This book contains: The mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrine is holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise; believe it to be safe; and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter. Here Heaven is opened, and the gates of Hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, health to the soul, and a river of life, will be opened at the Judgment, and is established forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” (John 5:24).

Search the Scriptures

Do not neglect your Bible. A good book is all right in its place, but if you have the Bible, you have the Book of books; you have more than all others put together, because it is God’s own word to you, and it is life. See St. John 1:1-2. There is so much of the neglect of reading the Bible these days; therefore I feel it my duty to warn you. So if you want to go to heaven, you must search the Bible, or else how will you ever find out what the Lord wants you to do, what heaven is and what hell is, and the way to get to heaven? Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the Life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6) Well, how would I know this if Jesus had not said it and I found it in the New Testament that He left for us? In the Bible we see what is left for us in Jesus’ will, what we will inherit if we keep His sayings and do them. What book besides the Bible promises you this? How are you to know what to do if you don’t read and search it? If you have none, get one at once; and if you have, read it. Don’t lay it on the shelf or in a place where it is unhandy; have it with you wherever you go. Instead of picking up a paper or book, take your Bible and read a portion. If you wish to live happy and want to go to heaven, and if you want to win souls for Jesus, read your Bible and be faithful. If you want to be a true servant of Jesus Christ, read the Bible.