3.  The same appears in the offers made to all.  When after his resurrection Christ sent forth his apostles to effect his gracious purposes, both his orders and promises were indefinite—­“Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned.”

Had salvation been provided for only a part of mankind, and the Savior been unwilling the residue should be saved, he would not have given charge to his ministers to tender salvation to all—­to every creature, and declared that whoever came up to the specified conditions, should be saved.

Nothing false or insincere can be predicted of God our Savior.  His words are truth.  His offers and proposals are fair and open.  That which appears the most obvious meaning of them is their meaning.  And surely the offers of salvation appear to be made to all who hear the sound of the gospel; and they are invited and urged to accept them.  They were so by Christ.  “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.” * And they were so by his apostles when sent into all the earth to spread the gospel among the nations, and call them to come to Christ for life.

* John vii. 37.

4.  The same thing appears from the suitableness of the provision which is made for the salvation of sinners, to the circumstances of all men.

Man needed an atonement, and he needed assistance, and both are provided in Christ.  Of the former we have spoken, and there is no need to add.  Man’s weakness is such that he is unable of himself to conquer either spiritual enemies without, or his own corruptions within.  Through Christ needed aid is offered to him; he is invited to the throne of grace, and assured that he shall not seek in vain, but “obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.  Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find—­If ye being evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly father give his Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” Though mankind have rebelled against God, he is more ready to hear their cries, and give his spirit to sanctify and save them, than the most affectionate earthly parent to shew kindness to his child.

The gospel is designed as a remedy for human weakness, equally as for human guile.  It is every way adapted to the circumstances of the creatures to whom it offers salvation.  It is a fair tender of pardon and peace, of life and happiness to all who hear its joyful sound; it not only opens these blessings to their view, but brings them within their reach.

5.  The divine benevolence is farther evident from the exercise of forbearance towards ingrates, who neglect and slight offered salvation.  God doth not soon enter into judgment with them, but waits with much long suffering; repeats his calls and warnings; urges sinners in various ways, and by various means, to turn and live; inwardly by the strivings of his Spirit, and warnings of conscience; outwardly by his word; his providence, and the voice of those whom he sends “to warn the wicked from their way, and beseech them in Christ’s stead to be reconciled to God.”