05.07. Earnest exhortations and powerful motives to read and search the Book of God.
Earnest exhortations and powerful motives to read and search the Book of God.
1. Let such as cannot read, learn to read. Ye that have children, as ye tender their immortal souls, cause them to learn to read the Bible. Remember therefore the vows taken upon you at their baptism, and the duty laid upon you by the Lord himself, Ephesians 6:4. ’Fathers, bring up your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord,’ 2 Timothy 3:15. Timothy from a child knew the holy scriptures. Ye who got no learning when ye were young, labour to get it now. Alas! some parents or others that have had some when young with them, have been cruel to their souls, as the ostrich to her young. They have learned them to work, but have been at no pains to learn them to read: so have sent them out into the world a prey to the devourer’s teeth, without the ordinary means of the knowledge of God. Thus they are destroyed with bloody ignorance. But will ye pity your own souls, though others did not that brought you up? And do not enter yourselves heirs to their sins, by being as negligent of yourselves as they were. Though perhaps thee left you nothing to live upon, yet for a livelihood ye have done for yourselves. And will you do nothing for your souls. Think not it will excuse thee at the hand of God, that thou art a servant; for thy soul is in as great danger as thy master’s, and ignorance of religion will destroy it, Isaiah 28:11. There are few but know how to improve the scarcity of servants to the raising of the fee; but will you improve it by getting it in your condition to learn to read, and seek out such families where you may have that advantage, for some such there are, like Abraham’s, Genesis 18:10. Nay, rather than not do it, give over service for a time, and learn. Neither will it excuse you that now you have a family; for you have an immortal soul still, which gross ignorance of the mind of God in the scriptures will ruin eternally, 2 Thessalonians 1:8. ’In flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. And the more need you have to read the scriptures, that you have a family, that you may know the Lord’s mind yourself and teach it to your family. Such an excuse will no more screen you from everlasting destruction, than covering yourself with leaves will save you from the flames of a devouring fire. Say not you are too old now to learn. It is never out of time to learn to do well for your eternal salvation. If your eyes can serve you to learn, you ought to do it, whatever your age be. But if your sight be so far gone, that you cannot, though you were ever so willing, then tremble at the thoughts of the awful judgment of God that has taken away sight from you, that when you had it, would not use it for his glory, and the good of your own soul; and humble thyself, and apply to the blood of Christ, for this thy neglect, lest it prove ruining to thee for ever. And cause others to read to you, and beg the teaching of the Spirit, if so be such an old careless slighter of salvation may find mercy.
2. Let such as can read procure bibles. I dare say one that has a love to the bible (and that all who love the Lord have) will make many shifts ere they want one. But they must be lawful shifts: for stealing of bibles, or keeping them up from the owners, is like a thief stealing a rope to hang himself in. But spare it off your bellies or your backs, and procure one rather than want.
3. Let such as have bibles read them frequently, and acquaint themselves with the book of the Lord. Read them to your families morning and evening; and read them in secret by yourselves; it should be a piece of your duties in secret. Make the bible your companion abroad and at home, in the house and in the field. It is lamentable to think how unacquainted with the bible many are, and how little heart they have to it. Ballads and song-books get the place of the bible with many; and many have no use for it but once in the week, on the sabbath day, as if it were more for a show with them than the necessity of their souls.
4. Not only read it, but search into it, and study it, to know the mind of God therein, and that ye may do it. Be not superficial in your reading of the scriptures, but do it with application, painfulness, and diligence; using all means to read it with understanding; breaking through the surface that ye may come at the hid treasure therein. Reading as well as praying by rote is to little purpose; for a parcel of bare words Will neither please God, nor edify your souls. I shall now give some motives to enforce this important duty of reading the scriptures.
Mot. 1. God requires it of us; he commands us to do it, John 5:39. ’Search the scriptures.’ The Jews had once the scriptures committed to them; but did God design they should only have them in the temple? nay, in their houses also: Only laid up in the ark? nay he designed another chest for them, even their hearts, Deuteronomy 6:6-7, formerly cited. Let the authority of God sway you, then, and as you have any regard to it, study the scriptures.
