John Wesley, who here makes six key practical points:
If you desire to read the Scriptures in such a manner as may
most effectually answer this end, would it not be advisable,
(1) To set apart a little time, if you can, every morning and
evening for that purpose?
(2) At each time, if you have leisure, to read a chapter out of
the Old and one out of the New Testament; if you cannot do this, to take a
single chapter, or a part of one?
(3) To read this with a single eye, to know the whole will of
God, and a fixed resolution to do it?
In order to know His will, you should,
(4) Have a constant eye to the analogy of faith, the connexion
and harmony there is between those grand, fundamental doctrines, original sin,
justification by faith, the new birth, inward and outward holiness;
(5) Serious and earnest prayer should be constantly used before
we consult the oracles of God; seeing ‘Scripture can only be understood through
the same Spirit whereby it was given.’ Our reading should likewise be closed
with prayer, that what we read may be written on our hearts;
(6) It might also be of use, if, while we read, we were
frequently to pause, and examine ourselves by what we read, both with regard to
our hearts and lives….
And whatever light you then receive should be used to the uttermost,
and that immediately. Let there be no delay. Whatever you resolve begin to
execute the first moment you can. So shall you find this word to be indeed the
power of God unto present and eternal salvation.
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