or till that glorious period arrives, when we fhall no more know in part, but know even as we are known.

Laftly, It is to us apparent, even from the antient types and predictions, that the chief end of the Meffiah's appearance was to make an atonement for the fins of the world. The great variety of figns and emblems, of offerings and facrifices, the delineation of the character and offices of the Deliverer, of the condition of his life, and the circumstances of his death, all looked forward to this great end, the turning away ungodliness from Jacob, from the whole number of the true Ifraelites, whether belonging to that stock by nature, or ingrafted into it by faith. In what mode this would probably be effected, or at least what provifion would be made for the vindication of substantial justice, and the recovery of finful men, might be deduced in a great measure from the preceding observations, if we should not thereby anticipate what is defigned to be

C I Cor. xiii. 12.

evinced

evinced more amply in our fubfequent dif

courfes.

The whole world was become guilty before God; and by the rule of reason, and even by the law of Mofes, as will be explained more fully hereafter, no flesh could be juftified. And as without shedding of blood was no remiffion, an expiation must confequently be requifite. The Saviour of the world was therefore to be confecrated through fuffering, that he might become our High-prieft. He was to give his foul an offering for fin, that he might atone for our demerits; as well as reveal unto us the whole will of God, that he might become the guide of our life. He was not only to be a Prophet to instruct, but a Prieft to ransom us, and a King to fubdue all the enemies of our falvation.

It is true, the old world, either from the obfcurity and perplexity of fome parts of the manifestation, or the blindness and prejudice of men's hearts, did not rightly comprehend

thefe

these merciful defigns: yet they catched a view darkly as through a glass; and to as many as duly improved the glances which they obtained, greater communications of knowledge were probably made, fo as that the mercy of God was always manifefted, in the defire that none should of neceffity perish, but that all should come to a competent knowledge of the truth.

SERMON V.

ROMANS viii. 3.

For what the Law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God fending his own Son in the likeness of finful flesh, and for fin, condemned fin in the flesh.

T will perhaps cease to be matter of won

IT

der, that the human wisdom could difcover no remedy for fin, when we reflect that the divine wisdom has been exercised in fo illuftrious a manner from the creation of the world, to prepare men for that extraordinary deliverance from it, which hath been wrought for us by Jesus Christ our Lord.

But an inquiry will naturally occur to the mind, from what causes it is, that as God

had