The Works of Leonard Woods (Volume 3) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1851. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... LECTURE C. THE GOSPEL DOCTRINE OF JUSTIFICATION EXPLAINED. I Shall think myself happy, if, amid the different and clashing opinions which are held on the subject of Justification, and amid the difficulties which arise from the ambiguous use of words, I may be able to advance anything which shall contribute to the benpfit of those who are inquiring after the truth. My aim will be, to set forth what is obvious and plain, and to cast what light I can upon what is in its own nature obscure, or has been made obscure by an improper treatment. And as no one can rightly understand the gospel doctrine of justification, without a just conception of the character and state of those who are to be justified, I shall direct your attention, first of all, to this point. It must then be well considered and kept in mind, that those who are to be justified, are transgressors of the divine law; by nature children of wrath; and enemies to God by wicked works. According to the Apostle, Rom. 4: 5, God justifies the ungodly. All men have sinned, and they are all to be regarded as sinners. And if they afterwards cease to sin, they must still in the eye of the law, be regarded as sinners. Their personal ill-desert as transgressors is not done away because they do not continue to transgress. A man who has committed murder, is always considered as guilty of that crime. If, when brought before a court of justice, he pleads not guilty, then evidence is produced that he actually committed the crime charged against him. He may say, he did it ten years ago. So be it. He committed murder; and that is the thing he is charged with. He may say, he did it only once. Be it so. He is charged with doing it only once. His having committed the murderous deed so long ago does not alter the case, as he is ...