Section 1130
IV. The last thing proposed, is to consider the advantages which arise to persons who walk in the way directed to
And which may be looked upon as so many encouragements there unto
1. A man that walks in this way may be sure he is right; he has a sure way to walk in, a sure guide that goes before him, and directs him, and a sure word of prophecy, to which he does well to take heed. And if at any time doubts concerning the way arise, he has nothing more to do, than to look up to the way-marks; to consult the scriptures, which are ready at hand, and to hearken to the voice behind him, when he is about to turn to the right hand or the left. As it is, on the one hand, very uncomfortable to travelers, when they know not whether they are in the right road or no; so on the other hand, it makes them go on more cheerfully, and their journey more easy and pleasant, when they are satisfied they are in the right way.
2. Such are well provided for that walk in the way the word direct unto; their bread is given them, and their waters are sure unto them. Though they pass through the valley of Baca, the valley of weeping, yet they find a well that supplies them with everything necessary. Christ is a sun to warm, refresh, and comfort them, and a shield to protect them from all their enemies; he gives them grace, every needful supply of it by the way, and will, at last, give them glory; and in the meanwhile, withholds no good thing from them that walk uprightly in this way. (Psalm 84:6, 11)
3. Such may expect to be strengthened yet more and more; to go from strength to strength, from one degree of it to another; since God has promised that the righteous shall hold on his way; and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger; and, that they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint; (Job 17:9, Isaiah 40:31) yea, the way of the Lord itself is strength unto the upright. (Proverbs 10:29) What greater encouragement can there be to walk on in this way; and against those doubts and fears which are apt to possess the minds of poor weary travelers?
4. Wisdom’s ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. (Proverbs 2:17) Christ himself, as the way, is pleasant to walk in, and so are all the lesser paths of doctrine and duty; none of his commandments are grievous, his yoke is easy, and his burden light; his tabernacles are amiable; a day in his courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. When he sheds abroad his love, how cheerfully do believers run the way of his commandments? When he puts his Spirit within them, to enable them to walk in his statutes, with what pleasure do they observe them? And when he lifts up the light of his countenance, and affords his gracious presence, and fills them with joy unspeakable and full of glory; this produces an inward, settled, and perfect peace.
5. The presence of God and Christ may be looked for by such, since it is said, Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness; those that remember thee in thy ways. (Isaiah 64:5) Where is God to be met with? Or, can it be expected that God should meet with us but in Christ the way? And where is the presence of Christ to be enjoyed, as in his house, his ordinances; and in those ways his word directs unto?
6. The Lord has promised to give walking places to such persons: Thus saith the Lord of hosts, If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by; (Zechariah 3:7) meaning either among the angels or saints, and that both in this world, and in that which is to come; for they have fellowship with both, in either state: and the same shall also walk with Christ in white, (Revelation 3:4) in the robe of his righteousness, and in the raiment of immortality; for they are worthy, not through their own, but the worthiness of Christ. In a word, as many as walk in this way, and according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. (18:25)
I have now finished what I proposed, in considering this passage of scripture; which our deceased friend, in her life-time, desired might be the subject of her funeral discourse, and whose character might now be expected from me. She was, I understand, averse to encomiums on such occasions; and, for my own part, I never had any great inclination to such service, and may be very well now excused, since the deceased was an entire stranger to me; and had I been never so well acquainted with her, it would be needless to give her character among you; who so well knew her manner of life and conversation, how she behaved as a wife, a parent, friend, and neighbor; and those of you who had the happiness of a christian conversation with her, knew what an experience she had of the grace of God; what were her faith in Christ, love to him, and zeal for his cause and interest, his honor and glory.
Imperfections and infirmities belong to human nature; there is not a just man or woman that lives, and does good, and sinneth not. If anything of this kind has fallen under your observation, it ought to be buried in total silence, and in everlasting oblivion: and the uses you are to make of it, for yourselves, are humility, care, and caution. But, on the other hand, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things, and do them; and the God of peace shall be with you. (Philippians 4:8, 9)