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patriot; let all who have the best inter-l' voice of the people will be so strong and ests of the nation at heart, exert their || decisive, as to induce Congress to take whole influence in favor of the general the subject into their serious considerapetition, which is to be presented next tion, and pass a law to remedy the evil. winter to the National Legislature. This Will it be said, by any body, that is no party question. The object aimed such an application as is contemplated at, in the petition, is one, in which the would be disrespectful to the national whole body of the people are deeply in- || legislature? How so? I never heard of terested. Let christians of different de- its being deemed improper, to petition nominations vie with each other, in giv- Congress on subjects of minor impor ing the petition currency and swelling tance; how then can it be, in a case the list of subscribers. Attempts at which involves the highest and best inreformation are apt to fail for want of terests of the present, and of succeeding, union and perseverance. Every man, generations? The intended petition who is likely to favor the object, must does not imply even a virtual condem. have the petition presented to him for nation of any former legislative act; subscription. To this end, let the bu- for I am well assured, that no law exsiness be done systematically, by en-ists, which requires, or in'express terms trusting it to some thorough person, or permits, the evil complained of. Carrypersons, in every town, who will engageing and opening the mails on the Sabto see to it effectually. Let this course bath, is a mere regulation of the Postbe adopted every where, and it can master General. hardly be doubted, I think, that the

Let not the timid and faithless suggest, that the application, however well supand inn-keepers to rest on the Sabbath. At ported, will be ineffectual. It is not to last, for a reason which is very inadequate, as be believed, until the trial shall have we could easily show were it proper to go into particulars, a change was made, so that the been fairly made, that the great council stage now runs from Monday morning to of our nation will hastily reject so reaWednesday evening, and from Friday morning sonable a request, especially when made to Sabbath evening; leaving a day of rest in- by the great body of the wise and good, deed, but changing it from the Sabbath to Thurs from one end of the United States to day! When this change was proposed, every stage proprietor on the whole rout remonstra- the other. Even if Congress were known ted against it; yet all were compelled to agree to be hostile to the application, a suppoto it, or not have their contracts renewed; so sition which I am far from making, it that now the stage travels every Sabbath 70| miles at each end of the rout, making 140 would be very unbecoming in those, miles out of 210, contrary to the wishes of the who believe that all hearts are in the stage-proprietors, drivers, post-masters and inn-hand of the Lord, to despair of success. keepers, and, we have a right to presume of the passengers also. Let it be added, that passengers on a part of this rout must proceed on the Sabbath, or be left on Saturday evening without any means of advancing on their journey, till the ensuing Wednesday; and even then they could not be admitted if the stage should be full.

Let us do our duty and cheerfully leave the event with God. Let us bestow our labor, and in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

OBJECTIONS TO THE SCRIPTURE DOC

TRINE OF ELECTION ANSWERED.

As to the argument that friends may be sick, or in trouble at a distance, and intelligence In two former essays, an attempt has may be desired from them on the Sabbath; it been made fairly to state the scripture is a sufficient reply, that the proposed advan- doctrine of election, and to exhibit sattage is so small and so contingent, as to bear isfactory evidence of its truth. In stano sort of proportion to the magnitude of the evil in question. According to this argument, ting the doctrine, an answer has been it would be the duty of thousands in a popu- given to one of the most popular and lous city to send for their letters, and read plausible objections, which are urged athem, on the Sabbath, on account of the prob-gainst it: viz. That, if it be true, there ability that some one out of a thousand would is no grace in the offer of salvation to the receive a letter containing something of the kind supposed. A demand so extravagant as this cannot be considered as requiring further consideration,

non-elect. It has been shown, that, in choosing some sinners to salvation, God contemplated mankind, not merely as

