to the Jews by the mouth of his Prophets.

The same also may be said of the Word now, and at all times preached by the true Ministers of Christ. They indeed lay no claim to inspiration, or to any extraordinary influence of the Spirit; but still, so long as their preaching agrees with the written Word of God; so long as the doctrine and precepts which they teach, are either contained in Scripture, or are founded on it, or can fairly be drawn from it, the word which they preach, is “ in truth the Word of God.” They are God's messengers to their fellow-creatures. They speak in his name. They sound forth his truthş. And hence it may be justly said, in a lower sense indeed, but not in an improper use of the passage, that “ the words which they speak are not theirs, but His, who sends them."

But the description here given of the Word may be considered farther, as to its effects, " It effectually worketh in them that believe.” God not only makes use of his word as the channel for revealing to us his will, but appoints it as his instrument, for quickening us when dead, and for “ creating us anew in Christ Jesus unto good works." There is a peculiar power which attends the Word, The Lord pours out his Spirit with his Word;

and thus makes the Word effectual

a

4

in promoting his work of grace in the soul. St. Peter tells us that those “who have purified their souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit, are born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. Hence the Word of God is called in Scripture, “the Rod of his Strength.” Hence, the Lord enquires, by his Prophet Jeremiah, “ Is not my word like as a fire ? and like a hammer, that breaketh the rock in pieces ?". Hence David declares of the Word of God not only that it “enlightens the eyes, and

, maketh wise the simple," but also that it “ converteth the soul.." †

But to obtain clearer notions on this point, we may consider two respects in which the Word effectually works in them that believe.

1. In producing conviction of sin.

Conviction of sin is the beginning of life in the soul. Our Saviour said of the Spirit, that when he should come, he would " convince the world of Sin #;" which means, that by his secret work on the heart, he would cause men to see and feel their sins in a way in which they had not seen and felt them before : and this effect he produces by the Word of God; which is therefore called

a

“ the Sword of the spirit;" that effectual instrument, which is a quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." * By this spiritual weapon a man's false peace is destroyed. Hitherto perhaps he has had a good opinion of his own heart. He has thought favourably of his merits and pretensions. Though he has confessed himself to be a sinner, yet he has never felt that he is one. He is offended at being told, that he is an enemy to God, and full of all evil. But through mercy he is brought under the faithful preaching of the Word. A divine influence attends the appointed instrument. It comes home with power to his heart. It begins with shaking his self-confidence : by degrees it opens to him his own sinful nature, it brings to his remembrance many sins, which he had long forgotten ; shows him how very far he is from being the righteous character, which he has supposed himself to be: teaches him to measure, not only his actions, but even his words and thoughts, by the pure standard of God's law; sets before him the dreadful punishment threatened against sin ; till at * Ephes. vi. 17. - Heb. iv. 12.

length, “ convinced of all, judged of all,” alarmed at his guilt and danger, he anxiously looks around for help, and cries, “ What shall I do to be saved ?

And have we not at times felt something of the same effect ? When we have heard the Word, have not our consciences been disturbed ? Has not a suspicion been raised in us, that we are more guilty than we would willingly believe ourselves to be ? Have we not been forced, as it were, to apply what has been said to ourselves, and have felt some serious alarm at our danger ? Such convictions, such alarms, have been the working of God's Spirit on our souls. Hitherto perhaps we have resisted and stifled them. God grant, that it may not be always thus ! God grant that his Word may so effectually fasten on our hearts, as to work in us genuine repentance and real faith!

But farther, the Word of God effectually worketh in them that believe,

2. In binding up the broken heart. - The same instrument which gives the wound, brings also the cure. The Word of God, which convinces the soul of sin, reveals also a way in which that sin may be forgiven. It proclaims a gracious Saviour, whose “ blood cleanseth from all sin.” It sets before the convinced and trembling sinner a remedy

9

exactly suited to his wants.' It makes known to him the power, goodness, and sufficiency of Christ; the glory of his person as God and man, the purpose of his coming into the world, to save sinners; the fulness of

5 that atonement which he has made for sin on the cross; that perfect righteousness, which he has wrought out for every believing soul ; his merciful calls to the weary and the heavy-laden : and his readiness to receive and pardon, and cleanse every penitent sinner who comes to him. These great and seasonable truths are revealed in the Word, while the Spirit effectually applies them to the heart. The sinner, burdened with a sense of guilt, receives with joy the tidings of a Saviour ; listens with eagerness to the account of his power, grace, and goodness ; longs to be found among the number of those, whom he came to save; calls earnestly upon him for mercy; is gradually taught to lay hold of his precious promises; in proportion as he simply trusts to him for

grace and righteousness, finds his hopes revived ; and thus, at length, obtains solid comfort, and is filled with peace and joy in believing.

And are there not some among us, who can testify to this work also of the Spirit on their own souls; who have felt the blessed influence of the Word in binding up the