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must contribute to weaken , if not totally destroy , the much desired and happy effect . M oreover another hindrance to the proper effect of the doctrine of the cross may be attributed to the gross
errors which men have fallen into respecting it . Some have represented it in such a light as though it was a proof of the implacability of God , a proof of his delighting * in blood , and that he would bestow no favours on mankind without being amply paid
for tliera . Horrid idea J dreadful perversion of the doctrine of the cross For the grand design of this doctrine , we learn from the sacred oracles , is to lead us to contemplate the Divine Being as a God who so loved the world as to give his only-begotten
Son for its redemption * And it was preached to mankind , that in the ages to come he might shew * the exceeding riches of his grace m his kindness towards us through Christ . Another still more alarming error ( if possible ) which some have fallen into , and bv
which the cross of Christ is rendered of none effect , is such a dependence on its efficacy as would lead sinners to look upon repentance and new obedience as unnecessary . This is making Christ the minister of sin , although the declared design of his coining into the world was to turn
nien from their iniquities ; and ' tis thea only we receive the doctrine of the cross in a proper manner , when we are made conformable to Christ ' s death ; i . e . when we are crucified to the world , and when we crucify the flesh with its affections and lusts .
How pathetically does the Apostle express himself upon this occasion : " I have told you often , and now tell you even weeping , that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ" ! To whom does he here refer as enemies to the
cross of Christ ? Those " whose god * s tlieir belly , who glory in their shame , who mind earthly things . " Moreover another hindrance , I "uuk , to the proper effect of the cross of Christ , arises from men ' s
^ 'JoraiKc of themselves , and their ll being sufficiently aware of the purity and extent of the Divine law . uin ; persons to consider seriously ' tlmt God requires of us , that his ^ ' " ittaiids a re exceeding broad , us lUiY extend nut only to the various
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actions of our lives , but to the regulation of our tempers , and even the thoughts and intentions of the heart ; and at the same time impartially consider how far short we come of our
duty , we should ( I am ready to conclude ) entertain such a humble opinion of ourselves as to feel the necessity of having recourse to the discoveries of the Gospel to encourage us to look up to an infinitely holy God , whom we have so often offended
with any degree of confidence and hope . Were even the best of us to scrutinize our conduct , to enter into all the windings and doublings of our own hearts , and observe how often narrow , sordid , selfish principles have prevailed within us , how often
trifling , worldly , and sometimes impure , thoughts have had access to our minds , even when engaged in exercises of devotion ; when we recollect what unworthy motives have mingled
with actions which appeared specious in the eyes of the world , but offensive in the sight of a pure and omniscient God ; I say , when our hearts are devoutly impressed with a sense of our own unworthiness , the purity and awful sanctions of the Divine law ,
how must our minds be appalled , and how much must we stand in need of every display of mercy to repress our fears and dispel our doubts ! Upon this occasion , therefore , instead of looking upon the preaching of Christ crucified as foolishness , we should acknowledge it be the power of God and the wisdom of God .
We are certainly much indebted to those of our brethren who have success full y laboured in purging the doctrine of the cross ( or , as it is commonly designated , the atonement ) from all the corruptions with , which it has been unhappily loaded and disgraced . But it is rather to be lamented that some , not contented with
accomplishing so desirable a purpose , have gone so far as to explode the whole of that wonderful system of grace and mercy , ( the mediatorial plan , ) with all its pleasing concomitants , intercession , advocacy , expiation , &c , and by an amazing deal of critical labour and skill , interpreted
away all those expressive passages of scripture so consolatory to the humble , penitent Christian ; He ( tore our sins in ins own body on tltc tree ; IVc
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The late Rev . John FolletCs Views of the Atonement . 449
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Aug. 2, 1826, page 449, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2551/page/5/
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