of general use, (so the writings of good and wise men may be,) but it is of sovereign and commanding authority; the statute-book of God's kingdom, which our oath of allegiance to him, as our supreme Lord, binds us to the observance of. Whether we will hear, or whether we will forbear, we must be told, that this is the oracle we are to consult, and to be determined by; the touchstone we are to appeal to, and try doctrines by; the rule we are to have an eye to, by which we must in every thing order our affections and conversations, and from which we must always take our measures. This is the testimony, this is the law which is bound up and sealed among the disciples, that word, according to which if we do not speak, it is because there is no light in us, Isa. 8. 16, 20.
The making of the light within, our rule, which by nature is darkness, and by grace is but a copy of, and conformable to, the written word, is setting the judge above the law; and making the traditions of the church rivals with the scripture, is no better: it is making the clock, which every one concerned puts backward or forward at pleasure, to correct the sun, that faithful measurer of time and days. These are absurdities, which, being once granted, thousands follow, as we see by sad experience.
VI. That therefore it is the duty of all christians diligently to search the scriptures, and it is the office of ministers to guide and assist them therein. How useful soever this book of books is in itself, it will be of no use to us, if we do not acquaint ourselves with it, by reading it daily, and meditating upon it, that we may understand the mind of God in it, and may apply what we understand to ourselves for our direction, rebuke, and comfort, as there is occasion. It is the character of the holy and happy man, that his delight is in the law of the Lord; and, as an evidence thereof, he converses with it as his constant companion, and advises with it as his most wise and trusty counsellor, for in that law doth he meditate day and night, Ps. 1. 2.
It concerns us to be ready in the scriptures, and to make ourselves so by constant reading and careful observation, and especially by earnest prayer to God, for the promised gift of the Holy Ghost, whose office it is to bring things to our remembrance which Christ hath said to us; (John 14. 26.) that thus we may have some good word or other at hand for our use in our addresses to God, and in our converse with men; in our resistance of Satan, and in communing with our own hearts; and may be able, with the good householder, to bring out of this treasury things new and old, for the entertainment and edification both of ourselves and others. If any thing will make a man of God perfect in this world, will complete both a christian and a minister, and thoroughly furnish him for every good work, it must be this. 2 Tim. 3. 17.
It concerns us also to be mighty in the scriptures, as Apollos was, (Acts 18. 24.) that is, to be thoroughly acquainted with the true intent and meaning of them, that we may understand what we read, and may not misinterpret or misapply it, but by the conduct of the blessed Spirit may be led into all truth, (John 16. 13.) and may hold it fast in faith and love, and put every part of scripture to that use for which it was intended. The letter, either of law or gospel, profits little without the Spirit.
The ministers of Christ are herein ministers to the Spirit for the good of the church; their business is to open and apply the scriptures; thence they may fetch their knowledge, thence their doctrines, devotions, directions, and admonitions, and thence their very language and expression. Expounding the scriptures was the most usual way of preaching in the first and purest ages of the church. What have the Levites to do but to teach Jacob the law; (Deut. 33. 10.) not only to read it, but to give the sense, and cause them to understand the reading? Neh. 8. 8. How shall they do this, except some man guide them? Acts 8. 31. As ministers would hardly be believed without Bibles to back them, so Bibles would hardly be understood without ministers to explain them; but if, having both, we perish in ignorance and unbelief, our blood will be upon our own head.
Being fully persuaded therefore of these things, I conclude, that whatever help is offered to good christians in searching the scriptures, is real service done to the glory of God, and to the interests of his kingdom among men; and that is it which hath drawn me into this undertaking, which I have gone about in weakness, and in fear, and much trembling, lest I should be found exercising myself in things too high for me, (1 Cor. 2. 3.) and so laudable an undertaking should suffer damage by an unskilful management.
If any desire to know how so mean and obscure a person as I am, who in learning, judgment, felicity of expression, and all advantages for such a service, am less than the least of all my Master's servants, came to venture upon so great a work, I can give no other account of it than this: It has long been my
