XIV. XV. XVI. XVII. XVIII. The Propagation of the Gospel, with Encouragement to the Vigorous Prosecution of the Work-A Sermon THE DOCTRINE OF THE ATONEMENT. SET FORTH IN AN ADDRESS TO THE PUBLIC, ON THE NATURE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE GOSPEL. BRETHREN Of all the subjects that solicit the attention of mankind, the way of acceptance with God is the most important. On this point there can be but one sentiment among all who believe in the existence of God and the accountableness of man. On this truth as a first principle the philosophic writer joins hands with the enthusiast, the free-thinker with the superstitious devotee. Thomas Payne could not, in this article of faith, dissent from Peter the hermit; nor Franklin from Lorenzo Dow. If there is really a God, and if man is accountable to God for his conduct; if there is a judgment and a future world, that our chief concern ought to be to find acceptance in his sight and obtain a happy immortality, is as clear as the light of heaven. Compared with this, all sublunary concerns dwindle into insignificance. If the way of acceptance with God be the most important concern of man, there is nothing in which we can so eminently show our love to the human race, as in our endeavours to point out to them what we con B sider truth on this momentous subject. If we have reason to believe that some views of this question are injurious to those that hold them; much more, if we consider such views infinitely and eternally injurious; if we have reason to believe that any of our brethren of mankind have views of this matter that will be, if unchanged, infinitely and eternally injurious to them; much more, if we believe that the bulk of mankind appear to have such pernicious views, it would be cruelty and murder to conceal our sentiments. If we believe that we have discovered the true way of acceptance with God; if we believe that all of the human race, without the exception of the most vile and guilty, shall have acceptance and eternal favour with God, if they come to him in this way, the love of our fellow-men will irresistibly oblige us to proclaim the glad news as publicly and as extensively as possible. Can we love men and not warn them of the ways that lead into eternal ruin? Can we love them and not wish to point out to them the way that leads to eternal life? There is nothing more offensive to men, than to dispute their dogmas in religion. Even in the smallest matters connected with this subject, men feel hurt with opposition. To question the truth of their religious opinions, is to insult them; but to suspect that these opinions are dangerous, is to hate them. The most phlegmatic, in such circumstances, will take fire. There is nothing more unreasonable. Why should I be offended with my neighbour for endeavouring to convince me that I am in error, even although I clearly perceive that the error is in himself? He is acting a friendly part by me, when he endeavours to make me believe his own creed. Can he more effectually show his concern for me than by discovering earnestness to bring me to receive the salvation on which himself depends? For this reason, I have always thought that they who believe that there is no salvation but in their own church, if there be any such persons, ought not to be exposed to the reproach of being enemies of those whom they adjudge to perdition. They may hold such a sentiment, and yet be far from wishing damnation to any. On the contrary, if they really entertain such an opinion, it is an expression of love to mankind to declare it. They are, no doubt, accountable to God for such an opinion; but as it respects their fellow-men they are blameless. If my neighbour tells me that I cannot be saved except I yield subjection to the church to which he belongs, I do not believe him, because I am taught otherwise by the Scriptures; but I am not angry with him for if he believes me to be in danger of damnation, it is kind in him to tell me so. Charity of sentiment is a phrase ever acceptable from the pulpit and from the press; but it is an abuse of language: for charity is not a matter of opinion, but of feeling. A man may love his son, yet believe that he has transgressed the laws of the nation, and that he will be hanged for his crime. Only let our judges and juries act on the trial of culprits as men wish us to do with respect to the transgressors of the laws of God, and there will be an end to the order and peace of society. In the trial of criminals, they must proceed according to evidence; and, though the condemnation of their fellow men must be exceedingly painful to them, they must declare guilt when they find it, and adjudge to death those to whom the law awards that awful doom. With reason and sympathy, no doubt, will a jury bring in the verdictguilty; with an aching heart and a voice that indicates the feelings of humanity, will the judge pronounce the awful sentence. In like manner, we may love and compassionate those, of whom, when we judge according to the Scriptures, we cannot hope well. Christians in all ages have been taxed as haters of mankind, because they hold forth the doctrine of the New Testament, that teaches, that all who reject the gospel will perish for ever. However different in their dogmas are the various systems of religious sects, they generally keep up good neighbourhood by allowing that though they dispute on earth they shall all meet in heaven. But Christians cannot bandy compliments with the world at the expense of truth. Christ says, "He that believeth shall be saved, he that believeth not shall be damned;" and they dare neither modify this |