“_Theron._ Two of your terms want some further explication. What do you understand by _Christ’s righteousness_? And what is the meaning of _imputed_? “_Aspasio._ By _Christ’s righteousness_, I understand, _all_ the various instances of His _active_ and _passive_ obedience; springing from the perfect holiness of His heart; continued through the whole progress of His life; and extending to the very last pang of His death. By the word _imputed_, I would signify, that, this righteousness, though performed by our Lord, is _placed to our account_; is reckoned or adjudged by God as _our own_. Insomuch, that we may _plead_ it, and _rely_ on it, for the pardon of our sins; for adoption into His family; and for the enjoyment of life eternal.” Again: _Aspasio_ says,— “The nature of justification, and the nature of condemnation are two _opposites_, which will mutually illustrate each other. What is implied in the condemnation of a sinner? He forfeits eternal life, and is doomed to eternal death. What is included in the justification of a sinner? It supersedes his obligation to punishment, and invests him with a title to happiness. In order to the _first_, there must be a remission of sins. In order to the _second_, an imputation of righteousness. _Both_ which are derived from Christ’s mediation on our behalf; and _both_ take place, when we are united to that Divine Head.” _Theron_ answers,— “This, I know, is the fine-spun theory of your systematic divines. But where is their _warrant_ from Scripture? By what authority do they introduce such subtle distinctions?” “_Aspasio._ I cannot think the distinction so subtle, or the theory so finely spun. To be released from the _damnatory_ sentence, is one thing; to be treated as a _righteous_ person, is evidently another. Absalom was pardoned, when he received a permission to remove from Geshur, and dwell at Jerusalem. But this was very different from the re-commencement of filial duty, and parental endearment. A rebel may be _exempted_ from the capital punishment, which his traitorous practices deserve; without being _restored_ to the dignity of his former state, or the rights of a loyal subject. In _Christianity_ likewise, to be freed from the charge of guilt, and to be regarded as a righteous person, are two several blessings; really distinct in themselves, and often distinguished in Scripture.” Instances being adduced in proof of this, _Aspasio_ continues,