The question was pressed upon me by one distracted by conflicting views and definitions, involving such weighty words as expiation, propitiation, substitution, and many others.

"My theory of the atonement!" I was startled, almost shocked, by the question. I groped for a few moments for a suitable reply. Then I had to confess, "I have no theory of the atonement."

Through the atonement, so transcendently above and beyond my highest thoughts, my soul has been eternally saved. The blessed One who accomplished that atonement has become my personal Saviour and my rightful Lord. The Scriptures witness the glorious fact that on the basis of that atonement God has been fully glorified, and, as a result of this, there shall yet be brought in new heavens and a new earth, "wherein dwelleth righteousness"; where "the tabernacle of God shall be with men, and He shall dwell with them, and they shall be His people and God Himself shall be their God "-and that to the ages of the ages.

All this I know, because the Holy Spirit has revealed it. But theory of the atonement I have none.

Every attempt to describe in theological terms just what took place when Christ Jesus died, and ere He died-yea, and after too-upon that cross of bitter anguish, seemed to me to hinder rather than to help me to a fuller apprehension of that sublime mystery.

Over that scene God drew a veil of darkness, blotting out the sun at noonday. I dare not try to turn that veil aside. I fear the just charge of impiety if I attempt it.

To argue and reason about terms, in view of this holy and inscrutable mystery, seems to me akin to the act of dissecting the body of my father, my mother, or my child. There may be much to be learned from such an act, but I can not bring myself to do it.

I rather bow with adoring gratitude and cry, "Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation."

In this I rejoice. Here my sheet-anchor is cast. But I have not-nor do I desire to have-any theory of the atonement. H. A. I.