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 assuredly 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 we live) ; but we are not at liberty to limit God to any particular mode of communicating 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 con- verts it to himself. By other means 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 is from thence 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 " without 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 new-born babes must growg." 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 by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious Church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing ; but that it should be holy, and without blemish11." Hence our
' Heb. xi. 6. e 1 Pet. ii. 2. h Eph. v. 26, 27.