TO SEARCH AND STUDY THE SCRIPTURES
IS THE DUTY OF ALL CLASSES OF MEN
If ye ask, by whom this is to done? It is by all into whose
hands, by the mercy of God, it comes. Some never had it, and so they will not
be condemned for slighting of it, Rom. 2:12. Magistrates are called to look to
iit, and be much conversant in it, Josh. 1:8. "This book of the law shall
not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night,
that thou mayest observed to do according to all that is written therein."
Deut. 17:18, 19. "And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his
Kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book, out of that
which is before the priest the Levites. And it shall be with him, and he shall
read therein all the days of his life; that he may learn to fear the Lord his
God, to keep all the words of this law, and these statues, to do them."
Ministers are in a special manner called to the study of it. 1Tim. 4:13. "Give
attendance to reading." 2Tim. 3:16, 17. "All scripture is given by
inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction,
for instruction in righteousness." But not they only are so commended,
but all others within the church, John 5:39. "Search the scriptures."
Deut. 6:6, 7. "These words which I command thee this day, shall be in
thine heart. And thou shalt teach them dilligently unto thy children, and shalt
talk of them when thou sitteth in thine house, and when thou walkest by the
way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."