A lawyer's brief on the atonement

Preface

The following discussion of the Atonement is a brief presentation of the subject, which it is hoped will be useful to the ordinary reader of the Bible. Its purpose is to set forth clearly the fundamental principles of the atoning work, as they appear to be taught in the Scriptures, — to show their philosophic relations to each other, — and to make plain the wisdom of the plan of salvation as revealed through Jesus Christ.

The method of treating the subject is such as the author has been accustomed to in the preparation of briefs for service in courts of jurisprudence. Although there are some disadvantages in this method, it is believed that they will be more than offset by the gain in bringing the important points into closer relations with each other, so as best to show their mutual bearings and general effect. With a similar end in view, courts usually require briefs in complex cases.

Frequent references are made to Scripture proofs; but, since it is felt that, in many instances, they will not be deemed by all of sufficient authority, attention is often invited to the underlying principles of the relations between God and man — principles which, in the very nature of things, are inherent, and whence there appears to be no escape. In a good number of cases, however, the portions of Scripture cited are referred to not because they are thought needful as proofs, but rather to call attention to their harmony with the course of reasoning pursued, and to show their availability for purposes of instruction. As the Scripture citations are numerous, it has been thought best to print the passages, referred to, at the bottom of the pages, in order that they may be seen at a glance, without the vi Preface

trouble of turning over the leaves of the Bible. The translation of these passages is that contained in the Authorized Version of the Scriptures. In many cases, however, the Revised Version or other versions will be found to serve the purpose even more effectively.

The reader is advised, in his first perusal of the book, to refrain from examining the Scripture citations, so that he may better keep the continuity of the argument and may get its full force. As the argument is condensed, it will be understood that, in practical use, it is meant to be amplified and illustrated as occasion may require, and that, in reading its opening portions (including Sections I to III, inclusive, which are in the nature of an introduction and are meant to lay a foundation for what follows), it will be found desirable to proceed slowly and thoughtfully, so as to gain a good understanding of the truths considered, in their logical relations. Wherever the argument rests partly on views which may seem, to some of the readers, antiquated, — or wherever it is based to any extent on passages of Scripture which they may deem, in the light of recent criticism, of insufficient authority, — it is suggested that they pass over such views or omit such passages, and consider whether, without them, the theory of the Atonement herein set forth is not, on the whole, well grounded.

As a humble layman, the writer begs the indulgence of professional theologians for his trespass upon their province, and of readers in general for his want of ampler qualifications for the discussion of a subject of such profound importance. In excuse for his temerity in publishing this monograph, the writer can only plead the expressed desire of many friends, and the approval of his so doing by several able theologians to whom it was previously submitted, — furthermore, his personal feeling that, if he can do anything to help others to a better understanding of the matter, it will be to him an inexpressible pleasure.

Con tents

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Introductory statement 1

I

THE NATURE AND ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

The existence of God, necessarily inferred from Nature . . 3 The Great First Cause shows the attributes of a living

person 4

The grounds of our disposition to worship him and pray to

him 4

Why we deem God infinite 4

Necessary corollaries of his infinite attributes 5

Matter cannot be identified with the divine essence ... 5

Pantheism must be rejected 6

A vital union possible between God and man 7

No limitation, by such a union, of the attributes of a

transcendent Deity 8

The Divine wisdom and goodness 9

But one Infinite Being possible in the universe 9

Logical impossibility of his creating another infinite being, 9

Polytheism absurd 10

II Man's Inherent Relations To His Maker And To Other Spiritual Beings

Man's moral nature, the source of his most ennobling relations 11

These relations bring duties, rights and privileges .... 11 Man's instruction in his duties:

(1) By revelations of the Deity 11

(2) By conscience and reason 11

(3) By inspired messengers 11

(4) By God's providential dealings 12

(5) By enlightenment from the Holy Spirit .... 12

(6) By illustration in Christ 13

Divine appeals for the best, and assurance of a just recompense 14

God's gift to man of free moral agency 14 viii Contents

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MAN'S SINFULNESS AND ITS ORIGIN

Finite man, moved by selfish desires contrary to the

promptings of his higher nature 15

Distrust of God leads to wrongdoing 15

God's foreknowledge of evil 15

Why did he not guard against it by withholding free agency 15

Would he not do better to constrain man to the right . . 15

The degrading consequences of such constraint 15

Little reason, if so constrained, for the continuance of

man's spiritual being 16

Would not man prefer to keep his free agency and to live

nearer to God 17

Inducement to right relations with God and with human

associates, opened through the atonement by Christ . . 18