The Phenix

Daily Reading of the Bible.

Some read the Bible daily, and cultivate thereby a taste which they enjoy—they look for it as for their daily food—it is refreshing to them as their daily drink—and they are wiser and happier. Others read it only on the Sabbath, and enjoy it less; still it is pleasant to them—a few read it not for instruction nor for improvement, nor to learn the will of the Lord, nor to find the ways of godliness—but as a sort of a charm, which shall operate in some unknown way to their benefit, as the Mahomedan goes the weary pilgrimage to Mecca; to them it is one of their regular toils, most pleasant when it is done. Now we would not discourage them from their apparently fruitless labors, but exhort them to persevere—study will open their eyes, and reveal to them the beauties and excellencies of the word of life.

We find the following in an exchange paper, and give it gladly to our readers:

"Let no day go without reading some portion of the Scriptures; and it is no matter whether you read it before you pray in the morning or just after; your inclination and experience will direct you; but be sure it be done. You will find it very profitable to begin the day with such a converse with God, Prov. xxii. 23. When thou walkest it shall talk with thee See John v. 39. the command of Christ; and Joshua i. 8, the command of God with a promise.—Mason.

"A Bible was lent to a blacksmith, who was known to be a bad husband and father, and addicted to drinking and other vices. It was recommended to him as an interesting volume, and he was advised to read it attentively during the long winter evenings. At first he treated it with contempt, but having spent an evening in reading it. 'It is not,' said he, 'after all, so bad a book as some say. A man may learn from it how God created the world.' For several evenings he continued to read, and was so much interested in the contents of the book that he absolutely forgot to resort to his favorite haunts. At this time his wife says of him, 'I often observe that he is silent and lost in thought; he is now diligent at his work speaks more mildly and kindly than formerly and does not get drunk!'-Literary Register."