injunctions given them was owing only to their own pride, and ignorance, and love of sin.
The expression contained in the text is peculiarly worthy of our attention. It gives a just, and very important view of the Gospel ; to illustrate and con- firm which is the intent of this discourse.
In order to prove that the Gospel is indeed "a doctrine according to godliness/' let us consult,
I. Its doctrines —
We might, if our time would admit of it, illustrate this in every one of the doctrines of our holy religion. But we shall confine ourselves to,
1. The representations which it gives us of God —
[The systems of religion which obtained among the heathen, were calculated rather to promote, than to repress, iniquity : for even their gods themselves, according to their own representation of them, were monsters of iniquity. But our God is holy and just; so holy, that he cannot look upon sin without the utmost abhorrence of ita; and so just, that he will never suffer it to pass unpunished6.
If indeed these were his only attributes, men might sit down in despair, and take their fill of sin, because they would have no encouragement to depart from it. But " there is mercy also with him, that he may be feared;" yea, so " rich is he in mercy," that " none shall ever seek his face in vain."
How must the contemplation of such perfections tend to deter men from the commission of evil, and to foster in them every holy sentiment and desire !]
2. The means which it prescribes for our reconci- liation with him —
[The leading feature of the Gospel is, that it proclaims pardon to penitent sinners, through the blood and righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Let any one reflect on this stupendous mystery, the incar- nation and death of the Son of God ; let him consider, that no less a sacrifice than that made by our incarnate God was sufficient to atone for sin ; and will he then be willing to incur all the penalties of sin, and to bear them in his own person ? Will not the tears and agonies of an expiring Saviour compel him to exclaim, " If such things were done in the green tree, what shall be done in the dry ? " and will not the love of Christ in submitting to such an ignominious death, on purpose that
a Hab. i. 13. b Exod. xxxiv. 7.