ty.

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
systematic study of the Bible, portions of time should be set apart, if
possible, separate from our regular seasons of devotion; or, perhaps,
immediately after. For the former, a small portion should be selected
from the more practical and devotional parts of the Bible.

We are commanded to _search the Scriptures_. _Searching_ is a difficult
and laborious work. To induce us to engage in it, we must have a strong
desire for something valuable. Here is a treasure of sufficient value to
call forth this desire. This blessed book contains the revealed will of
God. All who love God will be anxious to know his will. They will make
it the rule of their conduct. "Thy word," says the Psalmist, "is a lamp,
unto my feet, and a light unto my path." The will of God, as made known
in his word, is like a lantern, which sheds a light on our path, and
directs the steps of our feet. The sincere Christian will search after a
knowledge of God's will, with more eagerness than he would search for
hidden treasures of gold and silver. He will _set his heart_ to the
work. This is what God commands. After Moses had given the law of God to
the children of Israel, he said unto them, "_Set your hearts_ unto all
the words which I testify among you this day." This is a very strong
expression. To _set our hearts_ to any work, is to go about it in
earnest, with all the energies of our souls. Again; when we make great
search for anything we very much desire and highly prize, and find it,
we are very apt to keep it. Hence David says, "Thy word have I _hid_ in
my heart." But mark the reason of his conduct. Why did he hide God's
word in his heart? He explains his motive: "That I might not _sin
against thee_." His object, in hiding God's word in his heart, was to
know how to regulate his conduct so as not to sin against him. You must
feel a personal interest in the truth. You must study it as the
directory of your