Post by Char on Oct 26, 2008 13:21:20 GMT -6
Remember the book of James is to the Christians.
22 THE PERFECT LAW OF LIBERTY
JAMES 1:25,"The perfect law of liberty."
I. "The object." The gospel, therefore, has all the qualities and characteristics of a Divine legislation. A law is the mandate of one, who supposed to possess judicial authority. A law is supposed to be founded in equity; and it is assumed that its requirements are such as justice and reason bind its subjects to observe. A law is established for the public good, and its beneficial in its operation. A law must be made known to those who are under it. A law has certain punishments annexed to the violation of its institution.
This system of religious truth, which we designate the gospel, is a perfect law. It is perfect, having nothing deficient. It is complete, contrasted with the ceremonial ritual of the Mosaic law.
The gospel is also a law of liberty. The gospel exhibits to us the privilege of liberty. The gospel exhibits the means necessary for the attainment of this liberty. The gospel is the instrument of liberty.
II. "An action."
This action implies....Attention to the letter of the gospel. That it is our duty to search into its signification. It implies also a participation in the benefits of the gospel.
It is necessary that we not only look into "the perfect law of liberty," but that we continue therein....There must be a continuance in the possession of gospel privileges. Constant use of it ordinances. A constant exercise of gospel graces.
We proceed to consider another branch of Christian duty."He is being not a forgetful hearer."The man who is entitled to the blessedness of the text must be a hearer. Endeavor to cultivate an affection for the Word of God—it requires no labor to remember what we love. Let us meditate on its precepts, not only when we are in the house of God, but when we have returned to our several occupations. (Psa. 119:97,O how we love the law. It is my meditation all the day." That we may not be forgetful hearers, we must seek Divine assistance. (John 14:26."But the comforter which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." In order to profit by what we hear, it is necessary that we put it to practice.
III. " The benefit resulting from the performance of this duty."
The reward here mentioned does not consist of worldly wealth, nor yet in freedom form trials or persecutions. It implies that his soul shall receive such a measure of the favor of God as shall enable man to find comfort. He shall be blessed of God. He has also peace of conscience. He enjoys heavenly protection.
CONTINUANCE
I commend perseverance unto you as "A condition annexed to every virtue." "That which compass’s every good grace of God about as with a shield." "That gift of God which perseveres and safe guards all other virtues." For though "every good gift and every perfect gift be from above."He runs in vain, who runs not to the mark. He runs in vain, that fainted in the way, and obtains not.
What is a seed, if it comes forth and flourish, and then wither?
A good beginning must be had, but let the end the like unto the beginning. Let holiness, like Joseph’s coat of many colors, be made up of many virtues. Our remaining in the gospel, our constant and never-ceasing obedience to it, is a Christian’s eternity.
To remain in the gospel and to be blessed are the two stages of a Christian. The one on earth. The other the kingdom of heaven.
Our perseverance is a virtue which is never hath its complete act in this life. Have a great day. (James Shoemake.)
22 THE PERFECT LAW OF LIBERTY
JAMES 1:25,"The perfect law of liberty."
I. "The object." The gospel, therefore, has all the qualities and characteristics of a Divine legislation. A law is the mandate of one, who supposed to possess judicial authority. A law is supposed to be founded in equity; and it is assumed that its requirements are such as justice and reason bind its subjects to observe. A law is established for the public good, and its beneficial in its operation. A law must be made known to those who are under it. A law has certain punishments annexed to the violation of its institution.
This system of religious truth, which we designate the gospel, is a perfect law. It is perfect, having nothing deficient. It is complete, contrasted with the ceremonial ritual of the Mosaic law.
The gospel is also a law of liberty. The gospel exhibits to us the privilege of liberty. The gospel exhibits the means necessary for the attainment of this liberty. The gospel is the instrument of liberty.
II. "An action."
This action implies....Attention to the letter of the gospel. That it is our duty to search into its signification. It implies also a participation in the benefits of the gospel.
It is necessary that we not only look into "the perfect law of liberty," but that we continue therein....There must be a continuance in the possession of gospel privileges. Constant use of it ordinances. A constant exercise of gospel graces.
We proceed to consider another branch of Christian duty."He is being not a forgetful hearer."The man who is entitled to the blessedness of the text must be a hearer. Endeavor to cultivate an affection for the Word of God—it requires no labor to remember what we love. Let us meditate on its precepts, not only when we are in the house of God, but when we have returned to our several occupations. (Psa. 119:97,O how we love the law. It is my meditation all the day." That we may not be forgetful hearers, we must seek Divine assistance. (John 14:26."But the comforter which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." In order to profit by what we hear, it is necessary that we put it to practice.
III. " The benefit resulting from the performance of this duty."
The reward here mentioned does not consist of worldly wealth, nor yet in freedom form trials or persecutions. It implies that his soul shall receive such a measure of the favor of God as shall enable man to find comfort. He shall be blessed of God. He has also peace of conscience. He enjoys heavenly protection.
CONTINUANCE
I commend perseverance unto you as "A condition annexed to every virtue." "That which compass’s every good grace of God about as with a shield." "That gift of God which perseveres and safe guards all other virtues." For though "every good gift and every perfect gift be from above."He runs in vain, who runs not to the mark. He runs in vain, that fainted in the way, and obtains not.
What is a seed, if it comes forth and flourish, and then wither?
A good beginning must be had, but let the end the like unto the beginning. Let holiness, like Joseph’s coat of many colors, be made up of many virtues. Our remaining in the gospel, our constant and never-ceasing obedience to it, is a Christian’s eternity.
To remain in the gospel and to be blessed are the two stages of a Christian. The one on earth. The other the kingdom of heaven.
Our perseverance is a virtue which is never hath its complete act in this life. Have a great day. (James Shoemake.)
