twofold character of God, that of an equitable governor, and that of an arbitrary dispenser of benefits; in other words, a Judge and a Sovereign. In both characters God is supreme; having none above him, in whatever capacity he acts. The reader therefore should be aware,

that I do not use the terms sovereign and sovereignty, as synonymous with supreme and supremacy. In all my discussions on these subjects, I consider sovereignty, when applied to the supreme Being, as expressive of the arbitrary pleasure of a benefactor; because in no other capacity can he exercise arbitrary pleasure. He is supreme in the exercise of his justice, in judgments and punishments; but not arbitrary, or without a just cause, or demerit in the object. When he acts as supreme ruler and judge, his proceedings are founded in equity; but when he acts as a sovereign, his proceedings are founded in favour, dispensed with wisdom.

20. As it is evident from the whole tenor of scripture, and from the nature of the case, that God acts in these twofold characters towards his rational creatures; it follows, that it is worthy of him to have corresponding designs. Let us apply this to the mediation of Christ, and the price of Redemption. As a Governor, I humbly conceive, his design in

this great and glorious medium of happiness, was to lay an adequate foundation for every human subject of his government, on which he may hope for the favour of God; and on which he may seek remission of sin, justification, holiness, happiness,-in one word salvation, on the terms prescribed; terms worthy of God and our rational nature. But on the rejection or neglect of these terms, the sinner has no one to blame but himself, and the supreme ruler will appear clear and glorious when he judges and condemns him for neglecting so great

salvation.

§ 21. But when we consider the design of God in the character of a Sovereign, we may regard the same object, the invaluable price of redemption, as an adequate foundation for actually redeeming from all evil those who are eventually saved; and for imparting to them the influence of the Spirit, whereby they comply with the terms proposed, and enjoy the promised blessings. As God does nothing without design, and without an adequate ground for it; and as forming a vital union with Christ, a spiritual renovation by the Holy Spirit, upholding the soul in the midst of temptations and formidable dangers, and finally investing soul and body with eternal life and glory, are the acts of his sovereign pleasure; his design,

I apprehend, in substituting the atoning sacrifice, was to lay a suitable basis for these acts.

§ 22. Thus the atoning sacrifice is one, unchangeably the same. In whatever light we consider the divine character, compared with the actual state of mankind, it is an adequate basis of reconciliation, and of the divine proceedings towards them. Viewing them as morally free, and accountable agents, what can be desired by them more suitable to their wants? Through this medium they are encouraged, invited, requested, commanded with awful denunciations, to seek pardon and peace, grace and glory, by compliance with the most reasonable terms-by casting away the arms of rebellion, by penitential submission, by cordial belief in the divine testimony concerning Christ, by returning to their allegiance, and by resigning themselves to the direction and government of him who has all power in heaven and earth. "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, hear ye him." But, he who obeyeth not the voice of this prophet shall be condemned and cut off. "These mine enemies who would not that I should rule over them, bring them hither, and slay them before me."

§ 23. But it is a humbling and awful fact, that man is not only "far gone from original

righteousness," but also of his own fallen nature is "inclined to evil." He has a carnal mind, and the carnal mind is enmity with God.” He is "not inclined" to deny himself, to take up his cross and follow Christ, to pluck out the right eye, and cut off the right hand. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, reign over him. But shall the want of inclination, a good will, and a ready mind in man, render the sacrifice of Christ of no effect? God forbid. As a sovereign he had a design in laying such a wonderful and glorious foundation, which no blindness, enmity, pride, or wickedness of mankind should frustrate. The sacrifice of Christ shall become the foundation of triumphant grace. For the sake of it, the Redeemer "shall see his seed, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hands." A goodly multitude shall be "made willing in the day of his power." He will slay their enmity by spiritually uniting them to himself, and at the same time constitute them righteous. They shall submit themselves before him, deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow him. He puts his fear in their hearts, draws them with the cords of love, and it is "given to them, on the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake."

§ 24. Having endeavoured to explain and illustrate what I presumed to call "the harmonizing principle,” in reference to the great topic of redemption, I will now advert to his Lordship's declarations on the subject. It is asserted, in the first place, that the doctrine of 'universal redemption—was directly opposed

by CALVIN.' His Lordship I hope will excuse me for asserting, in return, that this eminent reformer did not directly' oppose the doctrine of universal redemption, in the sense now explained, as far as I have been able to collect by a frequent search into his voluminous writings. He admitted a universal price of redemption; but he had reasons innumerable against the notion of an actual redemption of all men from sin and misery. He maintained that the remedy was universal, and that it was universally proposed to mankind, according to God's rectoral design; but not that it was the sovereign design of God by it to make mankind universally and indiscriminately submissive, and compliant with the terms on which the blessings resulting from it were to be enjoyed. Had this been his design, not one of the human race could perish; for "who hath resisted his will?" If God were to design this, and to exert his power on the heart accordingly, who could prevent him? What CALVIN'S