3. Of the Restitution of all Things. Some who deny everlasting punishment, rest their denial on the assertion that the Scriptures teach the restitution of all things, and the final reconciliation of all moral beings to God. The previous argument refutes this. It only remains to consider some of the passages quoted in favor of this particular view. The position to be taken here is, that all these passages can be interpreted in harmony with the doctrine that there are some who will be forever punished, while, on the other hand, the pas sages which teach final condemnation cannot be interpreted in harmony with the position that there is to be such a restitution of all things. Some of the passages taken alone and without their connections might teach restitution; but we have to interpret the Scripture harmoniously….
1 Tim. ii. 4. Here we must understand, not the will of efficient purpose, but of benevolent desire, as shown in provision, plan, and arrangements.
Heb. ii. 9. Universality of provision1 is asserted.
Henry B. Smith, System of Christian Theology, 2nd ed., (New York: A.C. Armstrong and Son, 1884), 618 and 619. [Footnote values original; Underlining mine.]
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1If all for whom Christ died are to be saved, then this passage would teach universal salvation. It does teach a general atonement.