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 heig