254. PRO 23:23. THE IMPORTANT PURCHASE

Pro_23:23. The Important Purchase

"Buy the truth."’97Pro_23:23

Truth is one of the essential perfections of Deity. It is the girdle which binds all the graces and virtues of godliness together. It is the crown of human excellency. The Scriptures are the records of truth; Jesus is the Prince of truth; and the gladsome sound of the Gospel is preeminently the truth as it is in Jesus A state of sin is a state of error; a state of grace, is a state of truth. In the text we are directed to "buy the truth."

Let us consider,

I. The Commodity recommended

"The truth."

1. There is doctrinal truth.

The truth concerning our own state helplessness, misery, &c. The truth concerning God’s love to us; concerning Christ’s person, sufferings, work, offices, &c. Truth concerning the way of access to God; the way of salvation by faith.

2. There is experimental truth.

The truth in its influence on the mind. The truth liberating and sanctifying the heart, &c. The truth dwelling within us, producing all the joys and fruits of righteousness to the glory of God.

Then,

3. There is practical truth.

Truth exhibited in the life and character. Truth embodied in sincerity of heart, in opposition to guile and hypocrisy; singleness of eye; purity of motive; uprightness of life; truth in conversation; speaking the truth in love.

Notice,

II. The Counsel given.

"Buy the truth."

Now to obtain the truth we must,

1. Come to the mart of truth.

It is not to be had in the world; but by receiving the Gospel, the great depository of truth. By obeying the Prince of truth; and uniting ourselves to the church, which is the pillar and ground of truth.

2. We must sacrifice the hinderances to truth.

Among them are self-estimation, worldly pleasures, wicked associates, unbelief, heart of sin, &c.

3. We must employ the means truth recommends.

There are two, the offering up of prayer, "If any man lack wisdom," &c. And a cordial belief of the truth, in which we surrender our hearts entirely to Christ.

III. Let this Purchase be urged by several Considerations.

We urge the purchase of the truth,

1. From your absolute need of it.

You cannot be really wise, nor happy, nor useful, nor saved without it. You must possess the truth, or perish forever.

2. From the free and easy mode of its acquisition.

It may be had without learning, great talents, or enlarged capacities. Riches, profound research, or laborious study are not necessary. "Ho, every one that thirsteth," &c. "Ask, and receive," &c.

3. From its essential worth.

Gold and gems are but dross to it. It is he health of the soul’97the dignity of man’97the prerequisite to life eternal.

Application

Urge it upon all classes.

Upon the young. See Pro_4:5, Heads of families; and the aged. Upon the rich and poor. Upon the moral and profane, &c. The advantages of this purchase will be real’97spiritual’97abiding’97and eternal.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS