It may be objected, ‘ That this reverence is due only to the word as written, which is purely and wholly the word of God; but not unto it as preached by men, wherein there is, and must needs be, a mix- ture of human infirmities” Hence some have been charged with arrogancy for expressing those words of the apostle’s in their prayers, ‘That the word preached by them might be received, “not as the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the word of God.”’ Ans. [1.] Itis true, “we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of men,” 2 Cor.iv.7. The minis- try whereby the word is conveyed unto us is but a “ vessel;” and ministers are but “ earthen vessels,’—frail, weak, brittle, and it may be sometimes defiled. But still, in and by them the word of God is
558 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. nv.
a “treasure,” a heavenly treasure, enriching oursouls. [2.] We may consider how far the word, as preached, is the pure word of God; and so, having his name upon it, is the object of our reverence. And, Ist. It is his originally ; it proceeds from him, and not from the invention of men, as was showed before. 2dly. It is his word mate- rially. The same things are preached that are declared in the Scrip- ture, only they are explained and accommodated unto our under- standing and use; which is needful for us. 3dly. The preaching of it is the ordinance of God, which his name is upon, in the same kind as on his word; and therein an especial reverence and respect unto the name and authority of God is due thereunto. 4thly. By virtue of this institution of God, the word preached, which is in itself only materially the word of God, becomes formally so ; for it is the appli- cation of the word of God unto our souls, by virtue of his command and appointment. Wherefore there is the same reverence due to God in the word as preached, as in the word as written; and a pecu- liar advantage attends it beyond reading of the word, because God hath himself ordained it for our benefit.
It may be further objected, ‘ That we find by experience that the preachers of it will sometimes immix their own infirmities, and it may be mistakes in judgment, with their preaching of the word; and this must needs abate of the regard which is proposed as our duty.’ Ans. [1.] God hath been pleased to ordain that the word should be dispensed unto us by weak, sinful men like ourselves; whence it unavoidably follows that they may, and probably sometimes will, mix some of their infirmities with their work. To except, therefore, against this disposition of things, is to except against the wisdom of God, and that especial order which he hath designed unto his own glory, 2 Cor.iv. 7. [2.] In a pipe which conveys water into a house there may be such a flaw as will sometimes give an entrance unto some dust or earth to immix itself with the water; will you therefore reject the water itself, and say, that if you may not have it just as it riseth in the fountain you will not regard it, when you live far from the fountain itself, and can have no water but such as is conveyed in pipes liable to such flaws and defects? Your business is to separate the defilement and use the water, unless you intend to perish with thirst. [8.] That such a thing may fall out, and that it doth ever so, gives us an opportunity of exercising sundry graces, and for the per- formance of sundry duties, whereby it turns to our advantage. For,— 1st. Here lies the proper exercise of our spiritual understanding in the gospel, whereby we are enabled to “ try all things, and hold fast that which is good.” To this end our apostle requires that we should “ have senses exercised to try” (or “ discern”) “ both good and evil.” Hereby, according to our duty, we separate the chaff from the wheat; and no small exercise of grace and spiritual light, to the
VER. 11.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 559
great improvement of them, doth consist herein. 2dly. Tenderness towards men in the infirmities which we discern in their work, pro- ceeding either from weakness or temptation. 3dly. The considera- tion hereof ought to keep us in a constant dependence on and prayer unto the Lord Christ for the communication of his Spirit unto us, to “lead us,” according to his promise, “into all truth;’ which is the great reserve he hath given us in this matter. And hence follows,—
(2.) An immediate subjection of soul and conscience unto what- ever is delivered in the dispensation of the word, A readiness here- unto Cornelius declared when he was to hear Peter preach: Acts x, 83, “ Now are we all here present,...... to hear all things that are commanded thee of God;” that is, so to hear as to give up our souls in obedience unto the word, because of the authority of God, whose word it is. And when we are not in this frame we shall be unprofitable hearers; for the immediate end of our hearing is practice. And the Scripture doth so fully testify hereunto, that in sundry places it positively declares that no kind of hearing, what- ever appearance of zeal or diligence it may be accompanied withal, which doth not issue in practical obedience, is in the least to be esteemed of. But I intend not at present this practice, which is in order of nature consequential unto the hearing of the word, but that practical subjection of the soul and conscience to the word which alone will make way for it. For even that practice or obedi- ence which proceeds not from hence is faulty and corrupt, as having certainly a false foundation or a wrong end. Herein, then, lies the great wisdom of faith in hearing, namely, in delivering up the soul and conscience unto the commanding authority of God in the word, Rom. vi. 17. And hereunto, among other things, it is required,— [1.] That the heart hath no approved reserve for any lust or cor- ruption, whose life it would save from the sword of the word ; [2.] That it be afraid of no duty en the account of the difficulties and dangers with which it may be attended: for where these things are, the heart will close itself against the influences of God’s authority in his word. [38.] A diligent watchfulness against distractions and diversions, especially such as are growing to be habitual from temptations and sloth. This is much spoken unto by others, and therefore is here dismissed without further consideration. And where we are negligent in these things, or any of them, we shall be found “ dull in hearing.”