vation. I therefore considered myself engaged to make them my study: and as the whole was given by inspiration from God, and was all declared to be profitable, according to the various ends which the Holy Spirit designed in it; I made the whole my study. Thus I learned to look upon the Bible as my book of instructions, given me along with the ministerial office by my Lord and Master; that from thence I might deduce all my doctrines, counsels and admonitions, warnings, examples, encouragements, rules of duty, and motives to duty and I also considered it to be the believer's charter of privileges, containing exceedingly great and precious promises, and the whole of that which God saw fit to reveal concerning those unspeakable and inconceivable good things, which he hath of his infinite mercy prepared for them that love bim. In order therefore faithfully to declare my message from the Lord Almighty to the souls of men, I found it indispensably needful to be well acquainted with every part, and to take the word of God myself, as well as propose it to others, as "the lantern of my feet, and the light of my paths:" not only attending to the letter, but also to the true meaning, the mind of the Spirit of God in it. This I found to be a work that required much time, great diligence, mature consideration, and an unbiassed unprejudiced mind.

With this view of the matter in part obtained, and continually more and more unfolding itself, I studied the word of God; and have now for nearly four years thus employed a very considerable part of my time, neither rejecting, nor yet greatly depending on, the assistance of interpreters. I sincerely desired to

know the truth, and for that end I read the Scriptures, "not as the word of man, but as the word of God." And though there have been seasons of remissness, when other employments and studies too much interfered with this main business; and though at first I was very far from an unbiassed mind, being blindly and obstinately prejudiced against those doctrines, which I now believe to be the true gospel of Jesus Christ yet in that space I have read the Bible many times over, in every part, with the strictest attention of which I was capable. There are very few passages, which relate to doctrine, that I have not repeatedly and diligently examined, comparing one with another, with all the care and consideration I could; and I seldom ever ceased meditating on any portion of Scripture, until I had attained to some satisfying conclusion concerning its true meaning, and its agreement with other Scriptures. I may truly say I have filled reams of pa per with religious discussions, with sermons, expositions, and letters; in all which I ransacked the Bible, to bring as much scriptural evidence for my direction as possible. For these last two years I have scarcely opened a book except upon religious subjects, and from morning till night, nearly every day, during this period, my thoughts incessantly have been employed in meditation upon the great truths of the gospel. Every difficulty and objection, (and difficulties and objections both from my own meditations, and in the course of my reading, continually crowded upon my mind,) sent me to the word of God, and increased my care and attention in examining and weighing every

text of Scripture, respecting the point in question, before I exchanged my old opinion for a new one.

Thus I may truly say, I have sought in the word of God, (that field in which alone this precious treasure lies hid) "for wisdom," for the saving knowledge of divine things, “as for silver, and searched for her as for hid treasures." And though I am sensible that my knowledge is still comparatively superficial, the knowledge of a child, of a novice in the school of Christ; yet I trust that, as far as relates to the leading truths of the gospel, according to the promise, I am "brought to understand the fear of the Lord, and "have found the knowledge of God.”

Permit me now, beloved reader, to put thee in remembrance, that until thou hast, with some good measure of this diligence, studied the whole word of God, thou runnest very great hazards in passing judgment upon men and doctrines. Be cautious what thou doest; let these men quite alone, until thou hast imitated the conduct of the noble Bereans, and thoroughly, and with unbiassed mind, examined and meditated upon the whole word of God, to see whether the things they believe and teach be so or not: lest otherwise it should come to pass, (as probably it will) that in opposing and condemning them, thon shouldst be found to fight against God.-Oh, that the Lord would hear and grant my request, and by his Holy Spirit powerfully incline the hearts of all who read these sheets, according to their leisure, station in life, obligations, and opportunities, thus attentively to read their Bibles; not as the word of men, but as the word of God himself, speaking from heaven unto them,

and concerning the everlasting interests of their pré cious and immortal souls. Be the adviser what he may, despised and deserving to be despised, the advice is undoubtedly good: advice he shall have no occasion to repent having thus given, at the solemn hour of death, and the awful day of judgment; advice, which, at those approaching seasons, none will repent having followed; though it should divert them from more amusing, and at this day, more reputable studies, or engross that time which they have been ac customed to devote to more pleasurable and fashionable employments; but which, neglected, will be an additional sting in the conscience through all the count. less ages of eternity.

And oh, that they, to whom the chief Shepherd hath committed the care of precious souls, and at whose hands he will assuredly require every one that perishes through their default; would take in good part this expression of the very affectionate desire of my soul, both in behalf of them and of their flocks, in dropping these hints concerning their peculiar obligations, to devote much of their time to the attentive unbiassed study of the word of God, that infinitely best, but often least studied, of all books! What avails it, that the ministers of the everlasting gospel should be learned classical scholars, profound philosophers, metaphysicians and mathematicians, expert logicians, or adorned with the knowledge of the politer sciences; if they are unacquainted, or but superficially acquainted, with the sacred Scriptures? These branches of literature may amuse and entertain them, may procure them preferment, reputation, respect, and favour;

but the knowledge of the Bible alone can enable them in such a manner to "take heed to themselves and to their doctrine," as shall issue in the everlasting salvation of their own souls and the souls committed to their care.-Far be it from me to presume to lay down my opinions as the standard of doctrine, or a rule for the faith and preaching of my brethren in the sacred ministry! But the more obscure I am, the less objection can there reasonably be against my hinting to them, that if any one should find this subject manifest itself to his conscience, and make him sensible that verily he hath been faulty in attending to other employments, and studying other books more than the word of God; then possibly he may be mistaken in his sentiments concerning the doctrine of the gospel, and being mistaken himself, may be misleading others, to the endangering of their immortal souls: for he cannot be certain but that, should he employ some years in this single study, (which its importance well deserves,) he may find the Bible a very different book than he expected.

V. I would observe the influence which prayer appears to have had in effecting this change.

I am aware that the world, though called Christian, is come to such a pass, that the very mention of this subject in many companies is accounted ill manners, or even received with ridicule; and that being known to maintain constant communion with God, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, is alone sufficient to denominate any person a Methodist. It is however, most certain, that the word of God is full of precepts, instructions, exhortations, invitations, promises, and VOL. I. P