acceptedhissacrifice'cannotbut‘granthimhisheart'sdesire,'cannot‘withholdfromhimtherequestofhislips.'Noristhereinthematterofhisintercession,asbeforedelineated,anythingbutwhatisgoodinitself,agreeabletothewillofGod,andfittedtoadvancethegloriesofthegodhead.Theobjects,too,forwhomhepleads,areallthechosenofGod,thechildren;thefriendsofHimwithwhomhepleads,deartohisheartastohisown,aliketheobjectsofhiscomplacentaffectionandesteem.‘TheFatherhimselfloveththem.'Addtoalltheseconsiderations,thesecurityarisingfromtheresultsofChrist'sintercessionthathavebeenalreadyrealised.Howmanysoulshavebeenconverted,howmanysinspardoned,howmanytemptationsrepelled,howmanyactsofholyobedienceperformedandaccepted,howmanysonsbroughttofullandeternalglory,inallofwhichtheefficacyofChrist'sintercessionhasbeenprovedbythebestofallevidence—itsactualeffects!Soabundant,thus,istheevidenceofitsprevalence,thatthetimidcanhavenoreasonfordistrust,theunbelievernoexcuseforneglect.

ItonlyremainstoobservetheconstancyofChrist'sintercession.Heiscontinuallyemployedinthiswork.Hisoblationwastheworkofcomparativelyashortperiod,buthisintercessionneverceases.Humanbenevolencemaybecomelanguid,mayintermitforatime,ormayfinallydieawayaltogether.ButnotsothebenevolencewhichpromptsthepetitionsofourAdvocate.Hecanneverbecomelanguidfromignoranceofhispeople'swants,forheisomniscient;norfromwantofaffection,forhisloveisabiding;norfromwantofmerit,forhissacrificeisofunfailingvirtue;norfromfatigue,forheisthealmightyandimmutableGod.Nothingcaneveroccasionasuspension.Amoment'sintermissionwouldprovefataltotheeternalinterestsofalltheelectBut,whileattendingtothecaseofone,hehasnoneedtosuspendattentiontothatofanother.Innumerableasarehisapplicants,heattendstothewantsofeachasiftherewerenotanotherthatneededhiscare.Multiplicitycannotbewilder,varietycannotdivide,importancecannotoppresshisthoughts.Tohimthecareofmillionsisnoburden.Tenthousandclaimsmeetwiththesameattentionasiftherewerebutone.Hisunderstanding,hislove,hismerit,hispower,areallinfinite;andwemustbewareofmeasuringhimbythelowstandardofourownlimitedcapacities.Norcanhisintercessionevercometoanend.Therewillbeneedforitforever.Solongashispeoplesin,hewillpleadforpardon;solongastheyaretempted,hewillprocurethemstrengthtoresist;solongastheycontinuetoperformservices,hewillcontinuetogivethemacceptance;solongastheyareinthewilderness,hewillprocurethemguidanceandsafety;nay,

solongastheblessingsofHeavenareenjoyed,willhepleadhismeritsasthegroundonwhichtheyarebestowed.Througheternitywillhecontinuetopleadonbehalfofhispeople.Nevershalltheyceasetobetheobjectsofhiscare;nevershalltheirnamesbeerasedfromhisbreast;nevershalltheircausebetakenfromhislips;nevershalltheodour-breathingcenserdropfromhishand;norshallhisblessedmeritseverceasetorise

upinacloudoffragrantincensebeforetheLord.HEEVERLIVETHTOMAKEINTERCESSIONFORTHEM.

SECTIONV.

RESULTSOFCHRIST'SINTERCESSION.

TheintercessionofChristaffordsabrightdisplayoftheloveofGod.Inappointingformenanadvocateatall,andespeciallysuchanadvocate,thisfeatureofthedivinecharacter,soconspicuousineveryotherpartofredemption,isstrikinglydeveloped.Withoutthisappointmentthepurchasedsalvationcouldneverhavebeenenjoyed;mancouldneverhavesuccessfullypledhisowncause;andtheevilstowhichheisconstantlyexposed,mustinevitablyhavewroughthisruin.Hisservicescouldneverhavebeenaccepted;temptationsmusthaveplacedhimindailyjeopardy;andhissinsshouldhavebroughthim,withoutfail,undercondemnation.Withoutit,eventhepeopleofGodcouldneverreachfinalsalvation;notaprayerwhichtheymightoffercouldbeheard;notaservicetheymightperformcouldbeaccepted;notanassaultofSatancouldtheyrepel;andtheveryfirstsin,howeversmall,thattheyshouldcommit,wouldsinkthemtoperdition.How,then,istheloveofGoddisplayedinprovidingformenanadvocatetopleadtheircause,andtosecurethemagainstsuchfatalconsequences!And,then,suchanadvocate;notamanlikeourselves,notanangeloflight,notaseraphofglory,buthisSon,hisownSon,hisonlybegotten,well-belovedSon,equaltohimselfineverydivineperfection,thenoblestpersonageintheuniverse.Hereinislove!Letuscontemplateitwithgratefuladoration,anddwelluponthedelightfulthemetillourenrapturedheartsreciprocatetheemotion,tillwecansay,‘Welovehimbecausehesolovedus.'

