observances, that we may not, being _led astray with the error of the wicked fall from our own steadfastness._ 6. Another way, and the last that will be now illustrated, in which unlearned and unstable men pervert or wrest the scriptures, is in holding that they cannot be rightly understood, without the same immediate inspiration of the holy Ghost which indited them. _For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of Man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Ghost._ The question is not, whether a renewed heart be of great importance in gaining a true knowledge of the holy scriptures, and give a more lively, solemn and affecting impression of the truths, duties, and doctrines of the Bible: for this is readily acknowledged. But whether it can be understood, in its great principles and doctrines, duties and ordinances, by man, without the _immediate inspiration_ of the spirit of God. If it cannot, it can do him no good, while _uninspired._ And when _inspired_ he will need no written word. If God have given to us a revelation of his will, he intended it should do us good, and be our _sole guide_ in matters of faith and practice. But it can do us no good, if we cannot understand it. If unregenerated persons cannot understand the truths, duties doctrines and ordinances which it contains, it cannot be the mean of convincing them--reproving them--instructing them and warning them. And if we say, they cannot understand it, because it hath a _hidden_ and _mystical_ meaning: We really make it of no worth. We highly impeach it. The _spiritual_ meaning of scripture is its _true_ meaning. The most _pious_ mind can only understand it, in its true sense. Surely we cannot be so rash as to say, that it is an _unintelligible_ book--like an _enigma._ And to say, that it has, beyond the real true meaning--a hidden and mystical one, is not only to say a very unreasonable thing, but is to make scripture dependent on man's fancy for its meaning. To do this, is to set the scripture aside altogether, and in effect to deny it. If none but Saints, or true believers in Christ can understand it, this consequence will follow, it must be, to all the rest of the world, USELESS.--And to pretend to any light or guide superior in us, to the word of God, is to renounce it, in truth or in realty.--The fact is, that the scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the rule, by which to try all suggestions and impulses:--the only standard. All our hopes, all our joys, all our doctrines, all our discipline, all our practices are to be tried by them. By them to stand or fall.--This is not intended to disparage the work and office of the holy Ghost in his awakening--sanctifying and indwelling influence on the soul. The holy spirit must sanctify and regenerate us. We wholly depend on the SOVEREIGN grace of God to save us. In ourselves we are helpless and hopeless. His word is to teach us. His spirit to sanctify us. And his son to redeem us.