we have just read are a strong-hold for those who adopt the sentiments which are called Arminian. And how does the Calvinist get over them ? how does he make the universality of redemption accord with his particular election ? He knows not how to do it in a way that shall agree with his own system ; and therefore he denies at once that Christ did sjive himself a ransom for all ; and says, that by " all" is meant some of every description, that is, some of all different ranks and orders of men, Jews and Gen- tiles, rich and poor. But how much better were it for men to confess their own ignorance, than thus to pervert the word of God ! It is true that God acts as a Sovereign ; and that salvation, from first to last, is all of grace, whether we can reconcile this truth with every other portion of God's word, or not : nor are we any more at liberty to distort the passages that appear to militate against this system, than Arminians are to misinterpret those which obstruct their views. There is beyond all doubt a harmony in all the parts of the inspired volume, though we cannot exactly see it : (not but that we might see it, and clearly too, if we entered fully into the idea of the subordination of one set of truths to another :) and if we determine to speak all that the Scripture speaks, and as the Scripture speaks it, we shall not be far from the very truth of God. This will not please the partisans of human systems : but it will, as far as such a plan is adopted, produce moderation in our own minds, and forbearance towards all who differ from us.
The way in which the text is introduced deserves particular attention. The Apostle inculcates the duty of " interceding, and giving thanks, for all men " without exception, but especially " for kings and all in authority," because on them in a very great degree depends the peace and welfare of the Church. As a reason for extending our regards to all, he observes, that God does so in the government of the world, and that Christ has done so in the exercise of re- deeming love, seeing that he " had given himself a ransom for all" The Apostle, whatever be the subject
kk2