Howdoesthesubjectillustrate,also,theloveoftheSon!Thisisequallyapparent,inhisbeingpleasedtoidentifyhimself,bybecomingtheiradvocate,

withguilty,polluted,rebellious,worthless,wretchedcreaturesofourfallenrace.Thishewasundernoobligationtodo;itwashisownspontaneousact,flowingfromthegoodpleasureofhiswill.And,whenhispersonaldignityisconsidered,hisloveisenhancedbythecondescensionsupposed;for,althoughexaltedfaraboveallprincipalitiesandpowers,andhavinganameaboveeveryname,—thoughhavingallthingsunderhisfeet,andreceivingthehomageofangels,andregulatingtheaffairsoftheuniverse,hedisdainsnottoespousethecauseofusmortalworms,andtobecomeoursuppliantwiththeFather.Asloveinducedhimtoundertakethework,soisitevincedinthepromptitude,andearnestness,anddiligence,andzeal,andceaselessconstancy,withwhichitisprosecuted,layingusunderobligationstoregardwithadmiration,andtoacknowledgewithgratitude,suchdisinterestedaffection.

TheintercessionsuppliesanargumentofnomeanforceforthedivinityofChrist.Thisdoctrine,indeed,runslikeagoldenthreadthroughthewholesystemofman'ssalvation,connectingitselfwitheverypart,andgivingstrengthandconsistencytothewhole.Itisnolessnecessarytotheefficacyofhisintercessionthantotheworthofhissacrifice.Toknowminutelyallthecasesofsomanymillionsofpeople;tolistento,andunderstand,suchamultitudeofsimultaneousapplications;torepresentthemallwithperfectskill,andindueorder;togiveeffecttoallthepleasdemandedbytheirendlessvariety,mustrequirequalificationsnothingshortofdivine.Nofinitebeingcouldeverbefitforsuchanundertaking.Whatfinitemindcouldunderstandthematter!Whatfinitepowercouldsustaintheload!Whatfiniteworthcouldsecuresuccess!Anundertakingthis,sufficienttoconfoundandcrushtothedustthemightiestofcreatures,nay,allcreatedbeingcombined.Nonebutadivinepersonisqualifiedtobetheintercessorofelectsinners.

SuchisouradvocatewiththeFather.‘ThisisthetrueGod,andeternallife.'

TheintercessionofChristconfirmstheefficacyofhisdeath.Itallproceedsonthegroundofhisatonement.Butforthisasinglepetitioncouldnothavebeenpresentedonourbehalf.Thehighpriest'senteringintothesanctuarywiththecenserofincensesupposedtheexpiatorysacrificetohavebeenpreviouslyoffered,forhehadtocarrywithhimitsblood.Inlikemanner,ourLord'sintercessionsupposeshissacrificetohavebeenpreviouslyofferedandaccepted,andeveryactofintercessoryinterpositionestablishestheefficacyofhismeritoriousdeath.Ifatanytimeourfaithinthelattertruthhappentobestaggered,ifwewantconfirmationofthisfundamentalverity,wehaveonlyto

lookonhigh,andcontemplatetheAngelstandingatthealtar,havingagoldencenserwithmuchincense,andtobeholdthesmokeoftheincense,withtheprayersofthesaints,ascendingupbeforeGodoutoftheAngel'shand.

