God; and consequently, the just and certain condemnation due to our
disobedience. It shews us, likewise, the way of our recovery. How
perfectly the mediation of Christ is suited to vindicate the honour of
the law, and to display the justice of God, in harmony with his mercy,
and thereby to give peace to the consciences of convinced sinners.

I intreat you, therefore, to read the word of God carefully. Many of
you have had Bibles or New Testaments given to you, and others might
have them, if they had but an inclination to read.

Some of you will perhaps object, and say, as you have already said to
me, We cannot read. Others, We have no time given us. If you
cannot read yourselves, you might prevail on some of your comrades to
read to you*. As to your having no time, I much question it. Rather you
have no inclination. Too many of you can find time to jest, to talk
obscenely or profanely, to read and sing idle songs; why might not
some, or rather the whole of this time be employed in reading, or
hearing the Bible? You might find time, if you could find a will. But
remember, that such excuses as you now make, will stand you in no stead
when you appear before God in judgment. There are few, if any of you,
but might have opportunity of attending to these things, if you
were but willing.

[*Footnote: Two or three hours thus spent on the Lord's day, in
instructing each other to read, would he a very commendable employment.
I have often expressed my longing desire that such a plan was set on
foot among you. And if there could be a convenient building created for
this purpose, I should think myself happy, not only to furnish you with
books, as far as I am able, but also personally to attend and assist
you, as much as my immediate calls of duty would permit.]