I feel persuaded that you will take a deep interest in the subject of
this letter; for, to a true child of God, nothing is so precious as the
volume of inspiration. It is like rubies in a case of gold. That which
is most valuable for practical use lies on the surface; while every
examination discovers new gems of surpassing beauty.
There is this difference between the _devotional reading_ and the
_thorough study_ of the Holy Scriptures,--that the object of the former
is to affect the heart, while that of the latter is chiefly to inform
the understanding. Although this blessed book should never be used
without practical application, yet, when all the powers of the mind are
taxed to ascertain the critical meaning of the text, there is less
opportunity for the exercise of the affections of the heart than when
the mind is suffered simply to dwell upon obvious truth. For the
systematic study of the Bible, portions of time should be set apart, if
possible, separate from our regular seasons of devotion; or, perhaps,
immediately after. For the former, a small portion should be selected
from the more practical and devotional parts of the Bible.
We are commanded to _search the Scriptures_. _Searching_ is a difficult
and laborious work. To induce us to engage in it, we must have a strong
desire for something valuable. Here is a treasure of sufficient value to
call forth this desire. This blessed book contains the revealed will of
God. All who love God will be anxious to know his will. They will make
it the rule of their conduct. "Thy word," says the Psalmist, "is a lamp,
unto my feet, and a light unto my path." The will of God, as made known
in his word, is like a lantern, which sheds a light on our path, and
directs the steps of our feet. The sincere Christian will search after a
knowledge of God's will, with more eagerness than he would search for
hidden treasures of gold and silver. He will _set his heart_ to the
work. This is what God commands. After Moses had given the law of God to
the children of Israel, he said unto them, "_Set your hearts_ unto all
the words which I testify among you this day." This is a very strong
expression. To _set our hearts_ to any work, is to go about it in
earnest, with all the energies of our souls. Again; when we make great
search for anything we very much desire and highly prize, and find it,
we are very apt to keep it. Hence David says, "Thy word have I _hid_ in
my heart." But mark the reason of his conduct. Why did he hide God's
word in his heart? He explains his motive: "That I might not _sin
against thee_." His object, in hiding God's word in his heart, was to
know how to regulate his conduct so as not to sin against him. You must
feel a personal interest in the truth. You must study it as the
directory of your life. When you open this blessed book, let this always
be the sincere inquiry of your heart: "Lord, what wilt thou have _me_ to
_do_?" Come to it with this childlike spirit of obedience, and you will
not fail to learn the will of God. But when you have learned your duty
in God's word, _do it without delay_. Here are two very important points
of Christian character, quite too much overlooked. (1.) An earnest
desire to know present duty. (2.) A steadfast and settled determination
to _do it as soon as it is known_. Here lies the grand secret of high
spiritual attainments. A person who acts from these principles may make
greater progress in a single day than a tardy, procrastinating spirit in
a long life. The pressure of obligation rests upon the present moment.
Remember, when you have ascertained present duty, the delay of a single
moment is _sin_. With these remarks, I submit a few practical directions
for the profitable reading and study of the Holy Scriptures.
1. _Read the Bible in your closet, or under circumstances which will
secure you from interruption, either by the conversation of others, or
the attractions of other objects._ Do not attempt to fill up little
broken intervals of time with the reading of God's word. Leave these
seasons for lighter reading. Remember, the reading of the Scriptures is
nothing less than conversing with God. When any one pays so little
attention to your conversation as not to understand what you say, you
consider it a great breach of politeness. God speaks to you whenever you
read his holy word. His all-seeing eye rests upon your heart; and he
knows whether you are engaged in solemn trifling. If you read his word
so carelessly as not to understand its meaning and drink in its spirit,
you treat him as you would disdain to be treated by an earthly friend. O
the forbearance of God, who suffers such indignity from those who call
themselves his children! Never approach the word of God but with
feelings of reverence and godly fear.