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sinners, under the curse of his law, but, ftitute, afflicted, tormented." These as sinners, for whom atonement had things, too, are all under divine direc been made, to whom salvation had been |tion. It is God, who thus maketh one freely offered, and by whom it had been to differ from another. But who will ungratefully rejected. Hence, in the say, that, because God thus does more atonement, which has been made for for one, than he does for another, he is the sins of the world, and in the offer of a respecter of persons? Why, then, call salvation, there is the same manifesta- it respect of persons, if one be chosen to tion of grace to the non-elect, as to the salvation, and formed a vessel of mercy elect. It is granted however, that, in prepared unto glory, while another is choosing sore to salvation, in renewing left to follow the evil inclinations of his their hearts, and in raising them to the own heart, and to perish in his sins? It happiness of heaven, God does make is only to do more for one, than for adisplays of grace, to the elect, of which nother. the non-elect are not partakers. But, The truth is, this is not that, in which there are other objections to the doc-respect of persons consists. To respect line, which are often made to appear persons is to treat one with more honor, considerably plausible, and are some- or favor, than another, on account of times urged with so much effect as to circumstances, which furnish no proper lead inquirers away from the simplicity ground for such a distinction. If, for of the gospel into the mazes of error, an example, a rich man be treated with answer to which may possibly be useful.more respect, or favor, than a poor man I. It is objected that if the doctrine of merely on account of his wealth: if a election be true, then God is a respecter neighbor, or relative, be preferred in of persons; whereas the scriptures ex judgment, to a stranger; or if, in any pressly teach us, that this is not his char-respect, on account of some prejudice, acter. or prepossession, one person is treated This objection rests, entirely, on the better than he should be, to the injury ground, that respect of persons consists of another, this is respect of persons. It in doing more for one than for another, is what the scriptures condemn, as odious under similar circumstances. But, if this and wicked. But, surely, nothing like were really respect of persons, it would this can be charged on God. If he benot be difficult to show, that God is in- stow greater favors on one of his creadeed, a respecter of persons, whether tures, than on another, it is not on acthe doctrine of election be true, or false. [count of any partial, or unreasonable reNo recurrence to this doctrine, or to a-gard to him, who is most favored; nor ny thing which God does to effect the is the favor granted to him, to the injury salvation of sinners, in pursuance of his of another. purpose of election, can be necessary, In relation to the subject under consito show that Gad actually does more deration, the case is this. Men are sinfor one, than for another. This is evi-ners, under condemnation. A Saviour dent from what is continually passing is provided. Salvation is freely offered. under our view, in the common dispen-But, when offered, it is universally resations of divine providence. Though jeeted. This, from eternity, God forethere have been some such men as saw. At the same time, he saw that it Paul, as Newton, as Washington, and would be for his glory, and the greatest as Edwards, we know that multitudes good, that some of these ungrateful crea are neither such in fact, nor capable of tures should be saved, through sanctibecoming such. Some, too, are rich, fication of the Spirit, and belief of the and others poor. Some are weak and truth ;" and that others should be left to sickly, while others are strong and continue in their rejection of the offered healthy. Some are favored with great grace. Accordingly, from a regard to advantages for acquiring useful known his own glory, in the highest good of his edge, while others have no such privi- kingdom, he elected some to salvation, leges. Some are allowed to live in pros- and determined to leave others to their perity, and ease, while others are "des-own choice. Those, who were thus

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chosen from eternity, are, in time, re-will ever be saved. It cannot be elee

tion, therefore, which keeps sinners from doing what is necessary to their salvation; since, even if the doctrine be not true, the indisposition of their own heart to what is required, is an effectual hindrance. On the other hand, if the doctrine be true, the situaiton of sinners is

newed by the Spirit of God, and made willing subjects of divine grace. Others, being left to their own choice, persist in their rebellion, and finally perish. But, not for their sakes, who were chosen, has he done this, he would have them know; but, for his holy name's sake, and for the good of his kingdom. Where, as above described; saving, that when then, is the alleged respect of persons? they all ungratefully refuse the salvation Surely it has no existence.

offered, the purpose of election takes ef

2. By way of objection to the doc-fect. God says, I will have mercy, on trine of election, it is often asked, If this whom I will have mercy. Having, from doctrine be true, what can sinners do? the beginning, chosen some to salvation, as if election must necessarily stand in he is pleased to grant his Spirit to renew the way of their doing any thing to ob- and sanctify their hearts; and they retain salvation. pent, believe the gospel, and are saved. Thus, the purpose of election secures the coming of some to Christ; but it keeps no one back. It leaves the nonelect sinner just where it found him. He is in the same situation, that himself, and all others, would be in, supposing salvation to be provided, and offered to sinners, as it is, and that no election were made.

sin.

