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TRACTS
AMEKICAN TEACT SOCIETY.
ifttcral
VOL.
Scries.
II.
PRINTED BY THE
AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETY,

150
NASSAU-STREET, NEW YORK.
CONTENTS.
VOL.
II.
Pages.
No.
38. Early Piety
or Miss
By Rev. John
Dinah Doudiiey.
Griffin,
40.
How
41.
42.
The
Sin appears in Heaven.
By Rev. Geo.
The
D.,
Harder,
........
......
Sin of Falsehood,
43. Sleeping in Church,
45.
By Rev. E. Payson, D.
Persuasive to Public Worship.
44. " Give
me
By Rev.
thy Heart."
Christian Atonement,
Daniel Dana, D. D.,

.
48.
To
To
49.
The Conversion
50.
51.
The Swearer's
The Misery of
52.
53.
The
the Afflicted,
the
Aged.
Wm.
By
55.
Judgment-Day,
By
The Well-spent Day.
.....
20
57. Duties to Relatives,

58.
The Blaspheming
59.
4
.
Sailor Reclaimed,
Gift for Mourners.
By Rev. John
Flavel,
By Rev. Thos. Goodwin, D. D.,

By Rev. Thos. Goodwin, D.
60.
Growth
61.
On
62.
Twenty-two Reasons
63.
The
in Grace.
Philip Doddridge, D. D.,
........
....
56. Blind Ellen,
Purifying the Heart.
for not
Cottager's Wife,
64. Conversation with an Infidel,
being a
Roman
Catholic,
65.
An
amiable Youth falling short of Heaven,
66.
On
Spiritual Declension.
12
4
8
.44
12
D.,
......
...
By Rev.
...
dying Mother's Counsel to her only Son,
54. Conviction at the
20
12
the Lost,
African Servant,
Cowper,
and Rev. John Newton,

Prayer,
16
......
.......
of Rev. John Cowper.
...
By Rev. John Townsend,
.16
46. Subjects for Consideration,
47.
24
16
39. Duties of Children,
C. P. Mcllvaine, D. D.,
16
28
28
8
4
20
CON TENTS.
4
No.
Pages.
67.
Advice
68.
Poor Joseph,
to a
Married Couple.
71.
The
By Rev.
Jas. Bennett, D. D.,
and Duties of the Christian Religion,
Bible above
72. Sixteen short
32
69. Religion of the Closet.

70. Doctrines
By Rev. James Bean, A. M.,
all
By Rev.
E. Payson, D. D.,
20
24
.......
Price.
Sermons,
20
20
IVo.
38.
EARLY PIETY;
OR,
THE HISTORY
OF
MISS DINAH DOUDNEY,

OF PORTSEA, ENGLAND.
My
ings
dear Children*
Godly
parents are great bless-
and good children are a great comfort
to their par-
The Lord gave the woman of Shunem a little boy

" And when the child was grown, it fell on a day that he
went out to his father to the reapers. And he said unto his
father, My head, my head !
And he said to a lad. Carry
ents.
him
to his
mother."
a kind mother
*
to
The number
livered,
-OL.
it is
II
go
It is
to
a good thing for a child
when he
of children present
when
this address
thought exceeded one thousand five hundred.
1*
to
have
is ill.
was de-
DINAH DOUDNEY.
"And when
on her knees
may
children
suddenly
to take
be
grown
die as well as
You
some
seven
at six or
see
has a right
life,
children die at
and some grow up
Dinah was nine years of age

pleases God.
He gives, and he takes away.
all as
it
Lord
afflicted
Shunamite's child with a pain
head, of which he
woman, and went

She thought her
knew what was
murmur
at
to the
best for her
to
heaven, and that God
and therefore she did not
When
what the Lord had done.
'?
it
Gehazi the
well with thee
well with the child
is it
tlie
prophet Elisha in her distress.
was gone
prophet's servant asked her, Is
with thy husband
Tlie
in
His mother was a godly
soon died.
child
to
this is
the
little
people, and die very
The Lord who gives us our

away when he pleases. Some
men and women
It is
mother, he sat
to his
noon, and then died."
too.
it
years old
five
he had brought him
till
is it
well
she answered,
well.
Miss Doudney was very
When
death.
was
she
ill
first
more than a year before her

taken, she thought that she
She said one day
should die very soon.
her aunt, with
to
whom she resided, (as her own mother was dead,) " When
I am dead, I should like Mr. Griffin to preach a sermon to
them
children, to persuade
their parents
not to
tell lies
dying, and going to heaven.

she, "
what
26.
and
am
text
You
Jesus Christ
to love
and
I
should like him
tell
them
to
preach from
When
am
come
the child
to see
you
and when he says,
you may
say.
me
for I
be well with
praises of God.
It
well
shall be in
You ought
Now, my dear
is
children,
to think
I
it
am
2 Kings,
the prophet,
is
dead,
say you will be grieved, though you need not.

will
about
have been thinking," said
are the Shunamite, Mr. Griffin
the Shunamite's child.
obey
to
to think
The
How
sure
it
is
dare
prophet
it
with
will then
heaven, singing the

well too."
will prove to
you
that
Dinah
DINAH DOUDNKY.
some
did not tliink and talk about heaven carelessly, as
children do, and that she did not talk about the hope of
a light and
going to heaven in
She examined the
and asked a great number of questions of those who
Bible,
she thought could
It
an awful thing
is
It
her the meaning of the word of
tell
enjoy
it
to
hope
Scriptural reasons for
it.
people, should strive to be
the hope that

1
is
heaven and never
to
talk about
to
heaven without knowing why.
go
to
equally sad to hope
is
to
go
Even
to
heaven without having
children, as well as
always ready
them, with meekness and
in
When
grown
give a reason of
to
fear.
Dinah's religion began very early, and lasted
God
might not be deceived.
that siie
to
manner, without
trifling
knowing what she was talking about.
till
death.
she was between three and four years of age, her
parents observed a remarkable tenderness of conscience.
She was very much impressed with the thought,

always saw
she
all
did,
every word she spoke.

lie
if
and knew
all
She was never known
she did any thing wrong, she never denied
Her mother
died
that
God
she thought, and
when she was about
five
to tell
it.
years old.
While she lay in her coffin, the servant carried Dinah into
but the sight so much affected
the room to see her mother
;
her that she said, "
The
will
never see
my
" O,
ing her head, she saw her mother.

said she
shall
mother any more."
next day she was taken into the room again, and, turn-
fi'iends
"
said
will
be forgiven
endeavored
telling her
it
was
to
never see
my
have
Will the Lord pardon
remove the
told a lie,"
mother any more.
distress
me
O,
Her
from her mind, by
mean it, and she

For many months,
not wrong, as she did not
did not go into the
room of her own
will.
she often appeared uneasy about sinning against

telling this lie.
?"
God
in
Frequently hanging about her uncle's neck
and weeping, she said again and again, " Will the Lord
for-
DINAH DOUUiXEY.
4
give
me ?
Do you
Lord
to the
After
think the Lord will forgive
to forgive
this, for
me
Pray
me."
many
months, she was observed never
speak positively, and but a very few times during her

It
was her custom
I will
or, I
From
to say, I believe so
think
think so
to
life.
think
will not.
was between five and six years of

up with her at night ; and
the time she
age, she used to take her books

in the
morning she taught her younger
she did almost

it,
and went
to
sister to read,
prayer with her
Dinah did
sister.
say the prayers she had learned, but used
own
to
not only
pray out of her
heart for such things as she thought she and her sister
need
stood in
new
which
She then read a hymn and sung
all herself.
heart
She prayed
of.
that he
God would
that
would pardon her
sins,
give her a
and help her
to
love and serve Jesus Christ.
Many
who have godly
children,
parents to teach them,
think about good things sometimes, and talk about them
but this soon wears
The
and they think no more about them.
off,
older they grow, the less they feel concerned about
But
religious things.
it
was
not so with
Dinah
the older
she grew, the more she loved Jesus Christ, and prayed that
she might serve him.
what a happy thing
and you,
my
dear
little
it
would
girl,
be, if you,
and
all
my little
you dear
boy,
children,
loved Jesus Christ, and prayed to him, and served him, as
Dinah
going
did.
to
Some
of you are older
of you never think about dying, and
You
heaven.
',
are as old as
Dinah was, and some
yet you never prayed in earnest, that the
Lord would give you a new heart that he would forgive

your sins, and make you holy children. Naughty children's
You would not,
hearts are like a cage of unclean birds.
surely, like to bring ugly and unclean birds into a
show your
friends, with a
cage
full
room
of uncleanness.
to
And
DINAH DOUDNEY.
do you
Lord would
tliink the
have
like to
souls of chil-
tlie
dren in heaven, without making them clean
That
first ?
an unclean heart which hidulges naughty tlioughts

whicli
come naughty words, and an
dislikes to
read good books, and
obstinate temper
pray
to
because Dinah thought her heart was

clean, that she prayed to have a
in this
new one
was
manner un-
that
of having bdd thoughts, to have good ones
wliit'h
God.
to
is
out of
It
is,
instead
instead of hav-
ing a bad temper, to have a kind, tender, obedient, and loving temper.
Pel haps some of you do pray to have a clean heart and

a right
Dinah
spirit, as
continue to pray for
my
then,
When you
ask.
you a stone
bread, he does not give
for
him
you want these
things.
your father can

Spirit to
them
be,
and
God
is
you ask
a great deal more kind than
and he has promised
love
if
he gives you
because he loves you, and knows
for,
that ask him.
dren, and says,
dear children,
your kind father
meat, he does not give you the rod
for
such things as you ask
me
Well
did.
it.
them
to
give his Holy
Jesus Christ loves
chil-
little
me, and they that seek
that love
early shall find me.
But you,
day,
if
become of you
little
boy, that told such a wilful
little
you should be
?
ill
and
and you,
die,
little
lie
the other
what do you think
girl
there,
who
will
stole the
maid's thimble, the other day, and then told a
lie
to
hide the fault, what do you think will
That great boy
tliere,
because he would not
become of you ?
who played truant some time ago,
learn
his book,
nor say his cate-
chism, and tlien told his mother he had been to school,
what can we think
And
will
become of that wicked boy
that other great boy,
whose father
does not love nor obey his mother
is
instead of going to a
place of worship on a Sabbath day, he seeks the
of bad boys, and would rather go
to
dead, and he
company
play on a Sunday than
DINAH DOUDNEY.
(5
Though he has often made

You will break my
read his Bible.
weep, and heard her say, "
go on
in
tears,
nor
such wicked ways," yet he does not regard the

feel for the
my
What,
misery of his kind and tender mother.
dear children, do you think will become of such
an awfully wicked boy as
would turn
his
That great
is
her
upon
all
pray that God
is
very
ill,
her, stays with other
and she
bad
grieves her mother, and
girls
makes
worse by her ill-temper, indolence, pride, discon-
tent,
and impertinent words.
pray
to
God, and never loves
she dies
She does not love

to read
her Bible.
Christ, nor
O naughty
Where do you think she will go

Remember what one of the hymns says,
and hard-hearted
when
us
heart.
whose mother
girl there,
she goes on errands
illness
O let
this ?
wicked and cruel
not willing to wait*
when
mother
his
heart if you
girl
which Dinah very
often
There
sung
beyond the sky,
is,
heaven of joy and love
And holy children, when they

Go to that world above.
There
And
is
die,
a dreadful hell,
everlasting pains
There sinners must with devils dwell,

In darkness, fire, and chains.
2.
It was not
real, not feigned.
making people think she was good.
was not onl}^ in knowledge, it was the religion
Dinah's religion was
put on for the sake of
Her
religion
of the heart.
She thought much about good
things,
and talked much
She asked a great number of questions about

of man ; the death of Christ ; and the experience
about them.
the fall
of a Christian.
in
coming
She spoke much about the love of
into the
world
to
save sinners.
She
Christ,
said, "
DINAH DOUDNEY.
what could induce him

his
and death
life
When
said,
wonder
the
all
Jesus Christ !"
have who do not
!"
by
You have
tell
his hands
and
he might bear our
feet, that
and save them that believe
sins,
him from everlasting burnings.
in
This dear child was very much engaged in prayer.
3.
When
from six years of age,
in family worship, she was,
always very
attentive,
and very serious.
She knelt upright
did not put her head in the chair as though she
sleep
to suffer in
sinner-me too
for
told me more than I ever

me more about Jesus Christ. O
men and women in the world do not love
What hard hearts those children must
He was nailed to tlie
love Jesus Christ
"
Pray
before.
cross,
and
her aunt was talking to her, once, of the love of
Christ, she
knew
come from heaven,
to
sinners,
for
nor did she look about
endeavored
to
would go
to
but kept her eyes shut, and
keep her thoughts employed upon the subject
her uncle was praying about.
Dinah took great delight

haps oftener
supposed
it
self so often.
because she always contrived
Though she
ashamed of
it
uncle once said, "

but
why
go when she
Her
for.
did not boast of praying, she
but said, "
have been
have been listening
like tlie Pharisees,
places to be seen of men.
pray
to
to
and per-
she went up stairs by her-
could not hear you say a word."
woula be
that
for prayer,
would not be known what she went
friends sometimes asked her
not
She used
in secret prayer.
go three or four times a day by herself
to
if I
was
Her
prayer."
could hear you

replied, "
She
who pray
in the
Jesus Christ says
No;
market-
we
should
in secret."
She desired her minister

prayer of a righteous
man
to
pray
availeth
she would go to prayer with a
little
were younger than herself; but
known
if
thoy had not tdld
it,
this
she did
for her, saying, "
much."
Very
The
often
brother and sister
who
would not have been

it
so secretly.
About
DINAH DOUDNEY.
a year and a half before she died,
when
there
alarm of a French invasion, she
said,
" Well, these are
" Let us," said she to her brother
praying times indeed."
and
sister,
listen, as
was a great
" go and pray
to the
she was then busy
Her aunt could not

when they came down
Lord."
but
she asked her what she had been praying
stairs,
answered, "
have been praying
fender and deliverer.
David
If the
to slay Goliath,
Bonaparte
tend with
to the
Lord
Lord could
to
raise
for.
up
stripling
he can surely raise up men
He
that
way
to
Indeed," continued she, "
if
being burned in the fiery furnace, can easily find a

deliver us, if
to con-
saved Daniel from the
den, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, from
lions'
God
She
be our de-
we cry
delivered a city
little
creature as
to
him.
by a woman, he could even make such

am the means of saving a nation, if he
pleased."
Do
the
my
you,
Lord would
dear child, ever go by yourself to pray that

bless you,
and teach you by
his Spirit to
Some of you
never pray, but say bad words and tell lies. Some of you
used to say the prayers your mother taught you when you
were little but, now you are grown older, you have left
believe in Jesus Christ, and to love
him
them
you go
otf:
without prayer.
to
bed
at night
and
rise in the
me
fear
you are not
This makes
morning
fit
Remember, you must be born again

repent of your sins, and believe in the Lord Jesus
before you can enter into heaven.
to
heaven.
may
Perhaps your wicked heart
enough yet
O, that
is
for
you
to think
think there
a wicked heart indeed that thinks

is
dead.
children have died at your age.
you should
die
go
Christ,
is
time
about dying and going to heaven.
not ten years of age, and she
will be, if
to
must
so.
great
What an
and not love prayer
Dinah was
number of
awful thing
!
entered into heaven that did not love prayer.
it
None ever
God says
DINAH DOUDNEr.
he will pour out his fury upon them that call not upon
his
name.
Dinah
4.
took great delight in reading.
ieal in books that
speak of good things.
loved the most
all
of
Holy
to
it
to
The
a great
Bible she
She always called
books.
merely the Bible, but the Holy Bible.

never known
She read
use the word Bible without putting the word
though no one in the family used that expres-
There were but very iew remarkable passages
sion.
Scriptures that she did not
She frequently
find.
not
it,
Indeed, she was
in the
remember and know where
to
sat for hours together with the Bible
before her, reading chapter after chapter, and asking the
meaning of those who she thought could explain it to her.

She frequently gave her own thoughts, which have aston-
who heard her.

The Book of Martyrs employed much oi her time. The
language and death of those holy men made her wonder
-'But," said she, "no
at the power of the grace of God.
wonder they could suffer so much for Christ, considering
ished those
what he sutfered
for
three
l^ the
them,
they could easily bear
it
all
tor
in the furnace delivered
men
Lord was with them,

presence with the
his
them from
the heat of
Indeed," said she, "I should not wonder if
the flames.
some of the martyrs did not
feel
more than the three wor-
thies did."
She read a great deal in Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress,

All the principal
and Mr. Shrubsole's Christian Memoirs.
characters in those excellent books were perfectly familiar
Jane way's Token
to her.
attention,
with
pointed out
the
much
for
Children she read with close
pleasure,
experience
and great
of those
profit.
She
children which she
thought most resembled her own, and which upon comparison appears evidently so.
ney furnished
VOL.
II.
this
The Life
many
dear child with

2
of Mr.
Henry Dor-
a rich feast for her
UINAII DOUDNEY.
jQ
mind.
She seems
to
have received the whole of this excel-
lently experimental book into her understanding
and her
heart.
But as hymns expressed her
feelings better than she
could express them, she was very fond of reading, learning,
She
and singing them.
often expressed the deep sense she
and of the wonderful mercy of God,
had of the
evil of sin,
by singing
or repeating this
hymn, especially
And are we wretches yet

And do we yet rebel ?
'Tis boundless,
'tis
As
she
much
love,
the state of her soul,
know whether
to
verse
hell.
was greatly concerned about
she wished very
first
alive,
amazing
That bears us up from
the
she was a real
Christian or not; and therefore greatly delighted in the
whole of that hymn of Mr. Newton's, the fii'st verse of

which she often repeated with great force of expression
'Tis a point
Oft
Do
Ami
The
the
long to know.
causes anxious thought.

I love tlie Lord, or no ?
it
his, or
am
not
of her mind seemed
state
following
hymn,
as
she often
to
be well expressed in
sung
it
with evident
seriousness and pleasure.
Come, ye
Weak
sinners, poor
and wretched,
and wounded, sick and
sore,
Jesus ready stands to save you.

Full of pity, joined witli power;
He
He
How
is
difTerent are
They have no
is
able.
willing, doubt
some boys and
love for reading
to neglect their books
no more,
girls
they will
their parents arp
etc.
from Dinah
make any excuse
under the necessity
UlNAU UOUD.NKY.
of forcing them to read
and even then they do not mind
Young Timothy knew the
what they read.
any thing about God, and Jesus
what a sad thing

"
Scriptures from
But these wicked children do not wish
a child.
the Bible
j^j
it is
for
a child
to
grow up and not
to
know
and heaven.
Christ,
O,
to love
Jesus Christ wept over Jerusalem, and said,
Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
how
would
often
have gathered
thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens
under her wings, and ye would not
When we
!"
your wicked tempers, naughty words, and

tremble for you.
will be if
you
When it
you grow up
in
wickedness
your parents
will be to
how
considered
is
and
die so,
miserable you will be in another Avorld
make your
parents and ministers
you did weep
for yourselves
we
miserable you
and what a trouble
you
if
think of
sinful actions,
it
how awfully
is
enough
weep over you
to
that
Miss Doudney was very fond of going to hear the

word of God. Her illness prevented her going to public
5.
worship so often as she wished
but while she was able,
was very glad to go. She rejoiced

children on Good Friday.
She heard
she
to
to
it
hear the sermon
last
Good Friday,
and when she went home, she related almost the whole in
tlie
will
order
make
it
was delivered
saying,
"
my
a lasting impression on
hope
mind
this
it
She well unto me."

hymn, and frequently sung it
though Mr. Griffin spoke particularly

derstood the meaning of that
Lord, liow delightful
'tis
to see
whole assembly worsliip thee
At once they sing, at once tliey pray,

They hear of heaven, and learn the way.
1
have been there, and
'Tis like a
Not
all
little
my
Shall tcmi)t
still
would go
heaven below
pleasures and
me
sermon
seems as
my
play,
to forget that day.
DIXAH BOUDNEY.
12
write upon
The
my
mem'ry, Lord,
and doctrines of thy word
texts
That I may break thy laws no more,

But love thee better than before.
With thoughts
up
Fill
of Christ, and things divine,
this foolish heart
of mine
That, hoping pardon through

1
When
may
down and
lie
liis
blood,
Avake with God.
was in the house of God, she listened attenwhat was said she did not look about, but
Once she said, " I
kept her eyes fixed on the minister.
she
tively to hear
have been looking so long

aches so
cannot turn
my
at the minister, that
other children in the place of worship

fan,
my
neck
Dinah did not smile
head."
at
nor play with her
nor with her gloves, nor turn over the leaves of the
books, as
some careless children
do.
dren do such things in the house of God,

not attentive to the minister
they do not love God.
can you think of going
If
and
see chil-
we know
they are
makes us
None go
such as love the service of God on earth.
praises.
God
continually worshipping
are
there
Can you
will suffer
think,
any
fear that
you do not love the house of God,
heaven
to
this
When we
my
to
heaven but
They who go
him and singing
to enter into
heaven that do not love
him, nor love his house, nor love to be with his people
you do
for the
ship of
not love the liouse of
house of God above.
God
in this
the worship of
often
world
God
God
Dinah delighted
in the
worenjoy
upper and better world.
She
Then
shall I see,
All
desired or wished below
And
fit
to
sung the following verse over and over again
If
below, you cannot be
and therefore she hoped
in the
his
dear children, that a holy
and hear, and know.
every power find sweet employ
In that eternal world of joy.
DINAH DOITDNKY.
Dinah had a great concern for
(j.
and possessed a great esteem for

it
was
it
When
tion."
be
a person died, or
know
was a
was
if
of others,
marry
to
I
again,
have no objec-
particularly spoken
of,
he was a godly person.
grief to her to liear one profane the
gi'eat
When
of God.
one of God's people,
to
she was very desirous to

It
the happiness
the people
her father was going
told lier that
she said, " If
J3
name
of
God, and she was evidently unhappy in the company of the

wicked.
When
why
asked her
she wished
children, after her death, she said, "
me
Because
to
I
preach
to
wish other
children to think about heaven, to hate sin, and to love Jesus
But particularly
Christ.
wish you
to
caution them against
disobeying their parents; but that they should do all they
can
make them happy."
to
She spoke a great deal
brothers and sisters, and to her other

eldest of
them
To
live."
says, "
shall
young
never forget
to
it
her
The
relations.
as long as
one of them that she thought needed admonition
and reproof, she gave both with great tenderness. " You
I don't love you," said she ; " but I do love you well
think
to dwell with you in heaven through all eternity."

She loved the ministers of Jesus Christ because they taught
enough
her the
to hell.
way of salvation, and tried to save men from going

The cruelty of Satan in " trying to pull men down
into hell with
made
come
him "
often affected her heart very
much, and
her pray " that the kingdom of Christ might speedily

Once she said, "I do love the
all over the earth."
ministers of Christ, and especially
much
as
love
my
him as
night she died, she said, "
I
hands once more with
my
my own minister.
my father."
brother or
want
for
nothing but
minister, and to kiss
my
to
love
The
shake
father;"
a pleasure Avhich, from the lateness of the night, and her not
being considered so near death, she did not enjoy.

7. This dear child, for some considerable time before
2*
VOL. 11.
DLS'AH UOUDXEY.
14
she died,
loell
understood
was
holy,
faith in
was
to
sinners are
lioio
knew her own goodness
to he
and she had broken
She knew
it.
it
what Christ had done and suffered
Knowing
be saved.
saved.
She
could not save her, as God's law
was through
for sinners she
law condemned her,
that the
she often spoke of the preciousness of Christ, and the efficacy

of his blood, by which she was pardoned and accepted of
God.
down
In a
new hymn book
of Dr. Watts she had folded
the corners of the leaves to eight or nine
which she principally delighted

be unfolded
hymns,
in
entreating they might not
One
her death.
after
till
of these she often
repeated and sung, as expressing her sentiments and ex-
perience on this subject
No
more,
Of all
I quit the
To
my
God,
hopes I held before,
trust the merits of thy Son.
Now,
for the love I bear his
What was my
My
no more
I boast
die duties I have done
gain
fonner pride
And
nail
Yes, and
my
I
And
count
I call
my
name,
my
loss
shame,
glory to his cross.
must and
All things but
O may my
will
esteem
loss, for Jesus'
sake
soul be found in him.
of his righteousness partake.
The best obedience of my hands

Dares not appear before thy tbrono
;
But
By
8.
faith
can answer
pleading what
tliy
demands,
my Lord
has done.
Dinah was a very good-tempered,
and very ohedient
to
her beloved by
all
teaches those
who
ajfectionate child,
Her kind disposition made

who knew her. The grace of God
her parents.
possess
it
to
be good-tempered.
Chil-
DINAH DOUDNEY.
who
dren
find
fault
and complain, are discontented, often
fretful
and angry, are not
I'efuse
doing what she was desired
bid to do
let
any
it
does not
who
of the Lord Jesus,

that sent
Dinah
Do you
do
it,
did not
she was
Eliza
or,
remember
was ever
that she
This was following the example
bid to do a thing twice.
him
When
to do.
but was ready to perform whatever was
Her aunt
desired.
She
like Jesus Clirist.
thing, she did not say,
William do
J5
said, "
My
meat
is
do the will of
to
me."
did not fret about fine clothes
about the ornament of a
meek and
but thought more
quiet spirit, which, in the
sight of God, is of great price.
Nor
did she
envy other
children because they might have gayer clothes than her-
Her thoughts were
self.
too
begged that no expensive,
fine things
about better
She
trifles.
might be used
at
her
Instead of hearse and coaches, she wished that
funeral.
six
much employed
concerned about these
things, to be improperly
young men
God might carry her
that feared
and her minister walk before them.
to
church,
But such was the
state of the weather, that this request could not be
complied
with.
She was remarkably industrious.

she would play
Before she was
ill,
innocent amusements with other children
at
she was taught that this was necessary for the cheerfulness
of her
spirits,
to
do
it
at
either
When
work
and
This
the
are
is
many
their
she was not at play, she would not be idle
or reading kept her constantly employed.
was doing what

trious,
when it was
when she should be at
improper times
against the will of her friends, or

school.
But she was
and the health of her body.
veiy careful not
is
right
to store
way
to
their
grow up
minds with useful knowledge.

to
be useful and happy.
promises to those children
parents, and
study
This
children should learn to be indus-
to
who
There
love and obey
make them happy.
If their
DINAH DOUDNEY.
16
Lord
father and mother die, the
a father
to the
God
dient children,
them
9.
fatherless
suffer for
but
will be
will take
them
up, and be
they be wicked, disobe-
if
very angry with them, and make
it.
Dinah's death was very happy, and we have no doubt
but with her "
Some time
well."
it is
gloomy appre-
before she died she had very
hensions of the horrors of the grave.
said, " I
She
cannot
bear the thought of lying in the cold grave my mind shudders at it."
It was said to her, " You will rise again at the
;
"
^reat day."
know
it," said she,
"
my
body and soul
will be united again, at the resurrection, yet I cannot get rid
of the gloomy thought of the cold grave."

did not last veiy long
and praying about
it,
after a
However,
this
few weeks' talking, reading,
her mind was relieved.
She was ena-
The
bled to think more about the soul than the body.
resurrection of Christ, and the doctrine of the general resurrection,
through the teaching of the Holy
mind from
distress,
She frequently,
being uneasy.
itated
on the following verses
When
her
at this time,
sung and med-
from the dead he raised his Son,
And
He
Spirit, freed
and she could think of the grave without
called
him
to the sky,
gave our souls a lively hope
That they
What
sliould
never
die.
thougli our inbred sin requires
Our
flesh to see the dust
Yet, as the Lord our Saviour rose,
So
She was
at
all his
followers must.
times in considerable distress, doubting wheth-
er she should go to heaven
was, in her
own
when
she died; because she
estimation, so great a sinner.
She
said,
DINAH DOUDNEY.
17
" If I were quite sure of going to heaven,
Her aunt
go immediately."
is
it
again
she
wish
to
go
and
may
"It
said,
said, " It is not the

to
Why
should wish
to
go immediately
you may be delivered from pain of body ?"
not that
She paused
said, "
heaven that
be partly so;" but pausing
only reason
may
principally
She
be happy with God."
often wished to be there, to be free from sin
frequently
singing the verses
But
I shall
When
And
my
my
heart,
my head.
cheer
oil to
worst enemy before,
my
Shall vex
My
hatli well refined
fresh supplies of joy are shed,
Like holy
Sin,
share a glorious part,
grace
eyes and ears no more:
inward foes shall
all
be
Nor Satan break my peace

Last Christmas twelve
months,
thought her death was very near.
slain,
again.
being
Her
very
ill,
eldest sister
she
having
a party of young friends coming to see her at her mother's

house, she
" I
feast.
was asked
am
she would like to go to Louisa's
if
going
to
a better feast and to better compa-
ny," was her answer.
Her
relations sometimes thought she
so
much
said,
getting better,
about good things as at some other times, they
" Dinah,
you do not
God, as you used
more than
was
Finding, at one time, she did not talk
and might recover.
to
do."
Her
speak."
and the weather being

prayer as before.
her ask her uncle
talk
affliction
said,
"I think
afterwards increasing,
cold, she could not retire for private
This very
to
of heaven and things of
She blushed, and
much
grieved her, and
made
pray that the Lord would pardon her
neglect of private prayer.
DINAH DOUDNEy.
J8
Some time
would not
before she died, the doctor intimated she
my
death.'"
It
of death, Dinah ?"
am
I
not
now
the
believe the
Lord
was
so
many good
I
The
nearly
after,
she said, "
said to her, "
You
are not afraid
said she, "
was
afraid, but I
me home
about to take
is
The
week."
things for
The
would soon termi-
this
Lord has taken away the
she thanked her aunt for
though
he said
"No,"
not live out this
I shall
few days
me when
doctor frightened
nate in
live long.
all
soon.
think
night before she died,

to
her in getting
am
as thankful as
her kindness
her, and
fear of death.
said, " I
could have taken them all."
was
night before the morning on which she died,

spent
all
conversing with her sister
in
and the
young woman who sat up with her. She pointed out a

number of hymns she wished them to read and sing, and
was highly delighted with
'
the following verses
Jesus, the vision of
tliy
face
Hatli overpowering charms
Scarce shall
Then
wliile
How
When
the
ecstasy, "
in
my
in all
much
uttered,
my
my
glory in
heartstrings break,
minutes
my
my
roll
cheek,
soul
yes, glory in the soul
Soon
life."
affected, as
in
ye hear
sweet
arms.
word glory was repeated, she broke out as
soul !"
my
my
mortal paleness on
And
cold embrace,
I feel death's
If Clirist be in
after,
"I am
I shall
she said, "
lier
in
an
soon have glory
am
as I never
Her countenance appearing
though convulsed,
pain
was
considerably
aunt asked her
if
she was
she replied, which were the last words she

quite easy."
In a few
moments her
soul
DINAH DOUDNEY.
left this
world of sin and
29
church
affliction to join the
in a
and happiness in glory.
state of holiness
Now, my dear children, while we are here telling you

we hope she is in heaven, enjoying the pres-
about Dinah,
ence of God.
If
you could ask the angels, "
with the child?" they would say, "It
you could ask
yes,
the
it
lambs
body
same
is
her, no doubt but she
like
would say,
''
it
welU
And
It is
if
well."
who
takes
arms, and carries them in his bosom.
The
must be well
in his
Is
well."
is
to
be with Jesus Christ,
our clothes, which
we can
put off and yet be the
Dinah's soul was herself, and your soul is

Though her body is in the grave, she herself is
in heaven.
God is in heaven, you know, and it must be
well to be where God is.
To see God face to face, and to
persons.
yourself.
be like him in4ioliness, must be well indeed.

it
must
be, to be
where there
is
no
sin,
hunger, nor any pain, nor any death
Dinah must think
it
How
no night, no
Do you
happy
cold,
no
not suppose
well with her, to be able to talk with
Abraham, and Moses, and David, and Paul, and

angels, and especially with Jesus Christ
You
the holy
cannot con-
how happy she is in singing the song of Moses and

Lamb, saying with a loud voice, " Worthy is the Lamb
that was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom,
ceive
the
and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing."

Dinah's mother was a godly woman, and
doubt but she
prayed
is
in secret,
gone lo heaven.
we have no
She loved God and
and frequently prayed with another
little
when she was as young as Dinah. But she grew up

to be a good woman, and to be a kind mother of six children.
Though she had so many little children, and an
affectionate husband, she was willing to die.
She said,
" I must die, and why not now ? for however it may appear
to us, God's time is the most convenient."
As her death
girl,
drew near, she appeared nearer
in spirit to
her God.
She
DL\AH DOUDXEY.
20
much of her time in communion with him. On

Thursday evening, March 27, 1799, she hoped to be gone
befoi'e morning.
At six o'clock she said, " I hope I shall
This was not the case, as she
be at rest before seven."
spent
did not take her farewell of these mortal shores until between
She was quite sensible
one and two the next morning.

the last minute, and truly
happy
till
About half an
God.
in
said, " Come, Lord Jesus,

come quickly." Slie paused then said, " Jesus, my Lord,
Five minutes before she died, she said,
I know his name."
" Strike, Lord, I am wholly ready."
About three minutes
hour before her departure, she
before she breathed her
last,
she said, "
a light
light,
!"
Her friends bringing a candle, she put it away, saying,

"Not that light;" probably implying it was some divine
communication to her soul that she meant. Perhaps we
shall never know what that light was, till, like her, we come
to the confines of
My
immortal glory.
dear children, don't you think that Dinah's mother,
who was
so good a
woman, would have been very
glad, if
she had been alive, to have seen her dear child die happy
You cannot think what

when their children die,
a pleasure
them
to see
it
is
to
godly parents,
But
die in the Lord.
O, what transports of joy must Dinah and her mother have
when they met
felt,
in
heaven, to spend
God
angels of God, when
gether in the presence of
among
joy,
the
There
an eternity
is
a sinner repenteth.
do you think Dinah's mother
then,
to-
joy in heaven
must
What
feel,
to
consider that her dying prayers for her children were an-
swered
in
into glory
children
one of them, and that the

!
her mother
My
May she be
May the Lord
;
and you
dear children,
that died entered
grant your parents
all live
why
first
the forerunner of all the other
and die
like
may
Dinah
much
con-
this child
was
should you not be as
cerned about the salvation of vour soul, as
die like
DINAH
about hers
was
Your
whole world, and
the
it
profit
Dinah
you
as Dinah's
you could gain
if
or what could
You may
why
and
you,
your soul
lose
give in exchange for your soul

as well as
21
souls are as valuable to
What would
to her.
DOUDiN'EY.
you
die very young,
then not seek to enter into
heaven, as well as other good children ?
To
to
rious eternity.
It is
way
the
to
make
in the
whom
You have
read of the
a very wicked family.
You know that "stripling David"

when he was but a youth, and was
God
feared and loved
raised from a shepherd
the king of Israel,
Josiah,
know
sixteen years of age, sought to
before he was
Lord God of his
the
Samuel and Timothy loved the word and
fathers.
house of God from their childhood.
many encouragements
Christ,
of the greatest
was some good thing

Lord God of Israel while he was very
found towards the
be a king.
glo-
tliere
young, even though he lived in
to
way
word of God, were truly
godly while they were very young.
good prince Abijah, in
the
others happy, and to
Some
love you.
men, mentioned
holiest
is
have a joyful death, and a
life, to
make wise and good men

and
you are young,
love real religion, while
be happy through
and
and pray
for
seek to
to
and serve God.
to love
you
You have
know
Good
the
the
a great
Lord Jesus
people love you
your minister loves you dearly, and
prays earnestly for you
your parents love you, and
are godly they pray for
you
if
but Jesus Christ loves
they
little
children better than any of us.
Now, my dear
ters,
little
children,
and cousins of Dinah,
what she
said to you,
have great reason
you were
Do you
think you are
to die,
fit
she
is
gone
to
heaven.
sis-
remember
We
Do you
you should go where Dinah is ?

Some of you are
for heaven ?
older than she was, vet vou do not

II.
brothers,
will long
and what a good child she was.
to think
think, if
vol..
who were
hope you
,3
know
so mucli about the
DINAH DOUDNEY.
22
word of God, nor think
much
so
about good things, as she
be, if, when you die,

you should not go where she is. How would it pain you to
see your dear sister, or cousin, in Abraham's bosom, and
you shut out, where there is weeping and wailing and
What
did.
an awful thing
Do,
gnashing of teeth.
seriously of this
my
may
and
dear young friends, think very
That
am
boy, and that
little
and the other a
go
to
little girl
little
sister,
that are going to
you should believe
will
there
have a
to
in
to
heaven
but
heaven.
heaven are the best
and then
die,
you grow up
die without being
made a new creature
if
to
little
;
off.
Jesus Christ, and love him, you
heaven when you

but
last-
one has a
gone
with you for ever
never go where Dinah
will
it
you do not think much about going
afraid
Remember, they
If
Lord cause
the
ing impression on your hearts
brother,
would
it
is,
it
will be well
in wickedness,
and
in Christ Jesus,
you
and where the holy angels
men and women are.

may see from this child's
and good
We
religious experience
and
happy death, what the Spirit of God can do upon the hearts
even of young children. Out of the mouth of a babe he has
perfected praise.
Wherever there is a real experience of

Holy Spirit is the cause of it, whether
Surely nothing is too
a grown person.
the love of God, the

it
be in a child or
hard
for the
man.
Lord
He may
He
can as easily teach a child as a
have taught
this child
such blessed things,
in order to
make some grown
condition.
Perhaps there are soine present who are
people
and women, who have been taught by

have not before known.
ers,
who have never
Some
What
this child
upon
their
men
what they
are even fathers and moth-
read their Bible so much, nor engaged
so often in private prayer as

lived.
reflect
a reproof this
not ten years old, should
Dinah
is to
did, in the short
time she
such persons, that a
know more of
child,
divine things than
DINAH DOUDNEY.
persons
it
who
are
more than
not to be feared, that
of Sheba,
may
that she
this generation
and other good children
who
their parents,
Is
Queen
said of the
and condemn them
may
up
not rise
in judg-
There can be no doubt but many
ment against any of you.

children
thirty or forty years of age.
what Jesus Christ
be said of Dinah, she shall rise up in judg-
ment against some of
23
die in infancy will be
happy
in
heaven
while
through wickedness and unbelief, will be shut
But O, who can describe the anguish such parents
out.
and them-
will feel, to see their dear little infants in glory,
selves the companions of
wicked
spirits for
ever and ever
Miss Doudney's case shows us what a blessed advantage
it is
for children to
have parents or relatives
teach
to
them the fear of the Lord while they are young, and pray
Godly parents may be the means
for them and with them.
of the salvation of their children.
pain our hearts that so
many
But O, how ought
it
to
dear children have parents
who have not the fear of God before their eyes

They
know not how to teach their dear offspring the way of salvation.
They have never known it themselves. If some
!
of their children were
and were as thoughtful about
ill,
good things as Dinah was, they would not know

to
them, nor
how
to
would but consider
pray
for
them,
their latter end,
souls of their children
that
how
and the value of the
Dr. Cotton Mather had fifteen children, and lived

the greatest part of
to talk
such parents
them
die in the Lord.
When
to see
they were
capable of understanding him, he would take them alone
one by one, and after

child,
many
affectionate admonitions to the
he would pray with him, and
make him
the witness
of the agonies and strong cries with which, on his behalf,
he addressed the throne of grace.

mothers, and do likewise
titions.
Go, ye fathers and
and the Lord
fulfil all
your pe-
DINAH DOUUiNEY.
24
years of age, once asked his father
child, eight
he did not pray
The
read of prayed for their children.

steadfastly
wept
his
at
and,
wonder
prayed
for
dear
pressing
"
for
for you,
Then
of the father and mother.
pray
to
sighed
his
bosom,
my
dear,
pray
will
Dear
you, and with you
and
godly parents and relatives
No
papa,"
your parents
they will not, then
if
for
them.
who have been
favored
a child
loved, blessed with such pleasing evidences of
the gracious state of her soul,
now
is
has ever entered into your hearts
to
and wipe every tear from your eyes.
which were but
for a
moment, are
whereof you have cause
to
more than
realizing
Rejoice,
conceive.
Her light afflictions,

now exchanged for an
God has done
eternal weight of glory.

her,
"
have never
with such a blessing from your heavenly Father
you dearly
then
said,
for you,
children, ask
each of you go by yourself, and pray
Ye
father, looking
then
This was the means of the conversion both
said the child.
to
child
have not prayed

myself."
paused
boy,
the
why
some good parents he had
him, as
for
great things for
May
be glad.
children receive a double portion of Dinah's
your other
May
spirit.
other godly parents take encouragement from your mercies,
and cry mightily unto God, giving him no

their children a praise in the churches.
children and
young
"
love
them
shall find
me."
If
circumstances of
judgment
and
with Dinah, It
Never
that love
me
and they
in the
dear
in the
that seek
me
early
find him, then, in all the
hour of death
through eternity
is
my
forget that Jesus Christ said,
you seek and
life
he make
till
you,
remember your Creator
friends,
days of your youth.
rest,
May
you
will
in the
have
well.
PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETY
day of
to
say,
39.
IVo.
DUTIES OF CHILDEEN.
Of
all
the evils
felt
by the parent, there
not one
is
which oppresses him more severely than the ingratitude

and disobedience of his own children.
dear children and youth, while
you owe
to
Bear with
we remind you
your father and your mother
us, then,
of the duties
listen to
our
advice, and pray for the spirit of wisdom, for a childlike

disposition,
and
for the
and honor them

tion.
in a
grace of God,
manner
to
enable you
to
obey
your obliga-
consistent with
Ah, how thoughtless, how depraved, how void of
honorable and generous feeling must your minds be,
can wantonly offend and grieve your parents
whom you owe
so
much.
if
you
Parents to
You have been always
dear to
DUTIES OF CHILDREN.
them ; they have tenderly loved you, watched over you by
day and by
nigiit
sacrificing their ease
and
tlieir rest to
promote your comfort and preserve you from
Your
evil.
lawful wishes have been indulged to the utmost, and your
been the subject of their constant and fervent
real good has
prayers to
God
yea, their very
And
suspended upon yours.
life
and comfort have been
can you forget
will you,
indulgent parents
Can you reward
their
and anxious solicitude
their incessant
love,
it
for
you, with
nothing but constant ingratitude and disobedience
an impeachment of your understanding;
want of humanity
of conduct, and
it is
is
all
may be, too

many labors of
the endearing attentions of these kind, and,
it
It
is
indicates the
altogether a degrading, odious line
unworthy both of your head and your
heart.
The
duties
which children owe
part of divine
given
to the
which
liis
Sermons of
Christ,
ministers wrote to the
first
and the Episnewly-planted
churches, they are frequently introduced to notice.

or thy father and thy mother,"
of the decalogue, but
dous appointment
lious son,
which
is
"
Hon-
not only a distinct branch
is
sanctioned by the following tremen-
" If a
will not
man have
a stubborn and rebel-
obey the voice of
voice of his mother, and that,
his father, or- the
when they have chastened
him, will not hearken unto them

his
form a
In the laws delivered by Moses, the
church.
Proverbs of Solomon, the

tles
their parents,
to
truth under every dispensation of mercy
then shall his father and
mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders
of his city, and unto the gate of his place
and they shall say
unto the elders of his city, This our son

rebellious, he will not
a drunkard.
And
all
obey our voice

the
men
he
is
stubborn and
is
a glutton, and
of his citv shall stone
him
DUTIES OF CHILDREN.
with stone?, that he die
among you, and
so shalt thou put evil
Israel shall hear,
all
away from
and fear."
Deut.
21: 18-21.
Under both Testaments, obedience

upon gracious principles
is
it
is
enforced
the mild
"the
obvious,
owe
is
my
to
What
Among the
will ask, "
parents ?"
to
moment's pain
which
child,
commands.
;
parents in
Lord."
are the duties

first
and most
for
it is
This
create even a
and unreserved obedience
not exceeding the rule of
is
said in one place, " Children, obey
all things ;
Col. 3
look, nor a word,
will
but rather there should be every expres-
sion of respect to their authority,
Scripture
Not a
grieve them.
should escape from the
their
fail to
a careful and constant endeavor to avoid what-
ever has a tendency
to
not
commandment with promise."
first
But the young reader

which
therefore, the
commandment, he does
apostle Paul cites the fifth

it is
to
When,
and endearing persuasions of mercy.
notice that
parents
recommended by
this is well-pleasing
for
your
unto the
20.
Children ought sincerely and tenderly to love their par-
This
ents.
duties
this
is
indeed the
is
and most needful of
first
which are denominated
filial.
It is in
regular, active, and powerful, that the
be suitably affected towards every other duty.

either altogether wanting, or
is
exercise, then in all other duties
and irregular
ner,
yea,
and end, you
ents, children sliould
esteem.
rise
So
tlie
up before
man."
it is
will
mind
will
If love is
irregular in
its
will be cold, defective,
be feared, that in motive, man-
to
come
short.
With
love to their par-
mingle every sentiment of respect and
Israelites
tlie
weak and
you
the
all
proportion as
were commanded
"
Thou
shalt
hoary head, and honor the face of the old
Lev. 19: 32.
If
tliis
conduct was suitable
in its
DUTIES OF CHILDREN,
4
general application,
its
how much more
it
so in regard to
In short, this duty
aged father and mother.
is
to
so clear,
and arises so evidently out of the relation in
so natural,
which you stand
as a child, that the slightest, the most cas-
ual deviation from
criminal.
is
and becoming respect which a child owes
that constant
Of all
prone, there
is
not only inexcusable, but highly
is
it,
the follies and vices to
which children are
none which we ought more pointedly
to
con-
demn, or which we should more zealously endeavor
Those parents who have
tempt and ridicule.

nived
to
than that of treating age and infirmities with con-
repi'ess,
at,
either con-
or indulged their children in these vicious habits,
need not wonder,
if in old
age they themselves are treated
own
with neglect and indignity by their
children
it is
nat-
urally to be expected, and they will then most assuredly
read their sin in their punishment.
Children should be assiduous

the minds of their parents.
becomes more requisite

posed
to
promote tranquillity in
As they advance
they every day become less able
vexations and perplexities of

fore study their peace,
in years,
that they should be serene
human
and thus help
life
to
to
encounter the
you should
make
it
and com-
there-
the conclusion
of their days resemble the calm of a summer's evening.
To
do this efiectually, you must bear with their weakness
and
infirmities
these increase with old age.
Watch
portunhies of lessening and alleviating the fatigue and

tation
of mind which
these naturally promote.
cannot remove or lighten the evils which are

age, yet their only perceiving that
as
much
spirits,
as in
you
as to enable
and patience
yea,
lies,
them
it
you endeavor
will so please
to
If
common
to
opirri-
you
to old
do this
and animate their
bear them with more fortitude
will excite
them
to praise
God, that
DUTIES OF CHILDREN.
age and increasing helplessness are so effectually
their
counterbalanced by the kind
offices
and tender solicitudes
of dutiful and affectionate children.

It is
on
the duty of children to ask counsel of their parents
questions
all
which
in
any way
interests are in
own and
their
Who
gards business or marriage.
is
advise what
right
is
who then
Other advisers
re-
They have
a successful teacher.
is
involved in yours
is
what
so likely to give wise
and suitable counsel as affectionate parents
had experience, and that
own happiness
their parents'
involved, especially in
may
Their
so likely to
be induced to
leave your interest and happiness out of the question; they
may
be tempted
you
to flatter
interested motives, or governed
passions.
There
is little
like
that of
by
may
be influenced by
old
men, wise and temperate,
The
tending to safety, honor, and happiness.

is
It
may
be,
counsel of
Rehoboam's
too often like that of
young men, rash and intemperate, and such

ger, disgrace,
evils aris-
Indeed, the counsel of parents
Rehoboam's
youthful companions
and their
their prejudices
danger of any of these
ing out of parental advice.

is
they
as leads to dan-
and ruin.
your aged parents are sinking
into the grave,
surrounded with poverty, and struggling against even want

itself,
and
this in spite
of
Such a scene would melt
all
their industry
the heart of
What
has a tender and feeling mind.
bosom of a child
and frugality.
any individual who

ought
A child, towards whom,
it
it
to
may
do in the
be, these
aged and poverty-stricken parents have manifested such

kindness and generosity as ultimately to injure their
circumstances.
your own
flesh
And will you now hide your

?
The apostle enjoins it upon
"to requite their parents."
Tim. 5:
4.
own
eyes from
the
young
Joseph, with
DUTIES OF CHILDREN.
the greatest cheerfulness, "nourished
and
his
Jacob,"
father
his brethren.
We
know some
families, in
which the younger branches
are living in affluence, if not in extravagance and dissipation,
while the aged are disowned and counted as aliens
yea,
left
perhaps
be so with you
to
obscurity and want.
to pine in
Let
it
not
be your study and delight assiduously
let it
comfort and soothe the minds of your aged parents, esteem-
ing
your honor and happiness
it
proved
to the
to
be to them what Boaz
aged Moabitess, " a restorer of
Ruth 4
isher of old age."
15.
you may, a few years hence, stand more
Be
need of that
in
whom you
have an opportunity of exercising them.
guided, then, by the laws of your divine Master
would
men
Luke 6
should do
that
wise."
Disobedience
to
parents
company
the worst
to
2 Tim. 3
characters
Be
As ye
a sin of such an odious nature,
is
They
possible.
it
in
mentioned with
are
Rom.
30.
are classed with blasphemers, traitors, and perjured
persons.
2.
Recollect what must attach to such
what must be
their portion
danger of being their companions
in sin
"
have placed those guilty of
murderers, fornicators, and haters of God.
They
you, do ye also to them like-
31.
that the inspired writers
in
and a nour-
and sympathy yourselves, than any of those
tenderness
towards
life,
For any thing we know,
O come
out from
ask
if
you are not
in misery, as well
among them, and be ye
reconciled to your offended and injured parents.
reconciled to God."
2 Cor. 5
20.
It is
jailer, "
What
"
Be ye
Express the language
and temper of the publican, " God be merciful

ner ;" and also of the
as
separated.
shall I
do
to
to
me
a sin-
be saved ?"
of some importance that you conduct yourself well
towards your parents, because this affords a criterion
to
DUTIES OF CHILDREN.
your acquaintance, how you

and
nections,
are likely to act in other con-
of course, taken into the calculation of your
is,
general cliaracter.
It
has often been remarked, that the
most dutiful children excel most in
The daughter who has
all
other relative duties.
habitually and tenderly loved, and
make the mosf

The son who has
cheerfully obeyed, her father, bids fair to

tender, affectionate, and domestic wife.
discovered most anxiety and care to

is
On
make
mother happy,
his
make
a kind and affectionate husband.
the other hand, those
young persons who are strangers
most likely
to
to the sentiments and feelings
which even nature should
teach, and the Scriptures powerfully enforce, towards parents, are ill-prepared to exercise
especially those
which are peculiar
In short, that female
who
is
conjugal state.
more
so as a wife.
self-
The
neglectful, morose, and imperious to his father,
is
will be in
still
to the
relative duties,
contemptuous, and
pert,
willed, as a daughter, will be
boy who
any of the
many
degrees worse, in
husband, a father, or a friend.

weight, and
is
all
This
is
those respects, as a
a criterion of some
confirmed by history, observation, and expe-
rience.
Another thing wliich should enforce a steady

to filial duties, is the effect
duct
is
likely to produce
which a
attention
conti'ary course of con-
upon your own mind, when you
arrive at maturity, and when your parents are placed, by

death, beyond the reach of either kind or unkind treatment.
How
life
pungent the feelings of regret which have through

tormented some children, for their unnatural conduct
towards tender and affectionate parents!
The
celebrated
Dr. Johnson confessed to a friend of his at Litchfield, that

a breach of his duty to his father lay with
upon
his conscience for fifty years.
much weight
DUTIES
CHILDREN.
OI'
Again, give the measure of respect and obedience
to
your parents, which you would expect your children
to
render you
is
if
you were a parent
righteous, and he often renders unto
their sin,
even in
^measure ye mete,
Matt. 7
be measured
shall
it
Many instances
2.
men
the reward of
not said, "
Has he
this life.
Remember, God
yourself.
to
With what
you again ?"
have occurred, in which those
who have been
disobedient to their parents, have been pun-
ished in return
by
ence
the most flagrant instances of disobedi-
The page
in their children.
remarkable anecdotes of
this
kind
who was dragged by
of a father
a room by his unnatural son,
no further,
exact,
to
of history furnishes
whom
said, "
he
drew my
how tremendous
righteous,
many
select one, the case
the hair of his head across
for exactly to this spot I
how
we
Drag me
father."
How
are the retributions
of divine Providence
Filial duties
may
When
not thy brethren feed the flock in
Shechem
:
pleasing
to Joseph, "
Jacob said
them," Gen. 37
will send thee unto
many
be recommended by
and interesting examples.
13, he
Do
Come, and
might have
pleaded in excuse the distance, the danger of the way, and
which
the jealousy and unkindness
towards him.
But nothing of
appears on his countenance

his lips
his brethren discovered
this is to be
but he looks, he thinks, he
obedient child, and says, " Here

reply, a prompt, a cheerful
names
in the
filial
no cloud
he
acts, like
an
;" expressing, in this
compliance with his father's
Isaac, Samuel, Timothy, and
stances of
feels,
am
will.
Holy
seen
no muttering proceeds from
many
other venerable
Scriptures, might be mentioned as in-
piety.
Some
of the most amiable and cele-
brated characters of modern times have excelled in this
heavenly conduct.
Go
then, youthful reader, and cherish
DUTIES OP CHILDREN.
the disposition,
and walk in the steps of these excellent ex-
amples of
duty.
filial
Attend, ye female children, to the examples of female
and of female
virtue,
writ
tion
that
and example
is
page of holy
folly, as exhibited in the
and wherefore are these written, but
The one
to allure
good, and the other to
for
you
warn you of
either neglecting or acting contrary to the
your instruc-
to
every thing
the danger of
wholesome and
godly advice of your Christian parents, whose earnest desire
and prayer
It is
to
God
for
hardly ppssible
you
a more striking example of
her obedience
how
piety than that of Ruth.
Naomi, yet how studious
to
prompt, cheerful, and exact in
her commands
to
the
all
full
all
How
minute
how
of kindness, and
supply of
all
her wants
bitterness of
tleness of
in
her
the need-
impossible but that,
by
must have diminished the
which Naomi complained, and have smoothed
Go
then,
which she was hastening
ye female children, and
your manners, the ardor of your
sincerity of
all
diligent to obtain for her a
the ruggedness of that path along
grave.
performing
in
It is
these tender solicitudes, she
to the
mind of Naomi, and sup-
chasms made by bereaving providences
domestic comfort
ful offices
With what tenderness
did she aim to soothe the troubled
ply
you might be saved.
from the Holy Scriptures
filial
She was only daughter-in-law

to please in all things
that
is,
to relate
your submission
to
in the gen-
affection,
and the
your parents, soothe, encour-
age, and comfort their hearts under the pressure of the
and increasing infirmities of old age

an additional staff on which
rugged and dreary path of
to lean, as
life
many
and thereby lend them

they
totter
along the
towards the house appointed
for all living.
On
VOL.
the other hand, be

II.
warned by
4
the instructive, but
DUTIES OF CHILDREN.
IQ
awful example of Dinah, and others, who, by disobeying

parental injunctions, disregarding the principles and duties
which believing parents had inculcated, and,
in spite of the
most tender and energetic remonstrances, have associated

with" the
daughters of the land, and thereby miserably
wounded
the peace of their fond and aged parents, and filled
their souls with sorrow,
and reaped themselves nothing but
She
shame and remorse.
stole
perhaps from under the
parental roof, either unperceived, or by some artifice, and
would afterwards have
her absence by some flimsy
justified
She enters the gay
or false representations.
circle with all
the delight which the fascinating charms of pleasure

to the gay and thoughtless heart
but, lo
afford
she returns with
Thus
the loss of her virtue, her honor, and her peace.
dearly do young people sometimes pay

pleasures, and their contempt
rental authority
of,
and advice.
We
an instance of
filial
worldly
for their
and disobedience
might
fill
to,
pa-
a volume with
such examples.
But there
is
affection
must not be omitted, and which exceeds
which can be selected

tory
Jesus
Lord of
that "
him
He went down
the examples
either from sacred or profane his-
He who was
himself.
glory, of
and duty which
all
it
was
said, in
the
with them, and
and was subject unto them."
Son of God, the
regard
came
Luke 2:
51.
to his parents,
to
Nazareth,
Yea, one of
the last expressions of his attention to the things of this
present
stood
life,
by
respected the aged, the weeping Mary,
who
the cross, and sustained the most tremendous shock
of which maternal feelings are susceptible, by witnessing

the death of her
of his
own
own
son.
Amidst the variety and pressure
sorrows, at the very
moment when he
is
occupied
in the redemption of his people, even then he does not for-
DUTIES OF CHILDREX.
JJ
he does not neglect the duty which he owes
get,
Solicitous for her ease

disciple, "
and comfort, he says
The
!"
Behold thy mother
to a
mother.
to his
beloved
disciple fully entered
into the solicitude of his divine Master,
and " took her unto
own house."
his
If the recital of remai'kable instances of

affection will not allure
you
to imitate their
filial
haps the
recital of instances of a directly opposite
produce
fear,
you have
duty and
example, perkind
may
and deter you from that disobedience which
hitherto discovered
and which,
if
longer contin-
ued, bids feir very soon to finish the cares and anxieties of
your aged and
Sacred history furnishes
afflicted parents.
young with many awful examples of disobedient
the
whose
dren,
grace
folly
and sin involved them
The
and ruin.
illustrates
and confirms
despised parental instruction and au-
they followed vain and lewd practices, they kept
thority,
evil
They
remark.
Eli,
also of the three sons of David,
Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah,

this
two sons of
history of the
Hophni and Phinehas, and
chil-
in irrevocable dis-
and profane company, and by these means they plunged
daggers into the bleeding hearts of their parents.

of too
many
disobedient children,
say, that they are "
mothers."
Tim.
dren, their days
they
all
came
They
fruit.
murderers of
1
9,
hardly too
fathers,
In short,
much
to
and murderers of
But mark, ye disobedient
were not long
to a
is
it
chil-
in the land of the living
miserable end
they
fell like
untimely
died without honor, without peace, without
the cheering, the well-founded hope of a blissful immortality
they died as every undutiful child
may
expect
to die.
Carefully read their history, and take warning by their ex.
ample.
Come
to
your heart-broken parents with the lan-
guage of repentance and submission.
They
stand waiting
DUTIES OF CHILDREN.
12
with open arms to receive you

full
and their hearts are yet
of the tenderest emotions of pity towards you.
them see the tear of repentance
them hear those

ther, I
fall
affecting accents fall
from your
run
will not only
life
meet you, and
to
let
let
" Fa-
lips,
fall
on your neck and

shall be to
them
from the dead.

precepts, are Bible examples, all lost upon
Are Bible
disobedient children
We
have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight:" they
embrace you, but the joy of your return

as
O,
from your eyes
will send
you
There remains yet one weapon more.
to the
unenlightened heathen,
duties
which you owe
tribes,
a few individuals
among
to learn the
There may be a few
to parents.
who
the heathen,
thers and mothers to be
drowned by a flowing
devoured by beasts of prey, or

neglect
sters in
to
are so
aged
fa-
tide, to
be
totally void of natural affection, as to leave their
perish through want and
these instances are very few, and they are
human
shape.
But
example
imitate such a foul
If,
mon-
America
shall the children of
then, Solon pronounces
who neglect the care of their

how inexcusable, how criminal
those ignoble and dishonorable
parents even
must they
among
be,
who
heathen,
fall into this sin,
surrounded by the light
and influence of the glorious Gospel of Jesus
Who
can
read without admiration, the story of that justly celebrated
female Xantippe,
Cymon, while
in
who nourished
prison, with
her sick and dying father
that
breast of milk
which
nature and Providence furnished her for the use of her

darling infant
This action was so
the honorable appellation of
striking, that
it
The Roman CharHt/.
read such peculiar, such devout expressions of
filial
obtained
Who can
affection
and duty, without approving and admiring them, and secretly wishing to imitate
them
DUTIES OF CHILDREN.
Reader, question yourself as
to the
13
manner and
spirit in
which you have conducted yourself towards your parents.

It may be, that you have reason to be deeply humbled on
Instead of manifesting every expression of
this account.
respect, submission,
and 'obedience, have you not gone
far
into the contrary line of conduct, treating the
most sensible
and excellent parental advice with contempt
not,
with a proud and obstinate
foolish
and wicked inclinations, and by your
and extravagant
idle,
disposition,
undutiful conduct in general embittered
many wearisome days and
Has
all their
and dreadful issue of these
this at
a time
when
their
sunk under the pressure of
you have acted
Your
guilt
the Gospel
so that their spirits
of your crime
God
surely,
Were
left
it
you
you
to the bitter
you are indeed an
object of
you
surely,
you
feel
how
the most im-
see the enormity
greatly
you have
possible for these parents to
would you not
have
gray hairs have
you have sinned against
all
you have sinned against the
perious obligations of gratitude
fended
not of an ordinary cast
is
have sinned against nature
law and
and
the part of a parricide
If such has been the case,
great pity.
what might
evil courses,
their woes, their
grave with sorrow, and
to the
reflection, that
joys, caused
age and infirmities made an un-
usual measure of repose necessary
gone
not your
sleepless nights, fixed in their
breasts deep anxiety and abiding alaiTn, as to

final
changeable,
wasted that property which your
parents procured by industry and frugality
be the
Have you
own
followed your
spirit,
of-
come
yourself at their
back
to life,
feet,
and with shame and contrition implore their forgive-
ness
expired
into the
Ah
:
it
fly to prostrate
their tender hearts granted
may
be,
you were
arms of death
far
you
this,
before they
from them when they sunk
but they did not, no
they could not
DUTIES OF CHILDREN.
14
forget
you
poured
their
of pardon
dying
to their
forth
lips not
only uttered the kind accents
criminal and undutiful child, but they
on your behalf the most devout and affectionate
prayers to God, that his blessing might rest upon you.
may
be,
parents
you did stand
conscience compelled you
May
their last blessing.
remembrance of
also
it
It
death-bed of your departed
at the
to
hasten to receive
compel you
to a constant
their suitable advice, of their
solemn
in-
junctions and exhortations, of their devout and affectionate
May
prayers.
the
draw you out of
the paths of wisdom,
and
all
You
God
of
Spirit
give efficacy to these,
you into
whose " ways are ways of pleasantness,
the snares of the world, and lead
Prov. 3
her paths are peace."
peculiar obligations to the duties which

ing.
you
17.
that are the children of godly parents are
we
are
Before you ever saw the
light,
from the moment you
breathed the
first
they
not ceased to watch over you, and to do
have travailed
in birth for
under
recommend-
felt
anxiety for
air,
they have
you good.
They
your souls incessantly, and ear-
nestly prayed for your present and everlasting happiness
and while doing
this,
cere, devout affection
they have
shown you
right
way,
they have shed over you tears of sinin conversation, in temper, in action,
instructed, admonished, and entreated you,
way
the
if
you go
heaven.
to
in the
way
If
and
you wander from the
of transgressors, and live
and die estranged from the religion in which they have

structed you, nor trust in the
solemnly dedicated you
God
up against you
We
affliction
whom
they have most
then, most assuredly, their tears,
their prayers, their warnings,
reproach you in
to
in-
and example, will not only
and death, but will inevitably
rise
in the last day.
will cherish a hope, that the disobedient child, after
DUTIES OF CHILDKEX.
j5
reading these plain, but friendly admonitions, will say to

himself.
Verily,
am
guilty in this matter.
thoughtless in tha^ extreme
have been
have slighted the most en-
Jearing counsels, and the most faithful reproofs.
my own foolish inclinations,
studied
passions.
man
and indulged
have exemplified the character of the young
described by Solomon, Eccles. 11:9.
in the
my own
ways of
heart.
have walked
have walked in the sight
of my eyes, and forgotten that awful truth, that for
God
things,
will bring
me
judgment.
into
sorely grieved the heart of that father
and
who
late,
procure
have
my unruly
yes,
child,
these
have
labored early
the bread of cai'efulness every
ate
me, his rebellious
for
Oh
who
all
day
food, raiment,
to
and
I have deeply wounded the bosom of that fond

who with anxious solicitude watched over me by
night and by day; who performed a thousand offices of
kindness for my sake, and who sacrificed her very health to
education
mother,
promote
my
Yes,
welfare.
whom
of the mother to
have multiplied the sorrows
was under
inexpressible obligations
whom I owed nothing but love, gratitude, and obedience

that mother whose heart yearned over me with such tender.
to
ness,
and whose
such, that
to
me
her
if
it
own
affection to
had been
soul.
me, her ungrateful child, was
well
remember
parents
ers, the entreaties of these fond
was
callous to
company.
them
was
all.
confess to
submission would
blessing
amends
loved
intoxicated
insatiable thirst after public
would
would have imparted
possible, she
them
sin, I
my heart
was ensnared by
evil
by the love of pleasure, and an
amusements.
my
the tears, the praybut, alas
errors
Now, how
readily
with what unfeigned
ask their forgiveness, and implore their
would, if
for the injury I
it
were
possible,
have done.
make them ample
would
recall the sighs
DUTIES OF CHILDREN.
IQ
I
caused them
all
the pangs
But
it
heave, the tears
to
occasioned them
cannot be,
wretch that
forced them to shea, and
to feel.
too late, they are
it is
am, helped
to
hurry them
vi'ill,
however, cherish one hope, which
they
feel
is,
that in
and rebellious son.
me
Father of mercies, grant

in saying, "
he was
I,
heaven
joy at least over one prodigal, and that prodigal,
their once thoughtless
them
no more, and
to the grave.
lost,
and
This our son was dead, and
is
How
that
Eternal
grace which
is
God
shall justify
alive again
found."
shall tlie
young secure
their hearts,
And guard their lives from sin ?

Thy word the choicest rules imparts,
To keep tlie conscience clean.
When
It
once
enters to the mind.
it
spreads such light abroad.
The meanest
And
souls instruction find,
God.
raise their thoughts to
'Tis like the sun, a heavenly light,
That guides us
And
all tlie
day
tlu-ough the dangers of the night,
lamp
Thy word
How
to lead
is
pure
everlasting truth,
is
That holy book
And
our way.
every page
shall guide our youth.
well support our age.
PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETT.
Watt*.
Io.
HOW
APPEARS
SIN
40.
HEAVEN.
IN
BY EDWARD PAYSON,
D. D.
If we would see our sins as tliey appear to God, that is,

as they really are, we must endeavor to look at them as
nearly as possible as He views them from his throne.
must place ourselves and our sins in tlie centre of that circle
which is irradiated by the light of his countenance, where
all his infinite perfections are clearly displayed, where his
We
awful majesty is seen, where liis concentrated glories blaze,

and burn, and dazzle, with insutferable brigiitness.
And in
order to this, we must, in thought, leave our dark and sinful world, where God is unseen, and almost forgotten, and
where, consequently, the evil of sinning against him cannot
be fully perceived
and mount up to heaven, the peculiar
habitation of his holiness and glory.
Let us then attempt this adventurous flight. Let us
follow the path by which our Saviour ascended to heaven,
and soar upwards to the palace and the throne of the great
King.
As we rise, the earth fades from our view ; now we
leave worlds, and suns, and systems behind us.
Now the
but a new light now begins to dawn and
last star disappears
brighten upon us.
It is the light of heaven, which pours a
flood of glory from its wide open gates, spreading continual
meridian day far and wide through the regions of ethereal
Passing swiftly onward through this flood of day,
space.
the songs of heaven begin to burst upon your ears, and voices
of celestial sweetness, yet loud as the sound of many waters
and of mighty thunderings, are heard exclaiming, Allelujah
for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth
A moment more,
and you liave passed the gates you are in the midst of the
city,
you are before the
eternal
throne,
you are
in
the
immediate presence of God, and all his glories are blazing

around you like a consuming fire. Flesh and blood cannot
endure it; your bodies dissolve into their original dust, but
your immortal souls remain, and stand naked before the
great Father of spii'its.
With a voice which reverberates
HOW
SIN APPEARS IN HEAVEN.
through the wide expanse of his dominions, you hear him

saying, as the Sovereign and Legislator of the uri7erse,
Be ye holy ; for I, the Lord your God, am holy.'" And
you see his throne surrounded, you see heaven filled by
those only who perfectly obey this command.
You see ten
thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of
^''
pure, exalted, glorious intelligences, who reflect his perfect

image, and seem to be so many concentrations of wisdom,
knowledge, holiness, and love ; a fit retinue for the thrice
holy Lord of hosts, whose glory they unceasingly proclaim.
And now, if you are willing to see your sins in their true
you would rightly estimate their number, magniand criminality, bring them into this hallowed place,
colors, if
tude,
and here, in the midst of this circle of seraphic intelligences,

with the infinite God pouring all the light of his countenance
round you, review your life, contemplate your offences, and
Recollect that the God in whose
see how they appear.
presence you are, is the Being who forbids sin the Being,
of whose eternal law sin is the transgression, and against
whom every sin is committed. Keeping this in mind,
1. Bring forward your more gross and open sins, and see
how they appear in the light of God's countenance.
Have you been guilty of impious, profane, passionate, or
How does such language
indecent corrupting language ?
sound in heaven in the ears of angels, in the ears of that
God who gave us our tongues for noble purposes 1 Bring
forward all the language of this kind which you have ever
uttered ; see it written as in a book ; and while you read it,
remember that the eye of God is reading it at the same time.
Then say, Is this fit language for an immortal being to
Especially,
utter ?
Is this fit language for God to hear ?
let every one inquire whether he has ever violated the third
commandment, by using the name of God in a profane or
If he has, let him bring forward his
irreverent manner.
transgressions of this kind, and see how they appear in the
Sinner, this is the Being whose
light of God's presence.
adorable name thou hast profaned, and who, bending upon
thee a look of awful displeasure, says, " I will not hold him
O, what an aspect
guiltless that taketh my name in vain."
of shocking, heaven-daring impiety does this sin assume,
when thus viewed
Have you been guilty o? uttering what is untrue ? If so,
HOW
biing forward
all
the falsehoods, all the deceitful expressions
uttered, and see how they appear in the

presence of the God of truth, of that God who has declared
that he abhors a lying tongue, and that all liars shall have
their portion in the burning lake.
O, what is it to stand convicted of falsehood before such a God as this
Have you been guilty of perjury or false sivearing ? If
so, you may here see the awful Being whom you mocked,
by calling him to v/itness the truth of a known, deliberate lie.
And how, think you, does sucli conduct appear in his eyes 1
How does it now appear in your own ? When you took tV.at
false oath, you did, in effect, utter a prayer that his vengeance
might fall upon you if what you swore was untrue. And
will not that vengeance fall upon you ?
O, be assured that
it will, unless deep, timely repentance and faith in Christ
prevent.
Nor is the guilt of those who share the gain of
perjury, and permit such as are employed by them to make
use of it, less black and aggravated.
Have you transgressed the command which says, " Re-#
member the Sabbath day to keep it holy ?" Such transgres-
which you have ever
am aware, appear very trivial on earth but do they

appear so to Him who gave this command ? Do they appear
so in heaven, where an everlasting Sabbath is observed ?
Let those who have been guilty of such transgressions hear
a voice from the glory around them, saying, I, to whom you
are indebted for all your time, allowed you six days for the
performance of your necessary labors, and reserved but one
for myself, but one to be employed exclusively in worshipBut even
ping me, and in working out your own salvation.
when spent in my service, you
this one day you denied me
considered it a weariness, and therefore employed it, either
wholly or in part, in serving yourself; thus proving yourself
to be wholly unqualified to enjoy an endless Sabbath in my
sions, I
presence.
Have you we must propose the unpleasant question

been guilty of violating the command which forbids adultery,
a-nd its kindred vices ?
If so, bring forward these abominations, and see how they look in heaven, in the presence of the
holy angels, in the sight of that thrice holy God who has said,
I will be a swift witness against the adulterers, and they shall
have their portion in the lake of fire.
Have you been guilty of fi-aud, injustice, or dishonesty?
HOW
If SO, bring forward your dishonest gains ; hold out the

hands which are polluted by them, and see h' w they look in
heaven, in the presence of that God who has said. Let no

man overreach or defraud his brother in any matter ; for the
Lord is the avenger of all such.
Have you been guilty of ijifemperance, either in food or
drink ?
If so, look at yourself, and see how a rational
being, self-degraded to a level with tlie beasts, appears in
heaven, in the society of pure angelic spirits, in the sight
of that God who endued him with intellectual powers, and
thus capacitated him for being raised to an equality with
the angels.
iniquities of which
takes notice ; for he has set our secret, sins, the sins of
Let us then,
our hearts, in the light of his countenance.
2. Bring our hearts into heaven, and there, laying them
open, see how they appear in that world of unclouded light
and unsullied purity.
*
O, how do they appear ! What a disclosure is made
when we lay open the human heart, with all its dark
recesses, and expose its lurking abominations, not to the
But these are by no means the only
God
light of day, but to the light of
heaven
Even
in this sin-
world, the spectacle which such a disclosure would

The man whose heart should
exhibit could not be borne.
thus be laid open to public view, would be banished from
society ; nay, he would himself fly from it, overwhelmed
with shame and confusion.
Of this every man is sensible.
Every man is conscious of many thoughts and feelings which
he Vv'ould be ashamed to express to his most intimate friend.
Even those profligate, abandoned wretches, who glory in their
ful
shame, scarcely dare utter to their equally abandoned associates every thought and feeling which arises within them.*
And if this is the fact if the heart, laid open to view, would
appear thus black in this dark and sinful world who can
conceive the blackness which it must exhibit, when surrounded by the dazzling whiteness of heaven, and seen in the
light of God's presence, the light of his holiness and glory ?
How do proud, self-exalting thoughts appear, when viewed
presence of Him before whom all the nations of the

How do self-will,
earth are less than nothing, and vanity ?
impatience, and discontent with the allotments of Providence
appear, when viewed as exercised before the throne of the
in the
HOW
universal Sovereign ?
How do angry, envious, revengeful feelings appear in the eyes of the God of
love, and in those regions of love where, since the expulsion
infinite, eternal,
of the rebel angels, not one such feeling has ever been exercised ?
How do wanton, impure thoughts appear ?
But we cannot pursue tlie loathsome, sickening enumeSurely, if all the evil thoughts and wrong feelings
ration.
which have passed in countless numbers through our heart,
were poured out in heaven, angels would stand aghast at
the sight, and all their benevolence would scarcely prevent
them from exclaiming, in holy indignation, Away with him
to the abode of his kindred spirits in the abyss
To the omniscient God alone would the sight not be surprising.
He
knows, and he alone knows, what is in the heart of man
and what he knows of it, he has described in brief, but ter" The heart of the sons of men is
ribly expressive terms.
" The heart is
full of evil, and madness is in their hearts."
deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked !"
Thus
our own hearts must appear even to us, if we view them in
the light of God's countenance, and recollect that, in his
sight, thoughts and feelings are actions, that a wanton look
is adultery, and hatred murder.
3. But let us take a view of our shis of omission.
These
are by far the most numerous, and by no means the leasf
criminal, of which we are guilty.
But before wo proceed,
allow me to remind you once more where you are, and
Recollect all you have heard
in whose presence you stand.
and seen of God's infinite perfections; of the works he has
performed ; of the blessings he has bestowed upon us. Look
at him once more, as he appears in the light of heaven, as
he appears in the eyes of the angels and archangels around
you, and then say what he deserves from his creatures.
Does he not deserve all their admiration, love, reverence,
O, does he not deconfidence, gratitude, and obedience?
serve to be loved, and feared, and served with all the heart
and soul, mind and strength ? This is what his law requires
and can any requisition be more reasonable ? Can we withhold our affections and services from sucli a Being without
great and aggravated guilt ?
Yet this is the Being from
whom we have all withheld our afK ctions and services.
Our whole lives present one unbroken series of duties negAnd O, how do they
lected, of favors not acknowledged.
!
HOW
SIN APPEARS L\ HEAVEN.
appear, when we review them in the light of God's countenance

When we see before us our Creator, our Preserver,
our Benefactor, our Sovereign, and our heavenly Father;
!
see in him, to whom all those titles belong, infinite

excellence, glory, and beauty ; when we see with what profound veneration, with what raptures of holy, grateful affection he is regarded and served by all the bright armies of
when we
and then turn and contemplate our lives, and reflect

in his sight ; can we refrain from
exclaiming with Job, " We have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear, but now our eyes see thee ; wherefore we
abhor ourselves, and repent in dust and ashes ? I have sinned ; what shall I say unto thee, O thou Preserver of men ?"
heaven
how they must appear
Must not each of us say with the Psalmist, " Innumerable

have compassed me about my iniquities have taken
they are
hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up
more in number than the hairs of my head and therefore
my heart faileth me ?" Nay, more, when you see what
evils
God
and how he
heaven, and then look

want of reverence with
which you have often approached him in prayer, and listened to his word, must you not feel conscious that, should
he call you into judgment, you could not answer for one in
a thousand of the miquities which have stained your holy
things
your religious duties ?
But the duties which we owe to God are not the only
duties which we are required, and which we have neglected to perform.
While his law requires us to love him
is,
at the coldness, the
is
worshipped
in
formality, the
all the heart, it also requires us to love our neighbor

And this general command virtually includes
as ourselves.
a great number of subordinate precepts precepts which
prescribe the duties of the various relations that subsist be-
with
tween us and our fellow-creatures. And how far have we

obeyed these precepts ? How far have we performed the
duties which God requires of us, as husbands, as wives, as
parents, as children, as masters, as servants, as citizens, and
as members of the human family ?
When we spread our
lives before God, and look at them as they appear in the
light of his countenance, can we fail to perceive that we
have, in all these relations, been grossly deficient
that we
have left undone many, very many things, which we ought
to have done, and that we are far from having discharged
;
HOW
SIN APPEARS UN HEAVEN.
the duties of a single relation which
we have done
we
sustain
O,
how
we
actually have
done, to promote the temporal and eternal happiness of all
with whom we are connected
Nor do our sins of omission end here. There is another
Being, whom we are under infinite obligations to love, and
This Being is the
praise, and serve with supreme affection.
are
Lord Jesus Christ, our only Redeemer and Saviour.
much more
miglit
than
We
required, and sacredly bound to feel, that we are not our

own, but his ; to prefer him to every earthly object, to rely
upon him with implicit confidence ; to live, not to ourselves,
but to him, and to honor him even as we honor tlie Father.

