II. What evidence we have that this is the only true v\^ay ?
Under the former of these heads we will distinctly examine. What was the way of salvation dictated by the moral law ? what by the ceremonial law ? what was proclaimed by the prophets ? what by our Lord Jesus Christ himself? and what was maintained by his Apostles ? what was the way in which the most eminent saints of old were justified ? and what is the way marked out in the authentic records of our Church ? Of course, on these several points we must be very concise ; but we hope, nevertheless, to be clear and satisfactory.
What, then, was the way of salvation to which the moral law directed us ? Our adversary will here exultingly reply, " by works." True, as given unto man in innocence, it did say, " Do this, and live." But what does it say to fallen man ? Does it encourage him to hope for salvation by his obedience to it ? Hear what it says to all who are under it : " Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things that are written in the book of the law to do them." Does this afford us any encouragement to seek salvation by our works? Our obedience must have been abso- lutely perfect from the first moment to the latest hour of our lives, or else the law, instead of promising any reward, denounces a curse against us ; and on this account it is said by infallible authority, that " as many as are under the law, are under the curse." Is it asked. Why then was it promulgated in so solemn a manner on Mount Sinai ? I answer. To shew us how awfully sin abounded in the world, and how much we stood in need of a Saviour ; and thus to " shut us up to the faith that should afterwards be revealed," and to constrain us to seek for salvation by faith alone. This is what we are expressly told by an inspired Apostle : '' Wherefore then serveth the law ? It was added, because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made. Is the law then against the promises of God ? God forbid ! for if there had been a law given which could have