The gross, blasphemous absurdity of supposing faith in this place to be taken in the full Christian meaning, appears hence: it is supposing the Holy Ghost to direct a man who knows he has not this faith (which is here termed wisdom) to ask it of God, with a positive promise that it shall be given him; and then immediately to subjoin, that it shall not be given him, unlesshe have it before he asks for it! But who can bear such a supposition? From this scripture, therefore, as well as those cited above we must infer, that all who desire the grace of God, are to wait for it in the way of prayer.
7. Secondly, all who desire the grace of God, are to wait for it in searching the scriptures.
Our Lord’s direction with regard to the use of this means, is likewise plain and clear. Search the scriptures, saith he to the unbelieving Jews,—for they testify of me, John v. 39. And for this very end did he direct them to search the scriptures, that they might believe in him.
The objection, “That this is not a command, but only an assertion, that they did search the scriptures,” is shamelessly false. I desire those who urge it, to let us know, how a command can be more clearly expressed, than in those terms, Ἐρευνᾶτε τὰς γραφὰς. It is as peremptory as so many words can make it.
And what a blessing from God attends the use of this means, appears from what is recorded concerning the Bereans; who after hearing St. Paul, searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so? Therefore many of them believed: found the grace of God, in the way which he had ordained. Acts xvii. 12, 13.
It is probable, indeed, that in some of those who had received the word with all readiness of mind, faith came (as the same apostle speaks) by hearing, and was only confirmed by readingthe scriptures. But it was observed above, that under the general term of searching the scriptures, both hearing, reading, and meditating, are contained.
8. And that this is a means whereby God not only gives, but also confirms and increases true wisdom, we learn from the words of St. Paul to Timothy: From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, thro’ faith which is in Christ Jesus, 2 Tim. iii. 15. The same truth (namely, that this is the great means God has ordained for conveying his manifold grace to man) is delivered, in the fullest manner that can be conceived, in the words which immediately follow: All scripture is given by inspiration of God; (consequently, all scripture is infallibly true;) and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: to the end that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works, ver. 16, 17.
9. It should be observed, that this is spoken primarily and directly, of the scriptures which Timothy had known from a child; which must have been those of the Old Testament, for the New was not then wrote. How far then was St. Paul (though he was not a whit behind the very chief of the apostles, nor therefore, I presume, behind any man now upon earth) from making light of the Old Testament! Beholdthis, lest ye one day wonder and perish, ye who make so small account of one half of the oracles of God! Yea, and that half of which the Holy Ghost expresly declares, that it is profitable, as a means ordained of God, for this very thing, for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: to the end the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
10. Nor is this profitable only for the men of God, for those who walk already in the light of his countenance; but also for those who are yet in darkness, seeking him whom they know not. Thus St. Peter, We have also a more sure word of prophecy: literally, and we have the prophetic word more sure: Καὶ ἔχομεν βεβαιότερον τὸν προφητικὸν λόγον. Confirmed by our being eye witnesses of his Majesty, and hearing the voice which came from the excellent glory unto which (prophetic word; so he stiles the holy scriptures) ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts, 2 Pet. i. 19. Let all, therefore, who desire that day to dawn upon their hearts, wait for it in searching the scriptures.
11. Thirdly, All who desire an increase of the grace of God, are to wait for it in partaking of the Lord’s Supper. For this also is a direction himself hath given. The same night in which he was betrayed, he took bread, and brake it, andsaid, take, eat: this is my body, (that is, the sacred sign of my body) this do in remembrance of me. Likewise, he took the cup, saying, this cup is the new testament, or covenant, in my blood, (the sacred sign of that covenant,) this do ye—in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew forth the Lord’s death till he come, 1 Cor. xi. 23, &c. Ye openly exhibit the same, by these visible signs, before God, and angels, and men. Ye manifest your solemn remembrance of his death, till he cometh in the clouds of heaven.