Deuteronomy 27:1-10 -

Very plainly.

These words, "very plainly," suggest three lines of thought.

I. THEY SHOW SOMETHING THAT WAS ORDERED TO BE , viz. that the Law of God was to be written very plainly, as the permanent, standard expression of right, to which the people might appeal. It was not to be left to a floating tradition. To no such risks would God expose his teaching. There was no priesthood in Israel which had any monopoly of knowledge. The words were to be so clearly and accurately recorded that, upon all that pertained to life and godliness, the people might see for themselves what the Lord had spoken, and not be dependent on any sacerdotal interpretation whatever. How clearly does this fact indicate the mind and will of Jehovah concerning our race! God would not have us walk uncertainly. He would have the way of life so plain, that the "wayfaring men, though fools," need not err therein.

II. THEY SHOW SOMETHING WHICH HAS BEEN . The injunction has been carried out, not only in the matter here specially referred to, but in God's later disclosures also.

1. In the books which Moses left behind him there was a revelation of the Divine mind and win so clear and distinct, that no one reading even the Pentateuch with a loyal faith need ever have been at a loss to know that the ground of his trust was the forgiving love of God, and that the duty of life was summed up in love to God and love to man.

2. Later teachings are given with equal, yea, with increasing clearness.

In all, the main teachings are given " very plainly." Note: The plainness of Scripture is not of that kind which men outgrow as they get older. Those very passages which charm childhood with their simplicity, do come to have a fuller and deeper meaning for the "old disciple."

III. THEY SUGGEST SOMETHING WHICH SHOULD BE .

1. Let us ever regard the Bible as a Book for the people, and let us insist on its being made the ultimate standard of appeal.

2. Let us use it as God meant us to use it, not as a book, but as the Book; not as man's, but as God's.

3. With such a Book before us, let us walk