Tract-Sermons

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1876. Excerpt: ... The Ways Of Wisdom. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace (Proverbs iii. 17). 'THESE ways of pleasantness and paths--of peace are evidently those of wisdom; for it is said in a previous verse-- Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. What wisdom is, what its ways and paths are, and the pleasantness and peace resulting to those who walk therein, shall be the subject of this discourse. It is important first to know whence wisdom has its source. From what James the apostle saith, we see that it has its source in God: If any of you lack wisdom, saith he, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not (i. 5), And because Jesus Christ is God manifest in the flesh, the apostle saith that in Him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. ii. 3) TRACT-SBRHONS--No. 19.J 145 Wisdom is distinct from knowledge, as may be seen from the passage just quoted, and also from what is said in Isaiah respecting the Messiah-- Wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of Thy times (xxxiii. 6). If wisdom were the same as knowledge, we should always find those who know much to be the wisest of men; whereas, we often find that this is not the case. Wisdom is formed in the mind by the truths of holy Scripture loved and practised. We say loved and practised, because these truths, which alone teach the way to heaven, must not remain as abstract principles in man's mind, but must influence his affections, and descend into his words and actions. Having seen from the Word what he ought to believe and understand, he must be careful not to hold the truth in unrighteousness, but suffer it to have its benign effect in the understanding, will, and life. He must cease to f...