The moral law
We do not indeed establish the old ceremonial law; we know that is abolished forever. Much less do we establish the whole Mosaic dispensation. This, we know, our Lord has nailed to his cross (Colossians 2:14). Nor yet do we so establish the moral law (which, it is to be feared, too many do) as if fulfilling it, keeping all the commandments, were the condition of our justification. If it were so, surely in his sight no living man would be justified (Psalm 143:2). But with all this allowed, we still, in the apostle's sense, establish the law, the moral law.
1771 text
2. We do not indeed establish the old ceremonial law: we know that is abolished for ever. Much less do we establish the whole Mosaic dispensation. This, we know, our Lord has nailed to his cross. Nor yet do we so establish the moral law (which it is to be feared, too many do) as if the fulfilling it, the keeping all the commandments, were the condition of our justification. If it were so, surely in his sight, should no man living be justified. But all this being allowed, we still in the apostle’s sense, establish the law, the moral law.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 36 in the 1771 Works. Romans 3:31.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.