This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1838 Excerpt: ...instance. Mr. E. Erskine divides the sufficiency of the atonement into a threefold distinction. The first he calls intrinsic, the second ordinate, and the third legal Then, after giving his explication of them, he very gravely tells us which of these faith-has to do with, and which not. The preachers of his doctrine are at present at no small variance as to the proper use of these words, publishing ingenious controversies for the benefit of those who are disposed to read them. The poor people, who cannot well fathom such depths, must be left to follow the guides they severally most admire. We may also take notice of the great ambiguity of the words and phrases which have been used on this subject, and the changes which have happened in them; some falling into disrepute, and replaced by others of less obnoxious sound: for no stone has been left unturned to intercept the light of the sacred truth, and decoy our attention with an endless variety of the most abominable jargon about faith. The time and pains taken by the apostles, in holding forth the heavenly ray of hope, have been employed by thousands of preachers in directing us how to search for farthings in a dunghill.--The word merit, as applied to our faith or our endeavours after it, has generally fallen into disrepute among the Protestants, as having been long tarnished by Popish fingers. Instead of it condition is often used with approbation. Yet this has likewise become suspected; and many preachers scruple to use it without clogging it with some explication. Instrument, I think, is now the word least accepted against. And this can serve us for receiving; applying, closing with, and taking hold of the proposed benefit. And this instrument is sometimes a mouth for receiving, and sometimes a. hand for ...
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