Chapter VII.

Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and they are they which testify of me.-John v. 39.

I AM commanded to search the Scriptures. Now, that is, not to be able to repeat any history of the Bible without book; it is not to ruffle a Bible, and upon any word to turn to the chapter and to the verse; but, this is the true searching of the Scriptures,-to find all the histories to be examples to me, all the prophecies to induce a Saviour for me, all the gospel to apply Christ Jesus to me. This is to search the Scriptures, not as though thou wouldst make a concordance, but an application; as thou wouldst search a wardrobe, not to make

an inventory of it, but to find in it something fit for thy wearing.

DONNE.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.-Col. iii. 16.

As new-born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.-1 Pet, ii. 2.

LET him that desires to be not only a nominal proficient in theology, but a real lover of God, and also to be taught of him, resolve within himself, above all things, to make the sacred volume his constant study, mixing his reading with frequent and fervent prayer; for if these are omitted, his labour will be altogether in vain, supposing him to be ever so well versed, not only in these books, but also to have all the advantage that can be had from the knowledge of languages and the assistance of commentators and interpreters. Different men have different views in reading this book; as in the same field the ox looks for grass, the

hound for a hare, and the stork for a lizard. Some, fond of critical remarks, pick up nothing but little stones and shells others run in pursuit of sublime mysteries, giving themselves but very little trouble about the precepts and instructions that are clear and evident; and these plunge themselves into a pit that has no bottom. But the genuine disciples of this true wisdom are those who make it their daily employment to purify their hearts by the water of these fountains, and reduce their whole lives to a conformity with this heavenly doctrine. They desire not to know these things only that they may have the reputation of knowledge, or to be distinguished in the world; but that their souls may be healed, and their steps directed, so that they may be led, through the paths of righteousness, to the glorious felicity which is set before them.

LEIGHTON.

Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.-Luke ii. 28.

The gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.-1 Cor. xv. 1, 2.

ALL the hearing in the world profiteth not, if we be not careful to remember it. Wherefore, as a man having received a precious jewel casteth it not at his heels, but layeth it up charily under lock and key; so should we lay up the word which we have received. The word is a well of life, but (as Jacob's well) it is very deep. Preaching is the drawing of this water, our hearing the fetching of it; but, as we go not to the river for water to spill it by the way, so, if we spill and lose the word we have received, what profit shall we have? And because we are nimble to apprehend, and strong to retain evil things, but slow and weak to good things, we must earnestly pray and entreat the Lord to sanctify and to strengthen our

memories, that that which we have once heard, we may often remember, to the benefit of our souls.

ELNATHAN PARR.

If any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass; for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. -James i. 23-25.

A RIGHT knowledge of God's law is requisite, and then a diligent use of it; laying it to our ways as a straight rule, to shew our unevenness, which without it we discern not. Set that glass before you, but withal beg light from heaven to see by; otherwise, our application to this work of searching our hearts, and comparing them with the law, is but poring in the dark, where nothing is to