than adequate; for, where sin abounded, grace did much more abound; that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life."

In drawing to a conclusion, we shall briefly attempt to vindicate the divine conduct. Vain man would be wise; and the vanity of his wisdom fills him with such importance in his own esteem, that he frequently feels no hesitation in censuring the proceedings of his Maker. It has been objected, that the constituting of Adam to be the representative of the human race, without their knowledge and consent, was inconsistent with the equity and goodness of the blessed God. To this it is replied, that if instead of being represented by Adam, we had all undergone the same probation. for ourselves, there is no reason to suppose that we should not have fallen as he did. The appointing him, in a state of innocence, to be our Representative, was calculated indeed to be a great advantage to us. more numerous and powerful were his obligations to obedience, than ours could be individually. We should have been concerned only for ourselves: but he had the infinitely stronger inducement arising from the present and eternal welfare of his posterity, depend

* Romans, ch. v. ver. 20 and 21.

Far

ing upon his obedience. Besides, his temptation occurred when all his powers of body and mind were in a state of maturity, and when there was no evil example before him to urge him to the transgression: whereas, if we had undergone the trial of a state of innocence for ourselves, we should have been exposed to temptation from our infancy, and with the additional influence of bad examples around us. What probationary state, therefore, could have been better calculated to ensure success, and consequently to illustrate the goodness of the Almighty, rather than to detract from it!

Some are disposed to raise objections to the apparent meanness and insignificance of the prohibition, as being too unworthy of God. I think it enough to remind such persons, that "the Lord seeth not as man seeth." The waters of Jordan-the application of a little clay to the eyes of the blind-the preaching of a few illiterate fishermen-and the cross of Christ itself, probably appear mean and insignificant, nay, "foolishness" to these characters: but an infinitely wise God did not think them beneath his notice for the accomplishment of very important purposes.

But still it may be said where was the harm of eating a little fruit? To this we reply, that the harm consisted in its having

been positively forbidden by their great Creator, Sovereign, and Benefactor:-"forbidden by an infinitely wise, holy, and gracious God forbidden by One who had a right to be obeyed without dispute or question; and whom to disobey was con. summate folly, the basest ingratitude, the most flagrant rebellion. Do you ask then where was the harm in the conduct of our first Parents? Ask rather where is the harm of a subject disobeying his Prince; a child his Parent; a servant his Master? Ask where is the harm of insulting the most venerable authorities; of despising all that is sacred, grand, and awful; of flying in the face of the most bountiful benefactors; of trampling on goodness itself?" Surely after a serious consideration of the subject in this light, there can be no room for the question, What harm was there in the conduct of our first Parents?"

Seeing then that the divine conduct in this institution cannot be spoken against, let us, my brethren, submit to the important truth it contains; and instead of feeling disposed to find fault with God, or with our first Father, let us earnestly and thankfully embrace the remedy graciously provided for our recovery. Let us cry mightily to God to convince us of the hidden depths of depravity in our hearts, that, being sensible of our guilty and ruined state, we may be

abased in our own view, repent of our sin fulness, and flee unto Jesus the repairer of the breach, the restorer of what we have lost. Thus shall we find, "that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so doth grace reign, through righteousnees, unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord."

Mankind have broken

ALL

THE COMMANDMENTS.

SERMON VII.

ROMANS, CHAPTER VII, VERSÉ 14.

We know that the Law is spiritual; but I am carnal, sold under Sin.

HAVING attempted a description of our fallen state through Adam, it seems highly important that our attention should now be directed to a more particular review of our sinfulness before God. A consideration of the spirituality of his holy Law appears well calculated, under the teaching of the Divine Spirit, to convince us of this sinfulnesss. Indeed, without some knowledge of the extensive and spiritual nature of his sacred precepts, no conviction of our real depravity and guilt can be experienced; and consequently, our need of a Saviour, and our obligations to him, cannot be known. This observation was strikingly exemplified in Saint Paul. During his ignorance of the true meaning of the Law, he was an entire stranger to his inward depravity, unconscious of the danger to which his soul was exposed;