ADVERTISEMENT. THE title of "Occasional Papers" having been elsewhere appropriated, I have thought it best to adopt another name for the present volume. Its general character, however, is not unlike that of the publication that preceded it under the former title. The subjects of the present volume are less varied than those found in the "Occasional Papers." This was not intended when the work was commenced. It has been the result of finding that the Press teems at present with publications which seek, either openly or covertly, to undermine the great doctrines of Justification and Atonement. The Pauline doctrine of Justifi cation (as it has been contemptuously termed by some) and with it the doctrine of Luther and the Reformers, is being widely rejected. Some magnify the Incarnation with the view of obscuring the Cross: others preach "Justification in the risen Christ," and under pretence of exalting the Resurrection, depreciate the work of Christ in death. Justification by imputation, which is the key-stone of the Gospel, is being, almost on every side, virtually, if not expressly denied. Under these circumstances, it becomes of infinite moment to determine what constitutes Atonement-when it was finished -and what are its results. The present volume is, not a systematic treatise on these doctrines; but they form its chief subjects. That they are very imperfectly treated, I am well aware; yet if the readers of these pages should be induced diligently to examine the questions of which they treat, and should be confirmed in their faith towards the ONE SACRIFICE and its results, I shall not be unrewarded. I could not, perhaps, more suitably conclude this Preface than by subjoining an extract from a letter written to me by my valued friend, Dr. S. P. Tregelles, a few weeks before the illness which may possibly terminate his public labours. Although written incidentally, and not intended for publication, the extract shows his sense of the danger of the present hour: and it will supply, perhaps, one of his latest protests against errors which he has long felt to be subversive of the true faith. In a letter dated December 17th, 1869, Dr. Tregelles writes as follows: "I have seen an advertisement lately of a book on Hades. This announcement sets forth that it refutes the doctrine that Christ's atonement was effected on the Cross. This, I suppose, is some new way of setting aside, 'IT IS FINISHED.' All these things are only new varieties of what Socinus says, that the propitiation of Christ was effected by His presenting Himself before God in resurrection. We may see the paramount importance of a doctrine from the pains that are taken to set it aside." |