Mot. 2. Nay, the very being of the bible among us is enough to move us to study it, seeing it is that by which we must stand or fall for ever. The proclaiming of the law publicly is sufficient to oblige the subjects; and they cannot plead ignorance, though they get not every one a copy of it. For every one ought to know the rule of his duty. And sinners will be condemned by it, if they conform not to it, whether they knew it or not, John 3:19. ’And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.’
Mot. 3. It is an exercise very pleasing to God, so that it be done in a right manner, namely, in faith. For thereby God speaks to us, and we hear and receive his words at his mouth; and obedient ears are his delight..
1. The Spirit of God commends it. It was the commendation of the Bereans, Acts 17:11. "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so;’ of Apollos, Acts 18:24; of Timothy, 2 Timothy 3:15. ’And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus’. And why does the Spirit of God commend others for this, but to recommend the scriptures to us?
2. There is a particular blessing annexed to this exercise, Revelation 1:3. ’Blessed is he that readeth.’ And the children of God in all ages have sucked the sap of it, while they have had sweet fellowship with God in his word, and the influences of the Spirit, to the quickening, enlightening, fructifying, and comforting their souls.
Mot. 4. Consider what a great privilege it is, that we have the scriptures to read and study at this day. If Christ had not died for our salvation, the world had never been blessed with this glorious light, but had been in darkness here, as a pledge of eternal darkness. Let us compare our case with that of others, and see our privilege.
1. Look back to the case of the church in its first age before the flood, or the time of Moses, while they had not the written word. The will of God was revealed to some of them by visions, voices, dreams, &c.; but we may say, as 2 Peter 1:19.’We have a more sure word of prophecy.’ But that was not the lot of all, but of a few among them; the rest behoved to learn by tradition. Now every one has alike access to the word of divine revelation.
2. Look to the case of the church under the Old Testament. In David’s time there was little more than the five books of Moses written; yet how does that holy soul swell in commendation of his little bible, when little more than the ground-work of this glorious structure was laid! Psalms 119:1-176. Take that church at her best in this respect, when the canon of the Old Testament was completed, they saw not the light of the New. Now the whole canon of the Scripture is in our hands, this glorious image of God has got the finishing stroke; no more is to be added thereto for ever. The New Testament casts a light upon the types, shadows, and dark prophecies of the Old. And shall we not be sensible of our mercy ?
3. But look abroad into the Pagan world at this day, in comparison of which all that know any part of the scriptures are but few, and the bible is not heard of among them. That precious treasure is not opened to them to this day, and they can know no more of God but what they can learn from the dark glimmerings of nature’s light. O may we not in some sort say, as Psalms 147:19-20. ’He showeth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel. He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the Lord."
4. Look back but a few years hence, when no bibles were but such as were manuscript, namely, before the art of printing was found out, which was but a little before the reformation from popery. How rare behoved they then to be ! and how dear, ye may easily perceive. But now how common and easy are they to be had?
5. Look to the case of those that lived, or yet live, under Popish tyranny, where it is a crime to have or read the bible without a special licenses. What a struggle had our reformers in this church, ere they could get allowance by the laws of the land to read the bible in English ? And how is the bible kept out of the people’s hands to this day in Popish countries ? Whereas now ye are pressed to read and study it. A New Testament was very precious in those days of Popish persecution, when one gave a cart-load of hay for a leaf of the bible. But, alas ! as one says of the French Protestants, When they burned us for reading of the scriptures, we burned in zeal to be reading them; now with our liberty is bred also negligence and disesteem of God’s word.
6. Consider the many helps there are to understand the scriptures beyond what there were formerly. Many have run to and fro, and knowledge that way has been increased, both by preaching and writing. And that useful exercise of lecturing, which our church has commanded to be of a large portion of scripture, is no small help. What will we be able to answer to the Lord, if this great privilege be slighted ?
Mot. 5. Consider it has been the way of the people of God, to be much addicted to and conversant in the scripture. So true is it that wisdom is justified of her children. O take heed ye go forth by the footsteps of the flock, and ye will not fill them in the way of slighting, but prizing of the word of God. Consider,
1. Ye shall find the saints highly prizing the word, Psalms 19:1-14 and Psalms 119:1-176 what large commendations of the word are there ! How sweet was it to Jeremiah! Jeremiah 15:16. ’Thy words were found and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart.’ Peter, who heard the voice on the mount, yet prefers the scriptures to voices from heaven, 2 Peter 1:19. Paul speaks highly of it, 2 Timothy 3:16. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.’ The martyrs highly prized it, and ventured their lives for it. One cast away at sea, and swimming for his life on a mast, having five pounds, which was all his stock, in the one hand, and a bible in the other, and being obliged to let go one of them, kept the bible, and let the five pounds go.
