If this is the doctrine I preach, and I preach no other, can it be justly condemned as being against the law? Surely not. And as I have stated this as a solemn truth, that I preach no other doctrine, I only ask the reader, once more, must not my religious enemies be most awful liars, who have borne such false witness against me, upon this subject? As to the general term used—the moral law a rule of life—I do not choose to use the term, and why? Because no man in this world can make common sense of it; it is a common hacknied phrase in the mouth of every pharisaic professor, but the words will not bear an investigation. I only ask an explanation of the term. Why should I make use of words I do not understand? From my enemies I demand an explanation of it. I have read volumes of the controversy on both sides, but no one _has_, for no one can, explain the term. I know a certain Baptist preacher, who compels all his newly-received members to declare, they believe the moral law is a rule of life for believers; and, poor things, they are obligated in their weakness, to acknowledge this, which neither themselves nor preacher can understand. How can it be a rule for a Baptist? Do the ten commandments say any thing about Baptism; about the Lord’s Supper; about singing of psalms, hymns, or spiritual songs; or godly conversation, or forgiveness of others; or any of their church rules? Not a word. How, then, can it be a rule for a Baptist, who is bound to attend to the rules of his own society, or even of my principal adversary; does it command him to read or _chaunt_ prayers? Has it prescribed gowns or bands, or singers, or organs? Does the moral law teach him to belie, ridicule, and use his utmost to injure his neighbour, or run to consult counsellors, to know how he can get rid of Mordecai sitting at the king’s gate; or once to be zealous for truth, and now to wink at error? I think not. I leave this to his conscience. I demand, if the moral law is a rule of life, why transgress the fourth commandment, by labour and rest on the first day of the week, instead of the seventh? If a rule, why do they not keep it? I am only objecting to the term; but, beloved, abide then in Christ and his Word; and as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them. LETTER XXIII. “And set up false witnesses, which said, this man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law.”