o deter me from writing these pages, had
I not been convinced, that this is the only way in which the brethren at
large may be benefited through my mistakes and errors, and been influenced
by the hope, that in answer to my prayers, the reading of my experience
may be the means of leading them to value the Scriptures more highly, and
to make them the rule of all their actions.

Before I leave this subject I would only add: If the reader understands
very little of the word of God, he ought to read it very much; for the
Spirit explains the Word by the Word. And if he enjoys the reading of the
Word little, that is just the reason why he should read it much; for the
frequent reading of the Scriptures creates a delight in them, so that the
more we read them, the more we desire to do so. And if the reader should
be an unbeliever, I would likewise entreat him to read the Scriptures
earnestly, but to ask God previously to give him a blessing. For in doing
so, God may make him wise unto salvation, 2 Tim. iii. 16.

If any one should ask me, how he may read the Scriptures most profitably,
I would advise him, that

I. Above all he should seek to have it settled in his own mind, that God
alone, by His Spirit, can teach him, and that therefore, as God will be
inquired of for blessings, it becomes him to seek God's blessing previous
to reading, and also whilst reading.

II. He should have it, moreover, settled in his mind, that although the
Holy Spirit is the best and sufficient teacher, yet that this teacher does
not always teach immediately when we desire it, and that, therefore, we
may have to entreat Him again and again for the explanation of certain
passages; but that He will surely teach us at last, if indeed we are
seeking for light prayerfully, patiently, and with a view to the glory of
God.

III. It is of immense importance for the understanding of the word of
God, to read it in course, so that we may read every day a portion of the
Old and a portion of the New Testament, going on where we previously left
off. This is important--1, because it throws light upon the connexion, and
a different course, according to which one habitually selects particular
chapters, will make it utterly impossible ever to understand much of the
Scriptures. 2, Whilst we are in the body, we need a change even in
spiritual things, and this change the Lord has graciously provided in the
great variety which is to be found in His word. 3, It tends to