Every moment, then, in which we neglected to obey these
commands, we were guilty of a new sin of omission. Nor
have we the smallest excuse for neglecting to obey these

commands ; for he is most worthy of all which they require.
Even the angels, for whom he never died, regard him as
worthy to receive every thing which creatures can give.
Much more, then, may it be expected that we, for whom he
has done and suffered so much, should regard and treat him
But how grossly have we failed in performing
as worthy.
How must the manner in which we
this part of our duty
have treated his beloved Son appear in the sight of God ?
How does it appear to us, when we contemplate him as he
when we see the place he there fills ;
appears in heaven
!
him all the fulness of the Godhead

dwells, and that to him are unceasingly ascribed wisdom,
and strength, and blessing, and honor, and glory, and power ?
when we
recollect that in
Before
lay
down
my
pen, permit
me
to
ask whether
you cannot now perceive the reason why your sins appear
more numerous and criminal in the sight of God than they
Are you not convinced that they are far
do in your own ?
more numerous and aggravated than you had supposed ? If
not, you have not seen your sins in the light of God's counfor had you seen them in that light, they would
tenance
have appeared, in some measure, to you, as they appear to
God himself. Witness, for instance, the effect which a view
Though
of God's glory produced upon the prophet Isaiah.
he was an eminently good man, yet when he saw Jehovah
seated upon his eternal throne, and heard the surrounding
seraphim exclaiming, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts
he cried out in amazethe whole earth is full of his glory,
;
HOW
Woe
SIN
APPEARS IN HEAVEN.
is me
for I am undone ; I am a man of unclean
In a similar manner would you have been affected,
had you seen even but a glimpse of those glories which we
have vainly attempted to exhibit. Can you not easily conceive that this would have been the case ? Can you not conceive that, were you really placed in heaven, before the
throne of God, with all the light of his glory shining around
you, all the majesty of his countenance beaming upon you,
every glance of his omniscient eye piercing your heart
your sins would appear to you far more black and numerous than they now do ?
If so, allow me to remind you
that a day is approaching, in which you will be constrained
to see your sins as they appear in the light of God's countenance.
When that day arrives, his eternal Son, the appointed Judge, will be seen coming in the clouds of heaven
with all his Father's glories blazing around him, and all
Seated
the bright armies of heaven following in his train.
on a throne of resplendent whiteness, with a countenance
from which the heavens and the earth will flee away, he
will summon the whole race of men before him, and there
cause their lives to pass in review, expose all their secret
sins, lay open the inmost recesses of their hearts ; while the
flood of pure celestial light which pours itself around, will,
by contrast, cause their blackness to appear seven-fold more
black.
Then all disputes respecting the depravity of manThen
kind and the demerit of sin, will be ended for ever.
no more complaints of the strictness of God's law, or of the
severity of the punishment which it denounces upon transgressors, will be heard; for every mouth shall be stopped,
and all the world stand guilty before God. But a conviction of sinfulness and guilt will then come too late ; for there
He that is
is no available repentance beyond the grave.
found a sinner at the judgment-day, will continue a sinner,
and be treated as a sinner, for ever. O then, dear reader,
He
hasten to Jesus Christ, the atoning sacrifice for sin.
alone can cleanse you.
Commit your soul to him by a
living fitith, and through his righteousness you shall stand
accepted in the day of his appearing.
ment,
lips.
PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETY.
]Vo.
41.
A PERSUASIVE
PUBLIC WORSHIP
BY REV. GEORGE BURDER.
That the public worship of Ahniglity God is habituallyneglected by a great number of those who " profess and call
themselves Christians," is a fact too obvious to need proof.
The churches, in some places, are nearly deserted ; while
the fields, the roads, and the public-houses, are crowded. It
is a reasonable calculation, that in some considerable towns,
at least half of the inhabitants absent themselves from the
liouse of God.
How awful is the idea, that supposing a
town to contain twenty thousand people, no less than ten
But,
thousand of them live in the neglect of their duty.
surely, "these things ought not so to be."
VOL.
II.
5*
A PERSUASIVE TO
not reasonable that we should worship God ?

In
"live, and move, and have our being."
And is it
not right and becoming that we acknowledge our depend-
Is
it
him we
?
Is God the only King and Governor to whom no
homage should be paid ? As man is a social being, and dis-
ence
posed to unite with his fellow-men for civil purposes, it seems

agreeable to reason and the nature of man, that human creatures should associate together in the service of God, to confess their sins, to implore his mercy, to obtain his grace,
and to praise him for the blessings already received.
This has hcen the general practice of the worshippers of
the true God, in all nations of the world, and in every age
read of Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam, appearof it.
ing before God, and, probably, at the head of their families,
with their different offerings.
In early days, every father
of a family acted as its priest.
The history of the Bible,
which is the oldest in the world, fully shows that Noah,
Abraham, Joshua, and all the ancient worthies, thus worshipped the God of their fathers.
And when a great part
of the world had corrupted themselves by idolatry, God was
pleased to restore the true worship by a revelation of his
will to Moses.
A variety of regulations Avere ordained by
God himself, and for many ages observed by the Jews. The
divine presence and glory were frequently manifested as
tokens of his approbation ; and when, at any time, they neglected his service, teiTible calamities befell them, as marks
of his displeasure.
Our Saviour himself frequented public worship, in the
temple and other places.
He gave directions for the right
performance of it, "in spirit and in truth." He plainly intimates, in the Lord's prayer, that we should pray tvith and
for others, by teaching us to say, " Our Father" " Give
"Forgive us our trespasses," etc.
us our daily bread"
Jesus Christ, having finished the work he came to perform,
ascended up into heaven, but promised shortly to send down
While the disciples waited for this gift,
his Holy Spirit.
" they continued daily, with one accord, in prayer and supplication."
It was when they were thus employed that the
Holy Ghost descended, and by his heavenly influence enabled them to preach "Christ crucified" to the multitude,
with amazing success.
The first Christian converts abounded in the acts of pulilic worship
" they continued daily,
We
PUBLIC WOKSHIP.
with one accord, in the temple."

In early times they certainly met together by daybreak on the Lord's day, to sing
praises to Christ as their God and Saviour.
Tiie Lord's
Supper was administered very frequently ; and the history
of tiie church sliows, that, from that time to this, the public
worsiiip of God has always been attended by the great body
of professed Christians of all denominations.
It is, therefore, a new thing, that those who bear that sacred name
sliould desert the house of God.
Public worship is strongly recommended hy the many
great advantages derived from it.
Hereby a friendly intercourse is maintained between the ditierent ranks of society.
These are too apt to dislike each other ; and their different
situations keep them at a distance ; but in the house of God,
" the rich and the poor meet together ; the Lord is the
Maker of them all." By uniting in the same expressions
of humility, prayer, praise, and attention, a union of spirit
and interest is promoted ; they learn to care fir each other
" to bear one another's burdens, and to fulfil the law of
Christ."
Nor is it an advantage of small importance to the lower
ranks of mankind, that the habit of attending public worship,
and a laudable desire to appear with decency befjre others,
excite diligence, produce cleanliness, and are consequently
conducive to health ; while it is too obvious, that the slothful
man, who disregards the Sabbath and the worship of God,
often neglects the care of his person, and is covered with
filth
and rags.
Morality is also promoted by public worsiiip.

Tlie services of God's house have a direct tendency to produce and
increase that " fear of God, which is the beginning of wisdom." Persons do not usually proceed to extreme lengths
in open iniquity, who meet every week to confess their past
sins, to pray for mercy, and to hear from the pulpit the
conunandments, threatenings, and promises of God.
Look
around you, and you will observe that atrocious and desp(>rate sinners usually abandon the worship of God altogether
for, according to an old saying, " Praying will make a man
leave off sinning, or sinning will make a man leave off
praying."
Divine worship is well calculated to prevent an excessive love of the world.
People who are busily employed all
A PERSUASIVE TO
week
worldly
hearts too prone to

therefore of great use to be
directed, on the Lord's day, to the great objects of faith ; to
be reminded of the vanity of the world, the uncertainty of
the
"cleave
in
affairs, find their
to the dust."
It
is
life, the approach of death ; and to have our views extended

towards the eternal world, and the different states in which
saints and sinners will ere long be for ever fixed.
But the greatest advantage of public worship is, that
thereby we obtain a knowledge of " the glorious Gospel
of the blessed God." Jesus Christ, the great Head of the
church, has commanded that his Gospel should be preached
to every creature ; and a command to preach it, certainly
The Gospel signifies good
includes a command to hear it.
news, "glad tidings of great joy, to all people;" namely,
that " God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,
The Gospel is a proclamation
but have everlasting life."
of God's mercy, through Christ, to sinners ready to perish.
" Therein the righteousness of God, by faith, is revealed to
faith ;" even that righteousness which Christ wrought out
by his obedience and death a righteousness such as the
law demands such as we are destitute of j but such a one
This righteousness is held
as we must have, or perish.
and becomes the righteousness of every one
forth to sinners
who sees his need of it, and is enabled to trust in it for his
own acceptance with God.
The same Jesus, who commanded this Gospel to be
preached, has promised to be with those who preach it,
He has also declared, that wherto the end of the world.
ever two or three meet in his name, he will be in the midst
These promises should induce us all to be diliof them.
Our Saviour has said, "Blessed
gent hearers of the word.
are they who hear the word of God, and keep it."
Paul
says, "It is the power of God unto salvation;" it is the
grand instrument which God has appointed, and which he
blesses, for the purpose of regeneration, or making us new
Hereby the ignorant become " wise unto salvacreatures.
Hereby sinners are brought to repentance. " Faith
tion."
Cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God;" and
it is by
faith that the heart is purified, the conscience
cleansed, affliction softened, and holiness promoted.
These are some of the great advantacjês which attend
:
PUBLIC WORSHIP.
the worship of God.
who
What an enemy,
then, to himself,
and habitually neglects the

service of God, and thereby renounces them all
and for
what ? What equal advantages can be proposed ? Is a
is
that person
wilfully
walk, or a ride in the country, or a visit to a friend, or

any amusement whatever, of equal value ? Certainly not.
These are short-lived pleasures at best ; but the blessings
derived from the service of God are solid, spiritual, and
everlasting.
It is thus that the soul is
formed for the
worship of God above, and prepared to join the general
assembly of the church triumphant.
These arguments seem of sufficient weight to convince
any man who believes the Scriptures, that the public
worship of God is a " reasonable service." How is it, then,
that thousands in this Christian country dare to live in the
neglect of it ?
Those who reflect upon it, must certainly
form some excuses, which appear plausible to themselves,
and serve to still their consciences. But it is highly probable that the greater part of those who neglect this duty,
never reflect upon the subject ; but give themselves up
to a careless, thoughtless temper.
Such, however, would
do well to consider their ways.
Man is a rational being
and it is his duty to consider his relation to his Creator, the
duty he owes him, and his own personal safety, in reference
to the eternal world whither he is hastening.
If, indeed,
any have drunk the deadly poison of infidelity, we need not
wonder at their defection, nor that " they set their mouth
against the heavens, and defy the Holy One of Israel;"
but it may be charitably hoped that their number is comparatively small, and that the greater part rather forget God
than defy him ; that they deceive themselves by vain excuses, which, upon reflection, they may be willing to lay
aside.
Indeed, the infidelity of some ought to be an
argument with others to confess Christ crucified before
men. Now is the time for us to show " who is on the
Lord's side ;" nor can they be thought his friends, who
are unwilling to avow it, by uniting in his public service.
Having, then, your hearts disposed by inward and private worship and communion with God, neglect not the
assembling of yourselves in the outward temple of the
" Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,
Lord's house.
and
into his
courts with
praise."
Mingle your prayers
A PER6UASIVK TO
and praises with your assembled brethren. The devout

flame will thus be kindled from heart to heart.
By a more
than human sympathy, each will assist his fellow-worshippers.
Each will offer up his incense from the golden censer
in his own heart ; whilst the whole ascends in one fragrant
cloud to the throne of grace, and is returned upon the humble
worshippers in showers of divine benignity and love. Whenever you ai'e about to enter the temple of the Lord, pause a
moment at the threshold. Consider that the Lord is in his
holy temple.
Reflect upon your numberless wants, weakand imperfections, and your own absolute inability
supply or relieve them.
Leave all earthly cares and
anxieties behind you.
Bring nothing, but a sense of your
sins, and an earnest desire of being relieved from the guilt
and dominion of them. If, during the service, some ray of
divine light should dart into your breast, some touch of
divine love should deeply affect your heart, keep silence
before the Lord.
Whilst he is speaking to your hearts,
improve the blessed moment of sweet communion, and you
will then taste and see how gracious the Lord is, and, from
your own happy experience, be enabled to declare, that it is
good for you to be there.
It may be proper here to consider some of those objections
which are frequently urged by way of excuse for neglecting
the public worship of God.
One says, " / can serve God just as ivell at home hy
reading a good hook, as if I went to church.'' It is to be
feared, that many who make this objection do not employ
much of their time in reading, especially in reading religious
books.
That some parts of the Sabbath should be spent in
reading and retirement, is certainly right, and very commendable but one duty is not to displace another. We
have already seen that Christ has appointed public worship
and if you are a Christian, you must obey his laws.
It is
nesses,
to
you
up your private opinion against the auTo despise the ministers and ordinances
of God, is to despise him
and no pretence of serving him
as well another way, will be admitted.
If you carefully
examine your own heart, you will probably find that it is
sinful sloth, prejudice, and self-conceit, that keep you away.
Another objector cries, " I do not see that people who go
to church so much, are any better than their neighbors."
If
not for
to set
thority of heaven.
PUBLIC WORSHIP.
they are not, it is their own fault ; for they have better
means of improvement, and ought to excel. " But who
art thou that judgest another man's servant ?
To his own
master he standeth or falleth." Perhaps he might be much
worse, if he did not go to church ; and probably you would
be much better if you did
for you will surely admit that
there is room for amendment.
But your neighbor's conduct is not the rule of your duty.
Leave him to God, while
,
you obey the divine command.

Another absents himself, because he does
not like
the
preacher: his voice, his manner, or h>s conduct offends.

You would do well seriously to consider, how far your
dislike of the minister is well founded.
Perhaps you never
prayed for him in your life ; how then could you expect to
profit by his ministry 1
But if you have sufficient reason to
dislike his doctrine because it is unscriptural, or his life,
because it is immoral, you are at liberty to attend elsewhere. " Take heed " what, and " how you hear." " Prove
all things," and "hold fast that which is good."
Mean apparel is an ohjection of thousands more. The
poor ai'e ashamed to appear among their well-dressed neigh-
But remember, " the Lord seeth not as man seeth

looketh at the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh at the heart."
If you " worship him in spirit and in
truth," your service will not be less acceptable because of
bors.
man
your mean attire. The poor man may be clean, and then
no one will despise him whose opinion is worth minding.
Wait then upon God.
It is his blessing that maketh rich ;
he can prosper the work of your hands, enable you to procure the comforts of life, or raise up charitable friends to
assist you
and nothing is more likely to procure them, than
your steady and serious attention to public worship. Good
men will observe, pity, and help you.
Too many plead the incumbrances of young children as
an excuse
and many poor women are not at church for
years together.
But scarcely any ought to be wholly hindered by a family.
The father, or an elder child, where no
servant is kept, should stay at home by turns
or neighbors
might do this friendly office for one another occasionally.
Some contrivances of this kind will be made, if there is an
inclination
for other purposes they are made.
But, indeed, the vnnt of inclination is the greatest hin;
A PERSUASIVE TO PUBLIC WORSHIP.
3
drance of
all, and the true objection of most.

But what
does this discover ?
It shows the want of the fear and love
of God.
It shows the power of a carnal mind, " alienated
from the life of God." It proves a person to be in a state
" O, consider this, ye that
of nature, and a child of wrath.
forget God, lest he tear you in pieces, and there be none to
deliver
!"
Take
in good part these plain hints, these faithful cau-
by a sincere desire to promote your present

and eternal welfare.
Duty to God, your own best interest,
the influence of example, and the good of your country, all
invite you to the house of God.
Delay no longer, and however long you may have neglected his service, and forsaken
your own mercies, let the very next Sabhath Jind you in a
May God incline your heart to his
Christian assembly.
May his churches be
service, which is perfect freedom
crowded with sincere worshippers may they echo with his
praises ; may they resound with the glad tidings of salvaand thus may thousands be made "joyful in his house
tion
for ever !"
And O, that eveiy reader may sincerely add,
Amen and Amen.
tions, dictated
How
pleasant,
how
Lord of Hosts,
With lon^
To meet
desire
th'
divinely fair,
dwellinofs are
tliy
my
spirit faints
assemblies of tliy saints.
My
My
My
flesh would rest in thine abode,

panting heart cries out for God
God, my King, why should I be
So far from all my joys and thee ?
Blest are the souls
who
find a place
Within the temple of thy grace

There they behold thy gentler rays.
And seek thy face, and learn tliy praise.
FDBLISHED BT THE AMERICAPf TRACT SOCIETY.
iVo.
42.
THE
SII OF FALSEHOOD.
Dare
The
to
be true
nothing can need a
needs
fault that
it
lie
most, grows two thereby.
HERBEKT.
When
Pompey, the Roman general, was desired not to

tempest that would hazard his life, he replied,
set sail in a
"
It is
me
me
necessary for
to live."
magnanimity,
Surely,
amiable
it is
not necessary for
becomes a Christian, with equal

must speak truth, and
can leave
God of truth."
the event with the
How
"
to say,
but
to sail,
it
is
the character of Verxjs
By
a long
course of integrity, and an invariable adherence
to truth,
he has so established his reputation, that his word
is
on equally with his bond
and
pleasure in dealing with him.
commends
unjustly
his
all
When
he
and
if
he
is
sells,
own goods; and when he
scorns to depreciate the value of another's.

are always
relied
who know him,
take
he never
buys, he
His promises
made with caution, and fulfilled with punctuality

called by duty to make oath before a magistrate,
he never equivocates nor prevaricates, but regards it as a

most sacred obligation. As he abhors falsehood himself, he
never countenances
it
in his servants, or his children
will he suffer the fashionable vice of
family are at home, because

seen.
may
be inconvenient
to
nor
liis
be
This consistency of conduct has gained him the
who know him, and a peace and

own bosom still more valuable.
entire confidence of all
serenity within his
VOL.
it
denying that any of
II.
THE
On
SIN OF FALSEHOOD.
Mendax
to man
the other hand,
bread of deceit
is
sweet
shall be filled with gravel."
petual anxiety of
mind
verifies the sayhig, "
The
but afterwards his mouth
Prov. 20
17.
He
is in
per-
his imagination is ever on the
rack
new falsehoods, that he may conceal former ones ;

memory not being competent to the recollection of all his
to invent
his
deceptions, his folly
whom
is
continually exposed to those with
he stands connected, and his character

In short, he
speaks the truth.
lip
is
-while
an abomination
they that deal truly are his delight.
of truth shall be established for ever
but for a moment."
Though
the
tection from
Prov. 12
man who
his
com-
when he
a torment to himself, an
is
object of contempt to others, and
Lord
so
is
pletely ruined, that he cannot be believed even
to
the
"
The
but a lying tongue
19.
uses falsehood should escape de-
how will he stand

who knows our secret thoughts,
fellow-creatures, yet
before the all-seeing God,
and whose "judgments are true and righteous altogether?"
Psalm 19
9.
God has marked
the sin of lying with the
who are
The law is
strongest terms of reprobation, and couples those

guilty of
it
with the most notorious of simiers.
made for murderers, for liars, for perjured persons. 1 Tim.

1:10. " All liars shall have their part in the lake which
fire and brimstone."
Rev. 21 8. There
no wise enter the heavenly city " any thing that
or viaketh a lie.''' Rev. 21 27.
The Lord hateth
burneth with
shall in
defileth,
a lying tongue.
lies shall
Prov. 6
perish."
16, 17, 19.
Prov. 19: 5, 9.
"He
He
that speaketh
has given us on
record some awful manifestations of his wrath against

particularly in the instances of Ananias and Sapphira,
it,
who
were instantly struck with death, though they appear to have

told pait of the truth, in saying they had sold the land for so
much, when in fact they had sold it for more ; a conduct
which many deem sufficiently correct, who seem to study
how far they mav swerve from the direct line of truth with-
THE
Sm
OF FALSEHOOD.
God has
out saying what
is
commanded us
walk, not on the edge, but " in the midst of
to
absolutely contrary to
the paths of judgment;" and has
marked
it
but
the contrary con-
duct, in the above, as well as in other instances, with severe,
See Acts, chap.
but just punishment.
But some may
v.
object, that lies are necessary in their
them
business, and that without the use of
must
strictly enjoins
own
for his
their families
Let such remember, that the same God, who
starve.
us to speak the truth, has done
ample promises of
"
all
who
needful things to those
Commit thy way unto
not only
it
and has given
glory, but for our happiness;
put their
Lord ; trust also

in him, and he shall bring it to pass." Psalm 37
5. " Your
heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these
things
but seek ye first the kingdom of God and his right-
trust in him.
the
eousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."
Matt. 6
"Godliness
32, 33.
having promise of the

is
come."
to
man
Tim. 4
8.
better than a liar.
is
lying tongue
The
is
profitable unto all things,
now
is,
and of that which
And he has
The getting of
a vanity tossed to and fro of
Prov. 19
death."
is
that
life
plea which
22, and 21
is
"
said,
them
that seek
6.
made by many,
that they
never
the injury of others, will not avail at the bar of a just

as the breach of a
wisdom of
even though his

practice
sin, as
but
known law
the law-giver,
lies
is
be told in
jest.
liar
all
other sins, the beginning
repetition,
it
without excuse,
Matt. 12
which should be utterly avoided
with
lie to
God
a direct impeachment of the
and leaves the
when once committed,
poor
treasures by a
36,
37
since, with this
may
appear small,
gathers strength by every
and unless stopped by divine grace, will end
in
our utter destruction.

It
would be a concern of
of lying confined to those

jects than
the
less
who
things of the
moment, were the practice
are pursuing no higher obpresent evil world
but the
THE
SIN OF FALSEHOOD.
professors of Christianity are apt to
fall
into
this sin by-
using strong expressions of obligation, or of friendship,
where only common gratitude or
civility is intended
founded excuses, or evasive answers,
un-
cover some neglect
to
men of the world

By such conduct they
or imprudence, or from a fear lest the
should suspect that they are religious.
give great occasion to the enemies of the cross to blaspheme,
while they behold this gross inconsistency in their walk,

profess to be followers of that holy Jesus, in
was never found, and who
guile
THE TRUTH.
styled,
If
in our
himself emphatically
is
6.
we would preserve veracity, we should be persuaded

own minds, that no circmnstance whatever can make a
We should accustom ourselves to a sober, modest
lawful.
lie
way
John 14
of speaking, and avoid
border upon falsehood.
all
Some
those
modes of speech
with the highest assurance
but those
doubtful matters with such a positive
much
who
air,
prodigies,
all that
they say
frequently assert
prove that they have
tenderness of conscience, and such a religious
fear of lying, as a Christian ought to have.
endeavoring
that
persons affect to be certain
of every thing they speak, and pronounce
not so
who
whose mouth
to surprise the
and
all this
Others are always
company with strange
things and
out of the vanity of their hearts, seek-
ing applause and admiration.
This
sort of affectation often
betrays a person into falsehood, and insensibly allures him

to
say things that are neither true nor credible.
sons,
when they
in strong
common
things,
Some
per-
always speak
and superlative language, such as prodigious,
comparable,
bounds of
discourse of
infinite,
in-
by which they commonly exceed the
truth, as well as render
themselves ridiculous in
the eyes of every person of sense.
And
we
be just
in
not only
when we
relate matters of fact, but
express our sentiments of the characters of men,

to the truth.
when
let
us
Brotherly love generally requires us,
speaking of a blemished character,
to
use the softest terms
THE
BIN
OF FALSEHOOD.
the matter will bear, and silence often
no pretences of love or charity are

if
we speak
becomes us best
us,
Again, in speaking of a bright
a falsehood.
let
Sins of complaisance
truth.
but
excuse
sufficient to
character, or paying civilities to others,
beyond the
by men under the name of goodbreeding
us not be lavish
may
be applauded
but the ear of
God
takes a just and strict notice of the softest and smoothest

falsehoods.
We
should be especially careful
how we
repeat what
we
have heard, lest we inadvertently exaggerate ; a practice

which is sometimes attended with serious consequences,
especially if our neighbor's character be concerned.
As
a further means of preserving veracity,
guard against the violence of our passions
much endanger
the veracity of our lips.
should
Passion will carry
our judgment beyond the truth, and thus lead us
gance of language, even contrary
we
for this will
to the
to extrava-
present judgment
of the mind.
We
should consider to
"
ilates us.
Ye
your father ye
there
is
will do
direct
44.
lie,
practice of lying assim-
he abode not in the truth, because
When
no truth in him.
speaketh of his
John 8
whom the
are of your father the devil, and the lusts of
own
He
he
for
is
tempted our
he speaketh a
liar,
first
persuading them that
lie,
and the father of
he
it."
parents by asserting a
God had
not spoken the
would be less severe in the punishment of sin

than his words declared an insinuation which he persists
in to this day, with a fatal influence over the minds of all
truth, but
who have
not the fear of
God
in their hearts.
the earliest manifestations of that depravity
from the
inherit
first
Adam,
attain the use of speech, "
58
It is
all
that children, as soon as they
go astray, speaking
and as they advance
among
which we
in life,
it
lies,"
becomes
Psalm
in a lesser
or greater degree habitual, except the Lord, in sovereign
mercy, shine
VOL.
11.
into their hearts
6*
by
the renewing influences
THE
Holy
of the
SIN OF FALSEHOOD.
which
Spirit,
is
whose
office
as a free
I
to
it is
gift, to
them
give you, and a
cause you
and
walk
to
guide into
will be
in
all
that ask
new
only effectual remedy
the
He
against this, or any other sin.
truth
him
statutes
"
spirit will
my
the Spirit of truth,

and he is promised,
;
is
A new
heart also will
put within you, and
and ye shall be
your God."
my
peo-
Ezek. 36 26-28.
When the heart is thus renewed, the man sees an importance in truth to which he was before a stranger ; he
ple,
loves
TRUTH in every view of it. The Scriptures, which

word of truth, become his delight, and as God's law
are the
is
the truth, he brings his heart and conduct to the test of
it,
which induces him, who
hitherto thought himself right-
eous, to " loathe himself, in his
Thus he
"
knows
from the bondage of
sin
sight for his iniquities."
makes him
he being enabled
God has given of
record that
own
the truth, and the truth
"
to believe the
who, when
his Son,
free
we were
condemnation, took upon him our nature, and

the death of the cross, to " put away sin by the
liable to just
submitted to
Heb. 9: 26.
sacrifice of himself."
The Lord
he becomes,
through the truth, and
sanctifies the believer
in a
measure, assimilated
to
lights in
it
from the heart
law of truth
is in
his
he chooses the
mouth.
He
As the Lord
renewed man de-
God.
desireth truth in the inward parts, so the
way
of truth
walks with God
in
the
peace
and equity, and finds his truth a defence against every spirenemy and though, by the influence of Satan or the"
itual
world, he sometimes
he repents of his
falls,
uine desire to forsake
it
sin,
with a gen-
and having " an Advocate with
the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous," he
is
humbled
at
the throne of grace, under the burden of remaining deprav-
and finding the promise realized, that " they that wait
on the Lord shall renew their strength," he goes forth with
fresh vigor to the \\'arfare, till he becomes more than conity
queror, through Christ that loved
him
and obtains, by
faith,
THE
SIN OF FALSEHOOD.
a glorious prospect of
life
and immortal
7
bliss, in that
enly state where nothing false can enter, but

truth,
harmony, and
heav-
all will
be
love.
Reader are you a parent, or the head of a family ?

Urge upon your children and servants the necessity and
!
advantage of speaking the truth
made
it
the subject of prayer in
at all times
to the throne of grace, for that strength
make them
and having
your retirement, lead them
firm in the cause of truth
which alone can

and as their souls
are intrusted to your care, we entreat you to watch over

them with a tender solicitude. Be especially careful lest
they find in your conduct any example of swerving from
truth, even in trivial things, as example is universally found
to be more prevalent than precept.
Children
sider
our dear young friends,
how much you would
sin,
we pray you
were you
to give
to con-
way
to
you see many children do for

though you may deceive your parents or teachers, you cannot hide any thing from God, who sees and knows all things
and if you live and die in the love of lying, or any other sin,
he will surely punish you for ever in hell. Young as you
are, you may die before you are one day older
but you
are not too young to pray, and God loves to hear children
pray.
Call earnestly upon him to pardon you, for the sake
the temptation to tell
lies,
as
of Jesus Christ,
said,
"Suffer
them
not, for of
who
little
is
the Saviour of sinners,
and who has
come unto me, and forbid

kingdom of heaven." Ask him
children to
such
is
the
you may always hate lying, and watch against

you may speak the truth during the remainder
for grace, that

it
and that
of your
life.
Servants!
let
not the desire of concealing
from your master or mistress induce you

of lying
for
whenever you
adding another
to
it
do,
it is
any thing
to fall into the sin
increasing the fault, by
venture, therefore, upon no practice
that needs a disguise, or an excuse
and then you will not
THE
SIN OF FALSEHOOD.
be so often under the temptation
have a great tendency
will
good servants,
if
fault,
than
if
you attempt
an account
is
to
to
cover
in heaven,
by
joy,
and
You
denial.
should
to
your
we must
appear, " that
all
receive the things done in his body, accordit
Let us therefore study
stations with faithfulness to the trust

us, " as
lie
him.
may
10.
superiors, they
the open confession of a

it
ing to that he hath done, whether

Cor. 5
tell
and that you must one day render
Before his righteous tribunal
every one
It
your character as
your very thoughts are known
also recollect that
Master who
speak falsehood.
you are never known to

of your
may be the character

nmch better pleased with
whatever
will be
to
to establish
be good or bad."
to
Heb. 13
we may
do
17.
Let tliose who bear tlie Christian name,

Their holy vows fulfil
The
saints, the followers
Are men of honor
In
They
of tlie Lamb,
still.
hate the appearance of a
They
all
the shapes
love the truth
Eternal hfe
it
;
our respective
he has committed
they that must give account, that
and not with grief."
fill
lie.
wears
and when they
die,
is theirs.
it
to
with
TVo.
43.
SLEEPING IN CHURCH.
WHY PEOPLE
SLEEP DURING PUBLIC "WORSHIP ON THE SABBATH.
They have
fully during the

It
served themselves and the world too
week.
faith-
Nature cannot bear every thing.
cannot usually bear more than six days' labor in a week.
And where
cries out
people do seven days'

help.
for
work
in six days, nature
She becomes exhausted, and wants
Multitudes, in anticipation of the Sabbath,
repose.
weary
themselves out on Saturday by doing nearly two days' work
And no wonder they are drowsy on the Sabbath.

They do not take sufficient time for sleep on Saturday
They reserve their lawsuits, their shopping, and
in one day.
2.
night.
their extra affairs for

tion to
Saturday afternoon.
o'clock, or later, that evening.

is,
Thus,
being unusually fatigued, they are up
The
till
in addi-
11 or 12
natural consequence
they are sleepy on the Sabbath.

S.
They
They
think that they cannot help sleeping in church.
look upon their sleepy disposition as an infirmity.
Thinking that they cannot help

4.
They
it,
they do not try to help
take too easy a posture.
Some
it.
people take
care to place themselves in a comfortable position to sleep

in.
They
brace themselves in a corner of the pew, so that
they need not

sleeping.
fall, or make too low bows, while they are

Others use for a pillow their arm, or a book, or
the top of the slip before them, or a post, or the shoulder of
SLEEPING IN CHURCH.
Thus they show
another.
they generally succeed.
They do not
5.
And
that they expect to sleep.
interest themselves in the religious exer-
cises of the occasion.
If they cared
enough about the preach-
ing to follow the train of remark, they would feel no disposition to sleep.
IT IS
IMPROPER AND WICKED TO SLEEP IN CHURCH.
Because
1.
shows great disrespect
it
to
Those
God.
who go there, go professedly to worship, not to mock, God.

When men go to pay their respects to their superiors, do
company
they get
to sleep in their
into the
presence of Ahasuerus
petition, did she fall asleep ?
When
to
If she
Esther went
present an important
had fallen asleep, do
you think the king would have said to her, " What is thy
petition, and what is thy request
it shall be granted, to the
;
my kingdom ?"
half of
And when men come
into the audi-
ence-chamher of the King of kings, professedly to present
and show their respects, how does
their petitions
upon their
respectful does
men,
to
And how
falling asleep ?
whom
it
appear in the sight of God,
his authorized
message, getting
to sleep
He
look
contemptuous and
dis-
to see guilty
ambassadors are delivering his
under the sound of the ambassa-
dor's voice
2.
It
shows disrespect
exclaims, "
How
dreadful
to the place
is this
but the house of God, and this
could sleep in such a place
is
place
this is
none other
Who
the gate of heaven."
House of God f
House ded-
Not a dormitory a house

a templea house which
antechamber of heaven.
true Jehovah
to sleep
icated to his service.

in
Jacob
of worship.
!
but a sacred place
in
to
wor-
the
Yes,
the gate of heaven., through
which devout worshippers enter
ship the
heaven
to breathe
its
life-giving atmosphere,
and
to feast
SLEEPING IN CHURCH.
upon
Here true Christians " come
sacred delights.
its
mount Zion, the
city of the living
to
God, the heavenly Jeru-
salem," and here they meet " an innumerable company of

angels, and the general assembly and church of the
God
born, and
made
perfect,
And can any
the
all,
spirits
one treat such a place with so

O,
told his ministers, "
much
He that
how can men more
clearly
show
me and
me." And
shows disregard
men
for religion.
to the
about
or disregard of
it,
6.
It
To
is
it
not
the busi-
sleep
when
evincing a great unconcern
it.
shows a very great disrespect
man had much
Religion
Lord's house.
this business is transacting, is
Would
shows disrespect for the audience.

be so esteemed on other occasions ?
It
that they despise the min-
4. It
ness which calls
Christ
for the minister.
than by going to sleep under his preaching
5.
men
disrespect
despiseth you, despiseth
he that despiseth me, despiseth him that sent

ister
first-
of just
tell it not.
shows great disrespect
It
and the
and Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant."
as to sleep there
3.
Judge of
If a
for one's self.
respect for himself, would he be caught in
such an awkward predicament, in such a place, and on

such an occasion, and in such company ?
a bad example.
This
7.
It sets
8.
It is
presenting the body a dead sacrifice to God.
9.
It is
offering a vain oblation.
10.
It is
is
self-evident.
offering the sacrifice of fools.
CONSEQUENCES OF SLEEPING IN CHURCH.

1.
to
Those who do
church
object, thev
2.
it
pity to do so
They
lose their time
much
and labor in coming
for nothing.
If sleep
is
their
can get that without so much trouble.

exert a bad influence nn others.
Sleeping
in
SLEEPING IN CHURCH.
4
meeting
contagious.
is
and soon catch the
Where one
disorder.
many
learn how,
Thus some pews,
or corners
sleeps,
of the church, might appropriately be called the sleepy pews,

or the sleepy corner.
3.
It
The
forms or sti*engthens a bad habit.
oftener one
permits himself to sleep in time of public worship, the more

is
he disposed
So
to sleep.
that this habit, like every other
bad one, strengthens by indulgence.

4.
It
disheartens the minister.
hard during the week
prepare
to
After he has labored

to
give to each of his
hearers a portion in due season, to see them have so

appetite for the food
asleep while he
He
ing.
in a
ship
slept
is
is
ready
whole week
which he has made ready, as
dispensing
to ask,
to
them,
So short a time
God and prepare

away
5.
it
What, can ye
for
to
is
little
to fall
truly discourag-
not watch one hour
be together to wor-
heaven, and that short time be
Sleepers disturb the devotions of others.
This they
do by their indecorous appearance, or by their loud breathing.

6.
They
give others a bad impression respecting their
religious character.
7.
They endanger
will not be
their souls
by
insulting God, for he
mocked.
Remark.
No
sleeping
in
eternity,
and
all
who
going there should be watchful here.
PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN TRACT
SOCIETIT.
are
44.
]o.
"GIVE ME THY HEART."

BY REV. DANIEL DANA,
MY
SON, GIVE
D. D,
ME THY HEART. PROV.
03 26.
:
Solomon, the wise and magnificent king of
Israel, ar-
rayed in royal robes, and dispensing justice from the throne,

is
an interesting object of
less
Nor
attention.
does he appear
engaging, or less venerable, when, descending from the
throne, and losing the
monarch
in the
man, he exercises
Are
the office of a spiritual instructor and guide.
reverence a'nd affection even increased,
when we
not our
see
become the monitor of children and youth, and vent the

ness of a father's heart in exhorting
be happy
But
behold, a greater than
affectionate
human
ful-
and
to
own name,
name
as in the
Jehovah.
It
is
Solomon
is
here !
not
It is
parent, claiming the love and
Solomon speaks, not
obedience of a dear son.

his
to be wise,
merely an
glorious
them
him
of the
so
much
in
the
King of kings
He, the king and venerable Fa-
ther of the great family of
man, who here addresses every
individual of his rational
human
such as
my
this
family
"
Ye
creatures of
objects of
my
my
offspring,
power
in
language
ye children of
constant care and compassion
remember your
Creator, your Father, and your God.
pand your souls
to the
Supreme Good.
Ex-
Let your best and
"
GIVE ME THY HEART."
Choose
purest affections be mine.
Love me
as your Friend.
my
Reverence
ness.
my
grace
all,
to
my
my
me your
wisdom
trust
resign yourselves, your
And you
especially, the
family, just rising into existence,
To your
hearts.
my
adore
my arm
service and disposal.
younger members of
give
authority
lean upon
me as your portion.
me as your happi-
Delight in
kind Parent, and your guar-
dian God, devote the flower and prime of your affections,
and your
my
choose
me
In the fair morning of
earliest obedience.
life
service as your business, and the enjoyment of
Such
as your bliss."
the tender and gracious ex-
is
God
hortation of the blessed
an exhortation Avhich most
powerfully addresses the reason, the conscience, and the
every
sensibilities of
human
But the present design

the bosoms of the young.
arguments which
being.
is,
to
bring
it
home,
Let us then,
if possible, to
after stating a
few
general obligation of giving
illustrate the
the heart to God, subjoin some considerations which press the
duty with peculiar force on youth.
The
Among
which bind every human being
God, are numerous and
heart to
the
let
obligations
infinitely
to
give
strong.
the variety of arguments which the subject presents,
the following receive a serious attention.

1.
The Being who
our supreme
them.
If
if
is
and
truth,
all,
that
we
perfection,
the
who
strongest
revere and adore him, that
him
fill
us with reverence
if
engage our esteem and admira-
goodness and compassion attract our love
the glorious Jehovah,
give
in himself infinitely worthy of
power and majesty
purity, justice,
tion
requires of us
affections,
has not
possesses all these attributes in

possible
we
claims that
we
should
should admire and love him,
"GIVE
with our whole heart
ME THY HEART."
And
does
it
strongly attracted
by some
should often be so
shadows of excellence
faint
same time be
creatures, and at the
not betray an awful
we
perversity of taste and feeling, that
and dead
so cold
and transcendent loveliness of the Creator
real
to
in
the
This
leads us to observe,
The
2.
relation
in
which God stands
him our
give
At
hearts.
command, we
his
He
primitive nothing to existence.
made
curiously and wonderfully

various limbs and organs,
all
He
still
has given us souls of
construction
and enjoying
frail
us as our
to
rose from our
has given us bodies,
admirably furnished with
adapted
to
some important
use.
more curious and admirable
which are capable of knowing,
souls,
their Creator
tenements
to
commanding motive
Creator, presents us an obvious and
souls,
which
loving,
shall survive their
yea, which shall survive the wrecks of
time and the dissolution of nature, and run parallel, in duration,
with the everlasting
3.
The
blessed
and Benefactor
God
God
is
himself.
also our
our warmest and best affections.

protected us ever since
and compassion.
and unseen
He
;
He
more than a
existence.
in
He
father's tenderness
;
he guides and
saves us from innumerable dangers, seen
and when the shafts of death are constantly
from our bosoms.
moment,
has supported and
feeds and clothes us
flying around us, his all-gracious
the
He
we have been
constantly follows us with
guards us.
most gracious Preserver
; and, on this account, he most justly claims
in
Who
of us can
hand turns them aside
name
the day, the hour,
which he has not been sustained by the arm
of God, shielded by his providence, and fostered by his
bounty
His mercies are
far
more numerous than our moments.
They
For
are greater even than our sins.
what amaz-
oh,
ing obstacles of disobedience and rebellion have been
umphed over
in their display-
And can we
hearts from such a Preserver and Benefactor as this
showers down upon
4.
is this
The
as looking
his love, be filled with nothing but
earth,
what
what unnatural
down upon
not
is
Think of
yet untold.
is
horrid,
Bear
in-
But,
catalogue of mercy
crowning act
unpenetrated, unmelted,
and rebellion against him
neglect,
heaven and
still
Shall bur lives, spared by his pa-
by
tience and comforted
witness,
us
us, leave
insensible, unthankful
gratitude
Shall
and constantly repeated blessings, which he
the numberless
disobedience,
tri-
withhold our
yet
closed.
Its
the glorious Jehovah
a guilty and rebellious race, with the
tenderest benevolence and pity.
Think of him
as not spar-
ing his ow^N Son, his only-begotten Son, that he might

spare,
ners.
and
bless,
and save
perishing, hell-deserving sin-
lost,
Think, oh, think of the love of Jesus
the love," says one, " of
be on the earth, and
all
united in one heart,
it
all
men
" Should
the love of the angels in heaven, be
Redeemer, with
soldier's spear."
all
heart, to that
Think of
the inestimable blessings
his blood has purchased, as freely offered to you.
him
as kindly knocking at the door of
derly pleading for admission

don, peace with God, and
possible terms.
to
all his
tears
him, and be
your hearts
as presenting before
life
that
which
Think of
;
as ten-
you par-
immortal, upon the easiest
Yea, think of him as earnestly inviting and
entreating you, by
by
all
that ever were, or shall
would be but a cold
which was pierced with a

crucified
the
all his
humiliations,
toils,
and sufferings,
and blood, that you would open your hearts

his,
and be happy forever.
Can you remain
unaffected by such astonishing consider-
Do
ations as these ?
these mysteries of mercy,
angelic minds with wonder
which resound, and
awaken no
resound, through the celestial arches,

timents in your breasts
Can you
which
fill
will forever
lively sen-
with the conde-
trifle
scensions of God, and with the dying agonies of Jesus
While viewing
his cross,
do you not
feel
your inmost hearts
melted with godly sorrow, and fired with humble, grateful

love
Are you
not irresistibly constrained to yield up your
bodies and spirits, all
deeming God
ity
you have, and
Then
all
you
your
are, to
stand astonished at your
own
Never, never more lay claim
and hardness.
tude, to sensibility, to
re-
depravto grati-
any of the tender or generous emotions
human soul.
God is the only adequate object of our affections and
therefore we are under obligations to devote them entirely to
of the
5.
How
him.
poor and sordid are
ments of the World
How
desires of an immortal
your
the objects and enjoy-
all
incapable of satisfying the vast
mind
Say, ye
who wear away
pursuing the wealth, the pleasures, or the
lives in
tinctions of the world,
dis-
and are often flushed with the hope
of finding happiness in these things, are you not as often

disappointed
your
Do you
breasts,
not find, amid
them
all,
a void in
which they are wholly incompetent
to
fill ?
Does not something within you continually whisper
that hap-
Even amid your
short in-
piness
is
not to be found here
you
tervals of delusive enjoyment, are
the reflection, that
you must soon bid an eternal adieu
these objects of your idolatry
Does not the idea
must shortly be separated from
come
dear, and
gnaw,
like a
Even
VOL.
all
at the root
of
7*
to
you
your Judge, frequently
all
the pleasures o friendship,
II.
that
by
which your hearts hold
into the presence of
worm,
not often haunted
your happiness
which are among the
(J
sweetest and noblest of the present
We are apt to
unsatisfying.
human
of which
Hence ensues
nature
is,
life,
are in
many
in
its
present state, incapable.
whenever the pleasing
bitter disappointment,
Often are our just and reasonable ex-
illusion vanishes.
We
pectations concerning a friend cruelly defeated.

to
respects
expect in a friend a perfection
find,
our inexpressible mortification, that our affections have
Or
been fixed on an unworthy object.

attachment
is
we
all
how
wish,
if the object
of our
short the period of enjoy-
Soon, perhaps in an unexpected hour, will the mes-
ment.
senger of death, impartial and inexorable, snatch them from
our pained bosoms, or us from
theirs.
O, how strongly do
these considerations urge us to give our hearts to that
all
whom we
condescending and glorious Friend, of

possibly form too high an idea
who
cannot
never disappoint,
will
but far exceed our most exalted apprehensions
who, as
our acquaintance with him increases, will constantly mani-
new
fest
beauties of character,
whom
Friend from
separated
to
new
tokens of kindness
(O, delightful thought
and who,
at the
!)
we can never be
hour of death, will receive us
an intimacy unspeakably more endearing and
we have ever known before.

6. The heart is what God requires and
blissful
than
language
this
"
heart."
mand.
however
to
Thou
shalt
This
is
love
the
fair,
Lord thy God with
the
less.
the sincere and
God
whole heart.
And he
of heaven.
He
will
He
re-
be satisfied
has repeatedly assured us that
humble homage of the heart
acceptable in his sight.
com-
mere for7n of obedience,
the
cannot please the
quires the heart
is
all thy
his first, his chief, his indispensable
Outward homage,
with nothing
His
will accept.
every son and daughter of the human family
What
is
pleasing and
an animating consideration
"GIVE Me THY HEART."
Will the all-glorious Jehovah, the supreme Lord
of earth
and heaven, take a gracious notice of worms of the dust
whom
Will He,
unceasingly adore, condescend
to
look
from his
throne, and invite the children of the fallen

to
him
give
their hearts
himself honored by
and love
in the
and
still
them with a share
The
it ;
celestial
human
family
Will he deign to assure them
that this will be an acceptable tribute
ciously reward
myriads of spotless seraphs profoundly and
condescension
is
that
he will think
more, that he will grain his kindest friendship
wonderful indeed
Where,
whole compass of human thought, can there be found
considerations
more calculated
uous mind
What arguments can
more powerful
God
hearts to
to
upon every ingen-
possibly be conceived
persuade us, as rational beings,
appellation,
give our
consider this great and comprehensive
to
peculiar reference to the young.
its
to
But we are
duty in
to operate
"My
The
tender
son," which introduces the inspired pas-
sage at the head of this address, and which occurs so often

in the
Proverbs of Solomon, clearly intimates that the writer
had a very
that they,
pai"ticular regard to youth.
more
lay, give their hearts to

religion.
He was
especially, should, without a
anxious
moment's de-
God, and enjoy the blessedness of
Doubtless he had a lively view of the snares,
temptations, and perils, so peculiarly incident to their period
of
the
life,
and so pressingly urging them
Almighty wing.
ceptibility of their
Perhaps,
too, the
to
take shelter under
tenderness and sus-
age inspired a pleasing hope, that the
counsels and exhortations which might be lost on those more
advanced
in life, might,
with success,
with them, meet with attention, and
"GIVE ME THY HEART.'
Come,
an affectionate and
then, beloved youth, listen to
Attend
inspired Monitor.
dom, and heavenly
counsels of heavenly wis-
to the
Seriously ponder some of those
love.
numberless arguments, which invite and urge you
your hearts
God himself
Consider, that
1.
He
particularly and expressly.
and
thority of a Sovereign,
How
now
give
to
God.
to
all
enjoins this on you, very
enjoins
it
with
all
the au-
the tenderness of a Father.
solemn and affectionate the command, " Remember

thy Creator, in the days of thy youth, while the evil
days come
not,
shalt say,
have no pleasure in them."
nor the years draw nigh, in which thou
"Come, ye
chil-
dren," says David, speaking in the name, and by the authority of God, "
hearken unto
And what
fear of the Lord."
the
Holy
Spirit put into the
me
I will
teach you the
a melting exhortation does
mouth of
the
same venerable
man, when, bowing under the weight of years, he was

about to resign his throne and crown
my
mon,
son,
him with a
know
thou the
God
he will cast thee off
for ever."
Since, then,
Scripture.
and expressly
to enjoin
of thy father, and serve
but
If thou
thou forsake him,
if
Similar exhortations are
God has been
pleased so frequently
on the young
to
devote themselves
and service without delay, their obligations
must be peculiar
refuse.
it
If they
regard, and
and peculiar
would not
infinite
devote to their
God
just
tliou, Solo-
numbers, throughout the whole
found scattered, in great
this
And
perfect heart, and with a willing mind.
seek him, he will be found of thee
to his fear
"
their guilt,
if
to
do
they
treat infinite excellence with dis-
authority with
contempt, they must
their first years; the fresh,
unwasted
vigor of their faculties and their affections.

8.
God has
frequently signified, in his word, that youth-
"
GIVE ME THY HEART."
love
them
that love
those that seek
me
pleasing and acceptahle
ful religion is peculiarly
early
sliall
find
What
me."
when he
" Suffer the
said,
How
God."
kindly did he receive
a gracious
even of young
the
is
to his
" and
children to
little
unto me, and forbid them not, for of such
"
him.
me," says the divine Redeemer
notice did he take, in the days of his flesh,
children,
to
come
kingdom of
arms those
little
ones which were brought to him, and lay his hands on them,
and bless them

These, and other passages of similar aspect, show that
God
the blessed
takes a peculiar pleasure in the religion
of youth, and of children
that
he smiles, with singular
complacency, on their early dedication

is
ready
to assist,
serious attempts in his service.
Has
and inspiring thoughts.

to
to
him
and that he
with his gracious influence, their
first
Surely, these are animating
the glorious
God condescended
young to seek
give such a kind encouragement to the
him without delay
to give
him
their hearts without reserve
Their language then should be, "

seek.
To
thee
Thy
face, Lord, will
we
we unreservedly devote our hearts,

They should earnestly implore the
will
ourselves, our all."
Father of mercies, that he would take entire possession of

their hearts, form
them by
his grace,
and
fill
them with
his
love.
3.
God
is infinitely
Since he
obedience.
is
deserving of our earliest affection and

a Being transcendently glorious and
amiable, he indispensably claims our supreme, our earliest,
There
and our constant regard.

istence, in
is
no moment of our ex-
which we are not bound by the strongest obliga-
tions to love
payment of
him with
all
that tribute,
a single moment delayed
our hearts.
which
?
is
Why then
should the
every moment due, be for
What can
be more natural, than
10
for the child to fly to the
his
bosom
all his
arms of
God
should not the offspring of the
watched by
his care,
of heaven, every
and nourished by
of their existence
and
their earliest love,
And
moment
his bounty, devote
heavenly Parent and Benefactor the
to their
ence
and repose on
his parent,
tenderest thoughts and affections
fair
mornmg
earliest
obedi-
His adorable perfections, and the relations which
they bear
to
him, render him infinitely worthy of this tribute.
And every moment
they withhold
They
Jehovah of his due.

property in them
is
heart
is
peculiarly
that he has
powerfully attracted
warm and
any
to
those
golden period
which ap-
melancholy, that
should entertain no lively sense of
it
the excellence of the blessed
God
that
O,
should feel no
it
Supreme Beauty,
ardent desires and aspirations after the
and the Supreme Good
and the
objects
How
The
tender.
of impressions
susceptible
pear sublime, beautiful, and lovely.

at this
deny
any sovereignty over them.
In youth, the affections are
4.
mind
they rob the supreme
it,
practically
my young friends
can you be
content to pursue the objects and enjoyments of the world
with such a lively relish
and yet have no
orous affections to give to your
God
warm and
Can you
by human, fading charms
feel
vig-
your-
and yet be
insensible to the transcendent excellence of the
Being of be-
selves captivated
ings
Shall the kindness of an earthly friend attract and
rivet
your gratitude
and can you
of Jesus with thankless indifference

indeed
is
that heart,
which
lost to the best feelings, the

bilities,
5.
is
treat the bleeding love

?
Cold and insensible
a stranger to religion.
It is
sweetest and the noblest sensi-
which can possess the human bosom.

It is
much
to
be feared that those
who
pass over the
season of youth without religion, will be strangers
to it for
jj
We would not limit the grace of heaven.
ever.
we drive the aged sinner to despair. He is

God and with God, nothing is impossible.
is
hand of
Yet the mel-
ancholy apprehension just suggested,
Nor would
in the
but too well con-
firmed by the ordinary course of the divine dealings with
mankind.
Indeed,
The
of the case.
it
perfectly corresponds with the nature
period of youth
is
most exempt from
worldly cares, anxieties, and engagements.
affords, of
It
course, the best opportunities for giving a vigorous and undistracted attention to the things of religion, and for devoting
all
the ardor and energy of the soul to the love and service
But when persons have once plunged
of God.
rily little
time or thought to bestow upon the one thing need-
And
ful.
into the
and employments of the world, they have ordina-
solicitudes
neglected
too
till
often
this
is
the case, that if
it
anxious and busy period,
have been
it
neglected to
it is
the last.
Besides, the longer persons have lived destitute of seri-
ous religion, the more disagreeable and

In youth, the conscience
of course.
der,
and alive
to the
discharge of
its
difficult
is
it
becomes
comparatively ten-
The
And
office.
then more susceptible of serious impressions.
heart
is
there
is
reason to believe that the monitions of the Holy Spirit are

ordinarily
uance
more frequent and powerful.
in sin naturally
conscience, and renders

feeble,
its
always
declaration
strive with
Woe
to the
It stupefies
reproofs and remonstrances
and more unfrequent.
shall not
But a long contin-
hardens the heart.
God has
man
:"
an
said,
"
My
the
more
Spirit
awfully alarming
man, the woman, the
child,
from
whom
the Spirit of God, long resisted and provoked, has
finally
withdrawn
Hence
ensues, in a fearful degree, that
hardness of heart, that blindness of mind, and insensibility
12
of conscience;^ which are but the too certain indications of

approaching, destruction.
All opportunities for attending to religion, besides the
6.
present, are
Nothing
uncertain.
totally
more dangerous
nothing more
more common
is
than procrastination in this great concern
yet nothing
frequently
is
That
fatal.
" convenient season " never present, yet ever in imagination

near, has lured thousands on to their eternal ruin.
young are but
too generally prone to expect a long
to flatter 'themselves that
life,
The
and
they will have sufficient opportu-
nity to secure religion hereafter, though the present should
Vain
be neglected.
often
For how
been summoned
flatteries
often
Delusive expectations,
has the giddy, unprepared youth
into eternity, just
was laying
as he
the
and indulging the fondest expectations of
deepest plans,
worldly happiness
O, the unutterable
wretchedness of such a case
folly,
guilt,
and
Be warned, then, ye careless
who have hitherto neglected religion, and neglect it

As you value your immortal souls, as you
would not pluck down ruin on your heads, procrastinate no
youth,
no longer.
farther the all-important business.

"
Youth
is
not rich in time
Part with
it
as with
money
it
may be
poor.
sparing,
pay
No moment, but in purchase of its worth

And what its worth, ask death-beds they
Let the
7.
recommend
to
come
to
it
infinite,
to
God
Think what
it
is
as a Friend and a Father; to receive his
be admitted to a place in his family, and in his
heart.
Think what
doned
whose conscience
tell."
indescribable blessedness of religion,
your immediate choice.
blessing
to
can
is
his happiness,
is at
peace
whose
who
sins are par-
possesses
"
"
What
The
Think of
GIVE
ME THY HEART."
nothing earthly gives, or can destroy,
calm sunshine, and
soul's
tlie
heart-felt joy."
communion with heaven, which
that sublime
the privilege of every real Christian
he
I3
a communion
is
which
merely a pledge, but a prelibation of immortal
finds, not
Think what sources of consolation are
glory.
in
Omnipotence
wisdom
his guard, infinite
for
his,
who has
for his guide,
boundless mercy for his support, and the unfailing inherit-
ance of heaven
hour
at
In a word, think of that
for his portion.
which nature
recoils,
and which so often appalls the
heart of the stoutest and most abandoned sinner
what
it is
to enjoy, in that hour,
fortitude of soul
and
is
transitory objects for
you shrink from

you,
ance
found
and not
this
happiness
ing loss
8.
It is
here
wretched and
sigh.
And
Will you thrust
will
from
it
mercifully pressed on your acceptthe thought of continuing uninter-
ested in such blessings for a single

to
in those
which the multitude
when offered, and

?
Can you bear
can you bear
and think
perhaps a humble joy and triumph.
Surely such, and such alone, are truly blessed.

that real happiness
a sweet peace, a holy calm
hazard
for
a single
moment ? Above all,

moment their everlast-
my
Remember,
dear youth, that
happiness alone which
many around you
is
it
is
not your
own
concerned, but the happiness of
perhaps of thousands and millions yet
unborn.
Need you
be reminded of the tender anxieties of your
parents on your behalf
much
you may be
very
Need you be
told
how much, how
of their comfort depends on you
Probably
instrumental, either to impart joy to their dying
pillow, or to bring
down
their
gray hairs with sorrow
to the
24
grave.
But look
on society, and too probably

evil
Should you
wider sphere.
into a
rise into
of the fear of God, you will be incumbrances
life destitute
example
may
its
ruin others.
Your
and corrupters.
pests
You may
be the unhappy
instruments of leading thousands down, with yourselves, to

the regions of endless despair.
The thought
is full
of in-
supportable horror.
Think, on the other hand, how great must be your

honor and happiness,
around you
of
rise up,
and be blessings
to society
pillars in the
to
ornaments
God; instruments of preserving and
name and
thankless world, the
millions
whom you
will
of diffus-
among thousands and
Do
never see.
not these sublime
and rouse your inmost souls
Do not your
burn with a generous ambition thus
youthful bosoms
approve yourselves the friends of God and

factors of the present,
And now,
Church
perpetuating, in a
religion of Jesus
ing the saving light of his Gospel
objects penetrate
to all
and of future ages
beloved youth, suffer
me
man
to
the bene-
ask you one
to
seri-
Have you ever given your

Have you ever devoted to that
hearts Lo the blessed God ?
Being, who is transcendently glorious in himself, and who
ous, all-interesting question.
has been to you the best of fathers and of friends, your

tenderest and most exalted affections
if,
to this
moment, you have never
genuine love
him your
to the
hearts,
he will accept
If
felt
God who made you
you have not
one sentiment of
;
if,
in
refusing
you have refused him every thing which

if
your
lives,
which have been so crowded
with 'the evidences of his compassion and care, have been

spent in a series of disobedience and rebellion against him
O,
how
shall I address
condemn you
you?
Must not
Must
not your
own
hearts
the very thought of such unnat-
GIVE aiE THY HEART."
"
ural, aggravated guilt,
you- with horror
fill
Being worthy of your best
that
angels in heaven adore

existence, and holds
15
who
the Being
you
in life
Say,
whom
affections
called
who, notwithstanding
disobedience, bears with
you with astonishing
you every moment with numberless blessings

this,
peace,
life,
O, think
who has
the Being
die for rebel
men
given his
and immortal glory,
how
own
nay, more,
umiatural,
visits
nay, more
beloved
and who, through him,
patience, per?
you by night and day, and
incessantly guards
than
for
your ingratitude and
all
mits you to walk his earth, and breathe his air
who
into
whose
kind hand comes every blessing you have, or hope

the Being
the
you
the Being from
not
is
all
Son
to
offers pardon,
very chief of sinners
to the
how monstrous
it
is,
with
to treat
disregard and neglect such a being as this
how wretched must be your condition, while

you continue in this state of mind. Such a temper must
And how
pollute and poison every source of enjoyment.
Think,
too,
miserable must you be in the season of
have no refuge
in
God
pour out your sorrows
no heart
nity
if
you
like children,
and
affliction,
of grace.
at the throne
what preparation have you

disposition
come
to
Where,
to die ?
And,
if this hateful
remains unsubdued, must you spend your
Where, but
in the
company of
Reflect, at the
ble obligations
same
time, on the infinite
which bind you
to
and innumera-
make an immediate, an
and everlasting surrender of yourselves
blessed Jehovah.
eter-
those rebellious and
miserable spirits in whose guilt you have participated
entire,
alas
Stand astonished
at
to the ever-
that long-suffering
mercy of his, which
waits,
save you for ever.
Let that mercy melt your hard hearts,
and
irresistibly
even now,
reclaim you from
all
to receive, to bless, to
your guilty wanderings.
"
IQ
ME THY HEART."
GIVE
His arms
Return, ye prodigals, to your Father's house.

are open, his heart
He
you.
Are you
you
polluted
in time
to receive
He
desires,
you
and immortal as your
Among
He
in death
He
and
souls.
the deepest shades of night
Can there be one who sees my way ?

