There have been many shifts in the sands of theological issues and terminology since the days of Fuller, Rushton, and Joseph Hussey, but the basic issues remain the same. In his Defence of Particular Redemption, William Rushton expressed the truth, that to be clear on the doctrine of election and the atonement, is more important than preaching the Gospel; that is, we must first understand the foundation principles of the good news;-then may follow the proper manner of presenting that good news. The erroneous and unscriptural teaching of a universal atonement by the sacrifice of Christ, inevitably leads to the equally erroneous proclamation of a universal offer of Salvation. The vital issue, then, still remains, namely, Did Christ make atonement for the sins of the human race? Is the good news or Gospel, to be preached as a means to secure eternally the subjects of that universal atonement? Was the utility or purpose of the Gospel to \u201csave\u201d all the lost, or to \u201ccall out\u201d or convert only the redeemed elect? The so-called Free-offer system was another by-product of the doctrine of universal atonement. It was the manner of preaching adapted by those men who not only believed that Christ died to save all men, but also that men by nature, possess a Free-will ability whereby they may \u201caccept or reject\u201d the proposed \u201coffer\u201d of the good news. The burden of Mr. Hussey\u2019s arguments is primarily to refute the unscriptural and Christ-dishonouring system of \u201cFree offers\u201d indiscriminately addressed to all alike. It is truly a blasphemous presentation of Christ\u2019s \u201cfinished\u201d redemption, offered to all who will make it Effectual by their acceptance of the proposed offer! The reader will note that Mr. Hussey\u2019s arguments against Free-offers of Grace, are well undergirded with the scriptures of truth, especially those touching depravity of the human will, election, Effectual calling, and the work of the Holy Spirit in regeneration or the new birth. The author pauses to ask this pointed question: \u201cTherefore why do you not look to bring the form of preaching to God\u2019s work, than to bring down the power of God\u2019s work to your form of preaching?\u201d We must face the fact that now in our times, nearly all of \u201cChristendom\u201d is no longer concerned with the foundation doctrine of election and particular redemption. The chief concern is for the best operational \u201cmethods\u201d to bring the most members into their system. The chief motive in the religious world is not to honour and exalt Christ and His Grace, but rather to advance a religious organization, often called \u201cChristian Evangelism.\u201d This old writing, will therefore be of interest to those only who still have some respect and concern for \u201cthe truth as it is in Jesus\u201d and for \u201call the counsel of God.\u201d It is to you, the following pages are again presented, for your confirmation and establishment in the truth. Having been written nearly three hundred years ago, you will find the style of expression somewhat different than now used. This, however, in many respects is refreshing and to the point. Once the reader gets the author\u2019s trend of thought and expression, he will be well rewarded. If it be God\u2019s will, may it please Him to use it in stirring up some \u201cpure minds\u201d on this important matter.<\/p>\n
W. J. Berry, Sr., North Carolina, 1973.<\/p>\n