and therefore to be shunned by all, but because any approaches towards it would appear like a return to their former idolatry. On the other hand, there were some things forbidden to the Jews, such as " eating of things offered to idols, or things strangled, or the blood" of any animal; and it was necessary that the Gentiles should abstain from these things, lest they should put a stumbling-block in the way of the Jews, or cause disunion in the Church. But, as to their submitting to any rites, or their performing of any works, in order to obtain justification by them, no such thing was required, nor ought any such thing to be required : for, in fact, the requiring of them would only "subvert their souls," and ruin them for ever.
Now this decision goes to the whole question as it now exists: for, if the performing of any act in order to obtain salvation by it, either in whole or in part, was unlawful then, it is unlawful now ; and if it would subvert their souls, it will equally subvert and destroy ours0.]
We shall conclude with,
1. Some cautions respecting yourselves — [In maintaining this doctrine, there are two cautions especially to be attended to : the one is, that you do not abuse it ; and the other, that you do not ever lose sight of it.
Bo not abuse it. If, by an indiscreet statement of it, you give reason to think that you despise morality, you will do incalculable injury to the souls of men. On the one hand, we must never be afraid to assert the doctrine of salvation by faith alone : but, on the other hand, we must shew the necessity of good works as fruits and evidences of our faith, and must declare in the strongest terms, that an unproductive faith is no better than "the faith of devils p." We have only to distinguish between the foundation and the superstructure of a building. Every one can see that they are both necessary, though not necessary for the same ends : so they may see that both faith and works are necessary, though for different ends : both are good in their proper place : but they are good only for the ends and purposes for which they are required0-.
Again : Do not ever lose sight of it. We see how even Peter himself was, not long after this, turned from the principles he had so firmly maintained1. So there is in us a wonderful tendency to lean to legal views, and self-righteous principles. Remember how jealous St. Paul was on this subject8; and " stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made you free1."]
o Rom. xi. 6. Gal. ii. 16. P Jam. ii. 19, 20. <i 1 Cor. iii. ] 1. r Gal. ii. 11—14. s Gal. i. 8, 9. l Gal. v. 1.
1784.] INQUIRY INTO THE STATE OF THE CHURCH. 44o
2. Some directions respecting others —
[As the oppugners of our principles are apt to be intole- rant towards us, so it sometimes is found that we speak too contemptuously of them. Now it is certain, that many who have an unfeigned zeal for God, have very imperfect views of this subject11 : and they ought to be regarded by us with love, and be treated by us with the greatest tenderness. See how the whole Church met together to deliberate on this point for the satisfaction of their weaker brethren : and should not we exercise forbearance towards them, and labour with patience to lead them to clearer views of the subject ? If God has given you a more just conception of this great mystery, be thankful for it ; but make use of your knowledge, not for the indul- gence of vain conceit, but for the edification of men, and the glory of God.
And whilst you seek the benefit of your fellow-Christians, do not forget your elder brethren, the Jews. "They have been broken off from their own stock on account of their unbelief; and we have been graffed in upon it :" remember them with pity, and strive by all possible means to promote their welfare. You see that the blending of their law with the Gospel was destructive to those amongst them who embraced Christianity : What then must be the state of those who reject Christianity altogether, and have no hope but in their law, which yet it is impossible for them, under their present circumstances, to obey ? It is a shame to the Christian world, that we take so little pains to enlighten their minds, and to bring them to the knowledge of the truth. Consider then with yourselves what can be done for them, and how you yourselves in your respective stations may contribute to their good. And pray to God, that he will bring them back to his fold, and unite them with us under one Head, that " through the whole world there may be but one Lord, and his name onex."]