PREFACE.
EFAC

IT is hoped that this Second Series of Scriptural Studies may stimulate some industrious reader of the Sacred Volume to open the mine with a fresh stimulus of interest, and with an assured hope of enriching their souls with unsearchable riches. The exercises are of various lengths; some slightly sketcihng the subject— others entering into the length and breadth of the doctrines, and presenting a full and condensed Scriptural statement of the grand fundamental truths of the Gospel. We should recommend a developement of Scripture Characters, after the pattern of the few specimens given, as illustrating the identity of the Divine principle under the different dispensations, under which the Lord's people have been placed.

OLD NEWTON VICARAGE,

Jan. 17, 1837.

CONTENTS.

SCRIPTURAL STUDIES.

I.

JOHN V. 39.

SEARCH the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of Me.

Delight in this command of our Lordmarks the pulse and health of the soulSo truly is our obligation identified with our privilege.

Indolence is roused; prayer is quickened; the path of light, and joy, and holiness, is here set out before us

"Search the Scriptures."

I. Why should we search the Scriptures?
As the testimony of Christ, Text, 46.
Luke xxiv. 44. Acts x. 43. Rev.
xix. 10.

As the depository of the doctrine of
eternal life, Text, xx. 31.

B

As the directory of our daily conduct,
Ps. xix. 11; cxix. 9, 105. Prov. vi.

23. As the test and trial of sound doctrine, Is. viii. 20. 1 Thess. v. 21. 1 John iv. 1. As the means of moulding our Christian character, Rom vi. 17. 2 Cor. iii. 18. As the treasure-house of the promises, 2 Cor. vii. 1. 2 Pet. i. 4. and comfort of the soul, Job xxiii. 12. Ps. xix. 10; cxix. 103. Jer. xv. 16. 1 Pet. ii. 2.

As the food

As the rule of final judgment, John xii. 48. Rev. xx. 12.

II. How shall we search?

With deep reverence, Ps. cxix. 161.
1 Thess. ii, 13.

With child-like humility, Ps. xxv. 9.
Matt. xi. 25; xviii. 3, 4. Jam. i. 21.
With strict impartiality, Acts xvii. 11.
With simple faith, 1 Thess. ii. 13. 2 Tim.
iii. 15. Heb. iv. 2.

With earnest prayer, Ps. cxix. 18. Prov.
ii. 3.
With constant diligence, Deut. vi. 6—9.
Prov. ii. 2, 4.
With careful self-application, Heb. iv.

12.

With daily meditation, Ps. i. 2; cxix. 97-99, 148. Jer. xv. 16.

III. Mark the blessed results of this search

Established faith, Acts xvii. 12. 1 John

v. 13. Christian support, Ps. cxix. 50, 92. Rom. xv. 4. Abounding fruitfulness, Ps. i. 2, 3. 2 Tim. iii. 17.

Heavenly and saving wisdom, Ps. xix.
7,8; cxix. 98-100, 132. Prov. ii.
4, 5. 2 Tim. iii. 15.
Growth in grace, 1 Pet. ii. 2.

Extended views of the kingdom of Christ,
Is. xxxiv. 16. Dan. ix. 2. 2 Pet. i. 19.

Rev. i. 3.

Let us remember that we are commanded to search. (Text.)

Let our search embrace the whole compass of Scripture, Rom. xv. 4. 2 Tim. iii. 16. Let us compare the different parts with each other, 1 Cor. ii. 13.

Let us realize our constant dependence upon Divine teaching, John vi. 45; xvi. 13.

Let us plead a personal interest in the full heritage of Scripture, Jos. i. 5. Heb. xiii. 5.

Let us apply the warnings of Scripture for the exercise of godly fear, Rom. xi. 20. 1 Cor. x. 11, 12. Heb. iv. 1.

Let us exhibit its holy influence upon our whole profession, Phil. ii. 15, 16. Jam.iii. 13.