studies; and, as the result of their investigations, avow their utter
disbelief of the peculiar doctrines of the cross; and undertake to
demonstrate their falsehood and absurdity. They tell you, they have
maturely examined the whole subject--that they have brought to the
investigation all the aid that extensive reading and critical research
can furnish--that they have carried the lights of science and philosophy
into the dark regions of fanaticism--and have become perfectly
convinced, that the whole system is an assemblage of the grossest
errors. When, however, the array of argument is produced, its force
seems to consist in the unwelcome impressions which the pure Gospel
itself makes upon their minds. They can see no wisdom or fitness in such
an atonement. They see nothing so very terrible in sin, as to require
such an expiation. Pardoning mercy, say they, is one of the natural
attributes of Deity; and the doctrine of eternal punishment seems to
them too horribly inconsistent with divine justice to bear reflection.
As for the substitution of the innocent for the guilty, and satisfying
the claims of law by the blood of a sinless victim, they are amazed that
any rational man can credit such absurd notions. Tell them of the
maladies and wounds of the soul, which can only be healed by the
Physician of Calvary--they can hardly conceal their contempt. Tell them
plainly, as the Bible does, that they are lost, perishing sinners--that
the wrath of God is revealed against them--that the avenging sword is
uplifted, and that, unless they fly to the cross and embrace it by a
living faith, they must sink to perdition--and you will witness the
smile of derision or the frown of indignation. They esteem the doctrine
of the Trinity as a monument of human credulity and folly. Their
feelings are shocked beyond measure, at the incarnation of Deity, in the
person of Jesus Christ. The personality and direct influences of the
Holy Spirit appear useless and incredible; and the necessity of a change
of heart excites their utter scorn. They cannot endure it. Their disgust