4. A farther way, in which the word of God is wrested from its proper meaning by _unlearned and unstable men,_ is their refusing, thro' pride and self-conceit the necessary helps to understanding them rightly. They look only on one side.--They read only on one side. Tradition, love of novelty or affectation, lead them astray. They may have so high an esteem of some ONE LEADER of a Sect--or inticing author--or may so biass their minds by envy, or prejudice, as will end in mis-understanding the word of God.--We should always suspect our own impartiality and honest views. We should ask ourselves such questions as these, "Am I willing to know the truth? Do I entertain no prejudices, unfounded and unreasonable, against such and such doctrines or modes of worship? Do not corrupt and selfish passions warp my judgment? Is not my admiration of such a way--or such an author--or regard to such a man, the cause of my imbibing the principles, I have imbibed? Do I make use of all the helps in my power to search out the true meaning of God's holy word? Do I repair to his house--to the authorised guides in his Church, for advice, light, and counsel? Am I afraid of delusion--of my own heart, and of temptations?"
He who does not make use of all the assistances, to which, in the course of divine Providence, he hath access, in order to understand the right way of serving and glorifying God, is to be credited in no professions of impartiality or integrity, which he may make.----
5. Another way, in which unlearned and unstable men pervert the holy scriptures, is reading them with a light, trifling and unserious mind, and refusing to seek to God for his grace and spirit to purge away our darkness and prejudices, our evil affections and vain imaginations. A trifling and light temper of mind is a very improper one to read the word of God--or to hear it with. If we be unserious when we read, it is not likely that we shall get any good from it. Our desire, when we either read or hear the word, should be to be spiritually benefited--to get heavenly light and instruction. We are to be guided and directed entirely by holy scripture, and to receive it just as it is. It should be prayerfully read. Our supplication should ascend to the fountain of grace and mercy, wisdom and goodness, that he would illuminate our darkened understandings--confirm our wavering hearts--establish our faith--undeceive us, if deceived--correct our errors, if erroneous--remove our prejudices against the great and essential doctrines of Christianity, if we be actuated by any--increase our regard to his own word--convince us of sin--save us from the seduction of false principles, the fascinating power of heresy--and direct our hearts into his love, and a patient waiting for Christ. More devoutly, and importunately, and perseveringly should we seek the purifying efficacy of grace divine, to save us from all delusion, and to prevent our placing religion in rites and forms, or outward observances, that we may not, being _led astray with the error of the wicked fall from our own steadfastness._