If we consider these words as containing two injunctions, may we not view the second as prescribing the means for the accomplishment of the first? It is certain that there is a supreme excellency in the knowledge here recommended, and that he who would grow in grace, must grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

This knowledge is supposed to be progressive. It was gradual even in its communication to the world. Judaism was the dawn, Christianity the day. Prophets and righteous men desired to see the things that we see, and did not see them; and to hear the things that we hear, and did not hear them. There are degrees, also, in its personal attainment and experience. Four ways we may grow in this knowledge.

First, in its extent. Who has advanced near the extremities of this field? How little do the wisest know of the treasures hid in it!

"The cross, the manger, and the throne,
Are big with glories yet unknown."

Angels know much more than they once did. But they still desire to look into these things. How much more should we!

Secondly, in its certainty. This is, and must be, the same in itself; but, as to us, the degree of it depends upon the perception of evidence, and the mind may be led along from possibility to probability, and from probability to full conviction. The firmness of belief may be strengthened by the confirmations of experience. The whole life of a Christian is a series of tests, by which he tries and proves the word of God. He is, therefore, perpetually increasing in the full assurance of understanding, and has his heart established with grace.

Thirdly, in its influence. This implies the former, but is distinguishable from it. There cannot be practical knowledge without speculative. But who will not own that there may be speculative knowledge without practical? Who is ignorant of the difference there is between knowing things in theory, and in experience; between the apprehensions of the judgment, and the bias of the will, and the glow of the affections? Who feels, and fears, and loves, according to his belief? Alas, how often do we see and approve better things, and follow worse! How often are the clearest dictates of the understanding, and even convictions of the conscience, counteracted by our appetites and passions! We believe that we are dying creatures, and live as if we were to live here always. We own ourselves under the providence of Him who doth all things well, and we murmur and repine, as if his dealings were unjust or unkind. We doubt not the Saviour's power and love, and yet we cannot trust in him, and are strangers to consolation and peace.

Fourthly, in its appropriation. Job could say, "I know that my Redeemer liveth." David said, "God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever." The first Christians said, "We know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true; and we are in him that is true." Who does not want more of this delightful confidence, to raise him above the world, to support him in his trials, to embolden him in his profession, and to enable him to triumph over the fears of death?

O God, preserve me from delusion in a business of everlasting importance! Let me feel a thousand terrors rather than perish with a lie in my right hand. But, if I am thine, save me from the uncertainties I now feel. Give me the full assurance of hope unto the end. Let me know not only that there are exceeding great and precious promises, but that I am an heir of promise; not only that in the Lord Jesus all fulness dwells, but that I am blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in him. "Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation."

Morning Exercises For Everyday In The Year
By Rev. William Jay