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 _reading_ the 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! Behold this, 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, and said, 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.
Only _let a man_ first _examine himself_, whether he understand the nature and design of this holy institution, and whether he really desire to be himself made conformable to the death of Christ: _and so_, nothing doubting, _let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup_, ver. 28.
Here then the direction first given by our Lord, is expresly repeated by the apostle. Let him eat; let him drink: (♦ἐσθιέτω· πινέτω· both in the imperative mood.) Words not implying a bare permission only, but a clear, explicit command; a command to all those who either already are filled with peace and joy in believing, or can truly say, “The remembrance of our sins is grievous unto us, the burden of them is intolerable.”