In the subject-matter then we have three divisions, direct communications, inspired writings, and the miscellaneous sayings and doings of uninspired men. But in addition to this there is the question of authorship, which is clearly totally distinct from the matter, and it is the inspiration of the author which makes the book the word of God. Whatever the matter be if the author is inspired the book becomes inspired scripture. The sayings of uninspired men may be put on record by an inspired author, and our Heavenly Father may have shown just as much mercy in directing His prophets to record the sins of bad men for our warning, as the actions of His chosen servants for our guidance and encouragement. Now, so far as the authorship is concerned, we find no distinction whatever. All alike is called ‘Scripture;’ all ‘the word of God;’ all is included in the statement, ‘Whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scripture might have hope;’ and all is stamped by divine authority in the words, ‘All scripture is given by inspiration of God.’ * * * * * III. Is it verbal? I am now approaching a difficult subject, and I should be sorry to speak rashly. But at the same time, I must not speak with hesitation, for the more I have studied the subject the more firmly am I brought to the deliberate and fixed conviction that the whole book, including words as well as thoughts, is to be received by the believer as the word of God. Let me briefly state my reasons. 1. I can draw no other conclusion from the title given to it, viz. ‘The word of God.’ When I find it especially mentioned as God’s _word_; when I meet with such a passage as ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God,’ I find it hard to believe that the _words_ are not included in the act of inspiration, and that the divine inspiration extends no farther than to the thoughts. If the expression were ‘the truth of God,’ or ‘the will of God,’ I could understand a reference to His mind without the necessity of applying inspiration to the language; but I cannot exclude the idea of inspired words from that book whose title is ‘the _word_ of God.’