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hibition of Divine compassion and love, from ■which it had its origin; “3. It also exhibits the inconceiv able hostility of the Divine nature to sin and the heinousness of human dis obedience and self-will; “4. It is a sacrificial offering for sin, a satisfaction to Divine rectitude, and the only safe basis for pardon; “5. It unfolds vital spiritual real ities, a quickening, transforming and peace-giving power, nowhere else to he found; - “6. Its ulterior design is to make men holy, and righteous.” These are statements of facts by the Scriptures concerning the death of Christ. The questions on these facts, “Why it does this and that?'’ or “How?” would begin a “theory of the Atonement,” so that we can firmly hold to the reality of the Atonement with out having any theory at all about it. We assume only that the Scriptures which declare these facts are the true and authoritative Word of God. But should we flippantly say: We know only that Jesus died;’ Why He died, and what for, are merely the theories of theology about His death? In that case we simply refuse to believe the facts declared to have been accom plished by His death. As well might men say, we know we chew and swallow bread, meats, and fruits, and all after that is theory! It is not the mere death of Jesus that starts theories, but the series of facts which Dr. Dorchester outlines; why these occur and how they vitally re late to Christ’s death. Let us have the theories, of course, the best we can con struct, but let us not foolishly call facts theories.—ROADS.
THE ONLY LEVER Let others hold forth the terrors of hell and the joys of heaven. Let others drench their congregations with teach ings about the sacraments and the church. Give me the cross of Christ. This is the only lever which has ever turned the world upside down hitherto, and made men forsake their sins. And, if this will not, nothing will. A man may begin preaching with a perfect knowledge of Latin, Greek and Hebrew; but he will do little or no good among his hearers unless he knows something of the cross. Never was there a min ister who did much for the conversion of souls, who did not dwell much on Christ crucified. Luther, Rutherford, Whitefield, M’Cheyne, were all most eminent preachers of the cross. This is the preaching that the Holy Ghost delights to bless. He loves to honor those who honor the cross.—Ryle. SET STRAIGHT A little boy who had been blowing bubbles all the morning, tired of play and suddenly growing serious, said: “Read me that thory about the heavenly thity, mamma; it’th tho gloriouth.” “I will,” said his mother; “but first tell me—did you take the soap out of the water as I told you?” “Oh, yeth, mamma; I’m very thure I did.” The mother read the description of the beautiful city, with its streets of •gold and gates of pearl, and the child listened with delight; but when she came to the words, “There shall in no wise enter into it anything that deflleth, neither whatsoever . . . maketh a lie” (Rev. 21:27), he bounded to his feet, saying, “I gueth I’ll go and thee about that thoap.” After all, it’s a waste of time to pray and preach and sing when there’s some thing within that needs to be set right. ate ate
Nov?—Just one more look at tke back cover
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