{"number":5,"title":null,"part":null,"questions":[5],"paragraphs":[],"clauses":[],"items":[{"question":"Should the scriptures be read?","answer":"Yes. Seek ye out of the book of the Lord and read,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"Seek ye out of the book of the Lord and read,","proofs":["Isaiah 34:16"],"refs":[{"printed":"Isaiah 34:16","osis":["Isa.34.16"]}],"note":null}],"items":[{"question":"Should we read them to ourselves?","answer":"Yes. The eunuch returning and sitting in his chariot read Isaiah the prophet,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"The eunuch returning and sitting in his chariot read Isaiah the prophet,","proofs":["Acts 8:28"],"refs":[{"printed":"Acts 8:28","osis":["Acts.8.28"]}],"note":null}],"items":[]},{"question":"Should we read them to others?","answer":"Yes. Thou shalt read this law before all Israel,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"Thou shalt read this law before all Israel,","proofs":["Deuteronomy 31:11"],"refs":[{"printed":"Deuteronomy 31:11","osis":["Deut.31.11"]}],"note":null}],"items":[]},{"question":"And should we cause others to read them?","answer":"Yes. Cause that this epistle be read also in the church of the Laodiceans,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"Cause that this epistle be read also in the church of the Laodiceans,","proofs":["Colossians 4:16"],"refs":[{"printed":"Colossians 4:16","osis":["Col.4.16"]}],"note":null}],"items":[]}]},{"question":"Should the scriptures be read attentively?","answer":"Yes. What is written in the law, how readest thou,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"What is written in the law, how readest thou,","proofs":["Luke 10:26"],"refs":[{"printed":"Luke 10:26","osis":["Luke.10.26"]}],"note":null}],"items":[{"question":"Should they be read diligently?","answer":"Yes. Search the scriptures,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"Search the scriptures,","proofs":["John 5:39"],"refs":[{"printed":"John 5:39","osis":["John.5.39"]}],"note":null}],"items":[]},{"question":"Should we persevere in reading of them?","answer":"Yes. He shall read therein all the days of his life,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"He shall read therein all the days of his life,","proofs":["Deuteronomy 17:19"],"refs":[{"printed":"Deuteronomy 17:19","osis":["Deut.17.19"]}],"note":null}],"items":[]},{"question":"Should we do this particularly on the sabbath-day?","answer":"Yes. For they were read every sabbath-day,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"For they were read every sabbath-day,","proofs":["Acts 13:27"],"refs":[{"printed":"Acts 13:27","osis":["Acts.13.27"]}],"note":null}],"items":[]},{"question":"And should we prefer them to all other writings?","answer":"Yes. For what is the chaff to the wheat,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"For what is the chaff to the wheat,","proofs":["Jeremiah 23:28"],"refs":[{"printed":"Jeremiah 23:28","osis":["Jer.23.28"]}],"note":null}],"items":[]}]},{"question":"Was reading the scriptures an ancient custom?","answer":"Yes. For Moses of old time was read in the synagogues,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"For Moses of old time was read in the synagogues,","proofs":["Acts 15:21"],"refs":[{"printed":"Acts 15:21","osis":["Acts.15.21"]}],"note":null}],"items":[{"question":"Was it the practice of Christ?","answer":"Yes. As his custom was, he went up into the synagogue and stood up for to read,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"As his custom was, he went up into the synagogue and stood up for to read,","proofs":["Luke 4:16"],"refs":[{"printed":"Luke 4:16","osis":["Luke.4.16"]}],"note":null}],"items":[]},{"question":"Is the matter contained in the scripture worthy of our attention?","answer":"Yes. In them ye think ye have eternal life,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"In them ye think ye have eternal life,","proofs":["John 5:39"],"refs":[{"printed":"John 5:39","osis":["John.5.39"]}],"note":null}],"items":[]},{"question":"Does the neglect hereof lead to ignorance and error?","answer":"Yes. Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures,","proofs":["Matthew 22:29"],"refs":[{"printed":"Matthew 22:29","osis":["Matt.22.29"]}],"note":null}],"items":[]},{"question":"And is a blessing promised to the diligent performance of it?","answer":"Yes. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy,","proofs":["Revelation 1:3"],"refs":[{"printed":"Revelation 1:3","osis":["Rev.1.3"]}],"note":null}],"items":[]}]},{"question":"Should the word of God be heard?","answer":"Yes. He that is of God, heareth God’s word,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"He that is of God, heareth God’s word,","proofs":["John 8:47"],"refs":[{"printed":"John 8:47","osis":["John.8.47"]}],"note":null}],"items":[{"question":"Should all God’s word be heard?","answer":"Yes. We are here present to hear all things that are commanded thee of God,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"We are here present to hear all things that are commanded thee of God,","proofs":["Acts 10:33"],"refs":[{"printed":"Acts 10:33","osis":["Acts.10.33"]}],"note":null}],"items":[]},{"question":"Should we hear God’s word with holy reverence?","answer":"Yes. The Lord looketh to him that trembleth at his word,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"The Lord looketh to him that trembleth at his word,","proofs":["Isaiah 66:2"],"refs":[{"printed":"Isaiah 66:2","osis":["Isa.66.2"]}],"note":null}],"items":[]},{"question":"And with delight?","answer":"Yes. The common people heard Christ gladly,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"The common people heard Christ gladly,","proofs":["Mark 12:37"],"refs":[{"printed":"Mark 12:37","osis":["Mark.12.37"]}],"note":null}],"items":[]},{"question":"And in faith?","answer":"Yes. Believe his prophets, so shall you prosper,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"Believe his prophets, so shall you prosper,","proofs":["2 Chronicles 20:20"],"refs":[{"printed":"2 Chronicles 20:20","osis":["2Chr.20.20"]}],"note":null}],"items":[]},{"question":"And with meekness?","answer":"Yes. With meekness receive the ingrafted word,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"With meekness receive the ingrafted word,","proofs":["James 1:21"],"refs":[{"printed":"James 1:21","osis":["Jas.1.21"]}],"note":null}],"items":[]},{"question":"And with settled resolutions of obedience?","answer":"Yes. We must observe to do,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"We must observe to do,","proofs":["Deuteronomy 32:46"],"refs":[{"printed":"Deuteronomy 32:46","osis":["Deut.32.46"]}],"note":null}],"items":[]},{"question":"Should we desire to hear the word again and again?","answer":"Yes. They besought that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath-day,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"They besought that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath-day,","proofs":["Acts 13:42"],"refs":[{"printed":"Acts 13:42","osis":["Acts.13.42"]}],"note":null}],"items":[]}]},{"question":"Do all thus hear the word?","answer":"No. Some put the word of God from them,","segments":[{"text":"No.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"Some put the word of God from them,","proofs":["Acts 13:46"],"refs":[{"printed":"Acts 13:46","osis":["Acts.13.46"]}],"note":null}],"items":[{"question":"Is this an instance of their folly?","answer":"Yes. Lo! they have rejected the word of the Lord, and what wisdom is in them,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"Lo! they have rejected the word of the Lord, and what wisdom is in them,","proofs":["Jeremiah 8:9"],"refs":[{"printed":"Jeremiah 8:9","osis":["Jer.8.9"]}],"note":null}],"items":[]},{"question":"And will it be to their prejudice?","answer":"Yes. Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed,","proofs":["Proverbs 13:13"],"refs":[{"printed":"Proverbs 13:13","osis":["Prov.13.13"]}],"note":null}],"items":[]}]},{"question":"Should we be careful to understand the scriptures?","answer":"Yes. Whosoever readeth let him understand,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"Whosoever readeth let him understand,","proofs":["Matthew 24:15"],"refs":[{"printed":"Matthew 24:15","osis":["Matt.24.15"]}],"note":null}],"items":[{"question":"Are there some things in scripture difficult to be understood?","answer":"Yes. In which are some things hard to be understood,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"In which are some things hard to be understood,","proofs":["2 Peter 3:16"],"refs":[{"printed":"2 Peter 3:16","osis":["2Pet.3.16"]}],"note":null}],"items":[]},{"question":"Does this call for diligence?","answer":"Yes. If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasure, then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasure, then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord,","proofs":["Proverbs 2:4–5"],"refs":[{"printed":"Proverbs 2:4–5","osis":["Prov.2.4-Prov.2.5"]}],"note":null}],"items":[]},{"question":"And for prayer?","answer":"Yes. Open thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things, out of thy law,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"Open thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things, out of thy law,","proofs":["Psalm 119:18"],"refs":[{"printed":"Psalm 119:18","osis":["Ps.119.18"]}],"note":null}],"items":[]}]},{"question":"Have all an understanding of the scriptures?","answer":"No. Some are without understanding,","segments":[{"text":"No.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"Some are without understanding,","proofs":["Romans 1:31"],"refs":[{"printed":"Romans 1:31","osis":["Rom.1.31"]}],"note":null}],"items":[{"question":"Is this owing in some to wilful negligence?","answer":"Yes. They know not, neither will they understand,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"They know not, neither will they understand,","proofs":["Psalm 82:5"],"refs":[{"printed":"Psalm 82:5","osis":["Ps.82.5"]}],"note":null}],"items":[]},{"question":"And in others to judicial blindness?","answer":"Yes. Make the heart of this people fat, and their ears heavy, and shut their eyes, lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"Make the heart of this people fat, and their ears heavy, and shut their eyes, lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand,","proofs":["Isaiah 6:10"],"refs":[{"printed":"Isaiah 6:10","osis":["Isa.6.10"]}],"note":null}],"items":[]},{"question":"Is the scripture like to be wrested by those that do not understand it?","answer":"Yes. Which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"Which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest,","proofs":["2 Peter 3:16"],"refs":[{"printed":"2 Peter 3:16","osis":["2Pet.3.16"]}],"note":null}],"items":[]},{"question":"And is the case of such deplorable?","answer":"Yes. If our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"If our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost,","proofs":["2 Corinthians 4:3"],"refs":[{"printed":"2 Corinthians 4:3","osis":["2Cor.4.3"]}],"note":null}],"items":[]}]},{"question":"Are we not only permitted but commanded and exhorted to make use of the holy scriptures?","answer":"Yes. Let him that hath an ear to hear, hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"Let him that hath an ear to hear, hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches,","proofs":["Revelation 2:29"],"refs":[{"printed":"Revelation 2:29","osis":["Rev.2.29"]}],"note":null}],"items":[{"question":"Is this the duty of all?","answer":"Yes. Give ear O heavens and I will speak, and hear O earth the words of my mouth,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"Give ear O heavens and I will speak, and hear O earth the words of my mouth,","proofs":["Deuteronomy 32:1"],"refs":[{"printed":"Deuteronomy 32:1","osis":["Deut.32.1"]}],"note":null}],"items":[]},{"question":"Is it the duty of ministers as well as people?","answer":"Yes. Give attendance unto reading,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"Give attendance unto reading,","proofs":["1 Timothy 4:13"],"refs":[{"printed":"1 Timothy 4:13","osis":["1Tim.4.13"]}],"note":null}],"items":[]},{"question":"And of young as well as old?","answer":"Yes. From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures,","segments":[{"text":"Yes.","proofs":[],"refs":[],"note":null},{"text":"From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures,","proofs":["2 Timothy 3:15"],"refs":[{"printed":"2 Timothy 3:15","osis":["2Tim.3.15"]}],"note":null}],"items":[]}]}],"text":null}