upon an obedient frame of mind: "If any man will do my will, he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of Godm." It is self-evident, that if a man be visited by the most skilful physician in the universe, he can derive no benefit from his prescriptions, unless he follow them. So it is in vain that the Scripture shews us infallibly the way to heaven, if we will not forsake that path that leadeth to destruction.]
The character of the persons whom the word of God benefits, being ascertained, let us inquire into,
II. The good which it does them —
But who can estimate this aright ? Who can enu- merate the benefits resulting from the sacred oracles when thus studied, and thus received ? We must con- tent ourselves with mentioning only a few of those blessings which will flow from the word :
1. It will teach us —
[The inspired volume cannot fail of conveying information to every man that peruses it, whatever be the state and disposi- tion of his mind. But there is instruction which none but those who "have an honest and good heart11" can receive; and in comparison of which all other knowledge is only as dross and dung. An insight into the deceitfulness and depravity of the heart; a discovery of the glory and excellency of Christ; a view of the devices of Satan, and of the way in which alone he can be successfully opposed ; a sight of the beauty of holiness, and of all those glorious privileges that belong to the children of God, are among those invaluable acquisitions which will reward the labours of the humble inquirer.]
2. It will comfort us —
[They who disregard the Holy Scriptures, are often so overwhelmed with their troubles, as to seek refuge in death from the calamities of life. But the person who " draws water from those wells of salvation," finds in them an inexhaustible fund of consolation. He perceives that his trials are all appointed by infinite wisdom ; that his Lord and Master drank of the very same cup before him; that tribulation is the way in which all the saints must walk toward the promised land ; and that the storms which seem to menace his very life, shall only waft him to his desired haven. All the wonders of re- demption also furnish him with additional grounds of consola- tion ; and every promise is like the balm of Gilead to his
m John vii. 17. n Luke viii. 15.