eading in the Old and New Testaments, you have
also some one of those books which require most study, in a course of
reading, to take up whenever you have an occasional season of leisure to
devote to the study of the Bible. But, when you have commenced one book,
finish it before you begin another. You will find great advantage from
the use of a reference Bible and concordance. By looking out the
parallel passages, as you proceed, you will see how one part of the
Scriptures explains another, and how beautifully they all harmonize.
This will also give you a better view of the _whole Scriptures_ than you
can obtain in any other way. But if you are a Sabbath-school teacher or
scholar, your regular lesson will furnish as much study of this
description as you will be able thoroughly to accomplish.

(5.) In reading the Scriptures, there are some subjects of inquiry which
you should carry along with you constantly: 1. What do I find here which
points to Christ? Unless you keep this before your mind, you will lose
half the interest of many parts of the Old Testament. Indeed, much of it
will otherwise be almost without meaning. It is full of types and
prophecies relating to Christ, which, by themselves, appear dry, but,
when understood, most beautiful and full of instruction. 2. Remember
that the Bible contains a history of the church. Endeavor, then, to
learn the state of the church at the time of which you are reading. For
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 G