Seventh Edition: December 2000
The Westminster Larger Catechism Q. & A. 156f states: 'Although all are not to be permitted to read the Word publicly to the congregation, yet all sorts of people are bound to read it apart by themselves and with their families. To which end the Holy Scriptures are to be translated out of the original into vulgar [viz. common] languages.'
Here, Rev. Dr. T. Ridgeley in his Commentary on the Larger Catechism (II:448f) explains: "The Holy Scriptures are to be read with an high and reverent esteem of them; with a firm persuasion that they are the very Word of God, and that He only can enable us to understand them – with desire to know, believe and obey the will of God revealed in them; with diligence and attention to the matter and scope of them; with meditation, application, self-denial and prayer….
