I am only sorry that my parting present has not been of the use which I intended.  But it is not yet too late for you to learn that, while your Bible should be kept with proper care—­for it is the word of God—­yet it was given for our daily study, that we might read it, pray over it, and practice it; and thus, by the divine blessing, become ‘wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.’” 2 Tim. iii, 15.

“I trust,” said the kind aunt, looking at her two nieces with much affection; “I trust that my dear Emma knows and loves her Saviour, and takes delight in the Scriptures, because they testify of him.  May you both have grace to love him above all things, to do his will, and to put your trust in him for evermore; and then the heartfelt desire of your aunt Harding will be fulfilled.”

Reader, beware how you neglect the word of God.  But remember it is not by merely reading it that you are to look for a blessing to your soul.  You must pray for the teaching of the Holy Spirit, who alone can open your understanding, and incline your heart to heavenly wisdom, that you may not read in vain.

* * * * *

Prayer for divine guidance.

O that the Lord would guide my ways
  To keep his statutes still! 
O that my God would grant me grace
  To know and do his will!

O send thy Spirit down to write
  Thy law upon my heart! 
Nor let my tongue indulge deceit,
  Nor act the liar’s part.

From vanity turn off mine eyes;
  Let no corrupt design,
Nor covetous desires, arise
  Within this soul of mine.

Order my footsteps by thy word,
  And make my heart sincere: 
Let sin have no dominion, Lord,
  But keep my conscience clear.

My soul hath gone too far astray,
  My feet too often slip;
Yet, since I’ve not forgot thy way,
  Restore thy wand’ring sheep.

Make me to walk in thy commands,
  ’Tis a delightful road;
Nor let my head, or heart, or hands,
  Offend against my God.

* * * * *

VALUE OF THE SCRIPTURES TO THE YOUNG

How shall the young secure their hearts,
  And guard their lives from sin? 
Thy word the choicest rules imparts
  To keep the conscience clean.

When once it enters to the mind,
  It spreads such light abroad,
The meanest souls instruction find,
  And raise their thoughts to God.

’Tis like the sun, a heavenly light
  That guides us all the day;
And through the dangers of the night,
  A lamp to lead our way.

Thy precepts make me truly wise;
  I hate the sinner’s road: 
I hate my own vain thoughts that rise,
  But love thy law, my God.

Thy word is everlasting truth;
  How pure is every page! 
That holy book shall guide our youth,
  And well support our age.