acquire such a measure of righteousness as shall serve as a foun- dation of hope, and yet are unable so to satisfy their conscience as to find peace in their souls. But, in bringing before you the new covenant, we shew that you may dismiss all your fears, and indulge a better hope ; since the Lord Jesus Christ has suffered for your sins, and has wrought out a righteousness whereni you may stand accepted before God. Thus you may be brought at once into the condition of a prisoner, who, hav- ing been long shut up under a state of condemnation, has at last had his pardon sealed, and is permitted to live free from all fear or painful restraint.]
2. To bring you into perfect liberty —
[A mere hope of pardon is by no means the full extent of the mercy accorded to us under the new covenant. There is a perfect peace, into which they are introduced who believe in Christ; yea, they possess "a joy unspeakable and glorified." The Spirit of God is to the believer a Comforter, who " sheds abroad the love of God in his heart," and " seals him unto the day of his final redemption." O, who can declare the full liberty of the children of God ; the sweet confidence which they have in God ; and the exquisite delight they feel in com- munion with him ? Who can adequately declare the foretastes which they enjoy of their heavenly inheritance? Now, to these blessings we hope to introduce you : nor do we ever consider our ministry as fully answering the ends which God has ordained, till we see you " rejoicing in hope of the glory of God;" and longing to be dissolved, that you may be with Christ. " Wherever the Gospel has its proper work, there is the hberty " which I have here described'.]
3. To effect in you such a change as shall com- mend our doctrine to the whole world by your life and conversation —
[No other " commendation " do we desire either to you or from you''. Applaud us as much as you please, and we shall regard that as, at best, a very doubtful evidence of our real usefulness. But let us see you changed both in heart and life ; let us see you so changed, as to be " epistles of Christ, known and read of all men ;" and we shall desire no better testimony, either from God or man. If we see " you crucified to the world by the cross of Christ ;" if we behold you dedi- cating yourselves to the service of your God, and " renewed after his image in righteousness and true holiness ;" if your spirit and temper in your families ; your meekness, your gen- tleness, your patience, your forbearance, and your conformity
' Cite vei". 17. k ver. 1.