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I. THE OBJECT.

1. The gospel, therefore, has all the qualities and characteristics of a Divine legislation.

(1)  A law is the mandate of a superior, who is supposed to possess judicial authority.

(2)  A law is supposed to be founded in equity; and it is assumed that its requirements and exactions are such as justice cud reason bind its subjects to observe.

(3)  A law is established for the public good, and is beneficial in its operations.

(4)  A law must be promulgated or made known to those who are under it.

(5)  A law has certain punishments annexed to the violation of its institution.

2. This system of religious truth, which we designate the gospel, is emphatically a perfect law.

(1)  It is perfect, having nothing either deficient or redundant.

(2)  It is pure.

(3)  It is perfect, contrasted with the ceremonial ritual of the Mosaic law.

3. The gospel is also a law of liberty.

(1)  The gospel exhibits to us the privilege of liberty.

(2)  The gospel exhibits the means necessary for the attainment of this liberty.

(3)  The gospel is the instrument of liberty.

II. AN ACTION.

1. This action implies —

(1)  Attention to the letter of the gospel.

(2)  That it is our duty to search into its signification.

(3)  It implies also a participation in the benefits of the gospel.

2. It is necessary that we not only look into "the perfect law of liberty," but that we continue therein.

(1)  There must be a continuance in the possession of gospel privileges.

(2)  Constant use of its ordinances.

(3)  A constant exercise of gospel graces.

3. We now proceed to consider another branch of Christian duty" He being not a forgetful hearer."

(1)  The man who is entitled to the blessedness of the text must be a hearer. Endeavour to cultivate an affection for the Word of God — it requires no labour 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 (Psalm 119:97). That we may not be forgetful hearers, we must seek Divine assistance (John 14:26).

(2)  In order to profit by what we hear, it is necessary that we reduce it to practice.

III. THE BENEFIT RESULTING FROM THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS DUTY. The reward here mentioned does not consist in the acquisition of worldly wealth, nor yet in freedom from trials or persecutions. If implies that his soul shall receive such a measure of the favour of God as shall enable him to find comfort and satisfaction in every dispensation of Providence. He shall be blessed with the approbation of God. He has also peace of conscience. He enjoys heavenly protection.

(R. Treffry.)

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KJV: But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

WEB: But he who looks into the perfect law of freedom, and continues, not being a hearer who forgets, but a doer of the work, this man will be blessed in what he does.