he might i-edeem him from iniquity, have any influence on his mind ? Will he readily trample on the blood that was shed for him, and crucify his Lord afresh by continuing in sin ?]
Let us prosecute the same inquiry, in relation to,
II. Its precepts —
View the precepts relating to God and our neigh- bour—
[The two great commandments of the law are confirmed and ratified by the Gospel, " Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and thy neighbour as thyself." Now can any man love God, and not endeavour to do his will ? Or, if he make his own self-love the ride and measure of his love to others, can he willingly injure them in any thing, or forbear to do them good ? Would not an unfeigned love to these commands lay the axe to the root of all sin, and trans- form men into the very image of their God?]
View the directions which it gives for self-govern- ment—
[The Gospel does not regulate the actions only, but the heart: it extends its dominion over all the most secret motives and inclinations ; and requires every thought to be brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. It makes no allow- ance for temptations, as though they extenuated the guilt of sin, or were an excuse for the commission of iniquity; but teaches us to " heap coals of fire on the head of an enemy" by acts of kindness, and " not to be overcome of evil, but to over- come evil with good." It tolerates no kind or degree of sin, but enjoins us to " cleanse ourselves from all filthiness both of flesh and spirit, and to perfect holiness in the fear of God." It requires us to " be holy as God himself is holy," and " per- fect, even as our Father which is in heaven is perfect."
Can any one that considers these precepts, doubt what is the nature and tendency of the Gospel ?]
Let us examine further,
III. Its examples —
It calls us to an imitation of,
1 . Our blessed Lord —
[He was virtue itself embodied. Neither friends nor enemies could ever find in him the smallest spot or blemish. Under circumstances the most trying that can be imagined, he preserved the same serenity of mind, the same meek and heavenly disposition. While he was suffering the most in- jurious treatment, he was like a lamb led to the slaughter:
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