Yes God is like a shining light,
;
into day.
When
every eye around me sleeps,

May I not sin without control ?
No for a constant watch he keeps
On every thought of every soul.
;
If I could find
some cave unknown.
Where human
Yet there
On
every side
He smiles
He fills
I
feet
have never
could not be alone
in
tliere
heaven
the
trod,
would be God.
he frowns in
air, tlie eartli,
hell
the sea
must within his presence dwell

I cannot
from his anger
flee.
may flee He shows me where

me to Jesus Christ to fly
And while he sees me weeping there.
Yet
Tells
There
's
only mercy in his eye.
will
in the
to inherit joys, large as
That turns the darkness
will clothe
will cleanse you.
he will sustain you
regions above, he will give
Are you guihy
you.
Are you naked
pardon you.
will
bless
open
is
your
]o.
4^.
THE
CHRISTIAN ATOIEMENT.
now more than eighteen hundred years since Jesus

among the Jews in the land of Judea.
The character of this remarkable person was altogether
It
is
of Nazareth appeared
singular
fall
of man, had been
not, like that
of the best of men,
such as never, since the
exhibited on earth.
a mixture of good and

spotted purity.
"
was
It
evil.
was
It
He was
perfect innocence
He
separate from sinners."
"
found in his mouth."
His
did no sin, neither
bitterest
many, who hated him without a cause
him of sin
traitor,
sold
him
into their
was
for
guile
he had
could never convict

him up
inflict,
and washed his hands from
who
enemies
the judge, while he gave
ings which their malice panted to

guiltless,
un-
holy, harmless, undefiled, and
power
to the suffer-
pronounced him
his blood;
and the
to gratify his sordid
hanged himself, from remorse of conscience for

having, as he confessed, " betrayed the innocent Mood."
avarice,
Perfection of outward character indicates perfection of in-
ward
principle.
He whose whole
life
blemish also in heart.
was without blemish, was without

The omniscient and holy God saw,
in the soul of Jesus, the perfect purity of his law, without a
spot of imperfection.
VOL.
II.
Q*
THE CHRISTIAN ATONEMENT.
This remarkable person, thus perfectly innocent, was

yet distinguished by a
life
of poverty, reproach, and various
sufferings, terminating in a death, painful, ignominious, and,
according
Jewish law, accursed
to the
he appears,
also, to
have been the subject of such deep and secret agonies

mind, as could not be accounted
or the immediate pressure of
That he was a
by
in his
either the prospect
any of his outward
sufferings.
sufferer, is a matter of indisputable histori-
But the
cal fact.
for,
very strange one.
fact is a
the innocence of Jesus
do not
Do you
admit
mean his innocence merely
of the crimes falsely laid to his charge by his enemies, but

the sinless perfection of his character.
you account
for his sufferings ?
If
How
you
will
do,
how
will
you reconcile
the idea of suffering and death with that of innocence, under

the government of " the righteous
eousness?"
which
to
There
compare
is
That
it.
God who
loveth right-
no analogy, or parallel case with

in the ordinary course of
Divine
Providence, the good sometimes suffer, while the wicked

prosper,
is
true
but
it is
not enough.
When we
the good, in reference to our fellow-men,
we
not in an absolute, but a comparative sense.
mean
the innocent, for " all have sinned, and
God
;"
suffer affliction,
it is
still
do not
short
infinitely less
than their iniquities
In short, the idea of suffering, in our notions of
government of a just and holy God,
the
We
come
and when any of the human race
of the glory of
deserve.
speak of
use the term
that of guilt.
If
it
were not
that all
is
inseparable from
have sinned, none could
suffer or die.
The
sufferings of Jesus,
were not on
self.
What,
his
own account
then,
they were designed
was
to
we must
;
that
their cause
answer
is,
therefore presume,
for
any
What
evil in
him-
the purpose
The
mere example of
idea of their being intended as a
patience and fortitude, or as a simple attestation of his sincerity, will
never satisfy the mind of any one
who duly
considers the confounding view of the government of God,
which
presented in the agonies of perfect innocence, con-
is
For
templated even apart from the dignity of the sufferer.
were not
the claims, in this respect, of Jesus of Nazareth,

less singular
than the beauty of holiness displayed in his
He
character.
called liimself the Christ, the Messiah, or
Anointed of God.
John 4
25, 26
10
While he usually took
16, 17, etc.
Son of man, a
which
title
itself
25
24,
Matt. 16
the designation of the
implies a peculiar eminence
men in general, he yet spake of himself as

having come down from Heaven, and being still in Heaven,
John 3:13; as having existed before the days of Abraham,
above the sons of
and
that, too, in
ployed
to
terms corresponding
which are em-
to those
express the self-existence of Jehovah, John 8
with Exod. 3
14
as being the
58,
Son of God, by which
his
enemies understood him, and without his contradicting them,

to
make himself equal with God, John 5 17, 18, etc. as

God whom he denominated his Father,
;
being one with that
which they
John 10
justly interpreted as declaring himself God.
30-38
14
infallibly
8-11.
All that he said of himself
by many and splendid miracles, which
besides, he confirmed
proved that his claims were not founded in pre-
sumption, but that
God was with him.
John 3:2; 6
36, etc.
What,
then, shall
such a person as
before described,
this,
The
idea of
suffering unto death, in the
manner
we make
of
all this ?
must appear, when duly attended
most stupendous and overwhelming thought.
to,
Weigh
a
it
seriously in your mind, and then proceed to consider with
me
the explanation which the Scriptures give of this mys-
terious event
the reason there assigned for the sufferings
and death of this wonderful person.
Hear
own account
his
which are
of the matter, expressed in terms
and which accord
in themselves sufficiently plain,
with the language of all the inspired writers on the same sub"
ject.
man is come to seek and

Luke 19 10. " As Moses
The Son
which was
of
lost."
to
save that
lifted
lifted
up
that
whosoever
believeth in
but have everlasting life."
John 3
him should not
came down from heaven.
ing bread which
And
of this bread, he shall live for ever.
my
will give is
flesh,
John 6
world."
many."
Matt. 20
thanks, and gave
my
this is
many
to minister,
to
it
and
"He
28.
new
a perfect
is
that of the
prophets
who
not to be
ransom
took the cup, and gave
Matt. 26
foretold
all
this
of
it
for
shed for
is
27, 28.
language and
his sufferings,
and the
"
He was
their accomplishment.
our transgressions, he was bruised
wounded
fpr
iquities
the chastisement of our peace
man came
harmony between
who proclaimed
apostles
of
to give his life a
covenant, which
for the remission of sins."
There
the bread that I
them, saying, Drink ye
blood of the
If
will give for the life of the
"The Son
51.
ministered unto, but

for
which
be
perish,
am the livany man eat
"
14, 15.
up the
man
serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of
for
our
in-
was upon Him, and
we are healed. All we like sheep have

we have turned every one to his own way
and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Thou
shalt make his soul an offering for sin.
He bare the sin
with his stripes
gone astray
of many."
Isa.
53
but not for himself."
5, 6, 10, 12.
Dan. 9
God, that taketh away the
" Messiah shall be cut
26.
sin of the
" Behold the
world
!"
off,
Lamb of
John
29.
THE CnRISTIAN ATONEMENT.
Such was
the language of ancient prophets, and of his im-
mediate forerunner, John the Baptist.
The testimony of the
apostles
grace, through the
whom God
the same, in numberless
redemption that
hath set forth to be a
Rom. 3
blood."
in his
is
" Being justified freely by his
passages of their writings.
Christ
in
is
pi'opitiation,
"
24, 25.
Jesus:
through
When we
faith
were yet
without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."
Rom. 5:
"Christ died for our
6.
according
sins,
to the
made Him who

knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might be made the
righteousness of God in him."
"In whom
2 Cor. 5 21.
we have redemption througli his blood, the forgiveness of
Scriptures."
15
1 Cor.
"
3.
He
hath
sins,
according to the riches of his grace."
himself for us an offering and a sacrifice
that he might
Who
"
Eph. 5:2.
smelling savor."
"
Col. 1
14;
" Christ also hath loved us, and hath given
Eph. 1:7.
redeem us from
Who
all
to
God
for a sweet-
gave himself
iniquity."
needeth not daily, as those high
Tit.
for us,
priests, to offer
14.
up
own sins, and then for the people's

when
he offered up himself." Heb. 7
once,
sacrifice, first for his
for this
27.
"
to put
he did
Now
away
sin
by the
sacrifice of
"Christ was once offered

9: 28.
"Ye
18, 19.
"
bear the sins
Who
his
1 Pet.
1 Pet.
26.
things,
but with the precious blood of Christ,
own
2
24.
3:18.
Son cleanseth us from
spot."
1 Pet. 1
self bare our sins in his
own body
" Christ also hath once suffer-
for sins, the just for the unjust, that
unto God."
Heb. 9
of many." Heb.
lamb without blemish and without
on the tree."
ed
to
himself"
were not redeemed with corruptible
as silver and gold

as of a
once in the end of the world hath he appeared
"
all sin."
The
he might bring us
blood of Jesus Christ his
1 John,
1:7.
"
He
is
the
and not
propitiation for our sins,
the sins of the whole world."
for ours only, but also for
1 John,
that loved us,
and washed us from our
Rev. 1:5.
"
God by
Thou wast
slain,
Rev. 5
thy blood."
" Unto
2:2.
own
sins in his
Him
blood."
and hast redeemed us
to
9.
In such expressions as these, which run through the
New
Testament, and especially in the frequent refer-
ences made
to the ancient sacrifices, the idea of substitution,
whole
atonement, propitiation,
is
plainly and decidedly held forth,
as affording the reason of the sufferings and death of Jesus
The utmost
Christ.
stretch of
human
ingenuity cannot
frame a consistent interpretation of these and
many
other
similar passages of Scripture, without admitting that the
death of Christ was a true and proper sacrifice for sin

his blood
What,
The
that
was the blood of atonement.

then, do
question
is
you
ask, is the
meaning of atonement
one of great importance.
ing considerations respecting
Let the follow,
be attended to with due
it
solemnity of mind.
The very word

ture.
It signifies
atonement conveys some idea of
concord, friendship, or agreement
by an easy and natural

union
is
effected.
na-
or the bringing into this
agreement, the effecting of
state of
its
properly the being at one, in a state of
It
figure, the
this
union
and hence,
means by which such
implies, then, the idea of a previous
state of separation, of distance, and, in
of hostility between two parties.

important instance of atonement
some respect or
other,
In the transcendently
now under
consideration,
these parties are, the everlasting God, and his creature,
man.
Of such
parties, the
must be
all
former must necessarily be
right,
The offence cannot be mutual. It

on one side. The undivided guilt must lie with
and the latter wrong.
THE CHRISTIAN ATONEMEIVT.
the creature.
the sin of
It is
tween him and
man
that has separated be-
Maker, deprived him of the approbation
his
and complacent love of the holy God, and
him under a
laid
righteous sentence of condemnation and wrath.
This being the

guilty in
its
state of all, the race
and
origin,
of the glory of
God
being depraved and
having sinned and come short
all
the offending creature cannot, without
the most flagrant presumption and impiety,
come
the sinner can have nothing to say.
ter,
and submit.
deliverance,
forwai'd to
In this mat-
treat for life with his justly offended Creator.
It is his to
tremble
any way of escape, any means of
If there is
any ground of pardon and
acquittal, that
way,
must be appointed by the Sover-
those means, this ground,
eign whose authority he has violated, by the Judge whose
holy law has sentenced him

the offended
bound
to
to
death
and such appointment
and dishonored Sovereign
make
if
it is
made,
it
is,
must be the
in
no respect,
effect of infinite
and free mercy.
The atoneinent revealed in the Gospel, as having been

made by the sacrifice of the Son of God, is an appointment
answering perfectly
to this description.
It is
the result of
pure grace, of mere mercy, in behalf of creatures, guilty,
unworthy, and, but for such
The atonement being

sarily leads us to
love to sinners.
view
It
it
is
remark should be kept
interposition, irremediably lost.
appointed by
God
as the effect,
not the cause of his
himself, neces-
of essential consequence that this

in
mind.
When we
speak of the
death of Christ as an atonement, or as rendering the Divine
Being
that
j^ropitious to sinners,
any thing
is
we
should beware of supposing
meant by these expressions,
like the pro-
duction of a change in the Divine nature or character, as

if the blessed
God needed a motive
to pity,
an inducement
Q
to
Far from our
be merciful, a price for love and grace.
minds be such a thought
Jehovah
is
eternally, immutably,
To
and merciful.
an
suppose
infinitely
compassionate
alteration
produced by the mediation of Christ, from pre-
vious vindictive cruelty to compassionate kindness,
But the case stands thus
and absurd.
scriptural
God
is infinite
and
truth.
Every
is
infinite goodness, perfect ex-
part of his conduct
goodness, harmonizing in
infinite
un-
in love, he is infinite also in holiness, justice,
His character
cellence.
is
While
the result of this

parts
When
nature being one and immutable.
demands of justice, he does not
is
all its
his blessed
he executes the
violate the claims of
when he extends mercy, he can do
it
mercy
no otherwise than in
consistency with the glory of justice.
Now,
as a righteous Governor, Jehovah
with the violation of his authority

benignity of his nature, he
forgiveness.
may such
The grand
is
at the
full
comes
inclined to
to
be
How
forgiveness be extended to the guilty, so as to
and thus
to preserve, in
dignity, the character of the Governor, with the
rights of his government,

is
same time
question, then,
satisfy the claims of infinite justice,

its
displeased
is
while, from the infinite
and the sanctions of
law
his
It
obvious, that the rendering God, in this view, propitious,
refers not to the production of love,, but to the
expression.
that, in the
How
love
may
mode of
its
way
as
be expressed in such a
very expression of
it,
holiness and justice shall
be also and equally conspicuous.
When God
tures,
He
is
said to be displeased with
any of
his crea-
he regards them, not as creatures, but as sinners.
has no pleasure in the death of him that dieth
necessarily hates sin
and the punishment of
it is
but he
required
both by the glory of his righteousness, and by the general

good, which
is
sin tends to ruin.
said to be "
7: 11
5:5;
liness
angry with the wicked every day," Psalm
"to have his face
Psalm 34
16
them
set against
wrath from heaven against
and unrighteousness of men," Rom.

he
forgives,
Psalm
ungod-
all
And
18, etc.
spoken of as " turning from the
is
fierceness of his anger, and taking
Psalm 85
that do evil,"
" to hate all the workers of iniquity,"
" to reveal his
when God
view that God
in this
It is
away
all
wrath,"
his
" having his anger turned away," Isa.
1*2
" not retaining his anger for ever, because he delighteth in
mercy," Mic. 7
18
pacified towards the objects of his
This
is
atonement
propitiation, or
universally declare that
it
is
and
of
and death,
thus propitious or well-pleased
of Christ, containing a
full
63, etc.
that Jeho-
because
this
work
display of his holiness, justice,
mercy, renders the exercise
truth, in connection with his
this last perfection
and the Scriptures
Christ Jesus, on account of
is in
his humiliation, obedience, sufferings,
vah
Ezek. 16
have done.
forgiveness, for all that they
towards guilty creatures, in their par-
don and acceptance, consistent with the eternal glory of
all
the former.
The
of the divine law requires the personal
strict letter
punishment of the offender.
Ezek. 18
shall die."
continueth not in
to
do them."
all
"
The
soul
"Cursed
4, 20.
10.
The
law, then, pronounces
sentence of death on the offender, while
not,
for a
The
makes no
it
pro-
could
gives no hint of the possibility of his
escaping the punishment which

gressor.
it
very nature of the thing, indeed,
remedy
it
every one that
things written in the book of the law
Gal. 3
vision, as in the
that sinneth,
is
is
due
to
him
as a trans-
glorious sjnrit of the law, however,
is
as
essentially preserved, the great end of retributive justice as
10
fully answered,
and the authority and honor of the divine
government as completely secured, by the
infliction
of the
righteous penalty in the person of a substitute, of sufficient

dignity, voluntary in the undertaking,
and publicly acknow-
ledged in this character by the offended Sovereign, as
were
inflicted
if
it
on the guilty criminals themselves.
Nay, when we contemplate,
as in the case before us, the
dignity of the Sufferer as mjinite, these ends appear an-
swered, not merely as fully, but in a degree even infinitely

In the sufferings and death of the divine Jesus,
greater.
the truth of God, in fulfilling his threatenings against sin,
and
his justice in executing
affecting than if
its
righteous punishment, are
way unspeakably more
manifested, in a
vengeance had
impressive and
fallen, to its full extent,
on
the miserable transgressors themselves, who, as the effect
of his death, by believing on him, escape perdition, and

obtain everlasting
his guilt
blessing
vengeance of
It
life.
just in justifying the
itself
God
see
clearing the sinner, but not
him with pardon and
yet " taking
life,
his inventions ;" freely, fully,
forgiving, yet in suclr a
of forgiveness
we
thus, then, that
is
ungodly
and eternally
way, on such a ground,
that the act
declares the sin which he pardons to be
" the abominable thing
which he hates
:"
occupying that unspeakably sublime, and,

inexpressibly interesting character, "
The
in a word, as
to
just
us sinners,
God and
the
Saviour."
Consistent with these observations,
is
the particular
view
given by the apostle Paul, in the third chapter of the Epistle to the
Romans, respecting the great design of the
menlj'or propitiatory sacrifice of Christ:

set forth a propitiation,
through
atone-
"whom God
hath^
faith in his blood, to declare
his righteousness for the remission of sins that
are past,

through the forbearance of God ;
righteousness
who
bclieveth in Jesus."
expression.
Christ
to declare at this
that he might be just,
was
Rorn. 3
set forth as
and the
:
time his
justifier of
him
Obsei've the
25, 26.
a propitiation, to declare
God's righteousness, that he might be just in justifying the

believer in Jesus.
had been forgiven
It is
were remitted with a prospective reference

be done
to
to the
which
intimated, that all the sins
in the ages preceding the fulness of time,

to
what was then
atonement which was then
to
be made.
The
righteousness of God, in such forbearance and forgive-
ness,
was
at that
time declared
along been extended
all
ited
and the same
is
which
the ground on
it
had
being then fully exhib-
to sinners
the ground on
which he
is still
just in
justifying the ungodly.
But how, are you ready
to ask, is
consistent with di-
it
vine justice, that the innocent should be

the guilty
guilty,
If,
by
you mean
no power
ings
the innocent being
that the substitute
to choose,
is
God was
the
involuntary, having
answer, that the case, with
regard to the great atonement spoken

of
to suffer for
to suffer for
but enduring, against his will, suffer-
arbitrarily inflicted
The Son
made
made
of, is
far otherwise.
a voluntary Surety, a willing Sufferer
his nature being such, indeed, that
no suffering could
possi-
bly be inflicted upon him by the will of another, apart from

his
own
free choice.
and thought
it
"
Though he was
in the
form of God,
not robbery to be equal with God, he
made
himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a

servant, and
was made
in the likeness of
men
and being
found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became

obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
6-8.
He
is
represented as saying, " Lo,
light to do thy will,
O my God ;"
which
loill
come
was
Phil.
:
de-
the "offer.
J2
ing of his body once for all," as a sacrifice for
10
7, 10,
herd
lay
but
with Psalm 40
"
7, 8.
lay
the sheep
life for
down of myself."
it
John 10
it
made by no
could be
fied
slightest
11, 15, 18.
was
Do you
for himself.
it
power over
his
it,
If
answer the question.
you
and unless
substitution,
swer
the
how
suflicient
:
you
do, before
Is
it
consistent with
it
Here
There
is
no
is
the innocent suf-
isybr the guilty, in the
way of voluntary
disputing against matters of fact.
Some
life.
consistent with justice that the innocent should suf-
fer ybr the guilty?
own
for atoning for the sins
justice that the innocent should suffer at all?
fering
made
be
admit the innocence, the sinless per-
fection of the character of Jesus
ask, Is
to
would have rendered an atonement necessary
it
from me,
degree of guilt would have more than disquali-
him who was chargeable with
of others
it
other than a being uniting
perfect innocence to this sovereign
The
the sheep.
taketh
Consider, farther, that if an atonement

at all,
Heb.
sin.
the good Shep-
life for
man
no
am
the good Shepherd giveth his
down my
I
the strange fact to be accounted for
is
purpose
must have been intended
it
to an-
and what purpose can be imagined more worthy of
God of unbounded goodness and
unspotted purity, than
way
the salvation of guilty creatures in a
that should glorify
to the uttermost both these parts of his character ?
Taking the matter,

sinner,
what a view
is
then, in this light, think,
of the blessed
God
" Scarcely
a righteous
for
ture for a good
commendeth
The
we
will one die
Rom. 5
dare to die.
7, 8.
this.
yet peradven-
towards us, in that while
sinners, Christ died for us."
not that
fellow-
much on
Scriptures dwell
may
man some would even
his love
my
here exhibited of the love and mercy
But God
we were
" Herein
is
yet
love,
loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son
'

be the propitiation
to
a heart must that be

of us by nature
for
our sins."
and yet such
how
1
is
13
John, 4
What
10.
the heart of every one
how impen-
" desperately wicked,"
etrable to eveiy holy and generous sentiment of affection and

gratitude, that is capable of rejecting the offers of this as-
mercy of
tonishing
God
the
of heaven
How
pray you, that pointed question, "

neglect so great salvation ?"
we
Lay to heart, I
we escape, if
shall
Heb. 2:3.
which strongly intimates, not only

case impossible, but also that
that to escape
to expect to
escape
question
is
is
in this
beyond
measure unreasonable.
The
here set before you in a most affecting
evil of sin is
and impressive
light
and the utter impossibility of its pass-
ing unpunished under the government of the righteous God,

is
Remem-
ascertained beyond the possibility of a doubt.
you are
ber, then, that
and that with
guilty,
this sin-aveng-
God you have to do. Remember, that if He should

mark iniquity, you could not stand for, having sinned, you
ing
are condemned already by the sentence of his righteous law.
By
no exertions of yours, by no attempts which you
make
Christ, is
it
your power
in
any such means

fruitless task
to 7iiake
and one,
to
can be
polluted creature.
mend
too, that is
satisfied
To
the matter.
your peace with God,
dishonoring to God, because

nitely holy
may
and please God, while you believe not on
to serve
by
highly presumptuous and
implies that he
it
try
a vain and
is
who
is infi-
with the works of a sinful and
Renounce
this idle hope.
It
can never
stand.
" Christ
with
your
our peace."
is
God must
attention,
Son of God
VOL.
II.
The work on which our peace
rest, is that to
which
have been directing
the perfect obedience and atonement of the
a work finished by him, so long ago as
9*
when
24
he bowed his head and gave up the ghost on Calvary
work, therefore, in which no sinner ever had, or ever can

have, any part, either of the performance or of the honor.
This
is
work
the
in
which Jehovah
well-pleased
is
and on
account of which he freely bestows on the chief of sinners

all
the blessings of eternal
light of the eternal
cy
is
treasured up.
even
will ever,
life.
Here
rests for ever the de-
here the infinite fulness of his mer-
Deceive not yourselves with the expec-
mercy can be found anywhere
tation that this
God
God
else
or that
to eternity, bless a guilty creature
with
his favor, except in Christ Jesus his beloved Son.
But while mercy
is to
you
its
set before
tent.
eternal
"
The wages
life,
not to lead
it
free in
where
it
be found nowhere
exercise,
of sin
is
death
to despair of
cannot be found
the law, or from

acter, to shut
in
but the gift of
My
through Jesus Christ our Lord."
you
here
else,
and boundless
mercy, but only
it is
ex-
its
God
object
to despair
is
is
of
by excluding your hope from
any view you can take of your own char-
you up, by a blessed
necessity, to the free
grace of God, revealed in the Gospel of his Son.
we are lost, and by the law our case is deswe knew no more, this would be a dreadful
But why refuse to admit the worst respecting
truth indeed.
Why
our state, when there is an all-sufficient remedy ?
As
sinners
If
perate.
cling for hope to the law, whose voice to every transgressor
nothing but cursing and condemnation,
when we may
have "good hope, through grace?"
Why
be reluctant to
confess ourselves justly condemned,
when a
is
pardon
is
offered to us of all our sins
our helplessness, and inability

ourselves to God,
to
when Christ, we
as are withoui strength?
free
Why
and
full
vainly deny
do any thing to
commend
are assured, died for such
THE CHRISTIAN ATONEMENT;

Alas
made us proud
sin has
cover us with shame, and seal our
to
15
even that which ought
lips in
speechless
self-
made us proud and high-minded ; and this

that makes us loth to own ourselves so com-
abhorrence, has
pride
it
is,
undone and
pletely
May
mercy.
your
in
soul,
In no other
ready
his Son.
price
way
confer
to
be dependent on mere
compassion, subdue this pride

to
alone, to receive
money and without

is
infinite
and make you willing
mercy
salvation to
destitute, as to
God, in
will
be a debtor for your
it
as his gift, without
God bestow
it ;
but in this way, he
on the chief of sinners,
it
To him he
has given testimony
for the
sake of
having, by his
resurrection from the dead, declared himself satisfied with

the
work of
which he had
salvation
finished
pronounced
and
his righteousness perfect, his atonement all-sufticient
having revealed
is
his
shall
be
sovereign
record concerning his Son,
appointment that " he
No
saved."
this
one
can conceive
who
it
to
belie veth
it
be right, that the
efficacy of the blood of Christ should extend to those
despise
But he who believes
it.
who
in the blood of Jesus, as
the blood of an all-sufficient atoning sacrifice, and seeks
forgiveness and
life,
solely on the footing of the merits of
and otherwise ruined and hope-
this atonement, as a guilty,
less sinner, shall in
no wise be cast out.
"
We
are ambas-
sadors for Christ," says one of his apostles, " as though

did beseech
reconciled to
to
be sin for
of
God
in
If this
me
God
we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye
God for he hath made him who knew no sin
us, that we might be made the righteousness
you by us
him."
2 Cor. 5
20, 21.
atonement be thus the ground of your hope,
let
conclude, by reminding you, that your obligations to
divine
mercy
will necessarily excite you, as " not
your own,
IQ
but bought with a price," to " glorify

in
your
to
Him who
spirit,
which are God's,"
died for
you and
" If the blood of Christ,
God
your body and
in
Cor, 6
rose again."
who through
20
to " live
2 Cor. 5
the eternal
1.5.
Spirit
has purged your
offered himself without spot unto God,
conscience from dead works," you will " serve the living
God."
Heb. 9
14.
hate what he hates
You
will love
what he
loves,
demns, and pursue with ardor whatever he approves.

will delight in
communion with him.
his favor, with the
and
shun with vigilance whatever he con-
You
present sense of
hope of perfect freedom from
the full and everlasting enjoyment of the divine
sin,
and of
image and
the divine love, will be the grand solace of your cares, and
the source of your chief joys.
Depend upon
it,
you have no
you are not subject
iour, if
to
true and solid hope of being with

if
interest in Jesus as a Sav-
him
as Lord.
him and
like
you are not now, under the influence of
fying yourself, even as he
gave himself
all iniquity,
hereafter,
this hope, " puri-
John, 3: 3.
"He
he might redeem them from
and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zeal-
ous of good works."

sage which
pure."
is
for sinners, that
You have no
him
Tit. 2
we have heard
14.
" This, then,
is
the mes-
of him, and declare unto you,
God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we

we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness,
we lie, and do not the truth but if we walk in the light, as
he is in the light, we haTe fellowship one with another, and
that
say that
the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanseth us from all sin."
1 John, 1
5-7.
PUBLISHED BT THE AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETY.
io.
46.
SUBJECTS FOR CONSIDERATION.

EXTRACTED FROM REYNOLDS'S COMPASSIONATE ADDRESS.
What! know you
Consider yourselves.
1.
selves
Are you
never look within
so intent
?
Do you
not see a great variety of crea-
made
tures lower than you, and
not your-
upon things without, that you can

for
your use
What
else are
the birds of the air, the beasts of the field, and the fishes of
the sea
Are you
not
much
Are you
better than they ?
not furnished with greater excellencies and powers
who made you
judgment, and conscience
and other
cattle, in subjection to
great Creator and Disposer of

great
Lord
that
is
good
nourishment
and limbs ?
Who made
the lungs to breathe

it
are
that
is
men
that forget themselves,
insensible have
you been
the
all
you made
and of great joys and miseries
unthankful
how
these
cu,rious
the
and the heart
and motion
knows, judges, and remembers

services,
some
some
movements of
out again into
How wonderfully
this soul that gives life
Alas,
the stomach to receive the food, and convert
admit the blood and pour
ed
Was it not
Was it not
the head to govern and guide the
members
into
you
things
all
man, and prepared him a well-
to
furnished world to dwell in

bodies
And
Who gave you knowledge, and

Who put the sheep and oxen,
to differ ?
members
Who
to the
it
to
body
form;
that
capable of noble
?
and
all this
O, foolish and
their Creator.
while
How
your thoughts, and minds, and souls, amidst

How dead
the cares, and vices, and noise of the world
and lost have you been to your Maker, and to all the love
have you
lost
and service that you owe him

How great and glorious he
2. Consider God.
is
that
He is indeed
made you, and ordained all these things
high and lofty One that inhabits eternity so vast is
!
that the
heaven of heavens cannot contain him
he,
so glorious,
that the purest, brightest angels cover their
the
faces before
Look up to the heavens, and consider the wisdom

and power that shine there
Behold the firmament which
hangs over our heads
This glorious sun that shines by
day these thousands of stars that adorn the heavens at
night
what riches and
Look around upon the earth
him
stores are there

cattle for
men
men would
that
his Wonderful
it is,
that
Grass and herbs
sad
God who
praise the
works
Lord
of
men
!"
and
for
How
sad
your hearts are turned away from God

it is,
delight in him, or desire
you should
that
alone can
make
this
after
live so estranged
world a comfort
to
" O,
for his goodness,
to the children
and
birds
seas and rivers to water the earth
you have no more
How
for the cattle
That
him
from the
you, and
prepare you therein for the enjoyment of a better

3.
Has God made you
Consider the Divine Law.
rea-
sonable creatures, and do you think he has given no laws

for
your direction
Does he not
justly expect honor
worship from you, and has he not taught you how
to
and
wor-
him 1 Do you not find the commands of God in your

Yet when did you learn or study the law of God ?
?
When did you think of the things that are commanded and
When did you find that God's law is exforbidden there ?
ship
Bible
ceeding broad
that
it
the secrets of the heart
reaches the thoughts, and judges

1
Alas,
how
little
have you loved
Do you think God has forgotten his laws as

your duty
much as you have ; and that he will never call you to an
account for your ignorance, stubbornness, and disobedience ?
Surely the Judge of all the earth will maintain his law, and
What will you bid defiance to the Majesty
will do right.
Will you scorn his wisdom, and goodness,
of Heaven ?
and power 1 What will you trample upon his mercy,
and patience, and love ? Will you dare his vengeance, and
!
provoke him
doing.
will not be
Poor souls
to his face ?
Do you
think
God
avenged on
all
whole
and that he
life
How
And how much more in a

And how much more if you live and die
without repentance
Consider the
4.
sin,
the workers of iniquity
guilt is there in one sin

!
think what you are
does not hate
much
of sin
office
of Conscience.
will
It
make
you,
some time or other, consider it will not always be silenced.

Have you no conscience 1 Would you have the world to
know you have none ? Have you no inward shame for any
thing you say or do 1
Can you live without conscience ?
Have you no fear of God ; no reflection on yourselves no
regard to the law of God ? Can you contentedly commit
adultery and whoredom, or cheat, or steal, or break the
',
Sabbath, or swear, or get drunk, or
What
hearts have
you
how
fall
unfit to live
into a
passion
among mankind
?
!
Does conscience never accuse you ? If you have no conscience, how much worse are you than the brutes
and
If
that because you are likely to do much more mischief.
you have a conscience, what is its language 1 Does it not
tell you that you have souls to be saved, and work to be
done, for eternity ? Does it not tell you that death is coming,
and that you are unready, and know not what will become
Did you never feel the pangs of a guilty
of you for ever ?
conscience ? If you ever did, consider how enraged it would
be, if God should open conscience more, and set your sins
in order before your eyes, and make you feel the weight of
What a troubled conscience would you then have
them
it would be a
It would give you no rest day nor night
!
constant torture to you, and as a
worm
that never dies
See that it be reconOh, stand in awe of your conscience

ciled to God, and cleansed from dead works, that you may
truly sei've the living God.
!
5.
Consider the World you inhabit.
continually breaking God's laws
aims and designs
for
It is
a sinful world,
the fear and love of God,
God, are rarely
to
be found
ungodli-
Can we wonder,
ness everywhere reigns.
God
then, that
angry with such a world as this, and that he sends woes

and plagues ? We find some complain of poverty and wants
some of sickness and pains others of shame and reproaches
is
some are wronged and oppressed almost all have their crosses, disappointments, and vexations, in one kind or other ; and
death at last infallibly comes and cuts down all. And should
;
we
be fond of such a world as this
world
a better world than this
What
profit
you
then lose your
own
souls,
need have you
to
to set
a vain, vexatious, dying world
shall
it
Will you
to
sell
withering
failing,
Will you not seek
your souls
and perish
for
ever
for this ?
and
Oh, what
gain such a world as
this,
be saved from this present evil world, and
your hearts and hopes upon a
better
Consider the nature of the Christian Religion.

It is
the way of serving and pleasing God, which is established
6.
in
and by Jesus Christ, and which
Testament.
Do you
is
taught us in the
New
take care to learn your religion from
Or have you no religion ? If you have none, are

thence ?
you not hypocrites ? for do you not profess some religion or
other ?
If you have no religion, sure you have no conIf you
science
and, if no conscience, what are you ?
have any religion, where is it ? From whence do you learn
it ?
From the customs and commands of men ? From your
parents and education ? Alas, what are customs 1 Always
good ? Is education always agreeable to the word of Christ ?
Do you pretend to be Christians, and yet not know what
Christianity is, and what it means ?
Are you strangers to
the religion you pretend to, and by which you hope to be
saved ? Do you think that a religion you do not understand
will do you any good
or that it is enough to have the name
of religion, when you have none of the power and practice ?
;
How
easily do poor sinners delude their
own
souls,
and
cheat them into eternal darkness

7.
to
Consider the Bible.
teach you the
way
to
The book
that
God has
sent you,
heaven, and happiness, and himself;

the book that
salvation
make you good and wise yea, wise to

law of God and Gospel
is to
the book that contains the

the
law
way
in
is expressive of your obligation ; the Goswhich you are to be pardoned, and saved,
and accepted with God. There you are told what God has
done in the world ; how he had dealt with man when he had
made him good and happy ; what he designed by sending
his Son, and what the Son of God has done to redeem and
recover lost sinners to- God.
There you learn how holy
men have walked with God, and have been blessed by him ;
and how evil men have offended him, and have been punished.
There you are taught how to believe and repent,
and overcome the world, and be eternally happy. O, blessed book how is it slighted and despised
O, wicked world
that will not value, and study, and learn the book of God,
the word of truth, and word of salvation
Oh, the patienc9
of God, that so bears with the world which disregards and
forsakes his law and covenant, his will and grace, discovered to perishing mankind
8. Consider the Lord Jesus Christ.
How often do you
speak of him ; yet how little do you know him
What,
of Christ
pel is the
know you
not Christ
he the head and Author of your
Is
and yet you know him not ? Are you called by his
name, called Christians, and yet know not who Jesus Christ
religion,
What
is ?
cies
do you
or has he
tliink
none
in
of his person, his offices,
of him
What
are his excellen-
your eyes ? What do you think

work, and design ? What do you
think of his taking our nature, and coming into our world
What
do you
know
of his
life
and righteousness, and Spirit

dying
for
our
sins,
and
for
and death, of his miracles,
What
do you know of his
our redemption
of his rising
from the dead, and going up into heaven, and sending down
his
Holy
Spirit
What
do you
know
of his reigning and
interceding in heaven, and of his designing to
judge the whole world

souls, that will not
VOL.
IT.
come again to
own
came to
O, blind neglecters of your
know and remember him

10
that
How will you look him in the

redeem and save mankind
face when he comes again?
He now stands before you,
He says,
calling, inviting, encouraging you to come to him.
" Why will you not have compassion on your own souls ?
Can your hearts endure, or can your hands be strong, in the
day of wrath that is approaching ? It is but a little while
before your hopes and presumptions Avill forsake you, and
leave you eternally iniserable ; look unto me, and be ye
saved ; come unto me, and I will ease you of your sins and
sorrows, tears and burdens, and give rest to your souls
!
come,
is at
9.
may
me
off
no longer, eternity
Consider what Repentance and Conversion are.
It
know
the
be you have often heard the name, but
thing
do you know what
above
God
entreat you, delay not, put
the door."
to
it is
to
little
be new-born, or born from
have a heart and mind renewed by the
Know you not
Spirit of
you have need that a great change

should be made upon your hearts and consciences, before
you can be fit to enter into heaven ? Do you not know what
repentance is that it is a turning with your whole heart
from sin to God ? See you not that you must be entirely
altered in temper and spirit, before you can love God and
Christ with all your mind and strength ?
Do you not per?
that
how
ceive
vain and foolish,
how
carnal and worldly, and
Do you not see that you have need to be

new creatures to have new hearts, new spirits, new affections
that you may be such as the word of God requires,
and such as may be prepared for death, and appearing becorrupt you are
God
fore
How
long will you continue in your sins
the love and practise of sin
mies
God
to
?
10.
How
God, without conversion, or turning

Turn ye ! turn ye !
Why icill ye die
Consider Death.
It is
not
come and
coming
it
to the living
will be well if
divide your soul from the body
not com.e and cut
down
in
does not seize you before you have duly thought of

it
long will you live ene-
the body, and lav
it
it.
it
Will
Will
it
in the cold earth ?

O, deluded sinners
Who
should not prepare for a messenger that
you
has bewitched you, that you
shortly into another world
How
is coming to carry
would I weep for
dying mortals, that will not think whither they are going.
O, wicked, tempting world
and prepare
for death.
souls asleep,
till
that will not suffer
men
O, cruel sin and flesh
to look
that lull
they are landed in endless darkness and
Dear friends, awake rouse up sense and reason,

and bethink you where you will be in a little while. How
many funerals do we see, and how many mourners go about
the streets
In how few days must your faces be changed,
your eyes and lips be closed, this warm and active body
despair.
stretched out as a cold, dead corpse, confined in a coffin, and

laid in a
dark grave out of sight
And
will
you then be
proud, and vain, and gay, and worldly, as you are
Dear
brethren, think of death, and
preparation for
11.
when
all
now
wise and holy
it.
Day of Judgment ! That awful day,

mankind must be doomed to their eternal state and
The most blessed that ever came,
O, blessed day
Consider the
all
abode.
make
some ; the most doleful that ever was, to others. Who

can tell the sorrows or joys of that day ? A day, which,
one would think, should continually keep the world in awe.
How will ye, guilty sinners, look the Judge in the face
What will ye do, when the archangel's voice and trumpet
shall open your graves, and startle you there, and draw you
How will ye be able
forth to appear before all the world ?
How will your consciences
to behold all that company ?
How will you endure to have your
then bear you out ?
to
names
called over,
your accounts demanded, your
talents
of time, and holy means, and mercies, reckoned for ? What

account can you give of what you have been doing in the
How will you bear the

body, ever since you were born ?
Judge's voice, and the eternal sentence he will pronounce,
ye that forget that day ; ye that will not remember that
the Lord is coming to judge the world in righteousness ?
Consider what Hell
12.
not go thither.
the
Consider
is f
O, what tongue can
tell,
it,
sharpness, and severity, and length of
There
you may
that
or heart conceive
its
torments
men.
And how great is the power of God's wrath, and the weight
of his fury
How dreadful must his justice and indignation be
The worm is there that will never die the fire
is there that will never be quenched
there are weeping
and wailing, and gnashing of teeth there pains and stings
Lord,
of conscience there horror, confusion, and despair
Sit down, poor
ever save us from that place of torment.
mortals, and think, what if you should be in hell before this
month is ended ? And why not you as well as many others
already ?
What do you more than they ? How little care
do you take to prevent damnation ? Awake, all you that
Beware of running into the woes
have souls to be saved
the abode of sinful angels and impenitent
is.
and flames of
13.
hell.
to
But who can
Consider what Heaven is!
joys and pleasures that are there
go and
and
see,
was well worth

springs of
life,
all
and peace, and
Lord
is
Jesus,
bliss
the
there dwells the eter-
fulness of joy for evermore
who
you with happithere dwell the happy
will
ness by the light of his countenance

angels, and there
the
them you will find at last, that it

your pains and care. There are all the
taste
nal God, in whose presence

there dwells the
tell
O, that you were willing
fill
holy souls that are gone from the
perfect, and will make you joyful.

you not if heaven and its inhabitants are
despised
if your own interests are thus cruelly slighted
Yet, once more, be entreated to
alas, what will you do ?
Are they not things fit and
think a little on these things
worthy to be thought of ? Will not the meditation of them
Will it not tend to make you better and
do you good?
The Lord
wiser more fit for death and a better world ?
world,
who
are
now made
If all this affects
help you
to
understand and seek the things that
your eternal peace, before
it
be too late.
make
for
47.
IVo.
TO THE AFFLICTED.
It
is
you
natural for
to desire the
removal of that which
troubles you, and for this purpose to use
Happy
will
you be
if
all
suitable means.
you are equally concerned
the season of affliction, so as to be the better for
Be
wards.
Eccl. 7
Has
Men
this affliction led
you
punishment of
and especially
but
sin, in the disorders
God
to
the
become serious and
sad.
the people of Israel, prospered, and for-
Thus,
it
may
be,
be effectually taught that
you are
it
is
an
afflicted, that
evil
and
you
bitter thing
depart from a holy God.
"Have
2.
"
feel
they were brought low, and then they sought
after him.
may
is,
in a state
when they
of their frame, and in dis-
tressing losses, then their thoughts
Jeshurun, that
proper thoughts of shi ?
to
it,
of outward ease and prosperity
sook
after-
some serious inquiries,

" In the day of adversity,
14.
general think lightly of
in
improve
ever
entreated, then, to attend to
and thus obey the divine word

consider."
to
it
inquired"
we recommend you
into the special cause of this particular affliction
not a stranger to
God and
me
to his grace,
to
?
and was not
say
Was
this trial
knowledge of himself? Have I

have I not rather opHave I been a backslider, and has the Lord used
posed it ?
O, let me then adore
these painful means to restore me ?
Let him
his goodness, that he hath not in anger said,
alone
Is the Lord
he loved idols after idols let him go.'
preparing me for any great exertions in his service ? Is he
preparing me for a wider field of usefulness ?"
Those that
are remarkably tried and tempted, are often thus prepared
to assist and comfort others.
The Lord gives them the
intended to bring
concurred
to the
in this gracious design, or
'
tongue of the learned, that they
word
may
be able
to
speak a
in season.
3.
Has
VOL.
IL.
this affliction
humbled you, by affecting you with
W'
TO THE AFFLICTED.
2
a sense of your
own
depravity in particular
we
temporal ease, plenty, and comfort,

is
well,
and
to
put far from us the
In a time of
are prone to think
all
work of self-examination.
Providence hedges up our path, and smites us with the rod
we
then reflect on our ways
ought, the sight humbles us
and
if
we view them
we
as
and we know that humility
leads to honor.
4. Has this affliction endeared to you the Saviour, our
Lord Jesus Christ? His glory is infinite. He is the chief
For our sake, he
of ten thousand, and altogether lovely.
once became a
man
of sorrow and acquainted with grief.
All the angels worship him.
The
prophets and apostles
celebrate his glories in the highest strains of devotion and
But nothing leads men
gratitude.
to prize
him
experimental acquaintance with their need of him.
an
view
like
of the enormity and aggravation of our sins, particularly in

the time of affliction, should induce us to fly to the atone-
ment.
sick
The whole need not a physician, but they that are

and in proportion as we feel our disorder, will the
good physician be esteemed.

5.
Have
you, under this
trial,
been led
to
see your need
of the aids of the Holy Spirit, and the supports of his grace ?
What are you without this knowledge ? What is affliction,
if the divine Spirit
do not sanctify it, but the beginning of ruin
The
is
Spirit of
God
emphatically styled the Comfoiter.
cease not to pray for the abundant communication of his grace.

6.
Have you been
tures ?
Affliction
explains
many
is
led to converse more with the Scrip-
often
the
best of commentators
a hard text, and opens
many
it
a precious
Have you compared the state of your heart with

word of God ? Have you been enabled to live upon the
promises ?
Can you say with Jeremiah, " Thy words were
found, and I did eat them ;" and with David, "They are
promise.
the
sweeter
how
to
my
taste than
honey, or the honey-comb.

me ?"
O,
precious are thy words unto
7.
Have you
learned patience and submission under the
TO THE AFFLICTED.
hand of God
in
these sufferings
who have been
persons
It
often happens that
repine and
little tried,
they are like the bullock unaccustomed
murmur
yoke ; but
and disciplined, they find that tribulation
worketh patience ; patience, experience and experience,
hope ; even hope that maketh not ashamed. How is your
when
to the
trained
heart wrought upon in this respect ? Do you complain, or are

you able to say, " Father, not my will, but thine be done ?"
Have you learned in your affliction to be thankful for

While we enjoy the comforts of life, we are
8.
past mercies ?
generally too insensible of our obligations to Providence.
makes us
the removal of our comforts that
It is
Thus
value.
feel their
sickness teaches the worth of health, and pain
the value of ease.
Thus,
in a state of
banishment from
Zion, David learned to think and speak with peculiar fer-
vor of
its
and particularly of the preciousness of

thus the Prodigal Son knew not the
privileges,
And
the divine word.
sweetness of his father's bread,
which the swine did

of our mercies,
so,
and use of them.
make us
thankful
eat.
when
As
he longed
till
affliction
sanctified,
it
for the husks

shows us the value
moderates our desire
teaches us their importance, so as to

while, at the same time, it shows us the
It
;
insufficiency of all blessings, merely temporal, to confer
supreme happiness.
9. Have you learned a lesson of sympathy and compas"
sion towards others ?
says the Jewish law
Thou
shalt not oppress a stranger,"
" for ye
know
the heart of a stranger,
seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt." Ex. 23

Affliction
is
profitable indeed,
sympathy and
affection.
of it as well as those
who
happy
when
it
9.
melts the heart into
In this case, others reap the benefit

are exercised thereby.
Has
afflic-
you ?
10. Have you been led to see more of the vanity of the
world, and all its enjoyments ?
Alas, what are flatteries,
what are titles, what are amusements, to one agonizing with
tion
pain
produced
this
effect in
Miserable comforts, indeed
And
especially if the
TO THE AFFLICTED.
heart be wounded with conviction of guilt, then the very

things in
which we may have delighted in the hour of

become our torment. The hand of
health and prosperity,
sickness writes vanity on every enjoyment below the sun.

11.
and
Have you been
led to think more seriously of death
Sickness renders death, as
eternity ?
points to his terrific form,
The mind
is
were, visible,
it
and shows his empoisoned
then abstracted from
all
dart.
which used
the objects
and the eye of contemplation is fixed

upon the eternal world. Then all the business, and all the
to divert its attention,
pleasures of the present world, appear but a "
dream an
empty show ;" and those objects which once seemed distant
and uninteresting, are now the only important realities.
How
Finally.
state ?
Suppose
stand you preimred for your everlasting
this affliction should terminate in death,
you prepared
are
Suppose, this night
should be required of thee,
God
wouldst thou appear before
Is
work of grace upon thy
heart
prepared to unite in the enjoyments of the blessed
heaven be a heaven indeed

equally prepared
to live or die
a good man, " If
I live,
be with God."
Or
is
Christ;" that
to
God
how
thy soul well assured
of her pardon through the Redeemer's blood

the evidence of a
change
that infinitely important
for
tliy soul
Hast thou
Art thou
Would
If so, then art thou
thee?
then thou mayest say, with
will be with
me
if I die, I shall
For me to live,
hopes, and desires, and enjoy-
as a great apostle said, "
my
all
is,
ments, centre in him
immediate presence, and
but
to
" to die "
to
enter into
be for ever with him
his
this " is"
everlasting "gain."
Is the afflicted
of
God upon him
reader recovering through the good hand

let
him say with David, " What
render unto the Lord for
him be persuaded
all his benefits
towards
me
shall I
?"
Let
him words, and turn unto
the
of mercy, with thee are the issues of
life
to
take with
Lord, and say,

"
thou
and death.
God
Perfect that which concerneth
me and mv
TO THE AFFLICTED.
'health, and
be devoted
let
to
my
remaining days, whether few or many,
thy service.
was
brouglit low, and thou
Accept, in the name of Jesus thy dear
hast helped me.
Suffer me
I brmg.
which in time past have
been so injurious.
Lord, I accept the punishment of my
iniquity
may I never return to sin and folly. Thou Iiast
said,
The heart is deceitful, and desperately wicked :' to
this humiliating declaration of thy word I cordially subscribe.
O, do thou hold up my goings in future, that my
May I redeem lost time, and, with
footsteps may not slide.
redoubled vigor and diligence, perform my duty in the
station which thou hast allotted me.
Never let me cease to
feel my entire dependence on thee for life, breath, and all
things, temporal and spiritual.
Before I was afflicted, I
Son, the tribute of praise which
not to
fall into
now
those snares and sins,
'
went astray ; now. Lord, I desire to keep thy word. Grant,

in thy mercy, that sin may be imbittered ; that the glorious
Saviour
may
be rendered precious
ways of wisdom
and that, by the
that I
may
find the
be pleasantness, and her paths peace
to
assistance of thy
Holy
Spirit, I
may do
And
those things only which are well-pleasing in thy sight.
having served
after
may
my
generation according to thy will,
asleep in Jesus, and be gathered to thy people to
I fall
Amen.
sing thy praise in glory everlasting."
Now,
live,
the
man
that prays as he ought, will
Lamentable
as he prays.
is
the fact, thai
endeavor
many
to
derive
no spiritual benefit from their afflictions, but rather grow

worse and worse so Pharaoh, king of Egypt, after he had
been visited with ten plagues, was hardened in his heart ten
;
times more.
eth
it
Tribulation worketh patience,
when God blesshuman nature,
otherwise, through the corruption of
worketh impatience. Affliction of itself never changed

any man's heart. " Though thou shouldest bray a fool in
a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolMany, indeed,
ishness depart from him." Prov. 27 22.
are those, of whom Jehovah says, " In their affliction they
it
TO THE AFFLICTED.
(J
will seek
early ;" but their " goodness
me
cloud, and as the early
When the
dew
it
as the
is
goeth away." Hos. 5
morning
15
4.
on the bed of languishing, his conscience being awake, he is filled with remorse
he sends for the minister ; he makes free and open confessions
profligate sinner
is
he desires to be prayed
laid
for
he
solicits the
company
he thinks of his wicked companions, and

the crimes in which he united, with horror ; he despairs of
salvation j nevertheless, if God will spare his life, he vows
of godly people
amendment.
God change
But unless the powerful grace of the Spirit of

what is the issue ? Divine mercy
his heart,
He
spares the rebel.
rises
from his bed, and frequents,
perhaps, for a few following Sabbaths, the house of
God
but he soon becomes irregular, he soon admits, as before his

of trifling excuses.
illness, the influence
God
sakes the house of

sin revives, old
worse than the

all
tion,
or continue
Beware
last state
lest
of that
off,
offer,
man
thou come into the
resolve, but not in thine
God
own
strength
and whether he remove thy afflicentreat him to sanctify and save thy soul.
thy trust in
You
The
into sin.
first.
same condemnation
put
length, he for-
companions prevail, new temptations
and he plunges again

is
At
His convictions wear
entirely.
it,
well know, says Rev. Mr. Hervey to an afflicted
what kind soever, proceed from

and create darkness ; I make
peace, and create evil ; I the Lord do all these things."
7.
They spring not from the dust ; are not the
Isa. 45
effects of chance ; but the appointment of an all- wise, allfriend, that all afflictions, of
God.
"
form the
light,
foreseeing God,
who
intends
them
all
for the
good of his
argument for
This should
resignation, and the grand source of comfort.
be our first reflection, and our sovereign support. He that
gave me being, and gave his own Son for my redemption,
creatures.
This,
he has assigned
is
me
think,
is
the fundamental
this suffering.
boundless love, must be good
unerring wisdom, must be proper.
What
what he
he ordains, who
ordains,
who
is
TO THE AFFLICTED.
This reconciled Eli
to the severest
doom
"
It
is
the
Lord and though grievous to human nature, and much

more grievous to parental affection, yet it is unquestionably
the best.
Therefore I humbly acquiesce, I bow to the awful decree, and say from my very soul, Let him do what
seemeth him good." 1 Sam. 3 18.
This calmed the sorrows of Job, under all his unparal" The Lord gave me affluence and prosleled distresses
perity
rapacious hands and
the Lord has taken all away
warring elements were only his instruments ; therefore I
submit, I adore, I bless his holy name."
;
This consolation
fortified Christ at the
inconceivably bitter agonies
The
approach of his
cup, which not
my
im-
my
Father, by their administration,

not drink it ?"
placable enemies, but
has given me, shall
"
your Father, my dear friend, your heavenly Father,

who loves you with an everlasting love, that has mingled
some gall with your portion of life. Sensible of the beneficent hand from which the visitation comes, may you always
It is
bow
in patient submission
and acknowledge, with the ex-
monarch Hezekiah, " Good

Lord concerning me." 2 Kings, 20: 19.
cellent, but afflicted
of the
All afflictions sent on the people of

blessings
to
do us good
God
is
the
word
are designed for
the latter end, however they
at
may
cross our desires, or disquiet our minds at present.

" Happy," says the Spirit of inspiration, " is the man whom
God
correcteth," Job 5
17
and that because his merciful
chastenings, though not joyous, but grievous, " yield the
peaceable
fruits of righteousness
cised thereby."
our ways.
The
Heb. 12
children
unto them that are exer-
God's ways are not as
11.
whom we
love,
we
are apt to treat
with blandishments and caresses, and too often to indulge to

their hurt, if not to their ruin.
But the Father of
spirits is
Therefore it
wise in his love, and out of kindness severe.
is said, " Whom he loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth
every son
whom
he receiveth."
Heb. 12:
6.
Would you
TO THE AFFLICTED.
8
not,
my
dear friend, be a child of that everlasting Father,
whose favor is better than life ? Affliction is one sign of

your adoption into this inestimable relation. Would you not
be an " heir of the inheritance, incorruptible, undefiled, and
that fadeth
not
away ?"
Affliction is
your path
to this
Through much tribulation we enter

into the kingdom of God."
Acts 14: 22. Would you not
be made like your ever-blessed Redeemer ? He was " a
"
blissful patrimony".
man
of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;" and every
must expect
disciple
be as his master.
to
Should you inquire what benefits accrue from afflictions ?

Many and precious. They tend to wean us from the world.
When
our paths are strewed with roses, when nothing but
float around, how apt are we to be enamoured with our present condition, and forget the crown of
music and odors
glory
forget Jesus,
and everlasting ages.
But
affliction,
with a faithful, though harsh voice, rouses us from the sweet

Affliction warns our hearts to rise and depart
from these inferior delights, because here is not our rest.
delusion.
Afflictions tend to bring us to Christ.
speakable and everlasting blessings
to
world can neither give nor take away
Christ has un-
bestow, such as the

;
such as are
suffi-
cient to pour the oil of gladness into our souls,
which will
rise above the waves of any earthly sorrow.
But are we
not, my dear friend, are we not most unhappily indolent and
inattentive to these blessings, in the gay hours of an uninterrupted prosperity
It is
application to our divine
with us, but the children of
supineness
still
very observable, that few made

in the days of his abode
Redeemer,
affliction.
possesses mankind.
The same
We
spirit
undervalue,
of
we
disregard the Lord Jesus, and the unspeakable privileges
of his Gospel, while
occurs
to
all proceeds smoothly, and nothing

discompose our tranquillity. But when misfor-
tunes harass our circumstances, or sorrows oppress our
minds, then
we
are willing,
to find rest in Christ.
we
are glad,
we
are earnest,
No. 48.
THE AGED.
BY EEV. JOHN TOWNSEND,
BERMONDSEY.
Aged Fkiend One who sincerely wishes youi* highest

now addresses you upon that subject, which, of all
The number of your days is
others, is the most important.
very nearly accomplished, and the things which should now
good,
occupy your
attention,
familiar, are death,
indeed
dying
He
man
apostle,
that
old should be, in his
says,
"I
at death's door,
solemn address
awful subjects
own
whom
die daily."
estimation,
He
there
is
this,
spirit
of the
should esteem
and stand prepared
" Set thine house in order
Instead of
and not live."

there in
is
he should realize something of the
when he
himself just
and with which you should be most
judgment, and eternity
to
hear
this
thou shalt die,
how many aged
persons are
every sign of a speedy dissolution,
who, in understanding, in inclination, and conduct, are yet

children, entirely occupied with the trifles of time, and alto-
gether unmindful of their souls and eternity
Is this
your
unhappy case?
Suffer, then, the
word of exhortation.
This Tract comes
you with the most friendly design ; receive it as from the

Lord, read it with attention, and as you read it, kneel down
to
and entreat him
to
impress
it
upon your
prove a real, and a lasting blessing

ber,
you
to
it may
Remem-
heart, that
your
soul.
will soon stand before the judgment-seat of Clirist,
there to answer for the deeds done in the body, whether

11
VOL. ir.
TO THE AGED.
they be good, or whether they be
you nothing
to
evil.
It will then avail
cry with the wicked Balaam, " Let me die
the death of the righteous, and let
my last
end be like
his
;"
seem righteous in the eyes of men. You

must have on "the wedding garment;" you must be "born
again;" you must be holy. Such only are ready for the
and nothing
to
coming
Lord's
others
all
will
bridegroom cometh, and the door
is
be
excluded when the

In vain will they
shut.
then say, "Lord, Lord, open unto us."

not only requisite to remind you of what
It is
you, but
recommend you
before
is
carefully and frequently to look
back upon the way which you have already come. This
was the injunction laid upon Israel of old " And thou shalt
remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee
:
these forty years in the wilderness."
The Lord had
so
discovered to them his lioliness and justice in chastening
them
for sin,
ness of
it,
termined
Come
and such rich grace and mercy
in the forgive-
that they might, with great propriety,
have de-
"sing both of mercy and judgment."
to
then,
my
aged
friend, look
back upon the way
which you have come trace the leadings of God call to

your remembrance what he has done for you in a way of
;
mercy, and how frequently he has spoken
You have been
judgments.
and unmerited bounty.
care
day
to
many
many
up
the
to
you
in his
subject of his constant
In your experience, from
how many wants have been supplied, how

dispelled, how many dangers escaped, and how
day,
fears
deliverances wrought
in order, they are
If
you would reckon them
Ask
more than can be numbered.
now your own heart what good effect

cy of God has produced upon your soul.
the boundless mer-
Do you
not
that God, in all these dispensations, has been calling
know
you
to
seek him, trust in him, and love him as the only substantial
good
"
Or
despisest thou the riches of his goodness, and
TO THE AGED.
forbearance, and long suffering
ness of
God
not
knowing
leadeth thee to repentance
the good-
tliat
but, after thy liard-
ness and impenitent heart, treasurest up unto thyself wrath

against the day of wrath and revelation of the
righteous
man
according
judgment of God, who
How
his deeds ?"
to
Benefactor through
will render to
every
have you acted towards your kind
all
the years that he has spared
you
Have you thought upon him 1 Have you feared ajid loved
him ? Have you revered his holy name ? Have you kept his
Sabbath ? Have you attended his ordinances ? Have you
made his word your guide, and his glory yf)ur chief concern ?
If
you have
not,
ought not your consience
to smite
and
re-
proach you to-day, as one of the most ungrateful of mortals,

especially
when you
emnly you have
God would
him
till
recollect
how
resolved, in the
frequently, and
day of your
how
sol-
affliction, that if
spare and deliver you, you would fear and serve
your dying day ?
Perhaps, on the contrary, you have
served the world and sin with more eagerness than ever.
Does
this
of God and
Tract
you ignorant of
find
yourself, ignorant
of the Holy Scriptures, and with
rushing forward in the company and in the
who
all
your might
spirit
of those
are crowding the broad road which leadeth to destruc-
tion ?
Yes,
godly sorrow
pel in
to this
for sin,
day,
and
it
may
to the
which the forgiveness of
be,
it
is
You have
Saviour's atoning blood.
you are a stranger
to
saving power of that Gos-
preached through the

neither seen your
own
deformity in the glass of God's holy law, nor the beauty of

the
Lord Jesus
Christ, as shining in the blessed Gospel,
men " are changed into the

same image, from glory to glory, even as' by the Spirit of
the Lord."
No, you continue to bear the "image of the
earthly."
Your thoughts, your cares, and your pursuits,
through the beholding of which
are earthly and sensual
hence, you live in the neglect of
prayer and reading the Holy Scriptures, make your atten-
TO THE AGED.
upon the worship of God give place
tion
your carnal
to
indulgences and to your worldly interests, and are almost

as ignorant and careless, as to every thing that concerns the
salvation of
your never-dying
unenlightened
soul, as a poor,
heathen.
Ah, poor sinner
humiliating and affecting as this picture
human nature appears, is it not your own likeness?

And is it really possible, is it actually true, that you have
lived so many years to so little purpose, and that in a Chris-
of
tian country, surrounded with the light of revelation,

faithful preachingof the Gospel of Jesus Christ
and the
nay, more,
professing yourself to be a Christian, and to have a hope of

eternal
life ?
Feeling a love
doing you good,
for
your perishing
and desirous of
soul,
would speak plainly and
faithfully to
you
of the things which concern your present and eternal good.
Know,
then, that
tions,
and are
The law
of
you
in debt to
him more than ten thousand
God condemns you;
satisfaction at
dresses
you are an offender against God.
your hand
"
Upon
and the word of
the wicked he shall rain snares, fire
portion of their cup."
Awful
between you and death
and
;
still
you linger
this shall
considerations
in the plains of
science to sleep, by promising
Sodom,
that
you
step
in the path of
not thyself of to-morrow
what a day may bring
forth."
your con-
lull
to-morrow you will
Hear what
seriously think of God, your soul, and eternity.
est not
be the
Only a
only a step between you and hell
and, folding your hands together,
God says: "Boast
talents.
God claims
God thus ad-
the justice of
and brimstone, and a horrible tempest
sin
"iou
his righteous law, insulted his gracious perfec-
have broken
for thou
Prov. 27
1.
know.
Thou-
sands have been thus deluded, and come short of salvation,
through the stratagems of Satan.

cepted time
behold,
now
is
the
" Behold,
now
is
day of salvation."
the ac-
TO THE AGED.
What
ened
that
is
hear
of repentance flowing
are
to the
God "
:
make me
Is
Whither
to
bend your
and
and language of the prodigal,

have sinned against heaven
no more worthy
be called thy
to
Luke 15
as one of thy hired servants ?"
mination of your heart
the tear
it
of our Lord Jesus Christ
purpose and deter-
Is this the thought, is this the
18, 19.
heart awak-
tlie
see
Are you going
Father,
am
and before thee, and
that
is
the withered cheek
in the spirit
thus to address
son
down
God and Father
you going,
a sigh from
it
What
you going, aged sinner
knee
are
Is
to feel its guilt ?
Well, then, arise and go, and God
himself will receive you
Hear
kind and gracious
his
Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call

ye upon him while he is near let the wicked forsake his
way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts and let him
language
"
return unto the Lord, and he will have
our God,
and
to
55
6, 7.
mercy upon him
he will abundantly pardon."
for
Are you discouraged
Does your conscience, acting
you
the part of an accusing witness, rise up against

it
say that you are an old sinner
and great
such
that
your
Does
sins are
many
have been committed against such
that they
light, against
distinct
and frequent
calls of
the aggravations thereof have exceeded those of
you ever knew,
or of
Then plead guilty

mercy of the King
Isaiah
whom you
to the
ever heard
charge
of grace.
God, that
any sinner
Is this true ?
throw yourself upon the
He "so
loved the world that
he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in

him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3
:
16.
Jesus Christ himself says, "
labor and are heavy laden, and

is
Come
unto me,
will give
you
all
ye
blood cleanseth from
all sin
and miserable as you

VOL.
II.
He
rest."
both able and willing to save the greatest of sinners
that
he has saved sinners as
his
vile
he has brought back wandering

II*'
TO THE AGED.
souls from the very gates of hell
as your " wisdom,
him
redemption."
Look
"Come," now,
just as
look unto
to
the
you are: "though your
word of God answers every
sins be as
here, looking
and should con-
objection,
at his feet, saying, " If I perish,
to,
and trusting in Jesus
I'ed
Thus
Isa. l: 18.
sequently remove your fears, and encourage you
your guilty soul
and
says,
though they be
like crimson, they shall be as wool."
the
trust in
word of God, which
they shall be white as snow
scarlet,
him
sanctification,
righteousness,
to
cast
shall be
it
pardon and
to
to
save me."
But
may
it
real Christian,
be this Tract has fallen into the hands of a
whose hoary hairs are found
righteousness.
word of
suffer the
in the
way
of
Venerable servant of the most high God,

exhortation, while
one highly favored of the Lord.
congratulate you as
desire to be a helper of
I would call upon you to go up, yea, I

accompany you to Mount Pisgah, to view the
may the Lord enable you, as you approach
land of promise
your
and joy
faith
would
fain
the hour of your last conflict, to imbibe the spirit, and use
the exulting language of the Psalmist
heart faileth
my
me
but
God
is
"
My
the strength of
and
my
heart,
and
flesh
my
portion for ever."

I
have only now
opening
tion
to
upon
to
remind you of the prospect which
your view, and encourage you
it
your
with a calm and joyful frame of mind.
judgment, and eternity, are

run,
to fix
at the
door
your race
you are already on the banks of Jordan
is
atten-
Death,
is
nearly
and not
many
days hence, peradventure, Jesus will beckon you over.
How do you feel under your present circumstances ? I hope

you do not regret that you are so near the end of your piU
grimage, nor yet
feel
Many have groaned
in
alarmed
bondage
at
its
concluding scene.
for years,
under an appre-
TO THE AGED.
hension of the storms and tempests they should have to

Instead of which, the sky has
encounter on the passage.
been serene, the waters perfectly smooth.

led
went, enabled them
to sing,
"
thy victory ?"
grave, where
is
Jesus has taken
them through
them by the hand and gently
death,
God have
died in times past.
You
thy sting
is
15
1 Cor.
over the sacred pages, aged believer, and see

of
and as they
where
how
Turn
55.
the saints
will there read that
they have found grace and strength equal
to their
time of
need.
When
the time of Jacob's departure approached, with
how much calmness

for his children,
did he anticipate the event
Sending
he advised, admonished, and blessed them
conversed with them freely about his death and burial, and
instead of lamenting that his hour
it,
for
was come, he
as a period he had long desired, saying, "
rejoiced at
have waited
O Lord."
Lord said unto Moses, " Get thee up
thy salvation,
When
the
into this
mountain Abiram, unto Mount Nebo, and behold the land of

Canaan, which
and die
session,
give unto the children of Israel for a pos-
in the
mount whither thou goest up, and be
gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother died in
Mount Hor, and was gathered unto

uttered not a single
murmur
his
people,"
Moses
he asked no respite from the
sentence, but yielded a prompt obedience to his heavenly
Father's will, and with a firm step, and a placid mind,
walked up
to the
appointed place, looked with high satisfac-
the promised land, and was gathered
tion at
to his fathers in
peace.
One
friend
instance
it is
more claims your
that of the apostle Paul,
attention,
my
aged
who, in the immediate
expectation of sealing with his blood the doctrines he had
preached, discloses the feelings of his mind on the near

prospect of that trying hour.
What
a lovely scene does this
TO THE AGED.
part of sacred history exhibit

the Christian hero
to
He
is
What
an enviable
every hour expecting
man
is
to be put
death by the hands of cruel persecutors, and yet he not
only alludes
but makes
it
circumstance with calmness and
to the
fortitude,
the subject of exultation and triumph, and in a
strongly impassioned and inimitable strain of eloquence exclaims, "
departure
my
finished
there
is
am now
is at
laid
ready
hand.
course
up
for
me
to
be oifered, and the time of
have fought a good
have kept the
me
my
have
Henceforth
a crown of righteousness, whicli the
Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give

not to
faith.
fight
only, but unto all
them
me
at that
day
and
also that love his appear-
2 Tim. 4 6, 7, 8.
Remember, aged Christian, that God, who supported
them in the hour of death, is also your God and Father.
The same Jesus, whose presence and grace strengthened
them, is " the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever." That
ing."
gracious
Spirit,
whose
light
and comfort cheered their
passage through the dark valley,

other true believer
take, then, as
is
also in
language of the Psalmist, " This God
and ever; he
will be our guide
and with every
your motto, the animating

is
our God
for ever
even unto death."
Jo.
49.
THE
CONVERSION
OF
REV.
JOHN COPER.
BY WILLIAM COWPER,
AUTHOR
OF
"THE TAS E."
TRANSCRIBED AND PUBLISHED

BY
REV. JOHN NEWTON.

WITH A BRIEF MEMOIR OF THE WRITER.
William Cowper,
Esq., a son of the Rev. JohnCowper,
D. D., was born November 15, 1731.
Descended from
amiable and respectable parents, of noble
affinity,
and con-
nected with persons of great worldly influence, his prospects
of advancement in temporal
flattering,
to enter
and
to
Westminster school,
upon that course of study which
should complete at the university.

ever, his
mind was very
and honor were
affluence
and he was early sent
it
was designed he
From
childhood, how-
tender, and his spirits often dejected
in this school the natural timidity of his
temper so much
depressed him, that his friends relinquished the plan of sending him to Oxford, and he
studies in a
was permitted to prosecute

He was directed to
more private manner.
his
the
THE CONVERSION OF
Law, and
profession of
ously urged
Lords
public
to
in his thirty-first
year was strenu-
accept the office of clerk in the House of
but no persuasion could overcome his aversion to
He
life.
friends, until,
suffered
much from
convinced of the
the importunity of his
folly of
any longer
persisting
against nature and inclination, they at length gave over their
and permitted him
entreaties,
the desire of which
In
all
was
these bitter
to retire into that seclusion,
the ruling passion of his heart.
which drove him almost
trials,
spair
and insanity, and caused him even
away
his
own
life,
Gospel
tions of the
Mr. Cowper was

but
it
was
attention to religion appears to
was now,
for the first time,
which became
his usual rest,
and
him
to
him adapted
to increase
so pungent as to deprive
him of
render his broken slumbers equally
to
Rev. Martin Madan,
While
in this state, his
visited him,
and
set before
the atonement and righteousness of Christ, as the rem-
edy which
his case required
and the necessity of
Him, in order to experience the

These important truths seemed
source of consolation
directed
God hath
to
afford
him a temporary
but he soon sunk again into melan-
by the Holy
set forth to
faith in
blessings of His salvation.
choly and despair, from which he found no
was
His mind
evil of sin, as a
Instead of finding relief in read-
miserable with his waking hours.

relative, the
destitute of the consola-
have commenced.
every book he opened seemed
his distress,
to de-
attempt to take
at this crisis, that his serious
convinced of the
transgression against God.

ing,
to
relief, till
Spirit to Jesus Christ,
"
he
whom
be a propitiation, through faith in his
blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins
God." Rom. 3 25.

While meditating on this passage, he obtained a clear view
of the Gospel, which was attended with unspeakable joy.
that are past, through the forbearance of
Many
of his subsequent days were occupied with praise
and prayer, and
his
heart overflowed
with love
to
liis
REV. JOHN COWPEK,

crucified
Redeemer.
was under these
It
pressions, that he wrote the beautiful
delightful im-
hymn
The
entitled,
Happy Change.
Having determined
law, he retired to
removed
years,
to
renounce his profession of the
to
Huntingdon; and
two or three
after
Olney, where he contracted a most
timate friendship with the Rev. John
Newton
in-
and indulged,
amidst rural scenes, those religious pleasures and occupa-
which experience had taught him
tions
value far above
to
" Divine
Providence," says Mr. Newton, " evidently preparing his
all
that the "polite or
way and marking
busy world could
afford.
out his retreat, he retired into the country
and thus the good hand of God, unknown

viding
foi'
me
though
whose company,
we were seldom
hours absent from each other,
friend,
who was
He
my
life
for almost
seven
seven successive waking
always found new pleasure
not only a comfort to myself, but a
blessing^to the affectionate poor people,

lived.
me, was pro-
one of the principal blessings of
friend and a counsellor, in
years,
to
among whom
then
loved the poor, he often visited them in their
cottages, conversed with
them
in the
most condescending
manner, sympathized with them, counselled and comforted
them
in their distresses
and those who were seriously
posed were often cheered and animated by his prayers
Mr. Cowper's walk with God
in private
was
dis-
!"
consistent
with the solemnity and fervor of his social engagements.
Like the prophet Daniel, and the royal Psalmist, he " kneeled three times a day and prayed, and gave thanks before his
God,"
in retirement, besides the regular practice of domestic
worship.
usual
him
of years,
it
was kept almost
and
for
an un-
in perfect peace.
corrupt dispositions which have so strong a hold upon
The
the
His mind was stayed on God
number
human
;
heart,
and when
in
appeared
to
any degree
be peculiarly suppressed in
felt,
they were lamented and
THE CONVERSION OF
4
While
resisted.
God were
his attainments in the love of
thus eminent, his Christian love to fellow-believers, and to
around him, was highly exemplary.
all
To
a conduct void
of offence to any individual, and marked with peculiar kindness to
all
who
feared God,
was added a beneficence
fully
proportioned to his ability, and exercised with the greatest
modesty and
The
he
est distress,
the
discretion.
consolation which, after having endured the sever-
time derived from a
at that
of faith in
life
Son of God, who " loved him and gave himself
for
him,"
he thus describes, in an affecting allegory

"I
was a stricken
Long
deer, tliat left the herd
With many an
since.
arrow, deep infixed,
My
panting side was cliarged
To
seek a tranquil death in distant shades.
There was
Been
hurt
And
in his
With
He
when
withdrew
found by One who had himself
by
th'
In his side he bore,
archers.
hands and
feet, the cruel scars.
gentle force soliciting the darts,
drew them
fortla,
and
heal'd,
and bade
me
live."
The Task, Book
The
and the uninterrupted duration of
degi'ee
3.
his spirit-
ual comforts had, perhaps, exceeded the usual experience
of pious people
marked
darkness.
"
a manuscript
I
but the bright, yet serene lustre which had
his road,
was
at length
Of nearly
left
succeeded by impenetrable
twelve years," says Mr.
passed in daily admiring, and aiming
during the second six
to
The
imitate
in
six
him
in the
Yet he did not murmur,
but ever cherished an unshaken submission
imagined the Divine
first
walked pensively with him
valley of the shadow of death."
ceiving
Newton,
behind him at his death, " the
to
what he
will.
principal pleasure that he appeared capable of re-
was
that
which he derived from the happiness of
REV. JOHN COWPER.
Instead of being provoked to discontent and envy,
others.
by contrasting
evidently
was
own afflictions, there

knew to be enjoyed by
their comforts with his
not a benefit that he
which did not
others,
afford
him
sensible satisfaction
not a
suffering endured, that did not add to his pain.
The
vancement of the knowledge of Christ
at large,
was always near
his heart
in the
world
ad-
and whatever concerned the
general welfare of mankind was interesting to him, seclud-
ed as he was from religious society.
In like manner, from
his distant retreat, he viewed, with painful sensations, the
progress of infidelity and sin in every shape.

to
His love
God, though unassisted by a cheerful hope of divine
favor,
was invariably manifested by an abhorrence of every
thing that he thought dishonorable to the Most High, and a

delight in all that tended to his glory.
After declining for several months, on the 25th of April,
1800, in the sixty-ninth year of his age, he was happily

released from this scene of suffering and sorrow.
He
pass-
ed through the moments of death so mildly, that although

five persons
were
present, and observing him, not one of
them perceived him
to expire
but he ceased to breathe
about five minutes before five in the afternoon.
VOL.
II.
12
THE CONVERSION OF
SKETCH
OF THE
LIFE OF THE REV. JOHN COWPER,

As
soon as
had pleased God,
it
season of conviction, to
grace,
it
visit
me
became one of my chief concerns,
that
my relations
might be made partakers of the same mercy.

letter I
wrote
my
to
God had done
brother,
my
for
from that period down
soul
I
;
and sharp
after a long
with the consolations of his
In the
took occasion to declare
and
am
first
what
not conscious, that,
to his last illness, I wilfully neglect-
ed an opportunity of engaging him,
if it
were
possible, in con-
When I left St. Albans, and

Cambridge, my heart being full of the
versation of a spiritual kind.
went
him
to visit
subject, I poured
my subsequent
at
out before
it
him without reserve and in all

I was enabled,
;
intercourse with him, so far as
took care to show that
had received, not merely a
set of
notions, but a real impression of the truths of the Gospel.
At
first I
found him ready enough to talk with
these subjects
me upon
sometimes he would dispute, but always
without heat or animosity, and sometimes would endeavor

to reconcile
we were
our sentiments, by supposing
that, at the bottom,
both of a mind, and meant the same thing.
He was
man
Peace
A man
of a most candid and ingenuous
spirit ;*
had a brother once
mem'ry of a man of worth,
to the
of letters, and of manners too
Of manners sweet
as Virtue always wears
When gay good-nature dresses her in smiles.

He grac'd a college in which order yet
Was sacred and was honor'd, lov'd, and wept
;
By more
than one, tliemselves conspicuous there.

