Gal. iii. 19. Wherefore then serveth the law?
PERHAPS, of all the subjects connected with re- ligion, there is not one so rarely unfolded to Christian auditories as the law. We are ready to suppose, either that men are sufficiently acquainted with it ; or that it is antiquated, and unnecessary to be known.
But the law lies at the foundation of all true religion ; and it ought to be studied, in the first place, as alone opening the way to the true knowledge of the Gospel. The mistakes which obtain in reference to it are very numerous. In truth, there are but few persons who have just views respecting it : and, on that account, I propose to call your attention to it throughout this series of discourses. I am aware, that persons deeply impressed with any particular subject are apt to magnify its importance beyond due bounds : and, being aware of this, I will endeavour to avoid that error on the present occasion. But I feel that it is scarcely possible to speak too strongly respecting the importance of the law. Those, indeed, who have never considered it, will possibly be somewhat staggered at the positions which I shall be necessitated to maintain in this my introductory discourse : and the rather, because the full proof of my assertions must, of necessity, be deferred to those discourses wherein the several parts will be more largely con- sidered. But should this impression be unfortunately made on any of my hearers, I must request that their ultimate decision be suspended, till the subject has undergone the proposed investigation. As for those who are conversant with the subject, I have no fear but that they will go along with me in my state- ment, and concur with me in the sentiments which shall be submitted to them.
In the epistle before us, the Apostle Paul is main- taining a controversy with the Judaizing teachers ; who wished to combine the Law with the Gospel, as a joint ground of hope before God. In order to rec- tify their views, he shews, that, if they would make their works, whether ceremonial or moral, in any degree the ground of their hopes, they must stand altogether on the footing of the law, which prescribed perfect obedience as the way to life ; and must re- nounce all interest in the covenant which was made with their father Abraham, and which promised life to men by believing in the Promised Seed. Upon this, they naturally ask, " Wherefore, then, serveth