The Gf el a Law of Liberty. 3S into a nation and a church, he faw fit, for S n x M. what reafons I do not now inquire, to appoint H. a multitude of ceremonies which were to con- ``" tinue in force during that difpenfation. This mull be very grievous to a rational worfhip- per, whole great fatisfahion it is to fee the reafonablenefs of the ations he performs, and their conducivenefs to the true ends of worfhip. The apoftles therefore fpeak meanly of thofe ordinances, comparing them with the liberty, the fpirit and truth of chriftiani- ty ; they call them carnal, beggarly ele- ments, the rudiments of this world, and only fhadows of good things to come. Be- fides, the terror which accompanied that miniftration becaufe of the feverity of its threatnings, the weaknefs and unprofitable - nefs of the fervice itfelf made the very atten- dance on it a great grievance. But, now, the Lord is that fpirit of which chriftianity is the miniftration ; not like the killing letter of the Old Teftament, which denounced wrath for every offence, but a miniftry of righteoufnefs or juftification, which exceeds in glory, efpecially, becaufe thereby the excellent things of religious virtue, the di- vine precepts of eternal righteoufnefs, are engraven on the flefhly tables of the heart, forming in it noble difpofitions, molt be- D 2 coming
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