A17387:14
Directions for the private reading of the Scriptures wherein besides the number of chapters…Directions for the priuate reading of the Scriptures wherein besides the number of chapters…
Directions for the private reading of the Scriptures wherein besides the number of chapters assigned to every day, the order and drift of the whole Scriptures is methodically set down: and choice rules (that show how to read with profit) are likewise given: the use whereof is showed in the preface. By Nicolas Bifeild preacher of Gods word at Isleworth in Middlesex.Directions for the priuate reading of the Scriptures wherein besides the number of chapters assigned to euery day, the order and drift of the whole Scriptures is methodically set downe: and choice rules (that shew how to read with profit) are likewise giuen: the vse whereof is shewed in the preface. By Nicolas Bifeild preacher of Gods word at Isleworth in Middlesex.
London: printed by E. Griffin for N. Butter near St. Austens gate, 1618London: printed by E. Griffin for N. Butter neere St. Austens gate, 1618
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Concerning these Rules I consider both the matter, and the manner of using them. For the matter, he that comes to read the Scriptures, should especially set himself to observe two things: First the most needful places to enlarge his own knowledge, and further his own growth in the true grace of God. Secondly such places, as might warrant his practise in the things, the world usually cavils at and reproacheth ⟨image 7⟩his profession for: as if he did not what were necessary to do. There are some things in all places objected against the godly. Now it is a thing of admirable use in our reading to gather under the several heads such places, as may establish our hearts with abundance of assurance, that we do nothing out of preciseness and curiosity in those things: but merely at the commandment of God. And the Scriptures are so apparent, and easy to be discerned, and so many in number, that the simplest Reader may gather great store of testimonies.
Concerning these Rules I consider both the matter, and the maner of vsing them. For the matter, hee that comes to read the Scriptures, should especially set himselfe to obserue two things: First the most needfull places to enlarge his owne knowledge, and further his owne growth in the true grace of God. Secondly such places, as might warrant his practise in the things, the world vsually cauills at and reprocheth ⟨image 7⟩his profession for: as if hee did not what were necessary to doe. There are some things in all places obiected against the godly. Now it is a thing of admirable vse in our reading to gather vnder the seuerall heads such places, as may establish our hearts with abundance of assurance, that we do nothing out of precisenesse and curiositie in those things: but meerly at the commandement of God. And the Scriptures are so apparant, and easie to bee discerned, and so many in number, that the simplest Reader may gather great store of testimonies.
Now for the first of these, that is, such places as might most profit me in my particular reading: