but that they attain that measure of sanctiflcation, that shall fit them for the glory which he has pre- pared for them.
But there is far more in this part of our subject than appears at first sight. We will endeavour to enter into it somewhat more minutely, in order to explain what we conceive to be contained in it.
The moral law was never given with a view to men's obtaining salvation by their obedience to it ; for it was not possible that they who had transgressed it in any one particular, should afterwards be justified by it. St. Paul says, " If there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the lawE." But the law could not give life to fallen man: and therefore that way of obtaining righteousness is for ever closed. With what view then was the law given? I answer, to shew the existence of sin, and the lost state of man by reason of sin, and to shut him up to that way of obtaining mercy, which God has revealed in his Gospel. I need not multiply passages in proof of this ; two will suffice to establish it beyond a doubt : " As many as are under the law, are under the curse : for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them." Again, " The law is our school- master, to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith h." But when the law has answered this end, then it has a further use, namely, to make known to us the way in which we should walk. In the first instance we are to flee from it as a covenant, and to seek for mercy through the Mediator : but when we have obtained mercy through the Mediator, then we are to receive the law at his hands as a rule of life, and to render a willing obedience to it.
Now all this was shadowed forth in the history before us. God gave Israel his law immediately from his own mouth : and, so given, it terrified them beyond measure, and caused them to desire a Mediator. At the same time they did not express any wish to be
e Gal. iii. 21. »' Gal. iii. 10. and 24.