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willing by God might agree, so that the whole Bible might be read once by you in the year, and all might be feeding in the same portion of the green pastures at the same time.

I am quite aware that such a plan is accompanied with many

DANGERS.

1. Formality. We are such weak creatures that any regularly returning duty is apt to degenerate into a lifeless form. The tendency of reading the Word by a fixed rule may, in some minds, be to create this skeleton religion. This is to be the peculiar sin of the last days-"Having the form of godliness, but denying the

power thereof." Guard against this. Let the calendar perish rather than this rust eat up your souls.

2. Self-righteousness. Some, when they have devoted their set time to reading the Word, and accomplished their prescribed portion, may be tempted to look at themselves with self-complacency. Many, I am persuaded, are living without any Divine work on their soul-unpardoned and unsanctified, and ready to perishwho spend their appointed times in secret and family devotion. This is going to hell with a lie in the right hand.

3. Careless reading. Few tremble at the word of God. Few, in reading it, hear the voice of Jehovah,

which is full of majesty. Some, by having so large a portion, may be tempted to weary of it, as Israel did of the daily manna, saying-" Our soul loatheth this light bread;" and to read it in a slight and careless manner. This would be fearfully provoking to God. Take heed lest that Word be true of you-" Ye said, also, Behold what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the Lord of Hosts."

4. A yoke too heavy to bear. Some may engage in reading with alacrity for a time, and afterwards feel it a burden grievous to be borne. They may find conscience dragging them through the appointed task without any relish of the heavenly food. If

this be the case with any, throw aside

the fetter and feed at

sweet garden of God.

liberty in the

My desire is not to cast a snare upon you, but to be a helper of your joy.

If there be so many dangers, why propose such a scheme at all? To this I answer, that the best things are accompanied with danger, as the fairest flowers are often gathered in the clefts of some dangerous precipice. Let us weigh

THE ADVANTAGES.

1. The whole Bible will be read through, in an orderly manner, in the course of a year-the Old Testament once, the New Testament and

Psalms twice. I fear many of you never read the whole Bible; and yet it is all equally Divine. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect." If we pass over some parts of Scripture, we shall be incomplete Christians.

2. Time will not be wasted in choosing what portions to read. Often believers are at a loss to determine toward which part of the mountains of spices they should bend their steps. Here the question will be solved at once in a very simple manner.

3. Parents will have a regular subject upon which to examine their

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