186 iHL+ DIFFER$NCE $LTWEEN THE [DISC. fIf. to what end then serveth the law ? The answer is, to shew them their sins, and to keep alive a sense of sin among them, till Christ should conic, who was to remove sin. Then comes in the objection of my text, h not the law then againt the promises ? Is not the promise to Abraham contradicted by the law given to the Jews ? No ; by no means ; for they were designed for two dif- ferent purposes. The law was given for special and peculiar reasons in this life, to the Jews. The promise was given to Abraham and through him, to all gentile as 'well as Jewish believers for eternal life. Whereas, there had been a law given which could have given li e, i. e. eternal life, verily righteousness shouldhave been by the law. But the scripture bath concludedall under sin, that the promise offaith by Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. Let us first examine the meaning of the words and phrases in my text. Quest. 1. What is meant by law in general, and the law here spoken of in particular ? Ans. A law is the will of a superior, signified to us, or laid within the reach of our knowledge ; which, if we obey, we are pronounced righteous, and obtain a right to any blessings promised to the obedient; but if we diso- bey we are guilty, and are laid under a sentence of con- demnation. I say, the will of a superior, signified to us, or laid within our reach, because the gentiles, having not the revealed law of God, are a law to themselves ; be- cause the great -and general rules of it, are so far written in their hearts and consciences, as that they might be -found out by reason and diligence, and honest enquiry; and in this sense they are set within our reach. A law of God requires that the obedience of the creature be perfect, without defect, persevering to the end of the time which God hath appointed; and it must he also personal, or performed by himself, not by a surety or substitute. A law of God is such a constitution of God, as pronounces righteous those who fully comply with all its requirements; but it accepts of no less than it requires, nor does it own anyithing for righteousness which is not perfect. Rom. ii. 7. Who by patient continuance in well doing, (Greek, continu- ance in a good work,_ or working good) seek for glory, honour, and immortality, eternal life. Gal. in. 12,
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