mighty working of his power. This rendering of the words is so extremely different from that which our translators have given us, and at the same time is maintained by so many persons of eminence, that I have chosen rather to wave the consideration of them altogether, than to determine which of the two is the more correct : though I cannot but say, that I prefer the sense that is given us in our authorized trans- lation. The words before us convey a most important truth, which I shall endeavour to illustrate. The Lord Jesus has indeed given us all things that per- tain unto life and godliness,
I. In a way of general provision —
In his blessed word, he has given to us, and to the whole world,
1. Instructions —
[There is nothing needful for us to know, but it may be found in the Scriptures of truth. There we are informed how
a sinner may be reconciled to his offended God There
we see how we may obtain a new nature, and be renewed after
the image of our God in righteousness and true holiness
There we are told how we may walk so as to please and
honour God Nothing is omitted there, which can
conduce, either to our obtaining of life, or to our possessing of vital godliness. And whatever has been added by man, has a tendency rather to counteract than forward our eternal interests ]
2. Promises —
[These are " exceeding great and precious," and compre- hend every thing which our necessities require. Place us in any situation that can possibly be imagined, and there will be found a promise directly applicable to our state. Nor is any thing required of us, in order to obtain an interest in these promises : if only we have a desire after the things promised, and a willingness to receive them as the free gift of God for Christ's sake, they become ours, and shall be fulfilled to us : and by them we shall be made partakers of that very godliness which might be supposed to be a necessary pre-requisite for an interest in them. We are not first to cleanse ourselves from sin, and then lay hold on the promises ; but first to take the promises, and then, by their influence, to " cleanse ourselves from all filthiness, both of flesh and spirit, and to perfect holi- ness in the fear of God."]