Tlie Task,
Book 2
REV. JOHN COWPEU.
his
temper remarkably sweet
and in
-y
his behavior to
had always manifested an uncommon
ward conduct,
so far as
it
fell
under
my
me, he
His out-
airection.
notice, or
could
by the report of others, was perfectly decent and

There was nothing vicious in any part of
unblamable.
learn
it
his practice
but being of a studious, thoughtful turn, he
placed his chief delight in the acquisition of learning, and
made such
acquisitions in
it,
that he
He was
that of a classical kind.
had but few
rivals in
critically skilled in the
Hebrew languages was beginning to

make himself master of the Syriac, and perfectly understood
Latin, Greek, and
the
French and
fluently.
despise,
Italian, the latter of
which he could speak
These attainments, however, he lived heartily to

not as useless when sanctified and employed in the
service of God, but
and with a view
when sought
to the praise
cheerful in his conversation,
which
stiffness
is
after for their
of men.
He was
own
sake,
easy and
and entirely free from the
generally contracted by
men
devoted to
such pursuits.
Thus we
offered
and
spent about two years, conversing as occasion
we
generally visited each other once or twice
a week, as long as
continued at Huntingdon
leading truths of the Gospel.
more reserved
reply
was
and
By
he would hear
this I found,
upon
his
this time,
upon
he began
the
to
be
me
patiently, but never
own
confession afterwards,
the effect of a resolution he had taken, in order to avoid
disputes,
and
to
secure the continuance of that peace which
had always subsisted between us.
moved
to
When
our family
Olney, our intercourse became less frequent.
re-
We
visit, and whenever he came among

he observed the same conduct, conformed to all our
customs, attended family worship with us, heard the preach-
exchanged an annual
us,
ing,
and received
upon the
civilly
whatever passed
in conversation
subject, but adhered strictly to the rule he
had
THE CONVERSION OF
prescribed to himself, never remarking upon, or objecting to
any thing he heard or saw. This, through the goodness of

his natural temper, he was enabled to carry so far, that
though some things unavoidably happened, which we feared
would give him
offence,
possible to offer
him
he never took any
for
nor when Mr.
the pulpit,
it
was
not
was
we ask my
with us once, at the time of family prayer, could
brother to officiate, though being himself a minister, and one
own
of our
family for the time, the office seemed naturally
to fall into his hands.
In September, 1769,
day
He
and
learned by letters from Cambridge,
was dangerously
that he
after
had taken cold on

lest
I set
ill.
his return
he should be laid up
pushed forward as
upon him.
Soon
fast as
after
charged, unknown
at
as
expected.
a distance from home, had
he could from Bath, with a fever
his arrival at
to himself,
his constitution that
ill
from a journey into Wales,
he was
Cambridge, he
dis-
such a prodigious quantity of
blood, that the physician ascribed
if the
out for that place the
received them, and found him as
still
it
only to the strength of
alive,
and assured me, that
discharge should be repeated, he must inevitably die
upon the
In this state of imminent danger, he seemed
spot.
have no more concern about his spiritual interests than

when in perfect health. His couch was strewed with
to
volumes of plays,
amusement.
to
which he had frequent recourse
for
learned, indeed, afterwards, that, even at this
time, the thoughts of
God and
eternity
would
often force
themselves upon his mind ; but not apprehending his life to

be in danger, and trusting in the morality of his past conduct, he found it no difficult matter to thrust them out
again.
As
began
it
to
pleased
God
that he
had no relapse, he presently
recover strength, and in ten days' time
so far restored, that he could ride
many
I left
miles without
him
fa-
KEV. JOHN COWPEE.
and had every symptom of returning health. It is

probable, however, that though his recovery seemed perfect,
tigue,
this illness
down
was
the
means which God had appointed
his strength in the midst of his journey,
on the malady which proved his
On
was again summoned
little
much
ill,
hopes of his recov-
He, however, expressed great joy
thought himself
seeing me,
at
had been, and seemed
better than he
himself with hopes that he should be well again.
to flatter
My
bring
hasten
him, by letters whicli represented him as so
that the physician entertained but
ery.
to
to
last.
the 16th of February, 1770,
to attend
and
situation at this time
from the physician
was
truly distressful.
was in much greater danger than he suspected.

seem to lay his illness at all to heart, nor could
He
I find
As
conversation that he had one serious thought.
a suitable occasion offered,
pany and
interruption,
to the discourse
learned
that, in this instance, as in the last,
when we were
endeavored
and the day
by
his
often as
from com-
give a spiritual turn
to
my
after
free
he
did not
arrival,
asked his
permission to pray with him, to which he readily consented.

I
renewed
my
attempts in this
way
though without any apparent success

cai'eless
and unconcerned as ever
as often as I could,
still
yet
he seemed as
could not but con-
sider his willingness in this instance as a token for good,
and observed with pleasure, that though

discovered no marks of seriousness, yet
at other times
when
spoke
of the Lord's dealings with myself, he received what
with aflection, would press
and seemed
On
to love
me
my
hand and look kindly
the better for
he
to
him
said
at
me,
it.
same month, he had a violent fit of

him when he rose, about an hour
His agony was dreadbefore noon, and lasted all the day.
Having never seen any person afflicted in the same
ful.
the 21st of the
the asthma, which seized
way,
VOL.
could not help fearing that he would be suffocated

V2*
11.
XiiE
JO
CONVERSION OF
nor was the physician himself without fears of the same
This day the Lord was very present with me, and
kind.
enabled me, as
observed
visit
I sat
to
afflictions,
"
to
and so perhaps have others

not the
be beloved,
replied, "
That
remarkable
true,
is
His love
;
had pleased God
they can
all
in the like
there
merely natural
how much
me
in the
with a look and manner not
to
soever he
him."
but
may
He
hope God will have mercy

from
this
was a tenderness
me
serve you
for
time became very
in
it
more than was
and he generally expressed
upon
for blessings
and
for
to
who
friends,
to
circumstances
have a friend that can pray
to
upon me."
do
of every sick man,
lot
it
yet mercy was mingled with
You have many
said,
you and are willing
the dispensation.
it is
sufferer's side, to wrestle
him, that though
him with great
love
by the poor
upon him.
for a blessing
it
by calling
most affectionate terms, and

be described.
Through the whole of this most painful dispensation, he

was blessed with a degree of patience and resignation to the
will of
God, not always seen in the behavior of established
Christians under sufferings so great as his.
never heard
murmuring word escape him on the contrary, he would

often say, when his pains were most acute, " I only wish it
may please God to enable me to suffer without complaining
I liave no right to complain."
Once he said with a loud
a
voice, "
Let thy rod and thy
and oh, that

dle of the
when
it
were with me
staff support
and comfort
as in times past,
my tabernacle."
my hope that the Lord
replied, " I hope he will
I am
Lord shone upon
had been expressing
show him mercy, he

pretend to nothing."
Many
I
would
sure
times he spoke of himself in
terms of the greatest self-abasement, which

particularly remember.
me
when the canOne evening,
thouglit
cannot
now
could discern in these
expressions the glimpses of approacliing day, and have no
KEV. JOHN COWPER.
God was
doubt at present but that the Spirit of
way
preparing him, in a
gradually-
of true humiliation, for that bright
was soon
display of Gospel grace which he
after pleased to
afford him.*
On
Saturday, the tenth of March, about three in the
ternoon, he suddenly burst into tears,
me
cry, " Oh, forsake
my
he grasped
tenance,
Oh, brother,
am
The nurse asked him
you."
He
horn or lavender.
my
serve
purpose."
dear, don't
He
?"
" Ay, and he
him
Then
is
able to do
for
new
it,
said, "
he
silent,
his
lest
will
that
till
or not, all
I live
have
God has
was
felt
The
now.
that
visited
too proud
MYSELF
well,
is
which
me
never
There
cliange, in
"
is
we have
When
before,
to
The
and
teach
But
know
it
am sure
me what
never had satisfaction
had been used
my
you and
been.
will be so
felt
fa-
surprise and
neck, and leaning
with this sickness
for the foundation of
was wanting.
and
to learn in health.
doctrines
he should
my
said, " Brother, if I live,
find nothing to rest upon.
my
be more like one another than
whether
arms about
head against mine, he
I shall
too."
could hai'dly bear them.
returned, he threw his
Behold,
earth ;" then, after a pause,
about an hour, fearing
joy were so great that
turning to
could say to
None of these things will

I know what would, my
You do, brother."
answered, "
But
tigue himself with talking, and because
when
he would have any harts-
if
said, "
new heavens and
I left
to his bedside,
of what
full
replied, "
Having continued some time

create
went
hand, and presently, by his eyes and coun-
found that he was in prayer.
said, "
me, he
not !"
af-
and said with a loud
to,
referred
hopes, and there
me
to
could
sheet-anchor of the soul
thought you wrong, yet wished to believe
a beautiful illustration of
tliis
sudden and happy
Mr. Cowper's poem, entitled Hope.
As when
a felon
whom
his country's laws," etc.
THE COXVERSION OF
12
you
as
found myself unable
should one day be brought
more than
suffered
truths
I
I
did.
thought that
do
You
so.
but our sufferings, though different in their kind and
me
that
when
In the evening,
my
looked steadfastly in
am
to bid
me by
discourse in these very words
vation.
be that
once
split,
have learned
and
all
learned by reading
see the
books
for
many
yet
he
in
full
see the
Rock of my
if I live, I
moment, which
many
resumed the
things
be made a messenger of peace

that in a
now
night,
As empty, and
"
have peace in myself, and
may
him good
the hand,
as having nothing, and yet possessing
rock upon which
hope
once, but
and with great solemnity
face,
and manner, taking
hope he has
own.
satisfied."
went
his
me
foolishness to
have a firm foundation, and
his air
same end.
to the
which he teaches none but
These things were
so.
to
have done before you believed these
measure, were directed

taught
always
to believe, yet
hope
it
sal-
will
to others.
could not have

years.
have
often studied these points, and studied' them with great attention,
was blinded by prejudice
but
is
worthy
had been blinded
though
me
to
am
served
to
plainer.
comfort to
as
and unless he who alone
still.
Now
they appear so plain, that
convinced no comment could ever have made
understand them,
Yet great
unloose the seals had opened the book to me,
my
wonder
did not see
them
before.
doubts and difficulties were, they have only
pave the way, and being solved, they make
The
me
light I
that I
have received comes
late,
but
it
is
it
never made the Gospel truths a subject
Though I dissented from the persuasion and

ways of God's people, I ever thought them respectable,
and therefore not proper to be made a jest of. The evil I
of ridicule.
the
suffer is the
good
my descent from the corrupt

my own personal transgressions the
consequence of
original stock,
and of
enjoy comes
to
me
as the overflowing of his bounty
REV. JOHN COWPER.
but the crown of
me
mercies
all his
13
he has given
is this, tliat
a Saviour, and not only the Saviour of mankind, brother,
but
my
Saviour.
"
should delight
worthy
see the people at Olney, but
to
these words, and repeated
have
much
am
weak
live, shall
but
jects,
am
not
speaking
at
"
them with emphasis.
should
so
if I
him upon these sub-
discourse with
in body, that at present
could not
it."
At
been
the
five
same time he gave me
to
understand, that he had
years inquiring after the truth
time of-my
him
first visit to
from the very day of
after
I left St.
his ordination,
that
is,
Albans
from the
and
that,
which was ten years
own views
ago, he had been dissatisfied with his

pel,
wept
an hour's conversation with Mr. Newton, and
rejoice in
bear
He
appear among them."
to
and sensible of their defect and obscurity
of the Gosthat he
had
always had a sense of the importance of the ministerial

charge, and had used to consider himself accountable for
doctrine no less than his practice
the
Lord
for his sincerity in all that time,
and had never
wilfully erred, but always been desirous of
knowledge of the
He
truth.
that he
had thought much about these

till
that instant
able to understand them.

It
was
to the
moment when
moment when light was
things in the course of his illness, but never
was
coming
added, that the
he sent forth that cry,* was the

darted into his soul
liis
that he could appeal to
was remarkable,
first
that from the
enlightened, he
in body, so that
was
from the 10th
very instant when he
also wonderfully strengthened

to the
entertained hopes of his recovery.
sanguine in his expectations of
it,
14th of
March we
He was
himself very
all
but frequently said that
his desire for recovery extended no farther than his hope of
On the
lOtJi
of
MarcL
See page
11.
THE CONYERSION OF
X4
usefulness
adding, " Unless
of good to others,
As
were
it
his assurance
very sensible of the
On
respect.
me, and
to
man
my
in
the
in a
day when
his
low voice
said,
bed of
so
it is
On
but
it
"
What
mercy
insufficiency,
built
It is
it
is to
am
com-
another occasion, speaking
This bed would be a bed of
likewise a bed of joy, and a
is
die this night,
I to
This assurance
word of God.
the
eyes were opened, he turned
said, "
Were
discipline.
be happy.
to die
condition to knoio his acceptance
same purpose, he
misery, and
an instrument
live to be
me
now."
was clear and unshaken, so he was
goodness of the Lord to him in that
pletely satisfied of mine."

to the
may
better for
hope
is
know
should
quite consistent with
my own
upon a sense of
and the all-sufficiency of Christ."
utter
At
the
same time, he said, " Brother, I have been building my glory

upon a sandy foundation I have labored night and day to
;
perfect myself in things of no profit
health to these pursuits, and
quence of my misspent
writers
doubtless,
count
all
new
to a
school.
my
former pursuits.
plauded
and
wishes
On
have
dung
my
me.
to
for the
Lord.'
have many things
ceeded in
my
have sacrificed
my
suffering the conse-
now appear
things loss and
of the knowledge of Christ Jesus,
go
But how contemptible do the
labor.
once highly valued
am now
wanted
'
Yea,
excellency
must now
to learn.
suc-
be highly ap-
to
was so. I was flattered up to

I must learn a new lesson."
the height of
now
the evening of the 13th, he said, "

in this bed, miserable as I
love to look at you.
was mistaken.
But
see
I
it
seem
to
now who was
seems wonderful,
What
be
that
right,
comfort
Brother,
and who
such a dispen-
what seems so very

you have a good river
sation should be necessary to enforce

plain.
wish myself
at
Olney
there, better than all the rivers of

is
passing before
me
Damascus. What a scene
Ideas upon tliese subjects crowd
BEV. JOHN COWPER.
me
many
15
How plain
upon
faster than
do
texts appear, to which, after consulting all the
mentators,
could hardly
but one key to the

preter.
New
what
I
all
Testament
and now
at all.
there
comhave
There
is
but one inter-
is
moment when
the
felt in
make
a good use of
think of the danger
my mind
a meaning
cannot describe to you, nor shall ever be able to
May
me.
affix
meaning without any comment
their true
describe,
can give them utterance.
upon these
have
it
How
just escaped
was given
it
had made up
and was determined
subjects,
to
shudder when
to
hazard
upon the justness of my own opinions."

His remarkable amendment soon appeared
more than a present supply of strength and

he might be able
to
speak of the better
life
to
be no
that
spirits,
which God had
given him, which was no sooner done than he relapsed as
suddenly as he had revived.
It
was
his earnest desire to
bear an open testimony in favor of the truth, the power of
which he had experienced
communion of which he
who had been
and
to profess his cordial belief
Reformation, and of the church in the
in the doctrines of the
and died,
lived
in his sentiments.
But
his strength declining apace,
becoming more severe,
his pains
in presence of those
strangers to the change which had taken place
lie
and
could never find a
proper opportunity.
His experience was rather peace than
joy, if a distinction
may
heart-felt
able terms
upon
his
lie
of
is it
that
should look
this subject
laden,
see
hear him say,
and heavy
bitterest bodily distress.
once were these
"
How
won-
God should look upon man, especially that

upon me ! Yet he sees me, and takes notice
all that I suffer.
and
that
and which he expressed by a heavenly smile
countenance under the
His words upon

derful
made between joy and
be
peace which he often spoke of in the most comfort-
'
and I
him
Come
toill
too
he
is
present before me,
unto me, all ye that are weary
give yon
rest.'
"
THE CONVERSION OF
16
On
the
14th,
afternoon,
the
in
perceived that the
him were sud-
strength and spirits which had been afforded
denly withdrawn, so that by the next day his mind became
weak, and
But
speech roving and faltering.
his
he was enabled
intervals,
still,
at
speak of* divine things with
to
great force and clearness.

On the evening of the 15th, he
said, " There is moi'e joy in heaven over one sinner that
'
repenteth, than over ninety and nine just persons
That
no repentance.'
by me,
by
as well as
be found
Alas
What
am
to fall
should
may
upon
us,
and
mercy
my
hope
if I
had
to plead ?
Why,
have received.
insensibility to
me
to
cover us.
at least, that, if I
would be better with
it
have had
to the hills to
ascribe some part of
great weakness of body.

better in health,
that just person to
Well, whither next
not duly thankful for the
Perhaps
is
That would have been of great
righteousness!
service to me, to be sure

the mountains
Where
others.
who need
been sadly misunderstood
what must have become of me,
died this day sennight
My own
text has
my
was
in these respects
also."
The next
suffer
by
day, perceiving that his understanding began to
the extreme weakness of his body, he said, " I
have been vain of
my
ments in
ter than
can.
this place
an
much
idiot, as
Well, while
understanding, and of
and now, God has made
as to say,
have any senses
Now
left,
be poured out in the praise of God.

Christ, in his blood
Have
me.
standing
pity
my
fails
and sufferings, and
not cause to praise
me
quite, as
him
think
it
acquirelittle
bet-
be proud, if you
my
thoughts will
have an interest in
my
?
my
me
sins are forgiven
When my
under-
will soon, then he will
weakness."
Though
short, yet a
measure of
the Lord intended that his warfare should be
warfare he was
conflict
to
with his
have, and to be exposed to a
own
corruptions.
His pain
REV. JOHN COWPER.
being extreme,
yj
powers of recollection much impaired,
liis
and the Comforter withholding
for a season his sensible sup-
he was betrayed into a fretfulness and impatience of
port,
spirit,
which had never been permitted
to
show
itself before.
This appearance alarmed me, and having an opportunity
me by
afforded
were happier
every one's absence,
said to him, "
entirely destitute of the
you then spoke of?
consolations
And, do you not sometimes
comfort flowing into your
feel
tion."
The same
believe
you are
come
nothing."
to
do, but
sometimes
often uneasy, lest

I
replied
power against
for
what
If
But
me
was
were a weariness
it,
though
religious,
time
to
lived without
it
in his
folly.
now
and
may
just
was minister
was,
own
function,
me which
God
will
my
at
my
desire.
had,
to
you,
and the
could not bear.

I
was esteemed
in the world."
He
own mind, and accounted
"Yet, base as
but
beg you will
About
reminded him of the account of Janeway's
which he once read

at
see myself odious-
just beginning to be a
Yet, wretched creature and beast as
to
answered,
than such as
never confessed before, that
duties of
this
name, and the parish where
Deist, and had long desired to be so

I
He
die in this illness, I
cannot be too soon forgotten.
what
he endeavoi'ed
fail,
ever had a being, and what sort of a being
for that I
lately past should
corruptions.
his
place no other inscription over
my
re-
despera-
left to
by asking him whether, when
" Yes, a thousand times in a day.

ly vile, and wicked.
mention
am
day, in the evening, he said, " Brother,
he found his patience and his temper
pray
He
God ?"
heart from a sense of your acceptance with

plied, " Sometimes
You
Are you
Saturday than you are to-day.
last
am,"
God has accepted me
said he
had laughed
it
mere madness and
said he,
"I have no doubt
also,
and forgiven
me
all
my
sins."
I then asked
VOL. II.
him what he thought of my

13
narrative.
He
THE CONVERSION OF
13
replied,
*'
thought
strange, and ascribed
it
much
of
it
to
which you liave been in. When I came to visit

London, and found you in that deep distress, I would
the state
you
in
have given the universe

to
doing
to
have administered some comfort
You may remember
you.
When
it.
was shocked
that
all
my
found that
tried
the greatest degree.
to
every method of
attempts were vain,

I
began
your sufferings as a judgment upon you, and
them as a judgment upon myself.
to alleviate
M. came, he succeeded
in a
but
me now.
it
does not surprise
heart,
which
against
my
had
which attended
me
in
He
That which
not.
office, as
moment.
to
my inability
When Mr.
This surprised
me
had the key
your
filled
me
There
to
ill
success
endeavored
reform the unruly by warning
to soothe the afflicted,
and
and reproof; but
that I could say in either case
spoken
to the
There
is
to
to
that in the nature of salvation
Accordingly,
cedence in
this respect,
it
my
brother insisted upon the pre-
and upon comparing his case with
my
mine, would by no means allow
been so wonderful as his own.

the beginning, both his
He
manner of
deliverance to have
observed
life
that,
" from
and his connections
had been such as had a natural tendency

to
by grace, when
known, which prompts every
think himself the most extraordinary instance of
power.
and
was
wind, and attended with no effect."
truly and experimentally
person
its
is
all
with disgust
a minister, Avas the same
my own parish.
consider
to blind his eyes,
confirm and rivet his prejudice against the truth.
Blameless
in his
outward conduct, and having no open im-
morality to charge himself with, his acquaintance had been
with
men
of the
same stamp, who
trusted in themselves that
they were righteous, and despised the doctrines of the cross.
Such were
used
to
all,
whom, from
his earliest days, he
had been
propose to himself as patterns for his imitation."
His thoughts,
suppose, had been led to this subject,
KEV. JOHN COVVPER.
when, one afternoon, while

he thus addressed himself
" Nurse,
ster.
you how
will tell
me
they taught
have spent them
Latin
sort of private tutor.
me to
and Greek
was writing by
the fireside,
sat at his bol-
and because
me
At
was
These
Gi'eek.
a public school, where
life,
the son of a gen-
learned under a
learned more Latin
where
this place,
to
all,
and much
still
to the
directing his speech to me, he said, " Brother,
going
to
was born
self: I
would rather say,
world.
You know when
As
to his
such a year
in
in
but
such a year
have
Now, has not

!"
glory of God
Then
say
was a boy,
the age of fourteen, or thereabouts,
and, last of
been a blessed
When
been learning more Latin and Greek

this
who
to the nurse,
have lived three-and-thirty years, and

I
tleman, they taught
they sent
19
was
correct
my-
came
into the
was born."
long as he expected to recover, the souls committed

care were
much upon
One
mind.
his
none was present but myself, he prayed thus

thou art good
goodness
wisdom
the fountain of
am
Thou
foolish as a child.
when
Oh
Lord,
thy very essence, and thou ait
is
!
day,
"
a poor worm,
weak and
many
souls unto
hast entrusted
me; and I have not been able to

knew thee not myself. Grant me
teach them, because

ability,
oh Lord,
me
for I
to
be
In a time of severe and continued pain, he smiled in
my
can do nothing without
and give
thee,
grace
faithful."
face,
the
and
said,
"Brother,
day before he
died,
am
when
night he had had, he replied,

sleep."
said,
as
I
"
happy
asked him what
thoughts of
and
all
And
sort of a
sad night, not a wink of
"Perhaps, though, your mind has been
composed, and you have been enabled

said he, "
as a king."
have endeavored
to
to
pray."
" Yes,"
spend the hours in the
God and prayer I have been much comforted,

I got, came to me in this way."
the comfort
THE CONVERSION,
20
The
next morning
moments.
last
still,
was
up
called
left
me
to
be witness of his
found him in a deep sleep, lying perfectly
and seemingly free from pain.
they pressed
after
ETC.
him, he died
staid with
room, and in about
to quit the
five
sooner, indeed, than
him
till
minutes
expected,
though, for some days, there had been no hopes of his re-
His death
covery.
thought
at least, I
at that time
it
so
for
was rather extraordinary
when
took leave of
him
the
night before, he did not seem worse nor weaker than he
had been, and
many days;
for
aught that appeared, might have lasted
but the Lord, in whose sight the death of his
saints is precious, cut short his sufferings,
and gave him a
speedy and peaceful departure.
He
died at seven in the morning, on the 20th of March,
1770.
" Thou art the source and centre of
all
minds.
Their only point of rest, eternal word!
From THEE departing tliey are lost, and rove

At random, witJiout honor, hope, or peace.
From THEE is all that soothes the life of man.
His high endeavor and
His strength
But,
Oh
Thou
to suffer,
his glad success,
and
his will to serve.
thou bounteous Giver of
all
art of all thy gifls thyself the
good,
crown.
Give what thou canst, without thee we are poor
And
with thee rich, take what thou wilt away."

The Task, Book
.5
No. 50.
THE
SWEARER'S PRAYER,
OR
HIS
OATH EXPLAINED.
What, a swearer pray

Yes, swearer, whether thou
thinkest so or not, each of thine oaths is a prayer
an appeal
to the holy and Almighty God, whose name thou darest so
!
impiously
to
take into thy
And what
call for,
when
lips.
thinkest thou, swearer, that thou dost

the awful imprecations, damn and damnation,
is
it,
frequently from thy profane tongue ?

Tremble,
swearer, while I tell thee
Thy prayer containeth two
thou prayest, First, that thou mayest be deprived of
parts
eternal happiness
Secondly, that thou mayest be plunged
roll
so
into eternal
When,
misery
therefore, thou callest for damnation, dost thou
say as follows : "
God thou hast power to
not, in effect,
punish me in hell for ever therefore, let not one of my sins

Let every oath I have sworn every lie that
be forgiven
every Sabbath that I have broken and all the
I have told
sins that I have committed, either in thought, word, or deed,
rise up in judgment against me, and eternally condemn me!
May my soul and
Let me never partake of thy salvation
body be deprived of all happiness, both in this world and
Let me never see thy face with
that which is to come
comfort never enjoy thy favor and friendship ; and let me
never enter into the kingdom of heaven !"
This is the first part of thy prayer. Let us hear the
:
second.
"
God, let
shut up in hell
VOL.
II,
me not only be shut out of heaven, but also

May all the members of my body be tor13*
THE SWEARER'S PRAYER.
lured with inconceivable agony, and all the powers of my

soul tormented with horror and despair, inexpressible and
eternal !
Let my dwelling be in the blackness of darkness,
and my companions accursed men and accursed devils

Pour down thy hottest anger execute all thy wrath and
curse upon me ; arm and send forth all thy terrors against
me ; and let thy fierce, thy fiery, thy fearful indignation rest
upon me
Be mine eternal enemy, and plague, and punish,
;
and torment me, in hell, for ever, and ever, and ever !"
Swearer, this is thy jyrayer ! O, dreadful imprecation
O, horrible, horrible, most horrible
Blaspheming man
dost thou like thy petition ?
Look at it. Art thou sincere
in thy prayer, or art thou mocking thy Maker ?
Dost thou
wish for damnation ? Art thou desirous of eternal torment ?
If so, swear on
swear hard. The more oaths the more
misery and, perhaps, the sooner thou mayest be in hell.
Art thou shocked at this language ? Does it harrow up thy
soul ?
Does the very blood run cold in thy veins ? Art
thou convinced of the evil of profane swearing ? How many
times hast thou blasphemed the God of heaven ?
How many
times hast thou asked God to damn thee in the course of a
year, a month, a day ?
Nay, how many times in a single
hour hast thou called for damnation ? Art thou not yet in
hell ?
Wonder, O heavens, and be astonished, O earth, at
the goodness and long-suffering of that God whose great
name swearing persons so often and so awfully profane
Swearer, be thankful, O, be exceedingly thankful, that God
has not answered thy prayer, thy tremendous prayer ; that
his mercy and patience have withliolden the request of thy
polluted lips
Never let him hear another oath from thy
unhallowed tongue, lest it should be thy last expression upon
earth, and thy swearing pi-ayer should be answered in hell.
O, let thine oaths be tui-ned into supplications
Repent and
turn to Jesus, who died for swearers as well as his murderers
and then, O then, though thou mayest have sworn as
many oaths as there are " stars in the heavens, and sands
upon the seashore, innumerable," then thou shalt find, to
thy eternal joy, that there is love enough in his heart, and
merit sufficient in his blood, to pardon thy sins, and to save
thy soul for ever.
Swearer, canst thou ever again blaspheme such a God and Saviour as this ? Does not thy conscience cry, God forbid ?
Even so, Amen.
!
THE SWEARER'S PRAYER.
THE PRAYER ANSWERED,

IN THE
FOLLOWING AMONG MULTITUDES OF OTHER INSTANCES.
In November, 1786, a person much given to swearing,

being disappointed by one of his companions not returning
to the public-house as soon as he expected, swore he would
never drink with him again, and that if he did, it should be
his last.
Accordingly, that day was his last.' God took
him at his word, and thus called him into eternity.
In November, 1787, one
rs, a smith, spending
the evening at a public-house in Leather-lane, quarrelled
with one of his companions
and while swearing the most
horrid oaths, God struck him instantaneously dead, with an
oath on his lips, upon the bench where he was sitting. The
jury who sat upon the body, after hearing all the circumstances of the case, brought in their verdict, that "
rs
was struck dead as a judg7nent from God.'' This narration
was given by the foreman of the jury.
Another remarkable judgment overtook a person living
in Brewer-street, Soho, who, cursing and swearing in a most
dreadful manner, was struck speechless, and died the same
afternoon.
WUl's
Register.
In the year 1806, Joseph Shepherd, an inhabitant of

Bledlow, in the county of Bucks, remarkable for his depravity, drunkenness, profane cursing and swearing, and
contempt of the Gospel, was offered a pint of ale upon conThis proposal was so
dition of his damning the Methodists.
agreeable to his own wicked inclinations and habits, that he
readily complied with it, and received the promised reward.
On WedBut a more dreadful recompense was at hand

nesday, October 1st, he was repeating, at a public-house,
!
damnation of those religious persons generally called Methodists, with horrid oaths, too shocking to
be expressed, when in about two hours afterwards it pleased
his wishes for the
God suddenly to strike him with a mortal disease, which at

commencement deprived him of the use of his hands and
its
feet, and progressed so rapidly as to put a period to his life

on the Monday following. During the course of his illness
he was greatly terrified with the expectation of approaching
"
THE SWEARERS IRAYER.
death and judgment, and expressed himself thus "I have

no hope. I shall meet with no forgiveness.
I have been a
great sinner all my life, but the last week was worse than
all my former days.
Oh if God would spai'e me a little
longer, I would not go on as I have done."
T. G., who lived in the parish of Sedgely, near Wolverhampton, having lost a considerable sum at cock-fighting, to
which practice he was notwiously addicted, swore, in a most
horrid manner, that he would never fight another cock, frequently calling upon God to damn his soul to all eternity if
he did ; and, with dreadful imprecations, wishing the devil
might fetch him, if ever he made another bet. His resolutions, thus impiously formed, were for a while observed
but about two years afterwards, Satan, whose willing servant he continued to be, inspired him with a violent desire
to attend a cock-fighting at Wolverhampton, and he complied
with the temptation.
He there stood up and cried, " I hold
" Four what ?" said one of
four to three on such a cock."
" Four shillings," replied he.
his companions in iniquity.
:
Upon which
hand
the
wager was confirmed, and he, putting his

money, instantly fell a ghastly
into his pocket for the
corpse on the ground.
Evang. Mag.
" Who hath hardened himself against God, and hath

prospered ?"
Job 9:4.
" Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in
vain ; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh
his name in vain."
Exod. 20 7.
*'
Because of swearing, the land mourneth." Jer. 23 10.
" Every one that sweareth shall be cut off." Zech. 5 3.
Dear reader, art thou a swearer ? Oh take this friendly
warning thy next oath may be thy last. If thy prayer is
heard, thy soul is damned for ever
:
]o.
01.
THE
MISERY OF THE LOST.

The
soul of
man
Even
unliappiness.
susceptible of an intense degree of
is
in this world,
mucli misery
expe-
is
rienced by many, though here there are alleviations, and,
But
commonly, some hope of deliverance.

come, hope
a stranger
is
the world to
in
and there are there no
alleviating
circumstances.
The misery
the
of
damned has by
theologians been
divided into that of loss and that of sense
duced by the
loss of
the one pro-
good possessed or once
attainable, the
other arising from the positive infliction of punishment.
But though
this distinction
has a foundation as
the cause of the sinner's misery, yet, as

ing
misery
its
is
relates to
feel-
distinction.
All
no reason for making any

its
it
regards the
nature and intensity, and
pain of sense, or sensible pain, whatever
So the question whether the
cause.
material
is
according to
felt
is
therefore
be
there
itself,
it
fire, is
of no importance
misery, at any moment,
it
fire
of hell
for if I feel a
may
is
pang of
matters nothing whether
it
is
produced by a material or immaterial, by a privative or

positive cause.
Under the general name

fering are included
sensation
is
painful.
emotion, but in
its
all,
of misery,
many
species of suf-
however, agreeing in
The
feeling of fear
is
this,
that the
a very painful
nature very different from remorse.
Ex-
THE MISERY OF THE
2
cessive
pain,
our present
in
LOST.
state,
through the nerves of sensation
may
be experienced
but even here these
s\if-
The head-
ferings differ, not only in degree, but in kind.
ache, toothache, and lumbago, are all severe pains, but they
are not the
from the
same
and these bodily pains
of pain seems to bear an exact proportion
to our susceptibility of pleasure.
and
when the
exceedingly
feelings of remorse, or despair.
Our capacity
ties
differ
affections
them are possessed, become the
objects suited to
when
causes of our misery,
the same faculty

ties of objects
Indeed, the same facul-
which are the sources of our happiness
we
By
depi'ived of those objects.
perceive the beauties and the deformi-
the same moral sense
is
the instrument of
the most exalted and soul-satisfying pleasure, and of the
most intolerable anguish of which the soul
is
capable.
Ev-
ery affection and appetite affords pleasure,
when duly
exer-
cised on
its
proper object
but deprived of
this,
becomes
a source of intense pain.
Though
the nature of future misery to
the same, yet the degree
man
may
Some
can estimate.
differ to
all lost
souls
is
an extent which no
divines have maintained that the
future happiness of the righteous will be equal, as eternal

life is
the free gift of
God
but none, I believe, have ever
held that the punishment of the lost will be equal.

Scriptures abundantly teach, that every
according to the deeds done in the body

different individuals are
demands that
tjieir
immensely
The
man will be judged

;
and as the
sins of
different in guilt, justice
punishment should be proportioned to
Our Saviour most explicitly

when he says, "That servant who
the demerit of the sinner.
teaches this doctrine,
knew
his master's will,
beaten with
many
and prepared not himself,
stripes
but be who knew
shall
be
not his mas-
THE MISERY OF THE LOST.
and yet committed things worthy of
ter's will,
stripes, shall
be beaten with few stripes."
The
by the
by some above
and
light
measured merely, or
guilt of sin is not
by the
external act, but
The
others.
light
difference
sins of ignorance,
is
principally,
and advantages enjoyed

between
sins against
a matter concerning which
common sense gives a judgment consonant with the rule

down by our Lord. It does not appear that the cities
laid
of Galilee,
where Christ spent most of
he wrought most of
ble for external acts of immorality
greater than those of
and consequently
cities
woe unto
their sins
punishment would be greater.
their
thee, Bethsaida
which have been done
and yet
and where
were remarkawere
proverbial for their wickedness,
words should never be forgotten:

razin
his time,
his beneficent miracles,
"Woe
for
if
His
vmto thee, Cho-
the mighty works
thee had been done in Tyre and
in
Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and
And
ashes.
thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven,
shalt be thrust
down
have been done
have remained unto

shall
to hell
day
this
be more tolerable for
than for
for
if
the mighty works which
had been done
in thee,
in
Sodom,
it
would
therefore I say unto thee,
Sodom
in
it
the day of judgment
this city."
These are words of awful import, and are as applicable

to neglecters of the Gospel
duct
is
it
will
will
be light
but, in view of the
be far more tolerable for the
heathen, than for them,
however decent
words
cited
vilest of the
they continue in their impenitence
if
and neglect of the great

lecters,
their external con-
decent and moral, persuade themselves that their
pimishment
above,
and impenitent sinners now, as
Many, because
to those devoted cities.
salvation.
Certainly, Gospel-neg-
in their external behavior, will sink
THE MISERY OF THE
LOST.
very deep into the abyss of misery.
Among
ever, there will be a great difference.
Some,
ned maUgnantly against
how-
these,
who
alas,
sin-
the lowest gulf
light, will sink to
in hell.
To
describe the extreme misery of lost souls
to
is
painful,
we should give way

our sympathies and compassionate feelings, we should
both to the writer and the reader.
If
not only exclude this awful subject from our discourses, but
from our creed.

it
Indeed,
it
must be acknowledged, that
occasions a conflict to reconcile our reason to the reality
of such intense and interminable sufferings as are described

in the
word
of
God
and plausible arguments, derived from
the goodness of God, might be constructed against the doctrine of so great future misery
but
all
such arguments
would operate equally against the existence

ery in this world,
which,
known
alas, are
of sin
and mis-
too well to be facts
which none can deny, and of which every individual
is
witness.
When God
speaks, reason and feeling should be silent.
He knows what
justice
demands, and what can be done
consistently with his attributes
and knows nothing.

should undertake to
Suppose a
sit in
and whether
man
capital
is
of yesterday,
child, five or six years old,
judgment on the
ment, and to decide whether

unjust,
but
its
acts of govern-
penal laws were just or
punishments ought to be
inflict-
ed on murderers, or whether a war was just and necessary,

who would expect a correct judgment from an infant ? But
such a child
is
better qvialified to decide on the most com-
plicated schemes of
human
policy, than
man to judge
of the
propriety of the divine administration.

-.
Impenitent
men
are apt to harden themselves against
the awful denunciations of divine wrath contained in the
who
the
and to cherish unkind feelings towai'ds the ministers
Bible,
bring out plainly and authoritatively the doctrine of
New
And
Testament, on this subject.
some preachers denounce the
nied, that
it
cannot be de-
terrors of the
They speak almost
to irritate than to convince.
took pleasure in these awful threatenings, and as
No
nothing to fear for themselves.
law
manner adapted rather
against transgressors, in a style and
as
if
if
they
they had
doubt many a zealous
preacher has passed sentence on himself, and has actually

suffered those torments which he denounced against others.
am, therefore, disposed to present
light
which cannot give
danger to which others are exposed,
my
own.
It
behooves
much
Lord," as
me
as others
this subject in a
Instead of representing the
offence.
I will
make the case

word of the
to " tremble at the
and as
am
a sinner, and there-
fore naturally subject to the penalty of the law,
my
to be misled by the deceitfulness of
and
liable
heart to cherish false
hopes, I will endeavor to realize to myself the feelings which

I shall experience,
if
my unhappy
should be
it
lot to die
out of the favor of God.
It
would seem that the first moment after death must
My first
be one of unparalleled misery.

"I
am
gone from
lost for ever
all
hope
my miserable soul.
round about
Despair
me no
fell
despair, has
I could contrive to turn
greeable subject
away
my
TI.
14
be,
of darkness
is
is
my Avretched soul.
upon me, and must

While
in
the world,
thoughts from the disa-
my misery,
ever present
I will.
VOL.
seized
all eternity.
but now,
is
The blackness
now
would
of happiness or relief
ray of light dawns on
blacken every prospect to
presses on me, and
reflection
like a
go where
heavy burden,
I will,
do what
THE MISERY OF THE
Q
" While
in the
LOST.
body, and engaged in secular pursuits, I
some mistake
entertained a secret hope that there might be
respecting the extreme misery of the damned, or that there
might possibly be some way of

now,
all
cape not revealed
these idle notions have fled like a dream
awakes.
be no fable, but an awful
I find hell to
but
reality.
from exaggerating the
I find that the preachers, so far
misery of the
when one
had no adequate conception of the

off from God for ever, and
lost,
wretchedness of a soul cast
doomed
rible
am
then undone
distresses, I could cry for
beyond the reach
and honors,
cursed folly
undone
mercy
but
The time
deliverance
my
my
benefit can I
lost
no
better for
me
my
Oh
and
for
relief,
soul.
drop of
beg
in vain.
mercy has gone by, and

I
my soul
must expect no
nor even the slightest mitigation of

is
me
It
never to have been born
had been
infinitely
" If I had not enjoyed the offers of the Gospel,
don and
reconciliation
often urged
ating.
upon me,
But
this
it is
had not been within
my
it
not been for
have been
in
which wrings
my own
heaven.
and belonged
to the
my
if
reach,
par-
and
anguish would not be so excruci-
my
heart with tmspeak-
able anguish, that I might have escaped
Had
Ac-
for one
for this I
and through eternity
Woe, woe, woe
misery.
former
they only serve as fuel
But
tongue.
for prayer
is lost, lost,
all
have passed
now derive from those
which consume me.
water to cool
In
now
have bartered away
earthly pleasures and possessions

to the flames
horrible, hor-
momentary enjoyments, and worthless
What
for ever
of raercj^
" For the sake of

riches
Oh
to dwell in everlasting burnings.
sin
Others
and
all
folly, I
who heard
this
misery.
might ere now
the same sermons,
same family, are noAv
in
Abraham's

bosom, while I
cease to be
am
am
" Here, I
myself, but their
my soul's
tormented
but to
anguisli.
And
my
reproached and cursed by
all
who
counsel or example into the ways of
me
with
pit,
who were my
my
foWj.
seducers,
now
They never had the
of mercy.
The merits
of a dying Saviour
them.
They seem
to entertain a malignant pleas-
offiered to
am
the fiends of the
combine to taunt
ure
that I could
impossible.
is
They dreadfully scowl upon me.
iniquity.
offiers
Oh
in this flame.
from existence
surrounded by wretches as miserable as

company rather aggravates than mitigates
were ever led by

"
fly
if
pleasure
it
can be called
Oh wretched man,
misery.
no possible escape from
in witnessing
Avhither can I flee
from the regions of the blessed

if
my
?
this prison of despair ?
one ever pass the gulf which separates
" Oh,
were never
None
this
extreme
Is there
Can no
dismal abode
none
there could be a suicide of the soul,
how happy
should I be to escape from existence, and to plunge into

the gulf of annihilation, which once seemed horrible to
apprehension, but
ion of all
flies
my
misery.
from me.
by doing
now
And
This would be an obliv-
But
do
in vain
violence to their
faith
I seek to die.
Death
here I see those deluded souls, who,
own
they were escaping from misery
which with
my
desirable.
lives,
but
vainly
dreamed that
alas,
from a burden
and patience might have been borne, they
have leaped into a
fiery furnace.
of the dreadful sin
and
They
folly of suicide
are
;
now convinced
but they cannot
repeat the act here.

"
May
guish of
my
hope that time

wretched soul
will lessen the horrors

?
Will
of the emotions of bitter anguish,
my
and an-
heart, so susceptible
by degrees become
less
sensible to these piercing pains, and be more able to bear
up under
overwlielming weight of misery
this
be .solved by experience
tion can only
who has been
let
me
ask some one
suffering for thousands of years,
" Here comes Cain, the

still
This ques-
by having upon him the
pose I speak to him.
murderer,
first
who
known
is
Sup-
stain of a brother's blood.
Tell
me, fellow-prisoner, who hast
long endured the pains of this infernal prison, whether by

long continuance these miseries become more
But why do
ask
the wretched fratricide
writhing in keenest anguish.
and too
stain
full
He
is
tolerable ?
is
evidently
too miserable to speak,
of malignity to gratify
any one.
His guilty
the blood-spothas not been burnt out by the

No
est fires of hell.
blasphemes the
God
see,
he
defies the
He
of heaven.
of his punishment now.
fierc-
He
Almighty.
asks for no mitigation
His malignant, fiery
spirit,
feeds
on despair, and challenges his Avenger to do his worst.

" Oh, then, I see there is a progression in wickedness,
even
This
in hell.
is
the most appalling prospect of
endless progression in
sin,
and consequently an
all
an
increase,
instead of a diminution of misery, through the endless ages
of eternity."
Another awful point
in the existence of the
be THE DAY OF JUDGMENT.
Great as
is
damned,
will
the misery of a lost
soul when separated from the body, this is probably small,

when compared with the exceeding weight of misery which
shall overtake
it
at the
day of judgment.
endeavor to imagine what will be

found on the
As
left
my feelings,
must then
if I
should be
hand on that dreadful day.
here a large portion of our pleasures and pains are
experienced through the body, I
know no reason why
should not be so in the future world.
it
Certainly, the dis-
THE MISERY OF THE
LOST.
embodied
spirit is
ures.
seems reasonable to conclude, therefore, that the
It
bodies of the
capable of none of these pains or pleas-
damned
be so constructed as to be
Avill
inlets
to excruciating pains, as the bodies of the saints will be
The person of
instruments of refined, celestial pleasures.
the
man
is
the
final
sentence of condemnation will not be denounced,
not complete without the body, and therefore
body
until the
the
self-same body
dead, and reunited to the soul

in transgression,
that,
may be
they
from the
raised
is
having been partners
associated in enduring the
condign punishment of the deeds done in the body.
The
state of the lost soul before the
compared
for his
me
Let
trial.
sound of the
trumpet
last
At an unexpected
trumpet, so
it
will
be heard
will
bled to dust, shall hear
it
it,
and
and
what
their bodies, long
crum-
now seated on
moment
The books
thousfht, word,
forth,
be clothed
There
Oh
But no
all
tence of condemnation and banishment.
crimes of
sins of omission as
for a hiding-place
must appear
my
airhis
Awful
his great white throne.
are opened.
Oh
forced to appear.
now coming with
and deed, are recorded
well as commission.
or caves
am
majesty in the Judge,
holy angels
!
come
I shall agaui
but 0, what sort of a body
millions of millions I
terrible
the
I shall certainly hear that
coerced by an irresistible power.
a body
it is
spirits
awful, deeply-peneti-ating sound, and I shall
Among
time the
and as
The departed
be the loudest.
confined in prison shall hear
with
may be
then imagine myself to have died
unreconciled and impenitent.
last
judgment,
to that of a criminal confined in prison, waiting
under the rocks
must hear
my
The misery
sen-
of an
age seems condensed into this moment. The tremendous sentence comes forth, " Depart, ye cursed, into everlasting fire,
vol..
II
It"'
10
prepared for the devil and his angels."

I
can write no more
The misery
fails
experience must teach the rest.
of the eternally lost cannot be adequately
much
conceived,
Imagination
less expressed.
It
cannot be exaggerated
we
consider
All the good things which they enjoyed in this
life the}--
by any description
and
this will
WHAT THEY KNOW THEY HAVE
be manifest,
if
LOST.
All their riches, honors, and sensual
must leave behind.
pleasvu-es are left at death
and
The
substitute in eternity.
for these there
Avill
vicious cravings of the
be no
immor-
soul will continue, but there will be no longer
tal
objects to gratify
them
want
for
omous creatures when wounded, they
any
some ven-
of which, like
will turn
and prey
upon themselves.
soul with
miserable
its
active
deprived of
if
powers and passions, must be
all
objects suited to
its gratifica-
We
know scarcely any misery on earth more intolerable than a human being perishing for lack of bread or
Hunger and thirst, if not seasonably gratified, are
water.
Now, the soul can
sources
of most excruciating pain.
the
how
its
desire
of
happiness
miserable,
then, must
never lose
it be when this insatiable desire meets with nothing to grattion.
ify
It is strongly represented
it.
of the rich
and
said,
"I
sinner will
all
man
be
am
its
by our Saviour
in hell, Avho cried for
tormented
own
in this flame."
chief tormentor.
in the case
one drop of water,
The
soul of the
It is possible, that
the torment experienced in hell will be the natural con-
sequence of
sin.
Malignant passions are in their very nature attended with

misery
for as benevolent aff'ections are beatific, so malev-
olent feelings are accompanied with misery.
Here, these
THE MISERY OF THE
LOST.
malignant passions are held under restraint
and while we
are in the body, there are instinctive natural affections which
counteract the malevolent feelings which exist in the de-
praved heart
but in eternity
all restraint will
and the native wickedness of the heart

there are no natural affections there
be removed,
will act itself out
be immixed
all will
Let any moral agent who
malice, envy, and wickedness.
is
depraved be abandoned to himself, and he must be
totally
His own passions will become his everlasting
miserable.
tormentors.
But
He
will carry a hell in his
of all feelings of miser^^ none
The
remorse.
own bosom.
is
so intolerable as
conscience, or moral faculty, as
it is
the prin-
cipal source of the most pure and sublime enjoyment to the
righteous, so
it
is,
to the lost, the scorpion
which
will for
The con-
ever sting the soul with inexpressible anguish.
sciousness of havini; done wronsc, of havinof sinned asxainst
God, and of being the cause of our own destruction,

kind of hell as dreadful as any of which
The
lost soul will for ever
pressed, that
all its
it is its
own
joys, has been lost
we can
is
conceive.
have the conviction, clearly imdestroyer
by
its
own
and that heaven with
and neglect.
sinful folly
Oh, what a misery to be endured without the least hope of

an end
This leads to the mention of the bitterest ingredient of
all in
if
the cup of misery
it is
black
despair
Oh,
some future
and remove
at least one
period,
it
would mitigate the
pain,
half the anguish of the suffering sinner.

of
despair.
there was the most distant hope of release at
no
alleviation.
Even the commonest pain
tooth or finger would
hope
But despair admits
now be
of an aching
intolerable, if there
was no
of a termination.
Men may
here dream of a deliverance from hell, after a
THE MISERY OF THE
12
LOST.
long time of suffering, but the delusion will vanisli as soon
They
as they enter eternity.
then find that the word
will
of God, which denounced eternal destruction on impenitent
was not a vain threat
sinners,
guilty,
that
God
will not spare the
but will punish them with everlasting destruction.
my
soul, consider
now how you
will
such misery as must be experienced by

especially
by those who enjoyed the
Canst thou
it
with patience
your condition, millions of ages hence.
all
still
still
you not make one vigorous

?
effort to
Will you not strive to

Life, eternal
hold on the
in the cross,
prize.
life, is
still
will
be
safe.
covered
flee
my
soul,
escape so great
from the wrath to
within your reach.
Press on to the kingdom.
and you
still
without a ray of hope.
a moment's ease during this long period.
Wilt
writhing in
Still
will
come
but
Only imagine
Not
misery
lost,
misery?
belching out horrid blasphemies
with the blackness of darkness
the
light of the Gospel.
fortify thyself against all this
thou be able to endure
anguish
be able to endure
Lay
Take refuge
52.
Io.
A DYING MOTHER'S COUNSEL

TO HER ONLY SON.
My
what
dear Child It is impossible for me to know Avith

you will read these lines ; but I assure you
feelings
they are the expression of a heart
of maternal affection
full
towards you, and of tender solicitude for your

everlasting welfare.
you an
it
Carefully preserve
at
hand.
to
is
your
sion.
The
soul.
have reason daily
farewell advice.
God
your
the time
to
it
may come
when you
will read
my departure is
my great change.
time of
to look for
the infirmities of age, and in immediate prospect of
the eternal world,
to
your
it
your view
will be precious in
it
with comfort
Under
best,
may now seem
paper
this
efiusion of unnecessary anxiety, yet do not treat
with neglect.
when
Though
able,
soul,
If
write
this,
which may be
O, how happy
by his blessed
and to render
am
Spirit, to
it
my
he should be pleased so
infinite riches
my
accompany
it
with good
an instrument of your converto do, if
my
eyes might
witness his salvation in you, what reason should
adore the
last,
in the reflection, that
of his grace
have
Methinks
to
could
my withered arms, and ciy out, with good old

Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace !"
But O, how awful Avould it be, if this, like all my former
clasp
you
in
Simeon, "
warnings and advice, should be disregarded by you, and

The event I must leave in the
serve to harden you in sin
hands of a holy and sovereign God. If you will not listen

to the last advice of your dying mother, but will turn a deaf
ear, and continue in sin till you die, God will be just in your
everlasting destruction.
But the
should wilfully persevere in
awful a doom,
is
sin,
idea,
my
child, that
and be preparing
painful in the extreme.
While
you
for so
bow
in
A DYING MOTHER'S COUNSEL
humble submission
which belong
to
of
to the justice
earnestly pray that you
tion, I
God
may now
in
your condemna-
attend to the things
your eternal peace, before they
shall be for
ever hidden from your eyes.
O, my dear child, how can you neglect the welfare of

your precious, immortal soul, when so much has been done
for your salvation
In Christ there is a fulness of salvation
!
who
He
come to him.
He has laid down his
for all
save.
will
such creatures as we are
and
his precious blood,
Saviour,
who now
and
able and willing to
is
make atonement
life
to
will
you trample under
reject his kind invitations
so kindly invites
you
This
accept of mercy,
to
With
will hereafter be clothed in the majesty of a judge.
what shame and confusion
your present conduct
will
you before his tribunal

I would address you
" What, my son
of King Lemuel's mother
!
the son of
Can
my womb!
ans\\er to prayer
my
brought up with so
whom
in the
only son,
much
fill
words
and what,
and what, the son of
bear the thought, that the son
for
foot
my
vows!"
who was given me
whom
in
have nursed and
care and tenderness
the son
have so many times prayed over and counselled

that this dear son should treat the Saviour with contempt,
and stand among his enemies
O, how is my heart pained
I
while
my
look forward to that dreadful day,
poor ruined son,
if
he turn not from his
bling before the judgment-seat of Christ
blackness
at
see
anguish and despair
when
sins,
1 shall
his face gathering
staring through his eyelids,
when
hearing the amazing sentence. Depart!
him bound
see
stand trem-
shall
in everlasting chains, cast into a lake of fire,
and the gates shut up by Him who shutteth and no man

O, who can dwell with devouring fire who can
How will your heart endwell with everlasting burnings
openeth
dure
how can your hands be
a doom,
my
strong
heart bleeds for you.
In view of so awful
This doom certainly
awaits you
if you do not repent.

These solemn considerations have
often been set before
TO HER ONLY SON.

you.
erto
But, alas
been
effect,
Spirit.
Even
not reason to fear they have hith-
And what
I now write will liave no good

God accompany it with the influence of his
lost ?
unless
have
if I
had been
and seen
into the eternal world,
the terrors of hell and the glories of heaven, and were
returned
to
speak of them
to
you, and could do
it
now
"with the
" If
it would not insure your salvation.
you hear not Moses and the prophets, neither would you be
tongue of an angel,
persuaded though one rose from the dead."

You know, by sad experience, how ineffectual the use
of means is, without the cooperation of the Spirit.
You have
had some experience how God operates upon the mind

a person feels when the word is made to produce conviction and terror.
O, that you had experience of the opealso
how
ration of the Spirit in regeneration

I wish to impress upon
you a sense of your dependence upon the grace of God.
Your soul is in his hand. He can awaken, and sanctify
you, and prepare you for heaven.
O, my child, take heed
that you do not grieve the Spirit who has been so long striving with you, and provoke him to depart from you.
Your
case then would be desperate.
All the means you might
enjoy would only harden you in sin, and increase your
For your soul's sake, do not grieve the
treasure of v.rath.
Holy Spirit. Consider repentance as your immediate duty.
Especially guard against those that
Forsake your sins.
!
most easily beset you.
need not describe these
con-
them out. Do, my child, be in earnest

and may God, who delights
of your soul
science will point

for the salvation
not in the death of a sinner, but rather that he turn and live,
have mercy upon you.

Let not your sins discourage you from seeking mercy.
In immediate repentance there
because you have neglected so
and
stifled so
many
is
hope.
Think not
many counsels and
convictions, there
is
that,
warnings,
no hope, and that
what comfort you can in sin, and not

These thoughts are
trouble yourself about another world.
you had
better take
A DYING MOTHER'S COUNSEL,
the suggestions of the deceiver.

yourself, "
will listen to
be earnest in seeking for
Lord
have mercy upon
yet in a land of hope.
ETC.
Say within
Reject them.
none of these suggestions. I will

mercy. Have mercy upon me, O
me
Many
Blessed be thy name,
am
prayers have been made for
me. Dear relations and friends have turned to the Lord,

and are crying to him on my behalf. He is a prayer-hearing God.
He is still merciful and gracious. Lord, help
me
so to ask, that
may
receive
so to seek, that
may
Fain would I imagine, my dear child, that I hear

you breathing out such language in retirement. May the
Father of mercies graciously regard you, and the Holy
find."
Spirit convince,
humble, and sanctify you

dear child, let me hope that you will no
!
And now, my
longer
trifle
with your soul and with eternity
this as the last
advice of a dying mother.
from your heart.
God.
Embrace
and
you have
all
Receive
O, tear every idol
Let nothing stand in competition with

Lord Jesus by faith. Give yourself
the
to
Make him your
him, and taste the joys of his salvation.
your strength.
Let the
Bible be your guide, and the faithful servants of
God your
companions.
light,
Never expose yourself to
Ten thousand
ing to yourself.
live to
your
trust,
him who
the reproach of
obligations require
liv-
you
to
Secure yourself against the
died for you.
woful reflection on a dying bed, that you have done nothing

for the
forth to
final
you,
cause of the Redeemer.
every duty and
judgment and
my
beloved,
trial,
Labor
trusting in
to
God
be useful.
;
eternity constantly in view.
my
Go
and keep the

I
commend
God
only son, to the mercy of that
whom both you and I must shortly appear. That he

may do for you above what I can ask or think, is the sincere
before
and earnest prayer of your
affectionate,
dying mother.
]Vo.
53.
THE
AFKICAN SERVANT.
AN AUTHENTIC NARRATIVE.
BY REV. LEGH RICHMOND.
During
a residence of
some years' continuance
in
the
neighborhood of the sea, an officer in the navy called upon
me
and stated that he had just taken a lodging in the parish

and children, and that he had an African whom
for his wife
he had kept three years in his service.
"
The
lad
is
a de-
"and he has a great desire

have promised him to ask you to do it for
serving fellow," said the officer,

to
be baptized
you have no objections."

" Does he know any thing," I
him,
if
of the Christian religion ?"

VOL. II.
1.5
replied,
"of the principles
THE AFRICAN SERVANT.
" O, yes, I am sure he does," answered the captain;

" for he talks a great deal about it in the kitchen, and often
gets laughed at for his pains
but he takes
it
very pa-
all
tiently."
" Does he behave well as your servant ?"

" Yes, that he does he is as honest and civil a fellow as
:
ever came aboard a ship, or lived in a house."

" Was he always so well-behaved?"
" No," said the officer; " when I first had him he was
unruly and deceitful
often very
but for the last two years
he has been quite like another creature."

" Well, sir, I shall be very glad to see him, and think
probable
shall
wish
and examination ;
judgment how far
It
go through a course of instruction

during which I shall be able to form a
it
to
will be right to admit
him
to the ordi-
nance of baptism. Can he read ?"

" Yes," replied his master
" he has been taking great
pains to learn to read for some time past, and can make
;
out a chapter in the Bible pretty well, as
vant informs me.
He
of his countrymen, but you will
When
will
be convenient that
it
my
maid-ser-
speaks English better than

find
I
it
little
many
broken.
should send him over to
you ?"
see
"To-morrow afternoon, sir, if you please."

" He shall come to you about four o'clock, and you shall
what you can make of him."
With this promise he took his leave. I felt glad of an
opportunity of instructing a native of that land whose wrongs
and injuries had often caused
At
the appointed hour
my
me
to sigh
and mourn.
African disciple arrived.
was a very young looking man, with a
sensible, lively,
He
and
pleasing turn of countenance.

I
forms
desired
me
him to sit down, and said, "Your master inyou wish to have some conversation with me
that
respecting Christian baptism ?"
"Yes,
"
Why
me very much wish

do you wish so ?"
sir,
to
be a Christian."

" Because
me know
that Christian go to
heaven when
he die."
How long have you had that wish?" I said.

" Ever since me hear one good minister preach in
"
ica,
Amer-
two years ago."

" Where were you born ?"
" In Africa.
Me was
very
little
boy when
me was made
slave by the white men."

" How was that ?"
"
Me
left father and mother one day at home to go to get

by the sea-shore and, as I was stooping down to
gather them up, some white sailors came out of a boat and
took me away.
Me never see father nor mother again."
" And what became of you then ?"
" Me was put into ship and brought to Jamaica, and sold
to a massa, who keep me in his house to serve him some
years ; when, about three years ago. Captain
my
massa that spoke to you, bought me to be his servant on
board his ship.
And he be good massa ; and me live with
him ever since."
" And what thoughts had you about your soul all that
time before you went to America?" I asked him.
shells
"
Me
no care
for
my
soul at all before then.
No man
teach me a word about my soul."

" Well, now tell me farther about what happened to you
in America.
How came you there ?"
My
massa take me there in a ship, and he stop there

and then me hear the good minister."
" And what did that minister say ?"
"He said me was a great sinner."
" What, did he speak to you in particular ?"
" Yes, me think so for there was a great many to hear
him, but he tell them all about me."
"
one month
"
"
"
**
What did he say

He say about all
What things ?"
My
sin,
my
?"
the things that
ignorance,
were
my know
in
my
nothing,
heart."
my
believe
The good
nothing.
minister
made me
me
see that
think
nothing good, nor do nothing good."

" And what else did he tell you ?"
"
He sometime
Christ
came
look
me
in the face,
to die for sinners,
Me
white sinners.
thought
and say, that Jesus
poor black Sinners as well as
this
was very good, very good
indeed, to do so for wicked sinner."

" And what made you think this
was
all
spoken
to
you
in particular?"
me
" Because
the place.
"
And what
me
sure no such wicked sinner as
The good
did
minister must
know me was
in all
thei'e."
you think about yourself while he
preached about Jesus Christ ?"
me was
" Sir,
very
much
afraid
when he
hell fire.
For me
said the
wicked
me was very
that make me cry.
And he talk much
about the love of Christ to sinners, and that make me ciy
more.
And me thought me must love Jesus Christ but me
not know how, and that make me cry again."
must be turned into
wicked sinner, and
felt
that
" Did you hear more sermons than one during that
month ?"
" Yes, sir
massa give me leave to go three times, and
all the times me wanted to love Jesus more, and do what Jebut my heart seem sometime hard like a stone."
sus said
" Have you ever heard any preaching since that time ?"
" Never, till me hear sermon at this church last Sunday,
and then me long to be baptized in Jehus' name."
" And what have been your thoughts all the time since
you first heard those sermons in America; did you tell any
body then what you felt ?"
" No
me speak to nobody but to God. The good min;
ister
say that God hear the cry of the poor
so
me
cry
to
God, and he hear me. And me often think about Jesus

Christ, and wish to be like him."
"
Can you
read ?"
A little."
" Who taught
"
you
to
read ?"
" God teach me to read."

" What do you mean by saying so ?"
" God give me desire to read, and that
Massa give me
easy.
letters
and so
me
make reading
Bible, and one sailor
show me the
learn to read by myself with God's good
help."
And what do you read in the Bible ?"

me read all about Jesus Christ, and how he loved
sinners
and wicked men killed him, and he died and came
again from the grave, and all this for poor negro.
And it
sometime make me cry, to think that Christ love so poor
"
" O,
negro."
" And what do the people say about your reading and
praying, and attention to the things of God ?"
"
me
Some wicked
great
that
fool,
make me
people, that do not love Jesus Christ, call
and negro dog, and black hypocrite. And

sometime feel angry ; but then me remember
Christian must not be angry.
Jesus Christ was called ugly,
black names, and he was quiet as a lamb
and so then
me
remember Jesus Christ, and me say nothing again to them."

I was much delighted with the simplicity and apparent
sincerity of this poor African
and wished to ascertain what
;
measure of
and feeling he possessed on a few leading

St. Paul's summary of religion* occurring to me,
" Tell me what is faith ?
What is your own faith ?
do you believe about Jesus Christ, and your own
points.
I said,
What
light
soul ?"
Me
"
world
believe," said he, " that Jesus Christ
save sinners
to
and though
Jesus will save me, though

" What is your hope ?
to this life
"
keep
*
Me
me
and that which
came
into the
be chief of sinners,
me be only poor black negro."

What do you hope for, both as
is to
come ?"
hope Christ Jesus will take good care of me, and
me
from sin and harm, while
Now
abideth faith,
greatest of these
VOL.
me
II.
is
hope,
charity.
charity,
Cor.
1-3
15*
live here
these tliree
13.
and
me
but
tlio
when me come to die, to go and live with him always,

and never die again."
" What are your thoughts about Christian love or charity ?
I mean, whom and what do you most love ?"
hope,
"
Me
God
love
Me
the Father, because he
Me
send his Son.
was
so good to
love Jesus Christ, because he die for poor
men, black men and white men too

Me love good Christian people,
because Jesus love them, and they love Jesus."
sinner.
for
love
my
Such was
I
all
God made them
all.
first
conversation with this
rejoiced in the prospect of receiving
agreeably
to his desire.
somewhat
further,
him
young
disciple
into the
church,
wished, however, to converse
and inquire more minutely into his conand see him in a few days,
duct, and promised to ride over

at his master's lodgings.
When he was gone, I thought within myself, God hath

indeed redeemed souls, by the blood of his Son, " out of
every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation."
It is
happy thought, that " Ethiopia shall soon stretch forth her
hands unto God. Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth ;
O sing praises unto the Lord !"
Not many days after the first interview with my African

I went from home on horseback with the design of
visiting and conversing with him again at his master's house,
which was situated in a part of the parish near four miles
distant from my own.
The road which I took lay over a
lofty down or hill, which commands a prospect of scenery
disciple,
seldom equalled
for
beauty and magnificence.
It
gave
birth
to silent, but instructive contemplation.
As
pursued the meditations which this magnificent and

my mind, I approached the edge
varied scenery excited in
of a tremendous perpendicular
terminates
bush.
cliff,
dismounted from
The breaking
at so great a
cliff
my
with which the

horse and tied
down
it
to a
of the waves against the foot of the
distance beneath me, produced an in-
cessant and pleasing
murmur.
The
sea-gulls
were flying
between the top of the cliff where I stood and the rocks
below, attending upon their nests built in the holes of the
cliff.
The whole scene, in every direction, was grand and
impressive
was
it
suitable to devotion.
The
Creator ap-
peared in the works of his creation, and called upon the
To
creature to honor and adore.

is
He
doubly delightful.
the believer this exercise
possesses a right to the enjoyments
of nature and providence, as well as to the privileges of

grace.
His title-deed runs thus " All things are yours,
:
whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or things

present, or things to come all are yours, and ye are Christ's,
and Christ is God's."
;
my
cast
eye downwards a
little to
the
left,
towards a
small cove, the shore of which consists of fine hard sand.
surrounded by fragments of rock, chalk cliffs, and steep

banks of broken earth. Shut out from human intercourse
and dwellings, it seems formed fijr retirement and contemIt is
On
plation.
man
sitting
one of these rocks
unexpectedly observed a
The
with a book, which he was reading.
place
was near two hundred yards perpendicularly below me

but
soon discovered by his dress, and by the black color of
his features, contrasted with the white rocks beside him, that
it
was no other than
not,
my
African disciple, with, as
a Bible in his hand.
doubted
rejoiced at this unlooked-for
opportunity of meeting him in so solitary and interesting a

situation.
descended a steep bank, winding by a kind of
rude staircase, formed by fishermen and shepherd's boys,

in the side of the cliff
He was
I
intent
down
approached very near

" William,
"
Ah
ping.
till
me very glad to see you. How came massa

Me thought nobody here but only God and me."
was coming
rode round by this
come here
me
him.
that you ?"
to
massa,
into this place?
"
is
to the shore.
on his book, and did not perceive
your master's house

for the
to see you,
sake of the prospect.
weather to look
your Bible ?"
in fine
Is that
to
way
at the sea
and
often
and the ship-
8
" Yes,
is
my
sir, this is
"I am glad,"
said
dear, good Bible."
I,
"to see you so well employed;
a good sign, William."

" Yes, massa, a sign that
never good
to
God
is
good
to
me
but
it
me
God."
How so ?"
Me never thank him enough me never pray to him
enough me never remember enough who give me all these
good things.
Massa, me afraid my heart very bad. Me
wish me was like you."
" Like me, William ?
Why, you are like me, a poor
"
"
helpless sinner, that must, like yourself, perish in his sins,
God
unless
of his infinite
mercy and grace pluck him
as a
brand from the burning, and make him an instance of
dis-
no difference we
have both come short of the gloiy of God all have sinned."
" No, me no like you, massa
me think nobody like me,
nobody feel such a heart as me."
" Yes, William, your feelings, I am persuaded, are like
those of every truly convinced soul who sees the exceeding
sinfulness of sin, and the greatness of the price which Christ
You can say, in the
Jesus paid for the sinner's ransom.
.tinguishing love and
There
favor.
is
words of the hymn,

'
the chief of sinners am,
But Jesus died

"
What
yes,
sir,
me
for me.'
believe that Jesus died for poor negro.
become of poor wicked negro, if Christ no die

But he die for the chief of sinners, and that make
wôuld
for
him ?
my
heart sometime quite glad."

" What part of the Bible were
"
Me
read
how
the
Christ spoke to him.
man on
Now,
you reading, William?"
the cross spoke to Christ, and
that
man's prayer just do
for
me.
Lord, remember me ;' Lord, remember poor negro sinner

this is my prayer every morning, and sometime at night
'
too
same
when me cannot think of many words then me say

again, Lord, remember poor negro sinner."
the

"
He
And
be assured, William, the Lord hears that prayer.
pardoned and accepted the thief upon the cross, and he
you
will not reject
come
" No,
heart,
these
believe
sir, I
make me
limpets,* how
it
so sin stick fast to
"
may
It
he will in no wise cast out any that
him."
to
be
do you cleave
so,
to
righteousness,
as
it
but there
they stick
fast
my
is
be glad
my
sin in
to
William
but take another comparison
Jesus Christ by faith in his death and

limpets
those
" Tell me, William,

of,
much
Massa, do you see

Just
the rocks here ?
heart."
cleave to the rock,
neither seas nor storms shall separate

" That is just what me want."
speak
so
and sorry.
afraid,
a burden to you
you from
very sin which you

it
you would
and to be freed from it,
is
not that
You
do not love
to obtain strength against
it,
and
his love."
would you not ?"

"
yes
me
give
all
world, if
this
without sin."
" Come, then, and welcome,
to
me had
Jesus Christ,
my
it,
to
be
brother
He
gave himself as a
ransom fur sinners. He hath borne our griefs, and carrird
our sorrows.
He was wounded fijr our transgressions, he
was bruised for our iniquities the chastisement of our
and with his stripes we are healed.
peace was upon him
The Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Come,
freely come to Jesus, tlie Saviour of sinners."
" Yes, massa," said the poor fellow weeping, " me will
come, but me come very slow very slow, massa me want
Jesus is very good to poor negi'o,
to run, me want to fly.
to send you to tell him all this."
" But this is not the first time you have heard these
blood cleanseth from
his
sin.
all
truths."
" No,
*
sir,
kind of
they have been comfort

sliell-fish
were, and which
sticlis to
which abounds
to
my
soul
in the place
the roclcs with great force.
many
where we
THE AFUICAN SERVANT.
10
times since
me
hear good minister preach in America, as
me
you
last
week
" Well,
now
tell
your house."
at
God has been so

your mind
hope, William, that since
graciously pleased
open your eyes, and
to
affect
with such a great sense of his goodness, in giving his Son to

die for
your sake,
commandments
hope that you do endeavor
hope you strive
to
behave well
to
master and mistress, and fellow-servants.
He
keep his
to your
that
Christian inwardly, will be a Christian outwardly
is
he that
show his faith by

William ?"
"Yes, sir, me want to do so. Me want to be faithful.
Me sorry to think how bad servant me was before the good
things of Jesus Christ come to my heart.
Me wish to do
well to my massa, when he see me, and when he not see me,
Me know that if me sin
for me know God always see me.
against mine own massa, me sin against God, and God be
very angry with me.
Besides, how can me love Christ, if
me do not do what Christ tell me ? Me love my fellowservants, though, as me tell you before, they do not much
truly and savingly believes in Clirist, will
his works, as the apostle says.
love me, and
pray God
say bad things, and try

if
Is
to bless
to
it
not so,
And when they

me think,
them.
make me
angry, then
Jesus Christ were in poor negro's place, he would not
and answer again with bad words and temper, but he

and pray much. And so then me say nothing at
all, but pray God to forgive them."
The more I conversed with tliis African convert, the
more satisfactory were the evidences of his mind being
spiritually enlightened, and his heart effectually wrought
upon by the grace of God.
The circumstances of the place in which we met torevile
say
little,
gether, contributed
much
conversation produced on
was
to the interesting effect
my
beautiful in the extreme.
The sun shone,

One of
cliffs.
was white
as
we were
but
these
snow
mind.
The
The
air
little
which the
cove or bay
was calm and serene.

its rays by the
sheltered from
was stupendously lofty and large. It

its summit hung directly over our
The
heads.
sea-fowl were flying around
it.
Its
whiteness
was occasionally checkered with dark green masses of

samphire, which grew there.
On the other side, and behind
us, was a more gradual declivity of many-colored earths,
interspersed with green patches of grass and bushes, and
little
streams of water trickling down the bank, and min-
At our feet the waves

were advancing over shelves of rocks covei'ed with a great
variety of sea-weeds, which swam in little fragments, and
displayed much beauty and elegance of form, as they were
successively thrown upon the sand.
gling with the sea at the bottom.
war and commerce were seen

Fishermen were plying their trade
Ships of
tances.
The
at different dis-
in boats
nearer
combined with
the voices of the sea-gulls over our heads, and now and then
a distant gun fired from the ships as they passed along, addto the shore.
ed
much
noise of the flowing tide,
to the peculiar sensations to
which the scene gave
Occasionally the striking of oars upon the waves,

accompanied by the boatman's song, met the ear.
The
birth.
sheep
upon the down sometimes mingled their bleatThus all nature seemed to
impressing an attentive observer's heai't with af-
aloft
ings with the other sounds.

unite in
fecting thoughts,
I
continued for a considerable time in conversation with
the African, finding that his master
the day, and had given
him
was gone from home

for some hours.
liberty
for
I
him on the nature, duty, and privilege of Christian

pointed out to him the principles of the Scriptures
baptism
upon tliat head, and found that he was very desirous of con-
spoke
to
forming
to
them.
He
appeared
to
me
to
be well qualified
Redeemer's love ; and I

rejoiced in the prospect of beholding him no longer a "stranger and foreigner, but a fellow-citizen with the saints and
household of God."
for receiving that pledge of his
I was much pleased with the affectionate manner in

which he spoke of his parents, from whom lie had been
and his wishes tliat God might
stolen in his childhood
;
THE AFEICAN SERVANT.
them by some means
(firect
to the
knowledge of the Sav-
iour.
"
Who
knows,"
ships
may
be
country where they
live,
to
said, " but
carrying a missionary
to the
some of these
declare the good news of salvation to your countrymen, and

to
your own dear parents
particular, if they are
in
yet
alive."
"
O my
dear father and mother
my
dear, gracious
Saviour," exclaimed he, leaping from the ground as he

spake, "
if
thou wilt but save their souls, and
thou hast done for sinners
He
"
stopped, and
My
tell
them what
but"
seemed much
"
affected.
now pray with you

and those of your parents also."
" Do, massa, that is very good and kind ; do pray
poor negro souls here and everywhere."
your own
friend," said
I,
will
for
soul,
for
This was a new and solemn "house of prayer." The

floor, the heavens were our roof, the cliffs,
the rocks, the hills, and the waves, formed the walls of our
chamber. It was not indeed a " place where prayer was
sea-sand was our
it became a hallowed
by me ever be remembered as such. The
The African wept.
presence of God was there.
I prayed.
His heart was full. I felt with him, and could not but weep
wont
spot
be made," but for this once
to
will
it
likewise.
The
last
day
will
show whether our
tears
were not the
tears of sincerity and Christian love.

