The Bible and the Closet contains two works by Puritan Nonconformist ministers of England who were ejected in 1662. It was put together by John Overton Choules in 1842 for the education of American Puritans on their own history. The first is Thomas Watson’s How We May Read the Scriptures with the Most Spiritual Profit, and the second is Samuel Lee’s Secret Prayer Successfully Managed. This volume also contains an endorsement from the Reverend E. N. Kirk of New York and biographical sketches of Thomas Watson and Samuel Lee.
“II. If you would profit, prepare your hearts to the reading of the word; the heart is an instrument needs putting in tune. 1 Sam. 7:3: ‘Prepare your hearts to the Lord.’” (Pages 19–20)
“X. Give credence to the word written; believe it to be of God; see the name of God in every line.” (Pages 25–26)
“XX. Leave not off reading in the Bible, till you find your hearts warmed.” (Page 39)
“XV. Observe the preceptive part of the word, as well as the promissory.” (Page 34)
“1. To come with a heart willing to know the whole counsel of God.” (Page 32)