2. _Come to the work with a preparation of heart._ If you were going to
visit some person of great consequence, whose favor and esteem you
wished to secure, you would take care to have everything about your
person adjusted in the most becoming manner. So let it be with your
mind, when you come to converse with God. Shut out all worldly thoughts.
Strive to bring yourself into a tranquil, holy, and tender frame, so
that the truths you contemplate may make their proper impression upon
your heart.
3. _Seek the aid of the Holy Spirit._ Christ promised his disciples
that, when the Holy Spirit should come, he would "_guide_ them into all
truth." Without his enlightening influences, we cannot understand the
word of God; and without his gracious influences upon the heart, we
shall not be disposed to obey it. We have the most abundant
encouragement to seek the aid of this Divine Instructor. Christ assures
us that God is more willing to give his Holy Spirit to them that ask
him, than earthly parents are to give good gifts to their children.
Before opening God's word, pray that he would show you the truth, the
rule of your duty, and incline your heart to obey it. As you proceed,
keep your heart silently lifted up to God for the same object.
4. _Read with self-application._ Whenever you have discovered any truth,
ask what bearing it has upon your _present duty_. If it relates to
spiritual feelings, compare it with the exercises of your own heart. If
they do not correspond, you have work for repentance. Go immediately to
the cross of Christ; give yourself away to him anew, and seek for pardon
and needed grace. This you may do instantly, either in a silent or an
audible prayer. If it relates to the spirit and temper of Christians, in
their intercourse with one another, or with the world, compare it with
your own conduct. If you find yourself condemned, you have the same
course to pursue, with a steadfast determination to exhibit more of the
spirit of Christ. If it relates to some positive duty, inquire whether
you have done it. If not, you have to go through the same work of
repentance and application to the blood of Christ. But do not stop here.
_Do your duty immediately._
5. _Read the Scriptures regularly._ To sustain these frail bodies, a
daily supply of nourishment is required. Equally necessary is daily food
for the soul. The word of God is the bread of eternal life. Take, then,
your regular supplies of spiritual food, that your soul may not famish.
Choose for this purpose those seasons when you are least liable to
interruption; when you can retire and shut out the world; when you can
best command the energies of your mind. There is no time more fit and
suitable for this than the morning. Then the mind is clear, vigorous,
unincumbered, and prepared to receive an impression. There is also a
propriety in consulting God's word at the close of the day. But this
depends much upon the state of bodily feeling. If you become exhausted
and dull, after the labors of the day, I would rather recommend taking
the whole time in the morning. But by no means confine yourself to these
stated seasons. Whenever the nature of your pursuits will admit of your
seclusion for a sufficient length of time to fix your mind upon the
truth, you may freely drink from this never-failing fountain of the
water of life.
6. _Study the Scriptures systematically._ If you read at random, here a
little and there a little, your views of divine truth will be partial
and limited. This method may indeed be pursued in regard to reading
_strictly devotional_; but only when other time is taken for obtaining a
connected view and a critical understanding of the whole Bible. The
Bible is like a dish of savory meats. There is almost every variety of
style and matter. There is _History, Biography, Argumentative and
Didactic Essays, and Poetry_. Although these various kinds of writing
are contained in a great number of books, written by various authors, at
different times, without concert, yet a remarkable unity of design runs
through the whole. They all aim at the development of the plan of God's
moral government; and a most striking harmony of sentiment prevails
throughout. We find everything, from the very beginning, pointing to the
glorious plan of redemption revealed in the Gospel. Although we may, at
first view, feel the want of a regular system of divinity, yet, a
careful attention to the subject will convince us that God's plan is
best. We have here the principles of his government exhibited in _living
examples_; which give us a clearer view, and more vivid impression of
them, than we could obtain from the study of an abstract system. There
are several things to be observed, in the systematic and thorough study
of the Bible, some of which I shall mention.
(1.) Always keep distinctly before you the grand design of the
Scriptures; which is, to convince mankind of their lost and ruined
condition, make known the way of salvation, and persuade them to embrace
it.