In answering this objection, it may be pertinent to ask, What can sinners do, if the doctrine be not true? Let this question be fairly answered, and the answer to the objection will be obtained. For, whatever sinners may do to obtain salvation, in the one case, they may do in the other. The election, contended for, places no bar in the way of doing. Supposing the doctrine to 3. It is sometimes objected, that, if be not true, the situation of mankind is the doctrine of election be true, then sinthis. They are sinners, under condemners are not blameable for continuing is nation. Christ, however, has atoned for their sins. Through him, salvation It has already been shown, that the is offered. His gracious invitation, to election of some to salvation does not them, is, Come unto me, and I will give affect the condition of those, who are you rest. But, their hearts are still op- not elected; and it certainly does not posed to God, and to the way of salva- alter the condition of the elect, so as to tion by Jesus Christ; and they will not make it more unfavorable. How, then; come unto him, that they may have can it possibly furnish either the one or life. Now under these circumstances, the other with any excuse for rejecting what can, or, to speak more properly, the salvation of the gospel, and continuwhat will the sinner do? There is, in-ing in sin? Perhaps it will be contended, deed, nothing in the way of his doing al! however, that, if God has elected some that is required of him, in order to salto salvation, then he has already detervation, but the obstinate wickedness of mined that others shall not come to his own heart. But this keeps him back Christ, and obtain salvation. And how, and he will do nothing, with which salthen, are they to blame? To this, it may vation is connected. Hence, unless be answered, that God has no otherGod be pleased to interpose, and change wise determined, that the non-elect sinhis heart, he will persist in his rejectionner shall not repent, believe, and be savof the salvation offered, and perish ined, than as he has determined to leave his sins. But, if the doctrine in question him to his own chosen way. The truth be not true, God has not determined to appears to be, that such is the depravity change the heart of any one; and, if he of the sinner's heart; such his opposihave not already determined upon this, tion to God, and to the way of salvation, he never will so determine; for he can by Christ, that he certainly will persist bave no new purposes. Hence, unless in his wickedness, and reject, finally, the the doctrine be true, not one sinner salvation offered, unless his heart be

changed. Such is the natural state of 4. It is objected, that, if th、 doctrine all men. But, in electing some to sal- of election be true, then Go1as made vation, through sanctification of the Spir- a great part of mankind on purpose for it, and belief of the truth, God deter-damnation; which is inconsistent with mined to renew their hearts, and to bring || perfect benevolence.

them to repentance. As to others, who But, what if the doctrine be not true? were not thus elected, he determined Will this relieve the difficulty? What not to renew their hearts, by the agen-if God, having made the provisions of cy of his Spirit, but to leave them to the gospel, and offered salvation, had their own choice. He would open a determined to do nothing more to efdoor of salvation, warn them of their fect the recovery of mankind, but that danger, invite them to flee for refuge to he would leave them all, either to acthe hope set before them, and leave cept, or reject the offer, as they pleased, them to choose for themselves. But, in without any special interposition of his all this, can any thing be found to justi-Spirit, to bring any one to repentance? fy the sinner in continuing in wicked In that case, as has been shown already, ness? Because God will not interpose, all men would have been in the same by a special act of his grace, and give situation, that the non-elect now are: the sinner repentance unto salvation, and they would have done as the non can he be excusable for hardening him-elect now do. That is to say, they

self in rebellion?

Suppose that God had been pleased to provide a Savior, and offer salvation to men, without determining to renew the heart of any one, and to bring him to repentance, by the special operations of his Spirit; could men, in that case, have found any cloak for their sin, any excuse for rejecting salvation, and continuing in unbelief, in the circumstance, that God had not determined to make them willing to accept the offered grace? It can hardly be pretended. But the situation of the non-elect sinner is now precisely the same, that the situation of all men would bave been, in the case supposed.

would have rejected the salvation of fered, and the consequence must have been, that they would all have perished. And, had it been thus, who would have dared to reply against the Lord? Gad, surely, could be under no obligation to rebellious men, to make any of them willing to accept of salvation.

