Discussions (Vol 2) - Dabney - XVIII - Speech on fusion with the United Synod

Required reading
Discussions (Vol 2) by Robert L. Dabney (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read 'Speech on fusion with the United Synod'.

My summary
Today's reading is a speech given by Dabney about a committee's propositions in relation to fusion with the United Synod.

Basically Dabney clarifies that the propositions are perfectly consistent with the Westminster Confession, contrary to the opinion of some within the Presbyterian church.

In particular, Dabney defends their statements regarding:
(i) original sin;
(ii) the atonement.

What grabbed me
I enjoyed this reading about the Presbyterian church more than I expected. 

I particularly liked Dabney's clarification about the difference between the nature and the design of the atonement: 'But it is objected that the report suggests error concerning the application and extent of the atonement. On this subject there are two aspects which Calrinists have always distinguished. One regards the nature of the atonement ; the other its design ; and we all hold that, in its intrinsic nature, the atonement is infinite. This is the consequence of the infinite dignity of the Mediatorial Person. Its value is, intrinsically, as suflicient for the sins of all men as of one. Its limitation to the elect is not to be sought, then, in it nature, but in its design ; and this design, as to its actual application to them, is nothing else than the decree. It is not something else, different and separate, but the decree itself...In a word, the committee intended to express summarily that sound, but not ultra, view of the atonement held by Calvinists, and expressed in the ancient formula, " Christ died sufficiently for the race, efficaciously for the elect."'

We must be careful not to accuse people of something they don't actually believe, simply because we have confused aspects of the atonement.

Next week's reading
Commence 'The revised book of discipline' by reading up to the paragraph beginning: 'Chapt. V. Of process against a minister'.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.