Question 95

And be inquisitive into the meaning of it?

Yes. Of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?^b

And compare one scripture with another?

Yes. Comparing spiritual things with spiritual,^c

Should we for this purpose lay aside worldly cares?

Yes. For the thorns choke the seed,^e

And carnal passions?

Yes. All malice, and guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and evil speakings,^f

And all pre-imbibed prejudices?

Yes. Not like those who cried what will the babbler say?^g

Should we pray for our ministers?

Yes. And for me that utterance may be given unto me,^h

And for ourselves?

Yes. Teach me thy judgments,ⁱ

Should we also come with desire?

Yes. As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the word,^j

And with expectation?

Yes. My soul, wait thou only on God, for my expectation is from him,^k

And will such a preparation of the heart be greatly to our advantage?

Yes. Thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear,^l

But will a want of preparation excuse a neglect of duty?

No. For a multitude of the people had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat of the passover,^m

And in love?

Yes. Consider how I love thy precepts,^o

And will a want of this be a hindrance to our profiting?

Yes. They received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved?^p

And with judgment?

Yes. For the ear trieth words as the mouth tasteth meat,^r

And with care?

Yes. Take heed how ye hear,^s

Must we keep from roving thoughts in hearing?

Yes. Their heart goeth after their covetousness,^t

And from a wandering eye?

Yes. The eyes of all were fastened on him,^u

And from sleep and drowsiness?

Yes. Could not ye watch with me one hour?^v

Should we therefore meditate upon it?

Yes. And she pondered all these things in her heart,^x

And talk of it?

Yes. And shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest in the way,^y

And is this necessary in order to our profiting by it?

Yes. By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you,^z

And is this the way to obtain the blessing?

Yes. This man shall be blessed in his deed,^bb

And to avoid the curse?

Yes. For some will say, thou hast taught in our streets; but he will reply, I know not whence you are,^cc