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_.