Christian duties.

Your affectionate Brother.




LETTER IV.

_On the Reading and Study of the Holy Scriptures_

"Search the Scriptures."--JOHN 5:39.


MY DEAR SISTER,

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