It is of more importance to advert to the reference which the author makes to certain discussions on the Hixtent of the Atonement. He is far too candid to con- found the Arminian view of universal atonement with universal atonement in the sense in which it is held by Thomas Scott, and by others; according to whom the death of Christ insures the salvation of the elect, and yet has a general reference, merely as the basis of a universal offer in virtue of an infinite sufficiency in the Atone- ment. He speaks, nevertheless, of such men as_ the late Dr. Brown of this country as leaning to such a view from a “hardly conscious dissatisfaction with the peculiarities of Calvinism.” In justice to the memory of Dr. Brown, we must say that his leanings in question
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IV PREFACE TO BRITISH EDITION.
npitor’s were due to a nobler source—the pressure of exegetic PREFACE.
difficulties in regard to some passages in Scripture where the language of universality seems employed in reference to the expiation of human guilt, and more especially an honourable desire to secure for the Christian Ministry a feeling of perfect freedom in the offer of the gospel to every sinner. ‘The tone of preaching is often narrow enough, even when in theory the universality of the gospel call is admitted. On the other hand, the doctrine of absolute salvation for the elect may be strenuously held, where the conscience is peculiarly sensitive in in- sisting upon the free offer of saving mercy to all men. Dr. Brown belonged to the latter class. We say this much in his defence all the more readily that we differ from his views as to the proper basis of the gospel offer and the precise object of faith even more than our author seems to do.
In spite of such trivial exceptions we commend this work to the English reader, as the most masterly vindi- cation, as regards learning and argument, which has yet appeared in reply to recent objections against the Atone- ment of our blessed Lord and Saviour as a true sacrifice, and the only true sacrifice for sin.
This Edition has been revised and printed with some care, marginal indications have been added, and the re-
ferences have been more fully given. BY hd, te
Author's Preface.
0
Bree N the fall of 1866 the senior Editor of the hee #4 F “Presbyterian Banner,” of Pittsburg, asked re 4 a the author of this book to write a series of articles on the Atonement. The reason assigned was that our views of the great central doctrines of the gospel were frequently misrepresented by many outside of our own communion, and that for the instruction of our own people a re-statement of the venerable faith of the Re- formed Churches was now very much needed, in a form specifically adapted to the circumstances of the present generation. Being in full sympathy with the reasons given, I wrote the articles, which appeared before the public last winter. Those articles furnish about one- fourth part of the present volume, which is now sent forth as the best contribution within my power to the vindication of the ancient faith of the Presbyterian Church, and of the unquestionable and only legitimate interpretation of her Standards. While jealously guard- ing the essential principles of the Calvinistic system, I have designed to repel with all my might alike all those positive heresies which attack it openly, and with even greater solicitude that latitudinarian indifference to exact
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conceptions and careful statements of doctrine which tends secretly, yet not less certainly, to destroy the truth, and which in the present age is our chief source of danger. I would pray and labour that in gaining breadth we may not lose height, and in gaining peace and love we may not lose purity and truth. With all the very obvious imperfections of the offering, I trust that the condescending Saviour will graciously accept it, and render it an instrument of blessing to his Church, to its ministry, and to those hopeful candidates for its
service to whose education my life is devoted.
COON EEN: TS:
PARA ol.
THE NATURE OF THE ATONEMENT.
CHAPTER I. CONTENTS IN Re NTRODUCTORY Chapters Vital importance of the doctrine—General agreement of the Christian Church in i,-ili.
all ages—Danger of Rationalism, and its prevalence in the present age—AIl error partial truth—Systems of doctrine unavoidable—A1ll controversy upon the subject is to be determined by a simple appeal to Scripture—Objections to the evidence upon which a doctrine rests to be frankly considered, but all rationalistic objections to the plain teachings of inspiration inadmissible— The plan of the following treatise briefly stated. ..............-.eceeeeeeseee 13
CHAPTER II. STATEMENT OF DOCTRINE.