We may easily conceive, from hence, what is,
II. The Christian's duty —
Privilege and duty comprehend all that constitutes religion. In themselves they are widely different ; but they are never to be separated from each other. Possessing this high privilege of freedom from the law, we are to " stand fast in it ;"
1. Against the influence of false teachers —
[There were such among the Jews, who were extremely zealous in propagating their sentiments, and in endeavouring to subvert the faith of Christ. And such there are at this day. What is the whole system of popery, but an establishment of the covenant of works ? It inculcates, in all its ordinances, the merit of good works, and teaches men to expect salvation by their works. And what do they who teach that we are justi- fied by the act of baptism ; and they who administer the Lord's supper to dying persons as a passport to heaven ? I deny not the use or efficacy of the sacraments, when duly received : but, to teach men to rely on the mere administration of them, irrespective of the manner, and mind, and spirit in which they are received, is as fatal an error as ever was broached : it is nothing but popery revived amongst us. Against all such errors, by whomsoever they are inculcated, you must be on your guard. If Peter himself make such an use of a sacrament, he must be reproved, as a traitor to the cause of Christh: and " if an angel from heaven were to bring such a doctrine as that, he must be held accursed1."]
2. Against the devices of Satan —
[That great adversary is ever fighting against Christ ; and endeavouring to " blind men, lest the light of Christ's glory should shine unto themV But you must " resist him, steadfast in the faith1." It is impossible for you to be too much on your guard against his temptations. As he be- guiled Eve through his subtilty, so will he, if possible, turn you from the simplicity that is in Christ™." He will, both by his emissaries and by his suggestions, pervert the Scriptures themselves, just as he did when he tempted Christ: but you must " take the sword of the Spirit, and the shield of faith," and, " in the strength of Christ, resist him " to the uttermost"; that you " may never be moved away from the hope of tint
h Gal. ii. 11—16. * Gal. i. 8, 9. k 2 Cor. iv. 4.
1 1 Pet. v. 8, 9. m 2 Cor. xi. 3. n Eph. vi. 10 — 17-