Thus I have, as briefly as possible, marked the spirituality of the law : and sure I am, that all who consider it aright must subscribe to that saying of the Psalmist, " I have seen an end of all perfection ; but thy commandment is exceeding broad," far beyond the reach or comprehension of any finite intelligence6.
Now, at the hazard of anticipating some future remarks, I propose to shew,
Secondly, What bearing this part of our subject has on the great question before us.
It will be remembered what that question is ; namely, What are the uses of the moral law ? And had I been content with amplifying my foregoing observations, I should have been under no necessity to trespass at all on the ground which we shall here- after occupy. But it is not to the understanding alone that I would speak, but to the heart and con- science ; humbly imploring of God to clothe his word with power, and to make it the means of everlasting salvation to every soul that hears it.
Now, who that has attended to the foregoing state- ment does not see, in the first place, What abundant grounds the best amongst us have for deep humiliation before God.
I will readily admit, that, as to gross outward vio- lations of this law, many amongst us may be blame- less. But who amongst us has rendered unto God the honour due unto his name ; loving him, serving him, glorifying him, as it became us ? Who has de- spised every thing in comparison of him, and walked as in his immediate presence ; reverencing every thing in proportion as it appeared to proceed from him, or to lead to him ; and wholly devoting to him the Sab- bath-day ; and having, on that sacred day especially, the entire rest of his soul in him, as an earnest and foretaste of the eternal Sabbath ? Who amongst us will venture to say, that he has so lived, not unto himself, but unto his God ; doing his will on earth as
e Ps. cxix. 96.