EVERY resolution expressed by a good man in a proper frame of mind, will be founded, not in self-confidence, but in dependence on divine grace. Then it will be useful ; it will tend to stimulate and to humble, to bring to remembrance and to bind ; it will be like a hedge that defends the field, or like the hemming that keeps the robe from ravelling out. "I will walk in thy truth," is a noble resolution, and worthy our imitation.
Walking, in the Scripture, takes in the whole of our conversation or conduct, and to walk in any thing, intends a fulness of it. For a man to walk in pride, is something more than to be proud ; it says, that pride is his way, his element, that he is wholly under the influence of it.
Four ways we should thus walk in God's
truth:
We should walk in the belief of his truth. It deserves
our credence. It is a faithful saying, as well as worthy of all acceptation. If
we receive the witness of man, the witness of God is greater. Men are very
tenacious of the honor of their word. If their veracity be denied, they
instantly demand satisfaction for the insult. How often is God made a liar!
How slow of heart are we to believe all that the prophets have spoken! "
Lord, increase our faith."
We should walk in the practice of his truth. This is as necessary as the former, and the evidence of it, for we are to show our faith by our works. Faith without works, is as the body without the soul ; there is nothing vital or operative in it. The gospel is a doctrine according to godliness ; every part of it has a practical tendency, and we are required to obey it from the heart. It is well to hear, but hearing is to be viewed in the order of means, and not as an end. "Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it." "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."
We should walk in the enjoyment of his truth. For it is not only of a sanctifying, but a consolatory nature ; it brings us glad tidings of great joy ; it is all written for our learning, that we, through patience and comfort of the Scripture, might have hope. If, therefore; our conversation becometh the gospel, it will be happy as well as holy. Thus it was with the first Christians; they walked not only in the fear of the Lord, but in the comforts of the Holy Ghost. They were not free from trouble, but as the sufferings of Christ abounded in them, the consolation also abounded by Christ. They were not free from complaint and self abhorrence, but in his name they rejoiced all the day, and in his righteousness were exalted. Of themselves they felt they could do nothing, but they were strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and through him they could do all things. They knew not what a day would bring forth, but they were careful for nothing, casting all their care on him who cared for them. The gospel did not shut them up in a dungeon of doubts and fears ; they knew the truth, and the truth made them free indeed, and they walked in the glorious liberty of the sons of God.
We should walk in the profession of his truth. If we know the joyful sound so as to be blessed by it, we shall feel this yoke easy, and this burden light. We shall not act to be seen of men, but we shall have no objection that men should see us. Praise will not draw us out of a corner, and fear will not drive us into one. We shall be willing for all to know that we are not our own, but his who bought us with a price; and that we are not only bound, but determined to glorify him in our bodies and spirits. For his love will constrain us not only to confess him with the mouth, but with the life, for actions speak louder than words : despising in our eyes a vile person, but honoring them that fear the Lord ; attending only where his truth is preached, and his glory is maintained, and going forth to him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
If we are thus governed, we shall be a credit and a comfort to our ministers, who have no greater joy than to hear of their children walking in the truth. We shall hold forth the word of life, and cause them to rejoice in the day of Christ, that they have not run in vain, nor labored in---vain. We shall adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. We shall be fellow---helpers to the truth, and the Judge will graciously say, "They shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy."
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