variableness, neither shadow of turning6." The Spirit of God, whose office it is to impart it unto men, is called " the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lordf :" and to him are we directed " to open the eyes of our understanding5," and to " guide us into all truthh:" since it is only by the unction derived from him, that we can possibly attain a spi- ritual discernment1.]
To him must we look for it in earnest prayer —
[Study, doubtless, even a study of the Holy Scriptures, is necessary ; because it is only by the written word that we are to regulate our course. But to study we must add humble and fervent supplication ; according to that direction of Solo- mon, " If thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding ; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures ; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God : for the Lord giveth wisdom ; out of his mouth cometh knowledge and under- standingV Accordingly we find the Apostle Paul crying to God in behalf of the Ephesian Church, that " God the Father would give unto them the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ1 ;" and, for the Colossians he prayed, that they also might by the same Spirit " be filled with the knowledge of God's will, in all wisdom and spiritual under- standing"1."
And to seek it in this way we are all encouraged, both from a general view of God's goodness, and from a particular and express promise.
" God giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not :" " he opens his hand, and filleth all things living with plenteous- ness;" he " gives alike to the evil and the good, to the just and to the unjust." If then he give so abundantly to those who seek him not, " will he refuse his Holy Spirit unto them that ask him?" True, they are unworthy of so rich a blessing: and, as Jephthah upbraided those who requested his assistance against the Ammonites, saying to them, " Did not ye hate me, and expel me out of my father's house ? and why are ye come unto me, now ye are in distress ?" so might God reply to them; " Ye have resisted my Spirit, and rebelled against the light, times without number ; and how can you expect that I should aid you any more?" But he will not so treat the weeping suppliant; but will surely impart unto him the blessing he
e ver. 17. with Matt. xvi. 17. f Isai. xi. 2.
s Eph. i. 18. h John xvi. 13.
1 1 John ii. 20, 27. and v. 20. with 1 Cor. ii. 14.
k Prov. ii. 2—6. > Epb. i. 16, 17. ra Col. i. 9.