Lesson XL.] CONCLUDING ADVICF. 307 



ticular attention, that much-negiected book the 

 BIBLE; where energy of language, sublimity of 

 sentiment, and the most exquisite beauties of 

 oriental poetry, are among the least of its perfec- 

 tions* ; from reading this book, and from con- 

 templating the works of nature, we may learn 

 that GOD is a supreme, eternal, self-existent, ne- 

 cessary, and independent Being: that he is also 

 invisible, immortal, incomprehensible, omnipotent, 

 omniscient, omnipresent, ami supremely good. We 

 may also thence deduce, that He manages the 

 world in wisdom and goodness, and governs it in 

 justice, truth, and holiness; that " not a sparrow 

 " falls to the ground without HIM;" that " even 



* The Bible, on account of the precepts it contains, and 

 the consolations which may be derived from it, is above all 

 praise. But before it can be of advantage to a reader, he 

 ought to be convinced of the truth of Revelation. Young 

 persons should assent to the doctrines in this Divine Book ; 

 not because they were born in a country where they have 

 been told that they were true ; nor merely because they have 

 been assented to, and defended, by very eminent men ; but 

 because the evidences, accompanying the various parts of 

 the volume, have CONVINCED them, that it has GOD for its 

 author, TRUTH for its matter, and SALVATION for its end. I 

 cannot help adding, that when youth make these evidences 

 the subject of their pursuit, they should bear in mind a pre- 

 cept, which ought always to accompany them when pursuing 

 truth : namely, " As far as possible get rid of old prejudices, 

 and watch continually against new ones." 



For more on this most interesting of all subjects, I trust 

 the reader may advantageously consult my " Letters on the 

 Evidences, Doctrines, and Duties of the Christian Reli. 

 gion." 



"the 



