look to the end of it and if the vail that was on
the Jews' heart be not upon yours, O how comfortable shall it be! Doth not
a command and curse form a dead sound in an awakened man's ears, and
strike unto his heart like a knife? But if he knew this, it would be a
healing medicine. Would not many sinners wish there would be no such thing
in the Bible as a condemning law, when they cannot get it escaped? But
look to the end of it, and see gospel saving doctrine in the very
promulgation of it. When it was published, it made the Jews all to tremble
and cry out, and even holy Moses himself was afraid. But there is more
consolation than terror here. This condemning law is delivered in a
Mediator's hand, even Jesus Christ, Gal. iii. 19, 20. Who was he that
spake out of the cloud, and fire, and came and set down his throne on
Sinai, accompanied with innumerable angels? Deut. xxxiii. 2, Acts vii. 53.
It was Jesus Christ that spoke to Moses in the mount, and in the bush
also, Acts vii. 35, 38. Is it then the Mediator's law, whose office it is
to preach glad tidings, and the day of salvation? Sure then it needs be
dreadful to no man. For if he wound, he shall heal, and he comes to bind
up the broken hearted. Ye may look on the command and curse as messengers
sent by mercy, to prepare you, and make his way straight before his face.
The end of the law is not to condemn you, to stop your mouth, and make you
guilty. That is not the last work it is appointed for, but the Mediator
hath another end, to bring you to the righteousness of faith, to save you
without yourselves. Therefore ye may more willingly accept the challenge,
since it comes in so peaceable terms. What should be terrible to you in
all God's word and dispensation, since the ministry of condemnation and
death is become the port(472) of heaven and life? What must all his other
dealings be? Surely there is nothing in the world, but it must lead to
this end also. Prosperity and adversity, the end of them is faith,
conviction and challenges. Be not then as men without hope, when you are
challenged, for the challenge comes from a Mediator who would have you
saved.

V: You may see hence how injurious they are to grace who cry down the law.
The Antinomian cannot be a right defender and pleader for faith (the end
of the command), when he opposes the command that leads to that end. He
can not exalt Christ aright, or lead men to him, when he will not come
under the pedagogue's hand