SERMON III.

LUKE XVI. 29.

Abraham saith unto him, 'They have Moses and the Prophets, let them hear them.'

THE expressed sanctions of the Law of Moses are chiefly temporal; but, it is equally undeniable, that everlasting results are also evidently implied, and expressed; and, that, this, being the Law of the Eternal, it could never have wanted the ratifications, consequent, upon the assurance therein made, of a future existence. That the expressed sanctions should refer chiefly to this life, was absolutely necessary, as it is in every law intended to guide, and control, man in civil society, even unto this day. To the promise of the restoration of life eternal through a Redeemer, made to the First Parents, and again to Abraham, the Law was, of necessity, added

because of transgressions. Our full assurance of a future state, would be of little avail to restrain us, unless temporal sanctions were added;-because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the hearts of the sons of men are fully set in them to do evil2. Nor, of his own authority, could any mortal legislator pretend to sanction his law by future rewards and punishments, the very existence of which can alone be known by revelation. To the Deity alone, belong such ratifications, and He alone, can thus enforce the observance of His own law; nor, can this be otherwise done, than by revealing these consequences of his conduct, in this, his state of probation, unto man. If, then, it can be collected, as our Saviour, the Prophets, and the Jewish nation affirmed, that eternal life was revealed in the law of Moses, no matter how darkly; and if there be proof ample, sufficient, and incontrovertible, that this self-same Law was given unto the Israelites by that awful Being Who

1 Gal. iii. 19.

2 Eccles. viii. 11.

inhabiteth Eternity, it is nothing less than a necessary conclusion, that such statutes were enforced even by eternal sanctions. In these circumstances, it is self-evident, that in entering upon the unknown region beyond the grave, we cannot withdraw ourselves from the power, or superintendence of our King and Lawgiver, He being also "the King of Eternity." Our obedience to such a Law, given unto us by such a Being, who reveals therein, (through a Redeemer) a future state, cannot but involve, eternal life and blessing. And, on the other hand, our transgressions, (when beyond the pale of Atonement,) could not but render us obnoxious, to eternal misery, when threatened with death and cursing. Here, REVELATION bears the force of SANCTION, in the same measure as it does with us, even now; that is, decidedly influencing the conduct, inducing to obedience, and deterring, from transgression.

It is not contended, however, that life Eternal was by the Law, or rather by the works of the Law. It was not by the

Law', but by the Promise; yet, that Promise was inseparably attached to the Law, and that Law to the Promise, for obedience was essential to the attainment of Life. Were we, to rest on works, instead of faith, we, should commit the same fatal error; for we are not saved by obedience, but by faith, and faith alone; although from this faith, obedience springs, as necessarily, as the water from the fountain, and as the fruit from the tree, or it is no Faith unto Life'. The WORD is Eternal and unchangeable, in it there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Unto us, also, the same sentence is proclaimed; the wages of sin is death, even death Eternal; but the gift of God is Everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our

1 Rom. ix. 31. 32. Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not ATTAINED unto the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought IT not by FAITH, but as it were by the WORKS of the law, for they stumbled at that stumbling stone.

2 Gal. iii. 21. 22. Is the Law then against the promises of God? God forbid ! for if there had been a law that could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the Law. But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the PROMISE by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.