Thus, in ascribing our salvation to the knowledge of the Scriptures, we do not derogate from the honour of Christ; since it is only by revealing his work and offices to us, and by leading us to depend upon him, that they become effectual for this blessed end. But at the same time we put an honour on the Scriptures, to which no other book has the smallest claim. Other books may be channels for conveying divine knowledge; but the Bible alone is the fountain from which it flows. The knowledge therefore of the Bible is of supreme excellence; and the earliest possible attainment of it is of unrivalled importance.]
This being a very instructive record, I propose to shew,
III. The instruction which his attainment of it con- veys to us —
Surely it affords us matter
1. For inquiry respecting ourselves — [I ask not, whether the same thing can be affirmed of you, as having taken place from your early childhood ; but whether it is true concerning you at this moment? Do you know the Holy Scriptures, and the great leaduig doctrines contained in them? Do you know them fraclicallij and experimentally, so as really to feel your lost and umlune
state and to be fleeing to Christ as your only
refuge and to be devoting yourselves to him as his
redeemed people? Have you in relation to these things the very mind of God, bringing you into a conformity to his
blessed will ? Possess what ye may, you have not
attained to true wisdom, if you possess not this state of mind. No other wisdom than this will avail to your salvation : and, if you lack this, you will, to all eternity, lament and bewail your folly. I entreat you then to examine carefully whether ye be " living a life of faith in the Son of God, who has loved you and given himself for you?" Is your daily walk with God such, that the Apostle Paul would pronounce with con- fidence respecting you the testimony which he thus confidently bare to his beloved Timothy ? Dear brethren, I beseech you, " prove your own selves ;" and pray God to set his seal to the truth of this change as wrought in you, and as exemplified in the whole of your life and conversation !]
2. For direction respecting others —
[Parents, does not this record speak forcibly to you? Here you have an evidence that children are capable of re- ceiving all the blessings of salvation, supposing they be taught by you, and taught of God also. Without the Divine blessing, even Paul might plant, and Apollos water, in vain : but the labours of a Lois and an Eunice*^ shall not be lost, if God be pleased to accompany them with his Holy Spirit to the soul. Remember, a responsibility attaches to you for their souls, similar to that which belongs to your minister in reference to your souls. I pray God, that your children may not have to reproach you in the day of judgment, and to trace it to you, that they were left to perish for lack of knowledge.
And, young people, tell me whether you do not envy Timothy the distinction here given him? Have you not in your own consciences a conviction, that his was true wisdom, and that in attaining the knowledge of salvation through a crucified Redeemer, you best answer the end of your being. Lose not then the present opportunity, before the cares and pleasures of life have hardened your hearts, and seared your consciences as with a hot iron.
To people of every age this record speaks forcibly, and says, Labour by all possible means to convey to those around you this knowledge which proved so great a blessing to this happy youth^ ]
k 2 Tim. i. 6.
' If this be delivered as a Sermon for Missions, or for Charity Schools, or Sunday Schools, or Infant Schools, an appropriate line of Exliortation must be here added, to shew what has been done, or may be done, and how richly success in one single instance will repay for all the efforts that can be used.