(2.) Make it your constant aim to ascertain what is the plain and
obvious meaning of the writer; for this is the mind of the Spirit. To
aid you in this, observe the following particulars: 1. Endeavor to
become acquainted with the peculiarity of each writer's style. Although
the matter and words of Scripture were dictated by the Holy Spirit, yet
it was so done that each writer employed a style and manner peculiar to
himself. This does not invalidate the evidence of their divine origin.
On the contrary, it shows the wisdom of the Spirit. For, if the whole
Bible had been written in a uniform style, it would have given opposers
a strong argument against its authenticity; while the want of that
uniformity furnishes conclusive evidence that it could not have been the
work of a single impostor. Again; a continued sameness of style would
make the reading of so large a book as the Bible tedious and unpleasant;
but the rich variety presented by the various authors of this blessed
book, helps our infirmities, and makes the reading of it pleasing and
delightful. 2. "Inquire into the character, situation, and office of the
writer; the time, place, and occasion of his writing; and the people
for whose immediate use he intended his work." This will enable you to
understand his allusions to particular circumstances and customs, and to
see the practical application of the principles he advances. 3. Consider
the principal scope or aim of the book; or, what was the author's
object, design, or intention, in writing it. Notice also the general
plan or method which he has pursued. This will enable you to discover
his leading ideas, if it be an argumentative work; or the particular
instructions of God's providence, if it be historical. 4. Where the
language is difficult to be understood, pay strict attention to the
context, and you will generally find the author's meaning explained.
But, if you do not, consider whether the difficult phrase is a
peculiarity of the writer's style. If so, look out the place where he
has used it in a different connection, and see what meaning is attached
to it there. But, if this does not satisfy you, examine the passages, in
other parts of the Scriptures, which relate to the same subject, and
compare them with the one under consideration. This will generally clear
up the darkest passages. But, if you still feel in doubt, you may find
assistance from consulting commentators, who have made themselves
thoroughly acquainted with all the particulars I have mentioned; which,
with a knowledge of the language in which the book was originally
written, may have enabled them to remove the difficulty. But, do not
trust the opinions of commentators any farther than you see they agree
with the general system of revealed truth; and, above all, do not follow
them in any scheme of fanciful interpretation or visionary speculation.
(3.) Do not task yourself with a certain _quantity_ of reading at the
regular seasons devoted to the study of the Bible. This may lead you to
hurry over it, without ascertaining its meaning, or drinking in its
spirit. You had better study one verse thoroughly, than to read half a
dozen chapters carelessly. The nourishment received from food depends
less on the quantity than on its being perfectly digested. So with the
mind; one clear idea is better than a dozen confused ones; and there is
such a thing as overloading the mind with undigested knowledge. Ponder
upon every portion you read, until you get a full and clear view of the
truth it contains. Fix your mind and heart upon it, as the bee lights
upon the flower; and do not leave it till you have extracted all the
honey it contains.
(4.) Read in course. By studying the whole Bible in connection, you will
obtain a more enlarged view of the plan of God's moral government. And
you will see how it all centres in the Lord Jesus Christ. But I would
not have you confine yourself entirely to the regular reading of the
whole Bible in course. Some portions of the historical part do not
require so much _study_ as that which is more argumentative and
doctrinal; and some parts of the word of God are more devotional than
others, and therefore better fitted for daily practical use. A very good
plan is, to read the Old and New Testaments in course, a portion in
each, every day. If you begin at Genesis, Job, and Matthew, and read a
chapter every day, at each place, omitting the first, and reading three
Psalms, on the Sabbath, you will read the whole Bible in a year, while
on every day you will have a suitable variety. Besides this, the more
devotional and practical books should be read frequently. The Psalms
furnish a great variety of Christian experience, and may be resorted to
with great profit and comfort, under all circumstances. This is the only
book in the Bible which does not require to be read in course. The
Psalms are detached from each other, having no necessary connection. The
other books were originally written like a sermon or a letter. They
have, for convenience, since been divided into chapters and verses. If
you read a single chapter by itself, you lose the connection; as, if you
should take up a sermon and read a page or two, you would not get a full
view of the author's subject. I would therefore recommend that, in
addition to your daily reading in the Old and New Testaments, you have
also some one of those books which require most study, in a course of
reading, to take up whenever you have an occasional season of leisure to
devote to the study of the Bible. But, when you have commenced one book,
finish it before you begin another. You will find great advantage from
the use of a reference Bible and concordance. By looking out the
parallel passages, as you proceed, you will see how one part of the
Scriptures explains another, and how beautifully they all harmonize.