It
was time
we ascended
which
had
for
my
the steep
left
at
return
clifi'
in
leaned upon his arm, as
my way
the top of the
back to my horse,
Humility and
hill.
thankfulness were marked in his countenance.
arm with the

relationship I was happy
upon
his
feelings of a
brother.
leaned
It
was a
own. I took him by the hand

at parting, appointed one more interview previous to the day
of baptizing him, and bade him farewell for the present.
" God bless you, my dear massa."
" And you, my fellow-christian, for ever and ever."
to
^3
The interesting and affecting conversation which I had

with the African servant, produced a sensation not easy to
As I returned home I was led into meditaon the singular clearness and heauty of those evicjences
be expressed.
tion
of faith and conversion
How
heard.
is
freely
it
is
plainly,
to
God
What
God which
thought,
by grace, through
faith
it
had just seen and
appears, that salvation
and that not of ourselves
any man should

the Author and
of grace, could have wrought such a
the gift of
boast.
not of works,
but the Holy Spirit,
lest
who
is
Giver of the life

change from the once dark, perverse, and ignorant heathen,
to this now convinced, enlightened, humble, and believing
How manifestly is the uncontrolled sovereignty

1
of the divine will exercised in the calling and translating of
Christian
sinners from darkness to light
What
a lesson
may
the
nominal Christian of a civilized country sometimes learn

from the simple, sincere religion of a converted heathen
!
made
afterwards
particular inquiry into this
young
man's domestic and general deportment. Every thing I

heard was satisfactory ; nor could I entertain a doubt respecting the consistency of his conduct and character. I had
some further conversation with him, in the course of which
I pursued such a plan of scriptural histruction and examination as
conceived to be the most suitable
state of
mind.
He
impi'oved
much
to his
progressive
in reading, carried his
Bible constantly in his pocket, and took every opportunity

to his master's service would allow for pehave frequently had occasion to observe, that
among the truly religious poor who have not had the advantage of learning to read in early youth, a concern about
the soul, and desire to know the Word of God, have proved
which
his
rusing
it.
duty
I
effectual motives for their learning to read with great ease
and advantage
to
themselves and others.
It
was
strikingly
so in the present case.

I had, for a considerable time, been accustomed to meet
some serious persons once a week, in a cottage at no great
distance from the house where he lived, for the purpose of
vor,.
IT.
16
conversation,
religious
instruction,
Having
and prayer.
found these occasions remarkably useful and interesting
to
myself and
to
others,
thought
would be very desirable
it
take the African there, in order that there might be
many
witnesses to the simplicity and sincerity of real Christianity,

as exhibited in the character of this promising
young con-
might prove an eminent means of grace to

excite and quicken the spirit of prayer and praise among some
vert.
hoped
it
over whose spiritual progress

I
was anxiously watching.
accordingly obtained his master's leave that he should
attend
me
one of
to
my
His master,
cottage assemblies.
although he did not himself appear to live under the
in-
fluence of real religion, or to manifest any serious concern
respecting his
own
state,
yet
my
was pleased with
attention
and always spoke well of his behavior.

I set out on the day appointed for the interview.
The
cottage at which we usually assembled was near four miles
distant from my own residence, and was situated at the
corner of an oak wood which screened it both from the
burning heat of summer suns, and the heavy blasts of winAs I approached it, I saw my friend
ter south-west storms.
the African sitting under a tree and awaiting my arrival.
He held in his hand a little Tract which I had given him
to his servant,
on the ground.
his Bible lay
He
rose with
much
cheerful-
ness, saying,
"
Ah
me
massa,
very glad
to see
long time coming."

" William, I hope you are well.
with
me
to a
few of
friends of the Lord.
my
friends,
We
who,
" Massa,
people.
" If
Me
and
me
am sure you
not good
great sinner.
am
I
me
think you
going to take you
hope, are also the
meet every Wednesday evening
for conversation about the things that
lasting peace,
you
belong
will be a
enough
to
to
our ever-
welcome
visitor."
be with such good
They be good
Cliristians."
you were to ask them, William, they would each

Many of them
tell you they were worse than any body.
were once, and that not very long ago, living in an openly
J5
manner, ignorant of God, and tlie enemies of Jesus

But divine grace stopped them
in tiieir wicked course, and subdued their hearts to the love
and obedience of him-and his Gospel. You will only meet
a company of poor fellow-sinners, who love to speak and
sinful
Christ by thouglit and deed.
sing the praises of redeeming love
song
in
"
which you
By
and
sir,
time
am
sure that
is
them."
poor William."
that song just do for
yes,
this
will be willing to join
we had
arrived
at
the cottage
garden
Several well-known faces appeared in and near the
gate.
house, and the smile of affection welcomed us as
was known
we
enter-
was to visit the little

society this evening, and satisfaction beamed in every countenance, as I took him by the hand and introduced him
among them, saying, " I have brought a brother from Africa
Bid him welcome in the name of
to see you, my friends.
ed.
It
that the African
the Lord."
" Sir," said a humble and pious laborer, whose heart and
tongue always overflowed with Christian kindness, " we are
at all times
glad to see our dear minister, but especially so
company as you have brought Avith you.

have heard how gracious the Lord has been to him.
Give me your hand, good friend, (turning to the African,)
to-day, in such
We
God be with you here and everywhere and blessed be his

name for calling wicked sinners, as I hope he has done
you and me, to love and serve him for his mercy's sake."
Each one greeted him as he came into the house, and
;
holy
some addressed him
very kind and impressive language.
in
" Massa," said he, "
good friends
me
me
not
know what to say
think this look like
little
to all these
heaven upon
earth."
He
then, with tears in his eyes, which, almost before he
spoke, brought responsive drops into those of
all
present,
said,
" Good friends and brethren in Christ Jesus,
you
It
God
bless
and bring you to heaven at last."

was my stated custom when I met to converse with
all,
IQ
those friends, to begin with prayer and reading a portion of

the Scriptures.
When
this
providence of
my
was ended,
told the people present that the
God had brought
this
young man
for a time
and tjiat finding him very seriously

disposed, and believing him to be sincere in his religious
profession, I had resolved on baptizing him agreeably to his
own wishes. I added that I had now brought him with me
under
ministry
to join in Christian conversation
with us
for,
as in old times,
" they that feared the Lord spake often one to another," as
a testimony that they thought upon his name, so
were
fulfilling
hoped
we
a Christian and brotherly duty in thus assem-
bling for mutual edification.
Addressing myself
me who made you
to the
African,
said, "
William,
tell
?_"
" God, the good Father."

" Who redeemed you ?"
" Jesus, his dear Son, who died for

" Who sanctified you ?"
"
The Holy
Ghost,
who
teach
me
me
to
V
know
Father, and his dear Son, Jesus."

" What was your state by nature ?"
" Me wicked sinnei', me know nothing but
the good
sin,
me
do
nothing but sin ; my soul more black than my body."

" Has any change taken place in you since then ?"
"Me
hope so, massa, but me sometime afraid no."

" If you are changed, who changed you ?"
" God, the good Father ; Jesus, his dear Son ; and
the
Holy
"
God
Spirit."
How
was any change brought about
in
you ?"
God make me slave when me was young little boy."

" How, William would you say God made you a slave ?"
" No, massa, no
me mean God let me be made slave
by white men to do me good."
"
"
How
"
He
to
take
do you good ?"

me from the land of darkness and bring
the land of light."
me
to

"
Which do you
call the land of light
17
;
the
West
India
Islands?"
" No, massa, they be the land of Providence, but America
be the land of light to me ; for there me first hear good minister
And now
preach.
land of more light
where I am now is the

you teach me more and more
this place
for here
how good Jesus is to sinners."

" What does the blood of Christ do ?"
" It cleanse from all sin. And as me hope, from my sin."
"Are, then, all men cleansed from sin by his blood
O no, massa."
" Who are cleansed
"
and saved ?"

" Those that have faith in him."
" Can you prove that out of the Bible ?"
He that believeth on the Son hath everand he that believeth not the Son, shall not see
life, but the wrath of God abideth on him.'
John 3 36."
" What is it to have faith ?"
" Yes, sir
lasting
life
'
"
Me
to love
to
suppose that
him much,
sinful, to
all that for
"
to think
much
about Jesus Christ
he says
to be true, to pray
and when me feel very weak and very
think that he is very strong, and very good, and
him very much
"
it is
to believe all
my
sake."
And have you such faith as you describe ?"

O, massa, me think sometimes me have no
faith at
all."
"
Why
"
When me
William ?"
want to think about Jesus Christ, my mind
run about after other things ; when me want to love him, my
heart seem quite cold ; when me want to believe all to be
true what he says to sinners, me then think it is not true
for me ; when me want to pray, the devil put bad, very bad
thoughts into me, and me never thank Christ enough.
Now
all this make me sometimes afraid I have no faith."
I observed a very earnest glow of attention and fellowfeeling in some countenances present, as he spoke these
words.
VOL. u.
so,
then said,
16*
THE AFRICAN SERV^VNT.
ig
"
think, William, I
can prove that you have
withstanding your fears to the contrary.
more
faith, not-
Answer me
a few
questions.
" Did
you begin to think yourself a great sinner, and to

want of a Saviour of your own self, and by your
own thought and doing ?"
feel the
" O, no ; it came to me when me think nothing about

and seek nothing about it."
" Who sent the good minister in America to awaken
your soul by his preaching ?"
it,
" God, very certainly."

" Who then began the work of serious thought and feeling in your mind ?"
" The good God ; me could not do it of myself, me sure
of that."
" Do you not think that Jesus Christ and his salvation
the one thing most needful and most desirable ?"
is
" O, yes, me quite sure of that."

" Do you not believe that he is able to save you ?"
" Yes, he is able to save to the uttermost."
"
Do you
"
Me
think he
is
unwilling
He
dare not say that.
to
save you ?"
so good, so merciful, so
kind, to say he will in no Avise cast out
any
that
come
to
him."
" Do you wish, and
mandments ?"
desire,
" Yes, massa, because
want
to
Are you willing

you to do so ?"
"
think
Me
it
strive to
keep his com-
love him, and that
make me
do as he say."
"
call
me
and
do think
too
me
much
wicked sinner think
to suffer for his sake, if
could die for the love of him
to die
it
God should
for
much
to
he not
wicked sinner ; why should

die for so good and righteous
a Saviour
" I think and hope
may
say
made thee whole."

Thus ended my examination
to
you, William, thy faith
hath
for the present.
The
other

friends
who were
in the
house listened with the most
One
tionate anxiety to all that passed.
affec-
of them observed,
not without evident emotion,
"
though some
see, sir, that
are black, true Christianity
men
all
is
heart has gone with this good
are white, and some
My own
of one color.
man every word
he has
spoken."
"
And
sa has mine," gently reechoed from every part
of the room.
After some time passed in more general conversation on
I said, " Let us now
the subject of the African's history,
praise 'ôd for the rich and unspeakable gift of his grace,
and sing the
hymn
'
of 'redeeming love:'
Now
begin the heavenly theme.

Sing aloud in Jesus' name,' etc."
which was accordingly done.

of the natural voices,
it
was
Whatever might be the merit

was melody in all
plain there
their hearts.
The African was
not
much
used
to
our
way
of singing,
yet joined with great earnestness and affection, which showed
how truly he
was ended
felt
what was
When
uttered.
the
fifth
verse
" Nothing brought
him from above,

Nothing but redeeming love "
he repeated the words, almost unconscious where he was.

" No, nothing, nothing but redeeming love bring him
down to poor William nothing but redeeming love."

The following verses were added, and sung by way
;
conclusion
See, a stranger comes to view
Though
Come
he's black,* he's
comely too
to join the choirs above,
Singing of redeeming love.

*
Song of Solomon,
."5.
of
THE AFIUCAN SERVANT.
20
Welcome, Negro, welcome
here,
Banish doubt, and banish fear

You, who Christ's salvation prove,
Praise and bless redeeming love.
concluded with some remarks on the nature of salvaby grace, and exhorted all present to press forward in
It was an evening, the circumstances
the heavenly race.
of which, had they never been recorded on egfrth, were yet
doubtless registered in the book of remembrance above.
I then fixed the day for the baptism of the African, and
I
tion
so took leave of
my
little
The moon shone
affectionate circle.
bright as
returned home, and was
beautifully reflected from the waters of the lake
ing in
now
harmony
had just been unitthe praises of the God of grace and providence ; and
and repose characterized the scene.
God of nature demanded
the
a fresh tribute of thanks-
giving for the beauties and comforts of creation, as David

sang, " When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers
is
the
man,
thou
visitest
In a
after,
moon and the
stars,
which thou hast ordained ; what

him ? or the son of man, that
that thou art mindful of
him ?"
kw
days the African was baptized
and not long
he went a voyage with his master.
I have not been able to hear any tidings

whether he yet wanders as a pilgrim in this lower
world, or whether he has joined the heavenly choir in the
song of redeeming love in glory, I know not.
Of this I am
persuaded, he was a monument to the Lord's praise.
He
bore the impression of the Saviour's image on his heart, and
Since that time
of him
exhibited the
marks of converting grace
versation, with singular simplicity
O, give
to
God
the glory.
in his life and conand unfeigned sincerity.
No. 54.
CONVICTION
AT
THE JUJ)(}MENT-DAY.
The Judgment-day will exhibit scenes of such interest
as will arrest the sinner's attention, and fix it upon his own
character.
principal difficulty in convicting sinners in
this world, arises from their being so engrossetl with other
subjects as to prevent a serious contemplation of themselves.

But at the bar of God, that wealth which was once looked
u])on as the treasure of the soul, will have lost its value.
Those fashions which once occupied the mind with their
ever-changing vanities, will be all forgotten, or only remembered as having been the occasion of ceaseless levity and
The
distinctions of rank will have given place to the

between the righteous anrl the wicked and the
soul will be emptied of all those worldly interests which have
diverted the mind from the consideration of its real character
and condition.
If a man be on trial for a single crime of which he is
guilty, he turns pale at the sight of a well-known witness.
The absence of his diversions, the solemn process and the
open testimony call his attention to his character and conduct with a power which cannot be resisted.
But how
nmch more must the sinner's attention be fixed upon himself, when he stands arraigned before the infinitely holy and
folly.
distinction
omniscient God
It is not in the nature of the human mind,
thus arraigned, to avoid an impartial attention to its own
cliaracter.
When a soul is separated from all earthly
attachments
when scenes of such solemn and amazing interest are rising before it ; when its own most secret acts
are all unfolded ; and when its destiny is about to be settled
for ever ; how certainly will every wayward passion be
hushed, and the whole soul be fixed with keenest intensity
!
upon
its
To
guilt
increase this conviction of guilt, the perfect law of

God will there be held'up to the sinner's mind. One difficulty in convicting sinners here, arises from the fact that
they set aside God's law and adopt other rules of conduct.
CONVICTION AT THE JUDGMENT-DAY.
Take one who will have no law but that of honor, and undertake to convince him of sin against God.
How can you
convict him 1
He admits no divine law. His only law is
that of honor.
Open the Scriptures and show him that he
habitually breaks God's law ; still he feels no guilt.
That
is not his rule of action.
Become earnest with him ; charge
him with sin, and urge him to fly to the Lord Jesus Christ
for pardon ; he is offended
he fancies you I'epresent him
as mean and vulgar.
In short, take what course you will,
and just so far as his law of honor sets aside God's law, true
conviction is prevented.
So, if one makes the common standai'd of morality his
only rule of conduct, you cannot convict him.
Talk to him
of guilt ; he is astonished he is, perhaps, angry.
He asks.
What have I done that is wrong ; who can accuse me of any
impropriety ?
And, according to his standard, he is, perhaps, guiltless.
That law \\ liich reaches to all the thoughts
and intents of the heart is cast out of his mind, and the guilty
rebel is pleased to see how well his conduct accords with
the rule he has adopted
that of mere morality.
But a far different standard will be produced on another
day.
When the great God is enthroned, and worlds are
assembled, these standards, mere morality and worldly
honor, will appear very small.
The great question then
will be, Has he " holiness, without which no man shall see
the Lord ?"
To decide this question, the infinitely holy law
will be produced ; that law which says, " Thou shalt love
the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with
all thy mind, with all thy strength, and thy neighbor as
thyself."
This will wake up thought in the sinner's bosom.
He will at once compare with it his life his heart. His
full conviction will then be. By this holy law I am condemned
for
ever.
Another source of conviction

the manifest preparation for
day of judgment will

immediate execution of
justice.
When a judicial process is going on, if the criminal supposes he may possibl}^ escape punishment, or that a
temporary respite at least will be granted, he finds a slight
relief.
The least hope of impunity enfeebles the convictions
of a guilty mind, and the delay of punishment exerts, in some
degree, a similar influence.
But suppose his trial is to take
place this hour, and his execution the next.
Suppose that,
be,
in the
the
CONVICTION AT THE JUDGMENT-DAY.
while the criminal faces the court, and tlie testimony is condemning him, he sees the fatal block, and the grim executioner with his axe, waiting to do his office
do you not see
that this prospect of immediate execution must tend to fix
his mind upon his guilt, and give him a lively sense of its
;
turpitude
Precisely like this is the condition of the sinner before

the bar of God.
Mercy has been spurned. All hope of
pardon is extinguished.
No respite is expected. The sinner expects nothing but the immediate execution of justice.
As he comes near the gate of the New Jerusalem, and sees
its glories, and hears its songs, he looks down also on the
world of woe.
Its billows of fire rise before him ; its wailings and its blasphemies fall upon his ear. How can he avoid
Nothing can sustain him. He has
the conviction of sin ?
no hope of impunity.
He there sees that his "judgment
lingereth not, and his damnation slumbereth not."
'
Conviction of sin, dear reader, in the day of judgment,
will be clear ; but weigh well the momentous truth, that
mere conviction of sin is not conversion. If it were, every
Judas and
sinner would be converted in the judgment-day.
Simon Magus were convicted of sin ; and instead of being
converted, their conviction was, like the convictions of the
judgment, succeeded by the desperation of hell. It had in
it no filial grief for having offended God ; no living faith
in Christ ; no communion with God ; no spirit of implicit
obedience.
Nor does the most pungent conviction of sin necessarily
It is no merit in tlie murderer to feel
lead to conversion.
remorse ; and if the transgressor of God's law has not been
reconciled to him through Christ, however deep his conviction, he is still as really a rebel against his Maker as is the
convicted sinner at the judgment, or in hell.
Look, then, convicted sinner, to your real condition. All
your tears are unavailing all your distress arises from sin
which you will not forsake all your trouble of mind arises
from your unwillingness to go with an humble heart to your
Nurture
Saviour, and accept of his freely offered grace.
that conviction to ever so great a degree, and it will by no
means secure your preparation for heaven. It may rise to
yea, the terrors of hell may take hold

the agonies of death
of you, and still your conviction may only be an introduc-
CONVICTION AT THE JUDGMENT-DAY,
then, you would

your convictions
but repent and- " believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou
tion to the convictions of the
make your
judgment.
If,
salvation sure, put no trust in
shalt be saved."
God will be glorified in the punishment of every unreclaimed offender.

All heaven will for ever vindicate his
and hell itself, in
character in the execution of his justice
its deep eternal wail, will respond, " The law is holy, and
All the holy will
the commandment holy, just, and good."
As often
and all the wicked feel it.
see the justice of God
as the one look down and see the justice of God, and shout
AUelujahs, the groans of the other, as a responsive Amen,
and
will be borne upwards upon the smoke of their torment
the whole universe, righteous and wicked, friends and enemies, shall together bear testimony to the justice, wisdom,
and goodness of God.
How much better is it, dying sinner, that you should see
your guilt and repent, before you are compelled to stand at the
bar of God.
Then conviction will indeed be unavoidable.
The soul-stirring scenes of that day will awaken the most
careless.
The law of God will be exhibited in its simplicity.
It will make its resistless appeals to your conscience, and its
tremendous penally, just ready to fall upon your head, will
awaken your mind to the enormity of your guilt. But then,
conviction will be in vain.
It will only be as the
alas
commencement of the pangs of death eternal. The time is
drawing near " Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousand
of his saints, to execute judgment, and to convince all that
Are you among them ?
are ungodly."
O, what a throng
Their faces gather blackness they are speechless conviction
conviction, deep, despairing, and eternal
seizes
upon their souls, and they are damned for ever. O, sinner,
would you now turn, your fainting soul might look up to
Christ and live.
Though covered with shame, you might
accept a pardon, and be adopted into the family of God.
Come to him now. Take a full view of yourself as a sinner
against God, a transgressor of his law, and a despiser of his
mercy. Come, come to the Refuge provided for the guilty.
;
iVo.
5S.
THE
ELL-SPEIT DAY.
BY REV. PHILIP DODDRIDCE,
My
D. D.
Since you desire my thoughts in

and at large, on the subject of our late conversation, namely, hy what particular methods in our daily conduct
a life of devotion and usefulness may he most happily maintained and secured, I set myself with cheerfulness to recollect and digest the hints which I then gave you ; hoping
that it may be of some service to you in your most important interests, and miy also fix on my own mind a deeper
sense of obligation to govern my own life by the rules I
ofter to others.
I esteem attempts of this kind among the
pleasantest fruits and the surest cements of friendship ; and,
as I hope ours will last for ever, I am persuaded a mutual
care to cherish sentiments of this kind will add everlasting
endearments to it.
The directions you will expect from me on this occasion,
dear Friend
writing,
naturally divide themselves into three heads

to
How we
are
regard God, in the beginning, the progress, and the close
of the day.
I.
care
In the beginning of the day, it should certainly be our

up our hearts to God, as soon as we awake, and
to lift
while
we
are arising
and immediately
The
are so
first
many
and then
to set ourselves seriously
to the secret devotion of the
morning.
of these seems exceedingly natural.

things that
may
There
suggest a great variety of
pious reflections and ejaculations, which are so obvious, tiiat

one would think a serious mind could hardly miss them.
The ease and cheerfulness of our minds at our first awakVOL. IT.
17
THE WELL SPENT DAY.
4
ing
the refreshment
have enjoyed
warm and
ing sun
in
we
find
decent apparel
or even
from sleep
that defenceless state

;
what
is
the cheerful light of the return-
all
our conveniences,
useful hours of
life
you
by the great
not unfit to mention to
the contrivances of art, taught and furnished
Author of
we
the security
the provision of
supply us with
to
in the absence of the
sun
returning to the dear society of our friends
many
the hope of
the prospect
of spending another day in the service of God, and the im-
provement of our own minds and, above all, the lively

hope of a joyful resurrection to an eternal day of happiness
and glory any of these particulars, and many more which
;
may furnish us with matter of pleasing

and cheerful praise, while we are rising. And,
do not mention,
I'eflection
for
our further assistance,
may
when we
are alone at this time,
it
not be improper to speak sometimes to ourselves, and
our heavenly Father, in the natural expresPermit me, sir, to add, that
if we find our hearts in such a frame at our first awaking,
even that is just matter of praise, and the rather, as perhaps
sometimes
to
sions of joy and thankfulness.
an answer to the prayer with which we lay down.

For the exercise of secret devotion in a morning, which
I hope will generally be our first work after we rise, I canYou must, my
not prescribe an exact method to another.
dear friend, consult your own taste in some measure. The
it is
constituent parts of the service are, in general, plain.

T to
propose a particular model for those
three quarters of an hour at
command,
it
who have
Were
half or
should be this
begin the stated devotions of the day with a solemn

act of praise, acknowledging the mercies we had been renever forgetting to mention Christ,
flecting on while rising
To
as the great foundation of all our enjoyments, and
all
our
hopes, or to return thanks for the influences of the blessed

Spirit,
which have led our hearts
gaging us
to
seek him.
devotion, afterwards mentioned,

tively
and sincerely;
to
God, or are then en-
This, as well as other offices of
must be performed
for not to offer
atten-
our praises heartily,
13,
THE NVELL-SPEXT DAY.

in the sight of
conclude
this
God, not
to praise at all.
We
may
properly
address with an explicit renewal of our cov-
enant with God, declaring our continued resolution of being
devoted
to
him, and particularly of living
to his
glory the
ensuing day.
may
It
then be suitable to take a prospect of the day
before us, so far as
where, and
" How shall
ness
is to
may
how
I
it
we can probably
may
employ myself
for
foresee, in the general,
and seriously to reflect,

God this day ? What busi-
be spent
be done, and in what order
What
opportunities
?
What
any
place,
expect, either of doing or receiving good
temptations
am
likely to be assaulted with, in
company, or circumstances, to which I may be introduced

In what instances have I lately failed ?
And how shall
now
be safest
?"
After this review,
it
will be proper to offer
prayer, begging that
God would quicken us
these foreseen duties
that he
of these apprehended dangers
would
;
up a short
to
each of
each
fortify us against
that he
would grant us suc-
cess in such or such a business undertaken for his glory

and, also, that he
would help us
to
discover and improve
unforeseen opportunities, to resist unexpected temptations,
bear patiently any aflliction which may surprise us

day on which we are entering.
I would advise you, after this, to read some portion of
Scripture, particularly from those parts of the Bible which
are of a more devotional and practical kind.
Here, take
such instructions as readily present themselves to your
thoughts
repeat them over to your own conscience, and
charge your heart religiously to observe them, and act upon
them, under a sense of the divine authority which attends
them.
And if you pray over this part of revelation with
your Bible open before you, it may impress your memory
and your heart yet more deeply, and may form you to a
copiousness and variety, both of thought and expression, in
and
to
in the
prayer.
It
might be proper
to close these devotions
with a Psalm
THE WELL-SPENT DAY.
4
or
Hymn
and
rejoice with you, that through the pious
care of Dr. Watts, and some other sacred poets,
we
are
provided with so rich a variety, for the assistance of the
and family on these occasions, as well as
closet
for the ser-
vice of the sanctuary.

II. The most material directions which have occurred
That
me, relating to the progress of the day, are these
we be serious in devotion that we be diligent in business ;
that we be temperate, and prudent in recreations ; that we
carefully remark providences; that we cautiously guard
to
against temptations
that we keep up a lively and humble
dependence upon the divine influence, suitable to every
emergency ; that we govern our thoughts well in solitude,
and our discourse well in conversation.
1
For seriousness in devotion, whether public or domestic, let us take a few moments, before we enter upon such
solemnities, to pause, and reflect on the perfections of the
God we are addressing, on the importance of the business
we are coming about, on the pleasure and advantage of
a regular and devout attendance, and on the guilt and folly
When engaged, let us mainof a hypocritical formality.
tain a strict watchfulness over our own spirits, and check
And, when the duty is
the first wanderings of thought.
over, let us immediately look back on the manner in which
it has been performed, and ask our own consciences whether we have reason to conclude that we are accepted of God
in it.
For there is a certain manner of going through these
offices, which our hearts will immediately tell us it is impossible for God to approve.
And, if we have inadvertently fallen into it, we ought to be deeply humbled before God
for it, lest our prayers become sin.
Ps. 109 7.
2. As for the hours of worldly business, whether it be
that of the hands, or whether it be the labor of a learned
;
life,
let
us attend to the prosecution of
it
with a sense of
God's authority, and with a regard to his glory. Let us

avoid a dreaming, sluggish, indolent temper, which nods
over
its
work, and does only the business of one hour in
THE WELL-SPENT DAY.

two or three.
In opposition
of some people,
life
us endeavor
little
time
And
let
yet think they are never idle,
considering that
much
it is
as
but a
we
little
us be habitually sensible of the need
divine blessing, to
3.
who
despatch as
to
which runs through the
to this,
make our
For seasons of
to
fit
we have in all.
we have of the
labors successful.
diversion, let us take care that our
recreations be well chosen
good intention,
let
well can in a
that they be pursued with a
us for a renewed application to the
la-
and then that they be used only in subordination

to the honor of God, the great end of all our actions.
Let
us take heed that our hearts be not estranged from God by
them, and that they do not take up too much of our time
always remembering, that the faculties of human nature,
bors of
life
and the advantages of the Christian revelation, were not

but that we are always to be in pursuit
of some great and honorable end, and to indulge ourselves
in amusements and diversions no further than as they make
a part in a scheme of rational and manly, benevolent and
given us in vain
pious conduct.
to
4. For the observation of providences, it will be useful

regard the divine interposition, in our comforts and in our
afflictions.
In our comforts, whether more
ry
that
we
common
furnished with food for support and pleasure
many
or extraordina-
find ourselves in continual health

;
we are
we have
that
that
and those so good and so happy that our

; that we go out, and come in,
safely ; and that we enjoy composure and cheerfulness of
All these
spirit, without which nothing else can be enjoyed.
should be regarded as providential favors, and due acknow-
so
friends,
business goes on prosperously
ledgments should be made to God on these accounts, as we

pass through such agreeable scenes.
On the other hand. Providence is to be regarded in every
disappointment, in every
loss, in
of unkindness from those
And we
VOL.
should endeavor
II.
every pain,
who have
to
in
every instance
professed friendship.
argue ourselves
xn*
into a patien*
THE WÊLL-SPENT DAY.
God
submission, from the consideration that the hand of
always mediately,
work of Providence, they
that if they are not properly the
are at least under
its
accidents, (as
we
direction.
a reflection which
It is
make with
should particularly
is
not immediately, in each of them; and
if
relation to those
we
cross
little
are ready to call them,) and those infirmi-
the temper and conduct of our intimate

which else may be ready to discompose us. And it
is the more necessary to guard our minds here, as wise and
good men often lose the command of themselves on these
who, calling up reason and
comparatively little occasions
ties
and
follies in
friends,
religion to their assistance, stand the shock of great calamities
with fortitude and resolution.
For watchfulness against
5.
temptations,
it
is
necessary,
when changing our

"
place or our employment, to reflect,

And as this should be
snares attend me here ?"
What
our habitual care, so
we
should especially guard against
those snares which in the morning
we
we
foresaw.
we should
matter of great importance, "
pected the assault,
begin
now God and
reflect, especially if
Now
the combat
is
it
far the divine authority,
prayers and resolutions,
my
soul
and the remembrance of

will weigh with me when
be a
going
the blessed angels are observing
constancy, what fortitude there are in
to
And when
we ex-
are entering on those circumstances in which
to
what
and how
my own
it
comes
a trial."
6.
As
for
dependence on divine grace
for influence,
it
must be universal and since we always need it, we must

never forget that necessity. A moment spent in humble,
fervent breathings after the communications of the divine
;
assistance, will do
more good than many minutes
mere reasonings.
And though
neglected, since the light of reason
mination, yet
still
it
ought
to
Rom.
21, 22.
is
a kind of divine
illu-
be pursued in a due sense of
our dependence on the Father of

ourselves wisest,
spent in
indeed these should not be
we may become
lights, or
where we think
vain in our imaginations.
THE WEI.L-SPENT DAY.

Let US therefore always
stance,
when we
awaken
my
call
upon God
are going to pray, " Lord,
and say,
fix
holy affections, and pour out upon
of grace and of supplication !" Zech. 12
rny attention,
me
the spirit
When
10.
for in-
taking
any other good book, " Open thou mine

eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law
Psalm 119: 18. Enlighten mine understanding, warm my
up the
Bible, or
May my
heart.
course of my
good resolutions be confirmed, and
all the
be in a proper manner regulated." When

addressing ourselves to any worldly business, " Lord, proslife
per thou the work of mine hands upon me, Psalm 90
17,
my
honest endeavors." When going to any kind of recreation, " Lord, bless my refreshments.
and give thy blessing
Let
me
to
still keep thy glory in

company, " Lord, may I do,
and get good. Let no corrupt communications proceed out
of my mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying,
that it may minister grace to the hearers." Eph. 4 29.
When entering upon difficulties, " Lord, give me that wisdom which is profitable to direct." Eccl. 10 10. " Teach
me thy way, and lead me in a plain path." Psalm 27 11,
When encountering temptations, " Let thy strength, O gracious Redeemer, be made perfect in my weakness." 2 Cor.
These instances may illustrate the design of this
12 9.
not forget thee in them, but
view."
When
coming
into
direction,
of
all
though they are
the circumstances in
far
from
which
it
a
is
complete enumeration
to be regarded.
For the govenvnent of our thoughts in solitude, let us

accustom ourselves, on all occasions, to exercise a due
command over our thoughts. Let us take care of those
entanglements of passion, and those attachments to any
present interest and view, which would deprive us of our
power over them. Let us set before us some profitable
7.
subject of thought, such as the perfections of the blessed
God, the love of Christ, the value of time, the certainty and
importance of death and judgment, and the eternity of happiLet us also, at such
ness or misery which is to follow.
intervals, reflect
on what
we have
observed as
to the state
THE WELL-SPENT DAY.
own
advance or decline of
sermon we have heard, or the last
portion of Scripture we have read.
It may be very useful
to select some one verse of Scripture, which we had met
with in the morning, and to treasure it up in our mind,
resolving to think of that at any time when we are at a loss
of our
religion
for
matter of pious reflection.

Lastly, for the government of our discourse in comshould take great care that nothing may escape
8.
pany,
us,
souls, with regard to the
or on the last
we
which can expose us or our Christian profession
sure and reproach
nothing injurious
or to those that are present
nothing which
may
cen-
nothing malignant or insincere
corrupt
to
to those that are absent,
nothing which
may
provoke or
Nor should we, by any means, be

we say is innocent it should be our
mislead those about us.

content that what
desire that
it
we
this view,
ful discourse
by the
may
be edifying to ourselves and others.
always ready
We
former head.
do
in
which we may be assisted

under the
hints given about furniture for thought,
should watch for proper opportunities of
introducing useful reflections

to
In
should endeavor to have some subject of use-
When
we should endeavor
it,
and if a pious friend attempt

second him immediately.
to
the conversation does not turn directly on religious
we
subjects,
should endeavor to
And
other way.
in the
make
it
improving some
pauses of discourse,
it
may
not be
up a holy ejaculation to God, that his grace

may assist us and our friends in our endeavors to do good
to each other ; that all we say and do may be worthy the
character of reasonable creatures, and of Christians.
improper
III.
which
to
lift
The
directions for a religious closing of the day,
shall here mention, are only
two
Let us see
that the secret duties of the evening be well performed

lie
down on our bed in a pious frame.

1. For secret devotion in the evening,
method something
still,
as then, witli
may make
to
it,
and
would propose a
from that in the morning but

due allowance for circumstances, which
diflferent
unthought of alterations proper,
should advise
THE WELL-SPENT BAY.

you
to
read a portion of Scripture, in the
suitable reflections
this, to
then, to read a
enter on self-examination, to
the throne of grace,
God would pardon

him
to praise
mend
for
it
first
Hymn
place, with
Psalm after
be followed by a prayer
be formed on this review of the day.
to
or
In this address to
will be highly proper to entreat that
the omissions and offences of the day
mercies temporal and spiritual
to
ourselves to his protection for the ensuing night
proper petitions for others,
whom we
ought
to
recom;
with
bear on our
him ; and particularly for those friends with

have conversed or corresponded in the preceding
hearts before
whom we
day.
Before I quit this head, I must take the liberty to remind you, that self-examination is so important a duty, that
it would be worth our while to spend a few words upon it.
And
this
branch of
it is
may
hope
to
blessing.
I
hope you
go through
when we have proper

common understanding
so easy, that
questions before us, any person of a

it
with advantage, under the divine
offer you, therefore, the following queries,

will,
which
with such alterations as you think requisite,
keep near you for daily use.

" Did I awake as with God
this
morning, and
How
rise
with
were the secret

devotions of the morning performed ? Did I offer my solemn
praises, and renew the dedication of myself to God, with
becoming attention and suitable affections ? Did I lay my
scheme for the business of the day wisely and well ? How
Did it do my heart good, or was
did I read the Scriptures ?
How have the other stated devotions
it a mere amusement ?
of the day been attended, whether in the family or in public ?
Have I pursued the common business of the day with diligence and spirituality ; doing every thing in season, and
whh all convenient dispatch, and as unto the Lord ? Col.
3 23.
What time have I lost this day, in the morning, or
Ihe forenoon, in the afternoon, or the evening ; and what
has occasioned the loss of it ? With what temper, and under
what regulations, have the recreations of this day been
a grateful sense of his goodness
THE WELL-SPENT DAY.
IQ
pursued
Have
seen the hand of
God
in
my
mercies,
health, cheerfulness, food, clothing, books, preservation in
journies, success of business, conversation, and kindness of

friends
little
Have
Have
things
I
seen
it
in afflictions,
my
How
received
submissively
and particularly
in
vex and disquiet me ?

comforts thankfully, and my afflictions
have I guarded against the temptations
which have a tendency
to
of the day, particularly against this or that temptation which
foresaw in the morning ?

Have I maintained a humble
dependence on divine influences ? Have I lived by faith in
the Son of God, Gal. 2 *20, and regarded Christ this day as
I
my
my
my Atonement
Teacher and Governor,
and Intercessor,
Example and Guardian, my Strength and Forerunner ?

Have I been looking forward to death and eternity this day,
and considered myself as a probationer
through grace, an expectant of
it ?
for
Have
heaven, and,
governed m)-
thoughts well, especially in such or such an interval of

solitude
How was my
subject of thought this day chosen,
ate,
?
Have I governed my discourses
company ? Did I say nothing passionmischievous, slanderous, imprudent, impertinent ? Has
my
heart this day been full of love to God, and to
and how was
it
regarded
well in such or such
mankind
and have
sought, and
opportunities of doing and getting good

tion
and improvement have
all
found, and improved,

?
With what
atten-
read the Scripture this evening
How was
self-examination performed the last night
how have
and
day by any remarks I then made

?
With what temper
did I tlien lie down, and compose myself?"
2. I conclude with noticing the sentiments with which
we should compose ourselves to sleep. It becomes us to
profited this
on former negligences and mistakes
think of the divine goodness, in adding another day, and the

mercies of it, to the former days and mercies of our life ; to
take notice of the indulgence of Providence, in giving us

commodious habitations and easy beds, and continuing to
us such health of body, that
we can
lay ourselves
down
at
ease upon them, and such serenity of mind as leaves us any
THE WELL-SPENT DAY.
room
hope
to
for
refreshing sleep
11
refreshment, to be
sought, not merely as an indulgence to animal nature, but

as
what our wise Creator,
in order to
midst of so
many
necessary
our being able
to
infirmities,
to
keep us humble
has been pleased
renew
to
ly of that end of
it is
all
to
God.
to the
to
the living, and to
wake no more
HOW
And
image of
calls
Us
also evidently proper to think serious-
repentance and faith which
we were
make
as well as our
what one of the ancients beautifully
lesser mysteries
in the
his service with re-
newed alacrity. Thus may our sleeping,

waking hours, be in some sense devoted
when we are just going to resign ourselves
death
to
we
renew those actings of
should judge necessary,
if
here.
TO MAKE THE MOST OF A DAY.
1. Rise early, and begin it with God.

Time waits upon
each of us when we awake, and says, What wilt thou have
me do to-day ? Our answer to this inquiry is of no trivial
importance.
We
2.
must have a plan, general and subordinate. Our
great moralist, Johnson, remarks, " I believe it is best to
life into a method, that every hour may bring its
employment, and every employment have its hour. If
every thing be kept in a certain place, when any thing is
worn out or consumed, the vacuity which it leaves will show
what is wanting so, if every part of time has its appropriate
duty, the liour will call into remembrance its engagement."
throw
3.
We must
undertake no more than
we can
reasonably
expect to perform, and do one thing at a time.

4.
While we should avoid voluntary hinderances,
if
interruptions occur, instead of wasting our time in fruitless

regret,
we should endeavor to improve
We
passing circumstances.
must carefully gather up fragments. " Betwi.xt

the more earnest employments and important occurrences
of life there are several intervals, which, though in one day
5.
THE WELL-SPEXT DAY.
12
they
may be
inconsiderable, yet in the whole time of a man's
These uncertain inby most people,

or neglected, though not despised, by good men, for want of
As goldsmiths and refiners preskill to make use of them.
life
they amount
to
a great deal of
tervals are often lost
it.
either as not valued
serve the very sweepings of their shop, to save the filings

silver, so a Christian ought to be very careful
of gold and
of those small portions of time which are more precious than

metals."
6.
We
should aim at
strict
punctuality in engagements.
A man who
wants punctuality, not only wastes his own

time, but often intrudes upon that of others, which may be
more valuable.
We must guard against a spirit of procrastination.
The sacrifices under the Law were offered " as the duty
of every day required ;" " whatsoever thy hand findeth to
We must also be watchful
do, do it with thy might."
still
7.
over ourselves,
lest
a habit of unprofitable anxiety, as to the
Many
future, rob us of our time.
wild and groundless anticipations of

8.
To
endeavor
hours are consumed in

evil.
recall at night the transactions of the. day,

to
make
the following a practical
comment on
and
the
To inquire. What
would be highly advantageous.
Has it set me nearer heaven ?
has the day done for me ?
Has it brought an increase of knowledge and virtue ? Has
past,
it
been devoted
to the service
of
God and man
Or, has
it
been spent in sloth, sensuality, or self-pleasing ?

9. Should our active powers be suspended, and a season
of languor and sickness intervene, there are still duties to
be performed.
who sow
Days of affliction
are not idle days.
in tears shall reap in joy."
He who
"
They
goeth forth
weeping, bearing " the precious seed " of faith, patience,

prayer, submission, penitence, and hope, shall doubtless
come again
all
him and
improved the talents committed to
rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with
who have
diligently
them, shall serve
God when
" time shall he no longer,'' with-
out imperfection, without weariness, and without end.
No. 5G.
BLIND ELLEI.
In a
village on the sea-coast of Lancashire, lived a

and blind old woman, whose habits of frugality
little
poor, lame,
and industry afford a useful example to persons in humble

and whose cheerfulness, thankfulness, and submission
life
providence of God, may be considered with advantage

by persons in every station. She died December 1, 1808.
She was blind from her sixth year, and had to maintain herself from very early life.
Tlie little cottage in which she
lived, was her own; she had besides, about fifteen pounds,
for which she received the interest; but this was not sufficient to buy her fuel.
She supported herself by spinning
silk for making ferret.
By constantly laboring from Monday until Saturday, she earned only one shilling (sterling)
On this she contrived to live. Two shillings a
a week.
year was all she laid out in flour. Clap-bread, which is
made of oatmeal and water, was the chief article of her
This is rolled into thin cakes, and baked on a
support.
stone over the fire, which poor Ellen performed without any
help, making at once enough to serve her three or four
to the
A half-penny worth of milk served her for breakand potatoes were her conmion dinner. An ounce of
tea lasted her six weeks, as she seldom allowed herself to
taste it but when she washed, and she rarely ever bought
weeks.
fast,
any meat.
She never begged any thing, not even of her neighbors ;
for she said, " God knows better what I want than I do myWhen
self, and he always sends what is needful for me."
she had neither thread nor potatoes for dinner, she made
broth merely of an onion and a little pepper and salt ; she
then prayed to God that she might think it good, and she
A murmur or complaint was never heard
did think so.
VOL. u..
18
BLIND ELLEX.
2
from her
lips
she said " she
was always happy while she
could go to church, be out of debt, and get any thing
Her
on."
best
gown had been bought ffIy
whole, neat, and clean, and in this she
years
made
to live
it
was
very
decent appearance ; but it was put on only on sacrament
days, and very fine Sundays.
Ellen sometimes cheered
and when she
herself at her wheel, by singing a psalm
still
could have the word of
which she could
On
receiving a
God read
many
parts of
want no other joy.

unexpected assistance, she seemed as
repeat, she
little
to her,
seemed
to
how to be grateful enough, and said, " I

cannot be so thankful as I ought, but I must be as thankful
as I can I must thank God for sending such folks, for if he
if
she
knew
not
had not sent you, you would not have come."

She could only pray for her friends, she said, which she
always did, begging that God would give all that was good
for them in this world, and in the world to come, life everOn taking leave, the person who had given her
lasting.
She replied, " Ay,
some assistance, wished lier health.
either health or heaven."
Thus, without even the common comforts and blessings
Those hopes and
of life, passed the days of poor old Ellen.
expectations which arise from the changing incidents of most
The human smile could never
situations, were not hers.
cheer her heart, the voice of relative affection never delight
her ear ; no prospect of a brighter to-morrow beguiled the
solemn solitude of the day ; yet she was resigned, contented,

cheerful, thankful for her existence ; and when the purposes of this
life
should be
fulfilled,
she relied on the
mercy
of God, through the merits of her Saviour Jesus Christ, for

the everlasting enjoyment of a better.
Few
persons will read or hear this story, whose afand poverty are so severe as poor blind Ellen's.
Let such, therefore, consider, that they have now heard of
one (and the eye of Providence sees many more) whose
condition was much worse than their own, and yet of one,
who was evidently an object of the peculiar care and good1.
flictions
ness of God.
BLIND EJXEX.
2.
tliat
worthy
It is
to
be considered, on what principle
it
was
poor Ellen was so contented and happy.

This she
when she said, " God knows better what
plainly declared,
I know myself; and he always sends what is

me." It is impossible to be unhappy or unthankful, wliile such a sentiment as this influences the mind and
is cherished in the heart.
And whoever pays not this homI
want than
needful for
sovereignty of God, and is not sensible of the conand kindness of his providence, is little better than
an atheist whatever his opinion may be, he is, in fact, " living without God in the world." Eph. 2 12.
Awful and
dangerous state
Pray to be delivered from it.
3. What a good report would be secured to Christianity,
instead of the slanders which are unjustly cast on it, if its
professors would believe and act on that " faithful saying,"
mentioned by the apostle Paul, " that they who have believed in God, should be careful to maintain good works."
Titus 3 8.
All Christians should do this as the test of
their sincerity, and at the peril of their salvation ; and this
She not only trusted in
did poor Ellen most eminently.
God for the supplying of all her wants, and believed that
when she was in distress God would send some charitable
but she was also industrious, frugal,
person to relieve her
" Better is a little with the
temperate, honest, and grateful.
fear of the Lord, than great treasure and trouble therewith."
age
to the
stant care
Prov.
4.
1.5
16.
Remember
that nothing but the grace of
God made
poor Ellen so contented, so cheerful, so industrious, so be" By the grace of God," said the
nevolent, and so happy.
and
great apostle Paul, " I am what I am," 1 Cor. 1.5 10
:
it
was
the
same grace
that influenced Ellen in the
dependent, and indigent

l)laced her.
How
tion without the
state, in
deplorable
grace of
God
is
!
humble,
which Divine Providence
a state of poverty and

It is
attended with
afflic-
murmur-
and dishonesty,
How wretched and
and despair of the goodness of God
awful is such a condition
It has neither comfort nor hope
ing, ingratitude, temptations to indolence

!
for time or eternity.
Contrast
liiis
with poor blind Ellen's
BLIND ELLEN.
disposition and conduct,
milk
for
when, with a half-penny worth of
her breakfast, and a
onion-broth for her din-
little
she sat and sung,
nei',
My
Shepherd
I therefore
In pastures
He
the living Lord,
is
nothing need
setteth
near pleasant streams,
fair,
me
to feed.
" was
kingdom which God hath
him." James 2 5. It is a fine
Lastly, observe, that Ellen, though so very poor,

rich in faith, and an heir of the
to tbem that love

answer that she gave to the person Avho wished her health
" Ay, either health or heaven."
It is as if she had said, 1
hope and pray for health but, if it please God to afflict me
with sickness, my condition is so poor and so dependent, and
I shall have so little to do with the world, that I wish for
heaven. And I know what I wish for heaven is a state of
rest, holiness, and happiness.
I know the ground on which
" God so loved the world that he gave his
I hope for it
only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should
not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3 16. Through
grace, I have believed in him.
I have found " redemption
in his blood, even the forgiveness of my sins, according to
I have committed my soul into
the riches of his grace."
his hands, because " he loved me, and gave himself for me."
I have been enabled to love him, in a measure, and to obey
him from the heart. I humbly trust, that I have experienced " the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Ghost." 2 Cor. 13 14. I
promised
do not cling
me
to life
long to see
heaven."
Reader,
the fear of death
my
Saviour
is
taken
away from
and therefore "
hope
for
you are, pray that

Then, " whether you
whether you die, you will
live, you will live unto the Lord
And whether you live, therefore, or die,
die unto the Lord.
you will be the Lord's." Rom, 14 8.
this
may
in
whatever condition of
be your happy experience.

;
life
DUTIES TO RELATIVES,
As
God
has pleased
it
grow together
to
"
the harvest,"
till
let
the tares and the wheat
many
of the people of God

who live " with-
are united in the closest relations to those
God
out
in the
This
world."
source of severe
trial,
sacred obligations
to
and
is
to all
to
it
many
pious persons a
gives rise to the most
seek the salvation of their relatives.
well to consider these obligations, and the
It is
may employ
means wo
with the greatest hopes of success.
Consider the motives which should induce you
I.
to
seek earnestly the conversion of your relatives.

1. In proportion as men increase in religion, they become
more k'nd and benevolerit. And when you feel that you
have within you a soul worth more than worlds, and that its
salvation is the one thing needful, can you look around, and
feel no concei'n for those who are dear to you as your own
life ?
Can you, on the one hand, love God above all, and
on the other, love your brother as yourself, and yet see that
God and they
are awfully at variance, without longing to
God ? When you look back

upon the days of your unregeneracy, you blush for your
guilt, and shudder at your danger
then is it possible to look
at a wife, a brother, a child, in the same wretched state, and
not desire that they should share your present bliss, saying,
Be ye as I am, for I was as ye are ? Where the flame of
charity really exists, its first and most intense heat will be
We read in the Gospel,
felt by those who are nearest us.
that as soon as Andrew becomes acquainted with Christ, he
and liow natural
Wherfirst finds his own brother Simon
reconcile your friends to your
ever
we
see a professor of religion indifferent to the salva-
tion of his relatives,
our hearts express their suspicion, in
the language of an apostle, "

in
How
dvvelleth the love of
God
him ?"
2.
VOL.
The Most
11.
effectual
way
to
l"""
avoid being injured by our
UUTIES TO HELATIVES.
No sooner
irreligious relatives, is to seek their conversion.
we reconciled to God, by faith

than we find ourselves, in respect to
are
Exposed
country.
to
in the blood of his Son,
the world, in an enemy's
snares and temptations,
" escape the corruption that
is in
how
shall
we
the world through lust ?"
Not by merely standing on the defensive. You must carry

war into the enemy's territory. While you are con-
.the
tented with preserving your
own
religion, they will be ani-
mated with the hope of leading such a timid, lukewarm

Christian back again to the world and sin.
But as soon as
zeal for their conversion animates you, you are invigorated,
and they are
dispirited
you, in order
to
they relax their attempts
defend themselves from your
Colonel Gardiner's friends once said, " Come,
another subject, for

is
going
3.
to
Is
it
prove us
we had thought
all so in
this
to
corrupt
efforts.
let
Thus
us call for
man mad, and
he
good earnest."
not God's design, in placing us so near the unre-
we may be the means of their conversion ?

Christ says to his disciples, " Ye are the salt of the earth."
generate, that
In allusion to this language,
it
may
be observed, that Chris-
tians are not cast all on one spot, but are so distributed in
society as to resist the general corruption, and diffuse the
savor of
have
He
life.
formed
designs to
Jehovah says of his redeemed, "This people

myself; they shall show forth my praise."
for
make one
of his people
when renewed,
instrument of his mercy in calling another.
And
to
the
whom
have you such opportunities of being useful, as to those with

are intimate, to whom you enjoy free access, and
with whose views and dispositions you are acquainted ?
Hence, one of a family is seldom converted, without being
" And how knowest thou, O
the means of winning more.
Or how knowwife, whether thou shalt save thy husband ?
est thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife ?"
Is
whom you
it
probable
thought
to
Has God himself suggested the animating

awaken thy exertions ? Delightful hope. To
save the wife of thy bosom
husband of thy youth
To
To
beget
rescue from perdition the

to eternal life
the fruit of
DUTIES TO RELATIVES.
thine
bliss
own body
upon those
the strongest,
To
bestow the greatest and most durable

whose happiness thy bowels yearn with
tenderest emotions
How can we resist the
!
for
influence of a hope so divine
4. Great are the rewards which will crown your success

winning the souls of those who are related to you.
" Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one
in
convert him,
him know,
let
that he
who
converteth a sinner
from the error of his ways shall save a soul from death, and
But the
shall hide a multitude of sins." James 5
19, 20.
:
nearer a person
grief to see
to
lies to
him a
our heart, the greater must be our
child of wrath, and the higher our delight
For
behold him reconciled to our religion and our God.
want of the
additional bond of grace,
nature jar, so that

stranger,
who
is
we
feel
how
often the cords of
our hearts more in unison with a
Ah
" partaker of the like precious faith !"
words of Christ verified " I am

against son, and son against father, mother
against daughter, and daughter against mother and a man's
But when a
foes shall be those of his own household."
pious father sees his prodigal son return to God, hear how
he shouts " Rejoice with me for this my son was dead, and
how painfully we
come to set father
feel the
is
now
alive again
to all the ties of
lost,
and
is
found."
Now
my
bereft of reason, their interest in
continues the same.
If death snatch
shall not dissolve, but
Christ,
Grace adds
rejoice to behold the happiness of
Should
beloved relations secured for eternity.
them
it
he was
nature a sweetness, tenderness, and force,
unknown.
before
my
see
Saviour's love
them from
my embrace,
strengthen their union to Jesus
my living Head. And when I hang over their cold

my heart shall not be rent with the pangs of everseparation, nor my distracted imagination follow
remains,
lasting
we sorrow not as
to the regions of the damned
who have no hope, but knowing that those who sleep
Jesus will God bring with him, we comfort one another
them down
those
in
with these words.

5.
The
motive, which
is
the
life
of every other, and
UUTIES TO KELATIVE.S.
should be the end of them
your
relatives, the
God
thus
all, is,
that
m the
conversion of
grace of Christ will be magnified, and
For
glorified.
this
we were
created, for this
we
and what else is worth living for ? You

justly reply, " Nothing ; and this is worth dying for." What
can more eminently glorify God than that disposition in you
which cries to all around, " O, taste and see that the Lord
are new-created
is
good
blessed
is
the
man
that trusteth in
him."
And
should you see the desire of your soul in the conversion of sinners, what praise will rise to the Redeemer
from their hearts and yours

Another instrument will then
be found to glorify God in the world, an instrument which
!
may again be expected to win others to Christ ; so that at

every fresh step, fresh glory shall be given to our God and
King, and only eternity shall fully declare to what extent
our feeble
efforts
whom we owe
may have
him
pi'omoted the glory of
to
Let the glory of God in Christ appear to you in its true light, let it impress your hearts with
all its weight, and the conversion of your relatives will be
the object of your constant care.
n. Inquire by what bieans you should aim at the conversion of your relatives.
1
Seek to be filled witli holy, ardent love for their souls.
How
our
all.
passionately the apostle expresses the feelings of his
Rom. 9 1,2. Nothing

can be done unless the heart be first duly affected. Your
zeal, not flowing sincerely from the fulness of the heart,
when opposed by their depravity, will degenerate into bitterheart for his unbelieving brethren.
ness,
which defeats
its
own
end.
But the
affections,
always
eloquent and ingenious, will suggest a thousand convincing
arguments, and invent a thousand winning devices.
Your
love will endure the contradiction of sinners against yourselves,
and by showing them that your desire for their weland unquenchable, you will steal into their
fare is sincere
breast in spite of themselves.
The
suitable discharge of every relative duty
is
of the
utmost importance, if^you would win your kindred
to the
2.
love of Christ.
An
apostle exhorts Christian servants to
adorn the Gospel of God our Saviour
And
in all their conduct.
should not pious masters and mistresses, husbands and
wives, brothers and sisters, parents and children, by their

exemplary conduct in every relation of life, adorn the Gospel of God our Saviour ?
What argument would be so
convincing and persuasive ?
Actions have a voice louder
than words.
Ye husbands, who mourn over your unconverted wives, remember that in you tenderness and firmness
should be united.
Let not provocations extinguish the love
which you ought to bear to those who are united to you in a
bond which resembles the union of Christ and his church.
Nor yet suffer the authority wliich you ought to maintain in
your own house, to be trampled under foot ; for you are not
likely to be the more useful by displaying a merely negative character, which will render you contemptible.
Wives,
listen to the voice of God by his apostle.
1 Pet. 3:1,2.
Parents, remember that your children inherit from you a
depraved nature, and that you yourselves were sometimes
foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleastherefore, be not bitter against your unconverted
ures
children.
At the same time, recollect that God says, "I
know Abraham, that he will command his children, and his
;
to keep the way of the Lord."

To
accustom children to submit to the mild and amiable, yet
firm, determined authority of a father, is a good introduction
to religion, which requires absolute submission to divine
authority.
But to leave children to their own will, is to
increase their natural indisposition to the Redeemer's yoke.
Children, if you are privileged beyond your parents by
having become believers in Christ, while they continue in
household after him,
unbelief,
nature
Lord."
giance
may
remember
it
is still
that grace does not cancel the bonds of
said, " Children,
In every thing that

to the
Lord,
let
is
obey your parents
your obedience be exemplary,
be evidently seen that
which ever induces you
to
it
in the
not contrary to your alle-
is
tliat it
nothing but conscience
oppose a parent's wish.
Imitate
the blessed Jesus, who, though the

" subject to his parents."
3.
Lord
became
of glory,
Tlie prudent and diligent use of every jjroper means
of instruction and persuasion is necessary in order to bring

our relatives to the knowledge of Christ.
In the master
of a family, there
more
usefulness
Conduct
it
well
instructive,
is
no duty more incumbent, no means of

than constant family worship.
effectual,
let
it
Render
not be too long.
Where
and impressive.
it
pleasant,
the husband has been
averse, the wife has sometimes taken the children into her
own
room, and prayed with them.
the wordsof the
Redeemer
"
To such we may
ajiply
She hath done what she could."
Let parents diligently catechize their children. A wife may

sometimes with propriety and success avow her conviction
When
of the guilt and danger of her husband's state.

pious
woman was once
asked, in the presence of her wicked
husband, how she could so patiently endure

"
all
his prov-
my
husband has
nothing but misery before him in the next world, and therefore I wish to make him as happy as I can in this."
The
husband was so struck, that he replied, " And do you think
I must be miserable in the next world ?
Then, my dear, by
the help of God, I will seek to flee from the wrath to come."
Col. Gardiner was first impressed by a book which his pious
mother packed up with his baggage when he went abroad.
A book left open at a certain page, in the room of a relative,
ocations,
may
book,
she replied,
strike effectually.
may
do the same.
consider that
To make a present, or
The relation of an
a loan of a
impressive
anecdote has often been attended with a blessing.

It may
sometimes be proper to declare, with meekness and fear,
what God hath done
for us.
But remembering
that
God
hath ordained the preaching of the cross for salvation, exert

all your influence to bring your unconverted relations under
And as you go up with them,

power of the Lord be present to heal them ;"
the ministry of the Gospel.
pray, "
let
the
which leads me to observe,

4. Frequent jjrayer must crown
all
other
means
for in
vain are
all
God can
but
your exertions without a divine blessing. None

give life, either natural or spiritual.
Paul may
and Apollos water, but God giveth the increase. By

may do good to those who would not listen to
your admonitions. When all your kindest efforts have been
plant,
prayer you
by those on
rejected
whom you
have employed them
to the
utmost, retire to your closet, and there pour out your soul to
God for them. Thus Abraham cried, " O, that Ishmael
before thee."
Thus Paul says, " My heart's
and prayer to God for Israel is, that they may be
saved." Prayer moves the hand which holds all hearts, and
might
live
desire
turns them as the rivers of water.
Frequent intercession with God, earnestly beseeching

to forgive the sins of our fellow-men, to enlighten them,
bless them, and bring them to everlasting happiness, is the
him
to
man can
divinest exercise that the heart of

It
will
to all
make
them.
much,
be engaged
in.
pleasant to be courteous and condescending
about us, and
tiling to
so
it
make
There
as praying
is
us unable to say or do an unkind
nothing that makes us love a
man
When you
this
him.
for
sincerely for any man,
you have
fitted
can do
yourself for the
exercise of generosity and tenderness, and for a far better
behavior than what
is
commonly
called fine breeding.
considering yourself an advocate with
you, you will never find
it
hard
God
to be at
for those
By
around
peace with them
yourself.
would make themselves intercessors with God

nothing would be more likely to bless their
children or to dispose their own minds to the performance of
every thing excellent and praiseworthy. The state of parents is a holy state, and calls upon them, as priests of their
own households, to offer up prayers f()r their children. If a
If parents
for their children,
parent, considering himself in

calling upon God, extending
this light,
his
should be daily
intercessions
as
the cir-
cumstances and necessities of his children require, it would

have a mighty influence upon his life. It would render
him circumspect in the government of himself; prudent,
DUTIES TO EELATIVES.
and careful of every thing ho said or
did, lest his exarnple
should hinder that which he so constantly desired in his
How naturally would he grow ashamed of himwanting those virtues which he sought of God for his
prayers.
self,
children
How
would he
how
tenderly,
treat those
whom
religiously,
how
he considered as his
faithfully
little spirit-
ual flock, whose virtues he was to form by his example,

encourage by his authority, nourish by his counsel, and
prosper by his prayers
!
Let your zeal be tempered with prudence, as

well as kindled by love.
If, after a time, you find all your
Finally.
well-meant
efforts not
better to say but
little,
it may be
accomplish your desire
Yet never lose sight of the
only resisted, but perverted,
and labor
to
by example and prayer.

Let us rather deplore our guilt in neglecting it as
we have done, so that one and another might have said,
" No man careth for my soul."
We, who would agonize to
see them in pain or sickness, who would go through fire and
chiefly
object.
water
to
procure a physician
the verge of the grave

tal
souls,
which are
to
heal their bodies, w^hen on
how have we
infinitely
more
suffered their
immor-
precious, to languish
under the dominion of sin, and in danger of everlasting

wrath
Lord, lay not this sin to our charge
But if you
would pi'ove that divine and holy love is shed abroad in your
heart ; if you would avo*d being corrupted by your carnal
relatives ; if you would concur with the merciful design of
!
in your providential allotment ; if you would imitate

example of Christ and his apostles, who labored for the
if you would alleviate the pangs
salvation of their relatives
if you would share in the delights of angels,
of separation
God
the
and the prodigal's father, in rejoicing over the returning

be it
sinner ; if you would glorify your God and Saviour
your study to win your relatives to the grace of Christ here,
;
that
you may be with them
in glory for ever.
No. 58.
THE
BLASPHEMING SAILOR RECLAIMED.

Jerry Creed was a remarkable man, both before and
God. He was born at or near Gravesend, England, about the year 1753.
His parents appear to
have been strangers to the power of religion, and did not
" train up their child in the way he should go." His moral
and religious welfare was neglected.
Early in life he determined to become a sailor. He obtained a berth on board " The Marquis of Rockingham,"
after his conversion to
and proceeded in that vessel to India. But, though men

flee from parents and friends, may forsake their native
" He knoweth their
shores, they cannot escape from God.
may
He
down-sitting and their up-rising.
thoughts afar
He
understandeth their
acquainted with
all their ways."

Psalm 139. In his fii'st voyage the vessel was cast away
on the Malabar coast, when he lost every article that had belonged to him, and was left in a most destitute and forlorn
condition he was obliged to beg his way about four hunoff.
is
dred miles across the country,
where he entered the king's

Increased dangers
now
when he reached
attended his course.
time he served in the navy he was
ments
a port,
service.
in
During the
several severe engage-
yet though, in the storming of towns and in close
enemy, he was exposed to the greatest

was mercifully preserved by the providence
of that God whom poor Jerry never sought by prayer.
On
many of these occasions his comrades fell in great numbers
around him, but his heart was unmoved with one grateful
conflicts with the
perils, his life
feeling for his own preservation.

His " good luck," and
" good fortune," were the only subjects that occupied his
thoughts, while, like other sailors, he talked of the narrow
escapes he had from the balls which flew thick about him.
He
vol..
continued
II.
many
years
19
in
the sea-service, and
met
THE BLASPHEMING SAILOR RECLAIMED.
with a variety of strilting instances of the providential goodness of God, but his mind was darlv, and he regarded not
his deliverer.
At length he became
the service.
and
settled,
He
and
returned
for
many
tired of a seafaring life,

to
and
left
Gravesend, where he married
years obtained his living as a wa-
Here he became the terror of the town and neighborhood.

His character was always bad, but he now became notoriously depraved, and even a proverb among the
people, who called him " wicked Jerry Creed."
He commonly used the most blasphemous language, and frequently
did " the swearer's prayer " proceed from his lips.
It was
a mercy for poor Creed that his heavenly Father was longterman.
suffering towards him, not willing that he should perish, but

If God were to
answer the prayers of profane swearers, what vast numbers
would daily be doomed to hell
When Creed was overcome with liquor, he became an
ungovernable madman, and the peaceable inhabitants of the
town frequently had their midnight repose disturbed by his
that he should be brought to repentance.
noisy conduct in the streets.
His heart was enmity against God, and he displayed it

by taking every opportunity of speaking against religious
people.
He was once in a passage-boat, where several on
board, who were fond of singing, began a hymn of praise to
God. This was more than Jerry could bear. All the vile
He was
corruptions of his heart were immediately roused.
like
one possessed of an
evil spirit.
He
endeavored
to
over-
power the voices of the singers by invoking the most horrid

judgments from God upon them and upon himself. He found,
however, that he was not regarded by the people ; when he
called a sculler, and left the passage-boat, declaring, "
psalm-singing gentry shall have no more of
my
The
company."
We find that in this world there is no agreement between " light and darkness." There is a decided hatred
But is
in the minds of sinners against the children of God.
It would not be
not this stranare ? is it not marvellous ?
THE BLASPHEMING SAILOR BECLAIMED.

strange to speak reproachfully of them
if
they were the
the seducers, and the drunkards of this world
praved creatures are the very persons that oppose the
Who
eous.
the dying
Who
riglit-
are the visitors of the sick, the distressed, and
Who
liars,
but these de-
young ?
Are they the
are the teachers of the ignorant
hungry and
naked
blasphemers and the drunkards of the land
feed the
clothe the
No
but the
who
persons
are the objects oi^ their hatred.

Creed declared, " The psalm-singing gentry shall not
my company." It is an awful thought that there will

be an eternal separation " between the rigliteous and the
have
wicked, between him that servcth God and liim that serveth
him not." Mai. 3
Many who
18.
are willing
now
to join
language of Creed, would give ten thousand worlds

to be numbered with the righteous in the hour of sickness
and death, and amidst the awful realities of the judgmentin the
day.
But then
say, "
He
which
is filthy,
that
eous, let
him be
be holy
still."
it
let
him be
I'ighteous
It
Then
be too late.
will
unjust, let
is
filthy still
still
the
him be unjust
;
is
is
right-
holy, let
moment when
drunkards, the seduced and the seducers, and
all
will
and he
and he that
and he that
will be an awful
Judge
still
him
fellow-
the wicked,
meet together in hell. They must dwell together then,

and their very union wiU be one source of their eternal misery. Let the reader remember the parable of the rich man
and Lazarus. Luke 16 19-31. He may despise the followers of Christ now he will wish to be one of them hereafter.
shall
The apostle Paul, when referring to his state before his

conversion, says, " I was before a blasphemer, and a perbut I obtained mercy." 1 Tim. 1:13.
words strikingly apply to the character of Jerry
Creed.
He was an enemy to God: but even blaspheming
Creed found mercy. He was providentially guided to the
shop of a pious man, who then resided in Old Gravel-lane,
London. Creed was in a state of intoxication. He wished
to purchase a small article, with which he was supplied.
During the short time he remained in the shop, he uttered
secutor, and injurious
Tiiese
The
the most awful imprecations.

the condition of his
less to reason with a
" James Covey," with
little
but thinking
drunkard, put into his bosom

tlie
remark, "
to be a wholesale dealer in
the
pious tradesman pitied
unhappy customer
book, should
God
My
friend,
Tract
you seem
sin;" and begged him

spare his
use-
it
tlie
read
to
the morning.
life till
After getting aboard the vessel in which he was
to
return to
He had
remark of the pious tradesman. He
know what the Tract contained. He sought
Gravesend, he became sober, and found the Tract.

not forgotten the short
was anxious
to
a retired spot in the vessel, where, unobserved, he might
Whilst reading the account of Covey
gratify his curiosity.
God opened tlie heart

He was struck to find
the Spirit of
of poor Creed to receive
the truth.
his
ly described,
and
own character exactnew to him. He
emotions altogether
felt
put the Tract into his pocket, and longed

that he might read
pondered
its
it
to
again more carefully.
contents, and the
more he
be quite alone,
He
read, the
repeatedly
more he
felt
convinced that he had been living in a state of awful rebellion against
his conduct,
On
God. He formed a solemn resolution

and began to pray for mercy.
to alter
Lonhad always
but felt that he could do so no
neglected divine worship
longer.
It was, however, a trying time for poor Jerry
he
had been in several battles, and his courage had never failed
before the enemy ; he had never feared the cannon-ball but
he found it hard work to take the first step in the ways of God.
He feared persecution at first, though he had been so great a
persecutor himself. However, on the Sabbath, when the people of God assembled, poor Creed resolved to unite with them.
tlie
Lord's day, after this providential
don, he resolved to go to the house of God.
visit to
He
He
slowly approached the place,
tated with a variety of feelings.
when he found
He
felt
his mind agiashamed to enter
the house of God, and therefore he loitered about until the service had
commenced
gation were
all
and when he thought that the congre-
assembled, he placed himself close
to the in-
ner door, where he could hear without being observed.
He
continued
this practice for several
weeks, but feeling
increasingly anxious about his soul, he detennincd to enter
way
the sanctuary, that Im might find the
of salvation.
It
was an interesting moment when " wicked Jerry Creed "

was first seen there. He would sometimes place his elbows
on the top of the pew, and supporting his head with his
hands, keep his eye immovably fixed on the minister.
Under the power of the word, the big tear would tremble in his
eye, which he would dash away, but it was soon followed
by another and another, which rolled
down
his
quick succession
in
weather-beaten cheeks.
These were the tears of repentance. He felt that he

had sinned against a kind and merciful Father. He wondered at the patience and forbearance of God towards him,
a vile blasphemer.
He
could
now
ings, the events of his past history
recall,
;
with grateful
feel-
he could adore the good-
who had covered his head in the day of battle,

and preserved him amidst the perils of the deep. At this
time the sermons he, heard were deeply impressed on his
mind.
He saw the way of salvation clearly revealed. In
the Lord Jesus Christ he found the Friend he needed, one
able and willing to save to the uttermost and he was led to
ness of God,
cry out, " Lord, save me, a poor
lost
sinner."
The
follow-
ing lines describe the state of Creed's feelings at this time,
and
his firm reliance
upon Christ as the Saviour of
Jesus, to thee alone
And
his soul
I fly.
wilt thou let a sinner die
Whilst trusting in thy sacred blood?

