The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1880-11-10
For the Central Presbyterian.
GUST AS 1 AM"

w 110 l. fAIl.
MeSSrS Editors, -Please allow me to
justify against "P. 7. P's" criticism, the
teachings which gave in an article with
the above title. "P. T. P" charges me
with mistake, error" etc. Had taught
that sinner moe0 looking to Jesus to
save him; or moaO ,OilJing that Christ
should save him from sin, is still in an
unsaved state, there might have been
some ground for "P. T. Ps." structures.
But [ taught no such thing, as reference
to the article, "Just as Am, will show.
And certainly it is not pleasant to be
charged with errors which I have not
taught. will now state the position in
which [ stand. Strictly speaking, there
are but two classes of ginnergwthe saved
and the unsaved. In practical working,
find certain persons, (for whom the
article was written) who give every evil
dence of " longing" to be saved; yet who
are not, because Paul's words in Romans
x: %, describe their situation: AFor 1
bear them record that they have zeal Of
God, but not according to knowledge.
For they being ignorant of Gods right
eousness, and going about to establish
their own righteousness, have not sub
mitted themselves to the righteousness of
God. This is their attitude; and they
are sincere in wishing they could be
Christians; and in longing to be saved
from sin" But they are working in ig-
norance, or under misrepresentation of
the gospel They have not known or
realized that Christ is the end of the law
for righteousness to every one that be-
heveth. They seem "not far from the
kingdom but they are not IN It, They
are striving, hoping, waiting-delayed by
difficulties of Ignorance or misunder-
standing. They want to be saved, but
are not, because they will not cease from
going about to establish their own right
eousness." 1t cannot be denied that they
are anxious and struggling. I have met
them often. If this be not true, it follows
that either % every anxious inquiring
sinner is in saved state, or (2) that
every such sinner is hypocrite. I can
not agree that either proposition is true
Yet find sinners who anxiously ask,
What must we do to be saved2" They
want to be saved, else they could not ask
the question, honestly, as they evidently
do. l answer this question by pointing
to Jesus; explaining the way of saliva
ton and then, telling these sinners, the
way IS 80 open, so easy, so plain, that if
you now hesitate, and therefore remain
unsaved, the reason which Christ once
gave for the loss of souls, will be the only
one applying to your case 'Ye will not
come to me that we might have life D."
Now when a sinner gets saving view
of the gospel, he will accept it. Until
- l.
that Christ should save him, though he
may have longing to be saved from sin
If any doubt, cannot, that many have
this desire, who think to fit themselves
for becoming Christians They think
certain experiences, satisfying to the flesh,
are essential, and will think so until
taught better. Here are honest, willing
inquirers. Shall we treat them as Chris
tlans, or as in a saved state2 No for
they have not accepted Christ If they
understood the way, they would be will
ing for Him to save them. But as net,
though longing to be saved they are not
willing for Christ to save them because
they cherish the vain hope of doing
something for their own salvation. Not
until all of this hope is taken from them,
will they accept Christ and until Mev
accept HIM, tOho shall say then are saved .?
They are not saved if merely willing to
be saved from sin" They are in a saved
state only 1ohea1 milling that Christ shall
saUe them, and when this willingness is
proved by their acceptance Of Him, as He
is offered in the gospel. That real will
lngness may exist, the saving results oil
which are hindered by wrong ideas OF
the gospel / cannot doubt But "P. T.
P. argues that willingness to be saved
from sin, indicates new heart" Et
says, "It can never be said Of one who