(7.) In reading the historical and biographical parts of Scripture, several things are necessary to be observed:  1.  The histories contained in the Bible are the histories of God’s providence.  Observe his hand in every event.  You will there find some principle or law of his moral government exemplified.  Inquire what that principle is, and carefully observe its application to the conduct of nations, communities, and individuals. 2.  Whenever you read of particular mercies or judgments, as experienced by nations, communities, or individuals, look back for the cause.  By this you will discover the principles upon which God acts in these matters. 3.  In the biographies of the Bible, study the motives and conduct of the characters described.  If they are unconverted men, you will learn the workings of human depravity, and discover what kind of influence a correct religious public sentiment has in restraining that depravity.  If they are good men, you will see, in their good actions, living illustrations of the great doctrines of the Bible.  Endeavor to learn by what means they made such eminent attainments in holiness, and strive to imitate them.  If their actions are bad, look back and inquire into the cause of their backslidings.  If you discover it, you will find a way-mark, to caution you against falling into the same pit.

(8.) The poetical and didactic parts of the Scriptures are scattered throughout the whole Bible.  These abound with highly wrought figures.  This is probably owing partly to the insufficiency of ordinary language to express the sublime and lofty ideas presented to the minds of the writers by the Spirit of truth.  Endeavor to obtain a clear and correct understanding of the figures used.  These are often taken from prevailing habits and customs, and from circumstances peculiar to the countries where the Scriptures were written.  These habits and circumstances you must understand, or you will not see the force of the allusions.  Others are taken from circumstances peculiar to particular occupations in life.  These must also be thoroughly studied, in order to be understood.  But, where the figures are drawn from things perfectly familiar, you will not perceive their surprising beauty and exact fitness to express the idea of the sacred pen-man, until you have carefully studied them, and noted the minutest circumstances.  Beware, however, that you do not carry out those figures so far as to lead you into fanciful and visionary interpretations.

(9.) The books of the prophets consist of reproofs, exhortations, warnings, threatenings, predictions, and promises.  By carefully studying the circumstances and characters of those for whom they were written, you will find the principles and laws of God’s moral government set forth, in their application to nations, communities, and individuals.  From these you may draw practical rules of duty, and also learn how to view the hand of God, in his providence, in different ages of the world.  The predictions