A Body of Practical Divinity

Use 3. of Exhortation. If the Scripture be of Divine Inspiration, then be exhorted 1. to study the Scripture; it is a Copy of God's Will: be Scripture Men, Bible Christians. I adore the fullness of Scripture, saith Tertullian. In the Book of God are scattered many Truths as so many Pearls. John 5.39. Search the Scriptures: Search as for a Vein of Silver. This blessed Book will fill your Head with Knowledge, and your Heart with Grace. God wrote the two Tables with his own Fingers, and if God took pains to write, well may we take pains •o read. Apollos was mighty in the Scriptures, Acts 18.24. The Word is our Magna Charta for Heaven, shall we be ignorant of our Charter? Col. 3.16. Let the word of God dwell in you richly. The Memory must be a Table-Book where the Word is written. To make us read the Word, consider 1. There is Majesty sparkling in every Line of Scripture. Take but one Instance, Isa. 63.1. Who is this that cometh from Edom, with died garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Behold here a lofty magnificent stile! what Angel could speak after this manner. Junius was converted by reading one Verse of John; he beheld a Majesty in it beyond all Humane Rhetoric. 2. There is Melody in Scripture. This is that blessed Harp which drives away sadness of Spirit. Hear the sounding of this Harp a little, 1 Tim. 1.15. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Jesus Christ came into the World to save sinners; he took not only our Flesh upon him, but our Sins. And Matth. 11.28. Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ⟨p. 18⟩How sweetly doth this Harp of Scripture sound? what heavenly Music doth it make in the Ears of a distressed sinner, especially when the Finger of God's Spirit toucheth upon this Instrument. 3. There is Divinity in Scripture. It contains the Marrow and Quintessence of Religion. The Scripture is a Rock of Diamonds, a Mystery of Piety; the Lips of Scripture have Grace poured into them. The Scripture speaks of Faith, Self-denial, and all the Graces, which as a Chain of Pearl adore a Christian. The Scripture excites to Holiness, it treats of another World, it gives a prospect of Eternity. Oh then search the Scriptures! Make the Word familiar to you.