contemners of his Son as in the same predicament with those who receive him ? Nothing of this kind can be found in all the book of God. It may be called candour ; but there is no such candour in the inspired volume. That calls every thing by its proper name, and assigns to every thing its proper character : and the unbelief which is thought a matter of so much indifference by the world at large, is declared to be the infallible source of ruin to all who indulge it. But let the Scriptures speak for themselves : " He that believeth on Christ is not condemned ; but he that believeth not, is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God:" and again, " He that believeth on the Son, hath everlasting life : but he that believeth not the Son, shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him." In conformity with these declarations is the whole tenour of sacred writ: '' I am the way, the truth, and the life," says our Lord ; " no man cometh unto the Father but by me." ^' Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden ! and I will give you rest." " Ye will not come unto me, that ye might have life." To the same effect is the testimony of his Apostles ; " Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." " There is not salvation in any other : there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we can be saved, but the name of Jesus Christ."
What now shall we say to these things ? Is there any difficulty in understanding these passages? I know, it is fashionable with many to represent the doctrines of the Gospel as so abstruse and intricate that no one of common discernment can understand them. But what intricacy is there here which the most unlettered man in the universe may not under- stand ? Men may invent subtleties on any subject ; and on this among the rest : but there is nothing here which is not plain and easy to the most common apprehension. Christ has made an atonement for our sins : and he calls us to seek salvation through his blood and righteousness. He tells us, that " having