This will also give you a better view of the _whole Scriptures_ than you
can obtain in any other way. But if you are a Sabbath-school teacher or
scholar, your regular lesson will furnish as much study of this
description as you will be able thoroughly to accomplish.
(5.) In reading the Scriptures, there are some subjects of inquiry which
you should carry along with you constantly: 1. What do I find here which
points to Christ? Unless you keep this before your mind, you will lose
half the interest of many parts of the Old Testament. Indeed, much of it
will otherwise be almost without meaning. It is full of types and
prophecies relating to Christ, which, by themselves, appear dry, but,
when understood, most beautiful and full of instruction. 2. Remember
that the Bible contains a history of the church. Endeavor, then, to
learn the state of the church at the time of which you are reading. For
the sake of convenience, and a clearer view of the subject, you may
divide the history of the church into six periods: (1.) From the fall of
Adam to the flood. (2.) From Noah to the giving of the law. (3.) From
that time to David and the prophets. (4.) From David to the Babylonish
captivity. (5.) From that time till the coming of Christ. (6.) From
Christ to the end of time, which is called the gospel dispensation. From
the commencement you will see a gradual development of God's designs of
mercy, and a continually increasing light. Take notice of what period of
the church you are reading; and from this you may judge of the degree
of obligation of its members; for this has been increasing with the
increase of light, from the fall of Adam to the present day; and it will
continue to increase to the end of time. Note, also, the various
declensions and revivals of religion which have occurred in every period
of the church, and endeavor to learn their causes and consequences. By
this, you will become familiar with God's method of dealing with his
people; from which you may draw practical lessons of caution and
encouragement for yourself. 3. Inquire what doctrinal truth is either
taught, illustrated, or enforced, in the passage you are reading; and
also, what _principle_ is recognized. Great and important principles of
the divine government and of practical duty are often implied in a
passage of history which relates to a comparatively unimportant event.
Let it be your business to draw out these principles, and apply them to
practice. Thus, you will be daily increasing your knowledge of the great
system of divine truth, the necessity of which I need not urge. 4. Note
every promise and every prediction; and observe God's faithfulness in
keeping his promises and fulfilling his prophecies. This will tend to
strengthen your confidence in him. You will find it profitable, as you
proceed, to take notes of these several matters, particularly; and, at
the close of every book, review your notes, and sum them up under
different heads.
(6.) Read the gospels with great care, for the particular purpose of
studying the character of the blessed Jesus. Dwell upon every action of
his life, and inquire after his motives. By this course you will be
surprised to find the Godhead shining through the manhood, in little
incidents which you have often read without interest. Look upon him at
all times in his true character, as Mediator between God and man.
Observe his several offices of Prophet, Priest, and King. See in which
of these characters he is acting at different times; and inquire what
bearing the particular action you are considering has upon his
mediatorial character. Observe, also, the particular traits of
character which appear conspicuous in particular actions; as power,
energy, manly hardihood, dignity, condescension, humility, love,
meekness, pity, compassion, tenderness, forgiveness, &c. Take notes; and
when you have finished the course, draw from them, in writing, a minute
and particular description of his character. This will be of great
service to you as a pattern. You will also, by this means, see a
peculiar beauty and fitness in Christ for the office he has undertaken,
which you would not otherwise have discovered. But, do not stop with
going through this course once. Repeat it as often as you can
consistently with your plan of a systematic study of the Holy
Scriptures. You will always find something new; and upon every fresh
discovery, you can revise your old notes.