I seek no other way to God.
Thy
And
tender heart will sure forgive,

bid a trembling sinner live
For all that come thy grace is free.

For Saul, and Magdalen, and me
" There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over
one sinner that repenteth." Luke 15.
This joy was felt
when Creed became a " new creature in Clirist Jesus."
He became
vor
Ti.
a conshuil iillendanl on jmblie wurslnp,

lij
and
way to the meetings

very perceptible change took place
soon found his
conduct
bellowing out the most awful oaths, and
calling for destruction on his
who happened
pure
Some
to
own
soul and the limbs of
any
pass near him, he became sober in his
in his languiige,
and cleanly
in his person.
features of his character deserve special attention.
He was
The law
appearance and
instead of rolling about the streets in a state of
filthy intoxication,
habits,
for social prayer.
in his
anxious
ohey the Divine commandment.s.
to
him was a rule of
to
life,
though he depended
for
work of the Redeemer.

Sabbath. As a waterman he had
salvation entirely on the finished
He
work on the
more money on that holy day than during all
of the week.
He was so decided in his attachment
refused
to
often earned
the rest
to the
Sabbath, that neither gain nor the scoffs and taunts
of his former companions could

the dictates of his conscience.
day
in the pursuit of
manded
to
move him
to act
He would
worldly things, which
contrary
to
not spend that
God had com-
be kept holy.
Creed found the truth of the Divine word, " Seek ye

the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these
things shall be added unto you." When he was about sixtysix years of age, and considerably weakened in constitution,
so as to be unable to go through much labor, he was providentially placed above want.
A relative left him an annuity of j25 ; this, added to a former one of 10, and the small
daily earnings by his boat, furnished him and his afflicted
first
wife with
all
the earthly comforts they actually required.
Creed displayed the meekness of the Christian, when

he was persecuted for righteousness' sake.
He had much
to bear from tlie watermen around him.
He often found
tlieir sneers and reproaches very trying.
Although his
natural temper was impetuous and irritable, yet it was the
testimony of
many who
daily witnessed
that they never once heard
his provocations,
him speak unguardedly,
or use
an expression unbecoming a Christian.
Creed was a man of ready
vvit.
He was
once
in the
Gravcsend, when a masonic processiop passed

The good man stood in a doorway to avoid the
crowd. He was observed by one in the procession who had
in
street
along.
been an old companion in wickedness. -As he passed the

where Creed was standing, he called out sarcastically,
.spot
" Jerry,
Jesus Christ a mason ?"
is
man meekly
'
Iii a moment the good

but sweetly answered, " Yes, my friend, for
Behold, he has laid in Zion a chief corner-stone, elect, pre-
cious
ed.'
"
and he that believeth on him

1 Peter,
The
shall not be confound-
6.
met from his former companreminded him of his own conduct towards the people of God, when in the enmity of his heart he was foremost
to persecute and traduce them, and now he availed himself of
opposition that Creed
ions in sin,
every opportunity of doing

invite
and persuade them
God, hoping that the truth

to
By
their salvation."
his persecutors good.
pursuing
lived to see persecution give
and loved by
all.
He would
accompany him to the house of

might become " the power of God
to
this Christian course,
he
way, and he became respected
The uniform consistency

many who hated his
character constrained
of his Christian
religion to con-
had made him a better man. It was the unspeakable happiness of Creed to see several of his greatest opponents become the humble followers of the divine Redeemer.
Creed was evidently become a " light set on a hill,"
" an epistle of Christ." 2 Cor. 3 3.
His Master's enemies
The
took knowledge of him that he had been with Jesus.
most stout-hearted sinner could not but admire the firm, unfess that
it
shaken conduct of this reclaimed blasphemer.

Creed displayed much self-denying liberality in the cause
of Chriat. He loved his Master, and was willing to do all
He had a
ill
his power to advance his truth in tlie world.
tender conscience, and always seemed
to act as in the pres-
ence of the heart-searching God. He was once placed in

very peculiar circumstances for the trial of his Christian
principles
but they raised him high above " the love of
money, which is the root of all evil." The kind relative
;
who
left him the annuity of j25, devoted an estate, })roducing about 80 annually, to five benevolent institutions
but dying within one year, the whole, by the English statute
"
of mortmain, reverted to Jerry Creed.

he, " that the law gives this estate to
gives
it
happy
No
to the religious charities,
that
it is
to
The
in this
this fact
but Hit Gospel
wont have
be spent in the cause of
one can read
God's grace
and
see plainly," said
me
my
it.
am
Redeemer."
without admiring the etfect of
good man.
evidences furnished of the character of Creed clear-
show that he had become a true Christian. His heart

was changed. He was born again by the Spirit of God.
Every act of his life testified that he had been " called out
ly
of darkness into marvellous light."
He
continued until the
close of his days to exhibit in his spirit and conduct the
transforming and sanctifying influences of divine truth.
He
knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

The longer he was in the world, the
closer was his " walk with God." He appeared to be daily
ripening for heaven ; and at length, like a shock of corn
fully ripe, he was gathered into the garner of God. He was
grew
in
grace and
in the
subject to an asthmatic afffection, but
was
able to attend pub-
worship on the evening before his death, though he complained of difiacult breathing. It was then the close of a long
lic
day, and the aged warrior laid himself
down
Before
to rest.
the morning sun arose, his spirit, released from the body, had
joined " the just
made perfect before the throne of God."

Thus the old sailor honorably finished the voyage of life.
He made not shipwreck of his faith. He met with many
storms and tempests, but " God was his refuge and strength."
He
has reached " the desired haven, where the weary find
His mortal remains were placed in the bury-
eternal rest."
ing-ground of Princes-street chapel, Gravesend.
grave
is
monumental
appropriate inscription
stone,
:
"
on which there
But
is
Over
the
written this
obtained mercy."
PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETV.
nro.
59.
GIFT FOR MOURNERS.

AND WHEN THE LORD SAW HER, HE HAD COMPASSION ON HER, AND
SAID TO HER, WEEP NOT. Lo'ke 7 13.
:
iv
ULY
limit
,1
to
regulate and
our soi'rows
is
high Christian attain-
ment.
So long as we are sub-
jected to affliction,
exposed
has
its
sin.
we
shall be
If prosperity-
peculiar snares, so has adversity.
The
text exhibits
an instance of sorrow which excited
the compassion of our Saviour, and

time, tenderly represses.
are strikingly described in
came nigh
man
to
to the
he, at the
tiie
context.
"
same
of the case
Now when
he
was a dead
mother, and she was a
gate of the city, behold, there
carried out, the only son of his
widow."
which
The circumstances
A GIFT FOR MOURNERS.
Every circumstance was piercing to the heart. It was

To bury any child is grievous to an
the death of a son.

affectionate parent
but a son
usually esteemed peculiarly
To bury
was
tion
had been
at the
continue the
Had
he died in infancy,
But death seized him
and of rewarding her
many
years,
thousand cares and labors.
for a
Further, he was the only son of his mother.
and comforts centred
hopes,
in his
very age which rendered him ca-
pable of realizing to a fond mother the hopes of
affections,
is
riveted, or expectation raised, the afflic-
pungent.
less
flower arid prime
to
a son, therefore,
afflictive.
This son was a young man.

before affection
expected
is
name, and support the family.
If to part with one child out of
many
in this
All her
one object.
is afflictive,
what
is it
to lose all in one ?
To
complete the
widow.
exposed
to
oppression and
her safeguard, were

to
say
to her, as
grieved
grief
bereaved mother was a
affliction, the
In this condition, not only devoid of comfort, but
Am
was
at
to
contempt, her
staff,
her solace,
She had no husband
once removed.
Elkanah to Hannah, " Why is thy heart

Her
I more to thee than ten sons ?"
not
not a solitary grief;
and the
last
calamity at once
revived and aggravated the former.
Observe the treatment which
this
weeping widow
re-
ceived from Jesus Christ.
He met
her at the gate of the city, not accidentally, but
with the express design to work a miracle of mercy for her

relief.
There
Tie
saw
her,
and he had compassion on her.
Surely, her griefs were not few nor small.
But greater
still,
and more multiplied were the compassions they excited in

the heart of Jesus.
Christians,
you
see
him
less sensibly
people than
your Redeemer
not.
But
his
eye
is
now
is
exalted to heaven, and
ever on you.
Nor
is
he
touched with the infirmities and griefs of his
when he tabernacled
in flesh.
Observe particularly the counsel given

"
to this disconso-
widow, by hirn who "comfbrteth those who mourn."
late
Weep
This
not."
nor of tears.
not an absolute prohibition of sorrow,
is
Christ does not
condemn
He
grief for deceased friends as sinful.
But he
people insensible.
agance of
like heathen,
not have
who know
his
and extrav-
prohibits the excess
He would
their sorrow.
dead
for the
expressions of
all
would not have
them mourn
not the consoling doc-
trine of the resurrection.
The
resurrection of her son from the dead
instrument of comfort
to the
Weep
the Saviour say, "
remove the cause of her
The
may
not
was
mourning widow.
not,"
when he
intended so soon to
tears.
case was peculiar and extraordinary.
now expect
Such miraculous
Mourners
receive back their deceased friends.
to
interpositions, with their
The omnipotence and
ceased.
the great
Well might
occasion, have
divinity of the Saviour
long since received the most ample confirmation.
have
Yet, even
now, the surviving friends of those who have died in
the
Lord, have the strongest grounds of consolation.
Our
is
principal relief and comfort in the death of friends,
drawn from
derives
it.
the general resurrection.
Thence
the apostle
We
shall see
and enjoy
Thess. 4
our pious friends again,

this is
more than
if
we
17, 18.
at the
coming of the Lord.
Surely,
should now receive them immediately
from the dead.
Our
Saviour's counsel to this mourner applies, then, to
Christian mourners at large
and
it
furnishes us this impor-
that Christians ought to moderate

THEIR SORROW FOR THEIR DECEASED RELATIVES, WHATEVER
AFFLICTIVE CIRCUMSTANCES MAY ATTEND THEIR DEATH.
instruction
tant
What
sorrow
and
to
to point
I.
propose,
is,
to exhibit the signs
dissuade from
out
its
its
indulgence
of immoderate
to refute its pleas,
remedy.
In exhibiting the signs of immoderate sorrow,
will
4
first state
more
how far
The
1.
it
becomes excessive and
must be indulged
afflicted
tender sense of God''s aîcting hand.

not feel,
is
no
For
ful stupidity.
tremble
to
To make
most unbecoming.
"Thou
Not
virtue.
Thus we
may be indulged.
grief
when
easily see
shall
sinful.
in
an awakened and
To
bear what we do
when God
smites,
light of his corrections, is
this the afflicted
is
aw-
5:3:
are rebuked, Jer.
hast stricken them, but they have not grieved."
When God
smote Job in his person, his children, and
he rent his mantle and prostrated himself
showed
that he
was
This
But he blessed an afflicthe was not stubborn and un-
not insensible.
This showed that
ing God.
estate,
in the dust.
submissive.
The
2.
afflicted
complain both
to
must be allowed, within due
God and man.
to
It
limitation,
more becomes a Chris-
tian ingenuously to open his sorrows, than sullenly to
There
them.
much
is
in
no
is
sin in
complaining
complaining of him.
The
"
go
my
poured out
my
to
trouble."
make
142
moan, but
their
griefs of the heart are
complaint before him

Ps.
2.
To whom
might every
afflicted soul
we complain more
and quickly send
it
with God,
their distress
make
this
showed before
should children
Whence may
Happy were
O,
his poor,
When
urges on another, then
how moving, how

burdened people
deep calls
let
Did
experiment.
God, he would complain
relief.
when
!
to
to their father ?
they expect relief and comfort but from him

it,
smother
God, though there
This was David's resort
frequently relieved by utterance.
him
to
less
of us,
prevalent
is
him in
deep, when one wave
to
fly to
the distressed soul address to the
throne of heaven such language as this
" Father, what
hast
My soul is bowed down with trouble. Thou

multiplied my sorrows.
I have neither outward com-
fort
nor inward peace.
shall
do
disappointed.
Lord,
Wherever
I
am
oppressed
look for relief

;
undertake
for
am
me.
Fathers of the flesh pity their distressed children when they

complain
them
to
tures, as the sea
far
me
Lord, have
pity,
exceeds the compassion of crea-
exceeds a drop
support me, deliver
and wilt not thou,
whose compassion as
O,
my
Father
pity
me,
Such appeals are acceptable
!"
to
God and advantageous to the soul.

We may also make our complaint to man. Job did so
" Have pity upon me," says he, " have pity upon me, O ye
my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me." It is
a great mercy if we have friends who are wise, faithful, and
experienced.
They are born for such a time as this. Prov.
17
17.
Still,
"
As
me,
for
should not
they cannot pity as God, nor relieve and
we may
Often
succor as he.
is
my
my
say with Job, chap. 21
complaint to
man
be troubled ?"
spirit
tage in these complaints
may burden
my
4,
And if it were, why

" What great advanthe heart of
my
own."
Yet the opening

of the heart to an experienced, tender Christian, is some
relief J and to engage his prayers is still more important.
3. The subject of affliction may ordinarily judge and
condemn himself as the guilty procurer of his own troubles.
Rarely does a great affliction befall a good man, but he saw,
friend
but
get
ease for
little
or might have seen, the need of such a rod, before he
Has God
felt it.
smitten your child or friend, and might you not
have anticipated the stroke
Were you
not in such a car-
nal frame as to need the rousing, purifying influence of

affliction?
is
But whether you anticipated the
now your duty
examine yourself.
to
and try our ways," says the

of trouble a gracious soul
is
afflicted
corruption which this rod

sinful neglect
and reclaim
would
me from
it
II.
In the day
church.
"
humble me?
to
more
Show me wherefore
"Lord, what
designed
it
is
the particular
rebuke
O, discover
For what
it
to
me,
!"
it
Having discovered
VOL.
is
or not,
inquisitive about nothing
than the cause of the divine frowns.

thou contendest with me."
trial
" Let us search
the cause of their trouble, sincere

"20
Q
souls will take
shame
themselves, and give glory to God,
to
by humble submission, and by vindicating the equity of the

" I have sinned ; what shall I do unto
divine conduct.
thee,
thou Preserver of
" after their hearts are
ashamed
God
of
to
?"
"
Holy men," says one,

renewed by repentance, are not
remember and
confess their faults, to the glory
they account not that glory as
for
men
transferred from themselves to their
God may
It is true,
sovereignty
afflict in
lost,
which
is
Maker."
;
or simply for
But we may always see in ourselves cause enough

the affliction ; and it is safe to charge it to our own sin-
our trial.
for
ful folly.
The
4.
afflicted Christian
and submissively, plead for

us above our strength
may
when
it
gives advantage to the tempter,
of David
Remove thy
day of
in the
and
cries
"
When
affliction presses
disables us for duty, or
we may
stroke from
his trouble,
many
earnestly, though hutnbly
relief.
adopt the prayer
me."
Even
Christ,
poured out his soul with strong
tears, saying, " Father, if thou
be willing,
Oppressed nature desires

cup from me."
relief; and even our renewed nature seeks exemption from
those incumbrances which retard us in duty, or expose us
remove
this
to sin.
Thus
far
mourners
may indulge
But sorrow
their grief
becomes excessive and sinful,

1
When
benights
to the
It
all
it
causes us
to
disregard remaining mercies and
Often the setting of one comfort obscures and
enjoyments.
the rest.
many
Our
tears for enjoyments
mercies which remain.
But
lost,
this is
blind us
very
sinful.
involves ignorance, ingratitude, and great provocation.
Did we know the

we should rather wonder that one mercy
Did we know that
is left, than that many are withdrawn.
Sovereign Being at whose command our comforts come and
It is
a sin springing from ignorance.
desert of our sin,
A GIFT FOR MOURNEUS.

and who can
depart,
in a
moment
destroy
all
which remain,
and ourselves with them, we should more highly value the

mercies which he spares, and be more thankful for them.
Did we know the case of thousands, perhaps
who
ourselves,
as
we
still
in all theit lives
far better than
never knew such enjoyments
possess and yet overlook,
we
could not think thus
lightly of our mercies.
And what
vile ingratitude is this
maining mercies worth nothing

a friend
but
still
dren, and friends.
to
enjoy them.
an interest
and
in Christ
hopes
spondence, as
if
not thus
it
may
And can you
of glory.
sink
is
written
proceed in judgment
What
comforts.
if
till
he has made a
God should
full
if
he should commission death
wife, or children yet left
reproach
losses, poverty,
you are
What
if
in
What
danger of what
If,
God should
if
One
end of your
anger withdraw those
in just
undeserved, disregarded favors which you
What
in
Must Ichabod be
In a word, such a temper tends to provoke the Holy

to
be,
into de-
your mercies, comforts, and hopes,
if all
upon your best mercies, because mortality
upon one
re-
and in the covenant, the pardon of
both worlds, were buried in one grave

wi'itten
Or,
you have the ordinances of God, and,
favored,
your
all
buried a child,
you have a husband, a wife, other chilIf you have not, you have comfortable
accommodations, and health
sin,
Are
You have
to
still
possess
smite a husband, a
he should send sickness,
you are out of Christ,

more dreadful than all this.
indeed,
is far
say, " Dost thou undervalue
my
good-
nothing that I have spared thee

thus long in thy sins and rebellion ?" And what if he should
ness and forbearance
stretch out his

for so
many
Is
it
hand and cut the thread which has kept
years, from dropping into endless misery
O, think how dangerous

ingratitude,
you are
in
it
is
to
thee,
provoke the Lord by
when he has already come out in judgment. If

the number of his own people, of those who will
you know you have
finally be saved,
than any you have yet
Should
lost.
better mercies to lose
God
please
it
to
cloud
your soul with doubts ; should he let loose Satan to bulTet

you, and should he remove all inward peace and joy, you
would soon be convinced that the funeral, even of your
dearest friend,
was comparatively a small

are sinful when they
Our sorrows
2.
our minds that we are insensible
a public
spirit, that
their personal
to the calamities
Some
church and îeople of God.
the
thing.
so entirely absorb
which
affiici
Christians have such
the troubles of the church swallow
up
Melancthon was so much op-
afflictions.
pressed by the calamities of the church, that he took comparatively
little
notice of the death of a most beloved child^
Eli manifested a gracious and public
spirit,
when he received
the intelligence that Israel had fled before the Philistines,
two sons were dead, and that the ark of God was
that his
Had
taken.
the
message stopped
at the
death of his sons,
But at the mention

he might have supported the burden.
of the ark of God, even before the narration was finished,
he presaged the
The
died.
issue,
loss of the
and immediately sunk down, and

ark was more
to
him than
that of
sons and daughters.
But how
spirit,
rare, in this selfish generation, is
even among professors of
plain with the apostle, Phil. 2
such a public
May we
religion.
Few
the things which are Jesus Christ's ?"
extend their
And the
cares beyond the sphere of their private interests.
sorrows of most are not less confined at home.

die,
us
we
are ready to die with
little.
How
it
not com-
21, " All seek their own, not
If a child
but public calamities
few are there who
lose either their
afflict
domestic
comforts in the church's troubles, or their domestic troubles

in the church's mercies.
little
Now, when
wholly absorbed by our own

3.
it
is
thus,
when we
regard the mercies or sufferings of others, but are
Our sorrows
afflictions,
our sorrow
are excessive and sinful
is
sinful.
when they
How
divert us from our duties, or distract us in thetn.
we
are
to
indulge solitary and protracted musings concern-
ing a departed friend

the living
God
When
yet
how hard
to fix
our thoughts on
our hearts should he in heaven with
May not
our Saviour, they are in the grave with our dead.
many
complain that their troubles have
afflicted souls justly
away
taken
prone
Saviour
their
mean
in regard to sensible
communion and placed the lifeless child in his room ? Ah,

cease to weep longer for your deceased relation, and weep
rather for your dead heart.
the design of
your
a stranger
him
to
afflicting
your compliance with
Is this
God
Will you become more
tiian before ?
way to
Is this the
and turn your back on God
to refrain prayer,
dare not wholly neglect the duty, yet your
Your
your success.
heart
is
prayer and meditation, so that

nor
comfort
Or
you
mars
if
affliction
wandering and distracted
in
you neither comfort
affoi'ds
it
relief,
O, Christian, consider
this is not right.
Did your love
operates not kindly now.
when your
Is
as his body in the grave
O, banish
God
this
expire
in
duty
temper without
by sad experience, that what you now

compared with what you will
To lose the spirituality and warmth of
much more than to lose the wife of your
delay, lest
you
mourn
mourn
inconsiderable,
your
to
your heart as cold
friend expired
is
Surely the rod
find,
hereafter.
affections, is
bosom, or the loveliest child that ever a fond parent laid in

the grave.
Reader,
place
if this
be your case, you
among mourners.
It
were
one degree of love
sons, than remit
His end in smiting was
him.
to
him, by removing what estranged

merciful design
you
to the closet,
sinful.
vol.
The
TI,
case
may
challenge the
better for
to
you
to
first
bury ten
God, or delight in
bring your heart nearer to

it.
Will you thwart
this
Surely, the troubles which accompany
and mar
is
its
duties, are extravagant
the same,
'it*'
and
JQ
When
4.
frame as
"
your sorroxvs so oppress and sink your animal

endanger
to
The sorrow
Jife,
or unfit you for active duties.
of the world worketh death ;" that
is,
the sor-
row of worldly men, sorrow merely natural and carnal, and

not relieved by spiritual reasonings and considerations. This
sorrow
its
sometimes so oppressive that the body sinks under
is
weight, and diseases are induced, which are never re-
Excessive grief has ever been considered by phy-
moved.
sicians one of the principal causes
shortened.
for
Its
subjects have no
by which human
mercy on
life is
own frames
their
while they indulge without restraint in the enervating
luxury of
grief,
they frequently deny themselves the com-
of sleep, and other necessary refreshments.
fort
This
is
very
sinful,
and highly displeasing
God.
to
In
mercy he would not have us " swallowed up with

overmuch sorrow," even though that. sorrow be for sin.
How much more would he have us restrain
2 Cor. 2:7.
his great
our griefs
for
temporal losses
and better purposes

be devoted
now
May
we had
nestly wish
to
Indeed, are there not other
which our health and energies may
not the time
come when we
that strength to spend for
prodigally and unavailingly waste upon our troubles
Our
5.
affliction is sinful
does with us, or ours,

of him.
and
tion,
when
we
him
uprightness.
and
God
"
such
is its
in afflic-
know,
language
me."
In this
may obtain comfortable evidence of its own

To have affectionate thoughts of God when
in our dearest comforts, argues that we love
for himself,
and not
his interest in the heart
And
to
in his severest strokes.
that in faithfulness thou hast afflicted

the soul
spirit,
Whatever God
gracious heart cleaves closer
justifies
he smites us
him
sours the
should maintain honorable thoughts
Lord, that thy judgments are right"
"and
it
inward murmurings against God.
excites
way
shall ear-
God, which we
the comfort
for his gifts only.
is
It
argues that
deeper than any earthly interest.
which some have derived from such
dis-
own
coveries of their
would not part with
great, that they
jj
hearts in severe affliction, has been so

to
it
have
all their lost
blessings restored.
But
to swell
with secret discontent, and indulge hard
thoughts of God, as though he had treated us with injustice,

or with unparalleled severity
from the
fruit
from a heart
at least,
Thus
evil root
this is a vile
much
his gourd. - " I do
This was
well," said he, "to be angry, even unto death."

not his ordinary frame, but a surprise
oxysm of
temptation, and
the effect of a par-
of passions overheated.
But many have
dare utter such language.
by discontent and
bittered
evil
distempered, if ever renewed.
was with Jonah when God smote
it
temper;
of a carnal, ignorant, proud heart
Few
their hearts im-
secret risings against the Lord.
them more pain

which occasioned it.
Our sorrows exceed due bounds when we voluniarily
This, if ever their eyes are opened, will cost
than they ever

6.
excite
felt
from the
affliction
and exasperate them.
It is
strange that
we
should find
pleasure in stimulating our grief into exercise.
Yet there
remark of Seneca, that sorrow itself has a
kind of delight attending it. The Jews who came to Mary's
house to comfort her, " when they saw that she went out
is
truth in the
hastily, followed her, saying,
weep there;" "as
She goeth
to the
those do," says Calvin,
provoke their troubles by going
grave, to
"who
seek to
to the grave, or often look-
ing upon the dead."
Thus we
friends,
and
tion,
this,
upon the
delight to look
and often
not so
to
much
relics of
our deceased
mention what they have done or said

for the
purpose of instruction or imita-
but rather to draw fresh blood from our wounds by
piercing ourselves anew.
Many
parents will converse for
hours on the features, actions, and remarks of their deceased children, weeping
at the recital
keeping open the wound
for
months
and thus causelessly
after its infliction,
excruciating their hearts without benefit.
and
Perhaps a lock
12
of hair, or something similar,
is
preserved, the sight of
which may daily renew their grief.

I am far from recommending an inhuman forgetfulness
of our dear departed relatives.
this childish, unprofitable
have other things
to
It
is
as reprehensible as
remembrance.
do in
affliction
Oh,
not better to search our hearts and houses

is
upon
and study how
us,
fying and putting
we
ly,
till
its
end.
away
answer
its
when God's
the sins which provoked
rod
by morti-
designs,
it ?
Sure-
are thus employed, affliction has not accomplished
Our sorrows
7.
to
we
Were it
friends,
than these
are
sinful
when
our ears
they shut
against seasonable instructions and consolations.
Thus "Ra-
chel wept for her children, and refused to be comforted, be-
cause they were not."
So pertinacious are many
in the
indulgence of grief, that no counsel, no comfort can find
way
to their
Some
minds.
Even
evading every argument of comfort.
every plea, they are
Every
still
its
display a perverse ingenuity in
immovably
consolation administered
Their feelings are those of
is
if
driven from
fixed in their grief.
disregarded or forgotten.
Ps. 77 2, " My
the' Psalmist,
soul refused to be comforted."
To want
tion
comfort in the time of trouble aggravates
but to refuse
it
when
offered, is sin.
afflic-
The time may
come when, however welcome a word of support might be,

will be denied.
It is a great mercy to the afflicted to
have with them a Barnabas, an interpreter, one among a
it
thousand.
And
it is
their great sin
and
folly to spill, like
water on the ground, those cordials which are presented
Say not with those desponding souls. Lam. 3: 18,

Our hope is perished from the Lord remembering our
It is
affliction and misery, the wormwood and the gall."
them.
"
sad indeed, that a Christian should be so disgusted with the
wormwood and
sweetness
to
gall of affliction as to be unable to relish the
be found in Christ and the promises.
Thus having
pointed out the sin and danger of mourn-
am,
ers, I
To
II.
and
J3
DISSUADE them from these forbidden excesses,
to inculcate
a temperance in their sorrow.
know how
difficult is the task to silence
The very
allay the tumult of passion.
causes
to
it
Lord's.
He who
says to the stormy ocean, "
Sorrow goes
The
under the
in their turn,
endeavor
the
afflicted
is
the
still,"
all
characters
righteous and the wicked pass,
rod.
am
afford to both
to
Be
bosom.
destined round, and visits
its
without distinction.
Surely,
and
success depends entirely on his power and
can compose the tumults of the
shall
The work
rage and swell the more.
Its
blessing.
grief,
attempt sometimes
a debtor to both
unregenerate need our compassion and
Their affections
to
strong and tender.
gent emotions
aid.
though irregular, are
their relatives,
Their bereavements are
nor must they be
and
support and assistance.
left to
felt
with pun-
sink under their
sorrows.
We
cannot, indeed, directly offer
them those reviving
cordials wliich are found in Christ and in the covenant, for
God's
afflicted people.
afflicted
friends,
interest in Christ
nor
your case who read these lines^

and unsanctified, mourning bitterly for deceased
and having more cause
Christless
to
mourn
for a
dead soul
and graceless, as well as childless or friendless
of trouble, yet without faith or prayer to ease your
full
heart
alas,
your case
suffer yourself to
laid
They have no
If this be
in the promises.
your beloved
is
sad
self into the
grave after him.
Be
1.
Of all
bo tender of
yet do not wholly sink, nor
in the grave, yet
your
grief.
be swallowed up of grief.
You have
do not precipitate your-
This
will be
no remedy for
entreated to ponder these three things
persons in the world, you have most reason to

life
and health, and careful
to
preserve them
24
for if
your troubles destroy you, you are eternally
done
for ever.
Worldly sorrow
loorks death.
lost,
And
unif
it
works your perdition too. If a believBut woe

er dies, the second death has no power over him.
Beware, then,
to you if death overtakes you in your sins.
works. your death,
it
what you do against health and
Be
life.
cautious of break-
ing that thread by which you hang over endless burnings.

It is
better to be childless or friendless on earth, than hope-
less or remediless in hell.
Acknowledge and admire the distinguishing goodness

to you, that when death was commissioned to smite
one in the family, you were passed by. Your husband,
Had your name
wife, or child is taken, and you are left.
been in the commission, you had now been beyond the
2.
of
God
reach of hope.
But O, the sparing mercy, the wonderful long-suffering

Perhaps the relative you have lost never
to you
provoked God as you have done. Your departed child may
of
God
never have abused such mercies, or neglected such calls as

you, nor treasured up the thousandth part of your guilt.
Astonishing patience of
smitten.
Is there
knowledgment
mourn
God
You
are warned, but not
nothing in this which claims thankful acIs
it
not better to
in the regions of despair
the grave of a deceased friend and
banished where there

ing of teeth for ever
is
mourn on
Is
it
weep
earth, than to
not easier to go to
there, than to be
weeping, and wailing, and gnash-
which seems so grievous, may prove

mercy. God has now made your
He has shown you how vain is this
heart soft with trouble.
world, and how poor the sources to which you looked for
3.
your
This
affliction,
greatest,
happiness.
comforts.
richest
dark cloud overshadows
all
your earthly
Should the Lord graciously interpose, and by
this affliction
open your eyes
and divorce your heart
to
for ever
your own deplorable
state,
from a vain, unsatisfying
15
you to choose Christ, the only real and

your portion, what an unspeakable
should the
Should your affliction imbitter sin
mercy
death of your friend turn your attention inward upon your
world, and bring
permanent good,
for
soul
soul as cold to God, and things spiritual, as a dead
body, and more loathsome to Infinite Purity
surely, this
would be a happier day than you have yet seen. Such is

sometimes the merciful method of heaven. " If they be
bound
in fetters,
and holden
in cords of affliction
then he
showeth them their work, and their transgressions that they
have exceeded
he openeth also their ear
to discipline,
that they return from iniquity." Job
commandeth
36
and
8-10.
Consider, pensive mourner, that which stole your heart
from God
is
gone.
thoughts, and left no
That which engrossed your time and

room for Christ and eternal realities, is
All your high-raised expectations from that beloved
gone.
object
which now moulders
What
a motive,
to
heaven
Be
I
to raise
your thoughts
Should a blessing attend the rod,
sadness will occasion you
tions
in dust, are perished in a day.
what an advantage,
many
entreated to consider these things.
Alas
Other consola-
the best of consolations are those
They
people of God.
Yet, while
turn from you to
Christians, and point out those richer comforts

it
is
how happy,
You
peace which those
will thus be
who
You
may
will
repent of
dens of their hearts upon him

all
convinced how
privi-
are the children of God, amidst their
greatest outward trials.
Such
which belong
proper that the subject should be seriously
considered by you.
enjoy amidst
to the
spring from that religion to which
you are now a stranger.

them,
which your
They belong
present spiritual condition excludes.
leged,
day of
cannot offer you while withholding your heart from
Christ.
to
this
a day of thanksgiving.
sin,
who
perceive what
and
roll
all
is
that
the bur-
careth for them,
may
the tribulations of the world.
attempt to counsel and comfort with ani-
26
You
mated hopes of success.

at his
To you
word.
You would
dable as the least sin.
relatives are dear
then, to
your
closet
implore the blessing of
God on
little
is
Retire,
far dearer.
time from sorrow
The Author of your affliction

becomes you meekly to suhmit. " Be
The
your
all
and
the following considerations
1.
am God."
tremble
not so formi-
rather bury
but Christ
redeem a
is
your heavenly Father.
children, than provoke or grieve
Your
You
fear the Lord.
the greatest affliction
is
God.
still,
should silence every objection.
and know that
Lord has done
single thought that the
"Why
It therefore
dost thou
I
it,
strive
him ? for he giveth not account of any of his matFor a creature to quarrel with the God who made
tere."
him, is shocking.
May not he who formed you and yours,
dispose of both as he sees best ?
May he not do what he
will with his own ? Say, then, with Eli, " It is the Lord
Bow to the holy sovlet him do what seemeth him good."
ereignty of that God who does his pleasure among the armies of heaven, and the inhabitants of earth. Turn your
eyes away from your affliction to the perfect and unerring
Pursue
Consider who he is, and what you are.
Author.
against
you can say from the heart, " The

Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away ; blessed be the
the contemplation,
name
till
of the Lord."
The comforts of which you are deprived, were not

Children and other relatives are
your principal comforts.
2.
common blessings, bestowed promiscuously on the friends

God and his enemies. Indeed, the wicked have often in
of
these respects the advantage of the pious.

to
It
is
a mistake
consider our happiness as necessarily connected with
created enjoyments.
these
them.
may
Our
all
fortable.
fail
We may
be happy without
dearest relatives are not our chief good.

us,
And
They
and yet our souls be both safe and comas
God
hath better comforts for his people
than these, he can send greater afflictions than the loss of
Had he
them.
27
spared your children, and indulged you
with outward prosperity, and at the same time inflicted spirsoul,
purchase
iour's design to
life
how much more mournful

Remember, it was not the Sav-
judgments on your
itual
had been your condition

of earthly comforts
quity, to sanctify
you a sensual happiness, a

redeem you from all ini-
for
but
to
your nature,
to
wean your
vain world, and so to order your

earth,
you might sigh and pant
to the
people of God.
And
lot,
heart from this
that finding
for that rest
no
rest
on
which remains
are not afflictions excellently
calculated to promote this gracious design
Is
it
not a
mercy to be deprived of those objects, however dear, which

were so many clogs and incumbrances in your journey to
heaven
Hoioever early or unexpected loas the dissolution of
3.
your friends, you
them every moment
enjoyed
allotted by
Before your lamented relative was born, the time
Heaven.
of your mutual enjoyment, and your separation

alterably fixed in the decrees of
this period
it is
Heaven.
was a secret while your
made manifest by
his life could
To
friend lived.
Nor was
the event.
it
was un-
you, indeed,
But now,
possible that
be either protracted or abbreviated a single
moment.
This assertion
mony
5
is
of Scripture
amply
" His days are determined
are with thee
cannot pass."
much
less
to
How common
for
will shield
you from many a
use-
reflection.
for
survivors to wish that this had been
omitted!
How common
to think, that but
such mistakes or oversights, the dnnr husband, wife, or
child had
and
firm conviction of this truth will conduce
and agonizing
tlinl
thou hast appointed his bounds, which he
your peace, and
done, and
by the explicit testiby the passage. Job 14

the number of his months
justified
particularly
all
VOL.
still
lived
But, no
the Lord's time had
things concurred to accomplish his pleasure.

II.
21
come
15
Still, let it
be
remembered
excuses voluntary neglects.
accomplish his
them.
that the decree of
God nowise
These things he overrules
own purposes;
to
but he does not approve
Yet, the consideration of his governing providence
view of those unavoidable mistakes

which sometimes occur in the treatment of the sick.
affords great relief in
Parents,
you never had a thought
Why,
dren were horn too soon.

at the
that,
that
your dear
chil-
you regret
then, should
appointed hour and moment, they should be
delivered by death into a better
Nor
life ?
let any say that

Those whom God
the death of their children is premature.
intends to bring early to heaven, he can ripen for that bless-
ed region in ways inconceivable to us*

the bud, they
may
be
mature.
still
Though cut off in

Remember that the
more wisely
seasons of the year are not
or
more unaltera-
bly fixed, than the seasons of your comfort in children and

other earthly friends.
Whatever may
4.
dren,
it
might have
he your grieffor the death
heeri still
man
experience led a good
which came
son,
How many
once
was David's
forth
of
What
chil-
Bitter
weep
a heart-
" Behold," says he, "
my
of your
their life.
to say, It is better to
than for one living.
for ten children dead,
piercing affliction
from
greater
bowels, seeketh
my
my
life."
parents have had their lives imbittered or short-
ened by the misconduct of children

True, your love
to
your children
thought of this as possible in your
peared innocent and amiable
will scarcely admit the
own
case.
They
ap-
and you fondly believed that
through your care and prayers they would have become the
joy of your hearts.
But may not Esau, when a
have promised as much comfort

Probably he had as
But
many
to his
child,
parents as Jacob
as years advanced, he despised their admonitions,
filled
their
religion,
hearts with grief.
who ever
of their prayers and counsels.
As
received such an
and
a promoter of family
encomium from
the
God
'
of heaven as
pray
Abraham
Ishmael
for
Yet how
thee !"
Alas
in these
How
JQ
tenderly did the good
man
" O, that Ishmael might live before
little
comfort did Ishmael aflbrd
much more
days of degeneracy, parents
frequently witness the vices of their children than their vir-
And even
tues.
should your children prove amiable and
promising, you might live to be the wretched witnesses of
Some
their sufferings.
parents have
felt
unutterable agonies
of this kind.
God may have taken the lamented object of your affecfrom the evil to come. When extraordinary calamities
5.
tion
are coming on the world, he frequently hides

feebler children in the grave.
such a portentous period,
some of
1, 2.
his
Surely, at
happier for such as are pre-
is
it
57:
Isa.
pared, to be lodged in that peaceful mansion, than to be
exposed
neither
bemoan him
away
for
Thus
and distresses here.
to calamities
the prophet Jeremiah, 22

;
but
10
"
weep
Weep
sore
intimates
not for the dead,
for
him
that goeth
he shall return no more, nor see his native coun-
It was in a day when the faith and patience of the

were peculiarly tried, that the voice from heaven said,
try."
saints
" Write, blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from
henceforth."
Are
not troubles approaching
gather blackness
you are
left to
Your
now
Do
not the clouds
friends are privileged to die, while
Now,
conflict with the storms of life.
if
troubles come, your cares and fears will be fewer, and your
own
God
one merciful dispensation,
say
to
you, as to Peter, "
now; but thou

dence looks
be more
them.
own
easier passage
In removing your friends beforehand, he seems
to tliem.
to
By
death more welcome.
provides for their safety, and your
shalt
much
know
What
do thou knowest not
hereafter."
farther than yours.
difficult for
you
to
The eye
of Provi-
Probably
leave them behind, than
it
would
to follow
20
6.
parting time ?nusi come
You knew
best ?
GLFT FOR MOURNERS.
and that the
tie
and may not
this he
the
beforehand that your child was mortal,
which bound you together must be severed.
What did you receive at his birth, but a mortal being ?

And are you surprised to see a mortal being yield to death ?
" He who complains," says Seneca, " that one is dead, complains that he was a man."
To be human, is to be mortal.
Whatever
inequalities attend our lives, the great statute
of heaven makes
men once
all
equal at
"
last.
law
appointed unto
It is
to die."
Perhaps you think that

for parting
and
this is the least favorable
time
had you enjoyed your friends longer,
that,
you might more easily have resigned them. But how are
The longer the period of enjoyment,
you deceived in this
the more strongly are the affections riveted, and the more
!
painful
Happy
the separating stroke.
is
is it for
us and for
own.
ours, that our times are in God's hands, not in our
Those who are
in Christ,
unseasonably.
Though cropped
they are
As
and
in the covenant,
cannot die
in the blossom or the bud,
ripe for immortal glory.
still
their death
likewise to you.
was most seasonable
Had
them, so was
to
it
they lived longer, not only would
your increased affection have rendered parting more difficult, but you might have seen such displays of corruption
as would have filled you with perplexity and distress respecting their state.
do
we more
Surely, the Lord's time
is
best.
Of
the season of our comforts and our troubles.
we
are prone to think they can never
other, that they cannot
come
both the one and the other to

fect,
and
In
7.
and
all
the
In nothing
discover our folly, than in wishing to determine
come
too late.
too soon
But
let
Him whose works
the one,
;
of the
us commit
are
all
per-
beautiful in their season.
this
day of trouble,
recollect
your covenant with God,
solemn engagements you made when you took him for
your God.
Think of
that period,
when a heavier
load of
A GIBT FOR MOURNERS.

grief pressed upon your heart than
of
sunk you almost
Was
me whatever
I
not this
it
hell,
What was your language

Lord, give me Christ, and deny
into despair.
"
Pardon me, save me, and
else thou pleasest.
Do what
never repine.
will
\^hen the burden
curse of the law, with the dread of death and
sin, the
then
now
21
thou wilt with
me
me
let
be friendless, childless, poor, any thing but Christless, grace-
and hopeless."
less,
And when God

when he
heard your cry, and showed you mercy
constrained you to submit to Christ, and to the
terms of the covenant, was not
Saviour? "Lord Jesus, here
am
this
your language
Fear and trouble on the one hand on the other, a

a condemning law, and everlasting burnings.
;
blessed be
art
my
said,
and
'
God
for the interposition of a
only hope
Come
will give
Cometh
to
thy blood
unto me,
me,
blessed Jesus,
you
all
yet willing, and
Do what
rich or poor,
am,
all I
my
at
that
thy
portion,
in this world, as thou
Thou
my
then. Christian, fulfil
dis-
Let rae be
All
thine to serve thee, thine to
thy pleasure.
my
all
likewise give myself to thee.
have, shall be thine
be disposed of
'Him
Thus encouraged,
Lord, and submit to
any thing or nothing
sovereign Lord,
Now
out.'
thou wilt with me, or mine.
This day
pleasest.
Thou
Thou hast
!
come to thee. I come doubting, trembling,

make a covenant with thee this day. I
take thee, this day, as

posals.
But,
and are heavy laden,
hast promised,
no wise cast
God,
just
Mediator
only remedy.
labor,
Thou
rest.'
will in
my
ye that
your
to
a guilty, wretched sinner.
I,
henceforth art
my
all."
your solemn engagements.
Christ has disposed of your dear relative as he pleased
and
thus he tries your uprightness in covenanting with him.
Where,
als ?
then,
is
your promised contentment with
Where your covenanted
3'ou except the present affliction
his dispos-
Did
Did you say, " Lord, I
submission
to his will ?
consent that thou shalt take, when thou pleasest, any thing
21*
VOL. II.
A GIFT FOR MOLH.NEKS.
22
I
my
have, save oniy
This
did
reserve.
husband,
my wife, or
was hypocrisy.
If
you were
You gave your Saviour
serves.
sincere,
Has
you charge him with

O,
if
In addition
you
you had no i"ewill you now

had forgotten
at least
Christ failed on his part
Can
the smallest instance of unfaithfulness?
you cannot, see
8.
dear child
If so, all
And
all.
conduct as though you repented, or
your engagements
this
can never part with this."
that
you
too be faithful.
your covenant with God, call
to
his covenant with you.
Is
your family, which was
peace and prosperity, broken up and scattered
to
mind
lately in
Have
those
which you looked as the solace of your declining years, and your memorial in a future age, taken
their flight ?
Do you, in cheerless solitude, and with many
dear objects
tears,
to
peruse the words of Job
past, as in the
the days of
my
tabernacle,
when
youth,
the
children were about

Still,
" O, that
were as
day when God preserved me
when
months
in
As
was in
God was upon my
with me, when my
!
the secret of
Almighty was yet
me ?"
in this desolate condition, be comforted with the
God has made with you.
covenant which
afflicted, not
only in the death of children, but
the wicked lives of children.

in his family,
combined
Incest,
David was
more
still
in
murder, and rebellion
to pierce his heart.
Yet what sweet
" Alcomfort does he derive from the covenant of grace

though," says he, " my house be not so with God, yet he
!
hath
made with me an
things,
and sure
everlasting covenant, ordered in all
for this is all
my
salvation,
and
all
my
make it not to grow." The covenant

made with him by God comforted him, although his house
did not increase, and although those who remained were not
such as he desired. So should all who are interested in the
desire, although he
covenant
be comforted in every family bereavement and
affliction.
(1.) If
For,
you are God's covenant people, though he may
A GIFT FOR MOURXERS.

afflict,
" He
much on
23
he will never forget you.
is
You
his
his covenant."
are as
ever mindful of
heart in your
You
deepest affliction as in your highest prosperity.
hard
your
to forget
though turned
child,
and night your thoughts dwell upon
you
easier for
it is
and mouldering
to forget,
But surely
untired.
God
most endeared child you
"Can
have
alive,
man
forget her sucking child, that she should not
passion on the son of her
found
"I
believer,
to forget
womb
?"
you.
Can such
" Yet," saith
may.
Possibly there
it
Day
will not say a child departed,
in the dust, but the
than for your
it
find
to corruption.
will not forget thee."
a wo-
have com-
a monster be
God
His covenant
to
is
every
ever-
lasting.
(2.)
is
He
your troubles
will direct all
a well-ordered covenant.
that they shall conspire to
It
to
so disposes
your good.
your
all
It
trials
make you happy.

how the present affliction should
Possibly you cannot see
be for your good.

" Joseph
is not,
min away
it,
your
You may
and Simeon
It
You have
be ready
not
say with Jacob,
to
and will ye take Benja-
All these things are against me."
shall
But believe
result of covenant love
affliction is the
fulness.
is
and
faith-
certainly issue in your eternal benefit.
therefore reason to be not merely resigned, but
thankful.
(3.)
This covenant
but sure.
You
is
not only well-ordered in
creature comfort which has forsaken you.

said of
all things,
fondly dreamed that you were sure of the
your child now gone, as Lamech of
Perhaps you
his,
" This
same
But you see you built on the sand.

And where were you now, had you not a firmer foundation
for your hope and comfort ?
Be thankful that covenant
mercies are more sure and lasting.
Of your God, of your
shall comfort us."
Saviour, and of heaven, none can deprive you.
enjoyment can say
to
you, as
thee, nor forsake thee."
The
God
says, "
will
No created
never leave
dearest husband must be parted
24
The most
with.
Yet, blessed be God, there
arated.
" All flesh
is
as grass, and
There
much
so
is
and apply
my
sider
it,
work
sep-
something that abides
goodliness as the flower of the
stand for ever."
shall
of support comprised in this single con-
sideration, that could but

it,
its
you must be
soul,
is
But the word of our God
field.
From
beloved wife must be resigned.
your children, who are as your own
might
your
at
faith fix
upon
and realize
it,
my pen,
once lay down
and con-
as accomplished.
The excesses of our grief should be restrained by
9.
the
hope of the resurrection.

Let those mourn without measure,
who mourn without hope. The husbandman does not mourn
when he
receive
it
He
casts his seed into the ground.
again, and more.
who have
specting our friends
expects to
The same hope have we

"
died in faith.
re-
would not
have you ignorant," says Paul, " concerning them who are
asleep, that
if
we
also
ye sorrow not as others who have no hope
believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so
who
seems
sleep in Jesus will
to say, "
anrrihilated.
Look
God
bring with him."
not on the dead as
to
your children, or
You
awake again."
friends, while
for
He
They are not

They only sleep
lost.
Indeed, they are not dead.
and they sleep
them
do not lament over
slumbering on their beds.
Consider death as a longer sleep, from which they shall certainly
awake.
Even
a heathen philosopher could say that he enjoyed
his friends, expecting to part with
them
them, expecting to receive them again.
and parted with
And
shall a
heathen
excel a Christian in bearing affliction with cheerfulness
you have a well-grounded hope that your deceased

friend was interested in Christ, ponder, I entreat you, the
precious supports afforded by the doctrine of the ResurIf
rection.
(1.) Thea??ie Joc?^
shall be restored.
"
which was
My
so pleasant to
your eyes,
eyes shall behold him," says Job,
"and
25
The same body which you commit
not another.''^
to
Yes, mourn-
the grave shall be restored at the resurrection.
ing believer, you shall again meet the beloved form of the
whom you now
husband, the wife, the child, the friend,

lament.
You
(2.)
were once
know them
shall
so dear.
You
to
be the same objects which
now,
will love them, indeed, not as
Yet among
the immense multitude you will be able to distinguish your
parent, husband, wife, or child ; and to say. This was the
one for whom I wept and prayed to whose spiritual good
but with a purer and more enlarged affection.
to
was instrumental,
The
me.
or
who was an instrument
that the Thessalonians
^vould be his
whom
he had converted
"joy and crown of rejoicing
of the Lord Jesus Christ at his coming."

in the great
day he would have a
Indeed, reason and
them.
whatever knowledge tends

our
felicity, will
to Christ,
in the
presence
This implies, that
knowledge of
distinct
Scripture bid us believe that
to perfect
our nature, or increase
be found in the heavenly state.
We shall find
(3.)
of salvation
apostle Paul comforts himself with the thought,
our pious friends in heaven unspeak-
ably more lovely and desirable than ever before.
they had their infirmities, natural and moral.

these will
be for ever unknown.
will attend their glorified bodies
No
no
natural infirmities
sin,
their perfected
O, how lovely will their very bodies appear, when
spirits.
which
that
is
You
(4.)
sown
will
in dishonor shall be raised in glory !
never part with them again.
dren of the resurrection can die no more."

will
Here
In heaven
you
kiss the pale lips of
another agonizing separation

will he with the
Lord for
your Christian
;
ever.
"
The
chil-
Never more
friends, nor fear
but, together with them,
What balm
you
does this dec-
laration of the apostle distil into the bleeding heart of friend-
ship
Well might he add, " Comfort one another with these
words."
26
who
10. All
die in Christ Imve
cise of faith
and hope, and
known
ample testimony
The work
at
Even had they
died in silence,
tenor of their lives would have been
in their favor.
of Divine grace
is
a very early period of life.
lic profession
in the lively exer-
the most satisfying evidence
left
of their interest in Christ.

the general and
an immediate admission
Some have departed
heavenly glory.
to
begun in the hearts of some

Many, when making a pub-
of their faith in Christ, have referred to the
religious instructions of the nursery as deeply affecting their
minds, and, as they hoped, blessed by the Holy Spirit to
Even " out

God can "perfect
their conversion.
sucklings"
of the mouth of babes and
Parents
praise."
who have
evidence that their children died in the Lord, have reason

to rejoice in
view of
Surely, there
their departure.
no Christian
is
rejoice as
Shall
much
to
we mourn
who would
not rejoice to
Why
should
we
have our children arrive
first at
glory
heaven before us
him
see his child outstrip
in grace.
that they are
Might they not say
to
gone
to
not
us in such a case, as Christ to his
dejected disciples, " If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, be-
cause
go
to the
We
Father."
children and friends
and
profess
if this love
much
love to our
be pure and spiritual,
can we grieve when they take leave of sin and sorrow, and
Though we want their company,
to a Father's house ?
go
they want not ours.

better than
we
Christ has provided for
them
infinitely
could have done.
O, parents, think what an honor
to
you, that Christ
should take your children from your bosom and put them in
That he should strip them of the garments of

own
your own providing, and clothe them with white robes,
That he should make you inwashed in his own blood
struments to furnish heirs for the heavenly inheritance, and
his
replenish the mansions of everlasting light
may now
Your
child
be glorifying God in a higher style than you can
A GIFT FOR MOUKNERS.

and will you account that a
to'God
tional glory
When
loss to
27
you which
brings addi-
Jacob heard that his favorite son was lord of
Egypt, he rather wished himself with Joseph, than Joseph

And you, who are now tossing on a tumultuous
with him.
sea, while
your friend
is
in port,
have more reason
to
wish
yourself with him, than him with you.
All dissatisfaction and repining under
11.
The
the
rod
is
by wrestling and
utterly
resistance, does but gall his neck, and render the yoke more
painful.
Be not like a " bullock unaccustomed to the yoke."
fruitless and
Excessive sorrow
can
profit
child
was
vain.
may
us nothing.
at
bullock,
break our sleep or our hearts, but

David's conduct
once rational and pious.
at the
"Now
it
death of his
he
is
dead,"
Can I bring him back

While God's purpose is unknown to us, there is
again ?"
room for fasting and prayer. But when it is manifest in
said he, " wherefore should
the event,
it
is
fast 1
the extreme of folly to vex our spirits, as
David's servants expected he would do,
when informed of
But though with many tears he had

deprecated the affliction, yet when it came, " Wherefore,"
He felt, what eveiy mourner
said he, " should I fast ?"
should feel, that he could no more alter the purpose and
the death of the child.
providence of
sun
arrest the
spirits
in its course.
and strength
12.
your
God than he could change

Let us
in a fruitless
the seasons, or
not, then,
waste our
indulgence of grief.
If you meekly submit to the rod, the Lord may restore

You have no reason to exclaim with
comforts.
lost
Esau, "Hast thou but one blessing,
my
father?"
Your
many blessings to bestow. He is the Father of

He can create as many mercies for you as he
Father has
mercies.
A few months or years since, the comforts, whose

you now lament, were not in existence nor did you
know whence they should come to you. But God spoke the
And surely, he who gave, is
word, and they were yours.
pleases.
loss
2Q
But
able to replace them, and more.

for
as
you would hope
such mercy, beware that you do not dishonor and
dis-
him by impatience.
God removed all Job's children by a
and
please
many
circumstances combined
to
single stroke
aggravate the
affliction.
Yet from the Divine hand he meekly received and patiently

bore
"
it.
heard," says an apostle, " of the patience
Ye have
of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord."
gave Job twice as much as he had before."
" The Lord

The number
was not doubled, as his other comYet perhaps his comfort in this respect was
Nothing was ever lost by a quiet submission to
of his children, indeed,

forts
were.
doubled.*
the will of God.
God to revive, as to extinguish our

Thou wilt light my candle," says David
"the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness." Every
comfort we enjoy is a candle lighted by a kind Providence
It
as easy for
is
enjoyments.
to
"
These candles will not

life.
Those which endure longest, will soon be
cheer us in the path of
always
last.
Often, before they are half consumed, they are
wasted.
suddenly extinguished, and

let
we
are
left
us remember, with David, that he
candle, can light
up again.
it
for the blessing of children
double
13.
have
We can
it,
The Lord can banish our

Hannah waited on God
if
lose
he sees
and she was graciously remem-
no comfort but God can restore
it,
and
best.
Though God should deny you such comforts as you
lost,
will give
*
extinguishes our
and renew our comforts.
troubles,
bered.
But
in darkness.
who
" I
he can bestoio blessings incomparahly greater.
them," says Jehovah, " a name better than of sons
Some suppose
that Job's receiving only the
of children as formerly, while his
otlier
same number
comforts were doubled in
number, was designed to intimate to him that his first

were not extinct, but only removed to another world.
view, their number was doubled too.
cliildren
In this
A GIFT FOR MOUKNERS.

and of daughters.
them an everlasting name,
will give
that shall not be cut ofT."
To
29
be a child of
God
is
a source
of greater honor and comfort than ever a parent enjoyed in

the best and most beloved of children.
Yes, dejected moui-ner, bereft, as you seem, of all joy,

you have no reason for despondence. O, that you realized
what blessings God has to bestow on those who submissively
wait on him in their affliction
He has consolations far
!
So others have found.
transcending the joy of children.
An
for
eminently pious man, having
some hours
to his closet,
had enjoyed,
renewed, might well

O,
how
all
son, retired
who saw him were
Being asked an explanation of
with surprise.
day.
an only
and then came forth with such
a cheerful countenance, that
plied that he
lost
this,
in his retirement, that
I'econcile
him
to part
filled
he
re-
which,
if
with a son every
great the disproportion between the light of
God's countenance, and the
best, the
sweetest of created
enjoyments
Sometimes God mercifully prepares his people for peby granting them, previously, some remark-
culiar trials,
The
able manifestations of his love.
writer of this
knew
woman, who, for several days before the

death of her husband, was so favored with the presence of
God, and the assurances of his love, that when the stroke
came she was scarcely sensible of it so entirely was she
transported above every thing earthly. Yet her attachment
a most amiable
was of the
tenderest kind, as well as the object every
way
and she herself believed, that but for these extraordinary supports, she must have sunk under the burden
worthy
of grief.
A
is
husband, a wife, or child,
is
a dear object.
But what
a husband, a wife, or child, compared with the all-suffi-
and everlasting God ? And how know you but he has

withdrawn your earthly comforts to prepare the way for
heavenly blessings ? He may have removed your child,
cient
VOT,.
IT.
-J-i
30
GIFT FOR MOURNERS.
may make room
that he
and
tion 0^ himself
By
14.
liis
for the
more abundant communica-
love to your soul.
indulging excessive grief, you give advantage
to
and there
is
All extremes are dangerous
the adversary.
an extreme of dejection which invites the assaults of the
That
tempter.
and coivardly,
fallen spirit, equally cruel
God when they are oppressed and sunk.

Most High to smite Job in his estate, his chil-
attacks the people of
He
wished the
would give him

mind with blasphemous thoughts.
dren, and his person, because he hoped this
an advantage
to poison his
"Do
this, and he will curse thee to thy face."

Sometimes Satan excites in the afflicted soul desjionding
"
thoughts.
My
hope,"
says the
perished from the Lord."
thoughts of the divine conduct
imagine his
prophet,
afflicted
"
is
Sometimes he suggests hard

and the sufferer
is
led to
Sometimes
he infuses murmuring thoughts, and sometimes those which
"Verily," says the Psalmist, "I have
are atheistical.
cleansed
afflictions to
my
be without a parallel.
my
heart in vain, and washed
hands in inno-
cence."
Thus Satan
obtains advantage over the afflicted Chris-
For though these things are
tian.
his grief
and burden, and
therefore will not be imputed for his condemnation, yet they
rob
him of peace, and
him
misimprove
to
Beware, then,
lest,
obstruct
his affliction,
him
and
in duty.
to
They cause
harden others
in sin.
by excessive sorrow, you give place
to
the devil.
15.
By
inordinate grief you dishonor
In the time of trouble
many
and
when they
scoffers,
says one,
are apt scornfully
to
ask.
Where
is
claim, This
is
them
in their
our God
Where
Atheists
your God
is
?
What,
you unbelievingly
Will they not exultingly ex-
their boasted religion
extremity
religion.
see a suffering Christian,
then, will they say, should they hear

cry.
God and
eyes are upon you.
what can
Where now
it
do for
are the rich and
31
precious promises of which they have talked
have a treasure
unhappy
in heaven,
why
If they
are they so dejected and
O, Christians, the world have eyes as well as cars.
your deportment
the
in trouble is like their
same of your
God and heaven,
Whatever you may
principles.
your grief
if
If
own, they will think
for the loss of
talk of
worldly com-
forts is as great as theirs,
they will believe your hearts are
supremely devoted
same
the
to
objects as theirs.
Thus,
too,
the precepts of your Saviour respecting contentment in

conditions, will be
to
be reduced to practice.
be disesteemed, as
all
viewed as mere speculations, impossible
little
Indeed, the Gospel at large will
calculated to influence the
mind or
comfort the heart.
Endeavor, then,
makes a
real
and that
it
ward
to
convince
the
world that religion
and essential difference between
consists, not in
man and man
empty speculation, or a
strictness, but in humility,
little
out-
meekness, superiority
the world, and heavenly-mindedness.
And
let
to
these graces
display themselves in your submissive and cheerful deport-
ment under trials. Why has God implanted these graces

in your heart, but that he may have the honor, and you the
benefit of them in the time of your trouble ?
Should these
be suppressed, and nothing but pride, passion, and earthliness of mind be manifested amid your afflictions, O how will
you wound religion, and dishonor the glorious name by

which you are called
This thought must pierce a gracious
!
heart deeper than any outward calamity.

16.
You know
this affiiction.
not
The
how many mercies are embosomed
children of
God have
in
often found their
This would be still

more frequently the ca.se, were they more careful to improve
those trials. David could say, " It is good for me that I have
been afflicted." May not affliction l)e as good for you as
for David ? It will, if, like his, it be sanctified. You needed
severest trials their richest blessings.
32
Perhaps you saw the need of some awakening
this rod.
Providence.
If not,
You
Lord
tiie
He
did.
and love required
faithfulness
till
Every
incessantly deploi'e your loss.
of the dear departed object
your eyes with

needful.
not emphatically declare that your at-
it
tachment was extreme, and that the friend you have

a wrong place in your heart
thus
Should he permit
and
affections,
he could not
And
The
tience under affliction, the greater

if,
by
slumber
ant, but perilous
Were
to say,
" Let
alone.
He
him
has
engross your
This
greater your impa-
your need of
pillowed, as
What
it.
pleas-
you were, upon
this
not this better, far better, than for
sleep on.
left
had
lost
leave you
God should awaken you from your
this stroke,
idolized creature.
him
him
God
heart from himself?
and love you.
do,
should
this earthly object to
away your
steal
and
grief,
All this proves that the affliction was
tears.
For does
recollection
your heart with
fills
you
did not smite
it.
He
the fountain
is
joined to idols
let
let
him continue
at
the broken cistern."
What
if
God
should
now
your heart and hopes
you
more
so effectually discover to
the vanity of every created enjoyment, as that never

shall fasten
on them as before
merly you talked of the vanity of creatures.
Now
For-
you
see
you feel it. Is not this mercy indeed to be cured of

your false and dangerous expectations from creatures to
have your judgment of them rectified, and your affections
to them moderated to have your wandering heart reclaimed
to your God, your lost communion with him restored, your
neglected duties revived ?
These are greater mercies than
Surely you will, in time, and to
to have your friend again.
eternity, adore the hand which has removed the obstructions
between you and your God. Now you can pray more constantly, more affectionately, more spiritually than before.
it,
Blessed rod, which buds and blossoms with such fruits as

these

Your
17.
pared
tvifh
dead.
severe as
it
may seem., is light, coinYour dear relative is
however, but a single death
It is,
way.
the ordinary
and by
affiiclion,
what others have known.
violent,
and probably in
many friends at
The unhappy
deaths.
Others have
perhaps cruel
33
lost
kiah had his children slain before his eyes

those eyes (alas, too late
!)
put out.
once
Zede-
and then had
family in
Germany
were once reduced to such extremity by famine, that the

wretched parents were compelled to think of selling one of
their children for bread to sustain themselves
and the
rest.
But, attempting to designate the victim, they shrunk from

the impossible task, and determined to
"
meet death
all to-
Contemplate that picture of horror. Lam. 4
gether.
The hands
of the pitiful
women have
sodden their
10,
own
children."
But
it
is
parents, and
some pious
parents, have seen their children
die awfully stupid, perhaps even profane
by the hand of public
heart-rending
therefore, of complaining, they

to
and sometimes
Most who read
justice.
acquainted with such
and
Many
needless to resort to scenes like these.
have reason
to
are un-
this,
afflictions.
Instead,
be thankful,
adore the sovereignty which has so mercifully
dis-
tinguished them.
If God be your God, you can sustain no real
18.
loss by
God is the fountain of all true

removal of a creature.
Creatures are but streams which convey the concomfort.
the
solations he is pleased to impart.
be cut
off,
If
some of these streams
he can bless us through another medium.
he can bless us without a medium.
No
nothing.
In this case
we
And
lose
comforts are so sweet as those which flow
directly from the fountain.
Is the fulness
of the fountain
yours, and will you despond because the broken cistern
removed
The
best of creatures are no better.
have nothing but what they receive
is
Cisterns
and broken cisterns
cannot hold what tliey receive. Why, then, do you mourn,

2-2*
VOL. n.
34
as if all happiness
were gone
to the fountain.
God never
If
You
he can more than compensate
lost,
have
still
free access
you have
restore the comfort

it
in himself.
And
not
is
one glimpse of his countenance, one manifestation of his

special love, a sweeter and
the world can afford
all
Though
cient
creatures
substantial comfort than
Repair, then, to the fountain.
unchangeable and
is
all-suffi-
still.
19. Afflictions
Many
by
God
fail,
more
often tend
to
render death more easy.
pious persons have been embarrassed on a dying bed
their affection
Had
hind.
your love
not
life.
to die.
It is
for those
they must leave be-
relatives beforehand,
them might have caused you very unduly to

For these are the things that make men loath
to
cling to
and anxiety
God removed your
much
easier to think of going to our friends in
The
heaven, than of leaving them behind us on earth.

thought of leaving those
we most
ful,
dangerous world, perhaps
ful,
and almost distracting.

True,
is
it
our duty
and friendless relatives
to
to
little
to
want and
distress, is pain-
commit our fatherless children

And some have been enaLuther could
on a dying bed.
God.
bled cheerfully to do this

say, " Lord, thou hast given
have
to
tenderly love, in a deceit-
leave them.
me
a wife and children.
Father of the
and
fatherless,
Judge of the widow, do thou nourish, teach, and keep them."
But every Christian has not Luther's faith. Those, then,

whose dearest friends have gone before them, are in some
As their ties to earth are weakened,
respects privileged.
they
may
hope
to find
it
less difficult to die.
20. You are rapidly approaching

these sorroios will he unknoion.
that
We now live
state
where
partly
by
all
faith,
and partly by sense partly on God, and partly on the creaSoon God will be all in all ; and we shall be as the
;
ture.
ano-els,
sins
who
neither
marry nor are given
and our suiTerings
in marriage.
will cease together.
Our
Our
glorified

relations will live with us for ever.
They
no more.
will die
no more.
35
They
surround the throne of God, and drink

immortal
felicity.
less joy.
And,
will complain
With them we
shall
fountain of
at the
All sorrow will be swallowed up in end-
Christian, this blessedness
Let
near.
is
the thought console your afflictions, and becalm your per-
turbed minds.
III.
am now
erate grief.
to
consider and refute the pleas of
to justify, at least to palliate,
important to
it is
all to
But
such excessive sorrow.
see that
it
This
admits no apology.
shall illustrate, chiefly in reference to bereaved par-
point
ents,
because
the thoughts
ments
immod-
natural for men, and even for Christians,
It is
this is the
But
case presented in the text.
shall suggest will generally
apply
to
bereave-
at large.
" My child was a child of many prayers

1
a
Samuel asked of the Lord and, as I hoped, given in answer
But now I fear it was not bestowed in special
to prayer.
mercy. My child is dead, and my prayers seem shut out."
Answer. Unless you prayed for children submissively,
you were wrong. You ought not to limit the Holy One,
If you did, you
nor prescribe, nor make terms with him.
But if you prayed conditionally
are now justly rebuked.
Plea
and submissively, referring both the bestowment and continuance of the mercy supplicated to the divine wisdom and
will,
then there
to the spirit
Farther
nothing in the death of the child contrary
is
and intent of your prayer.
your prayers
may
be answered, though the
blessing asked be withheld or speedily withdrawn.
are four
ways
in
which God answers prayer.
mediately bestow the blessing supplicated.
He may impart it
He may withliold
Dent. 3
patience
25
to
after considerable delay.
There
He may imDan. 9
23.
Luke, 18:
7.
mercy asked, and bestow a greater.

compare Deut. 34 4, .5. Or ho may give
the
support Ibf loss or want of
it.
2 Cor. 12
9.
36
If
God has taken away your
a meek, quiet, submissive
and given you
child, or friend,
spirit,
you need not suspect
that
he has shut out your prayer.
Plea
2.
" Mine
no
is
common
My
loss.
child
was
singularly beautiful, lovely, and desirable."
Answer. Beauty
though a good
in children or relations,
a common, not a special mercy.
gift, is
It is
short-lived
and vanishing, and often has proved a snare. The souls of

some had been more beautiful, had their persons been less
And what
so.
beauty of the
has
all
mortal beauty to compare with the
saints, in that
day when they shall shine forth

kingdom ? If your child or
as the sun in their Father's
friend sleeps in Jesus, he will appear ten thousand times
more lovely
in the
morning of the resurrection than ever
before.
more lovely and engaging the object rewill be your submission,
Besides, the
moved, the more signal and amiable
you cheerfully resign it. Had it been a thousand times

more sweet and engaging, it would not have been too good
to give to your God.
Now, then, let it be seen that your
if
obedience to his will can conquer the strongest of natural
and that you consider patience and resignation

more desirable than the sweetest of earthly enjoyments.
If, like Abraham, you can give up a child, inexpressibly
beloved, to God, incomparably more beloved, you will have
a comfortable evidence of your sincerity.
Plea 3. " Had I enjoyed my child longer, I could more
affections
as
easily
my
have resigned
Answer.
tracted.
secured.
If
The
The
it
but death nipped
died in Christ,
conflict
is
shorter the
was committed and

row fill the world.
is
it
it
in the bud,
and
expectations were raised only to be disappointed."

its life
was
sufficiently pro-
long enough, if the victory be

life
of your child, the less sin
the less sorrow endured.
a special privilege.
Sin and sor-
quick passage through such a world
That parting would have been
easier

after a longer enjoyment,
true.
tender plant
may
37
The
a mistake.
is
be easily plucked up
reverse
but
is
let it
its roots for years, and how hard to remove it

Such are our affections to children and friends.
Above all, this thought should tranquillize your mind your
child was removed in God's time, and that time is always
spread and fasten

!
fittest
and
Plea
best.
" In losing one,
4.
children, this privation

is
have
had been
Had
lost all.
less afflictive
but
other
now
it
insupportable."
Answer. Religion does not permit us

ceased friends, that they are
Nor can
hefore.
lost.
to
They
say of our deare only gone
a Christian say he has lost
except that one be Christ
all
in one,
and him he can never
Doubtless you mean, that you are deprived of
all
lose.
your com-
of this kind. And what if you are ? Do there not still

remain to you multitudes of comforts, more precious, more
fort
excellent,
more durable
Have you
not a
Is
the most beloved of creatui'es
Plea
5.
"
your portion
in
God who can more than supply
am
My
life ?
not only stripped, but have
seeing another child.
this
the loss of
comfort in children
no hope of
is
gone for
ever."
Answer. Bless God that you have better mercies and

Peruse the promise, Isa. 56 :
higher hopes than children.
And
God denies you comfort from childraw your comfort more entirely from
himself.
You will be no loser by the exchange. In one
hour's communion with God you will find an enjoyment
4, 5.
dren,
farther, if
resolve to
which the happiest of parents never found in children.

Plea 6. " My bereavement was sudden and unexpected.
My beloved relative was taken without the least warning."
Answer. You could not be ignorant that your relatives
frail, dying creatures.
And it was your duty to live
were
in habitual expectation of the parting stroke.
You
likewise
38
saw
other
dead
to their
GIFT FOR MOURNERS.
and wives conveying their
parents, husbands,
ings to you
long
home
and what were these but warn-
Farther
what you consider the
sting of
your
affliction,
They have
others would have regarded as a favor.
witness-
ed with agony the gradual and most distressing approaches

of death
to their sick friends.
Some of the tenderest of parents
and friends have even been compelled

end put
to pains
Plea
and sufferings more
"I neêcted
1.
for preserving life.

for this
Answer.
It is
have reason
to
this blessing
in the present case,
is
sideration should quiet
.though, while
it
was
their
terrible than death.
means and precautions

to
apprehend
my
means
to neglect
them.
The
without God's blessing.
was come,
upon
hastened, and an
that,
relative
but
might
this is inexpressibly grievous."
wrong
much
to ascribe too
any
the proper
negligence and inconsideration,
have been living; and
fruitless
to implore,
moment might be
knees, that the parting
best of
When
was withheld
and it is wrong
them are utterly
his appointed time
and that
it
had come
This con-
manifest from the event.
your mind, now the event is known

it should not have prevented
uncertain,
exertions.
But do you not charge yourself unjustly ? It may be,

you doubted what course to pursue. Having observed
many
to die
recover
under the hands of physicians, and
without them, or not thinking
hazardous, you omitted to call them.
the
Or,
many
to
present case
among various
now think
courses prescribed, you preferred that which you

the least proper.
Yet you followed the
best light
you had.
In either case you have no reason for severe reflections on

Because the event is unfavorable, to be vexed
yourself.
you pursued the dictates of your judgment, is to be

vexed that you are not omniscient ; for none but the om-
that
niscient
can foresee future events.
Again
seasons of affliction
are apt to be seasons of

temptation.
sins of
The adversary
neglect
then frequently charges us with
which we are not guilty
our mistakes into
and frequently magnifies
Indeed, had yours been a voluntary
sins.
had you preferred hazarding the
39
life
of your friend
money, you would have much reason

to reproach yourself: for great would have been your guilt.
But probably this was not the case ; and if so, your vexation
with a
to parting
is
little
unreasonable and wrong.

