"This book contains:
the mind of God,
the state of man,
the way of salvation,
the doom of sinners and
the happiness of believers.
Its doctrines are holy,
its precepts are binding,
its histories are true, and
its decisions are immutable.
Read it to be wise,
believe it to be safe, and
practice it to be holy.
It contains
light to direct you,
food to support you and
comfort to cheer you.
It is
the traveler's map,
the pilgrim's staff,
the pilot's compass,
the soldier's sword, and
the Christian's character.
Here
Paradise is restored,
heaven opened, and
the gates of hell disclosed.
Christ is its grand object,
our good its design, and
the glory of God its end.
It should
fill the memory,
rule the heart, and
guide the feet.
Read it
slowly,
frequently, and
prayerfully.
It is
a mine of wealth,
a Paradise of glory, and
a river of pleasure.
It is
given you in life,
will be opened in the judgment, and
will be remembered forever.
It involves the highest responsibility,
will reward the greatest labor, and
will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents"