In the first place, the precepts are expressed in the broadest and most general terms; there is no hint given, that any persons are at liberty to conceive themselves exempted from the obligation of them; and in any who are disposed to urge such a plea of exemption, it may well excite the most serious apprehension to consider how the plea would be received by an earthly tribunal: no weak argument this to any who are acquainted with the Scriptures, and who know how often God is there represented as reasoning with mankind on the principles, which they have established for their dealings with each other. But in the next place the precepts in question contain within themselves abundant proofs of their _universal_ application, inasmuch as they are grounded on circumstances and relations common to _all_ Christians, and of the benefits of which, even our Objectors themselves (though they would evade the practical deductions from them) would not be willing to relinquish their share. Christians "are not their own," because "_they are bought with a price_;" they are not "to live unto themselves, but _to him that died for them_;" they are commanded to do the most difficult duties, "that they may be the children of their Father which is in heaven;" and "except a man _be born again of the Spirit_" (thus again becoming one of the sons of God) "_he cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven_." It is "_because they are sons_," that God has given them what in Scripture language is styled _the Spirit of adoption_. It is only of "as many _as are led by the Spirit of God_," that it is declared that "they are the sons of God;" and we are expressly warned (in order as it were to prevent any such loose profession of Christianity as that which we are here combating) "_If any man_ have not the Spirit of Christ, _he is none of his_." In short, Christians in general are every where denominated _the servants and the children_ of God, and are required to serve him with that submissive obedience, and that affectionate promptitude of duty, which belong to those endearing relations.