festly proves that they are not fully satisfied that the Bible was given by inspiration from God, and that it reveals the only way of peace and salvation. We do not urge men to believe without evidence; but we call upon them humbly and seriously to examine the proofs afforded them, that the Scriptures are the word of God: and then to bestow pains to learn the religion contained in them, and to compare the doctrine we propose, with that unerring standard from which we profess to have learned it. Nor can we doubt, but they, who will not comply with such requisitions, will be left without excuse at the day of final retribution, whatever excuses or pretences they may make at present. It may therefore be useful to give a few directions to those who are convinced of their duty in this particular; and desire to attend to it with profit to themselves, or those placed under their care.

I. Examine the whole of the sacred Scriptures.I do not mean, that the same degree of attention and time should be employed about every part of the Bible; some things are but more remotely useful to us; some are easily understood and applied: others require close and frequent investigation; whilst the obscurity of some passages renders them less adapted to the edification of unlearned readers. Yet every part of the sacred oracles has its use, and throws light upon the rest: and as preachers

very properly make their appeal to the Scriptures in support of their doctrines; so their hearers cannot well judge how far their arguments are conclusive, unless they have a competent acquaintance with the whole of them. Nor is the Bible so large a book, but that even they who have not much leisure, may, in process of time, get a general acquaintance with every part of it, if they bestow a measure of diligence proportioned to the value of the acquisition; and as "all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable "for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for in"struction in righteousness; that the man of God

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may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all "good works;" so every word demands a measure of our attention. It is, therefore, a very great hindrance to edification, when serious persons rest satisfied with text-books, and abstracts from Scripture, or with a few favourite passages that are continually resorted to, whilst the rest of God's word is little regarded; and above all, those parts are neglected, which teach men the particulars of the christian temper, and of those duties in which they are most deficient.

It has been found very useful by many, to divide the Bible into two or three parts, and to read a portion from each of them in order, in the morning, at noon, and in the evening, as people have leisure and opportunity: allowing more time to the New Testament, and to devotional parts of the

Old; and reading these, wholly or principally, on the Lord's day, and on other seasons set apart for religion. This plan, pursued for a few years, will produce a familiar acquaintance with every part of Scripture. Singing the praises of God indeed very properly forms a part of family-worship, when time will permit: yet reading the Scriptures in course, (with a few exceptions, at the discretion of the person who officiates,) is a most excellent method of preparing the minds of children and servants for profiting by publick instruction, as well as for giving them a comprehensive view of our holy religion; and should therefore by no means be neglected.

It is also very advantageous to ministers and others who have much leisure, to vary their manner of reading: at some times going through a larger portion, with a more general regard to the scope of the sacred writer; at others minutely examining every word and sentence in a smaller portion, its connexion with the context, and its coincidence with other parts of the Scripture; and marking carefully the harmony and mutual subserviency of every part of divine truth; the proportion of one part to another; the distinct parts of which the whole consists; and the way in which the several subjects are stated, handled, arranged, and expressed.

II. Search the Scriptures daily.-Divine truth is

the food of the soul, which wants its nourishment as often as the body does. That day must have been mispent, in which no part of the Scriptures. has been read or meditated on. We should, therefore, redeem time from indolence, recreation, useless visits, 'trifling conversation, and inordinate attention to secular affairs, for this employment: and then no lawful business would prevent any one from finding a little leisure, morning and evening at least, for reading some portion of the Scriptures; which would furnish the mind with subjects for meditation when not necessarily engrossed about other matters, to the exclusion of vain thoughts and polluting imaginations. The more habitual this practice becomes, the greater pleasure will it afford; and even the old christian will not think that his knowledge renders it superfluous, or seek an excuse for omitting it; but will apply to it, as a heathful person craves and relishes his food.-I would especially enforce it upon the consciences of the young, not to let any day begin or end, without some time spent in studying the Bible:

this will become in

a short time a most useful habit; and if they be abridged of a little sleep by this practice, their bodies will not be injured and their minds will be improved by it. It may also be observed, that hearing sermons, reading religious books, or joining in pious discourse, will often mislead, and seldom profit, those who do not compare the whole

with the sacred Scriptures, by "daily searching them, to know whether things are so or not."

III. Read the Bible with the express purpose of appropriating the information communicated by it from God to man.-When we have humbly and attentively considered and ascertained the meaning of any proposition; we should implicitly believe it, how contrary soever it may be to our former opinion, or that of others in reputation for wisdom. We ought to reverence the authority, omniscience, veracity, and faithfulness of the Lord, who speaks to us in his word: not doubting the truth or importance of any of his instructions, but studying the meaning of them in docility and patience. Thus deriving wisdom and knowledge from the source, through the appointed medium, we shall grow more learned in divine things, than any teachers or aged students who lean to their own understandings: even as the bosom-friend of the prince, who learns his secrets from his own lips, will know more of his designs, than any conjectural politicians can do, though of far superior sagacity and abilities.

IV. Use helps in searching the Scriptures, but do not depend on them.-The labours of pious men, who have spent their lives in studying and elucidating the sacred oracles, may be very profitable

1 Ps. cxix. 98-100,