Here you may observe — (1.) The double notion by which the direc- tion of the word is set forth. (2.) You have the object, or the matter wherein we are directed ; that also is expressed by a double notion, ' It is a lamp to my feet, and a liglit to my path.' Let me explain these a little.
1. The two notions whereby tlie direction is expressed, it is a light, that is a more general expression ; the other is more particular, it is a lamp, possibly with allusion to the lamp of the sanctuary. The use of a lamp is to light in the night, and the light shines in the day. The word of Grod is both a liglit and lamp ; it is of use to us by day and night, in all conditions, in adversity, in prosperity, in all the conditions we pass through in this world. Chrysostom hath an observation, but I doubt a little too curious, 6 v6/j,o<; \vKvo<i ovojjbd^erai, 6 XpL(7T0<i v'lo<;^ rrj^ BiKacoauvi]<;, saith he — The law shineth in narrow limits, within small bounds, therefore that is called a lamp; but Christ, in tlie gospel, is called a son i of righteousness.
2. Let us come to the term by which the object is expressed, path and feet. V>y path is meant our general choice and course of life ; the law will direct to that ; not only so, but it is a light to our feet, that is, will direct us in every step, in every particular action.
Doct. That the word of God is a clear and a full rule to direct us in all the conditions and affairs of the present life.
It is a clear rule, for it is called a lamp ; and it is a full rule, for it is a lamp not only for our path, but for our feet. I shall speak of both severally, that it is a lam]) and a light.
First, It is a clear rule, and therefore called a light, and that in three regards : —
1. By reason of its direction, as it shows us the right way to our desired end. He that would come to his journey's end needs a way, and needs a light to see and find it out. Our end is eternal life, and that to be enjoyed in heaven: Prov. vi. 23, ' The commandment is a lamp, and the law is light, and reproofs of instruction are the way of life.' God hath stated the way that leads to eternal happiness by his wisdom and justice, and revealed it in the scriptures. See that place, Ps. xliii. 3, ' Oh, send out thy light and thy truth ; let them lead me, let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.' We should have wandered up and down in various micertainties, and have neither pitched upon the right end nor way, but have lost ourselves in a maze of perplexities, if God had not sent forth his light and truth. Austin reckons up two hundred and eightj^-eight opinions about the
^ Qu. 7JXioj, and 'sua'? — Ed, VOL. VIIL E
66 SERMONS UPON TSALM CXIX. [SeR. CXIL
cliiefest good. IMcii arc seeking out many inventions, looking here and there to find happiness, but God hatli showed the true way.
'2. It is a light in regard of conviction, as it convinceth of all errors and mistakes both in judgment and practice — Vcrum est index siii ct ohliqui. In tliis respect "it is said, Eph. v. 13, because of this con- vincing light that is in the word, ' All things that are reproved, are made "manifest by the light; for whatsoever doth make manifest is lio-ht.' It discovereth to us our sins as well as our duties; light doth manifest itself, and mnke all other things manifest. Now this convic- tive power of the world is double — by way of i)revention, and by way of reproof.
[l.J By way of prevention. The word of G-od shows us our danger, pits, precipices, and stumbling-blocks that lie in our way to heaven ; it shows us both our food and our poison, and therefore he that walks according to the direction of tlie word is prevented from falling into a great deal of mischief: 1 John ii. 10, 11, 'He that abideth in the light, there is none occasion of stumbling in him: but he that liateth Ins brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and kn6wetli not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.'_ The meaning of "that place is this, he that walks according to the light of scripture, and lives in obedience thereto, avoids stumbling ; but he that is blinded by his own passion, he wants his liglit, knows not whither he goes, neither in what way he goes — rcspedu vice, et respeclu termini. What will be the end of his going? He mistakes the way, sins for duties, and good for evil; or he mistakes the end, thinking he is going to heaven, when he is in the highway to hell.
[2.] By way of humiliation and reproof, it discovers our sins to us in their own "^colours, so as to affect the heart, yea, our secret sins, which could not be found out by any other light : 1 Cor. xiv. 24, ' When he that believeth not, or is unlearned, comes in, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all.' The light of the word it brings a sinner upon his face, makes him fall down, acknowledging the majesty of God in his word. God's word it hath his signature upon it, it is like himself, and bewrayeth its author by its convictive power and majesty. So it is notable, Heb. iv. 12, 13, 'The word of Godis quick and powerful, &c., and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.' Mark what he had said of the word. He proves the proper- ties of the word by the properties of God ; that God searcheth all things, God's word is like himself