any excuse for their irreligion, or that it invalidates their obliga- tion to serve the Lord? See the solemn injunction that precedes the textg: can they make that void? See what is the prophet's description of things under the gospel dispensation11: there not only are the Lord's people represented as encouraging one another to covenant thus with God, but the state of their minds is accurately delineated, and the whole mode of their proceed- ing described. Be it known then that this is the duty of every one amongst us. If we would have God for our portion in a better world, we must accept him now : and, if we would be his people in a better world, we must give ourselves up to him now. To make excuses is vain. This duty is paramount to every other : and therefore we call upon all of you this day to "avouch God for your God," that he, in the day of judgment, may acknowledge you as his redeemed people.]
s ver. 16. >> Jer. 1. 4, 5.
Deut. xxvii. 26. Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them : And all the people shall say, Amen.
THE law here spoken of is the moral lawa. This every person is bound to keep in its utmost extent. The curse of God is denounced against every violation of it. This sanction, tremendous as it is, should be universally approved. Hence God commanded his people to express their approbation of it. "Amen" in Scripture signifies an affirmation b, or a wishc. The adding of " Amen" to the doctrine of the text implies,
I. An assent to its truth —
The doctrine is, that the law of God curses us for one offence. This is often, through ignorance of the Scriptures, denied; but it may be established by a cloud of witnesses.
[Death is declared to be the necessary fruit of sind. Every deviation from the line of duty subjects us to God's wrath e. An idle word is sufficient to condemn usf. The most secret
a Several particulars of the moral law are enumerated from ver. 1 5 to the end ; and here it is mentioned summarily, as comprehending the whole. b John hi. 3. ° Matt. vi. 13.
d Jam. i. 15. e Rom. i. 18. f Matt. xii. 36.