96 THE FORM OF TnE GOSPEL. late' to one subject; as the lare of the Nazarite; Num. -vi. 13. the law of the burnt-offering ; Lev. vi. 9. Sometimes it is taken in so large a latitude as to take in all doctrines, counsels and advices, commands, promises, threatenings, including prophe- cies, histories and examples also; so the law frequently signi- fies all the five books of Moses. And in these senses the gospel in its Pargest signification has several laws -belonging to it, and itself may be called a law. The scripture indulges a sparing use of it in such a sense. But the word law in its most proper and strict sense signifies a constitution where duties are required, which if neglected, subject the offender to a penalty, .and if performed, they are his justifying righteousness; and in this sense, scripture (loth not at all favour the applicationof this name to the gospel : For it is abundantly evident, that the words law and gospel, taken in their most proper and limited senses, are constantly distinguished from each other, and set in direct opposition in the New Testament. Thus have I thrown into some order those few, plain, reconciling thoughts between the contending parties of Christians, and am already almost in pain to think that .I shall a little displease all parties, because all these thoughts will hardly square and adjust themselves exactly to any of the popular and settled schemes of orthodoxy; or at least, they will never agree with the extremes on either hand : Yet if they appear to be drawn merely from the scripture, and to speak the lan- guage of the holy writers, then this discourse will approve itself to those who maintain the most sacred regard to the bible : and those schemes should be a little moulded and bent, to adjust them to the language of scripture, even when it uses dif- ferent forms of speech. But I shall not enter farther into this controversy, because my design is to soften the angry tempers of men, that they May not rage against each other when they use different forms of speaking, as the scripture itself dues, and make an apology for both sides, while they agree in the things that are most substantial and necessary. SECT. IV.Reconciling Sentiments. Now that I may proceed in this reconciling work, I shall follow this method : I. Represent the different apprehensions and dit£crent language of men in preaching the gospel. II. Mention some of the causes or occasions of these different ap- prehensions. III. Give a' hint or two of the conveniences and inconveniences -of each of these ways of preaching. IV. Shew the safety and sufficiency of each, with regard to salva- tion.V. Conclude with a word or two of request or humble advice. E Let me represent the various apprehensions of men in those matters : But here I would be understood to - describe
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