ON HOSEA XIV. VERSE 9. 293 will not have this man to reign over us," so long either they study not his word at all, or it is in order to some carnal and corrupt ends, and not either to obe- dience or salvation. Hereby we may try our spiritual estate, whether we be just men or no ; if we make God's word our way, our rule, our delight, laying it up in our hearts, and labouring to be rich in it, that we may walk with more exactness. It was an ill sign of love to Christ, the master of the feast, when men chose rather to tend their cattle and grounds, than to wait on him, Luke xiv. 18. An ill sign of valuing his doctrine, when the loss of their swine made the Gadarenes weary of his company, Luke viii. 37. There was much work to do in the house, when Mary neglected it all, and sat at his feet to hear his doctrine, and yet was commended by him for it ? He was better pleased to see her hunger after the feast that he brought, than solicitous to provide a feast for him ; more de- lighted in her love to his doctrine, than her sister's care for his entertainment, Luke x. 41, 42. This is one of the surest characters of a godly man, that he makes the word in all things his rule and counsellor, labouring continually to get more acquaintance with God, and his holy will thereby, Prov. x. 14. Col. iii. 16. John xv. 7. It is his way ; and every man endeavours to be skilful in the way which he is to travel. It is his tool and instrument ; every work- man must have that in a readiness, to measure and carry on all the parts of his work. It is his wisdom ; every one would be esteemed a wise man in that which is his proper function and profession. It is the mystery and trade unto which he is bound ; and every man would have the reputation of skill in his own trade. It is his charter, the grant of all the 2n3
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=