2. Ye shall find them much addicted to the study of the word. It was David’s companion and bosom oracle, Psalms 119:97. Daniel at Babylon searches the scriptures of the prophets, Daniel 9:2. So did the noble Bereans, Apollos, and Timothy.
3. Yea, the Spirit of God makes it the character of a godly man, Psalms 1:2. ’His delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.’ O how rational is that! The man that is born of God has a natural desire after the word, as the child after the mother’s breast, 1 Peter 2:2. The new nature tends to communion with God; it is by the word the soul has communion with him, for thereby God speaks to us. And therefore it is a sad sign, that there are few true Christians, while there are so few that diligently ply the word.
Mot. 6. Consider the Excellency of the scriptures. There is a transcendent glory in them, which whoso discern cannot miss to hug and embrace them. To commend the bible to you, I shall say these eight things of it.
1. It is the best of books. They may know much, ye think, that have many good books; but have ye the bible, and ye have the best book in the world. It is the book of the Lord, dictated by unerring, infinite wisdom. There is no dress here with the gold, no chaff with the corn. Every word of God is pure. There is nothing for our salvation to be had in other books, but what is learned from this. They are but the rivulets that run from this fountain, and all shine with light borrowed from hence. And it has a blessing annexed to it, a glory and a majesty in it, an efficacy with it, that no other book has the like. Therefore Luther professed he would burn his books he had writ, rather than they should divert people from reading the scriptures.
2. It is the greatest and most excellent of the works of God to be seen in the world, Psalms 138:2. "I will-worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy loving-kindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. If the world beautified with sun, moon, and stars, be as a precious ring, the bible is the diamond in the ring The sparkling stars, and that glorious globe of light the sun, yet leave but a dark world, where there is no bible. Were it put to the choice of the saints either to quit the sun out of the firmament, or the bible out of the world, they would choose the former, but never the latter; for that they cannot want till they go there where they shall read all in the face of Jesus. For that must needs be most excellent that has most of God in it.
3. It is the oracles of God, Romans 3:2. This was the chief of the Jewish privileges, without which their temple, altar, &c. would have been but dumb signs. The Pagan world did highly reverence and prize the devil’s oracles: but we have God’s oracles, while we have the scriptures that manifest to us the secrets of heaven. And if we discern aright who speaks in them, we must say, The voice of God, and not of man. Here is what you may consult safely in all your doubts and darknesses; here is what will lead you into all truth.
4. It is the laws of heaven, Psalms 19:7. ’The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.’ The lord and King of heaven, is our great Lawgiver, and the laws are written in this book. It concerns us to study it. Hence we must prove our title to heaven, the blessed inheritance, or we will never obtain it. From hence the sentence of our justification must be drawn, else we are still in a state of wrath. Here is the rule we must follow, that we may please God here; and from this book shall the sentence of our absolution or condemnation be drawn at the great day.
5. It is Christ’s testament and latter-will, 1 Corinthians 11:25. Our Lord has died, and he has left us this bible as his testament; and that makes his children have such an affection to it. Herein he has left them his legacy, not only moveables, but the eternal inheritance; and his last will is now confirmed, that shall stand for ever without alteration. So all the believer’s hopes are in this bible, and this is the security he has for all the privileges he can lay claim to. This is his charter for heaven, the disposition by which he lays claim to the kingdom. And therefore, if ye have any interest in the testament, ye must needs not be slighters of it.
6. It is the sceptre of his kingdom, Psalms 110:2. and it is a sceptre of righteousness. It is by this word he rules his church, and guides all his children in their way to the land that is far off. Wherever he hath a kingdom, he wields it; and the nations subjecting themselves to him, receive it. And where he rules in one’s heart, it has place there too, Colossians 3:16. It is a golden sceptre of peace, stretched forth to rebels to win them by offering them peace: to fainting believers to give them peace. and whosoever will not subject themselves to it, shall be broken with his rod of iron.
