Psalm 19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, yes, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. I. THE IMPORTANT DISCOVERIES WHICH THE SCRIPTURES CONTAIN. They make known to us the glory of the invisible God, as a pure and perfect Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth. An explicit revelation of His will to man, and of the manner in which He requires to be worshipped and served. Here is discovered to us our once innocent and exalted, but now guilty and fallen, state. Here is made known to us the way of salvation, by which we may be restored to the favour, the image, and the enjoyment of God. II. THE EFFECTS WHICH THEY PRODUCE UPON THE CONDITION OF MANKIND. Even in respect of outward civilisation much advantage has arisen to the world from the introduction of the Scriptures. Even where they are not attended with saving efficacy they are often seen to produce a considerable influence upon the external manners, and sometimes too upon the inward dispositions of men. But the transcendent excellence of the Scriptures is peculiarly manifested in their efficacy, when accompanied with the influence of Divine grace. The Scriptures are the means of spiritual illumination, of conversion and regeneration, of sanctification and a meetness for eternal life. III. THE ADMIRABLE ADAPTION OF THE SCRIPTURES TO THE VARIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES OF MEN. Here is something suited to every rank and every age. The Scriptures set forth a perfect rule of duty, with which no system of heathen morality is once to be compared, and they exhibit incitements and encouragements, as well as examples of holiness, which are nowhere else to be found. Their excellency is especially seen in their tendency and efficacy to afford consolation in time of trouble and in the prospect of death. Lessons — 1. Admire the distinguishing goodness of God toward us. 2. Diligently use God's gift. 3. Recognise the obligation to circulate the Scriptures among our fellow men. (D. Dickson.) Parallel Verses KJV: More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. |
    |