INTRODUCTION.

THE sole object in publishing this little work, is to induce the reading of the Holy Scriptures constantly-almost exclusively to every other work; not merely to read a chapter, but to devote the reading to this Book of books; written to suit all cases and states. Morality is an idol of this world's creation, where those who stop with content, deprive God of the repentant, broken, contrite heart. Morality and Morals are words not to be found throughout the word of life to know God, is everlasting knowledgethe rest will be destroyed.

See Isa. xlv. 3. And search for delight in the depth of its treasures, in this "Mass of Testimony," which from the plenitude of its supplies,

and a God waiting to be gracious, may in the fulness of beauty be called THE EVERLASTING NOW; for whoso reads the "Scripture of Truth," under the light of God's countenance, possesses "silver of strength," and the defence of the Almighty. Job, xxii. 25. See Isa. xxxiii. 16.

An unfinished conversation with a Friend a few years past, occasioned the Letter; which being to the purpose, is inserted. The rest of the subjects are original-taken from the Holy Oracles-detached pieces-and were not written for publication, but disrobed of their egotism, to adapt them for the purpose. Having afforded great delight to the writer, a hope prevailed they might be variously blessed to the reader, although they fall infinitely short of their capability, and the Lord working with judicious and pious Ministers, they might turn these fragments into bread, "that nothing be lost:" blessed treasure, "the word of God is not bound;" no man may say, "I have

all knowledge;" there still remains the "twelve baskets full," when the thousands are satisfied.

If Christ spake not to his disciples without a parable, it was that they might search for its meaning. The Old Testament abounds with them as well as the New. The Gospel was before preached unto Abraham, as the spiritual law reaches unto us; we share alike, there is no difference. The Temple of Solomon is the growth of a saint, emblematically hid.

"The Passover" is Scripture testimony. A near Relative and a Friend, have kindly afforded some improvements; and these pages are greatly indebted for correction to an intelligent lady.

Should this little book be never read, because the Scriptures are preferred, it would be counted for joy; and if it be read, may "The Express Image" be found among these broken specimens of "The Stone of Israel." "I am the LORD, that is my name, and my glory will I not give to

another, neither my praise to graven images."

Isaiah, xlii. 8. Glory is too celestial to rest on a creature, therefore no praise can be claimed, or given, to the most unworthy

WRITER.

January 7, 1836.

"KNOWING this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Pet. i. 20, 21.

Search, dig, tread, thresh the Scriptures; see what treasures belong to you, and make them your own; for if you find Jesus, "all are yours; and ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's."

THE SLOTHFUL.

Prov. xxiv. 30-32.

"I WENT by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding and lo, it was

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