2063.] The Uses Of The Law. 87

investigation of it. I certainly do feel that it is not sufficiently considered by Christians in general ; and that, in comparison of other subjects, it is very rarely discussed. And most assuredly do I know, that an ignorance of it is at the root of all those superficial views and statements, with which the Christian world rests satisfied. O, that it might please God to ac- company our investigation of it with his Holy Spirit, and to bring home the subject with power to all our hearts ! Certainly, if the representation which I have given of it be true, a more important subject cannot occupy our attention. And there is need of much candour in the consideration of it. I wish it to be weighed : I know, that, if not founded in truth, and supported by clear convincing argument, it can have no weight with the audience which I have the honour to address. But I know, at the same time, that if, in some respects, it appear strange, it will not there- fore be discarded as unworthy of attention. From the experience of many years do I know, that state- ments proposed with modesty are in this place heard with candour : and God forbid that I should affect to dogmatize, where it becomes me to speak with deference and humility ! Yet I cannot dissemble, that my whole soul goes along with the subject ; because I believe that the salvation of all your souls depends upon your acceptance or rejection of the truths essentially connected with it. Let me desire, therefore, that all amongst you, who know what it is to have access to God in prayer, will aid me with their supplications for an out-pouring of his Holy Spirit upon us in all our future discussions. It is but a little time that I have to speak for the Lord, or you to hear. O, that all of us may so improve the present hour, that, in that great day, when we shall stand at the judgment-seat of Christ, we may be ac- cepted of our God ; and that I who speak, and you who hear, may rejoice together !