Deuteronomy 4:5-6 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me… I. THAT THE POSSESSION OF THE REVEALED TRUTH OF GOD IS THE MOST DISTINGUISHED PRIVILEGE OF A NATION. 1. It is the duty of every man thus possessing the revelation which God has given to acquaint himself with it. 2. As God has thus made it the duty of every individual to inquire and to learn, so has He secured to them the means of instruction, by raising up an order of men whose business it is to teach; to make known the statutes and judgments which He has given. 3. We see this, likewise, in the solemn duty, binding on every parent, to teach these statutes and judgments to his children. II. THAT FROM THE GENERAL DIFFUSION OF THIS TRUTH THOSE PRACTICAL RESULTS CAN ALONE BE EXPECTED WHICH SHALL MAKE THESE SOLEMN WORDS APPLICABLE: "Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people." 1. You will all allow, that in proportion as a nation is made righteous, in that proportion it becomes wise and great. 2. We may calculate with certainty on another effect. Whenever the truth of God is extensively diffused through a nation its morality will be improved. 3. A nation will be thus made wise and understanding, because it will be preserved from dangerous errors, and especially from wasting infidelity. 4. Another great effect of the general diffusion of the truth of God is the establishment of civil order and peace. 5. The greatest happiness will result from this general diffusion of the revealed truth of God. (R. Watson.) Parallel Verses KJV: Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it. |
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