Preface

In the fall of 1866 the senior Editor of the “Presbyterian Banner,” of Pittsburg, asked the author of this book to write a series of articles on the Atonement. The reason assigned was that our views of the great central doctrines of the gospel were frequently misrepresented by many outside of our own communion, and that for the instruction of our own people a re statement of the venerable faith of t7ie Reformed Churches was now very much needed in a form specifically adapted to the circumstances of the present generation. Being in full sympathy with the reasons given, I wrote the articles, which appeared before the public last winter Those articles furnish about one fourth part of the present volume, which is now sent forth as the best contribution within my power to the vindication of the ancient faith of the Presbyterian Church.

While jealously guarding the essential principles of the Oalvinistic system, I have designed to repel with all my might alike all those positive heresies which attack it openly, and with even greater solicitude that latitudinarian indifference to exact conceptions and careful statements of doctrine which tends secretly, yet not less certainly, to destroy the truth, and which in the present

age is our chief source of danger. T would pray and labour that in gaining breadth we may not lose height, and in gaining peace and love we may not lose purity and truth. With all the very obvious imperfections of the offering, I trust that the condescend ing Saviour will graciously accept it, and render it an instrument of blessing to his Church, to its ministry, and to those hopeful candidates for its service to whose education my life is devoted. ALLEGHENY CITY, PA,, October, 7, 1867.