a comprhensive passage...

Abiel Abbot (August 17, 1770 – June 7, 1828) was a Unitarian minister at Haverhill, MA and, until his death, Beverly, MA. More on Rev. Abbot throughout this week. This the beginning of his sermon: on the "comprehensive passage" Titus 2: 11-14:

"THE GRACE OF GOD BRINGING SALVATION.

(Titus 2. II-14 )For the grace of God, that bringeth salvation, hath appeared to all men, teaching us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

It was on this comprehensive passage, that one of the greatest of men, who had accurately surveyed almost every department of science and literature, held in the highest estimation among men, and whose name was venerated throughout Europe, amidst all the learning, and all the wisdom he had collected from ancient and modern languages, is said to have reposed with the greatest satisfaction, and to have found in it, the only effectual solace of a dying hour. There are few things of substantial importance in the christian dispensation, which may not be said to be included in it. It declares—

I. The wonderful grace of God in the Gospel, and the universality of it;
II. The excellent purpose for which it is given ;
III. The coming of Christ to judgment;
IV. The end for which he died; and,
V. The character of his peculiar people.

I shall attempt a brief discussion of these five particulars"

And we shall hear his "brief discussion" of each as the week goes on.

Blessings