ItgivesperfectsecuritytothepeopleofGod.Theirpresentstateisimperfect.ThematterofChrist'sintercessionsupposesthis;therewouldbenoneedforhimtoprayforpardoniftherewerenotguilt,orforsanctificationiftherewerenotcorruption;sothatthesinlessperfection,towhichsomepresumptuouslylayclaim,isnotmoreatvariancewithChristianhumilitythanwiththeworkinwhichtheSaviourisengaged.Butagainstthedespondencywhichthisimperfectionmightotherwiseoccasion,thepeopleofGodhavethesecurityoffinalperfection,arisingfromtheworkofintercession.Theirsecurity,springsnotfromanythingnaturallyindestructibleintheprincipleofthenewlifeofwhichtheyarepossessed,norfromanywantofcriminalityinthesinstheycommit,norfromanythinglessdangerousinthecircumstancesinwhichtheyareplaced,butwhollyfromtheintercessionofChrist.Theprincipleofthenewlifemay,initself,beliabletodecay,butChristbyhisintercessionwillupholdit;theirsinsmaydeservecondemnation,butheintercedesforpardon;theymaybeopenlyexposedtodanger,buthisintercessioninterposesashieldofinfallibleprotection.Notasincantheycommit,forwhichhismeritscannotsecureforgiveness;notanaccusationcanbechargeduponthemwhichhehasnotskilltoanswer;notatemptationcanassailthemwhichhehasnotpowertorepel;notaservicecantheyperform,howeverimperfect,towhichhecannotgiveacceptanceinthesightofGod.Theirfinalsalvationisthusrenderedabsolutelysecure,andinaspirit,notofhaughtyself-confidence,butofhumbledependenceontheAdvocatewiththeFather,maytheybiddefiancetoallopposition,andcalmlytrustthatthegatesofhellshallnotprevailagainstthem.Thechurchisthussurroundedaswithawallofadamant,whichnoenemycaneitherpenetrateoroverthrow.Infidelitymayopenwideitsmouth,andheresymaypourforthitspollutedstreams,andpersecutionmaylightitsfires,andimmoralitymayspreaditsthousandsnares,andwarandfamineandpestilencemayspreaddevastationallaround,butnotone,norallofthesetogether,canproveamatchforthatangel-intercessorwhocrieswithaloudvoice,‘Hurtnottheearth,neitherthesea,northetrees,tillwehavesealedtheservantsofourGodintheirforeheads.'

HowoughtthepeopleofGodtobewareofdishonouringChrist'sintercession.Ithasalreadybeenremarkedwhatanabuseofthisfunctiontakesplacewhenencouragementistakenfromittoindulgeinsin.Butitisalsodishonouredby

beingneglectedoroverlooked.Thiswefearisnouncommonoccurrence.ThereisadispositioninmanytoregardwhatChristhasdone,totheneglectofwhatheisdoing.Notthatwewouldhavementothinklessof

theformer,butmoreofthelatter.Surelytheprecedingpageshavebeenreadtolittlepurpose,iftheyhavenotlefttheimpressiononthemindthatthepresentworkofChristinheavenisofnoinferiormoment.Muchissaidofitinthescriptures,notalittleismadeofitbytheinspiredwriters.ThepurposeforwhichtheSaviourlivesinmediatorialglorycannotbeofsmallimportance;‘heeverlivethtomakeintercession;'‘ifwhenwewereenemieswewerereconciledtoGodbythedeathofhisSon,MUCHMORE,beingreconciled,weshallbesavedbyhislife.'Letusthenthinkhighly,andthinkmuch,oftheintercessionaswellasthedeathofChrist.Letussee,too,thatwerestrainnotprayerbeforeGod.ThiswouldbetodowhatwecantonullifytheSaviour'scharacterasanadvocate,as,inthiscase,hecouldhavenoservicetooffer,nocausetoundertake,nomattertoperfumewiththefragranceofhismerits.SuchaswouldputhonouronChrist'sintercessionmust‘praywithoutceasing.'Norletanyindulgeunreasonabledespondency.TheintercessionofChristoughttoproveanantidotetoeverysuchfeeling.Hearhowtheapostlereasonsonthesubject:—'HeisabletosaveuntotheuttermostallthatcomeuntoGodbyhim,seeingheeverlivethtomakeintercessionforthem.'Tothosewhohaverightviewsofthistruth,therecanbenoroomfordespair.YetthereareprofessingChristianswhogivethemselvesuptoamorbidmelancholybroodingovertheirsinsandshort-comings,whichcouldbewarrantedonlyonthesuppositionthattherewerenoadvocatewiththeFather,nointercessorwithinthevail,nodaysmantopleadtheircauseandsecuretheirsalvation.AviewofthefactandpropertiesoftheSaviour'sintercessionshouldcharmawayallgloomyforebodings;andChristians,whofeelasifcastoutfromGod'ssight,wouldweexhorttolookagaintothatHoly

TemplewherepleadstheMinisteroftheuppersanctuary,andtobenomoresad.

