Sermons on Some of the Fundamental Truths of Christianity

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1829. Excerpt: ... SERMON II. ERRONEOUS OPINIONS OF THE ATONEMENT. Rom. viii. 32. He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? WHENEVER the great doctrines of our holy religion have gained the ascendancy within the breast of an individual, they will produce effects corresponding to their momentous importance. The superficial and careless Christian may call into consideration the commands of his Maker, in cases which strongly press upon his conscience; but it is a thorough conviction alone which can make us constantly have recourse to the same divine standard, and refer all our conduct to the law of God. Half Christianity may induce us sometimes to look up to his will, but it is a sincere belief in Christ which can alone lead us to view correctly the truths of the Gospel, and always to keep in mind the commandments of the Almighty; for the doctrines on which our faith as Christians should rest will influence all the thoughts, words, and actions of the disciples of Jesus. In estimating therefore the real state of a Christian community, or of ourselves as members of such a body, we should do well to turn our particular attention to the minuter workings of every day life and conversation, and not to form a favourable opinion, till we discover the traces of genuine Christianity in the ordinary direction of what we think, say, or do. If we wished to examine the real opinions which the Apostles entertained of the blessings of redemption, we should arrive at our object with greater certainty and truth, by tracing the various expressions which fall from them, when speaking incidentally on the subject, than by searching for those places where their immediate attention was directed to this point. It might in...