A Dissertation on the Origin, Nature, Functions, and Order of the Priesthood of Christ (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1829 edition. Excerpt: ... it, as we hare already seen, they would stand in need of a rapid series of new justifications, by each of which, tbe work of moral renovation would be thrown back to a fresh commencement; and without it, besides, they would be under such perpetual apprehensions of falling from grace, as would bring them under the influence of a terror by which love, the most powerful motive to obedience, would be destroyed. In the one respect, its absence would be fatal to the very existence of a sanctifying process; and, in the other, it would throw an insurmountable obstacle. in the way of its success. It is the love of Christ winch constrains a believer to live to God. 'Perfect love casteth out fear.' In order, therefore, to its operation, there. must exist the very apparatus for repelling accusations and for damming up every source of terror, which we find in the protecting department of the Saviour's intercession..... In this view of the function, consequently, as well as in the other views of it which we have taken, its immediate work is to-cany forward and perfect the moral renovation of the justified. While it secures them, on-the one hand, against all the penal results of their occasional sins; it is, on the other, all the while plying every instrumentality for eradicating the indwelling corruption in which they have their origin. It asks and obtains for them, the influences of the Spirit, by which their hearts are comforted, their souls purified, and their minds enlightened. It affords an incessant display of the love and pity of the Redeemer, of his constant remembrance of them in heaven, and of his affectionate care and interest in all their concerns; and by this, it stimulates their love and gratitude and other excitements to holy living, ...