"
In the various passages that I have quoted we cannot but discern three
great universals that involve each other. To these three universals all
Evangelical Churches are tending. They seem to me to include what is
really vital to faith and hope. The great universals are these:
Universal Love;
Universal Atonement;
Universal Salvation.
The first is accepted nominally by all; but how the first can be
intelligently received, with a supposed limitation of the second, is
hard to see. It is admitted that on the part of God there is universal
love for all his creatures; it is admitted that this love expressed
itself in Atonement. It is further admitted that this Atonement is as
suitable for all as it is for a part of the race. Yet for ages it has
been claimed that the Atonement is not divinely intended for all. How
universal love, united with infinite power and infinite wisdom could act
in this way is to me an everlasting mystery. So absurd does this
position now appear, that a majority of the churches idea--perhaps
unconsciously--with a decision and force not warranted by the original.
Therefore I think I am justified in laying no great stress on passages
of such doubtful meaning. It seems to me more honest and candid to wait
for greater unanimity.
On the other hand, the passages that I have cited in favor of
Restoration are in most cases so plain that they can hardly even be
tortured into giving an uncertain sound.
Pages:
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235