"But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”—James 1:25 This chapter abounds with wholesome instruction; and whoever reads it, under the teachings of its Divine Author, will have great reason to bless God for its seasonable contents. But my intention, at present, is not to enlarge upon the chapter, but to make a few remarks upon the verse before us as a text; in doing which I will, as far as the Holy Ghost shall be pleased to assist, First,—Endeavour to show what law is not here intended. Secondly,—What law is intended. Thirdly,—Why this law is called a law of liberty.…

"But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”—James 1:25 In showing what law is intended in the text, I shall say that it appears to me to be the glorious Gospel of God our Saviour, which comprehends all the glorious doctrines and promises of love, grace, and mercy; with all the truths connected with, and discovered in, the complete salvation of helpless sinners. A gospel replete with blessings unspeakable and full of glory! and of which Christ is the sum and substance; for without, or separate from, Christ there is no gospel. But in speaking upon this part of the subject,…

In showing why this law is called the law of liberty, I remark, that liberty stands directly opposed to bondage, and that the gospel is a free proclamation of liberty, complete liberty, to poor, captive, insolvent debtors. By the gospel, poor sinners are made free, in spite of all opposition that can be raised against their freedom, by either sin, law, death, or hell; for the truth shall make them free. Such is the glory and importance of the liberty of the gospel, that, to be made a partaker of it, and to be employed in the important work of proclaiming or preaching it to others who are in distress, is the highest favour that can be conferred upon mortals. This divine employ has been…

1st. I shall endeavour to show that this law contains a perfection of doctrines. Do we look around us, and behold a world rolling in sin and ungodliness? do we look within and find ourselves a mass of rebellion and wretchedness? and are we led to inquire if there be any possibility of such wretches escaping hell and obtaining heaven? This precious law informs us that it is not only possible, but that it is as certain as that God is God, that a people shall show forth God's praises in eternal glory. Nor are we left at a mere conjecture how this shall be brought about: for "God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he hath loved us, even when…

We live in a day when speculative and superficial religion abounds to a great degree. It would be considered an insult to call any one an irreligious man. Almost all hands are engaged in holding up what they call religion; but among the vast crowds that are engaged in this work, it is to be feared the number is but small who are able to give an answer to any one that should ask them of the reason of their hope, or, in other words, who have looked into the perfect law of liberty. I have often observed, that even ministers, whose abilities are far from being contemptible as men, and who are considered preachers of the first rank, are fully satisfied with looking round…

On this head I shall be very brief. The apostle Paul seems to have the same things in view, when he says, "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him." (Col 2:6) If ye received him as the Lord your righteousness and strength, your God, your life, your light, your wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, portion, and your all in all, walk in him as such. If ye have looked unto him and have been lightened, and your faces were not ashamed, continue to look unto him; he is still the same, and ye as much need him now as ever; for without him ye can do nothing. All your fruit is in him; and except ye abide in him by…