obtained this knowledge of the law, nothing under heaven can prevail upon us to exercise faith with becoming simplicity.
As to an entire devotedness of heart to God, as his redeemed people, we shall be equally defective in that also. We shall be contented with a low stan- dard of obedience, and never aspire after a perfect conformity to the Divine image. To " walk altogether as Christ walked," will appear a bondage. To tread in the steps of the holy Apostles, will be regarded as being " righteous over-much." To glory in the cross for Christ's sake, and to " rejoice that we are counted worthy to suffer shame" and death for him, will be thought fit only for Apostles, and a culpable excess in us. But nothing less than this will prove us sincere : nothing less than this will he an acceptable sacrifice unto the Lord. If we would be really Christ's, we must " live, not unto ourselves, but unto him who died for us, and rose again ;" " purifying ourselves, even as he is pure ;" and being " perfect, even as our Father which is in heaven is perfect." This, let it be remembered, is inseparable from a scriptural hope : and, inasmuch as nothing but a scriptural hope can constrain us to it, and nothing but the grace of Christ effect it in us, we must remain destitute of it : our ignorance of the law will keep us from Christ ; and our want of union with Christ will keep us far lower in our attainments than the Gospel requires, and, consequently, destitute of the hope which the Gospel only can inspire.
I think enough has now been spoken to shew the importance of the inquiry in my text. I am sensible that many strong things have been spoken ; and spoken, it may be thought, without sufficient proof: and I candidly acknowledge, that if I had not, in pro- spect, further opportunities of unfolding the subject, I would gladly have lowered, as far as Christian fidelity would have admitted of it, my statement. But my desire is, to impress your minds with the importance of the subject. I wish, if it may please God, to prepare the way for a careful and impartial