2. He will enable them, also, to walk in his ways —
[Truth shall not float in their minds as a mere theory or speculation, but shall influence their every act, their universal habit. God will, by his word and Spirit, reduce them from their wanderings, and guide their feet into the way of peace. And, if at any time they be for a moment turned aside through error of judgment, or instability of mind, he will cause them to " hear a word behind them, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it." He will go before them, as he did before the Israelites in the wilderness, causing his word to be a light to their feet and a lantern to their paths : and thus " he will guide them by his counsel, until he shall finally receive them to glory."
Here, then, we may see,
1. Whence it is that the blessings of the Gospel are so pre-eminently enjoyed by the poor —
h Ps. li. 6.
[It is a fact, that " not many wise, not many mighty, not many noble, are called ;" but that " God has revealed to babes and sucklings the things which, to so great an extent, are hid from the wise and prudent." The wise and great are too generally under the influence of self-sufficiency and self- dependence. They cannot bow to the humiliating doctrines of the Gospel : they will not endure to view themselves in so destitute a condition as the Gospel represents them. Hence they, almost universally, " stumble at the word, being dis- obedient." But the poor are easily brought to see that they need instruction from above : their very incompetency to enter into deep researches of any kind gives them a comparative diffidence of their own powers, in relation to the things of God. Hence they see but little to stumble at even in those points which the wise and learned find most difficult to over- come : and, being more easily brought to seek instruction from God, they, in far greater numbers, are taught of God, and almost engross to themselves, as it were, the possession of his kingdom. O, ye poor, never repine at your lot; but rather rejoice that you are of the happy number of those whom God has chosen chiefly, though not exclusively, " to be rich in faith, and heirs of his kingdom." And, ye rich or learned, seek to " become as little children," and be willing to " become fools, that ye may be truly wise."]
2. Whence it is that there are so many falls and errors in the religious world —
[People, when they have embraced the truth, are but too apt to lose the simplicity of their earlier days, and to become wise in their own conceits. Hence many of them fall into errors of divers kinds ; and not unfrequently dishonour, by their conduct, their holy profession. Alas ! alas ! what a picture does the religious world present ! See what controversies and animosities obtain amongst those who profess themselves children of one common Father ! Dear Brethren, dreadful is the advantage which our great adversary gains by these means. Remember, I pray you, that your growth in grace is to be shewn, not by a proud dogmatizing spirit, but by a spirit of meekness, and humility, and love. He is most acceptable to the Lord Jesus, who most resembles a little child : and he shall have the richest communications from God, who, with most lowliness of heart, implores his continual aid. In reading the Holy Scriptures therefore, and under the public ministration of the word, be careful not to lean to your own understanding, but to trust in God for the teaching of his good Spirit; that " receiving the word with meekness, as an engrafted word," you may find it effectual to sanctify and " save your souls."]
532.] god's paths are mercy and truth. 155