And further, it is manifest that in our reading we should have respect to the nurture of our spiritual life. Secular instruction and mental improvement are proper ends to be sought by us all; but that which constitutes pre-eminently the welfare of our souls ought to receive our most serious and conscientious attention. To strengthen within us Christian faith, hope, and love—to bring ourselves into closer union with our blessed Saviour—to devote ourselves more thoroughly to his service and glory, ought to be the first and chief design of every one. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” But as to the course of reading to be adopted for these high and incomparable ends, it is difficult and even impossible to lay down rules; because, as men’s minds are so differently constituted, as dispositions are so differently formed, the class of books adapted to promote the welfare of some may not be suited to the needs of another. Biography, perhaps, most stimulates one person; psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, perhaps, most inspire another; plain, practical addresses to the heart and conscience may, perhaps, better stir and animate a third. Let each consult his own peculiarities, and choose accordingly what he shall read for his spiritual edification. We are quite sure that to mark out the same course of religious reading for all kinds of people is labour lost; it betrays great ignorance of human nature, of the wonderful varieties of spiritual life, and of the diversified exigencies and wants of different minds. What any one finds most helpful to himself, he is very apt to think will be found equally helpful to another; but this may prove a serious mistake, and may lead to injury where benefit was designed. Then, beyond stimulus and inspiration, there is needful for the healthful development of Christianity in human experience, character, and conduct, a plain, simple, solid acquaintance with the things of God—an acquaintance to be sought in a proper direction, in quarters, perhaps, where there is little to regale the fancy or gratify the taste, but much to feed the soul with knowledge and understanding. Surely no Christian man, no Christian woman, can neglect to consult in these ways the wants of spiritual life. Individuals who never ask in reference to what they read, “Will this be beneficial or injurious to my highest interests?” are culpably negligent and careless, and are running immense risks. They are in danger far greater than that of persons who, with delicate constitutions, set at defiance medical caution and advice, and are determined to eat and drink whatever they please. And before quitting this point, let me add that it is of the last importance we should apply to ourselves conscientiously, and in the sight of God, what we learn from the stores of Christian practical literature. For, whilst recreation and amusement may be wisely