(7.) In reading the historical and biographical parts of Scripture,
several things are necessary to be observed: 1. The histories contained
in the Bible are the histories of God's providence. Observe his hand in
every event. You will there find some principle or law of his moral
government exemplified. Inquire what that principle is, and carefully
observe its application to the conduct of nations, communities, and
individuals. 2. Whenever you read of particular mercies or judgments, as
experienced by nations, communities, or individuals, look back for the
cause. By this you will discover the principles upon which God acts in
these matters. 3. In the biographies of the Bible, study the motives and
conduct of the characters described. If they are unconverted men, you
will learn the workings of human depravity, and discover what kind of
influence a correct religious public sentiment has in restraining that
depravity. If they are good men, you will see, in their good actions,
living illustrations of the great doctrines of the Bible. Endeavor to
learn by what means they made such eminent attainments in holiness, and
strive to imitate them. If their actions are bad, look back and inquire
into the cause of their backslidings. If you discover it, you will find
a way-mark, to caution you against falling into the same pit.
(8.) The poetical and didactic parts of the Scriptures are scattered
throughout the whole Bible. These abound with highly wrought figures.
This is probably owing partly to the insufficiency of ordinary language
to express the sublime and lofty ideas presented to the minds of the
writers by the Spirit of truth. Endeavor to obtain a clear and correct
understanding of the figures used. These are often taken from prevailing
habits and customs, and from circumstances peculiar to the countries
where the Scriptures were written. These habits and circumstances you
must understand, or you will not see the force of the allusions. Others
are taken from circumstances peculiar to particular occupations in life.
These must also be thoroughly studied, in order to be understood. But,
where the figures are drawn from things perfectly familiar, you will not
perceive their surprising beauty and exact fitness to express the idea
of the sacred pen-man, until you have carefully studied them, and noted
the minutest circumstances. Beware, however, that you do not carry out
those figures so far as to lead you into fanciful and visionary
interpretations.
(9.) The books of the prophets consist of reproofs, exhortations,
warnings, threatenings, predictions, and promises. By carefully studying
the circumstances and characters of those for whom they were written,
you will find the principles and laws of God's moral government set
forth, in their application to nations, communities, and individuals.
From these you may draw practical rules of duty, and also learn how to
view the hand of God, in his providence, in different ages of the world.
The predictions contained in these books are the most difficult to be
understood of any part of the Bible. In reading them you will notice, 1.
Those predictions whose fulfilment is recorded in the Bible, and
diligently examine the record of their fulfilment. You will see how
careful God is to fulfil every jot and tittle of his word. 2. There are
other prophecies, the fulfilment of which is recorded in profane
history; and others still which are yet unfulfilled. To understand
these, it will be necessary to read ancient and modern history, in
connection with the explanation of the prophecies by those writers who
have made them their study. An attention to this, so far as your
circumstances will admit, will be useful in enlarging your views of the
kingdom of Christ. But, beware of becoming so deeply absorbed in these
matters as to neglect those of a more practical nature; and especially
be cautious of advancing far into the regions of speculation as to what
is yet future.
(10.) You will find it an interesting and profitable employment
occasionally to read a given book through, for the purpose of seeing
what light it throws upon some particular subject,--some point of
Christian doctrine, duty, practice, character, &c. For example, go
through with Acts, with your eye upon the doctrine of Christ's divinity.
Then go through with it a second time, to see what light it throws on
the subject of Revivals. Pursue the same course with other books, and in
respect to other subjects. In this way you will sometimes be surprised
to find how much you have overlooked in your previous reading.
It will be perceived that I have laid out a very extensive and laborious
work. But this is the great business of our lives; and, indeed, the
contemplation of the glorious truths revealed in the Bible will form the
business of eternity; and even that will be too short to learn the
length and breadth, and height and depth, of the ways of the Almighty.
Your affectionate Brother.