John Trapp on John 5:39

Verſe 39. Search the Scriptures] Audite ſaeculares, comparate vobis Bibli[illegible: 1 letter], animae pharmaca, ſaith Chryſoſtome. But Bibles lye (like old Alman[illegible: 1 letter]cks) moulding in corners, whiles play-books (the Devils Catechiſmes) are even worne out with over-diligent peruſall. It is a ſad complaint which Reverend Moulin makes of his Countrymen, the French Proteſtants, whiles they burned us, ſaith he, for reading the Scriptures, we burnt with zeal, to be reading of them. Now with our liberty, is bred alſo negligence, Moulins Theophilus. pag. 278. and diſeſteem of Gods Word. Is it not ſo alſo with us?

They are they which teſtifie of me] The Babe of Bethlehem is bound up in theſe ſwathing-bands. He is both Authour and Matter of the Scriptures, and is therefore called the Word. The dignity of the Scriptures (ſaith one) and the Majeſty of Chriſt mutually look on one another; as the Sun doth on the Stars, and the Stars on the Sun. For as the excellency of the Sun appears by the glory of the Stars, to whom it giveth light: So the Majeſty of Chriſt is manifeſt by the Scriptures, to whom he giveth credit. On the otherſide, as the glory of the Star is magnified, becauſe it is the light of the Sun: ſo the credit of the Scripture is exalted, becauſe they concern the Son of God.