The main principles of Christian religion in a 107 short articles or aphorisms, generally…

Expl. 89. In this A. there is (1) something supposed; (2) something asserted: Here it is supposed (1) that sometime the reading of the Word doth prove effectual for the spiritual and eternal good of the Soul, and hence it is that Christ commands us to search and read the Scripture, and doth charge mens ignorance ⟨p. 152⟩and error about Soul-matters, upon their negligence herein. (2) That reading of Scripture at home doth not at all excuse people from hearing the Word in the solemn Assemblies where it is preached, for there is an especially here fixed on the word Preached as to the efficacy of it, either for conviction, conversion or comfort. (3) That the Word whether read or preached (except the Spirit, go along with it) is but a dead letter, till the Angel (i. e.) the Spirit of God move upon this water of the Sanctuary no healing is to be expected from it. And therefore (2ly,) 'tis here asserted (1) concerning the Word read, (2) concerning the Word preached that the Spirit of God doth make it effectual (1) for the opening of blind eyes, so as to discover to men the things that concern their peace and their duty. (2) For the turning of sinners unto God from the error and evil of their ways, from darkness unto light. (3) For the building of men up in their most holy faith, because hereby is laid the first stone, for faith cometh by hearing; hereby is laid the last, for 'tis by the Ministry of the Word that the Christian is made an habitation of God through the Spirit, or a temple of the Holy Ghost. (4) For the perfecting of holiness in the fear of God. (5) For comfort, for this is that brook in the way of which the Christian traveller drinketh, and so is able to run the ways of Gods commands and not be weary, to walk and not to faint.

A. 90.¹ That the Word may become effectual to salvation, we must attend thereunto with diligence^p, preparation^q