means. We know that he frequently makes use of affliction, and of conversation ; and we will not pre- sume to say that he never employs even dreams or visions for the attainment of his ends : we know as- suredly that he has done so in former times ; and therefore he may do so at this time ; — (we confess, however, that we are not partial to any thing arising out of such means: we are always fearful that they will issue in something transient and delusive: we prefer infinitely what proceeds from causes more rational, and more tangible, and more consonant with the dispensation under which Ave live;) — but we are not at liberty to limit God to any particular mode of com- municating his blessings to mankind. Of one thing however we are sure ; (and that will effectually cut off all occasion for enthusiastic delusions;) namely, that whatever means God makes use of to bring the soul to a consideration of its state, it is " by the word of truth" alone that he savingly converts it to himself. By other jiieam he may call our attention to the word ; but by the word only does he guide us to the knowledge of his truth, and to the attainment of his salvation. By the word he begins the good work within us — [It isfromdience alone that we attain the knowledge of our
fallen state From thence alone can we learn the way
of salvation through a crucified Redeemer From
thence alone can we derive encouragement to lay hold on the hope that is set before us: for the only legitimate object of faith is the word of God; and "v,'ithout faith, so grounded, we cannot possibly please GodV]
By the word also he carries it on, and perfects it, within us —
[" The word is that unadulterated milk by which the nev.-born babes must grow«." And, whatever degrees of sanctification are produced in us at a more advanced period, they are effected by the same divine instrument; as St, Paul has said : " Christ loved the Church, and gave himself for it, that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water lil the nord, that he might present it to himself a glorious Church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should he holy, antl without blemish''." Hence our blessed Lord, when jn-aying for his Church, said, *' Sanctity them
through ' Hcb. \\. 6. s 1 Pet. ii. 2. '' Epli. v. 2(5, 2/.
li42.J OF REGENERATION. 35
through thy truth: thy word is truth'." Not that the word has this power in itself: for thousands both hear and read it without deriving any benefit from it to their souls. It is " the sword of the Spirit'';" and effects no more than what He who wields it sees fit to accomplish. If it " come in word only," it is of no weight at all : but when it " comes in demonstra- tion of the Spirit and of power'," then it effects all for which God himself has sent it"":" and " through him is mighty to the pulling down of all the strong-holds"" of sin and Satan.j
Thus is the whole work of grace wrought within us : and a blessed work it will appear, whilst we shew,
III. The end for which it is wrought —
The contemplation of this may well reconcile us to all that has been said about the sovereign will of God. The ground on which men are so jealous of the Divine sovereignty is, that they think it leads to a disregard of holiness ; since, if God have chosen men to salvation, they shall attain it without holi- ness ; and if he have not chosen them to salvation, they can never be saved, how holy soever they may be. But this is altogether an erroneous statement. God is not so regardless of holiness as this sup- poses : on the contrary, if he elect any, it is " that they may be holy, and without blame before him in love";" and, if " he beget any with the word of truth," it is '^ that we may be to him a kind of first- fruits of his creatures" —