Plea 8. " Were I assured that the deceased friend or
child
is
with Christ,
But
should be quiet.
contrary, and the very thought
is
Answer. Admit that you have
alas
fear the
overwhelming."
real
ground of fear.
It is
and to a pious heart, almost overyou can have no reason to murmur against
distressing case indeed;
whelming.
Still,
Consider his adorable sovereignty

" Who art thou, O man,
over the souls which he has made.
What if the Lord does not see
that repliest against God ?"
the dispensations of God.
fit
to
bestow his special mercies on those most dear
to
us
them or to us ? Aaron had the

unutterable distress to see his two sons cut off by God's
immediate hand, and in the very act of sin. Yet Aaron
Is there
any wrong done
God
held his peace.
to
plainly signified to
Abraham
that the
covenant should not be established with Ishmael, for whom

And though he probably concluded
he so earnestly prayed.
that there
was no
salvation out of the covenant, yet he pious-
ly acquiesced.
Consider, farther, God's distinguishing love and

to
you.
What
mercy
thanks do you owe, that root and branch
have not been cast together
into the fire
What
thanks
Lord has given you good hope, through grace, that

Let the thought fill
it shall be well with you to eternity
you with grateful astonishment, and awe you into a holy,
that the
trembling submission to the inscrutable decree of heaven.
But
may
farther,
examine the ground of your fear. There

Perhaps
it Ihan you apprehend.
be less reason for
40
your child died
safely leave
infinite in
in infancy.
them
in the
As
to infants at large,
hands of a Being
we may
infinite in justice,
mercy.
Perhaps your child had passed infancy

hibit, in life or death, that decisive
but did not ex-
evidence of grace which
you wished. Yet if his mind was tender, and his deportment exemplary if he escaped the pollutions of the world,
and made conscience of sin and duty, you have reason to be
thankful.
There may have been found in him, as in young
Abijah, " some good thing toward the Lord."
A natural
modesty and reserve may have led him to conceal from you
some things, which, had they been known, would have conIf there was the faintest spark of
vinced you of his piety.
grace in his bosom, it was not overlooked by him who
"despiseth not the day of small things."
But however this may be, he is now beyond your
;
reach.
He
gone
is
an omniscient, righteous, and merci-
to
Judge.
ful
Your duty
lies,
not in indulgmg curious or anxious
inquiries respecting his state, but in improving the bereave-
ment to the glory of God and your own

Plea 9. " I fear this visitation is a
my
for
sin
not loving
in
it
spiritual good.
special
punishment
idolizing the object withdrawn, at least in
so spiritually as I ought."
Answer. If your love was not spiritual and pure a sin

you have reason for
too common, even among Christians
Perhaps your conhumiliation, but not for despondence.
science,
now
particularly tender, paints your guilt in
its
But admit what you apprehend, that God

your sin, and removed the comfort befor
you
afflicted
has
cause it was idolized ; you have no reason to sink under the
This may be in love to your soul. " As many
affliction.
strongest colors.
as
love," says he, "
better that
that
rebuke and chasten."
God should remove your
How much
idolized enjoyment, than
he should say of you, as of Ephraim,
"He
is
joined to
How much
him alone."
idols: let
than to be cast off for ever
Plea 10. "

and
all
my
hoped
my
the fruits of
better to be chastened,
have
to
42
cares and
left to
my
But
toils.
worldly possessions can afibrd
Ansiver.
Many
beloved children
am
me
of your acquaintances are destitute, both
of children and wealth.
If,
though deprived of one, you are
indulged with the other, you have reason
God has many
may
wealth
gratitude
for
Consider, too, though you have no
rather than discontent.

children,
disappointed
no comfort."
whom
children in the world,
comfort and refresh.
And
your
doubtless your
charity to them will turn to greater account than leaving
a great estate
you have
your
to
world
into this
to
Surely,
posterity.
amass great
we were
not sent
estates for our children.
eagerly pursued this object, your
too
justly rebuked.
Bless
God
that
And
own hands
since other executors are denied, let your

tribute to the necessities of the saints,
to perish
child
wounding
shall the blessing of those
my
"The
are
who
dis-
spread
are ready
my
de-
memory, and
recurring to
heart anew."
with
sense
How many
children
blest with so desirable a child,
How many
your gratitude.
afflicted
!
for the
pleasant .words and actions of
constantly
Answer. That you were

claims
and
come upon you.
Plea 11.
parted
So
is
you have yet an oppor-
tunity to honor him eminently with your substance.
of the Gospel.
If
folly
destitute
have been
parents
of reason
and
common
children, through a perverse temper,
have been the vexation and torment of those who gave them
birth
Besides, the circumstances mentioned, though en-
gaging, are in themselves of small importance
they will prove serious
evils, if
or imbittering your spirit.
things claim your attention.
At
yet to
you
instrumental of depressing
this serious
You ought
moment
to
greater
be engaged in
inquiring for the design of your afflictions, in mortifying the

vol,.
II.
'28
42
which have procured them, and
sins
in
subjecting your
heart to the divine will.
Plea 12. "I
am
not only afflicted, but deserted.
In the
my trouble, the
Lord has hidden his face from me."

Answer. You may want sensible comfort, and still have
lime of
The
his gracious supports.
light of
God's countenance
be withdrawn, yet the everlasting arms
Nor
you.
is it
such a time.
an unusual thing
it
when most of
was constrained
God,
why
God
for
is
hide his face at
to
was
true of his beloved Son, who, at a
all
he wanted his Father's presence,
exclaim, in agony of soul, "
hast thou forsaken
me
?"
but too probable.
The
My God, my
Inquire likewise,
God
not your want of submission provôke
This
to
may
be underneath
This has not only been the experience of his
dearest saints, but
period
may
to
may
hide his face
comforting Spirit cannot rest
bosom which is the seat of unsubdued and tumultuous

Would you enjoy his cheering smiles ? Meekly
receive and drink the cup which your heavenly Father has
in that
passions.
Accept the punishment of your
mingled.
iniquity.
Say
from the heart, and with unaffected submission, " The Lord
gave, and the Lord hath taken away ; blessed be the name
of the Lord."
IV.
am
now,
in
the
last
place, to point
REMEDY of immoderate sorrow.
Much,
said already to dissuade from this evil.
out the
indeed, has been
Yet
it
may
be of
additional advantage to suggest the following rules.
Rule 1. If you would not excessively lainent the loss

of created comforts, guard against loving them inordinately
The apostle unites temperance and
while in your possession.
The affection of Jacob
2
Pet.
1
6.
precept,
in
the
patience
:
for
Joseph was doubtless excessive.
that
when
the favorite
The consequence
was supposed
to
father refused to be comforted, and resolved to " go
the grave to his son mourning."
was,
be dead, the fond
down
to
Behold, Christians, the

consequence of inordinate affection
43
and as you would
avoid the sad effect, beware of the cause.
Rule
2.
Faithfully perform your duties
The
loMle you have them.
much
when they
allay your sorrows
to
But conscious
What
3.
Pour
a privilege
meet them comfortably at
discharge of
faithful in the
all relative duties.
out your sorrows into the iosoni of God.
prayer
is
to the Christian at all times,
especially in seasons of distress
How much
leave our complaints with a compassionate and
to
faithful
day
but
a relief to deposit our
It is
sorrows in the bosom of a wife or a friend.
more
terrible
to
fortably with friends at death, and
Rule
How
whom, while living, we have

As you would part comperhaps unkind
been unfaithful,
judgment, be
are yours no longer.
guilt adds a sting to affliction.
on a deceased friend,
to look
your relatives
to
consciousness of this will do
God
retire
Go
from
and dark
then. Christian, in the cloudy
creatures, and pour out your heart to
all
your heavenly Father.
Confess your sins
his severest chastisements
justify
God
in
entreat the support of his ever-
implore his smiles to cheer your drooping
lasting
arms
spirit.
Thus you may hope
to
find the
best
relief,
the
sweetest consolation.
Rule
causes
4.
In your
less.
"
affliction
mouth, because thou didst

its
God
it."
all
He
opened not
my
In your affliction, and in
all
and
this
:
draws your heart
world, surely
it is
God, doubt not
it
a righteous hand.
a sov-
without explaining the rea-
13.
to
As
2.
correcting in love and faithfulness.

affliction
As
1.
has a perfect right to dispose of you, and
your comforts
sons of his conduct. Job 33
to
more, and secondary
circumstances, consider the hand of God.
ereign hand.
of
eye
was dumb," says David, "
a Father^s hand,
Prov. 3
a kind affliction.
If
it
Must you not confess
12.
If the
from the
it
issues in
your love
3. As
God has done you no wrong.
proceeds from God's love

Surely,
God, and divorces
that all
you
suffer
is
to
you.
the fruit of sin ?
44
As
4.
GIFT FOR MOURNERS.
a tender, merciful hand,
He
iniquities deserve.
affiiction
inflicting less
than your
has cast you into the furnace of
and might he not justly have cast you into the

" It is of the Lord's mercies that you are
?
of despair
pit
Why
not consumed.
Rule
Say
5.
should a living
Compare your
not, there is
man complain
ajlictions with those
of
?"
others.
You have
no sorrow like your sorrow.
and lost
but Aaron lost two, and Job all
one child
them by an immediate, instantaneous stroke of God. The
children of some pious parents have died victims to public
lost
Others have lived
justice.
to sin so
grievously, that their
broken-hearted parents were ready to wish they had died
from the womb.
third class
have experienced such pro-
tracted and intolerable sufferings on a sick bed, that even a
fond mother has wished and prayed for the closing moment.
think of these things, and acknowledge that your
lot
has
been comparatively merciful.
Rule
excite
6.
Avoid whatever tends
Do
your itnpatience.
to
renew your grief and

your sorrow by the
not increase
by conversing about them.

some of the principal means by which
sight of melancholy objects, or
Thus you
will avoid
Where
the adversary excites the corruptions of the heart.
there
so
is
much
of the inflammable, you cannot too
soli-
citously shun the approach of every spark.
Rule
the
7.
Remember
friend you have
that
lost.
"
you will soon, very soon, follow

I
shall
go
to
mortality, the loss of our earthly comforts
When we
ble.
"
weep
own
as though
graves,
feel
that
we wept
we can
" time
not."
him," says David,
When we
in reference to his deceased child.
is
forget our
seems insupporta-
short,"
When we
we
learn to
look into our
look with composure into the graves of
our friends.
And now, may
the Father of mercies, the
God who
comforteth the mourner, write these truths in your heart, to
your present consolation and your everlasting joy.
Amen.
No. 60.
GROWTH
IN GEACE.
BY REV. THOMAS GOODWIN,
D. D.
PREFATORY REMARKS.
1.
There
are,
among
Christians,
two
sorts of converts
those who, at the time of conversion, are sensible of the
change wrought in their minds

and those to whom the
change is not, at the time, perceptible.
As to the first, the suddenness of the change produces
great effects in them.
The powers of their minds are
greatly excited. Their feelings are unusually strong. They
Their
have great sorrow and deep humiliation for sin.
souls are watered with copious dews and showers from
heaven till all the streams swell to a flood. But, by and
by, the waters abate, and flow in an ordinary channel"; and
then, those who had supposed tlieir joys were always to last,
;
ignorant of the cause of their interruption, begin to indulge

in sorrow, give
way
to distressing doubts,
and
in the end,
perhaps, are ready to conclude that they are not subjects
of grace.
Those who have never been sensible of any sudden

change in their views, are exercised with doubts of another
Conversion was to them as the morning light, not
kind.
perceptible at first, but " shining more and more unto the
perfect day."
They are therefore distressed that they cannot tell when the streams began to flow.
Thus
hath
God
in
his
wisdom ordered it, that neither

any works wrought
the one class nor the other should rest in

in
them but all fly to Christ alone.

2. Those who grow in grace, do
;
roL. H.
"23'''
not appear to them-
GROWTH
O
selves to be growing
more and more
IN GRACE.
more holy
on the contrary, they are

True,
sensible that they are great sinners.
they loathe sin more than ever, and are less than ever under
its
dominion
having more perfect views of God's
yet,
character and law, they daily become better convinced of

their
own exceeding
depravity and vileness.

Earnest desires after greater degrees of grace are
3.
excited in Christians
When
they see so
they do not grow
by a discovery of
their deficiencies.
many
wants, they are often ready to think

" There is," sajth Solomon,
in grace.
" that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches."

Because he enlarges his desires, therefore he thinks himself
But
poor.
to
determine our bnproveinent,
pare our writing with our copy
what
it
was
we
are not to com-
but our writing now, with
at jirst.
4. It is not to be expected, that
growth
as discernible as the change wrought at
Then, the change
is
in grace will be
first
from entire sinfulness
conversion.
to a
beginning
Afterwards, in growth of grace, the change
of holiness.
only from one degree of holiness
to
another
is
the addition
of something more of the same kind.

5.
To
discern growth in grace, time must be allowed.
Christians do not
Nor
most excellent.
are
grow perceptibly, till after some space.

grow the fastest, always the
Rushes and willows grow fast, but they
oaks grow slowly, but they are solid, and
are those things which
weak
plants
attain to great size.
manner of growth. Christians are

gives more grace at first, when
he has immediate use for them as to Paul, the apostle of
the Gentiles.
To some he gives five talents to others, two.
And some who are soon to die, God fits early for heaven.
Again, there are some who grow almost without inter6.
In the degree and
To some God
not alike.
mission, while others are continually meeting with obstacles

in
their
way
Such are
lives,
to
and perhaps, for a time, cease to grow.

;
determine their growth, not by a part of their
but by comparing their whole lives together.
GROWTH
IN GRACE.
MISTAKES REMOVED.
my
be
It will
are
ichich
object here, to point out several things,
made measures of growth
often
lohich in reality are evidences nowise to he
Growth
1.
in
grace
is
not to be
grace, but
in
depended upon.
measured by groioth
in
gifts.
Hypocrites
in gifts, as in
may grow
in gifts.
Believers too
may grow
praying, preaching, and exhortation, while
and the
But he
show unto you a more excellent way." This
they gain nothing in grace.
Gifts are desirable,
apostle bids us " covet earnestly the best gifts."
adds, " yet
more excellent way, he
tells
us, is charity
grace, holy love, love exercised towards
And what
bor.
that
is,
God and our
true
neigh-
stronger language could he have used, than
when he further adds, " Though I speak with the tongues

of men and of angels, and have not charity, 1 am become
cymbal."
as sounding brass or a tinkling

ble us to edify others
own
Gifts
may
ena-
nothing short of grace can save our
souls.
We
may
ought, indeed, to endeavor to
be more serviceable
reason
it is,
we
that
are
to those
grow
in gifts, that
around us
commanded
and
we
for this
to covet the best gifts.
But there is a wide difference between cultivating gifts, and

making them the measure of grace. The one is directly
the other is forbidden, and
enjoined upon us in Scripture
;
is
manifestly
It
we
of danger.
full
should never be forgotten by us, that the greater
possess, the greater obligations
eminently useful.
vise
them
for
If our gifts
we
come from
to
if not,
enhance our
condemnation.
Here
men
and we
Christ,
him, they will aid our growth in grace
they will only prove a hindrance, and serve

final
gifts
are under to become
it
should be remarked, that by increasing in grace,
often, yea,
commonly, increase
in gifts
and
that, for
GROWTH
IN GRACE.
the want of increasing in grace, gifts often

faithfully used,
are often led to question
Christians
The
fail.
were doubled
misimproved, was taken away.
which were
that
talents
which was
growth
their
in
grace, because they cannot pray or converse so fluently as
some
of
vently,
in
Such should remember, that the very want

to walk humbly, and to pray ferthough not eloquently, will be a means of growth
others.
gifts,
if
cause us
it
The deeper our
grace.
occasioned by our
to
gifts,
the
humility,
more
the less the pride
fruit shall
we
bring forth
God.
Even when gifts fail, growth

Our memories and all
may
be impaired
our means
for
minds
may cease to be active all

may become less and yet we
our bodies
doing good
may grow more
grace need not be hin-
in
the faculties of our
dered.
than ever in grace.
True grace is the

" Whether
only thing that does not necessarily decay.

there
be
fail ;
whether there be
whether there be knowledge, it
but love never faileth."
prophecies, they shall
tongues, they shall cease

shall vanish
2.
away
Growth
which attends
growth
in
grace cannot be measured by
in
gifts.
That
is,
we
the success
cannot determine our
grace by the effects which our example, conver-
sation, prayers, or
may have upon
preaching
are assured that " every
man
others.
shall receive his
We
own reward
own labor;"
but nowhere is it written,

rewarded according to the success of their
labors.
The aged minister may be compelled to relax his
labors, perhaps entirely cease from them ; so that he can
no longer perceive that success which crowned the exertions
of his younger years.
But this need not prevent his own
growth in grace.
The same will hold true of the labors
of Christians in every situation.
according
that
men
to his
shall be
The Holy
Ghost, at times, makes one of less ^race
instrumental of more good
though
it
is
than
others of
more grace
most true, that usually God delights
to
honor
with the greatest success such as are the most active and
GROWTH
zealous in their labors
IN GRACE.
such as
in their religion are the
most humble, pious, and sincere.

Christians, in their endeavors to do good,
But
reward
their
because
was
it
God
well," said
to build
me
They
shall not fail.
m
to
may
"
do good.
their hearts to
often
fail.
shall be rewarded,
David, "that thou hadst
Thou
didst
in thine heart
it
a house."
Growth in grace is not to be measured by our opportunities or means of doing good.

3.
One who has
grace than another,
may
far
be in a
situ-
more abundant
God regards not the advantages we have,

which we improve them. He seeth not
means.
manner
less
more good, and may possess
ation to do
in
but the
man
as
on the heart.
He considereth the
desires which we have, and the exertions which we make,
He
seeth.
to
looketh
" Verily,
render him service.
poor widow hath cast in more than
say unto you, that

all
they
who have
this
cast
into the treasury."
The
Christian, though he has
it
not in his
great good himself, will ever rejoice

others are doing good.
would turn
If
we
to
do
that
Paul, in prison, rejoiced to hear that
was preached by
Christ
power
when he hears
otliers,
and his rejoicing he knew
to his salvation.
prize opportunities for doing good
if,
for the
sake
of benefiting others, and advancing the cause of the Re-
deemer,
do
we
we
sacrifice
our own property, ease, or credit
grow in grace.
Growth in grace is not
then
truly
4.
to
be measured by hopes, joys,
or raptures.
Hopes and joys are the comfort of a Christian
faitli,
humility, and love, are the substantial graces.
Joys may diminish, while faith and humility increase.

The blossoms fall from the tree before the fruit comes on.
To be at times involved in darkness, or forsaken of the
Spirit, may serve, in the end, to strengthen the substantial
graces.
mility,
A state of darkness tries our faith, produces huand give us a deep sense of our dependence.
GROWTH
Young Christians
IN GRACE.
are, not unfrequently, subjects of great
For a time, they seem to advance rapidly. But, as

they have been moving only with the stream. Let them
joy.
yet,
tide, and immediately they find difficulty.

and strength can be gained only by striving occasion-
attempt to stem the

Skill
ally against the stream.

5.
Growth
profession.
grace
in
To have
is
not to be
measured by outward
the most excellent truths of Chris-
on our tongues, is not to feel the power of those

upon our hearts. It is possible to manifest great forwardness in religion, without having ever been acquainted
tianity often
truths
with
men
We
transforming influence.
its
ought not
to
cause
above what we are.
Higher professions
than the truth will warrant are hypocrisy, and are sure to
injure the cause we would promote.
If we would gain truly Christian characters ; if we
would make a truly Christian profession ; I'eligion must
have its seat in our hearts. Let holiness possess the
affections, and it will not fail to discover itself in our
to think of us
conduct.
6.
Growth
in
grace
is
not to be
measured by
the strength
We speak in general of those feelings

of our feelings.
which are connected with religion. The fact, that the feelings produced in our minds by the things of religion, are
not so strong
that
we
now
as they once were,
are not growing in grace.
is
not sufficient to prove
There may
still
be more
of holiness in the affections which we now exercise. Spiritual and natural affections, in a greater or less degree, exist
Growth in
together in the hearts of the children of God.
grace, then, will be in proportion to the predominancy of
holy affections over the natural.
The
faith of the Christian,
while his joys continue great,
and his passions wear the appearance of friends, will seem

far stronger than it is ; much presumption will mingle with
faith.
But when the Christian
finds that his life
is to
be a
warfare, that he has within powerful enemies to encounter,
then he feels himself weak, and learns that his strength
is
GROWTH
only " in the Lord.
When
ness.
am
IN GRACE.
His strength
weak, then
7. Growth in grace
any one virtue singly.
is
is
am
made
perfect in
weak-
strong."
not to be measured
man
In the different parts of the " perfect
sus," there will be a beautiful proportion.
by growth
in
in Christ Je-
There
will be
no distortion of the body, by an overgrowth of particular
members while others are at a stand.

All the members
will grow equally and uniformly, and thus beauty and symmetry be preserved through the whole.
As the Christian advances in years, he
cessary
to
to
may
devote less time to some duties than he
do when young.
spends Idss time in these duties, he
grow
is
may
be,
If he
now
There are many duties to

some of which,
in grace.
he formerly neglected.
perform every known duty

lecting
ne-
not hastily to conclude
be performed besides fasting and prayer

it
it
was wont
Perhaps he then employed the greatest
part of his time in fasting, prayer, or meditation.
that he does not
find
Is
he
now
careful to
Does he guard against negthe more arduous duties of religion for those which
Has every
are more pleasant ?
with him
Does he assign
precept of the Bible weight
each duty its proper place,

and its proper portion of his time ? Then, though he
abounds less in some things, he grows more than ever in
1
to
grace.
It
is
often necessary for such as
of religion, to spend
much of their
bring them near to God.
It
is
have just begun a
life
time in those duties which

necessary, because their
They
are seeking to be established

Religion has just become, with them, " the one
condition requires
it.
in grace.
thing needful ;" therefore, for a time they are allowed to
neglect other things for it.

After Paul, on his way, was
" met of the Lord," he spent three whole days in fasting
and prayer.
In seasons of religious anxiety, children and servants are
to
be treated with peculiar tenderness.
more time than usual
allotted to
They
should have
them, from their ordinarv
GROWTH
IN GRACE.
employments, to attend to the concerns of their souls. The

same mild treatment is to be extended to such as, having
once been established in grace, are again involved in darkThis, with the soul,
ness.
is
a time of sickness
and who
does not allow to his servants, in sickness, opportunity to
apply the means of cure
DIRECT PROOFS OF GROWTH IN GRACE.
We
1.
grow
in grace
when we
are led
to the
exercise of
netv graces.
The
Christian
At every
is
continually adding grace to grace.
step of his progress in Christian knowledge, he
arrives at the perception of
new
truths
and these truths
are accompanied with correspondent affections.
have,
first,
the laio for their schoolmaster.
own
learn the holy character of God, their
made acquainted with
are next
and free grace
salvation
by Jesus
this
sinfulness,
the just sentence they are under of eternal
They
Christians
From
they
and
punishment.
the method of pardon
Christ.
Then, through
the Spirit they discover their union to Christ, and learn to
do
things for him, and in his strength.
all
God
deals with Christians as with his church.
In the
infant days of the church, he revealed only such things as
were necessary
for salvation, reserving
glorious revelations for after ages
so
more particular and

now, God, at first,
only implants in Christians a holy principle, and reveals that
which
is
necessary to salvation
but afterwards, he gives
greater degrees of his Spirit, and calls every grace into exercise.
As God
constantly repeated his instructions to the
church, from time to time, teaching them
all things anew;

and again, going over
The Christian, through his
all things from the beginning.
whole life, is ever learning something new. He often has
views of things more distinct than he ever entertained before.
Sometimes he dwells upon his own wretchedness,
misery, and entire want of all things
and humbles him-
so he
now
instructs Christians again
GROWTH
by looking
self
IN GRACE.
at the holiness
and strictness of God's law.
Again, he considers the excellency and righteousness of

Christ, the fulness there is in him to supply all his wants
and
is filled
with hope and joy, while he trusts in his Re-
deemer.
Christians,
ready
when they have new
to distrust
affections,
are often
what they have before experienced, and
to
suppose that their present feelings only are evidences of

grace, while, in fact, they are to be considered as evidences
When
mind becomes more enlightbecome more

distinct, and affections more enlarged
then have we reason
to conclude that we grow in grace.
As the wicked, proof growth in grace.
ened
the
when apprehensions of
spiritual things
;
ceeding from sin to
sin,
reach the greatest wickedness
so
Christians arrive at eminent holiness, by adding grace to
grace.
"
ledge
and
patience
Add
and to virtue, knowto your faith, virtue

knowledge, temperance and to temperance,
and to patience, godliness ; and to godliness,
;
to
brotherly kindness
if
and
to
brotherly kindness, charity.
For
these things be in you, and abound, ye shall be neither
barren nor unfruhful
in the
knowledge of our Lord Jesus
Christ."
We grow in grace when we exercise new degrees of

same grace. Tliis is to extend to every grace. Not
only is love to become more fervent, but humility more proWe are to rely more and more
found, and faith stronger.
upon Christ, and to find increasing sweetness in him. In
If we
all things, that which is lacking is to be made up.
truly grow in grace, we shall not only hate sin, as contrary
to God's holiness, but shall also mourn for it, as committed
against our best Friend, against him " who loved us and laid
down his life for us." Hatred of sin will daily increase;
and our motives in hating it become more pure. In a word,
2.
the
if we go on to exercise greater degrees of grace, we shall

have an increasing spirit of prayer ; we shall " abound in the
work of the Lord our last works will be more than our first ;
;
and we shall be
VOL.
II.
filled
with the fruits of righteousness."
ZX
GROWTH
10
We
Ix\
GRACE.
grace when we lecome more spiritual in

It is the spirit with
of religious duties.
which religious duties are performed, rather than their niwiThe
ber, by which we are to judge of growth in grace.
3.
grow
in
the perfor7nance
prayers of him
who
truly grows in grace,
become more
spiritual.
Christians, in sickness, or in the decline of

obliged, in part, to remit holy duties
then, no less than at
The
grace.
life,
may be
may
and yet they
other times, be in the exercise of
duties they do perform,
One
may
be performed in
up in
and with brokenness of heart, may avail more with
God, than many long prayers, or than whole days spent in
fasting and prayer.
a far more spiritual manner.
short prayer put
faith,
more duties than older

more duties. It is not the size,
nor the juiciness of fruit, which commends it most; it is
When our prayers become more spiritual, our
its flavor.
confessions will expose more of the deformity of our hearts
we shall
our petitions will be made with stronger faith
have more earnest desires for pardon and holiness the
heart will flow out more readily in gratitude we shall more
If
young
Christians often perform
Christians, they also spoil
sensibly feel the wants of others
we
shall
creased zeal for the churches, and for
all
pray with
in-
those that are
ignorant of a Saviour.
The spirituality of religious duties will depend upon the

we have in them. If our aim is the glory of God
if we obey out of love and
if we sanctify him in our hearts
then we are spiritual in our duties.
thankfulness
The greatest growth in grace is in the spirituality of religion
in worshipping Him who is a Spirit " in spirit and
object
in truth."
4. We grow in grace when we grow in our dependence
upon Christ. " In all things we are to grow up in him who
The life we lead is not in ouris the Head, even Christ.
Without him, we can do nothing."
selves, but in Christ.
Being emptied of our own rightenusness, we are
to "
receive
GKOVVTH IN GRACE.
In Scripture, growth in grace is connected

of Christ : " Grow in grace,
of his fulness."
with growing
the knoiolcdge
and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."

To grow in grace, and in the knowledge of Christ, are inseparably connected.
The heathen philosophers could grow
for they knew nothing
in moral virtues, but not in grace
;
And, at the present day, there are many, externally amiable and pleasing in their lives, who do many of
those things which it is well should be done, who are yet
of Christ.
because they know nothing of Christ.
destitute of grace,
all
they do there
no regard
is
ignorant of those things which are the
grace
They
a Redeemer.
to
first
In
are
principles of
the pure motives of the Christian have never entered
their hearts.
young Christian may
possibly perform
more works
If we
but not more works of grace.
think, by our works, by the performance of any duty, to rec-
than one
who
is
older
to God, then we are resting in works, and

upon Christ ; we are trusting to " the deeds
of the law," and do not acknowledge Christ to be all in all.
ommend ourselves
not depending
We
5.
grow
in grace
when we
learn
to
do all things in
season.
The
to "
pared
simply
act,
man is said to " bring

And words "in season, fitly
righteous
season."
forth his fruit in his
spoken," are com-
apples of gold in pictures of silver."

but to reprove in season
to reprove,
but to act in season.
proper time.
We
We
are not
not simply to
All things are to be done in their
are to observe proper seasons in the per-
formance of our religious duties.
We
6.
grow
with wisdojn.
effect
in
grace
Often a
when we
little,
more than many great
made with care and
done
labors.
discretion,
learn to do all things
xoisely,
The
may
has been
known
to
smallest exertions,
accomplish much.
When
Moses could not hear all the causes of the children

of Israel, he laid himself out to greater advantage, by appointing judges from the people, for the smaller matters,
and reserving
for
himself only the hard cases.
GROWTH
22
IN GRACE.
Those men are not always the most
The
most.
Christian
good with what he gives.
He
who
give the
seeks out such sufferers as
most benefited by his charity
will be
liberal,
careful, not only to give, but to do
is
and promotes, by
his
property and influence, such objects as promise the most

extensive usefulness.
7.
We
grow
in
most, day by day,

tled
when
a long time together.
formance of
full
duties,
become
set-
can walk closely with God
for
the spiritual affections
so that the Christian
we become more even and

The inward man is renewed
grace when
constant in a holy course.
To
be at times careful in the per-
and again
to
be remiss
to
of ardor, and the next, cold and indifferent,
sign of growth in grace.

the sudden flash,
8.
We
which
grow
It is
is
no good
the steady, even flame, not
benefits us
in grace
be one day
most by
its light.
when we ])ersevere in the

The true Christian will
midst
perseof difficulties and dangers.

With whatever difficulties and discouragements he
vere.
may
meet, he will not
effect little
draw back.
But when Christians
with great labor, and in the midst of difficulty,
their little shall be accounted to
them
for
much.
When
they patiently endure reproach, subject themselves for the
cause of the Redeemer
to insult
and danger, and, in the
midst of a perverse world, continue to lead a holy and blameless life, they are
making advances towards
the heavenly
Their works, \heir patience and labor, shall not be

forgotten.
Soon they shall finish their journey, and enter
Canaan.
on their
rest.
iVo.
61.
ON
PFRIEYIIG THE HEART.

BY REV. THOMAS GOODAVIN,
The
purifying of the heart from
D. D.
corruptions
its
is
one
of the strongest evidences of growth in grace, and demands
We
our most serious attention.

however, as
it is
are not
now
to
a duty of the Christian, though
very evident importance
but principally as
consider
is
it
it is
it,
one of
work of
God, which he performs upon the hearts of such as are

truly his.
"
that
may
it,
it
Every branch
that beareth fruit, he purgeth
He
bring forth more fruit."
purifies the
hearts of his children, because Christ has purchased for
them a death unto
He
sin,
and a resurrection
to
newness of life.
cannot delight in them while they are yet in their
nor can their services be acceptable
to
have those who worship him,
offer
offering;" he would have
who pray
all
sins,
He would
him.
"incense and a pure

to
him, "lift up
holy hands."
We
God
shall first point out
purifies his children
evidences a Christian
some of the means by which
from
may have
sin,
and then consider the
that
God
is,
or
is
not puri-
fying his heart.
I.
As
to the
his children,
it
MEANS by which God
may
purijies the hearts of
be observed, in general,
no means but what God makes use of

VOL.
II.
2J.>-
for
tliat
there are
this purpose,
ON PURIFYING THE HEART.
whether occasional or
work together
ways
the
now be
good
them
to
causes "
things to
all
Some
him."
that love
which God commonly
in
of
purifies the heart will
pointed out.
By
1.
for
He
instituted.
affliction.
" Before
was
kept thy word.
went astray
afflicted I
good
It is
for
me that
Mercies will not prevail against

If
flictions.
God
all
but
now have
have been
sins
afflicted."
some require
af-
wan-
sees in his children a disposition to
home by affliction. He
wean them from the world
der from him, he often brings them

blasts their worldly prospects, to
and removes beloved
ingly
ens,
"
friends, that they
it is
may
But God
supremely upon him.
fections
whom
he loveth he chasteneth
that he
may
man whom God
place their
af-
afflicteth not will-
:"
" deal with us as sons.
when he chastHappy is the
Despise not thou the chasten-
correcteth.
ing of the Lord."
By
2.
To
"
Now
the
word spoken or read.
the children of God, the
"through the words which
word discovers
read,
tions
it
:
word comes with power.
are ye clean," said our Saviour to his disciples,
it
sin,
and
it
heard or
enlightens the understanding and purifies the affec" casts
down every high
and banishes fi'om the mind

reflections concerning
thought to
into the
The
have spoken unto you."
sets the heart against
know
this,
and
all
painful
God and his government. "When I

it was too painful for me, till I went
sanctuary; then
The word
thing which exalteth itself,"
evil thoughts,
often causes
understood their end."
men
to
behold their
sins,
they have before been sensible, in another light
How
see
them
tian
go from the house of God, with solemn truths
in all their vileness.
of which
they,
now
often docs the Chrisset
home
ON PURIFYING
upon
his heart,
and with
TItE HEART.
his sins in
against
it,
and begets a determination
The word
to purify
the
To
array before him.
hear a sin properly exposed and condemned
mind
sets the
to destroy
it.
meditated upon has also a powerful tendency

heart.
While we are meditating upon the
great truths of religion, or revolving divine threats and
promises in the mind, the Spirit guides our thoughts, and
opens
our view new and more glorious discoveries
to
we
thus
and
are excited to stronger desires after holiness, and to
a deeper hatred of
The
sin.
Christian,
whose heart
is
" delights in the law of the Lord, and meditates upon
pure,
it
day
and night."
By
3.
the
example of others.
God makes use of

away,
to
fall.
When
the example of such as have fallen
produce in Christians a watchfulness

they see that many,
while," finally stumble, and
fall,
and perish
are led to
well for a
that their
weak
seemingly strong foundation proves to be
they also
lest
who "ran
then they
examine upon what they themselves have been
building.
The example
of such as hold out on their course proves
eminently useful.
ing,
ready
another
tell
to sink
Is a Christian faint-hearted
of the victories he has gained over corruption,
and he gathers strength
at once.
others have triumphed, has
become
The enemy over which

to
him
Christians greatly strengthen each other
weak
tian
and despond-
Let him hear
under a weight of sin?
less formidable.
singly, they are
but united, they are a strong band.
Has
a Chris-
become cold and formal, and neglectful of duty
The
holy ardor of others shall rouse him from his stupidity, and
inspire liim with like zeal.
Christians are to "provoke one,
another to love and good works."
ON PURIPYING THE HEART.
By
4.
the direct operations
First, in giving
The
the heart.
the heart.
into the corniptioiis
of
best Christians invariably have the clearest
Corruptions are not taken
discoveries of sin.
they are seen.
of the Spirit upon
a deeper insight
Sin, to be repented of,
must be
away
till
With-
felt.
out a deep sense of depravity, there can be no true broken-
ness of heart.
When
the Spirit removes the covering, lays
open the heart of the Christian, and brings hidden sins

view, then
errors
it is
sin,
Paul
exclaim, "
to
me
God
may
wretched
from the body of
man
this
that
am
who
shall
death ?"
When
put them away.
to
to
David saw the
acknowledge that he was
in iniquity, and conceived in sin," then he prayed
earnestly for holiness
Lord; renew a right

and
but a
discovers to Christians their sins, only that they
be excited
sop,
What
from secret faults."
wickedness of his heart, so as
"shapen
to
can understand his
a sense of the deep depravity of the heart, led
sense of
deliver
me
cleanse thou
Who
that he exclaims, "
I shall
" Create in
spirit
be clean
me
a clean heart,
Purge me with hys-
within me.
wash me, and
shall be whiter
than snow."
The
Spirit operates
upon the hearts of Christians
purify them, by exciting in them a strong desire
pure.
To
those
whom God would cleanse
from
ardent desires after great degrees of holiness.

to
be their constant, fervent prayer, that they
themselves, as he
satisfied
is
pure."
He
suffers
to
sin,
to
become
he gives
He causes it
may " purify
them not
to rest
with present attainments: "I count not myself to
have apprehended
but this one thing
do, forgetting those
things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those which
are before,
calling of
press toward the
God
mark
in Christ Jesus."
for the prize of the
Such was
high
the language

of an eminent apostle, and such
guage of
all
whom God
Avill
If
purifies.
not
fail to
be the lan-
any of the children of
God "be otherwise minded," and are at any time prone to

down in their present condition, God shall reveal to
them their mistake, and teach them, " that now it is high
settle
time
awake out of sleep,"
to
and
ness,
to
"cast off the works of dark-
to
From
put on the armor of light."
time to
time the Holy Spirit will inspire the Christian with breath-
him earnest desires
ings after holiness, and give
forward
to perfection.
what Christ died
all
for
The
to
true Christian will be as

first to
gain grace.
object of all his prayers and of every duty will be,
"that he
The
them
to press
remember
would have those who are Christ's
things.
anxious to grow in grace, as he was at
The
to
" that he might purify unto himself a pe-
He
culiar people."
imitate Christ in
God causes him
to
may
die unto sin,
and
live unto
God."
Spirit purifies the hearts of Christians hy enabling
withdraw
their affections from the world,
and
to
place
not be devoted
He whose affections are on the world can" Ye cannot serve God and mamto God.
mon."
mind
them upon God.
If the
is
through the day
filled
with vain and
worldly thoughts, the heart will not be prepared for
during the week,
we
on the Sabbath.
It is
ishes corruptions
shall find
let
it
impossible to worship
the attention of the

the
mind be
and corruptions will wither and
The
its
sea-
If the world engrosses all our thoughts
sons of devotion.
God
mind which nour-
fixed on divine objects,
die.
Spirit purifies the hearts of Christians by bringing
tliem to be better acquainted with Christ.
Is the Christian
much from means ? Is he striving to

from his sins ? The Spirit reveals to him
looking for help too

purify himself
" the fountain opened for sin and uncleanness ;" and
now he
ON PURIFYLNG THE HEART.
The
can wash and be clean.
efficacy to means, without
blood of Christ has given that
which they would ever have
The more we become acquainted

we know of his power and the more
proved useless and vain.

with Christ, the moi'e
we
we
behold his excellency and glory, the more readily shall

gain conquests over
sin.
we would
If
escape from the
and effectually mortify our
pollutions of the world,
lusts,
we must "know Christ and the power of his resurrection;"

we must attain to "the fellowship of his sufferings," and be
"made conformable unto his death."
The Spirit purifies Christians by shedding the love of
God abroad in their hearts. When God causes his children
to
be satisfied with his love, sin loses
longer clings to
odious
looks to
it
its
God
tinually "taste that the
dead
to the
not seek
it
world.
If
for its
Lord
we
its
relish
Did we con-
we
should become
good,"
find pleasure in religion,
When
Though
pression which will cause whatever
pleasure
which
is
relish
may
in
comparison.
is
sin,
no
lon-
The
it
will leave
is,
an im-
tasted afterwards to
of one sinful
taste
destroy the relish for another
opposite to sin, that
shall
the sweetness of heavenly
things will not always fully remain, yet
have no
we
the relish for sin is
destroyed by the taste of a greater sweetness,

die.
no
enjoyment.
is
in forbidden objects.
ger desired, must
the soul
which have now become
corruptions,
holiness,
but that only
can destroy
all
relish for sin.
II.
Evidences that
the heart is
not
purified from
its
cor-
ruptions.
1.
its
It is
an evidence that the heart
corruptions,
of the world.
when we
The lust
is
not purified from
place a high value upon the things
"
of the
flesh, the lust
of the eye,

and the pride of
which
life,'"'
are but remains of that " carnal heart
enmity against God."
is
riches and honors, or
If
we
set a
Our
world have often been disappointed

good cannot
satisfy,
Why
tasteless.
is
it,
then, that
our enjoyments from the world
because
often
have we found
and that the pleasures of
we
It is
and
religion, are vain
still
continue to seek
because our lusts are
Did we not bring the things of the world
not mortified.
near
us,
they would not be so magnified.
tions
we
rose nearer to heaven, earthly objects
in their true size.

ing,
is
it
expectations from the
compared with the pleasures of
sense,
high value upon
any earthly enjoyment,
our hearts are not purified.
that earthly
too
If in our affec-
would appear
Ascend an eminence, or some
lofty build-
and look down upon the objects below, and they appear
Thus do
small.
all
things earthly appear to
him who
dwells near heaven.
We
and
may
not be directly engaged in earthly pursuits,
have our
still
secretly wish that
affections
we were
much upon
the world.
we
If
placed in some different situa-
we were possessed of some enjoyments of which

now destitute, and think that these things would render us happy, then are we not weaned from the world.
Again, they who derive their enjoyment principally from
tion, that
we
are
their talents, learning, wealth, or influence,

fied their hearts.
" counts
2.
we
all
It is
He
that has truly
things loss that he
may win
is
are dissatisfied with our situation in
He who
is
ferent
enjoys,
is
not purified,
when
life.
which God has
ever wishing that his situation were
who, instead of being thankful

is
Christ."
not contented in that situation in
placed him, but
have not puri-
overcome the world,
dif-
for the blessings
he
always desiring something which he does not pos-
g
sess
he who
we
is
disposed to think less of mercies than of
Most true
has a heart not purified.
afflictions,
cannot lead a holy and blameless
we
situation,
should not do
that if
is it,
our present
in
life
though our situation were
it
altered.
ever the language of the improved Christian, "
It is
have
leai'ned, in
in
good
some
But
call us io
though
it
It is
If
we do
He
is
be con-
" If
were only
could do more good."
the good
all
to
great -gain."
to say,
which God has placed
requires of us.
ents with
we
man
different situation, then
situation in
in the
am, therewith
sometimes heard
is
this is not well.
God
state
" Godliness with contentment
tent."
whatsoever
us, then
will not call us to
we can, in
we do all
that
that
account for
which we have not been intrusted
tal-
but he will
account for that with which he has intrusted us,

be but one talent.
true, that
we ought
endeavor
to
most advantageous situations
to place ourselves
doing good
still,
we should remain in the most humble situations. He who formed us,

and whose we are, knows better than we in what way we
can glorify him most. One thing is certain, God will be
most glorified when we are most resigned to his will.
3. It is an evidence that the heart is not purified, when
we suffer our affections to he so strongly placed upon earthly
are not to
murmur,
if
God
for
sees
fit
that
objects that toe cannot part ivith them.
The words
of our Saviour are, " If any
me, and hate not his
father,
man come
unto
and mother, and wife, and
chil-
dren, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his
he cannot be
my
disciple."
Not
that
hate father and mother, or our
own
manded
to
to love
our friends, and
we
lives
own
life also,
are literally to
:
preserve
we
life
are com;
but the
we bear
love
ON PURIFWNG THE HEART.
much
greater than that
the Saviour
which we bear our
with the former, shall be, as
contained in the words
nearer
object
life,
refuse to give
up
He
sentiment
that hath
any
hath again said, " Whosoever
shall lose it;" that

his life for the
is,
whosoever
shall
sake of Christ, shall lose
life.
There
is
we
great danger, lest
love which belongs to God.
It
give to our friends that
will be well at times, for a
of our hearts, to suppose some near friend removed,
trial
and
comparison
The
were, hated.
than Christ, cannot he the disci-
The Saviour
ple of Christ.
eternal
it
plainly this
is
to his heart
will save his
be so
is to
friends, that the latter, in
to
ask ourselves whether
we
should give him up with-
murmur.
out a
Nor
are those whose hearts are not purified, merely un-
prepared to part with friends
they often find
it
difficult to
substance by loss or
Have they been deprived of earthly

by fraud, how are their hearts filled
how
long do their sorrows and repinings
part even with goods.
with grief, and

continue
Were
the heart pure,
were the
affections placed
supremely on God, and not on the world, they would not
mourn
thus
for
the loss of a
little
temporal good.
yourselves treasures on earth
treasures in heaven
where
lay
up
the treasure
is,
"
Lay
for
not
up
yourselves
there will the
heart be also."
4.
there
do,
It is
is
is
not purified,
when
no regularity in our conduct ; when, in whatever we
we are
inordinate.
When
a man, for a time, plunges himself into vanities
and amusements, and

from them
is
and again
without regard to health
scarcely able to disengage himself

falls
violently to study or labor,
when he now engages
so earnest-
10
ly in earthly pursuits, as to lose sight of heaven and the
concerns of the soul
and again
is
so exclusively devoted to
eternal things, as to forget that there are secular duties to
perform
surely, he has a heart not freed from
cor-
its
ruptions.
we would seek
we would aim
If
for a
happy
constancy, there must be regularity in what
which
done rashly and
is
any
result to labors of
at progress in holiness, there
kind, if
hastily,
we
must be
That
do.
seldom well done.
is
and deliberate conduct alone can insure success.
Cool
which
That course of
action
long persevered
in, will
results
from correct habits
be productive of the greatest good,
and will best promote the peace of the
Sudden and
soul.
violent action cannot yield " the peaceable fruits of right-
eousness."
If
we
feelings,
life,
ordinarily maintain calmness and evenness in our
we
shall be better prepared for those
changes in
which, in a greater or less degree, must be the
was
Job, because he
all.
by
not exalted
lot
of
prosperity, could
patiently endure the trial of adversity.

5.
we
It is
is
not purified,
indulge in envy and
strife.
"
among you envying and
Whereas
ye not carnal
there
is
Charity envieth not."
when
strife,
are
If to see others pros-
pering in the world, gaining in reputation, wealth, honor, or
any way
better situated than ourselves, excites
a gangrene to the soul
Again,
tious,
if
we
censorious
it
eats out
are lovers of
spirif, if
envy and
Envy
must be greatly corrupt.
discontent, our hearts
is
as
every virtue.
strife, if
we cannot
we
are of a conten-
forgive injuries, if
are less ready to bear evil than to do
evil,
then are
strangers to that charity which " suffereth long and
is
we
we
kind,

wliich seeketh not her own,
is
not easily provoked, thinketh
no evil."
As ambition is a fruitful source of both envy and strife,

we may add here, that worldly ambition is not consistent
with the character of a purified Christian
the highest de-
sire of the true Christian will be, to follow
Him
"
who was
meek and lowly."

6.
we
It is
is
when
not purified,
cannot bear reproof.
Were
the heart pure,
we
should not be oflTended by the
be thankful for them
should
plainest reproofs, but
we
when we learned our
should even feel grateful to God,
from an enemy.
faults
If to be repi'oved excites in our minds resentment and
we have
ill-will,
are
still
tians
dled
filled
lusts that are not yet mortified,
with foolishness and pride.
can ever bear reproof.
when
How
Chris-
David's rage was not enkin-
"Thou art the man."

"And David said unto
the prophet said to him,
from anger was his reply
far
our hearts
Humble
Nathan, I have sinned against
the
Lord."
In his mind
reproof produced, not anger, but repentance and humility.
So humble was David on

crime
for after
Are
ages
there few
manner ?
Then
this occasion, that
he recorded his
to read.
who bear
reproof in a truly Christian
there are few
whose hearts are
purified
from corruption.
7.
we
It is
give
way
to
The more
easily
we
more unmortified are our
are
Is
an occasion
drawn
lusts.
will not readily yield to sin.

lusts
is
not purified,
when
sin readily.
for sin
The
into temptations,
heart which
is
the
sound,
Does a mere spark kindle the

no sooner presented than the
12
passions are in a flame
Then
a great preparedness for
overpower him who

8.
It is
calling to
is
must
there
" awake
to
righteousness."
mind former
He who can
exist in the heart
-Trifling temptations never
sin.
not purified,
is
when
sins gives pleasure.
multiply his
sins,
by
calling to
remem-
brance, with delight, the days of his wickedness, must have
a heart deeply polluted.
ascendency
Corruptions have gained a great
in that mind,
where the remembrance of
instead of producing repentance, gives pleasure.
indeed, must he be,
who can
still
find sweetness in that
has often been steeped in sorrow.

ed, if the recollection of
minds with pleasure
sin,
Impure,
which
Well may we be alarm-
former sins
for surely, the
at times rises in
our
remembrance of our
wickedness should excite in us only shame, humility, and

sorrow.
9.
It is
is
not purified,
when
impure, vain, and worldly thoughts disturb us in holy duties.
They
"
are profane," said
and prophets ; "
for in
my
God
house
a corrupt heart
when engaged
as
tion
is,
tion,
grace
it
presence of God, and
be in exercise, and then,

to
When
In seasons of devoif ever, sin, vanity,
be banished from the mind.
Evidences that God
have evidence of
ruptions.
in the
were, sold to do iniquity.
is to
any time, indicate
solemn worship, shows that the imagina-
in
and the world, are
III.
at
but not to be able to exclude such thoughts
from the mind, when peculiarly
of corrupt Jewish priests
have found their wicked-
Impure and wicked thoughts,
ness."
is
purifying the heart.
We
this,
our conficts are principally with spiritual cor-
13
So long as we continue under the dominion of outward

and gross
we remain
sins,
ward corruption.
degree ignorant of
in a great
in-
Tlie attention being occupied with those
which are outward, neglects those which are inward
sins
we come
but when, being freed from open vices,
to direct
our attention within, and aim at the subjugation of the
we
then
thouglits,
become acquainted with the deep
first
The
depravity of the heart.

heart
God
Outward
within.
he whose
true Christian,
purifying, ever finds his great conflict to be
is
vices are
more
overcome
easily
but
to
eradicate pride and self-love from the heart, to bring "every
thought into captivity
Christ"
to
this
is,
indeed, a
work
of difficulty.
Whenever God
causes them
sins.
It
is
purifies
with these they contend
The most eminent
conflict hard.
conflicts with sin
indeed, without
become eminently holy.
of labor
him
and they
them
it
is
impossible to
the Christian's fruits are
that "
when he would do good, evil was

was " a law in his members
;" that there
Avarring against the law of his mind, and bringing
law of sin."
captivity to the
exclaim, "
me
wretched
from the body of
Christian
man
this
life is
It
was
that I
death ?"
have similar
tify their lusts
find the
Christians have their
he gains no victories without combats.
Even Paul found

present with
he
Attainments in holiness are in
proportion to victories over sin

fruits
hearts of Christians,
the
look within, he discovers to them inward
to
this
am
who
into
They
to
shall deliver
All Christians
conflicts.
him
which led him
who mor-
find that the
indeed a "warfare ;" and that to "fight the
good fight," they have need of "the whole armor of God."
Let us try ourselves.

ourselves from
VOL.
I!.
Are we endeavoring
all pollutions,
'lo'^'
cleanse
to
both of flesh and spirit
Have
14
we
daily conflicts with in-dwelling sin
God
with us,
is
When we
2.
God
directed
is
purifies the hearts
more
view
spiritual worship,
all
is
his
principles and practice
not afraid to
heart
pulpit, close
The
true Christian
to close
there be any wicked
way
in
to
bring
of God's holy word.
to the trial
try me, and
is
examination.
examine himself; he delights
his daily fervent prayer, "
know my
and
they bet-
such reading and convei'sa-
most serious and practical.
He
is
and bring hidden

strict holiness
and pungent discourses from the
ever pleased with that which leads
It
of Christians,
which the word of God enjoins
and humbling doctrines, and

tion as is
soul,
they reflect more upon the
ter relish plain
be otherwise
to those parts of Scripture
which lay open the recesses of the

sins to
it
have a greater relish for the spiritual word.
In proportion as
their attention
If
not purifying our hearts of their corruptions.
Search me,
know my thoughts
me, and lead
me
God, and
and see
in the
if
way
everlasting."
3.
When we can habitually and cheerfully deny ourselves.

man will come after me," said Christ, " let him
" If any
deny himself, and take up

self-denial is
It
ties.
tions.
who
practice of
easiest of the Christian's du-
requires a heart thoroughly purged of
It is
more than
All
The
his cross."
by no means the
others,
corrup-
from which no situation can exempt us.
are solicitous for the glory of God, their
and the good of
own
good,
others, will be called to the practice of
every day and hour of their
But the
its
a duty, though connected with some situations
difficulty of the
ish its importance.
The
nected with a Christian
it
life.
duty does not in the least dimin-
practice of
life.
has not yet mortified his lusts
He who
;
it
is
inseparably con-
cannot deny himself,
he has not yet loosed the

cords which bind him
15
The
to sin and the world.
apostles
Paul
and primitive Christians could deny themselves.

" counted not his
life
dear unto him, so that he might finish
his course with joy."
and
self-denial
derness
in
in weariness
His whole
was
of sutFering
life
and painfulness, in hunger and
Of
and nakedness."
cold
life
" in perils in the city, in perils in the wil-
preached Christ in the
who
those
thirst,
and
professed
ages of Christianity, some were
first
imprisoned, some beheaded, some were committed to the

flames, and others perished
tures.
Then
"take up
their cross
and follow Christ,"
gers they were exposed
knew
by the most excruciating
Christians could deny themselves

to
tor-
they could
whatever dan-
they could do this though they
that racks, flames, tortures,
and the most cruel death
awaited them.
It
should be remarked, also, that
deny ourselves, but
to
commanded Abraham
tated not
to
we
are not only to
readily.
When God
go and sacrifice his son, he hesi-
but " rose early in the morning, and went unto
the place of
4.
deny ourselves
which God had
When we
are led
to
told
him."
lament ourfor?ner sinful conduct,
and are Juunbled by a view of
the unprofitableness
of our
lives.
" So likewise ye,

things which are
servants
when ye
shall
commanded you,
we have done
that
say,
which
it
have done
We
all
those
are unprofitable
was our duty
to
do."
All whose hearts are daily becoming more pure, look back
upon
their past lives with
shame and
regret.
When
consider the infinite obligations they are under to

their Creator
have done
to
and Redeemer, and remember how
they
God
little
as
they
promote his glory, and how often they have
offended against him, they are abased, as in the dust, in his
IQ
presence.
They
look upon their prayers, and their best
services, as imperfect,
ledge "
perfect,
and polluted with
sin
they acknow-
their righteousness to be as filthy rags.
myself, mine
tify
am
all
it
own mouth
shall also prove
condemn me
shall
me
perverse.
If
if I
jus-
say
All have sinned,
and come short of the glory of God."

5.
When we
are conslantly guarding against temptation.
In this consists the pi'incipal safety and strength of the
He
tried Christian.
beginnings of
temptation,"
He
first
he
is
shuns the very occasions, and fears the
While he prays, " lead me
attacks.
He
no chance
enemy, but repels
it.
his
guards so effectually against danger as
He
for surprises.
and his weapons
feareth always."
not into
careful that he does not rush into
stands not to parley with the
to leave
on,
sin.
at
hand.
"
keeps his armor ever
Happy
is
the
man who
63.
]o.
TWENTY-TWO PLAIN REASONS

NOT BEING A ROMAN CATHOLIC.
SHOWING THE INCONSISTENCY OF THE PROMINENT ERRORS OF
POPERY, NOT ONLY WITH THE AUTHORIZED VERSION OF THE
BIBLE, BUT WITH THE DOUAY, OR ROMAN CATHOLIC VERSION.
SACRIFICE OF THE MASS.
I.
Because the doctrine of the
sacrifice of the mass, de-
clared in the Council of Trent,* (Sess. 22, cap. 2, and can.
be " a true propitiatory sacrifice for the sins of the
3,) to
and the dead,"
living
letter
and the
spirit
most plainly contrary both
is
AUTHORIZED VERSION.
" Such
26-28.
Heb. 7
who
is
high
priest
became
ns,
holy, harmless, undefiled, separate
from
sinners,
and made higher
than the heavens
who needeth
not daily, as those high priests, to
up
offer
sacrifice, first for his
sins,
and then
this
he did once,
for the people's
when he
own
;
for
offered
Hebrews 9:11,
being come a high
more
12.
" Christ
good
come, by a greater and
priest of
who
needeth
other priests,
first for
daily,
not
to
own
his
the people's
offer
sins,
for this
as the
sacrifices
and then for

he did once
is
Heb. 9 11, 12. " But Christ

beingcomeahighpriest of the good
things to come, by a greater and
:
made
more
to say, not of
with
perfect tabernacle, not
with hands, that

*
DOUAY VERSION.
Heb. 7 26-28. " It was fitting that we should have such a
high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and
made higher than the heavens,
in offering himself"
up himself"
things to
to the
of God's word.
perfect tabernacle, not
hands, that
is,
made
not of this
The Council of Trent was the last General Roman Catholic

It eat many years, and gave judgment on man}'- im-
Council.
portant matters
and
its
decisions in matters of faith are the
standard of faith in the Church of
Rome
to this day.

this building
neither by the blood
of goats and calves, but by his
creation, neither
own
by the blood of
own
goats or of calves, but by his
blood, he entered in once into the
blood, entered once into the holies,
holy place, having obtained eter-
having obtained eternal redemp-
nal redemption for us."
So likewise,
tion."
in verse 22,
it
by the
distinctly declared
is
apostle that
" Without shedding of blood
is
no remission."
* And again, verses 2428.

" Christ is not entered into the
holy places
" Without shedding of blood

there is no remission."
made with hands,
which are the figures of the true

but into heaven itself, now to ap-
God
And
24-28.
again, verses
" For Jesus
is
not entered into the
made with hands,
sanctuary
the
pattern of the true, but into heaven

itself,
that he
may
appear
God
the presence of
now in
Nor
pear
ill
Nor
yet that he should offer him-
yet that he should offer himself
self often, as the high priest enter-
often," [as the Council of Trent

says he does in the sacrifice of the
mass,] " as the high priest entereth
the presence of
for us.
eth into the holy place every year
with the blood of others
must he
the foundation of the world
now
but
once in the end of the world
hath he appeared,
by the
as
then
for
often have suffered since
it is
to
put away sin
sacrifice of himself.
men
appointed unto
die, but after this the
so Christ
And
once
to
judgment
into
now
men
he appear
once at the end of ages
tion of sin by the sacrifice of him-
and unto them

shall
then
often
he hath appeared for the destruc-
many
him
for
from the beginning of the world

but
self.
that look for
he ought to have suffered
offered to bear
holy place every year
the
with the blood of others
was once
the sins of
for us.
And
as
it
appointed for
is
once to die, and after this the
judgment
so
also
Christ
was
the second time without sin unto
offered once, to exhaust {adcTciv)
salvation."
the sins of
many."
12-18. " But
Again, Heb. 10 12-18. " Tliis

man, after he had offered one sac-
this
for ever sat down

on the right hand of God ; from
sins, for ever sitteth on the right

hand of God, from henceforth ex-
Again, Heb. 10
rifice for sins,
henceforth expecting
till
his ene-
mies be made his footstool for

by one offering he hath perfected
;
man,
offering one sacrifice for
pecting until his enemies be
made
for by one oblation

he hath perfected for ever them
his footstool
* In the parallel columns of texts throughout this Tract, the

first
column
Douay
is
version.
the authorized, and
tlie
right
hand column the
FOR NOT BEING A ROMAN CATHOLIC.
And
for ever them that are sanctified.
that
Whereof
Holy Ghost also doth testify this

to us.
For after that he had said.
And this is the covenant which
I v.'ill make unto them after those
the
Holy Ghost
a witness to us
had said
before,
nant that
for after that
This
is
Lord
after those days, saith the

I will
put
my
and
in their
hearts,
laws
their
minds
will I
iniquities
will
my
is,
there is no
minds
the
I will give
I write them,
and iniquities I
will remember no more.
Now,
where there is a remission of
these, there is no more an oblation
iheir
remission of
more
sanctified.
laws to their hearts, and on
and
remember no
Now, where
more.
are
days, saith the Lord.
into
them, and their sins and
write
these
he
the cove-
make with them
will
also is
offering
for sin."
their
will
sins
for sin."
Exactly similar,
also, are the
words of the blessed Jesus
himself:
John 17:4. "I have glorified
I have finished
the work which thou gavest me
thee on the earth
to do."
to do."
thee on the earth;
Now,
that
John 17:4.
the
"I have
;
glorified
I have finished
work which thou gavcst me
work assuredly was, to make a full atonement

men, by an all-sufficient sacrifice, of which
for the sins of
the
Lord Jesus
has, in this passage,
and again
in
chap 19
30, while hanging on the cross, so distinctly said that " It

IS
FINISHED."
' When
Jesus
John 19 30.
had received the vinegar, he said, /< is finished! and
he bowed his head, and gave up
" When Jesus

John 19 30.
had taken the vinegar,
he said, It is consummated ; and
bowing his head, he gave up the
the ghost."
ghost."
therefore
From
hence, then,
can be no sacrifice
it
it is
therefore
perfectly evident,
for sins in the mass,
no shedding of blood or taking away of
there can be no remission
of sin
first,
that there
because there
life,
is
in
without which
and secondly, that neither
Jews nor Christians need now any sacrifice for sins, except
the one offering of the Lord Jesus, once offered upon the
cross,
(that
by which, the apostle

is,
tells us,
by divine grace converted
those that are sanctified
from sin to holiness,
renewed by
spiritually
to their salvation.
by which the
as
we
we
gift
"
10.
By
which
the
Heb. 10
are sanctified, through the
offering
the
of
body of Jesus
Christ once for all."
And
Holy
learn from
Heb. 10
will
sanctifying influence of the
tlie
made complete in all things necessary

Now, the one sacrifice of the cross is that
of the Holy Spirit is obtained for sinners
Ghost) are perfected
it
is
will
we
"
10.
By
the
which
are sanctified, by the obla-
tion of the
body of Jesus Christ
once."
by the grace of the same Holy
benefit of this sacrifice
is
Spirit that the
applied to the souls of believers
as is evident from
John 16:
Coniforter,
" shall glorify
"He"
14.
or
Spirit
me
receive of mine,
for
and
of
He
shall
John 16: 14. " He shall glosime, because he shall receive of

mine and shall show it to you ;"
[the
Truth]
fy
shall
show
it
unto you;"
and
not, as is
most vainly and unseripturally asserted in the
Church of Rome, by a new

hloodily in the mass; who,
needeih not
to
offer
once upon the cross,
The
Lord Jesus un-
offering of the
as the
apostle
here
tells
us,
himself daily, seeing he has done so

to
only possible
put away the sins of many.
way
in
which Roman Catholics can
attempt to evade this most decisive reasoning of

in these chapters of his Epistle to the
Hebrews,
St.
is,
Paul,
by say-
ing that they refer only to the Jewish sacrifices under the
Mosaical law.
it
down
But
this is not true
for, first, St.
as a general principle, chap. 10
existence of one complete sacrifice that could "
comers thereunto perfect," puts an end
Paul lays
that the
1, 2,
make
to all others
the
" for
then," says he, "would they not have ceased
to be offered?
because that the worshippers, once purged, should have liad no
more conscience of sins"
away
fore,
no need of any thing
the stains of guilt and sin.
which did away the typical
That one
else to
wash
sacrifice, there-
sacrifices of the
Jewish
law, renders every other sacrifice, or the repetition of the same,
were
it
possible, both unnecessary
secondly, there
in this
is
and improper.
very chapter
Moreover,
distinct mention
made
of its reference to Gospel dispensation, according to the

prophecy of Jeremiah, 31 33, here quoted by the apostle:
:
Hebrews 10
" This
16-18.
covenant that
the
will
Heb. 10
is
make
16-18. "
which
the covenant
And this is
make
I will
with them after those days," [that

is, in the times of the Messiah,]
with them after those days, [the

days of the Messiah,] saith the
my
give my laws to
and on their minds
will I write them, and their sins
and iniquities will I remember no
more. Now, where there is a remission of these, there is no more
an oblation for sin:'
" saith the Lord
I will
put
laws into their hearts, and in their
minds v/ill I write them and their

sins and iniquities will I remember
no more. Now, where remission
of these is, there is no more offering for sin."
;
From
this, then, it is
chapters, speaking of
New, no
less
Lord.
will
their hearts,
plain that the apostle
what should be
is,
in these
in the times of the
than of what was under the Old Testament
by
and, therefore, after the one sacrifice upon the cross,
which remission of
pel, as well as
us remember,
sin is obtained, there is
under the law, no more offering for
is
was
also, that this
only, but for all Christians

2 Tim. 3
16. "
is
as the
profitable for doctrine, for
reproof,
for
written, not for the
correction,
for
in-
same
2 Tim. 3
All Scripture
given by inspiration of God,
and
under the Gos-
inspired
sin.
Let
Hebrews
apostle declares,
:
16. "
of God,
All Scripture
is
profitable to
teach, to reprove, to
instruct in justice
correct,
to
;"
struction in righteousness ;"
being intended for the edification of God's people in

times,
and under
all
II.
all
circumstances.
WORSHIP OF IMAGES.
Because the Church of
Rome
teaches (Council of Trent,
Sess. 25, de invocatione, etc., concerning the worship of

saints, etc.) that "
images of Christ and of the Virgin Mother
of God, and of the other saints, are
VOL
u.
26
to
be had and retained,
especially in churches, and due honor and worship to be
them;"
paid to
com-
directly contrary to God's positive
mandment.
Exod. 20
4,
make unto
"
.5.
Thou
that
is
that
is
earth
thee
in the earth beneath, or

in the
Thou
water under the
bow down
shalt not
thyself to them, nor serve
which
but
to
them
a jeal-
make
not
"
4, 5.
Thou
shalt
graven thmg,
to thyself a
nor the likeness of any thing that

is
heaven above, or
in
in the earih
beneath, nor of those things that

are in the viâters under the earth
thou shalt not adore"
bow
Sept.,
dovi^n before]
nor serve them,"
[irpooKwriacts,
etc.
" them,
;"
God
ous
am
Lord thy God
for I the
Exod. 20
shalt
any graven
image, or any likeness of any
thing that is in heaven above, or
not
pay divine honor
forbids us not only to adore, or
bow doion
pay any
before, or
religious
to,
homage or wor-
ship whatsoever to graven images of any thing, either in
And
heaven, or on earth, or in the waters under the earth.

again,
what can be more express than the prohibition
Lev. 26
"
1.
Ye
shall
make
graven image,
neither rear you up a standing
image, neither shall ye set up any
image of stone in your land, to
you no
idols nor
bow down unto
it
for I
am
the
Lord your God."
Lev. 26:
1.
"I am
in
the Lord
your God, you shall not maJte to
any
yourselves
or
idol
graven
thing, neither shall you erect pillars
nor set up a remarkable stone
in your land to adore"
[bow down
worship] "
am
to, or
it
for I
the
Lord your God."
So likewise
it is
said,
"Take ye
good heed unto yourselves, (for ye saw no manner of
similitude on the day that the
Lord spake unto you in Horeb
Deut. 4: 15, 16.
therefore
out of the midst of the
fire,) lest
ye
Deut. 4: 15, 16.

fore
"
Keep
there-
your souls carefully.
saw not any
You
similitude in the day
Lord God spoke to you

Horeb, from the midst of fire
that the
in
lest
perhaps being deceived you
make you
might make you a graven simili-
a graven image, the similitude of
tude, or image of male or female,"
any figure male
etc.
corrupt yourselves, and
And
or female," etc
the caution
is
repeated a few verses after
Deut. 4 23, 24. " Take heed

unto yourselves, lest ye forget the
:
Deut.
23, 24.
"
Beware
lest
thou ever forget the covenant of
FOR NOT
BEli\G
A ROMAN CATHOLIC.
covenant of the Lord your God,
which
made with
he
make you
you, and
a graven image, or the
likeness of any thing which the

Lord thy God hath forbidden thee,
For the Lord thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God."
Thus
clear and explicit
Holy Scripture
is
Lord thy God, which he hath

made with thee, and make to thyself a graven likeness of those
things which the Lord hath forhid
Because the Lord
to be made.
thy God is a consuming fire, a
jealous God."
the
in forbidding
any
worship at all of images, or of God by images, and thus fearfully opposed to
Holy Scripture
is
the decree of the Council
of Trent.
III.
WORSHIP OF SAINTS.
Rome
teaches (Council of Trent,
Sess. 22, cap. 3, and Sess. 25, de invocatione, etc., consaints, etc.) that "
cerning the worship of
useful to invoke the saints
diation with
is
it
good and
is
that
is,
pray
to
them, and implore their patronage, intercession, and me-
to
by supplication,
God
us by their prayers :" contrary
for
which teaches
5,
us, that as there is but one
who intervenes and

man Christ Jesus.
but one Mediator, or person
between God and men, the

1
Tim. 2:5. " For there
is
one
God and one Mediator between

God and men, the man Christ
to 1
Tim.
God, so there
intercedes
1 Tim. 2:5. " For there is one

God, and one Mediator of God
and men, the man Christ Jesus."
Jesus."
And
contrary
Christ
is
to
Hcb. 7
Him, of himsef alone, without any other

intercession for them
own
help, through his
Heb. 7
" But
this
man, because he continueth
ever,
24, 25.
hath an unchangeable priesthood

wherefore he is able also to save
;
them
Lord
come unto God by
25, whicli declares that the
able and willing to save all that
to the uttermost that
come
Heb. 7
for that
them."
24,
25.
" But
this,
an everlasting priesthood, whereby he is able also to save for ever

them that come to God by him;
always living to tnake intercession
God by Him, seeing he ever

liveth to make intercession for for
unto
he continueth for ever, hath
us."
Plainly contrary, also,
to
10. " Thou shalt worLord thy God, and him
Matt. 4
ship the
own words
our Lord's
Matt. 4
only shalt thou serve."
God
1 John, 2:1.
be-
and
"If any mansin,

the
Father, Jesus Christ the righteous."

if
[-npoaKv-
fore in religious reverence,] "
worship or
shalt thou serve."
the apostle John tells us,
we have an Advocate with
Now,
The Lord thy
thou adore,"
bow down
vriacis,
him only
And
"
10.
shalt
He
man sin,
" If any
John, 2:1.
we have an Advocate
with the
Father, Jesus Christ the just."
be himself our Advocate, he
so alone
is
for
he
does not give his glory or share his office of Saviour with
any other
neither do
we
want, nor can
we
look for another,
without being guilty of unbelief and distrust of Him.
or religious
homage
to
peremptorily forbade
Rev. 19
"
10.
be paid
And
And
he
me. See thou do it not

I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy
brethren that have the testimony
God
worship
is
them whatsoever, but
for the
the spirit of
prophecy."
"And I fell down
Rev. 19:10.
I fell at
said unto
testimony of Jesus
to
it
his feet to worship him.
of Jesus
Ob-
would permit no reverential worship
serve, also, that angels
before
his
adore" [wor-
feet to
ship] " him.
And
See thou do
it
he saith
not
to
am
me.
thy
fellow-servant," [so are the saints,
and therefore
this reason equally

them,] " and of thy
applies
to
brethren
who have
of
Jesus.
the testimony
Adore
"
8, 9.
"I
worship
" God."
And
down
Rev. 22
8, 9.
to worship before
of the
angel which
these things.
Then
me, See thou do
it
"I
fell
the feet
showed me
saith he unto
not; for I
am
and of thy
brethren the prophets, and of them
which keep the sayings of this
book worship God."
thy fellow-servant,
And Rev. 22
fell
down
to adore " [worship] " before the
these things,
who showed me
and he said to me.
See thou do
it
feet of the angel
not
for I
am
thy
fellow-servant, and of thy brethren
and of them that

keep the words of the prophecy
the prophets,
of this book.
" God."
Adore" [worship]
SUPREMACY,
IV,
Because the Church of Rome teaches (Council of Trent,

the bull of
Pope Pius, super forma sacramenti,
etc.,
con-
cerning the form of an oath, etc.) that "Peter was the

prince or chief of the apostles, the supreme head of Christ's
church upon
Christ,
earth,
and the Vicar or representative of Jesus
and that the Pope
sor;" contrary
Matt. 23:8.
is,
to the plain
"Be not
in all these thmgs, his succes-
words of Christ himself:
ye called
Matt. 23
[Master, that is, in a spiritual sense ;] " for one is your Mas-
called Rabbi
Rabbi
ter,
;"
brethren."
for
one
not you
your Mas-
is
you are brethren."
all
Mark 9
to
33-35.
"And
that ye disputed
selves
Mark
he came
Capernaum: and being
house, he asked them.

it
8.
even Christ; and all ye are
Also contrary
to
and
ter,
"But be
What was
among
for in the way they had disputed

among themselves which of them
had disputed among themselves
who should
be the greatest.
And
equally in
opposition
And
should be the greatest.
sit-
down, he called the twelve,

and saith to them. If any man
hesatdown, and called the twelve,

and saith unto them. If any man
desire to be first, the same shall be
last of all, and servant of all."
And
And they
And when
"
32-34.
they were in the house, he asked

them. What did you treat of in the
way ? But they held their peace ;
your-
by the way 1 But they held

for by the way they
their peace
came toCapharnaum.
in the
ting
desire to be first, he shall be the

last
of
all,
and the servant of all."
Matt. 18: 1-3;
to
in
which
Scriptures our Saviour teaches his apostles that there should
be no worldly preeminence at all among them
no
difference
of authority and rank, or superiority of one above another

but, on the contrary, that the mo.st
least
among them, whoever
humble, and he that was
he teas, should be the greatest
and he condemns even the very desire of
it.
Entirely at
variance also with
Mark
10
them
VOL. Jl.
called
42-44.
Mark
"But Jesus
[the twelve apostles]
10 42-44.
:
" But Jesus
calling them, said to them.
26*
You
10
to
him, and saith unto them.
know
they which
that
are
Ye
know
ac-
over the
that they
who seem
Gentiles,
lord
to rule
over
it
counted to rule over the Gentiles,
them, and their princes have power
and
over them but it is not so among

you ; but whosoever will be greater,
and whoshall be your minister
them
exercise lordship over
their great ones exercise authority
upon them.
among you
But
so shall it not be
but whosoever wilL
be great
among
minister
you, shall be your
among
soever will be first

shall
be the servant of
you,
;"
all
and whosoever of you
will be the chiefest, shall he ser;"
vant of
all
and not their supreme head or prince, as the Council of

Trent declares.
PRIESTS
V.
Rome

people, at the
many
mere
PRAYERS.
teaches her poor ignorant
discretion of the priest, to say over so
aves and paters as he thinks
fit
to appoint,
by way of
praying, and as a satisfaction for sins they have committed

evidently contrary to our blessed Lord's
Matt. 6:7." But when ye pray.
Matt. 6:7.
"
And when you
use not vain repetitions, as the
are praying, speak not much,"
heathen do
(iarTo\oyrinriTt,
for they think that
they shall be heard for their
much
speaking."
Which
command.
[î??
speak not
literally,
as a stutterer, who says his words

over and over,] " as the heathens."
forbids the repetition of prayers without a distinct
meaning, called here
ram
repeliiions,
such as a bead-roll
of aves and paters certainly are, being done neither with
what
the spirit nor with the understanding, according to
Paul
1
Cor. 14
14, 15. " If I
an nnknown
prayeth, but
unfruitful.
will
St.
directs,
tongue,
my
pray
my
in
spirit
understanding
What
is
it
then?
pray with the spirit, and
will pray
is
Cor. 14
who say
if I
do not
understand,] " ?ny spirit prayeth,
hut 7ny understanding
fruit.
What
pray with the

also with
also."
" For
14, 15.
with the understanding
Surely, then, they
pray in a tongue," [that
Ihi'
just the very
is it
is
then?
spirit,
without
I will
1 will pray
understanding ."
snme words over
do neither pray with the
standing
but,
in a
language unknown
spirit
nor with the under-
and over and over again, and that

to thcni,
the heathens, " think that they shall he
lilve
heard for their much speaking^'
PRAYER
VI.
IN
AN UNKNOWN TONGUE.
Because the Church of Rome has the greater part of her

public service and prayers said in a tongue which her people do not
14
1 Cor.
Cor. 14
ter
understand
1-19
by the tongue words easy
how shall
understood,
what
is
spoken
contrary to St. Paul's direction,
and especially
" Except ye ut-
9.
it
be
to be
known
for ye shall speak
into the air."
And
when
spirit,
the
how
shall
room of
Amen
at
the
he that occupielh
the
unlearned say
thy giving of thanks,
seeing he understandeth not lohat
thou sayest 7"
Cor. 14
except
you
9.
" So likewise you,
utter
by the tongue
plain speech, how shall
what
it
be
known
spoken ? For you shall be

speaking into the air."
is
And
"Else,
to verses 16, 17.
thou shalt bless with
verse 9.
to
1
thou
to verses 16, 17.
shalt
how shall
" Else if
bless with the spirit,
he that holdeth the place
of the unlearned say Amen to thy

blessing? because he knoweth not
For thou inivhat thou sayest.

deed givest thanks well, but the
other is not edified."
And
"
also to verse 19.
the church
Yet
had rather speak _^(5e
my
understanding,
my
voice
I might teach
others also,
than
words with
that by
ten
thousand
words in an unknown tongue."
How
sadly applicable
where the
And
in
also to verse 19.
" But in
the church I had rather speak ^re
words with my understanding,

that I may instruct others also,
than ten thousand words in a
tongue."
is all
this to a
country like Ireland,
priest speaks almost entirely in Latin,
and the
much as even to
and where many do not
greater part of the people are not able so
read the meaning of what he says,
understand him even when he speaks in English

VII.
FREE JUSTIFICATION.
Bccau.so the Church of
Rome
loaches, (Council of Trent,
Sess. 6, can. 30, and Sess. 22, cap. 2,) " that believers in
12
Christ are not fully justified, that
by
their sins,
faith in his
is,
atonement
freed from the guilt of
but need, some of them,
at least, to pass tlirough purgatory, to
"
John, 1:7.
The blood of
Jesus Christ his Son cleanse th us
from
all sin."
"And
Acts 13: 39.
be fully cleansed from
God's word
sin ;" directly contrary to
And
"
John, 1:7.
the blood
of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth'

us from all sin."
by him
(Christ Jesus) all that believe are''
Acts 13
"In Him
39.
every
one that believeth is justified."
[not shall 6e] "justified from all
things, from which ye could not
be justified by the law of Moses."
Also contrary
to Jer.
Rom. 4:5; and

Rom. 3
" Therefore
28.
conclude that a
31
34
man
is
we
justified
hy faith, tcithout the deeds of the

law."
Col. 2:
13;
Rom.
count a
faith,
we
" For
28.
man
to be justified
ac-
by
without the works of the
law."
Rom. 5:1.
" Therefore, being
justified by faith,
we have
peace
with God."
Isaiah 43
25.
"
I,
even
I,
mine own sake, and
not remember thy sins."

