If you desire to read the scripture in such a manner
as may most effectually answer this end, would it not be advisable,
1. To set apart a little time, if you
can, every morning and evening for that purpose?
2. At each time if you have leisure, to read a
chapter out of the Old, and one out of the New Testament: if you cannot
do this, to take a single chapter, or a part of one?
3. To read this with a single eye, to know the
whole will of God, and a fixt resolution to do it? In order to know his
will, you should,
4. Have a constant eye to the analogy of faith;
the connexion and harmony there is between those grand, fundamental doctrines,
Original Sin, Justification by Faith, the New Birth, Inward and Outward
Holiness.
5. Serious and earnest prayer
should be constantly used, before we consult the oracles of God, seeing
"scripture can only be understood thro' the same Spirit whereby it was
given." Our reading should likewise be closed with prayer, that what we
read may be written on our hearts.
6. It might also be of use, if while we read,
we were frequently to pause, and examine ourselves by what we read, both
with regard to our hearts, and lives. This would furnish us with matter
of praise, where we found God had enabled us to conform to his blessed
will, and matter of humiliation and prayer, where we were conscious of
having fallen short.
And whatever light you then receive, should be used to the
uttermost, and that immediately. Let there be no delay. Whatever you resolve,
begin to execute the first moment you can. So shall you find this word
to be indeed the power of God unto present and eternal salvation.
John Wesley
Preface to Explanatory Notes upon the Old Testament
EDINBURGH, April 25, 1765.
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