LETTERS. LETTER I. TO MRS. T— D. MY DEAR FRIEND, IT T seeins your mind has been perplexed. You have not known how to reconcile your mind to some representations of God which you find in his word. Indeed, we are too nearly allied to sense, to form a just and full idea of his excellent Majesty. The mind of man, in this imperfect state, is apt to mutilate the character of God, and efface or obscure some letters of his Name. Our creatureapprehensions often mislead us: "Thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself." We fix our eyes on the Divine benignity and mercy, and fondly imagine, that, in the constellation of the Divine attributes, this star must shine with transcendant radiancy. Doubtless, its glory will surpass our largest expectations; it is infinite: yet let not the glory of other Divine excellences offend us. It will not, when we are freed from sense as well as sin. shall we know what that beatitude means, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Then ness. When God reveals himself, it is in his full character; in his holiness; in the assemblage of all his perfections; and in their united glory. Such an exhibition we behold in Christ crucified. There, the lovely characters of " mercy and truth," of "righteousness and peace," are displayed in sweet harmony. If either character be prominent, it is his righteousThe great end of the work of redemption, and of the solemn review of all his procedure at the great tribunal, is "to declare his righteousness." Saints and angels in heaven are contemplating this exhibition in a much stronger light than we; and, with delightful complacency, they sing, "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty;" just and true are thy ways, holy and righteous are thy works." Then, let us be willing that God should be what he is; that he should write his own Name, and exhibit himself: nor wonder that the original should be very different from the figure which our imagination had drawn. Never let us arraign the conduct of the Most High, or think it strange, that, in his determinations and procedure, there should be something which we cannot explain. For "who by searching can find out God?" "His works are great," too great for a finite mind to grasp, yet sought out of all them that have pleasure therein." It is my joy to think, that "when he shall appear," in the unvailed glory of his character, we shall," with full and everlasting delight, "see him," (very different, perhaps, from our present conceptions, but we shall see him) "as he is." You ask, did Christ die for all men? I take it for granted, my dear friend, that you are prepared to submit this inquiry to the decision of the Spirit of God in the Word. Our apprehensions and feelings may deceive us; that cannot. There is not a doubt, whether the infinitely precious blood of Christ be sufficient for the redemption of the world: nor does it admit of a doubt whether any sinner who comes to Christ by faith shall effectually partake of redemption and salvation. These are glorious facts. Sometimes the boast of liberality has been attached to the belief of universal redemption: but vain the boast, till it can be demonstrated, that such a view of the Gospel furnishes any real advantage. We believe, with our brethren, that the death of Christ will be effectual for the salvation of all who believe: and they admit, as well as we, that no man, continuing in unbelief, has an interest in any one saving good: but the inquiry relates to the intended scope and efficacy of the death of Christ. Far be it from me to go about to "limit the Holy One of Israel," in the regards of his mercy: yet while we trace its discovery, let us carry the lamp of truth with us; let us hear what God shall speak. inquiry, to ascertain eternal Father; the We find it declared It is of importance in this the purpose and grace of the determination of his holy will. (and they are words of charming sound), "God so loved the world, that" (when fallen angels were left to perish)" he gave his only begotten Son, that |