never be set aside : in its requirements, and in its sanctions, it is unalterable, even as God himself is. It is holy, and can never abate of its commands ; it is just, and can never mitigate its sanctions ; it is good, and must eternally continue so, whatever may become of those who are subject to its dominion. In every thing which it requires, its direct tendency is, to promote the honour of God, and the happiness of man ; and, if it become an occasion of unhappiness to any, it is only through their own perverseness in violating its commands. Being, then, thus immutable, what does it say to us ? It says, ' The curse I have denounced, must be inflicted ; and the commands I have given must be obeyed. If there be any person found to endure the one for you, and to fulfil the other, and God be pleased to accept him in your be- half, it is well. But without such a deference to my rights, and such a regard to my honour, shall no flesh living be saved. I must " be magnified and made honourable1" in the eyes of the whole creation, before any child of man shall find acceptance with Him from whom I proceeded, and whose authority I maintain111.' Thus, so to speak, the law puts us upon looking out for a Saviour. But where shall one be found that answers to this character, or can by any means sus- tain this office ? Where shall we find one who is capable of bearing the wrath of Almighty God ? Where shall we find one that is capable of obeying in all things the perfect law of God ? And, above all, where shall we find one that can do these things for us ? A creature must sink under the wrath of God : for that wrath is everlasting. There can never
1 Isai. xlii. 21.
m The dialogue form, which the Apostle makes use of in this pas- sage, has been adopted by the Author in this and the preceding Dis- course, in order to compress a great mass of materials into the smallest possible space, and to employ them, as he hopes, to the greatest pos- sible advantage. He is aware that the style is unusual in this species of composition (it is unusual even in his own writings) : but if it convey the truth more forcibly, he hopes it may on this occasion be excused. The same form of dialogue, with all its abruptness, is used also by the Apostle, in the third chapter to the Romans.