204 THE LAW AND THE GOSPEL, no means; for they were designed for two different purposes. The láw 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, if there had been a law given which could have given life, í. e. eternal life, verily righteousness should have been by the law._ But the scripture bath concluded all under sin, Mat Me promise of faith 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. I. What is meant by in general, and the law here spoken of in particular ? llnste. A law is the will of a superior, signifiedto 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 disobey we are guilty, and are laid under a sentence of condemnation. 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, area law to themselves; because the great and ge- neral rules of it, are so far written in their hearts and con- sciences, as that they might be found out by reason and dili- gence, 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 be also personal, or per- . formed 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 any thing for righteousness which is not perfect. Rom. ii. 7. " Who by patient continu- ance in well-doing, - (Greek, continuance in a good work, or working good) seek for glory, honour, and immortality, eternal life." Gal. iii. 10. " Theman that loth them shall live in them." James ii. 10. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet of- fend in one point, he is guilty of all." The Jewish law given at Sinai is the particularlaw here meant in the first part of the verse The law which was given four hundred years after the promise : even the whole law of Moses, given to the Jewish nation. Quest. 2. What is this promise ? Answ. The promise toAbra- ham, that all the nations shouldbe blessed in him : that he and his seed should be heirs of an inheritance, and that God should be their God. It is, in short, the gospel of salvation contained in the promise given to Abraham. See Gal. iii. 8. " The scripture foreseeing that Godwouldjustify the heathen throughfaith, preach- ed beforethe gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thy seed shall all
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