whom God has appointed to be as way-marks to the people, and whose lips should both keep, and dispense, knowledge. Moreover we should search the sacred oracles (which, as a map, delineate our path with infallible precision) comparing with them the various steps we have taken, and noticing with care the footsteps of Christ and his Apostles. Not however trusting in our own researches, we should above all implore the teaching and direction of God's holy Spirit, who would bring us back from our wanderings, and " guide our feet into the way of peace."]
2. To walk in it —
[To possess knowledge will be of little service unless it produce a practical effect. Having found the right way we must come into it, renouncing every other path, how pleasant or profitable soever it may have been. Nor must we only get into it, but " walk therein" continually, neither diverted from it by allurements, nor discouraged in it by any difficulties. Whatever advances we may have made, we are still to prose- cute the same path, trusting in Christ as our advocate with God, and rendering to him an uniform and unreserved obe- dience.]
Nor will this appear hard to us, if we consider,
III. The encouragement given us to perform this duty — To those who are out of this way, whatever they may boast, we are sure there is no solid peace : but they who walk in it shall find rest,
1. In their way —
[Sweet is the rest which a weary and heavy-laden sinner finds in Jesus Christ : he sees in his blood a sufficiency of virtue to expiate all his guilt, and to cleanse him from all his sin : he perceives that the foundation of his hope is sure and immoveable ; and therefore, " having peace in his conscience, he rejoices in hope of the glory of God." In the way of holy obedience, he enjoys, moreover, a present and a great reward: for while he rests from turbulent passions and tormenting fears, he finds, that " the work of righteousness is peace, and the effect of righteousness is quietness and assurance for ever."]
2. In their end —
[If the ungodly have no peace in this world, much less have they in the world to come : but the obedient believer will enjoy perfect rest, when he shall have ceased from his present labours. " There is a rest remaining for the people of God ;" and such a rest as neither eye hath seen, nor ear