not mean, to read every day fome cer tain number of chapters, as is ufual; but to read it fo, as to ftudy and confider, and not leave till you are fatisfy'd that you have got the true meaning. To this purpose, it will be neceffary to take the affiftance of Interpreters and Commentators; fuch as are thofe call'd the Criticks, and Poo L's Synopfis Criticorum ; Dr. HAMMOND on the New Teftament, and Dr. WHITBY, &C. I fhould not think it convenient to multiply books of this kind, were there any one that I could direct you to, that was infallible. But you will not think it strange, if I tell you, that after all, you must make ufe of your own judgment; when you confider, that it is, and always will be, impoffible to find an Expofitor, whom you can blind-fold rely upon, and cannot be miftaken in following. Such a refignation as that, is due to the holy Scriptures alone; which were dictated by the infallible Spirit of God. Such writings alfo as Mr. MEDE's and Dr. LIGHTFOOT's, are very much con ducing to lead us into a true fenfe of the facred Scriptures. As As to the Method of reading them, order requires that the four Evangelifts fhould, in the firft place, be well study'd, and thorowly understood. They all treating of the fame subject, do give great light to one another; and, I think, may, with the greatest advantage, be read in Harmony. To this purpose, Monfieur LE CLER C'S, or Mr. WHISTON's Harmony of the four Evangelifts will be of use, and fave a great deal of time and trouble, in turning the Bible. They are now both in English, and Mr. LE CLERC's has a Paraphrafe. But if you would read the Evangelifts in the original, Mr. LE CLERC's edition of his Harmony in Greek and Latin will be the best. If you find, that by this method, you advance in the knowledge of the Gospel ; when you have laid a foundation there to your fatisfaction, it will not be hard to add what may help you forwards, in the ftudy of other parts of the New Tefta ment. But I have troubled you too much already, for which I beg your pardon; and SIR, TO THE SAM E. Oates 20 January 1703-4 HE small acknowledgments I was Table to make, for the honour of your vifit, and enjoyment of your company here, left the debt' on my fide, and deserve not the notice you are pleas'd to take of them. In your obliging Letter of the 13th, you do me favours, and you thank me too. If you intend by this, a perfect acquifition of fo inconfiderable a thing as I am, your worth and virtue dispose me to be as much at your fervice as you please; I wish I found any thing in my self that might promise you any usefulness from me. That defect I fhall endeavour to make up the best I can, with a perfect eftcem, and a readiness of will; which must supply the want of the abilities of doing. I thank you for the printed Paper you fent me*, and am very glad to see fuch An Account of the Society for promoting Chriftian Knowledge. a spi fpirit rais'd, for the fupport and enlargement of Religion. Proteftants, I think, are as much concern'd now as ever, to be vigorous in their joint endeavours, for the maintenance of the Reformation. I wish all that call themselves fo, may be prevail'd with by thofe whom your Paper intimates, to imitate the zeal, and pursue the principles of those great and pious Men, who were inftrumental to bring us out of Roman darkness and bondage. I heartily pray for good fuccefs on all fuch endeavours. If I may guess at the intention of the Society, by the only man you let me know of it, I may be confident that the glory of God, and the propagation of true Religion is the only aim of it. May God eminently profper all endeavours that way, and increase the number of those who seriously lay it to heart. Sir FRANCIS†, my Lady, and the reft of this Family, return you their humble Lervice. I am, &c. Sir FRANCIS MASHAM.. A a 3 RULES |