7. It is the channel of influences, by which the communications of grace are made, and the waters of the sanctuary flow into the soul, Isaiah 59:1-21. The apostle appeals for this to the experience of the Galatians, Galatians 3:2. ’Received ye the Spirit by the law, or by the hearing of faith ? Is the elect soul regenerated? the word is the incorruptible seed, whereof the new creature is formed, 1 Peter 1:23. Is faith begotten in the heart? it is by the word, Romans 10:17. ’Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.’ Is the new creature to be nourished, strengthened, quickened, actuated, &c.? Christ is the fountain, faith the mouth of the soul, the word the pipes of conveyance, whereat faith must suck, as the child It the nipples.
8. It is the price of blood even the blood of Christ, 1 Corinthians 11:25. Had not the personal Word become flesh, and therein died to purchase redemption for us, we had never seen this written word among us. For it is the book of the covenant which is founded on the blood of the Mediator. It is the grant and conveyance of the right to the favour of God, and all saving benefits to believers; for which there could have been no place had not Christ died. And they that slight it, will be found to tread under foot blood of the covenant.
Mot. 7· Consider the usefulness of the word. If we consider the Author, we may be sure of the usefulness of the word. The apostle tells us, that it alone is sufficient to make the man of God perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works, 2 Timothy 3:16-17· ’All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.’ There is no case a soul can be in, but it is suitable to their case, that desire to make use of it. To commend it to you from its usefulness, I will say these eight things.
1. It is a treasure to the poor, and such are we all by nature, Revelation 3:17. ’Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.’ 2 Corinthians 4:7. ’But we have this treasure In earthen vessels, that the Excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.’ Therefore the Lord bids us search the scriptures, in Illusion to those that search in mines for silver and gold. If the poor soul search here, receiving the word by faith, he is made up. He shall find there the discharge of his debt, a new right and title to the mortgaged inheritance. This word of the Lord is a treasure, (1.) For worth. People make not treasures of any but valuable things. There is nothing in the scriptures but what is highly valuable. There are there are eternal counsels of God touching our salvation; life and immortality brought to light; there are the purest precepts, the most awful threatenings, and the most precious promises, 2 Peter 1:4, &c.; (2.) For variety. In the scriptures shines the manifold wisdom of God. They that nauseate this book of the Lord, because they find not new things in it after some time perusing it, discover their senses not to be exercised to discern. For should we come to it ever so often, bringing fresh affections with us, we would find fresh entertainment there; as is evident by the glorious refreshment sometimes found in a word, that has been often gone over before without anything remarkable. And truly the saints shall never exhaust it while here; but as new discoveries are made in it in several ages, so it will be to the end. (3.) For abundance. There is in it not only for the present, but for the time to come, Isaiah 42:23. There is abundance of light, instruction, comfort, &c. and what is needful for the saints travelling heavenward, Psalms 119:162. And indeed it is the spoil to be gathered by us. Our Lord having fought the battle against death and devils, here the spoil lies to be gathered by us that remained at home when the fight was. (4.) For closeness. This word contains the wisdom of God in a mystery. It is a hid book to most of the world, and indeed a sealed book to those that remain in their natural blindness. Nor can we get into the treasure without the illumination of the same Spirit which dictated it, 1 Corinthians 2:10. There is a path here which the vulture’s eye hath not seen, which the carnal eye cannot take up, 1 Corinthians 2:14. Therefore have we need to seek diligently, and pray, as Psalms 119:18. ’Open thou mine eyes, that I may see wondrous things out of thy law.
2. It is life to the dead: ’The words that I speak unto you," says Christ, ’they are spirit, and they are life,’ John 6:63. We are naturally dead in sins; but the word is the means of spiritual life. It is the ordinary means of conversion, Psalms 19:7. ’The law of the Lord--converteth the soul;’ and of regeneration, 1 Peter 1:23. ’Being born again of incorruptible seed by the word of God.’ By it the soul is persuaded into the covenant, and brought to embrace Jesus Christ. For thereby the Spirit is communicated to the elect of God. Thus it is of use to bring sinners home to God, from under the power of darkness to the kingdom of his dear Son.
