Happy is it for us, however, that we have, on divine authority,
II. The difficulty solved —
To the question asked, " How shall he cleanse his way?" the answer is given, even " by taking heed thereto according to thy word." The Holy Scriptures afford, to every human being,
1. A sure directory —
[There may doubtless be particular cases, even to our dying hour, in which it may be difficult to discover the precise line of duty. But, for the most part, the way of righteousness is clearly denned ; and it is our own blindness only that makes it appear intricate or doubtful. There is no corruption of the heart which is not there condemned, nor any holy affection which is not there debneated. There every thing is described in its proper colours : piety is exalted as the perfection of our nature ; and sin is declared to be " an abomination in the sight of God." The example of our blessed Lord also is there portrayed with the utmost exactness ; so that, whatever doubt might obscure a precept, the true light is reflected on it, and a perfect standard is exhibited before us. It cannot be through ignorance, therefore, that any shall err, if only they will make use of the light afforded them in God's blessed word.]
2. Sufficient encouragement —
[There is not a precept in the whole inspired volume which is not made also the subject of a promise. God has engaged to " give us a new heart, and to renew within us a right spirit, and to cleanse us from our filthiness and from all our idols :" so that, however inveterate any lust may be, here is provision against it; and however arduous any duty be, here is sufficient strength promised for the performance of it. How effectual the word is, when duly improved, may be seen in the general description given of it by the Psalmist: " The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul : the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart : the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever : the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. Moreover, by them is thy servant warned; and in keeping of them there is great reward3." Here, whether in respect of direction or efficacy, its sufficiency for our necessities is fully declared. But yet more satisfactory is the declaration of St. Peter, when he affirms, that by " the exceeding great and precious promises of Scripture we may be made partakers of the divine nature, and be enabled to escape the corruption that is in the world through lustV By the
a Ps. xix. 7—11. b 2 Pet. i. 4.
(396.] god's word the means of sanctification. 305
word, therefore, we may cleanse our way ; not externally only, but really, truly, spiritually, and to the full extent of our necessities : so that the difficulty in our text is completely solved; and to the inquiry there made, we are prepared to answer, " Having these promises, dearly Beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness both of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of Godc."]
Address —
1. Let the Scriptures of Truth be studied by you —
[Do not form your standard by the opinions of men, or labour to cleanse your way by superstitious observances that have been devised by man ; but look to the word of God as the proper rule of your conduct, and seek for holiness in the way that is there prescribed. Be careless in your way, and your
ruin will ensued But let the word of Christ dwell in
you richly "in all wisdom;" and you shall find it the power of God to the salvation of your souls.]
2. Devote to piety your early youth —
[" Remember your Creator in the days of your youth," says Solomon. You must not stay till you are advanced in life before you " cleanse your way," but engage in that work while yet you are " young." In the appointment of the sacrifices which were offered under the Law, the lambs were to be but a year old : and in the first-fruits presented unto God for a meat- offering, special care was to be taken that " green ears " should be offered, " beaten out indeed of full ears," but still green, and needing to be " dried with fire" before they could be ground to flour e. Does not this shew what use is to be made of our early youth ? Methinks, it speaks powerfully: and I pray God that this day the greenest ears amongst you may be conse- crated to the Lord, and receive from him some blessed tokens of his favourable acceptance. Let the youngest, who are as new-born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word ; and they shall grow thereby f:" and let the "young men have the word of God abiding in them; and they shall overcome the wicked oneg."]