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