Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1859-11-10
HOW To READ AND UNDERSTAND TIE scsiP

u
The skep,icism, sectsrani-n, and lati,ndin.rAn.n
which prevail in the world cAxy attributable to the
following -
is Th., mankind h.bi,ualy and -ialiy abstain from
ed. That large majority OF ho-e Who rad the Bible
do either su<fciAy. under the ineueace OF Pre-
Jaass. which PrsvrS. them though ever learning from
IL viii be admitted that large proportion ot church.
going people open the Bible, being with
the crumbs OF Scripture dispensed TO ,he from the pal.
pit in the shape OF and isolated ~ntences olen
ected and uttered from desire produce
tavorte doctrnal Impressions IL the hearers vil not
the trouble TO refer to the texts and senences and
stdiousy read the eosnecfioss contexts cannot be
expected that they WILL in every instance. comprehend
the true Specification and bearing OF the citations how.
earnestly and ingenously the xpound
ed and enforced by the preacher The person may
hear different ministers quote Scripture tin detached pas
ssges TO prove diverse conflicting theories aud thus
t IL that many intelligent aud women, Who do not
examine the Bible epsslrss led to believe
belefi
Many an anxious seeker Cor the truth ha. been so he
~ilered by the multiplicity Of creeds a. to despair OF
reconcing the Inconsistencies o the Bible He
searches the Scriptures but with faAeions diverse in.
erpreiatious ringing in his ear influencing his judg
neni he is unable TO bring his mind any conclusion
He a. perhanc~ al-o oblivoas OF certain simple facts
aud conditions Just appreciation OF which, would
move most OF the difficulties that perpex his understand
ing.
With these predatory remarks permit me to Offer
few suggestions and rules, the observance Of which,
the Bible and enable the earnest seeker TO comprehend
its teachings:
l. Provide yourself, if you have il not with Bible
which contains marginal aud references and be-
not afraid TO WndrScore with pencil striking or sig.
nitcant passage. With the aid of exam.
Inc 'rrTs mot ,.rse) that refers the subject
nj YOUR special enquiry and will find that the Bible
- ITS own best inerpreternot only OF prophecies and
promises. hut OF the Specification Of ,soris.
:. Remember that the Scriptures OF the Old and New
Testament contain all the information possess or can
attain respecting God and the spiritual OF unseen things
and relations, Their revelations must therefore be re-
cei'ed iiapiicihy BY faith nasmuch
Incompetent To prove test thing beyond the scope
OF their power. They also he received with
the docity OF child aud with "a readiness of mind"
lSee II III Hebrews; Mark lo Il. and Acts IL: ~
.. Remember that the Scriptures principally all
dressed Ia the household Of FAITH tor instance see
Romans |: aud = - aud that considerable portions Of
them qualified restricted in their meaning ani s
plcltion by the psculsries of the r.la
lions, and locss of Gods children at the time they
we're written "a BE careful, therefore, Ill the
circumstances and 10 observe 10 whom aud by whom
any passage of the Scriptures expressed
4 Remember that those portions of the Scriptures al
dressed 10 the household vi Faith" be sppcopr
atei hy the unconyeredthat the SINNER IL accounted
voluntary alien from the life OF God having no claim
upon the favor love of the Most High and IL only ad
dressed IN the language OF gracious mercy, proposing
the rich gifts of forgiveness reconciliation salvation and
IFS.
When you refer TO any verse or text which has been
quoted IN support OF against theory, in
your Bible and after have read the uotaian read
IHIs lbTfheT. lou will often he surprised AZ the
hood OF ght which this slight trouble win afford you
IL j. sometimes quite neeiiu read the anieeedent
u. Endesvor to discriminate between the literal and
hguratSe expressions aud do confonnd the absolute
With the allegorcs Make full slow Tor posi-
bile ignorance Of the civil religious and political customs
idoms, etc. which prevailed the time the Scriptures
(Of the Old and New Testsmehtsl were written; and
make full allowance also, for the errors of trsntors
cOpSi-t-, aud printers.
For th, further guidsnce read the 18th Psalm from
18th 10 l"5th verse inclusive; also Peter Ss; Romans
Az and asa and Luke 2I:21.
IL the foregoing suggestions shall be deemed of any
value let them he preserved II will do harm to paste
them ON the inner side oil the binding Bitlr