the law ?" that is, * If we are not to be saved by the law, for what end did Moses give us the law ? What end can it answer?'
Now, to this inquiry I purpose to address myself. My first point will be, to shew the incalculable impor- tance of the inquiry itself; and then, in my future discourses, to give what I conceive to be the true answer
to it.
To mark the vast importance of the inquiry will sufficiently occupy us at this time. But, really, I scarcely know in what terms to state it, if indeed I would state it with becoming fidelity. I have already said, that the knowledge of the law is at the founda- tion of all true religion : and I hope to convince all who will candidly investigate the subject, that without a clear, distinct knowledge of the law we can have no just sentiments, no proper feelings, no scriptural hopes. And, whilst I attempt this arduous discussion, may Almighty God pour out upon us his Holy Spirit, to give to every one of us the seeing eye, the hearing ear, the understanding heart, and ultimately to guide our feet into the way of peace !
First, then, let me say, that without a distinct knowledge of the law we can have no just sentiments. Of course, I confine this, and all my observations, to religion ; for of things that are merely civil or moral it is beside my purpose to speak at all. And I wish this to be borne in mind, throughout my whole dis- course : for otherwise I shall appear to run into a very erroneous excess.
It must be remembered, that I speak only of the moral law ; as I shall shew more fully in my next discourse. For with the ceremonial law there is no such connexion as I am about to trace, nor any ne- cessary reference to it in my text.
I say, then, that without a distinct knowledge of the moral law we can have no just sentiments re- specting God and his perfections, or Christ and his offices, or the Holy Spirit and his operations.
Let us proceed to illustrate this.
It will be readily acknowledged, that the holiness