As the different terms which we have considered
i Rom. vii. 12. ^ Ps. cxix. ^Q>.
1 The author would be understood to speak this with diffidence, because he is not aware that any commentator has put this construc- tion on the words : but he considers any other interpretation as un- suitable to the context. Something similar occurs Gen. xxxi. 42. where God is called, " The fear of Isaac ; " where not the act, but the object, of Isaac's fear is spoken of. If this sense be not approved, the reader may understand the words as signifying, The worship of God.
™ John XV. 3. Compare also Eph. v. 26.
are not so definite in their import but that they admit of different interpretations, we shall wave the further consideration of them ; and, comprehending them all under one general term, ' The word of God/ we shall proceed to notice,
II. Its use and excellence —
It would occupy too much time to enter fully into this subject : let it suffice to notice those particular uses which are mentioned in our text. The word then is of use,
1. To illuminate the mind —
[Previous to the application of the word to the lieart by the Holy Spirit, we are in utter darkness : but " the entrance of God's word giveth light." Truly it is a " marvellous light that we are brought into," when our eyes are opened to discern
" the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" Nor
is it the learned only who receive instruction from it : it is intended more especially for the poor. There is something in the Gospel which tends rather to offend the proud, but is most palatable and delightful to the humble. Hence we are told, " It make th wise the simple." What astonishmg views of God, of Christ, of the human heart, of the evil of sin, of the beauty of holiness, of the felicity of heaven, have many unlettered persons attained ! Yet it is in the knowledge of these things that true wisdom consists : and this knowledge is imparted to all who embrace the Gospel, in proj)ortion to the simplicity of their minds, and the devotedness of their hearts to God. These are " the things," which, as our blessed Lord informs us, " are hid from the wise and prudent, and are revealed unto babes." Without such a special illumination of the mind, the most learned philosopher cannot comprehend them"; and by such an illumination the most untutored savage shall be " made wise unto salvation."]
2. To convert the soul —
[Truly, "the word is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword." It is " the rod of God's strength," even that wonder-working rod, which subdues all his enemies before him. " Like fire it melts ; and like a hammer, it breaketh the rock in pieces." See its effects upon the three thousand on the day of Pentecost ! such is its operation, wherever " it comes in demonstration of the Spirit and of power." It humbles the proudest spirit, and subdues the most obdurate heart to the obedience of faith. Nor is it to the adoption of new principles
n 1 Cor. ii. 14.
520.] EXCELLENCY OF GOD's WORD. 109
only that it brings the soul, but to the acquisition of new- habits ; so that it becomes set on Christ and heavenly things, as once it was set on self awd earthly things: it assimilates the soul to Christ as the great exemplar, and " changes it into the divine image, from one degree of glory to another, by the Spirit of our God."]
3. To rejoice the heart —
[Ignorant men imagine that the application of God's word to the soul is productive only of pain and sorrow : but those who have ever " tasted of the good word of life" have found, by happy experience, that it fills them "with joy and peace in believing," yea, " with joy unspeakable and glorified." The word is to them the charter of all their privileges, and the map of their everlasting inheritance. As an heir peruses with delight a will in which great wealth is miexpectedly bequeathed to him, so the Christian finding in every page of the sacred volume his title to all the blessedness and glory of heaven, how can he but rejoice in such records? how can he but concur with David in saying, " They are more desired by me than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb ?]