endure this infinite torment and “redeem” and “save” the race? He must be infinite, and then it follows; for all the actions of the Infinite are also infinite, in this logic. But two Infinites there cannot be. The Son, therefore, is the Father, and the Father the Son. God's Justice is appeased by God's Mercy. God “sacrifices” God for the sake of men. Thus the infinite “satisfaction” is accomplished; with God, God has paid God the infinite ransom, for the infinite sin; the “sacrifice” has been offered; the “atonement” completed; “we are bought with a price;” “as in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive.”[1]
Now in the very teeth of logic this system under consideration maintains that God did not thus purchase the redemption of all, for such “forgiveness” would ill comport with his dignity. Therefore certain “conditions” are to be complied with, before man is entitled to this salvation. God knew from all eternity who would be saved, and they are said to be “elected from before the foundation of the world,” to eternal happiness. God is the cause of their compliance—for men have no free-will,—hence “fore-ordination;” they are not saved by their own merit, but each by Christ's—hence “particular redemption;” having no will, they must be “called” and moved by God, and if elected must be sure to come to him—hence “effectual calling;” if to be saved, they must certainly continue in “grace”—hence the “perseverance of the saints.” The salvation of the “elect,” the damnation of the non-elect, is all effected by the “decrees of God;” the “agency of the Holy Spirit,” the “satisfaction of Christ,” all is a work of “divine grace.”
The doctrine of the “Trinity” has always been connected with this system. It does not embrace three Gods, as it has been often alleged, but one God in three persons, as the Hindoos have one God in thirty million persons, and the Pantheists one God in all persons and all things. The Father sits on the throne of his glory; the Son, at his right hand, “intercedes” for man; the Holy Spirit “proceeds” from the Father and the Son, “calls” the saints and makes them “persevere.” This doctrine of a Trinity covers a truth, though it often conceals it. Its
- ↑ See Theism, &c., Sermons III. IV.
