3. How necessary is it to distinguish justly be- tween the use, and the abuse, of that which is in itself good!
[The world is good, to one who makes the proper use of it : and therefore we are told to " use the world as not abusing it." So the law is good, and the Gospel also, if used lawfully; and, as I have said, neither of them is to be condemned on account of the faults or follies of those who profess a regard for them. But you will ask, perhaps, What is the legitimate use of the Laid ? and tvhat of the Gospel? I answer, The Law must be used evangelically ; and. the Gospel practically. Then will they subserve the best of purposes, and be instrumental in effecting all for which they have been given. But if the Gospel be not kept in view whilst we pay attention to the Law, we shall never attain the liberty of God's children, nor ever possess the kingdom which he has prepared for us. So also, if we separate holiness from the Gospel, we shall lose all the benefits which the Gospel is intended to convey : for God has expressly ordained, " that without holiness no man shall see the Lord."]
4. How desirable is it to make a just improvement of every word of God !
[As the law is capable of a right use, so is every word of God. We are not to take one part of the inspired volume, and to leave another ; not to embrace one doctrine because it is agreeable to our minds, and to reject another because it offends our prejudices. Earnestly would I guard you against that. The law bids you, " Do, and live:" the Gospel says, " Be- lieve, and be saved." Set them in opposition to each other, and you will fall into a fatal error : but take the one in sub- serviency to the other, and all will be well. So would I say respecting many other points, which have been made grounds of controversy and contention for hundreds of years. Only let the different declarations of Scripture find their proper place, and be improved to their proper end, and numberless difficulties will vanish ; and the whole system of divine truth will be found harmonious, even as the stars which move in their orbits. To a superficial observer, the various truths may appear to clash ; but to one that is conversant with the design of God in them, they will all be found to promote his glory, and to advance the welfare of those who, with childlike humility, embrace them. I mean not to say that you are to take any thing without exa- mination : for you are to " prove all things, and then hold fast that which is good." But look for the practical use of every thing that the Scriptures contain, and then will you derive benefit from all, ancl have reason to bless your God for all.]