3. It may be asked where is the equity of the proceeding in substituting the innocent for the guilty, and in rewarding one party in consideration of what was done by another?
It may be said in answer, that God, who is the law-giver, can choose the manner He pleases to secure the honour of His law.
Though the natural course of things requires the infliction of punishment on the transgressors own person, yet does this imply that infinite wisdom cannot contrive a method which is above the ordinary course of things, and still reflecting in the highest degree the Divine character?
And since in the method revealed to us the law appears most honourable, while the Saviour and the saved are jointly exalted and beatified, do not the justice and mercy of God appear inexpressibly glorious?
But as all God's operations baffle man's ingenuity, and confound his reasoning's; so also this glorious method is by us but imperfectly understood, and there belongs to it much that is a mystery to be adored.
A mere casuist may suggest numerous objections, and he may perhaps find in the doctrine matter of offence to his speculative tendencies. Nevertheless, a devout study of the truth is a means of quieting the tumult in the bosom of a troubled sinner, and of soothing the agitations of an awakened conscience.
When the truth concerning the atonement is devoutly studied, it commends itself to our reason, and it is adapted to elevate and to ennoble our minds; for it is found to be part of a grand scheme which has originated in unfathomable wisdom.
Natural conscience suggests the necessity of some means to secure the favour of an offended God, yet how vain, frivolous, and even absurd, are many of the expedients used by men when left to the guidance of their imagination.
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