3. The word of God ought to be read by every one, in private; and that not only occasionally, but frequently as one of the great businesses of life. Thus God says to Joshua, Josh. i. 8. _This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night_, Psal. i. 2. And our Saviour commands the Jews to _search the scriptures_, John v. 39. and, in some of his discourses with them, though he was sensible that they were a degenerate people; yet he takes it for granted, that they had not altogether laid aside this duty, Matt. xii. 5. chap. xxi. 42. Luke vi. 3. This practice, especially where the word of God has not only been read, but the meaning thereof sought after, and attended to with great diligence, is commended as a peculiar excellency in Christians, who are, in this respect, styled more _noble_ than others, who are defective in this duty, Acts xvii. 11. Now it appears, that it is the duty of every one to read the word of God, inasmuch as it is given us with this design. If God is pleased, as it were, to send us an epistle from heaven, it is a very great instance of contempt cast on it, as well as on the divine condescension expressed therein, for us to neglect to read it. Does he impart his mind to us herein, and is it not our indispensable duty, to pay the utmost regard thereto? Rev. i. 11. compared with chap. ii. 29. Moreover, our own advantage should be a farther inducement to us, to read the word of God; since his design in giving it, was, that we might believe, and that believing, we may attain life, through the name of Christ, John xx. 31. Rom. x. 17. chap. xv. 4. It is sometimes compared to a _sword_, for our defence, against our spiritual enemies, Eph. vi. 17. and is therefore designed for use; otherwise it is no advantage for us. It is elsewhere compared to a _lamp to our feet_, Psal. cxix. 105. which is not designed for an ornament, but to guide us in the right way; therefore we must attend to its direction. It is also compared to _food_, whereby we are said to be _nourished up in the words of faith and good doctrine_, and _as new-born babes_ we are exhorted, to _desire the sincere milk of the word, that we may grow thereby_, 1 Pet. ii. 2. but this end cannot be attained, unless it be read and applied by us to our own necessities.