But

has always been maligned by the imputation of a similar tendency. But the cases are not at all parallel. The doctrine of salvation by grace, through faith in Christ, connects pardon, inseparably, with the reception of a truth that is at once humbling and sanctifying; to which the pride and the corruption of the heart, in all their forms, are naturally and virulently hostile. the new doctrine announces a pardon unassociated with any thing of the kind, a pardon actually existing, absolute and unqualified, extending to all the sins, past, present, and to come, of every individual of the human race. This is a doctrine that must be the very reverse of unacceptable. And nothing, I should think, could hinder its general reception, but the strong testimony existing against it, in the natural judgments and consciences of men. The ungodly, however palatable the doctrine may be felt, will shake their heads, and, with a smile of incredulity, say, "Ah! it is too good to be true!"-God is said, by the Apostle Paul, to have "abounded in his grace to sinners, in all wisdom and prudence." And among other views of this wisdom and prudence, as manifested in the constitution of the scheme of mercy, this is one, deserving of notice and admiration; that, while it provides salvation for those who receive the truth, it takes off, from the unbelieving world, none of the restraints imposed by the damnatory threatenings of the law, and the premonitions,

dictated by conscience, of their future execution. These checks, as far as they operate, are eminently salutary to human society. The importance of them has been felt and acknowledged in all ages. To remove, or even to weaken them is perilous. Let men beware of every attempt to improve upon the wise arrangements of Heaven,-" the wonderful works of Him who is perfect in knowledge."

THE END.