3. It is light to the blind, Psalms 19:8. ’The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.’ It is a convincing light, to discover one’s state to him, and so to rouse up the soul from its natural security. It pierces the heart as an arrow, and makes the careless sinner stand and consider his way: for it freely tells every one his faults, James 1:25. And while the child of God travels through a dark world, it serves to light him the way, 2 Peter 1:19.--’ A light shining in a dark place;’ and lets him see how to set down every step. Hence David says,’Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path,’ Psalms 119:105.
4. It is awakening to those that are asleep, Song of Solomon 7:9· It is the voice of God which is full of majesty, to awaken the sleepy Christian to the exercise of grace. For as it is the means of begetting grace in the heart, so it is also the means of actuating and quickening thereof, Psalms 119:90. ’Thy word hath quickened me. Here the Christian may hear the alarm sound to rise up and be doing. Here are the precious promises as cords of love to draw, and the awful threatenings to set idlers to work.
5. It is a sword to the Christian soldier, Ephesians 6:17. "The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.’ Whoever has a mind for heaven must fight his way to it; for none get the crown but the conquerors, Revelation 3:21. They must go through many temptations, from the devil, the world, and the flesh; and the word is the sword for resisting of them. It is an offensive and defensive weapon. We see how our Lord Jesus wielded it, Matthew 4:4, Matthew 4:7. ’It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.--It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.’ And whatever be our temptations, if we be well versed in the word, we may from thence bring answers to them all.
6. It is a counsellor to those who are in straits, doubts, and difficulties, Psalms 119:24. ’Thy testimonies are--my counsellors.’ Many a time the children of God, when tossed with doubts and fears, have found a quiet harbour there; and have got their way cleared to them there, when they knew not what to do. And no doubt, if we were more exercised unto godliness, and looking to the Lord in our straits, we would make more use of the bible, as the oracles of Heaven.
7· It is a comforter to those that are cast down, Psalms 119:49-50. ’Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.’ The way to heaven lies through many tribulations, and afflictions are the trodden path to glory. But the Lord has left his people the bible as a cordial to support them under all their pressures from within and without. And indeed the sap of the word, and the sweetness of the promises, are never more lively relished, than when the people of God are exercised under afflictions. Then does that heavenly fountain flow most plentifully, when, created streams being dried up, the soul goes for all to the Lord. To sum up all in one word,
8. It is a cure for all diseases of the soul, Proverbs 4:22. ’My words are--health to all their flesh.’ There is no malady that a soul is under, but there is a suitable remedy for it in the word, 2 Timothy 3:16-17. frequently quoted above, being adapted by infinite wisdom to the case of poor sinners. By It the simple may be made wise, the weak strengthened, the staggening confirmed, the hard heart melted, the shut heart opened, &c. it being the means the Spirit makes use of for these and all other such purposes.
Mot. 8. Consider the honourable epithets given to the scriptures. Amongst which I name only three.
1. The scriptures of truth, Daniel 10:21. Men may wrest the scriptures to patronize their errors but the whole word of God is most pure truth. Here are no mistakes, no weaknesses that adhere to all human composures. Here we may receive all that is taught us without hesitation. The hearers of men, or readers of their works, are divided into four sorts: Some like spunges, that suck up all, both good and bad: Some like sand glasses, who, what they receive at the one ear let go at the other: Some like a strainer, that lets all the good pass through, but keeps the dregs: Some like the sieve, that keeps the good grain, and lets through what is not worth. These last are only to be approved; but in the reading of the word we must be as the first sort.
2. Holy scriptures, 2 Timothy 3:15. They are the word of a holy God, from whom nothing can come but what is holy. It consists of holy commands, holy promises, holy threatenings, instructions, directions, &c. And holy hearts will love and reverence them for that very reason.
3. The book of the Lord. What can be said more to commend it to us, if we have any regard to the Lord himself? If I could tell you of a book that fell down from heaven, And were to be had by any means, who would not be curious to have such a book and study it? This is the book that contains the counsels of heaven, and is given from heaven to the church, to let men see the way to it. Mot. Last. Consider the danger of slighting the word. It exposes to sin, and consequently to the greatest danger. How can they keep the way of the Lord that do not study to acquaint themselves with it? They must needs walk in darkness that do not make use of the light; and this leads to everlasting darkness, John 3:19. If by this word we must be judged, how can they think to stand that neglect it?