In difcourfing on this propofition I propose to confider what we are to understand by the law why, and in what fenfe the knowledge of this law is neceffary in order to the knowledge of fin: and then clofe with fome remarks which will be naturally fuggested by the view we shall have of the subject.

Or the law, by which is the knowledge of fin, the following general definition may be given.

It is the eternal rule of righteoufnefs, which is effential to the being and glory of God's moral government and kingdom, and is in a fenfe the foundation of it, pointing out and declaring the duty of rational creatures,or moral agents, as what is fit and proper to be required of them; and containing the rule of God's conduft towards them, as their moral governor.

THE propofition in our text, at first view, fhews us the importance of the inquiry we have now entered upon. If the knowledge. of fin is to be attained in no way but by the knowledge of God's law, then it is of the highest importance to us that we should not make a mistake here, but clearly understand what the law is. I may therefore depend upon the serious and clofe artention of all here prefent, while I am attempting to throw light on this fubject, and illuftrate the foregoing general definition of law, by some particular obfervations.

AND

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In difcourfing on this propofition I propofe to confider what we are to understand by the law why, and in what fenfe the knowledge of this law is neceffary in order to the knowledge of fin: and then close with some remarks which will be naturally fuggefted by the view we shall have of the subject.

Or the law, by which is the knowledge of fin, the following general definition may be given.

It is the eternal rule of righteousness, which is effential to the being and glory of God's moral government and kingdom, and is in a fenfe the foundation of it, pointing out and declaring the duty of rational creatures,or moral agents, as what is fit and proper to be required of them; and containing the rule of God's conduft towards them, as their moral governor.

THE propofition in our text, at first view, fhews us the importance of the inquiry we have now entered upon. If the knowledge. of fin is to be attained in no way but by the knowledge of God's law, then it is of the highest importance to us that we should not make a mistake here, but clearly understand what the law is. I may therefore depend upon the serious and clofe artention of all here prefent, while I am attempting to throw light on this fubject, and illuftrate the foregoing general definition of law, by fome particular obfervations.

AND

AND here let it be obferved, that this law respects all the powers and faculties of creatures, confidered as moral agents, and all their exercises and conduct, both internal,even all the thoughts and motions of their hearts; and external, in their outward conduct and behaviour. In a word, it refpects the heart, or will in all its motions and exercifes. And it is the rule of every moral agent in all places and at all times; not leaving him at liberty to act without regard to this law in any one inftance, so long as he exifts a moral agent.

AND this is a moft perfect rule, neither too strict nor too lax; not requiring too much or too little, in any inftance; but points out and prescribes what is exactly and perfectly fit and right in all cafes. So that every moral, voluntary exercise of the creature is either in perfect conformity to it, and fo is perfectly right; or, as far as it is not fo,is wrong, and a violation of it. There are therefore, in truth, no exercises or conduct of the moral agent which are indifferent, neither right nor wrong; because they all are to be measured by this rule, and fo far as they are conformed to it they are right; and just as far as they are not fo, they are wrong and corrupt; there being no medium in this cafe. between right and wrong, virtue and fin.

MOREOVER, let it be particularly obferved, that this rule is the law of God. It is the

voice of God to his creatures; his command, and the rule which he himself has fet up: and therefore it is cloathed with his authority.

A law always fuppofes a legislator, and that he has right and authority to make such a law, and iffue fuch commands. And the law is attended or cloathed with the whole of his authority, all his right and power to dictate and command. So that any law is binding and has force, juft in proportion to the degree of authority the legiflator has over those to whom he gives law, and the right he has to command. Where there is no authority, there is no right to dictate or command any thing and whatever is in such a cafe declared or proposed by one being to others, it has nothing of the nature of law,but is only an exhortation or intreaty, which an equal or inferior, who has no fort or degree of autho rity over another, may ufe and practice, as well as any one else.

THE law of God is therefore cloathed with infinite authority; even all the authority he has over his creatures to dictate and command. It may be truly and fafely faid, that God cannot make a law which fhall be attended with lefs authority, lefs than even all the authority he has, as it is impoffible he fhould be divefted of it, or lay it aside in any instance, or in the leaft degree. And that this authority is infinite or beyond all

bounds

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