Fatherhood of God : considered in its general and special aspects, and particularly in relation to the Atonement, with a review of recent speculations

Front matter

SC5 *

THE

FATHERHOOD OF GOD

Preface To The First Edition

The following Lectures were originally prepared as part of a course of instruction in Systematic Theology, during the past Session in the University of Edin¬ burgh : and they are now published, with some addi¬ tions and amendments, in the hope that they may con¬ tribute to the exposition of a subject of deep interest, not only to theological students, but to all Christians.

My aim has been to illustrate the Divine Father¬ hood, at once in its general reference to all mankind, and in its special reference to those who are the “ chil¬ dren of God by faith in Christ J esus ; to show that these several aspects of the doctrine may, on reasonable and scriptural grounds, be sufficiently vindicated and established; to explain wherein they differ, and how they may be harmonised ; and to point out the relation which they bear to some other highly important articles of the Christian system — above all, to the fundamental doctrine of the Atonement.

I dare not flatter myself that this object has been fully accomplished. But however far I may have come short of it, my labour will not be lost if it in-

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Preface

duce others to turn their attention to a subject which has not hitherto received that careful and thorough discussion to which it is entitled.

I have been constrained in prosecuting this inquiry to controvert the views of some modern writers respect¬ ing the mediatorial work of Jesus Christ, as well as with reference to the efficacy of baptism ; and on other points I have been brought into direct collision with the novel opinions set forth by Dr Candlish in his recently published ‘ Cunningham Lectures on the Fatherhood of God.’

I trust, however, that while firmly maintaining my own principles, I shall not be found to have spoken of those who differ from me in terms that are either un¬ charitable or disrespectful.

University op Edinburgh,

Isi May 1866.

PREFACE.

Vll

Preface To The Second Edition

In issuing a Second Edition of this volume, I have endeavoured, by a careful and thorough revision, and by some additional arguments and illustrations, to render it more worthy of that favourable rece^^tion — so far exceeding my expectations — which it has already met with.

In compliance with many suggestions which have been made to me, I have greatly enlarged that portion of the work which has reference to the doctrine of the Atonement. And I tmst that by so doing I have fur¬ nished additional proof that the “Common Fatherhood of God,’’ instead of being adverse, is, on the contrary, eminently conducive to sound scriptural views of this essential article of Christian faith, — ■and that, next to the plain and authoritative statements of the Word of God, there is no other test that can be more effectively applied to any proposed theory respecting our Lord’s sufferings than the simple consideration, — Hoiv far it represents them as a manifestation, altogether un¬ paralleled, of the fatherly love of God towards all .manJcmd ?

I have thought it necessary to append to this Edi¬ tion a reply to the full review of my argument, with which I have been honoured by Dr Candlish, in an Essay prefixed to the Third Edition of his ‘ Cunning

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PREFACE.

ham Lectures.’ I venture to express a hope that* nothing in my reply will, to adopt his own words, ‘‘ be found more likely to interrupt friendly relations be¬ tween us than his own free strictures on my statements and opinions.” And at the same time I heartily thank him for his highly gratifying commendation of those parts of my work in which he concurs.

23cZ January 1867.

Preface To The Third Edition

Ir publishing a Third Edition of these Lectures, the only considerable additions I have made to them are a few pages in Lecture Fourth, referring to Mr Camp¬ bell’s vindication of his theory of the Atonement in the recently published Second Edition of his Treatise, and two Notes, C and K, the former consisting of a brief notice of Mr Wright’s work on ‘The Divine Fatherhood,’ and the latter containing a few remarks on the sufficiency of the Atonement.

I have again to express my thankfulness for the favourable manner in which these Lectures have been received, and the gratifying success with which their publication has been attended.

22cZ April 1868.

Contents

PAGE

LECTURE I. Common Fatherhood op God

Introductory remarks, ...... 1-3