- It is one thing to read
the Bible through,
- Another thing to learn and
read and do.
- Some read it with desire
to learn, and read,
- But to their subject pay
but little heed;
- Some read it as their duty
every week,
- But no instruction from
the Bible seek;
- While others read it with
but little care,
- With no regard to how they
read or where;
- Some read it as a History,
to know
- How people lived two
thousand years ago,
- Some read it to bring
themselves into repute,
- By showing others how they
can dispute;
- While others read because
their neighbors do,
- To see how long it takes
to read it through.
- Some read it for the
wonders that are there,
- How David killed a lion
and a bear;
- While others read it with
uncommon care,
- Hoping to find some
contradictions there.
- Some read as though it did
not speak to them,
- But to the people at
Jerusalem.
- One reads it as a book of
mysteries,
- And won't believe the very
thing he sees;
- One reads with father's
specs upon his head,
- And sees the thing just as
his father said;
- Some read to prove a
pre-adopted creed,
- Hence understanding but
little as they read,
- For every passage in the
book they bend
- To make it suit that
all-important end.
- Some people read, as I
have often thought,
- To teach the Book, instead
of being taught;
- And some there are who
read it out of spite
- I fear there are but few
who read it right.
- One thing I find, and you
may find it too,
- The more you read, the
more you find it true;
- But this to find, an open
eye is needful,
- With often prayer, and
humble heart all heedful;
- The one who reads with
pride or inattention,
- Will only find full causes
of dissension,
- The one who reads with
modest penetration,
- Will find the joy of
comfort and salvation.
Tips
on
Reading