of his divine mission, they would not believe in him, but would cast him out of the vineyard and slay him. What then must we suppose God would say on such an occasion ? Surely he would speak to this effect : ' If I could hope that they would reverence my Son, I would overlook all the injuries done to my prophets, and would even send my Son for their salvation : but I know they would all thirst for his blood ; they would pluck me from my throne if they were able ; and, if I should put my Son into their power, they would load him with all manner of indignities, and put him to the most ignominious death : shall I then, foreseeing these things as I do, put him into their power ? No : that were unworthy of my majesty, and degrading to my Son. I may possibly send my Son ; but, if I do, it shall not be to save the world, but to condemn them according to their desert.']
These considerations fully evince the improbability that God should ever use the mediation of his Son in a way of mercy towards us. Yet we must add,
II. That, notwithstanding it was so improbable, God did really send his Son, not to condemn, but to save the world —
The frequency with which we hear of this stu- pendous mystery, prevents the surprise which the declaration of it must otherwise excite. But, what- ever the ignorance of scoffers, and the pride of infidels may suggest, be it known to all, that God did send his Son,
1. To expiate sin —
[God knew that it was impossible for man to atone for sin
Yet it was also impossible that sin could be forgiven,
unless an adequate atonement were offered to the Divine
Majesty — What was to be done ? The angels, even
if they were willing, were not able to undertake our cause. There was but one, even in heaven, that was competent to the mighty task of appeasing incensed Majesty, and of satisfying offended justice: there was none but Jesus, the best-beloved of the Father, who from eternity had lain in his bosom. And would the Father give him ? Yes ; " He spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all." " He prepared him a body," and " sent him to be a propitiation, not for our sins
only, but also for the sins of the whole world" What
amazing love ! Eternity will not suffice to explore and cele- brate this stupendous mystery.]
2. To work out a righteousness for us —