We shall next explain the proposition contained in the terms. The proposition is, that " the Gospel frees us from the curse of the law, and from the dominion of sin " —
[When we embrace the Gospel we cease to be under the covenant of works1 ; we then partake of all the blessings which Christ has purchased for us ; we are liberated from the con- demnation due to sin"1 ; we are freed, through the aid of the Spirit, from the power of sin11.]
This proposition is to be understood as extending to all believers —
[It is not true with respect to the Apostles only ; it was exemplified in all the first converts0, and is experienced still by every sincere Christian.]
The text thus explained is capable of most useful improvement — II. Improve it — It is replete with very important instruction —
It shews us the wretched state of every unregene- rate man —
[We are all in bondage to " the law of sin and death ;" we are justly subjected to the curses of the broken lawp; we are also led captive by our own corrupt appetites ; even St. Paul himself was in this very stateq. Let us then humble ourselves under a conviction of this truth.]
It declares to us the only method of deliverance
from that state —
[It was the Gospel which freed the Apostle. The same will avail for every other person. We must however " obey the Gospel," and receive it as our " law of faith ;" we must look for its blessings from Christ through the Spirit. In this way we may all adopt the language of the text in reference to our own happy experience.]
It affords also abundant matter of reproof —
It reproves those who despond as though there were no hope for them —
1 Rom. vi. 14. latter part. m Rom. viii. 1.
n Rom. viii. 13. and vi. 14. former part.
0 One hour they were full of guilt and wickedness ; the next they were rejoicing in the pardon of their sins, and in the practice of all holy duties. Acts ii. 46, 47.
p Gal. hi. 10. "• Rom. vii. 9.