(2.) Because it is a soul-satisfying light, as light easeth of trouble and restlessness of mind, which we always lie under till we find a safe way of salvation, which we never do till we give up ourselves to the conduct of the word : Jer. vi. 16, ' Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest to your souls.' There we find enough to satisfy con- science, though, it may be, not to satisfy curiosity, which is libido intel- lectus — thirst of a sober man and thirst of a drunkard, the one satisfied, the other mortified.
Use 1. Information.
1. Tliat without the word men lie in darkness, whatever learning they have, if they want the gospel. As the Ephesians, before it came to them, though given to curious arts, the apostle telleth them they ' were sometimes in darkness,' Eph. v. 8. The wisest heathens could only grope and feel about for happiness. If they neglect the light, though it be among them, it is not excusable : John i. 5, ' And the light shineth in darkness, but the darkness comprehendeth it not.' But if they refuse the light, and this carelessness groweth obstinate, their condition is the worse : John iii. 19, ' This is the condemnation, that light is come, and men love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil.'
2. If we get not understanding of the mysteries of salvation, we may blame ourselves : 2 Cor. iv. 3, 4, * But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost : in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Chiist, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.' If thou miss the way to heaven, accuse thine own blindness ; thou canst not accuse the gospel, plead its darkness. The true cause of their non- proficiency is unbelief, they believe not ; the superadded cause is spi- ritual blindness.
Use 2. Exhortation to look after this light, without which we shall be in the dark as to comfort : Isa. 1. 10, ' Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and seetli no light?' Either under actual horrors or
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354 SERMONS UPON PSALM cxix. [Ser. CXLIII.
doubtfulness and uncertainty. Every wicked man is troubled, as the leaves of the trees of the Avood are shaken with the wind. Now who would live in such a condition, to be at the mercy of the tempter? You are in the dark as to duty ; our own reason, the counsels and examples of others, will mislead us ; and we shall be unsteady, carried away with every deceit of sin, at least unsatisfied whether in God's way or not : 1 John ii. 11, ' He that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.' Oh ! study the word.
But who have this light ? He that heartily desireth knowledge : Prov. ii. 3, ' If thou criest after wisdom, and liftest up thy voice for understanding ;' he that diligently labours for it : Ps. i. 2, ' His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night.' That propoundeth a right end, to be Christ's disciple, to do God's will : John vii. 17, ' If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself,' That humbleth himself for his ignorance. John got open the book with weeping : Kev. v, 5. ' And one of the elders said unto me, Weep not ; behold, the lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, hath prevailed to open the book.' Those Bereans were 7rp66vfioc. : Acts xvii. 11, ' They received the word with all readiness of mind,' evTreiO?]^ ; James iii. 17, ' Easy to be entreated.' The opposite on the one side is slowness of heart : Luke xxiv. 25, ' 0 fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken ! ' Or obstinacy on the other, a sluggish easiness, when light of belief, to believe anything without searching into the reason of it, or given up to a foolish credulity : Eph. iv. 14, ' That ye be not as children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine and cunning craftiness, wherebj^ they lie in wait to deceive ;' like a reed shaken with every wind. But he that is endued with this light is one that doth not depend on his own wit, but submits his reason to God : Prov. iii. 5, 6, ' Trust in the Lord with all thine heart ; and lean not to thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.' Well, then, this earnest desire in the next verse, ' I opened my mouth and panted : I longed for thy commandments.' This painful seeker will find out this treasure ; this humble trusting soul will have it.