September 25

"But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully."—1 Timothy 1:8.

HERE are two topics worthy of our close attention; one of which we shall consider in this, and the other in the next exercise. Here is

A TRUTH AFFIRMED. "The law is good." It is so

In its Author. It is framed by Him who is essentially good in his character, perfections, and works. Nothing of a contrary nature could emanate from Him who is the source of all perfection, and the fountain of all goodness. There is an authority stamped upon it by the Almighty himself.

In its matter. The things it contains are of no common interest or trivial importance. They are subjects involving our well-being here, and our happiness hereafter. It is a just remark, that, however disputants may marshal one part of Divine truth against another, the glorious doctrines of Christianity, like stones in a compact edifice, are firmly united together—men may disagree in sentiment, but they cannot destroy the unity of the truth.

In its use. It excites and quickens us in duty against our inward corruptions; makes a discovery of the deceitfulness and depravity of the human heart. "By the law is the knowledge of sin." It drives us out of our own pretended righteousness, to rest on Christ's atoning sacrifice. "The law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ." This is its end: to lead us to look to Jesus and believe on him, that we may be saved, as the Israelites, stung with the serpent, looked on the brazen serpent erected by Moses, and were healed. How great are our privileges, having both the law and the Gospel! The one to show us our malady, the other to point us to the remedy; the one to alarm, the other to comfort; the one to probe the wound, the other to apply the healing balm.

"The law discovers guilt and sin, And shows how vile our hearts have been Only the Gospel can express Forgiving love and cleansing grace."

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