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employ, seem to give but a mean idea of his infinite excellency; this, for instance, in the text before us, of a Nail.

To remove this objection; and cast one ray of glory on the name which I love and adore, I would just show the importance and propriety of the metaphor, in the prophet's use of it, by an extract from Sir J. Chardin and Bishop Lowth. Sir John says, "They do not drive with a hammer the nails that are put into eastern walls; the walls are too hard, being of brick; or, if they are of clay, too mouldering: but they fix them in the brickwork as they are building. They are large nails, with square heads, like dice, well made, the end being bent, so as to make them cramp-irons. They commonly place them at windows and doors, in order to hang upon them, when they like, veils and curtains."* Bishop Lowth adds, "that they were put in other places too, in order to hang up things of various kinds, as appears from this place of Isaiah, and from Ezek. xv. 3, who speaks of a pin, or nail, to hang any vessel thereon.”

This metaphor, then, contemptible as it may at first appear, conveys two very important ideas:

1. That Christ is an essential part of God's building; and those who attempt to build without him, will not have a peg to hang their hopes upon: which leads to another idea:

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2. That Christ is the only support of a sinner's hope:

"Other refuge have I none,

Hangs my helpless soul on thee."

"Grace hath been shewn from the Lord our Godt to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a Nail in † Ezra ix. 8.

* Harmer, vol. i. p. 191.

his holy Temple." Amen. So be it, reader, with thee and thine.

ON READING THE SCRIPTURES.

A YOUNG person, desirous of improving in Scripture knowledge, will feel herself indebted to any minister who will suggest the most useful method of daily perusing the sacred writings, so as to understand them in their connexion, and impress the memory; for though they may be read with profit, without regard to particular rule, yet, it is conceived, a plan would greatly as-sist the memory in retaining their rich contents.

ANSWERS.

Sir,

THOUGH not a minister, allow me to reply to the Query of a young person in your Magazine, who is desirous of receiving directions as to the most profitable way of reading the Holy Scriptures, by stating the practice I was led to adopt about ten years ago, and have regularly followed ever since, I trust, with much spiritual pro fit. I begin the Bible on the 1st of January; and, by reading five chapters every day, go through both Tes taments by the latter end of August. I then begin the New Testament; and by reading two chapters a day, go over that a second time. By this mode of reading, P find myself insensibly acquiring a knowledge of the Scriptures, as an entire whole, which undoubtedly they are intended to be: and as I have been enabled by Divine grace, to keep up the practice, under incessant public

avocations, long and fatiguing journies, and many painful illnesses, I doubt not that your fair querist will ea sily be able to find time enough also. I am, &c. CIVIS.

Another Correspondent, in answer to the same Query, says, I HAVE been reading 'A Companion to the Closet,' by Dr. Duncan (second edition) in which are many excellent things; he closes with a plan for the more regular reading the Holy Scriptures, which I shall transcribe. In the Old Testament there are 931 chapters; but by distributing the 150 Psalms into 60 equal parts, they will then be reduced to 841: add to these 260, which is the number contained in the New Testament, they will then be 1101. Divide this by 3, and you will find each part contain 365 chapters, and 6 over; so that by reading 3 chapters every day, you will read the whole over in one year, except 6 chapters. The most profitable method is to begin with the first chapter of Genesis, the first Psalm, and the first chapter of Matthew, and to proceed regularly.

ON READING THE SCRIPTURES.

In the Evangelical Magazine for September, I perceived some Remarks on Reading the Scriptures, in answer to an inquiry, 'How may they be read with the greatest advantage?' The question I apprehend is not, In what proportion each day is the word of God to be divided, so that the whole may be read over within the year? but How may the same be read most profitably? Now I think it possible that a person may read a great deal

and yet derive very little advantage therefrom. It is not the quantity, but the quality of our reading, which should be kept in view. I am inclined to be of St Paul's opinion, who would rather speak five words, which himself and others might understand, than ten thousand in an unknown tongue; so I consider it to be far more profitable to read five verses of the word of God, with the disposition of the eunuch, a desire to understand them, than so many chapters without it. Nor can I suppose that common readers can spare at all times, so much time as is due to so large a portion of the Scriptures. Extensive reading is like excessive eating, it may be overdone; and if there be imperfect digestion, it can do but little good. Some professors estimate their Christianity by the number and variety of sermons which they hear; others, perhaps, may form their opinion of the quantum of profit from the quantity which they read. These are however, very fallacious standards. Permit me then to shew my opinion.

The question itself, I suppose refers to private reading; but the subject is interesting, and may be viewed in a more general manner:

1st. Let us inquire how the Scriptures may be profitably read in private retirement. Seasons of devotion are seasons of meditation; and it is to be supposed that reading the word of God will always constitute one part of such an exercise. Surely, on such occasions, it is most profitable to take a devotional, doctrinal, experimental, or practical part of the Scriptures, as the subject of meditation; and a real believer needs no information where such parts are to be found. On such occasions, I have experienced it most profitable to select

a small portion, a chapter or psalm at most; to read the same with care; and then to bow the knee before God, and pray over the subjects read, seeking an interest therein. This method has a tendency to give enlargement in prayer: it leads us to pray in Scripture language; and the subjects become more rivetted in the mind, and converse with us afterwards.

2dly. Reading the word of God in the family. Family-religion is important; and the word of God ought always to be used on those occasions. Short sermons may sometimes be profitably introduced; but reading a portion of the Scriptures must ever be important. I conceive it most profitable to select the plainest and most devotional parts of the Old Testament; and to read the New in regular course from one end of it to the other: the one part in the morning, and the other in the evening.

3dly, Reading the Scriptures occasionally. To one who loves the word of God, there will be found certain intervals in the course of the day, in which he may converse a few moments with such a friend. Perhaps, it may be profitable then to take a small portion of it, in any part which may be thought fit; and having conversed with this friend on earth, let the heart be lifted up for a few moments to our Friend in heaven, that he would graciously bless the same.

4th, Reading the Scriptures on extraordinary occasions. When a Christian has more time than ordinary to spare, I would say, 'Let not inferior, not to say pernicious, publications divert his attention from the Bible.' I would not undervalue the labors of any man; yet I am inclined to think that the religious world is overstocked

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