# “Reading and studying the Bible” by John Newton

- Link: https://tollelege.net/2016/07/31/reading-and-studying-the-bible-by-john-newton/
- Published: 2016-07-31T19:00:53-05:00
- Author: tollelege

“I know not a better rule of reading the Scripture, than to read it through from
beginning to end; and, when we have finished it once, to begin it again.

We shall meet with many passages which we can make little improvement of, but not
so many in the second reading as in the first, and fewer in the third than in the
second: provided we pray to Him who has the keys to open our understandings, and
to anoint our eyes with His spiritual ointment.

The course of reading today will prepare some lights for what we shall read tomorrow,
and throw a farther light upon what we read yesterday. Experience only can prove
the advantage of this method, if steadily persevered in.

To make a few efforts and then give up, is like making a few steps and then standing
still, which would do little towards completing a long journey.

But, though a person walked slowly, and but a little way in a day, if he walked 
every day, and with his face always in the same direction, year after year, he might
in time encompass the globe.

By thus travelling patiently and steadily through the Scripture, and repeating our
progress, we should increase in knowledge to the end of life.

The Old and New Testament, the doctrines, precepts, and promises, the history, the
examples, admonitions, and warnings would mutually illustrate and strengthen each
other, and nothing that is written for our instruction would be overlooked.

Happy should I be, could I fully follow the advice I am now offering to you. I wish
you may profit by my experience.

Alas, how much time have I lost and wasted, which, had I been wise, I should have
devoted to reading and studying the Bible!

But my evil heart obstructs the dictates of my judgment, I often feel a reluctance
to read this Book of books, and a disposition to hew out broken cisterns which afford
me no water, while the fountain of living waters are close within my reach.”

–John Newton, [_The Works of John Newton, Vol. 6_](https://www.amazon.com/dp/1848715110?tag=toletaupanre-20),
Ed. Richard Cecil (vol. 6; London: Hamilton, Adams & Co., 1824), 418–419.

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