wisdom, for the saving knowledge of divine things, as for silver, and searched for her, as for hidden treasures. And though I am sensible, compared with many, with whom I have personal acquaintance, and still more, whose works I read, my knowledge of the Scriptures is superficial, the knowledge of a child, of a mere 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. And permit me, 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 the men and doctrines. Be cau

tious in what thou doest; let these men quite alone, until thou hast imitated the conduct of the noble Bereans, and hast 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 no. Least otherwise it should come to pass,

as probably it will, that in opposing and condemning them, thou shouldst be found to fight against God. And O! 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 opportu nities, thus attentively to read their Bibles; not as the word of man but as the word of God himself, speaking from heaven, and unto them, and concerning the everlasting interests of their precious, and immortal souls, Be the adviser what he will, despised, and deserving to be des. pised for a Methodist, the advice is undoubtedly good; advice I shall have no occasion to repent having thus given you, at the solemn hour of death, and the awful day of judgment; advice, which, at those approaching seasons, none of you will repent having followed; though it should divert you from more amusing, and at this day, more reputable studies, or engross that time, that you have been accustomed to devote to more pleasurable and fashionable employments; but which neglected, will be an additional

sting in every conscience, through all the countless ages of eternity.

And O! 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 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 classics, 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 other branches of literature may amuse and entertain them, may procure them preferment, reputation, respect, and favor; but it is the knowledge of the Bible, which alone can enable them in such a manner to at

tend 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 there can reasonably be against my just 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 this matter, and hath been attending to other employments, and studying other books more, than the word of God; then possible 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 live a life of prayer and communion with God, is alone sufficient to denominate any person a Methodist. However it is scarce needful to say, how full the word of God is of precepts, instructions, exhortations, invitations, promises, and examples to this ef fect. He never read his Bible, who knows not this; nor can any man, under any pretence, make a jest of this greatduty and privilege of a believer, without pouring contempt upon the holy Scriptures, and insulting the brightest characters therein proposed to us as examples, not accepting the Lord Jesus himself. Let men therefore, under the profession of christianity, be as irreligious and profane, as they please; I shall not be ashamed to speak upon so unfashionable a topic; for if the word of God be true, he never knew any thing, as he