To answer the objection, more directly, however, it must be observed, that whether some are elected to salvation or not, it is not true, that God has made any of his creatures on purpose for damnation, as his ultimate end. has, indeed, made men, and all other creatures, for his own glory; and this is to be secured in the way of producing the greatest possible sum of general fe

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The truth is, the obligations of sinners to repent and turn to God, do not de-licity. Hence, he has made the nou pend, at all, upon the question, whether elect with a view to precisely the same the doctrine of election be true or false; ultimate end, that he made the elect. and, whether they be elected, or not He has made both the one, and the oelected, they have no excuse for contin- ther, for the display of his own infinite uing in sin. Even if a Savior had not|| perfections, in producing the highest been provided, they must have been degree of happiness, on the whole, and under obligation to repent, and turn un-so far the glory of his own name. Thus to the Lord. Since a Saviour is pro- the matter is evidently represented, in vided, and salvation offered, every one, the 9th chapter of the epistle to the Roto whom the gospel is addressed, must mans; where, to an objector, who says, be under obligation, cordially and thank-" Why doth he yet find fault? For fully to embrace the offer; and, neither who hath resisted his will ?" the Aposthe decree of election, nor any thing tle replies, "Nay but, O man, who art else,excepting the criminal perverseness thou, that repliest against God? bail of his own heart, hinders any one from the thing formed say to him that formcomplying with the terms, on which sal- ed it, Why hast thou made me thus ? Vation is proposed.

Hath not the potter power over the clay moved. The door is unlocked; the way of the same lump to make one vessel is thus opened for the bestowment of unto honor, and another unto dishonor? ||other blessings; but these blessings are What if God, willing to show his wrath,||bestowed, not for the sake of Christ; and to make his power known, endur-not out of regard for his atonement as ed with much long-suffering, the vessels the efficacious cause; but merely, thro' of wrath fitted to destruction; and that the goodness of God. The sentiment he might make known the riches of his may be expressed thus; The alonement giory on the vessels of mercy, which he of Christ is the meritorious, or efficacious had afore prepared unto glory ?” cause of the forgiveness of sins; but it is TROPHIMUS. only the occasion of other blessings as it removes an obstacle, without which, they could not be consistently granted.

For the Utica Christian Magazine.
MR. EDITOR,

If you think the following remarks
worthy of a place in your useful publi-
cation, they are at your disposal.

ALL BLESSINGS THROUGH CHRIST IN THE
SAME SENSE AS THE FORGIVENESS OF
SINS.

The object of the following remarks will be to show that all the blessings which believers enjoy are received thro Christ in the same sense with the forgiveness of sins.

This will appear from the consideration that the same words are used to ex

Every subject, which respects the re-press the reception of other blessings lation in which we stand to the Lord Je-through Christ, as are used in respect to sus Christ as our Savior, and the bles- forgiveness.

sings which we receive through him, It is declared that " Through this man must be deeply interesting to the true is preached unto us the forgiveness of believer. He must be desirous of ascersins." Acts xiii. 38. It is also written, taining, whether he receives all blessings "We are sanctified through the offering through the atonement of Christ, as the of the body of Christ, once for all." fruit of his sufferings, or only the forgive-Heb. x. 10. "He saved us by the washness of sins. The doctrine, which has ing of regeneration and renewing of the been lately propagated, and has gained considerable credit in our country, viz. That no other blessing beside the forgiveness of sins is received through the atonement of Christ, is believed to be unscriptural, and of dangerous tendency. In a former number of your Magazine, a variety of arguments were introduced to show that all the blessings, which are conferred upon believers, both temporal and spiritual, both in this world and the world to come, are received through Christ, are the fruit of his atonement.

Holy Ghost, which was shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Savior." Tit. iii. 5, 6, "Now the God of peace make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, thro' Jesus Christ." Heb. xiii. 20, 21. IR all these things we are conquerors and more than conquerors through him that loved us." Rom. viii. 37. "Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory thro' our Lord Jesus Christ." Cor. xv. 57.

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Are we said to be "justified by Christ But this does not appear to be a suf from all things, from which we could ficient illustration of the doctrine, we not be justified by the law of Moses ?" would wish to establish. It is admitted Acts xiii 39. We are also said to be reby those, whose sentiments we believe conciled to God by Him. 2 Cor. v. 15, to erroneous, that all the blessings which have access unto God by him, Rom. v. 2. believers enjoy are received through John xiv. 6. to abound in consolation Christ in this sense: that without the for- by him; (2 Cor. i. 5.) to be "filled with giveness of sins, which is the only bles- the fruits of righteousness" by him ; sing he hath procured for them by his (Phil. i. 11.) to have all our need suppliatonement, they could never have enjoyed by him. (Phil. iv. 19.) and to have ed any other spiritual blessings. By the all things by him. (1 Cor. viii. 6.) act of forgiveness the great barrier in Are we said to have redemption, evthe way of other spiritual blessings is re-en the forgiveness of sins in him, and

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