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and through his disobedience comes death. We read, "the law entered that the offence might abound." This was not to increase evil actions, but that sin by the commandment might be exceeding sinful. The law naturally restrains from vice, but where there is transgression, it shows sin in its own deformity. The apostle says, "The commandment which was ordained unto life;" (or rather, which required life,) "I found to be unto death. For sin taking occasion by the commandment deceived me, and by it slew me. Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment, might become exceeding sinful." By this it is easily seen that the manner in which the law proves the ministration of death, is by a perversion of its good things to bad purposes, which the law could not remedy, because it is contrary to its own existence to bestow any thing otherwise than as a reward. It can give nothing freely.

The law of which we have been discoursing and which Christ fulfils, we have found comprised in two commandments, and comprehends the model and ground of all good laws in every branch. This we may consider as comprising the whole body of the common law of all nations. It is always adapted

to all cases, and must be referred to where the acts of a civil code do not particularly define. The law of Moses was a civil code, adapted on this general principle of common law to the situation of the Israelites in those ancient times. If there be requisitions in that law that would be improper for us, at this day, it would afford no argument against the fitness of the law to the situation and temper of that people in their day. The sacrifices and offerings, required in that law, which pointed to Christ, need continue no longer than till their accomplishment in him. But the common principle of all good_law, which is love, can never be repealed. Love, the law requires; and to this end should every branch of a civil code tend. The laws of a people vary, as their situation varies, according to the divine law of love, if calculated for the interests of that people.

From the consideration of our subject, we learn that the law of God requires of every accountable person, which is all people collectively and individually, the greatest love they can exercise toward their Creator, and their fellow creatures. We also find reason to conclude, the law cannot require any thing inconsistent with this principle, or any thing that has not a tendency to lead to it. It can therefore, never require endless misery. The fulfilment of the law is the answering of its requirements according to the nature of its de. mands. As its requirements are love and obe

lience of all people, nothing but the principle of love in all people, which leads to due obedience, can completely fulfil the law according to its demands. The salvation of all men, then, is necessary to a complete fulfilment of the law. As Christ is the Fulfiller of the law and the Savior of men, the unity and harmony of his labor is easily seen; for in fulfilling the law, he saves men, and in saving men he fulfils the law. Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. It appears, then, to those who do not believe, he is not the end of the law. Consequently if there be those who never believe, to them Christ will never be the end or finisher of the law; of course the law, in part, will never be finished or fulfilled. But the law will be fulfilled through Jesus Christ our Lord; it follows then, that' all must obey it, and be saved through him.

We come now to the close of these Lectures. The interesting subjects we have had in consideration, evidently embrace some of the most important articles of the christian faith. In the discussion of these I have studied to be as strictly scriptural as possible. I have called no man father on earth. In some instances I may have erred; for error in a greater or less degree, is the common lot of man in his varied travel in life. To the consciences of my brethren in the sight of God, I commend my labor. Examine and judge for yourselves of what is committed into your

hands; and let charity do her office in pardoning faults.

My brethren are sensible, as I am willing to acknowledge, these Lectures are not in perfect agreement with the sentiments of some of my brethren in the ministry. However sincere they may be, I cannot profess to believe all their ideas. I must, therefore, preach differently or not all; but not for contention, not for divisions, not for disfellowship. All that love the Lord Jesus may be united in the ties of the same brotherhood, notwithstanding some peculiarities of sentiment. United in charity we stand; but divided, we must fall. Therefore, let brotherly love continue. And may the God of peace shine into our heart by the divine rays of gospel light, and bless us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ,

AMEN.

7

AN ODE.

1 Jesus the mighty Conqu'ror reigns;
O'er sin and death the vict'ry gains;
His royal majesty maintains,
Who is of all the rightful heir:

He's king of peace, subdues the foe;
He saves from sin, from pain and woe;
Brings down the proud, exalts the low,
And guards his own with watchful care.

2 The Father crowns his royal Son;
O God, forever is thy throne,
Until my foes thy sceptre own,
And bow submissive at thy feet:
He burst the iron bands of death,
He gives the fainting pris'ners breath,
To heav'n he leads the conquer'd forth,
All glorious to their Master's seat.

3 Ye human conqu'rors, think how mean,
Compar'd with his your conquests seem,-
With his by which the world's redeem'd,
And gather'd from the spreading fall:
In all his realm no tyrant's hand
Is found to mar salvation's land,
Where people, num'rous as the sand,
Adore one God, great ALL IN ALL.

4 Old Satan at his word must how;
Princes their homage must allow;
The powers that be, and all things now,
Must give the glorious Victor room:
Open ye portals of the skies

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Celestials bright, lift up your eyes,

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