individuals. 2. Whenever you read of particular mercies or judgments, as
experienced by nations, communities, or individuals, look back for the
cause. By this you will discover the principles upon which God acts in
these matters. 3. In the biographies of the Bible, study the motives and
conduct of the characters described. If they are unconverted men, you
will learn the workings of human depravity, and discover what kind of
influence a correct religious public sentiment has in restraining that
depravity. If they are good men, you will see, in their good actions,
living illustrations of the great doctrines of the Bible. Endeavor to
learn by what means they made such eminent attainments in holiness, and
strive to imitate them. If their actions are bad, look back and inquire
into the cause of their backslidings. If you discover it, you will find
a way-mark, to caution you against falling into the same pit.

(8.) The poetical and didactic parts of the Scriptures are scattered
throughout the whole Bible. These abound with highly wrought figures.
This is probably owing partly to the insufficiency of ordinary language
to express the sublime and lofty ideas presented to the minds of the
writers by the Spirit of truth. Endeavor to obtain a clear and correct
understanding of the figures used. These are often taken from prevailing
habits and customs, and from circumstances peculiar to the countries
where the Scriptures were written. These habits and circumstances you
must understand, or you will not see the force of the allusions. Others
are taken from circumstances peculiar to particular occupations in life.
These must also be thoroughly studied, in order to be understood. But,
where the figures are drawn from things perfectly familiar, you will not
perceive their surprising beauty and exact fitness to express the idea
of the sacred pen-man, until you have carefully studied them, and noted
the minutest circumstances. Beware, however, that you do not carry out
those figures so far as to lead you into fanciful and visionary