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.