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perhaps 'Algebra,' 'Geometry,' etc., in the Mathematical line; a book on 'Chemistry;' another on Geology,' etc., etc., to the end of the course. We will witness this teacher's debut. Little John asks: "Mr. Schoolmaster, what shall I study?" The grave pedagogue replies; "You have all the books necessary to take you to Congress, and you may begin where you please, you have to study them all." Look at John, he has taken up 'Algebra,' wrong end up-hear him read;-that's fluenta smart scholar he; but the poor little fellow does not know his letters, and of course, he can understand nothing in the book. This reminds us of members of the Romish Church, who read the service in Latin, without understanding a word that they read. But look round, and you will see the rest of the pupils in equal confusion. The more they study, the less they know,their path grows darker and darker, and finally the disappointed children become. weary, and throw down their books in disgust. "Mind your books," says the teacher; it is all to no effect, they cannot

learn. What is the reason? The teacher began wrong, and years of labor on this plan, would be of no service. This, reader, is not an unapt illustration of reading the Scriptures.

The wise teacher will have his pupils begin at the alphabet, and proceed regularly and inductively, till they can master the highest branches. When one desires to study arithmetic, there is an appropriate book for the purpose; and no substitute will answer in its place. To learn grammar, geography, chemistry, etc., there are books. entirely suitable. But we should remember that, geography cannot be learned from the treatise on algebra, neither can geology be learned from a treatise on music, and the best talent and closest application, will not enable students to surmount mistakes in selecting the books appropriate to the several departments of science.

These suggestions, it is hoped, will picture forth, the usual plan of studying religious subjects, and direct attention to a better plan. There is a proper beginning, and unless we start at the right point, we will

miss the truth as far, as the clumsy surveyor, who would attempt to determine an amount of land, without a starting or concluding corner. The greater the labor, the greater the confusion in his plots.

A part of the Bible is appropriated to the Patriarchal religion; another part to the Jewish; and still, a third develops the Christian institution. These dispensations of divine wisdom, should be kept as separate as God has made them; and the books which treat of each, to be comprehended, must be read with direct reference to their respective subjects.

With these simple rules, we shall proceed to another, and still more interesting division of our subject.

PART THIRD.

THE BIBLE EXAMINED.

Ir would be unreasonable to conclude that, it is not in the power of accountable creatures, to acquire rich stores of spiritual light, by examining the sacred oracles; and we trust that, in our remaining investigations, our readers will contemplate the various points of discussion, with unvailed hearts.

I. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE PURPORT TO BE?

The volume is usually called, "The Bible,”—meaning, "The Book," to express its pre-eminence over all other books; and it is believed by Christians that, it is the only volume on earth, which has God for its Author. The term Bible has been in use from an early age of the Christian Church ; but from the close of the first century, the

name "Holy Scriptures" has been employed to designate the contents of the Divine Volume.

As intimated, it purports to have been written by the inspiration of God. There are various theories of inspiration; but as our object is not so much a critical examination of the Scriptures, as to aid, particularly young persons, to read to advantage, we will barely introduce a few statements from the Bible itself, which afford, no doubt, the clearest view of the subject.

The apostle Paul tells us that, "God who at sundry times, and in divers manners, spake in times past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son." Heb. i, 1. Peter tells us that, "Holy men of God spake, as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Pet. i, 21. Christ told the apostles that, "The Spirit should 'guide' them into all truth;" said He, "The Holy Spirit shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have