Now the whole controversy with Rome turns on the power and application of that atonement to the conscience of sinners. It is not a question of mere historical antiquity, or ecclesiastical genealogy, but one involving the soul’s peace. The soul needs peace, and in the Scriptures peace is promised. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you,” was the clear and unfailing promise of the Lord. But in order to [obtain] that peace we must receive the atonement as God has revealed it, viz., as a full, perfect, and final expiation for our sin. How can there be peace while we are striving to effect an impossibility, and to make satisfaction to that broken law which could only be satisfied by the blood of the Son of God? How can there be peace while we are toiling to reach the atonement instead of simply trusting it, and hoping by holiness, good works, and penance to make such a qualifying righteousness, as shall fit us for the reception of the grace of God? How can there be peace if the justice of God still hangs over the accepted believer, and requires centuries of purgatorial flame as a further expiation for his forgiven sin? How can there be peace if we are to regard the work on the cross as still requiring repetition in the mass, and directed to the Saviour as still offered on the altar instead of mediating at the right hand of God? Away then with all thoughts of any human satisfaction, of anything that man can do to make a compensation for his sins! Our one compensation is the fact that the Lord Jesus has endured the curse of all. Away with all limits to that work of his, which may either fetter its freedom or detract from its fulness! our hope is that it reaches down so low that the guilty sinner need bring nothing as the purchase of his reconciliation, and it rises so high that he stands accepted in the righteousness of God. Away with all thoughts of either requiring or presenting any fresh propitiation, with all idea of offering a second time the risen Lord, who now reigns exalted on the throne. The one great propitiation was enough, and we want no more. We know that there is deep corruption eating into the very heart’s core; we know that we cannot stand a moment before God without atonement, but we know also—and we hope to spend eternity in praising God for that blessed knowledge, that the atonement then made was perfect; and that he who then died our death now lives to perfect our life. On him therefore we cast the whole burden, without limitation, as without reserve, and trusting to him and his work, we find peace and salvation for our souls. PRAYER TO BE USED AT THE MEETINGS OF THE ISLINGTON PROTESTANT INSTITUTE. ALMIGHTY GOD, who hast built Thy Church upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone, and hast promised that the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it; we approach Thee in the name of Him who is the one Mediator, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.