READING THE BIBLE THROUGH.
By J. H. W.
It has become quite a custom of late to read the Bible through by course. All right so far. But with some it is becoming a kind of mechanical operation; with some it is a matter of strife to see who shall read it through first; and I have heard one spoken of who read it through five times in the year 1868; at least, so it was said. Perhaps that person had nothing else to do; or perhaps he had a superior mind to comprehend and retain truth; but as for me, to read the Bible in that manner would be an unprofitable performance. I have never been very successful in my efforts to read the Bible by course. Frequently in attempting to read a chapter my attention will be arrested by a verse, or a particular expression, which directs my mind to a parallel or kindred expression somewhere else, and before I am aware I have been looking over many other chapters in tracing their connection. This makes slow work in reading through the book, but I have found it sometimes very profitable and gratifying in its results. Paul said he had rather speak five words with his understanding than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. This is a great difference in numbers, but the profit of the first will overbalance the great number of the last. It might be well for some of us to apply this rule to our reading, that is, to read a less number of chapters, but with the understanding. Generally it may be a good plan to read the Bible through once a year; but with many, who have many other duties to attend to, it may not be as profitable as to read more slowly. No rule should be arbitrarily followed, but let each strive to read to edification, to instruction, and to God's glory. J. H. W. Topsham, Maine, Jan. 10, 1869.