Letallseekaninterestin,anddailyimprove,thisviewoftheSaviour'scharacterandwork.Thosewhoaredulysensibleoftheirsituationwillbedisposed,liketheIsraeliteswhentheywerebittenwiththefieryserpents,tolookaroundforsomeonetoprayforthem.TowhomcantheygowithsafetybuttoChrist?Healonecanprayforthepeople.Letthembelieveinhisname,trustinhismerits,andobeyhiscommands,andtheymaylaytheiraccountwithsharinginthebenefitsofhisintercession.Dailytheyneed,andtheymaydailyhaverecourseto

him,inthischaracter.OhthatmenwouldconsiderthemiseryofbeingwithoutaninterestinthispartoftheSaviour'swork!Tobewithouttheprayersofourfriendsisdeemedacalamity.TobedeniedtheintercessionofsuchmenasNoah,Daniel,andJob,isjustlyrepresentedinscriptureasnolightthing.‘Praynotthouforthispeople,neitherliftacryoraprayerforthem,'isoneoftheheaviestjudgmentsthatcanbefallabackslidingnation.Howdreadfulbeyondallconception,then,mustitbetohavenointerestintheprayersofChrist!Butthisisnotall,fornottohavehisprayersforusistohavethemagainstus.Hepraysforthedestructionofhisenemies.Thatbloodwhichspeakssopowerfullyforthesalvationofthosewhobelieve,criesloudlyforvengeanceonsuchasdespiseandabuseit.Lettheunbelievingandungodlyponderthis,andtremble.AndwhocantellthehappinesswhichaninterestintheintercessionofChristisfittedtoyield!Itisadoctrinefullofcomforttosaints,asofterrortosinners.Itiscalculatedtofilltheheartwithjoy,toknowthat,whatevermaybetheirsinfulweaknessesandinfirmities,theyshallnotbringthemintocondemnation,—that,whateverbetheirtemptations,theirfaithshallnotbepermittedtofail,—that,whatevertheirbacksliding,theyshallnotfinallyfallaway,—that,howeverweak,andcold,andconfused,theirdevotions,theyshallberendered,nevertheless,asweet-smellingsavourtoGod.Insinandduty,inhealthandsickness,inprosperityandadversity,inlifeanddeath,thedoctrineofChrist'sintercessiongivesjoyandcomforttothebeliever.Beit,then,theconcernofallwhoreadthesepages,earnestlytoseeksuchaninterestinwhattheSaviourhasdoneandisstilldoing,thattheymaybeabletoassumeastheirown,thetriumphantappealoftheapostle:—'WhoshalllayanythingtothechargeofGod'select?ItisGodthatjustifieth.Whoishethatcondemneth?ItisChristthatdied,yea,ratherthatisrisenagain,whoisevenattherighthandofGod,WHOALSOMAKETHINTERCESSIONFORUS.WhoshallseparateusfromtheloveofChrist?'

Thushavewebroughttoaconclusionourinquiriesintothesedeeplyinterestingsubjects.Andwecannotpartwithourreaders,withoutremindingthemofthenecessityofmakingapersonalapplicationoftheglorioustruthswhichhaveoccupiedtheirattention,beforeturningtheirthoughtstoanythingelse.Letthemnotregardthemasmattersofcuriousspeculation,orcontentthemselveswithameredoctrinalbelief.Totheirbeingrightlyappreciated,andproperlyimproved,theymustbecomethesubjectsofasavingfaith.Nodoctrinesstandmorecloselyconnectedwiththeeternalsalvationofthesoul.Letnotthereader,then,risefromtheperusalofthesepages,withoutseriouslyandconscientiouslyaskinghimselfthesequestions:—AmIinterestedinthe

atonementandintercessionofJesusChrist?HaveIfaithinthesacrificeofthegreatHighPriest?Hasmysoulbeensprinkledwithhispreciousblood?DoeshepleadinmybehalfwiththeFather?Ismynameengravenonhisheart?HaveIanygoodreasontoconclude,thatheisevennowprayingthatmysinsmaybeforgiven,thatmyfaithmaynotfailinthehouroftemptation,andthatImaybekeptfromtheevilwhichisintheworld?WereIcalled,atthismoment,toreclinemyheadonthepillowofdeath,couldIindulgethecomfortingassurancethattheadvocatewithinthevail,whomtheFatherhearethalways,wouldpresentonmybehalftherequest,‘Father,IwillthathewhomthouhastgivenmebewithmewhereIam,'andthat,inanswertothisprayer,mydisembodiedspiritshouldbeushered,inperfectholiness,intotheimmediateanduncloudedpresenceofmycovenantGod,andintoallthegloriesoftheheavenlykingdom?Thesearesolemnquestions.Letnooneneglecttoputthemtohimself,orhesitatetopressthem,till,ifnofavourableanswercanbecandidlyreturned,atleastsuchconvictionshavebeenawakened,asnooccupationcandissipate,noexerciseallaybutabelievingappropriationofthebloodandadvocacyofthegreatHighPriestofourprofession.MaytheSpiritofallgrace,whoseprerogativeitistotakethethingsofChristandshowthemuntomen,bepleasedtogrant,thattheperusalofthesesheetsmaythusprovethemeansofsalvationtomany;andtotheonlywiseGod,ourSaviour,bealltheglory.Amen!

TheEnd

GLASGOW:

PRINTEDBYGEORGEBROOKMAN,

EditedbyThomasMWitte

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