preface to the 1611 KJV:

But now what piety without truth? What truth, what saving truth, without the word of God? The Scriptures we are commanded to search. They can make us wise unto salvation. If we be ignorant, they will instruct us.

If we are in the wilderness, they will bring us home. If we are out of order, they will reform us. If we are suffering, they will comfort us. If we are dull, they will quicken us. If we are cold, the Scriptures will set us on fire.

The Word of God is not only an armor, but also a whole armory of weapons, both offensive and defensive; whereby we may save ourselves, and put the enemy to flight.

It is not an herb, but a tree, or rather a whole paradise of trees of life, which bring forth fruit every month, and the fruit thereof is for food, and the leaves for medicine.

The Scriptures are an entire shower of heavenly bread sufficient for a whole host, a whole cellar full of oil vessels; whereby all our necessities may be provided for, and our debt discharged.

It is a physicians shop of preservatives against poisoned heresies; a complete body of laws profitable for rebellious spirits; It is a treasury of costly jewels!

Finally, the Scriptures are a fountain of most pure water springing up into everlasting life. They are not from earth, but from heaven. The author is God, not man.

The end and reward of the study thereof, is fellowship with the saints, participation of the heavenly nature, fruition of an inheritance immortal, undefiled, and that never shall fade away: Happy is the man that the delights in the scripture, and thrice happy that meditates on it day and night.

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