" And this
Jer. 23
6.
:
Rom. 5:
will
"Being just if ed
1.
by faith,
peace loith God."
therefore
am
he that blotteth out thy transgressions for
Mic. 7: 19;
to
Isaiah 43
He
"
25.
us have
let
am,
am
that blot out thy iniquities for
my own
sake, and I will not re-
member
is
thy sins."
"
Jer. 23 6.
his
name whereby he (Messiah) shall

be called, the Lord our righteous-
name
the
that
And
they shall
this is the
call
Him,
Lord our Just One."
ness,"
VIII.
MERIT OF WORKS.
Rome
Sess. 6, can. 32,) " that the good
teaches, (Council of Trent,
works of a
justified
do truly merit an increase of grace and eternal

trary to our Lord's
own
words, addressed to his apostles
Luke 17: 10.

"So likewise
when ye shall have done all
those things which are command-
ye,
life
person
/" con-
Luke 17: 10. "So you also,

when you shall have done all the
things that are commanded you.

ed you, say.
We
was our duty
Now
are unprofitable
we have done that which
servants ;
We are unprofitable servants
say.
we have done
which we
that
ought to do."
to do."
these confessedly were justified perso7is ; yet our
and Saviour
them expressly,
tells
Contrary also
in their works.
3. " Is it any pleasure

Ahnighty that thou art righteous? or is it gain to him that
thou makest thy ways perfect ?"
Job 35 7. " If thou be righteous, what givest thou him, or what
receiveth he of thine hand ?"
Job 22
Job 22
Isaiah 64
is,
works of obe-
"
3.
What
thou be just
if
dost thou give
him
if
doth
or
way
thy
it
what
be
unspotted
Job 35
"
7.
And
if
thou do
what shalt thou give him,

or what shall he receive of thy
hand I"
justly,
" All our right-
6.
God
profit
eousnesses" [that
any merit
not passibly be
to
to the
Lord
that as all they could do
ôrt of their duty, there could
fell
13
Isaiah 64
are as
6.
" All our justices
an unclean rag."
dience] " are as filthy rags."
Nor
is it less
Eph. 2
opposed
"
8, 9.
to
By grace "
[that
Eph. 2:8, 9. " For by grace

you are saved through faith, and
unmerited favor] "are

ye saved, through faith, and that
that not of yourselves ; for
not of yourselves ;
gift
is,
by
free,
it is
the gift of
God not of works, lest any

should boast."
:
IX,
man
of
God
man may
it is
the
not of works, that no
glory."
UNWRITTEN TRADITION.

Sess. 4,
decretum de canonicis Scripturis, decree concern-
ing the canonical Scriptures) that "unwritten traditions pertaining to faith as well as to
to
manners or morals, [mores,] are
be received with equal affection of piety and reverence as
the books of the Old and
command
New
Testament;" contrary
to the
of God,
Deut. 4:2. "
Ye
shall not
add
Deut.
4:2.
word
"
You
shall not
unto the word which I command

you, neither shall ye diminish
yon, neither shall you take
aught from
from
it."
add
to
the
it."
that I speak to
away
TWENTY TWO PLAIN REASONS
14
Prov. 30
"
6.
unto his words,
Add
and thou he found a
thee,
Also
to Matt.
15
Prov. 30
thou not
he reprove
lest
3,
not any
to
Rev. 22 18. " For I testify

unto every man that heareth the
Rev. 22
to
viôrds
of the
book;
if
him
him
the plagues that are written
in this book."
" For I
18.
testify
every one that hearetk
words of the prophecy of tJiis

book; if any man shall add unto
these things, God shall add unto
This they
Add
"
6.
his words, lest thou be
to
reproved and found a liar."
liar."
and
thing
any
man
God
these things,
the
prophecy of this
shall
shall
add
to
add unto
the plagues written in this
book."
do,
moreover, without being able
up one
to trace
single tradition, not written in Scripture or warranted by
it,
mouth either of Christ or his apostles. Besides, the

written word is the only standard of truth which divine auto the
thority admits
Isa. 8
"
20.
for
To
what
the
to the testimony , if they
according
cause there
speak not
this word,
to
is
saith the Scriptures ?
law and
be-
it is
Isa.
and
to the
To
the
law rather,
testimony, and
they
word,
not have the morning
speak not according

they shall
no light in them."
20. "
if
to this
light."
And
so likewise the
Lord Jesus
word as
refers to the loritten
the standard of divine truth,
Luke 16:29.
"They have
Moses and the prophets ;" [that
not themselves, but their writings ;] " let them hear them."
is,
Now, we have
not only
Luke 16:
29.
"And Abraham
Moses and
them hear them."
said to him, they have

the prophets, let
Moses and the prophets, but
Jesus Christ and his apostles, in the written word
also
let
us
therefore hear them.

X.
JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH ONLY.

Sess. 6, can. 9
Rome
and 12,) that "
trust in the divine
mercy
re-
mitting sins for the sake of Christ, is not justifying faith and
that alone
to
by which we are
justified before
God
;" contrary

24. " Being justified
I5
freely by his grace, through the
" Being justified

freely by his grace, through the
redemption that
redemption that
Rom. 3
in Christ Je-
is
connected with
Verse 28. " Therefore
sus
Rom. 3
man
is
we
Rom. 3
con-
justified by
faith without the deeds of the

;" [that is, by faith alone.]
Rom. 4:5.
worketh
" But to
of
is
to he
28. "
For we account
iusuded by faith with-
Rom. 4:5. " But to him that

worketh not, yet beUeveth in him
him that
him
not, but believeth on
chap. 3
man
to
that j ustifieth the ungodly," [that

is,
in Christ Je-
is
out the works of the law;" [that

is, by faith alone]
law
Contrary also
24.
bus."
;"
cUide that a
that
mercy
26, trusts in the
is
ungodly, his
the
justifieth
faith
reputed
to justice."
God through Christ,] " his faith

counted for righteousness."
Equally contrary also
to
Genesis 15:6. 'Abraham " believed in the Lord,

it to
lieved
him for righteousness."
From
all
fallen
man,
canon denies.
true faith
is
It is
for,
it
Abraham " bewas reputed to
Christ,
perfectly plain that sinful,
God by
and by
faith, that is, trust in
that alone,
which
this
not the import of these Scriptures, that
without works, but that
is faith
it
only, or alone,
Faith, indeed, cannot be true faith without
that justifies.
works
is
it
before
is justified
God, and
him unto justice."
which Scriptures
mercy through
his
Genesis 15:6.
and he counted
says the apostle. Gal. 5
6, " faith
worketh by
love."
XI.
COMMUNION IN BOTH KINDS.
Because the Church of Rome (Council of Trent, Sess.

21, can.
1,
concerning the communion) " pronounces any
one accursed
who says
necessity of salvation,
by
that,
all
the
command
and each of the
of God, or
faithful in Christ
to receive the sacrament of the Eucharist in both

kinds ;" whereas our Lord Jesus Christ him.self says di-
ought
rectly the contrary,

Matt. 26
they
were
26-29.
eating,
Luke 22
"
And
Jesus
as
took
19,
20
also.
Matt. 26 26-29. "

:
And whilst
they were at supper, .Tesus took
16
bread, and blessed
bread, and blessed, and broke, and
it,
gave
it, and brake

and gave it to the disciples, and
said. Take, eat
this is my body.
And he took the cup, and gave
thanks, and gave it to them, saying. Drink ye all of it ; for this is
my blood of the New Testament,
which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say mito
;
you,
I will
not drink henceforth
of this fruit of the vine, until that

day when I drink it new with you
in
my
Father's kingdom."
Mark 14
And
"
22, 23.
and brake it, and

gave to them, and said. Take,
And he
this is my body.
eat
took the cup, and when he had
blessed,
given thanks, he gave
and they
all
drank of
it
to
them,
this is
said,
my body.
taking the chalice, he gave
Drink ye
all of this; for this is

blood of the New Testament,
my
which
shed
shall be
for
you,
to
many
And
the remission of sins.
for
say
not drink from
will
henceforth of this fruit of the vine,

until that day when I shall drink
it
new with you
of
my
kingdom
in the
Father."
Mark 14
were
bread, and
22,23. "
they
And whilst
took
Jesus
eating,
broke, and
blessing,
gave to them, and said. Take ye,

this
is
my
And
body.
having
taken the chalice, giving thanks,

he gave
drank of
it."
eat
thanks, and gave to them, saying.
as
they did eat, Jesus took bread,
and
And
and
his disciples,
to
Take ye and
it
them, and they
to
all
it."
Hence it appears, then, that he instituted it in both kinds,

and commanded all who partook of the one, to partake of the
other, both being done together in remembrance of his bodybroken, and his blood poured out, which neither could represent separately ;
26
and said of the wine in particular, Matt.

By which it is plain, from
27, " Drink ye all of this."
the very express words of
sacrament
at all
brated in both kinds
God, and ybr

done
Holy
Scripture, that there
as ordained by Christ, unless

;
of the sacrament,
is
is
no
be cele-
command
which, therefore, by the
the validity
it
of
certainly to be
as the apostle directs,
28. " But let a man

1 Cor. 11
examine himself, and so let him
eat of that bread, and drink of
prove himself, and so
that cup."
chalice."
Cor. 11:28.
of that bread,
Could any command be plainer
In fact,
thorized to take the one without the other.
" But let a
man
him
eat
and drink of
the
we
let
are not au-
INTENTION.
XII.
Because the Church of Rome teaches, (Council of Trent,

Sess. 7, can. 11, concerning the sacraments,) "that in min-
while they celebrate and administer the sacraments,
isters,
there
is
required an intention of doing at least ivhat the church
does ;" that
that the intention of the officiating priest is
is,
ahsoluiely necessary to the validity of a sacrament, of
not one
word
is to
be found in Scripture, and which,
would entirely overthrow

the administration of
all
which
if true,
certainty as to the validity of
any sacrament of
their
church what-
In fact, if this canon be founded in truth, no one,
soever.
Roman Catholic Church,

own principles, be sure that
minister or private person, in the
can possibly, according
to his
he has been either baptized, ordained, or married
he ever received any sacrament in reality

fore,
that he
is
at all
What
Roman
if this canon be true !
Catholic world be
and what
whose
what
will
in,
a state, then, must the
infallibility
them
Because the Church of Rome grounds a claim

and supreme authority on
same
time,
it
this is both irrational
that they
of Scripture,
asserts that the infallibility and
them
and untrue
knew the existence
of the Scriptures, yet

for tlieir
to infalli-
the testimony
authority of Scripture depends on the
Now,
ordi-
INTALLIBILITY.
XIII.
while, at the
of councils,
can alone depend on the validity of the
nation of the ecclesiastics composing
bility
and if it
the infallibility of the church worth
is
become of the boasted
validity
or that
not committing downright idolatry every
time he worships the host.
he not true,
and there-
as they
word of the church.

;
for,
admitting even
of their church, independent
show by having recourse
to
they acknowledge they cannot prove
proof
their churcli to he either infallible or suj)reme, hut from the
Scriptures.
VOL.
II.
Before, however, they can establish the infalli-
27
18
bility of their
church from the Bible,
tliey
lish the infallibility of the Bible itself, that
and inspiration
may
and
as otherwise
testimony
estab-
first
authenticity
not of weight,
is
be untrue.
It is clear, therefore, that
church, even on their

of the
bility
its
must
is, its
own
the alleged infallibility of their
grounds, depends on the
Holy Scriptures
and thence
infalli-
follows, that
it
must first he admitted to he the infalUhle word of

God, hefore their church's claim of infaUihility or supremacy
can he at all allowed.
Their church, then, can only depend
the Bible
We
on the Bible, and not the Bible on their church.
have something certain and
upon
and
church,
is
their only
hy appealing
libility, therefore,
jintil that
way
Their church's
to Scripture.
true,
it
church
infallibility
its
are
alleged
the
marks of
in proof of
weight or value, except so far as they agree

uninspired
God ;
for the
creed
The
composition.
ivifh the
itself is a
Bible,
the true
it,
give
Bihle
Roman
and therefore the
to the
and the
its
Bihle what she herself claims
XIV.
to
receive
from
the
CONSENT OF THE FATHERS.
Decretum de canonicis
Rome
(Council of Trent, Sess.
Scripturis,
Decree concerning the
canonical Scriptures) " forbids that any should dare

terpret
privi-
Catholic Church cannot
infaUihility !

4,
of any
acknow-
mere human,
therefore,
Bible alone, both proves the true church and shows

leges ;
no proof
is
existence does not imply
its
church taken from the Nicene creed

ledged word of
infal
admitted.
is first
is infallible
nor
step
can never be proved
Christ having established a church on earth,

that that
must
first
of proving the infallibility of their
even were
of the Bihle
our
infallible to plant
Holy Scripture contrary
to the sense, in
to in-
which she
herself holds, or contrary to the unanimous consent of the
jg
Fathers;" altliough she has never yet given an authorized

interpretation or exposition of Scripture in the sense which
she holds
and ahhough the Fathers, so far from being
unanimous on such
points,
agree together scarcely on one
point of doctrine not absolutely determined in Scripture.
APOCRYPHA.
XV".
4,

Decretum de canonicis Scripturis, Decree concerning the
canonical Scriptures) teaches, " that every one
who
is
accursed
does not receive the apocryphal books, Judith, Tobit,
Wisdom,
1st
and 2d Maccabees,
etc., in all their farts, as
sacred and canonical Scriptures;" although they never existed in the
Hebrew language
been, utterly rejected
by
" were committed the oracles of
of which
are now, and ever have
whom, Rom. 3
the Jews, to
God "
in the
2,
Old Testament,
these are said to he a part ; although they
were
never quoted or acknowledged by our Lord and his apostles ;

although they contain manifest contradictions and historical
falsehoods: compare 1 Mac. 6
16,
6,
and 9
;
28
Bar. 1
2 Mac. 14
4-16, with 2 Mac.
41-46, with Tob. 6
although they were rejected
by
Besides
Athanasius,
all
who draws
13:
6, 8, 16, 17, etc.
Jerome himself, the
St.
translator of the Vulgate, and declared

canonical.
2, with Jeremiah the prophet, 43
by him
not to
he
which, they were disowned by
St.
a line of distinction between these
very identical books, and those Vhich he delivers as divinely

inspired
and, finally, they were rejected by the Council
of Laodicea in the fourth century, which gives a catalogue of the inspired books appointed
exactly agreeing with St. Jerome and
to
be read publicly,
tlie
present Protestant
canon of Scripture, excepting the book of the Apocalypse,
which was not usually read

obscurity.
in
public,
on account of
its
20
FORBIDDING THE SCRIPTURES.
XVI.
Because the Church of Rome
Rule of the
(in the fourth
Congregation of the Index,* appointed by the Council of
Trent
pronounces against
to decide as to prohibited books)
Holy
the indiscriminate reading of the
Scriptures, and on
this all-important subject declares as follows
manifest by experience, that if the
is
permitted
" Seeing
be read everywhere indiscriminately
to
the vulgar tongue,
discrimine') in
roould result thence, through the
it
Holy Scriptures be
('
sine
more harm than good
rashness of
men
let
it
therefore be at the pleasure of the bishop or inquisitor, with

the advice of the parish priest or confessor, to permit the
reading of Bibles translated by Catholic authors,
who, in their opinion,
may
This license
crease of faith and piety.
But whosoever
writing.
to those
harm, but an
I'eceive not
them have
let
such
shall pi'esume, without
in-
in
li-
cense, to read or possess them, he cannot receive forgiveness
of
such Bibles be returned
his sins until
to the
ordinary."
Does not the Church of Rome herein contradict God himself,
who
tells
us by his prophet David,

130. "
Psalm 119: 130. "The entrance of thy words giveth light

it giveth understanding unto the
ration of thy words giveth light,
simple."
ones."
Again,
also,
Prov. 30
God
is
we
5.
Psalm 118
The
and giveth understanding
decla-
to little
read,
" Every
word of
Prov. 30
God
pure."
is
5.
" Every
fire-tried ;" [that
word of
most
is,
pure.]
And Psalm
mandment
19
8.
"
of the Lord
is
pure,
The
Council.
of the Lord
ing
enlightening the eyes."

*
And Psalm
The com-
" Congregation of the
Roman
18
8.
"
The law
unspotted, convert-
souls^^'
Index " was a Committee of the
Its regulations are in force.
in his last bull to the
is
The
present Pope, (1828,)
Catholics of Ireland, urges the en-
forcement of these regulations, and the prelates liave acted upon

it
in their pastoral.
So
Holy
tells
make us wise unto
2 Tim. 3:
from a
to
Paul
also the apostle
are to
"And
15.
child thou hast
Scriptures,
make
the
which are able
thee wise unto salvation,
through faith which
in Christ
is
2 Tim. 3 15. "And because

from thy infancy thou hast known
the Holy Scriptures, which can
instruct thee to salvation, throng
that
known
Holy Scriptures
us, that the
salvation
21
the faith
which
is
in Christ Jesus."
Jesus."
The Council
of Trent thus forhids the indiscriminate read-
ing of the Holy Scriptures
mands
the mdiscritninate
God
whereas,
directly com-
reading of his word, Isaiah 34
16,
addressed, as appears from verse l,to all nations and people
of the earth
Isaiah 34:
"Come
1.
;
all
things that
come
forth of it."
And then follows, verse 16,

" Seek ye out of the book of the
Lord, and read."
And
so also our
John
5:
Isaiah 34
near,
and hearken,
ye people let the earth hear, and
all that is therein
the world, and
ye nations, to hear
Come
1.
and hear
near, ye
and hearken,
ye people : let the earth hear, and
all that is therein
the world, and
every thing that comethforthof it."
Gentiles,
And then follows, verse 16,

" Search ye diligently in the hook
of the Lord, and read."
Lord Jesus Christ commands,

"Search
39.
John
the
5:
"Search
39.
the
Scriptures; for in them ye think
Scriptures; for you think in them
ye have eternal life and they are

they which testify of me."
same
to
have
life
everlasting
and the
are they that give testimony
of me."
Here, then, are two conflicting commands

to
obey
Pope
God, or the Church of
St.
Acts 4:
Peter
19.
tells
God
to
which
are
we
Christ, or the
us very plainly.
" Whether
right in the sight of
Rome
it
Acts 4:
be
heark-
en unto you more thawunto God,
rather than
" If
19.
in the sight of
God
to
it
be just
hear you
God, judge ye."
judge ye."
XVIT.
THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS.

7, can. 1,
voL.
11.
de sacramentis in genere, concerning the sacra-
27*
22
ments in kind) pronounces any one accursed who says that
who
there are fewer than seven sacraments, or
says that
they were not all instituted or appointed by Christ our

himself, " or that
whereas
is
it
any one of the seven
perfectly evident from Scripture
only two sacraments,
much
And
heing sacraments.
here mentioned,
five
itself,
that
baptism and the eucharist, were
viz.,
ever appointed by Christ, or so
him as
Lord
not a sacrament ;"
is
as even spoken of
moreover, that
penance, extreme
viz., confirmation,
unction, orders, and matrimony, there
by
in the other
nothing whatsoever
is
of either the nature, use, or design of a sacrament, which
is
an appointed outward sign of an inivard grace.*
MARRIAGE.
XVIII.
may
Sess. 24, can. 9) that the "clergy
marry;"
not
con-
trary to
Heb.
13
honorable in
4.
all,
Heb.
" Marriage is
and the bed un-
defiled."
1
13
honorable in
" Marriage
4.
all,
is
and the bed unde-
filed."
Cor. 7:2. " Nevertheless, to
avoid fornication,
let
every
man
Cor. 7:2.
" But for fear of
fornication, let every
own
have his ovi'n wife, and let every

woman have her own husband."
and
wife,
have her
own
These precepts are spoken universally
let
man have his

woman
every
husband."
and no exception
made of the clergy, or ministers of the Gospel nor can

any one show that God has excepted priests or monks. In-
is
stead of
the
this, St.
Paul says, "
husband of one wife,"
bishop must be blameless,
Tim. 3:2;
in his prediction of the great apostasy
Titus,
1:6; and
from the pure
faith
* A sacrament may, in the words of the Catechism of the

Chm-ch of Scotland, be stated to be " an holy ordinance instituted
by Christ, wherein, by sensible signs, Christ, and the benefits of the
new covenant, are represented, sealed, and applied to believers."

of the Gospel, he enumerates the
^^
forbidding
23
marry"
to
as
one of the criteria of which the Holy Spirit speaks expressly.
Tim. 4:3.
XIX.
THE NECESSITY OF SACRAMENTS.

7, can.
4 and
de sacramentis in genere, concerning the
8,
in kind) declares that " the
sacraments
sacraments are ne-
and that without them, or by desire of

cessary
them, (when they are not to be had,) through faith alone, men
to salvation,
cannot obtain from
God
the
grace ofjustification, although
all
of them are not necessary for every one;" and also, "that
by
the opus opcratum, that
external
rite,
grace
is
is,
the administration
of
the
conferred:" contrary, in the
mere
first in-
stance, to
John 3:36.
"He that heon the Son, hath ever-
lieveth
lasting
.Tohn 3
36.
"
He
eth in the Son, hath
that believ-
life
everlast-
ing."
life."
And to Acts 16 31. "Believe

on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou
lieve in the
shall he saved."
shall be saved."
And
to
Acts 16: 31.

"BeLord Jesus, and thou
Both which Scriptures expressly declare, that wnosoever

believeth on the Lord Jesus Christ shall be saved, without
any mention of the sacraments whatsoever.

in the
second instance,
Contrary
also,
to
3:21. " The like figure

even baptism, doth
now save us
not the putting
baptism, being of the like form,
away
ting
Pet.
whereunto,
[that
of the filth of the flesh"

is,
the
washing by water,]
" but the answer of a good con-
now
but
Pet. 3:
saves you also
away
the
"Whereunto
21.
of the
filth
not the putof the flesh,
examination of a good
conscience towards God."
science towards God."
Whence we
learn most clearly, that
it
is
not the outward
form, but the spiritual grace and inward influence which

signified,
is
and only represented by the external ordinance,
that saves us.
24
XX. AURICULAR CONFESSION.

4 and
14, can.
Rome
(Council of Trent, Sess.
de penitentia, concerning repentance)
6,
declares, " that sacramental confession of sins

to salvation
hy divine right, and that he
says that confession to a priest alone, in secret,
Whereas
invention."
ture,
to
it is
we must
my sin
will confess
to the
any man, or
"I acknow-
unto thee, and mine
iniquity have I not hid
is
who
human
evident that, according to Scrip,
to
confess our sins in order
Psalm 32:5.
ledged
it is
God, and not
necessary
is
accursed
is
I said, I
my transgressions un-
Lord, and thou forgavest
to
class of
men,
that
ohtain forgiveness
Psalm 31: 5, 6. " I have acknowledged my sin to Thee, and
my
injustice I
have not concealed
I said, I vidll confess
my injustice
against myself
to the io;-(?,
and thou
hast forgiven the wickedness of
the iniquity of iny sin."
my
sin."
Also Psalm 51 4. " Against

thee, thee only, have I sinned, and
Also Psalm 50 6. " To thee

only have I sinned, and have done
done
evil before thee."
And
left
thy sight."
evil in
moreover, neither our Saviour nor his apostles have
us any direction to confess
has an awful tendency
to
a priest
men
mislead
to
but, on the contrary, the expression
James 5:
faults
one
one
to
"Confess your
another, and pray
16.
for another, that
ye
may
be
is,
James 5:
fore,
a practice which
into a false security;
your
" Confess, there-
16.
one
sins,
to
another, and
pray one for another, that you
may
be saved."
healed."
[Enjoining on all Christians the duty of a mutual acknow-
ledgment of their
we
find
passage, the priest

just as
faults,
and mutual prayer; where shall
So
auricular confession in this ?]
much
is
bound
that,
by
this
to confess his sins to the people,
as the people to the priest
might do so with equal benefit;
for
and indeed he
even the Jews who
rejected Christ, could say,
Mark 2:7. " Wlio can

God only V
give sins, but
for-
Mark 2:7.
give sins, but
"
Who
God only
can for?"
25
XXI. TRANSUBSTANTIATION.
Rome
Sess. 13, can. 1 and 2, etc., de eucharistia, concernuig the
Eucharist,) " that in the sacrament of the eucharist

tained, really
and
substaniially, the
is
con-
body and blood, together
with the soul and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ
there
being a conversion of the whole substance of the bread into
and of the whole substance of the wine
his body,
into his
blood ;" which contains a direct contradiction of God's holy
word
Psahn 16
not leave
my
10, 11. "
Thou wilt
soul in hell
wilt thou suffer thy
Psahn 15
wilt not
neither
Holy One
10. "
Because thou
my
soul in hell,
leave
nor wilt thou give thy Holy One
to
see corruption ;"
to see
corruption ;"
a circumstance which takes place every day,
Catholic divines to evade
Roman
common
and very
10:4;
It is also
expression in Scripture, this
Gen. 41
Gal. 4
moreover, a most un-
and unnecessary meaning put upon a plain
natural, forced,
signifies: see
It is,
it.
canon
if this
be true, notwithstanding the ingenious fancies of
24
26, 27
Rev.
for this
is,
Matt. 13: 37, 39
Cor.
20, etc.
a remarkable fact, that in the language spoken
by our blessed Lord,
the Syro-chaldaic, there is no verb of

meaning of " signifes /' so that the different apostles
seem to have given a literal translation of what he spoke, inthe
tending the words
to
bear the same meaning in lohich he used
may indeed
Church of Rome here,
them.
It
sure, however,
it is
remember what
2 Cor.
is
is
according
to the letter.
not according to the spirit.
written
3:6." The
eth, but the spirit
be said, that the interpretation of the
am very
let
us
letter kill-
giveth
Now
life."-
2 Cor. 3:6.
" For the letter
killeth, but the spirit giveth life."
This, moreover, in the most glaring
manner
contradicts
the 2d Council of Nice, the 7th General Council, according
TWENTiT-TWO PLAIN REASONS
26
Roman Catholic Cliurch, which " anathematizes any

who say that Christ is not circumscribed as to his humanity,"
that is, limited as to his human nature
and asserts, " that
to the
he
present on earth, not sensibly, hut only in his divinity,"
is
that
He
not say the
same himself?
John 17: 11.

"And now I
no more in the world," [that is,
am
And
as Protestants believe, in a spiritual manner.
is,
does
John 17:
am
and
in the world,
as to his bodily or substantial pres-
"And now /
11.
not in the world, and these are

I
come
to thee."
ence,] but these are in the world,
and
come
That
is,
to thee."
since (chap. 14
his Spirit, that his
body
23) he
not
is
is
ever present on earth by
now on
earth, but in heaven.
ATTRITION.
XXII.
Because the Church of Rome teaches, (Council of Trent,

Sess. 14, de penitentia, concerning repentance, can. 4, con-
cerning contrition,) that the imperfect contrition called

trition, arising
commonly from
of sin, and fear of hell and
its
pains, (if
subject disavows
its
the intention of sinning in hope of pardon,) although
not of
God
it
efficacy of a sacrament
is
him
disposes
Whereas
in penance.
it
can-
sacrament of penance, conduct the
itself, loithout the
sinner to justification, yet
of
at-
mere sense of the turpitude
St.
to
Paul
in the heart
seek the grace
tells us, that
and
the
in the spirit, not
in the form or letter.
Rom. 2
28, 29.
not a Jew, which

ly
neither
which
he
is
is
is
is
is
" For he
that circumcision,
outward in the
Jew" [and
;
but
so likewise he
a Christian] " which
wardly
flesh
is
one in-
and circumcision
is
that
of the heart, in the spirit, and not

in the letter
."
2 Cor. 7 10. " Godly sorrow

worketh repentance to salvation
:
"
is
one outward-
Rom. 2
not he
is
" For
28, 29.
a Jew, that
is
it is
so out-
wardly nor is that circumcision,

which is outward in the flesh but
he is a Jew that is one inwardly
and the circumcision is that of the
;
heart, in the spirit, not in the letter
whose praise
but of God."
2 Cor. 7
that
is
And
10. "
is
not of men,
again, in
For the sorrow
according to God, worketh
FOR NOT BEING A ROJIAN CATHOLIC.
row of the world worketh death
27
penance" [repentance] " steadfast
not to be repented of; but the sor-
unto salvation
;"
but the sorrow of
the world worketh death
by which he plainly teaches
us, that
row arising from true repentance and

that only, that
on
tlie
the
change of heart, and
worketh repentance unto salvation
whereas,
other hand, he as plainly asserts that the sorrow of
world worketh death.
exactly
by true
Now, of
faith
God by
and a hope of pardon
description
not accompanied
sin,
and, therefore, to say
and heart-search-
justified before a holy
can be
along with the outward administration
attrition,
of the sacrament of penance,
words of
this latter
"attrition;" a sorrow for
is
that a sinner
ing
it is
;"
godly sorrow, sor-
plainly contrary to the above
is
Paul, as well as to the fearful words of our
St.
Lord and Saviour himself,

Mark
16
"
16.
lieveth not, shall he
because
the apo.stle
Heb. 11:6.
Mark
that he-
16
16.
lieveth not, shall be
"
He
that he-
condemned
;"
informs us,
Heb.
" Without faith
it is itnpossihle to
Now,
He
damned ;"
please God."
it is
11: 6. "
But without faith
impossible to please God."
without being really contrite, a
man can have
neither
true repentance, faith, nor love, and therefore cannot be in
a state of justification, as this Council asserts.
These, then, are some of the principal reasons
am, and must ever be, a Protestant.

objections to the creed of the
not upon the authority of the

I hesitate
not to say,
many
As
why
such, indeed,
my
Church of Rome are built,

Bible, which contains,
Douay
false,
most erroneous, and mis-
leading tran.slations of different important passages of the
word of
the
living
God;
but upon the authority of the
English authorized version of the Bible
brew and the Greek
translation of the
the Septuagint, so often quoted
the original
He-
Old Testament, called
by our Lord and
his apostles
TWENTY-TWO PLAIN REASONS,
28
and the Greek original of the
my
build
to that of the
New
I
take
Testament
on these I
my decided
objections
Church of Rome.
wished, however, to go farther than
why
and from these
faith,
ETC.
am, and
conceive
all
even upon the grounds of
this,
and show
others ought to be, Protestants,
Roman
Catholics themselves.
have therefore given the several passages quoted both from
Douay
the authorized version and as they are found in the
Bible also, in order to prove from the acknowledged Scriptures and authorized books of the
that there
is
As, therefore,
peculiar doctrines.
the divine authority of the
church claims a
contradict,
which
Holy
Roman
herself,
they
are
in
Catholics admit
Scriptures,
right, indeed, to interpret,
have now
which
their
but surely not
conscience bound
candidly to consider what

to
Church of Rome
neither Scriptural truth nor consistency in her
seriously
set before
to
and
them, and
entreat their earnest attention, viz., the manifest
opposition that exists between the canons and decrees of the
Council of Trent and the word of the living God, not only
as contained in the Protestant version of the Scriptures, but
as contained in their
the
Douay
Bible,
own acknowledged
This
therefore, that one or the
cannot contradict
true
itself.
and from hence
it
version of them,
have clearly proved
Now, they
and
other must be false
say,
for truth
allow that the Bible
follows, that the
is
canons and decrees
of the Council of Trent, which contradict the Bible, are

false.
No. 63.
THE
COTTAGEE'S WIFE.
THE
poor," said our
Loid,
when questioned
as to his div ine mission,

"tlie
"
Gospel
common
IS
The
we are
preached."
people," too,
told by one of the evangelists,

heard our Saviour " gladly."
St.
Paul declares, that " not
not
many
James
the
^^
dom
mighty, not
asks,
whether
poor of
it
many
many
is
wise
men
after the flesh,
noble are called."
not notorious, that
this world, rich in faith,
wliich he hath promised to
them
God
And
St.
hath chosen
and heirs of the kingthat love
him."
The
subsequent history of the church of Christ presents a similar

vor,.
II.
2?
THE COTTAGER
To
testimony.
and by them
it
WIFE.
the poor the Gospel hath
still
been preached,
has, in general, been most favorably received.
Among this humble
class,
some of the most
striking instances
of the power and grace of Christ have been exhibited; and
by them have the
rich blessings of his Gospel
been frequently
most highly prized, and most purely enjoyed.

In adding another proof of the truth of these remarks,
fell under my own observation,
my only motives are to display the glory of the Redeemer and
from an example which lately

the excellency of the Gospel
and
to
draw from a simple
state-
ment of facts, a few plain but important lessons of instruction

and consolation, for the benefit of my Christian brethren.
I was lately called to undertake the pastoral care of a
My predecessor,
small parish, in one of the inland counties.
now gone
to give
up
his
Bishop of souls, was a

ing
account
man
to the great
Shepherd and
of considerable talents and learn-
of sincere piety, and most amiable manners.
In his
and private exertions had produced a

remarkable degree of regularity and decency of manners
parish, his preaching
among
the poor people, of
composed.
How
whom
far his labors
it
was almost exclusively
were blessed
in
producing
those genuine and unequivocal fruits of repentance and faith

in the heart of
minister
is
any of
anxious
tent to determine.
am now
about
to
his parishioners,
to perceive, I
Yet
am
in the case of the person of
give you a short account,
been instrumental of
much
had
officiated but
once
whom
found that he had
good, both by his sermons, his
private instructions, and the books

I
which every zealous
as yet scarcely compe-
in
which he had given
her.
my parish, when I was told that
was a poor young woman, supposed to be in a decline,

who wished to see me. I accordingly took an early opportunhy of calling on her. As I resided about two miles from the
there
village,
and could have, as
yet, but a slight
with the characters of
its
wav,
what manner
in considorinor in
inhabitants,
I
acquaintance
was employed on
might be likelv
my
to ren-
THK COTTAGER'S WIFE.

der
my
visit
most
pi'ofitable to
brethren, and indeed
all
those
my poor patient. My
who have been
clerical
in the habit of
attending the sick-beds, whether of the rich or the poor, will
my
readily enter into the anxiety and perplexity of
They will
upon such a subject.
thoughts
not be surprised that
my ex-
were not
what is so
pectations, as to the actual state of the sick person,
very favorable
and that
commonly met with on

bility
and unconcern, or a
and confidence
in the
rather feared to find,
these occasions, either great insensi-
and ill-grounded satisfaction
false
goodness and safety of her condition.
melancholy consideration, that there should
is
so
much ground
for
such apprehensions
and while
the vast importance of a parochial ministry,
quicken those who are engaged in
it,
it
may
shows
it
serve to
to the diligent
every means of awakening and instructing their
Absorbed
It
in general be
use of
flocks.
in this painful but profitable train of thought, I
arrived at the village, and
was soon
lifting the latch
by
directed,
daughter, to one of the smallest cottages
of this lowly dwelling,
my
clerk's
On
had ever seen.
was struck with the
remarkable cleanliness and neatness of every part of it.
The
was decent, and
in the
furniture, though of the humblest kind,
most perfect order, and various traces might be perceived of

the industry and care of the mistress of this
she had
now been
little
abode, though
confined for some weeks to her bed.
cottage consisted but of two small rooms, separated
The
by a few
rather steps, which led from the one to the other.

was met at my entrance by a pleasing looking elderly
woman, holding in her arms an infant a few months old.
" 1 heard," said I, "that a young woman was ill here,
Are you her mother ?"
and I have called to see her.
stairs, or
I
"
am
his mother,
"
her husband's mother,
am
like to see
and
am
very
sorry," said
me now,
I,
much
"
to
and
sir,
Poor, dear babe, he has never
child.
afraid
lie
hear she
do you think ?"
this is
known
her
little
the comfort of
will soon lose her."
is
so
ill.
Would
she
THE COTTAGER'3 WIFE.
"
yes,
that
sir,
am
sure she will."
This answer was made in so unusual a tone of

dence and apparent welcome, that
How
as a token for good.
it
confi-
could not help hailing
often, alas, are ministers re-
ceived with a degree of coldness and indifference, in their

visits to the sick,
which
too plainly proves that these labors
of love are but slightly valued,
The
woman
if at all desired.
was no sooner made, than I followed the good

the sick room. It was a little apartment formed
reply
into
out of the roof of the cottage, open to the
any means of warming

washed, and
it
by a
it
The
fire.
and without
walls were white-
had one very small casement, which
but afflicted tenant had adorned with a
On
stairs,
a bedstead, just raised from the
little
floor,
neat
its
muslin curtain.
and without any
curtain to shelter her from the keen air of winter, lay the
poor object of
my
visit,
apparently far advanced in a con-
" Alas," thought
sumption.
commodation
for
I,
" this
is
but a comfortless ac-
How many
one in such a disorder!
in the
midst of health, would think themselves hardly used, to be

obliged to content themselves with such an apartment
I
murmur
ever
at
any circumstances
Forbid
tively favored lot ?
it,
my own
in
Can
compara-
Lord, and forgive the repin-
ing thoughts which have sometimes found admission into
O, make
mind.
in
me
whatsoever state
thankful for
am,
let
my
superior blessings
approached the bedside of
"
come
my
," said her mother-in-law,
to see
you."
"I
am
very glad
to see
to
my
mind
poor parishioner.
" and greatly obliged
my
and
me learn therewith to be content."
These and similar thoughts passed rapidly through

as
"here
is
the minister
him," was the immediate answer,
him
for
coming
so far in this cold
weather."
"
How
"
am
do you find yourself?" said
very
every day."
ill,
sir,
and
feel
that
I.
am
getting
weaker
THE COTTAGER'S WIFE.

"
How
long have you been ill

" Three and twenty weeks, sir.
since the birth of
my
?"
have never been well
poor babe, and
begin
to
think that
shall never recover."
perceived at once, by the hectic flush upon her cheek,
and by the
which she breathed,
difficulty with
that her ap-
prehensions were but too well founded, and therefore deter-
mined
no time
to lose
in
examining the
state of
her mind as
to religion.
"
Your
seems now
illness," said
He who
it is
J,
" has indeed been very long, and
be very serious
to
but this
is
the
Lord's doing ;
has laid you on the bed of sickness
and the
length of your confinement has given you a very merciful
oppoitunity of thinking upon religion, and the concerns of
your
soul.
"
have
"
am
hope you have improved
tried to
glad
to
do
it."
so, sir."
hear you say so
serious conversation with
but
you upon
let
me have
little
this subject.'"
" That is what I greatly desire, sir."

" Religion, you know, should be the great business of
our
lives,
sickness
whether
in health or sickness, but especially in
and since your
state
ask you what you think about
seems very uncertain,

If
it.
it
you should not recover, what hope have you as
that
let
should please
me
God
to an-
other world ?"
Those who know by painful experience the answers

which are commonly made both by the rich and the poor to
such a question, will judge of the surprise and pleasure I
felt
on hearing a very different reply from
my
afflicted pa-
In feeble accents, broken and interrupted by her
rishioner.
cough and laboring breath, she spoke, as nearly as
can
recollect, as follows
" Sir,
able sinner
know and acknowledge

;
a great sinner,
sir.
that I
committed any very heinous crime

vnr,.
T'.
'-^^
am
a poor, miser-
do not mean, that

;
ever
but notwithstanding^
know and
this, I
my
past
life
spread all
my
am
feel that I
have endeavored,
and as nearly as
the only Saviour of sinners
and
ful
Saviour
"
hope
when
have co?ne
but,
reflect
sir,"
upon
shall I go, or
Many
of
my
him
put
and
was
saying
shall I do to be saved
and that
comfort her.
to find that
!"
my reply to this
told my poor patient,
if
what she had
little
I
just
and manner,
air
to
said that
it
she was convinced of her sinful
him with a sincere and humble
be no doubt of his willingness

this, I
read
to
was much that I could say

was a great satisfaction to me
doubt, there
state,
and of the
necessity of Christ as a Saviour, and assured her that
came
been
she was sincere in what she had told
me, of which indeed, from her whole
to
often fear
Christ should refuse me,
readers will anticipate
truly rejoiced to hear
could have but
him
that he is a merci-
and sinfulness,
if
affecting but hopeful declaration.
that
my whole trust in
know
his for-
believe that he
(and here she burst into tears,)
me
what
know and
mind
can remember, I have
my vileness
that he will not receive
where
to
call to
and earnestly begged
before God,
si7is
giveness through Jesus Christ.

is
a very sinful creature.
my long illness, to
during
sir,
faith,
to receive her.
if
she
there could
To
confirm
her several passages of Scripture, particularly
and Matt. 11
1 Tim. 1:15; John 3:16, 17, and 6 37
28-30 to which she listened with profound and eager attention, and afterwards expressed tlie encouragement and
consolation which they afforded her.
Fearing, however, that what had given me so much
pleasure, might possibly be, at least in part, owing to a
:
religious education, or to a
merely nominal acquaintance
with religious sentiments and phraseology,
inquired of
my
poor parishioner where she had obtained a degree of knowledge in religion which, unhappily,
was but
too
seldom met
with in visiting sick-beds.
She
told nie, that as long as fiho
could remember, she
had been impressed with the fear of God, and a strong desire to
"
be a true Christian.
When
was
quite a child,
had a greal dread of the Ahnighty upon

me." This was her exact expression, by whicli I doubt not
she meant to describe that which the Psalmist speaks of
sir," said she, "
Even from my youth up, thy terrors have

"At this early age, sir,"
"
left my companions
remember
often
that I
she continued, I
and as I grew up, and went into the
to engage in prayer
fields to work with other young people, I have sometimes
when he
says, "
suffered with a troubled mind."
been so
full
of thought and anxiety about
my
soul, that I
was thinking aloud, and now and

then uttered a short prayer
upon which my companions
My
generally laughed, and called me by some nickname.
and as I had a
greatest deliglit, sir, was to go to church
very good memory," proofs of which she frequently gave
me in the course of my visits, " I was able to remember a
great many texts of Scripture, which I used to think of when
I was by myself.
1 recollect to this hour, sir, some of the
sermons I heard when I was quite young. At that time,
my great desire was to become prepared to partake of the
Lord's supper and I often begged some of my friends to
have spoken of what
read to
me upon
the subject.
After this
myself, and O, what a great blessing

the
word of God
learned to read
have found
it
to
read
!"
The preceding account of the early feelings and dispopoor young woman satisfied me that the grace
sitions of this
of (Jod had visited her heart, and had long been drawing
her to an acquaintance with himself, and with her Redeemer.
How
we
own
highly should
to cherish
prize these Divine impressions and
and how anxious should

and improve them in others
But, alas
attractions in our
case,
often are they neglected,

suit,
ful
we be
how
!
and checked by some sinful pur-
or worldly object, until G(jd in his all-wise and merci-
providence intorposos
O.r
our (Iclivcraiice
'J'lius
it
was
with the humble subject of this narrative.

ising beginning
After the prom-
which has been mentioned, the
vanities of
youth, and the evil communications of those with

lived in service, led her
away from God and
though preserved from gross
whom
she
religion, and,
she lived some years in a
sins,
careless and worldly manner.
What
"
it,
a mercy
unhappy
this
was, sir," said she, while mentioning
it
period, " that I
was
not cut off in the midst of
without repentance and preparation for eternity
God
been pleased
that he has
brought
me
I,
serious tlrought after
way
" what circumstances roused you to
you had thus been
" Several things happened,

in
Mr.
me.
and his sermons went

to
Then,
my
sir,
sir, to
came
my. heart
to
bring about this blessed

be minister at
to
;
poor aged mother's and
and not
to
to
one of
am now
in
and
mine only,
my
sister's.
not long after, this dear sister died, of the
disorder that
that
living in a negligent
?"
change
but
which you see me."
into the affliction in
" Pray," said
bless
me, though he has
to spai'e
same
so 2)eacefully, so happily,
nobody could doubt of her having gone to heaven. Her

me ; and I have often prayed
death was greatly blessed to

that
mine might be
like it."
Perceiving that she began
be fatigued,
to
was unwill-
ing to prolong the conversation at this time, ftirther than to
much
ask her whether she had been
She replied
she, " that
my
am
that she
so
weak,
had
I
am sometimes
voice for any length of time
conihiuaJ/y ; and
when
support and comfort.
At her earnest
much
my
awake
hardly able to use

ivith
my
heart
at night, this is
my
great
hut
I pray
lie
think, too, at such times, of
texts of Scripture which
greatly blessed to
in the habit of prayer.
" but now, sir," continued
know by
heart,
many
and they are
soul."
request, I
now prayed with
her, and
was
struck with the remarkable seriousness and fervor

with which she joined in
I
my
When
petitions.
ended,
I liad
urged upon her the duty of self-examination, and frequent
application to the throne of grace for " repentance and re-
when
mission of sins;" and was about to leave her,

physician,
who was
attending her,
came
After he had visited his patient,
the
in.
inquired his opinion
of her case, and was grieved to find that he entertained no

expectation of her recovery
count
for after
what
grieved
not on her
had just witnessed,
own
ac-
could not but
was ripening for heaven but for her huswho were about shortly to be deprived
of so valuable a wife and mother; and for myself, who was
likely so soon to lose a parishioner, whose example, were
believe that she
band and her
infant,
she spared, might prove eminently beneficial to
around
all
her.
Though
could not but regret this melancholy prospect,
yet joy and gratitude were the predominant feelings in
mind on
leavings the cottage.
and apprehension
ety, doubt,
find fresh
who
who
cause
for
I
;
had entered
full
it
fearing that
my
of anxi-
should only
lamenting the wretched state of those
are ignorant of themselves and of Jesus Christ, and

are wholly unprepared for a dying bed.
quitted
not only relieved of this burden, but rejoicing in the
ened, humbled, spiritual frame of mind which
its
it,
awak-
alllicted
inhabitant discovered, and feeling inexpressibly gratified at

so unexpected a result of
my
first
parochial
visit.
Full of
the interesting reflections which this occurrence had excited

in
my
mind,
returned homewards.
chiefly occupied with the love of
ruined world
t(Mi
Son
came
Holy
in the sufferings
God
My
in the
thoughts were
redemption of a
and death of
his only begot-
with the love of that gracious Redeemer,
into the
Spirit
world
to
save sinners
who vouchsafes to apply this

While meditating on
ally to the soul.
inestimable truths,
who
with the grace of that

salvation efiectu-
these sacred and
could not help thinking
how
superior
THE COTT.iGER'S WIFE.
10
was
my
the happiness of
poor parishioner, in the midst of
all
her poverty, distress, and pain, to that of the wealthy, the

prosperous, and the gay, who live " without God in the
world;" who,
with themselves and with worldly-
satisfied
pleasures " for a season," neglect their immortal souls, and

neither seek nor desire an interest in the redemption which
deed needful, and
" one thing is in-
I,
has chosen that good part which
never be taken away from her."
shall
that
" Surely," thought
Christ Jesus.
is in
am
thankful also
have thus early been honored with the opportunity of
who
ministering to the edification and comfort of one,

I
doubt
The
a second
will,
prove an heir of salvation.
not,
reader will readily believe that

visit to
my
did not long delay
Although
poor parishioner.
was
in
a great measure satisfied as to her sincerity, and could not
reasonably doubt that she was a child of God,

to ascertain the etTect of
my
and
first visit,
was anxious
administer
to
all
and consolation which could be crowded

It was on
within the apparently short remnant of her days.
the instruction
the following Sabbath that I again directed

village.
bell
As
approached
it,
my
" was collecting
congregation.
little
therefore, proceed to the cottage,
ing service, and dismissed
my
till I
little
sive and truly pastoral blessing,
my
it
The
husband, a remarkably
"
How
"
Very ill, sir."

Worse than when
"
is
Shall
walk up
I,
could not,
to
be wished
heard without
then hastened to
to
me by
stairs
?"
her
young man.
" to-day ?"
saw her on Thursday ?"
" Rather weaker, sir."

'
were
healthy-looking
your wife," said
it
fervor, or
door was opened
fine,
flock with that impres-
so justly deserves.
sick parishioner.
steps to the
had closed the morn-
which
might never be repeated without the

the interest, which
my
" the sound of the church-going
THE COTTAGKR'S WIFE.

"If you
please, sir; she will be very glad to see
appeared truly
you
weaker than when
feel
'
my
do, indeed, sir
you."
sorry to hear that
last."
the will of God, and
is
it
Ms
sincere desire that
am
saw you
but
"
so.
it
is
and not mine, should be
will,
done."
"
Whatever
be," said
I,
" be assured that
the best."
it is
"
for
may
his will
sir," she replied, " that all things
know,
good
them
to
"
Do you
"
that love
think that you are of that happy
cannot but hope
am
cannot love him better
grieved that
please
careful
God
I
spare
to
have not served him as

but
my
life,
often think,
and
be not to offend
will
God knows
so, sir.
work together
God."
to raise
him
how
number ?"
that
love him.
sir, if it
me up
I
ought, and that
shou/d
again,
how
will try to serve
and please him."

"
as
trust
you would
you ought,
before,
but since you have not done
why
this,
do you think you should do so
hereafter ?"
" Sir,
and
tliat I
know
that
my
heart
very weak and deceitful,
is
cannot do anything good of myself; but
have learnt
much from
this illness
thing but religion, and
hope
see the vanity of every
think that, with God's assistance,
should lead a more Christian life."
Have you thought much of what

was here before
"
said to
you when
"
"
And
sins
is
have thought of
little else,
"
"
Do you
do indeed hope that

feel
any
it
is."
real sorrow on account of them, and
any inward hatred and dread of

"
trite
sir."
do you believe that your repentance for your past

quite sincere ?"
think
feel, sir,
heart which
God
sin ?"
something of that broken and con-
will not despio."
]2
Perceiving unusual symptoms of uneasiness about her,
asked her
if
much
she was in
" O, yes, sir
but what
my
is
Saviour suffered upon the cross
upon
and had none
tlie raclv,
pain.
but
hours
have
many
and have
suffer,
many
for
comfort him
to
deserved a great deal more than
my
pain to that which
He was
mercies."
Soon
her husband,
after this,
when
present, left the room,
M
did
now been
till
whether he thought and felt in any manner as she

upon religious subjects.
She shook her head at this question, and sighed as she
answered, "I wish
My
who had
took the opportunity of asking
husband
am
knows but
sorry to say he
"How
could say he did, sir; but
cannot.
a very sober, honest, well-behaved man, but
is
then," said
little
about religion."
"came you
I,
think of marrying
to
him?"
" Because
was a vain and
been sorely chastised

happiness since
civil,
so close to them,
to join
we
husband
me
hear
to
used
Joshua,
Lord
tell
;'
me
to tell
expect the blessing of
and serve him
me
but
in living as Christians
worldly people
but
As
when
'
it
my
God upon
us. if
me, and
have asked
is
to
that
we
have ear-
for
was enough
husband
and living
tried.
read the Bible, (for he
would only
on Sundays.
little
husband, though kind and
have been greatly
will serve the
himself,) he
have
with
all
nestly desired to say, with
house,
have known but very
foolish girl, sir
My
and his family are
it.
married.
has never liked
should
for
my
my
no scholar
go
we
to
church
could not
did not worship
and often when he has been going
to lie
down at night, without prayer, I have said to him, O, John,

how can you go to rest without begging God's forgiveness
'
and protection
heaven
Suppose your soul should
required of you
Do you
Sometimeswhen
think
I
this night
be
you should awake
in
have spoken thus,
sir, I
could

him
prevail upon
he would bid
cannot
sir, I
and
to
me
pray a few words
my
hold
you what
tell
things have
much
to
Indeed,
weak
as
am,
every one of them,
same way of thinking
me
not very kind to
be forgiven myself^
sir,
and
but
my
In the midst of this interesting conversation,
my
which highly
gratified
one of the disadvantages of poverty, that
we were
who had
consid-
me.
It
is
in general apt
it is
current of the social and domestic feelings, and
to chill the
produce a hardness and insensibility, which increase
rather than diminish

ent case
its
distinguish those
rank of
life,
who
observe
to
all
are
"
After the
first
inquiries of these
to
will administer the
Christmas-day, and
Lord's Supper.
to
go
to
church, and
last time, sir, I
we
suppose
should be well
join in that holy
ever saw Mr.
have been look-
ing forward a long time in the hope that
The
that
that she
beg of me.
What is that ?" said I.

You know, sir, Friday is
enough
ten-
which more frequently
was about to propose

prayer, when my parishioner said
had a particular favor
you
warmth of
somewhat elevated above the low-
kind relatives were over,
"
the
called forth into exercise toward the afflicted
subject of this narrative.
should unite in
In the pres-
other attendant evils.
was delighted
derness, and liveliness of sympathy,
est
to
parishioner, and manifested an affec-
tionate concern for her,
to
have
knees
They were
distant villages to see her.
erably older than
could do them any good."
if I
interrupted by the arrival of two of her sisters,
come from
but I
All these
freely forgive them.
would go down upon
O,
to sleep.
have suffered on his account
do them some good.
to
made them
but at other times,
tongue and go
his family are all of the
hope you will be able
J3
communion.
he talked
to
me
upon the subject, and gave me a book to read

Though I had always a great desire to receive the
a good while
upon
it.
Lord's Supper,
VOL. II.
have been afraid of taking
29
it
unworthily.
14
/ am
indeed not worthy
Master^s table
to
pick up the crumbs under my^
but Jesus said,
'
Except ye eat the
and drink the blood of the Son of man, ye have no
flesh
in
life
you.'
" True," said
" but do
you
by merely
think, that
ceiving the Lord's Supper, you will have this
life
re-
?"
" No, sir, I know that I must have a true faith in Christ."
" Yes, you must feed on him, in your heart, by faith,
'
"
with thanksgiving.'
" That is my sincere desire,
I have longed for an
nestly
You know,
table.
the last time
it
sir,
was
Mr. P
was taken
am
in a
fit
kind as
to give
Upon
this, I
it
to
me
ill
ear-
Lord's
just before
I
but now, if you think
state to receive the supper,
be the greatest blessing and comfort,
to the
our church, and
to be administered in
have been confined almost ever since

I
God knows how
sir.
opportunity of going
should feel
it
you would be
if
to
so
on Friday."
read to her several passages of Scripture,
together with parts of the
communion
service which partic-
communisome time longer on the subject, and telling her that I should willingly comply with her
request on Christmas-day,* I asked who would partake of it
ularly mention the qualifications of acceptable
cants
and
after conversing
with her.
" I expect," said
will be here, if she
am
'
,
sure, be glad to join with
"
And
will not
that
my
poor, dear
can bear the journey
and she
mother
will, I
me."
your husband
said
I,
who was now
returned to the sick room.

*
from
is
ing
entire,
it
be perceived, that
It will
Tract
lishing
this interesting and excellent

pen of a devout Episcopalian and in publislimay perhaps be necessary to say, that the Pub-
tlie
it
Committee would not be understood
ion in relation to
in private.
tlie
to express
any opin-
practice of administering the Lord's Supper
O how
"
15
wish he would come and embrace his Sav" Will you not, John ?"
liis wife.
iour," answered
reminded him that he must soon part with his dear
and that by joining her in the work of religion here,

would enjoy an earnest of a blessed union hereafter.
wife
lie
"
how
am
in great trouble,"
to think of
" But," said
he replied, " and scarcely
I,
" you should at least think o^ religion, for
God only who can comfort you
it is
wife
is
now
that
you
a call to
you are
He seemed
know
any thing."
to
in trouble, to
illness of
your
Jesus also invites you,
come
to feel the truth
from ignorance, and
and the
turn to him.
to
him
of what
partly from
for rest."
said
but partly
corruption which
that
always opposes the turning of the heart
God, he held
to
How common,
back from saying any thing more.
and yet
how lamentable a case is this ? Men neglect and refuse

to make God their friend, and when, amidst the various
changes of
know
not
this
what
mortal
life,
to do, or
they
fall
into distress,
they
for
support and
by praying with
this afflicted
whither
to flee
comfort.
closed this second visit
party assembled in the sick room.

petition with a
joined in every
degree of animation and fervor which
have
seldom seen surpassed, and expressed her gratitude in a
manner which left no room to doubt the reality of a Divine

work in her heart. On leaving the room, I gave her a copy
of "
The Dairyman's Daughter,"
thinking that she might
derive both instruction and comfort from a history which
some circumstances very similar to those of her own
exhibits
case.
was, however, agreeably surprised
benevolent physician,
been beforehand with

"
said
woman
have contrived
,
whom
me in
to
had met on
to find that the
my
first visit,
had
this present.
read part of that
little
" though not without difficulty.
died of the disorder which
have.
book, sir,"
That young
She was a true
IQ
Christian,
and
sir,
have been much comforted by
God
things that are related of her.
grant that
many
may be
like^her."
"
trust," said
" that by the grace of God you will be
I,
and dying. Fix your

same gracious Saviour in whom she
like her, both living
faith
the
trusted,
blessed hope of eternal happiness
may
and you
and consolation, and the same
enjoy similar peace
will
and love on
God
bless you,
he support, sanctify, and comfort you, while you re-
main here below, and make you daily
better prepared for
the heavenly world."
"
God
was
bless you, sir,"
instructions and prayers.
the reply, " for all
cannot
tell
your kind
you how much they
have comforted me."
About two days after my second visit to

some one from S
the village
told that
wished
lived,
some
little
not afford,
to see
As
me.
had desired her
took for granted that this
was surprised
whom
to find that
my reader may recollect

to see.
in
was
which she
to
send for
comforts which her humble circumstances could
but, instead of the person

I
it
was
she told
was her messenger
expected on this errand,
me
's
mother,
whom
she was hoping shortly
She was a decent looking old woman, with an
air
of peculiar meekness and gravity, and apparently bending
more under the weight of trouble than of years.

" Pray rest yourself," said I, as she was attempting to
" You must be tired, after your long walk."
rise.
" A little, sir," was the reply " but more distressed by
;
my poor, dear daughter's illness."

" How is she to-day ?"
"
Very
"
ill,
indeed, sir
fear not," said
Your daughter
for a better
is, I
world."
she cannot hold out long,
" but do not be too
trust,
much
think."
distressed.
a real Christian, and preparing

" Ah,
who
ter,
ready
and no doubt she
"
have
indeed,"
It is,
a heavy
am
It
able to judge,
but
religion
from a child
was
poor
a great affliction to
it is
feel
much
for you..
happy
Now,
think your daughter
and interested
is
for
as far
a true be-
in his salvation."
me
to hear you say so, sir.

She was always inclined to
but she has attended more to it with-
do think so myself.
in the last
two or three years than ever."
" She appears to me," said
frame of mind.
way to heaven."
Why, to be sure,
"
but
are not sincere in
sir,
but
she
if
cannot but think that she
as
you
we
say,
it
and so
tell
is
is
in
cannot look into
of no use to pretend to religion,
is
it
" to be in a very hopeful
I,
cannot look into her heart
sincere in her professions,
the heart
she
my
age."
" and
and
sis-
though not grown up; but although
a great comfort to
is
Indeed,
the
Thank God,
heaven
an unspeakable consolation.
is
liever in Jesus Christ,
"
is in
JY
following her dear
the blessed hope of their being
trial,
ever in heaven
I
is
my old
replied
lost children, too,
it is
as
very like her
is
such good children in
lose
She
is.
died about two years ago.
to go,
dear
trust she
sir, I
if
we
and' indeed I
think she is sincere."

" Pray,
when
did
" Last Sunday,
you come
sir,
in a great deal of trouble
bath ; but
I
trust the
did not hear
till
your daughter ?"
to see
just after
you
left her.
have been
about walking over on the Sab-
Lord
will forgive
then that she was so
me,
ill,
if I did
and put
ing to see her as long as possible, for the journey

too
much
for
me
at
ly sec her alive, if
my
I
age
but
was
afraid
came,
my
is
com-
almost
should hard-
did not set off directly, or be stopped
next day by the weather, this winter time

I
wrong.
off
thoughts were taken up with
and
all
the
way
God and heavenly
things."
"Indeed,"
VOL II.
said
I.
much
struck with the tenderness of
29*
jg
conscience displayed by the poor old woman, "

is
God would have
a case in which
You know your
fice.'
'
mercy and
think this
not sacri-
Saviour graciously allows us
to
perform acts of necessity, mercy, and charity, on the Sabbath
and
cannot suppose he was offended by your jour-
ney,to see your poor sick daughter, especially as you seem

Pray,
to have a sincere desire to serve and please him.
have you long thought so seriously upon religion ?"

" Not so long,
part of
my
as
sir,
was
life
too
could wish
much
had.
The former
taken up with the cares of the
world, and the labor of bringing up a large family
had much
teach
affliction
me many
me
it
my
soul
and
has pleased
bless his holy
but
God
to
Son Jesus Christ and
things concerning his
the salvation of
giving
of late years, and
name
for
my
old age, of attending to
woman had now
rested herself after the
the opportunity, in
these things."
The good
old
fatigue of her walk, and, after a
prepared
to
little
farther refreshment,
return to her daughter's cottage.
help regarding her with a peculiar pleasure.
hoary head
is
a crown of glory
if it
could not
Truly, " the
be found in the
way
of
righteousness."
On
the Friday following the preceding conversation with

's
mother, being Christmas-day,
repaii'ed to
lage church to celebrate that truly joyful festival
my
vil-
and
to
commemoration of the death of that grathe recollection of whose birth we had

Saviour,
at
cious
Although the morning was unusually
previously rejoiced.
cold, the beams of the winter's sun were bright and cheerunite with
ing,
it
the
and seemed
to hail the return of that
in which, with so
our gratitude
much
for the
propriety,
dawning of
we
hallowed season,
are invited to express
that " Day-spring from on
high," which can alone " guide our feet into the
peace."
My
little
way
flock assembled in the house of
of
God;
and while our thanksgivings and prayers ascended,
trust
with acceptance, before the throne of grace, the liearts of
some
among us were,
at least
tations
hope,
warmed by our medi-
on the angelic anthem which so clearly and beauti-
fully describes the blessed effects of the Saviour's birth
"
Glory
will
God
to
in tlie highest,
The
toward men."
and on earth peace, good
table of the Lord's
Supper was
next approached, where, in unison with multitudes of our

brethren throughout the world,
hymn
alted
work of redemption,
sitteth
we
again joined in that ex-
and together with our praises
" at the right hand of
mercy upon us," and
to
for the finished
up our supplication
offered
God
to
Him
that
the Father," to " have
" receive our prayers."
The
de-
lightful service of the
sanctuary being thus ended,
pro-
ceeded
my
it
was
to the cottage
of
poor, sick friend
and, as
very near the church, the clerk followed with the sacred
provisions of
which we had
just partaken at the public
com-
munion.
I
found
ber had been

in
anxiously expecting us.
made
one corner of
we were
There
is
to
it
Her
little
cham-
as neat as possible for the occasion
a napkin
was spread on
commemorate
and
a table, at which
the last supper of our Lord.
something peculiarly solemn and affecting in every
celebration of this holy institution
service has always appeared to
when administered
to the sick
as these sacred mysteries
me
but the interest of the
to
be greatly heightened,
and dying Christian.
have been abused by
and vainly relied on by ignorance and

there does
seem
to
me
self- righteousness,
an eminent propriety
to be
Much
superstition,
in exhibit-
ing to the departing believer, "Jesus Christ, and him crucified,"
in the evident
Supper.
and significant symbols of the Lord's
The weakness
of nature, oppressed by mortal
disease and pain, then especially requires the assistance of
these outward' memorials
and although the appetite
"the bread which perisheth,"
may now
for
be nearly extinct;
20
yet the desire for that " which came down from heaven/'
and " endureth unto everlasting life," which " the Son of
man
The
stage of his
anxious
to
may
giveth,"
sincere.
to
cheer
perhaps be more than ever lively and
Christian,
entering on the last
therefore,
earthly pilgrimage,
generally and justly
is
be supplied with that sacred provision, which
liis
fainting spirits, and to support his
dark valley of the shadow of death.
in the
is
weary steps
With this
blessed table spread before him, and with the presence and
guidance of the great Master of the
and his
his rod
It
staft',
was under
these impressions that
To my
poor parishioner.
she replied that she
she was
my
sir, for
this
rejoice to hear
may
pray that Christ
but that
you say
to come
for I
With desire have
day
Saviour himself,
desired to eat this passover before

"
my
peaceful and happy in her mind than
she had ever been before.

" I have been longing,
can truly say with
met and found
inquiries as to her bodily health,
herself rapidly declining
felt
much more
he fears no evil
feast,
they comfort him.
'
suffer.'
so," said
"
" and
now
be present with us, by his
let
us
Spirit, to
bless us."
"
I
have been praying
for this, sir, before
do hope and believe that he
him
him
as a poor perishing sinner, and put

for
you came, and

come to
will be with us, for I
pardon and salvation.
my
whole
trust in
have been thinking
this
coming down from heaven to save

us ; and how much he suifered, that we might not perish,
but have everlasting life ; and now I rejoice in this opportunity of receiving the memorials of his broken body and
morning of
liis
love in
Ah,
his shed blood.
with
me
take
it
God
will give
We
but
sir,
him grace
now prepared
you see
my
poor husband does not
earnestly hope that

to
for
when
am
gone,
become a true Christian."

our affecting service.
her poor aged mother, myself, and
my
clerk,
were alone
present.
she might join in the
and
attention' as
communion with
as
much
solemnity
as well as circumstances admit-
and emaciated as she was, the delusive color
She
her extreme weakness would allow.
was accordingly supported

ted
21
desired to be lifted up in the bed, that
her
in
cheeks, and the brilliancy of her eyes, animated partly by

the fatal fire of disease, and partly
by the more serene fervor
of devotion, rendered her an interesting object of contem-
We
plation.
those
whom
began our supplications
he
receives, that he
by
visited
patiently,
loves,
to
him who
corrects
whom
and chastises every one
he
would have mercy upon her who was now
his hand, grant that she
might take her sickness
and recover her bodily health,
(if
such were his
gracious will,) and that whensoever her soul should depart
from the body,
it
might be without spot presented unto Him,
We
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
read the consoling
admonition of the apostle, in the twelfth chapter of the epistle to
the
Hebrews, and the encouraging and inestimable
declaration of our Saviour, in the
gospel
" Verily, verily,
fifth
chapter cf
John's
St.
say unto you, he that heareth
my
word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlast-
ing
life,
and shall not come
from death unto
life."
into
condemnation
but
is
passed
shall not soon forget the devout
and animated look of gratitude which, with clasped hands,
directed towards heaven, while
delightful words.
by
must
not,
pronounced these
however, detain the reader,
detailing every step in the progress of this interesting
service
suffice
it
to say, that
my
poor friend joined with
marked and lively devotion in every part of it, in

humbling confession of sin, in the gracious declarations
the most
the
and promises of forgiveness through
faith in the
atoning
blood of our Redeemer, and in the glowing ascriptions of

praise to
Almighty God "
solemn and heartfelt tone
for his
in
unspeakable gift."
The
which she confirmed her hope
of eternal salvation, through the sacrifice of Christ upon the
'fHE
22
COTTAGER'S WIFE.
emblems of his body and

love, was peculiarly impressive
and satisfied me that she was indeed " feeding on
Him in her heart, by faith, with thanksgiving." Nor was
cross, as she received the visible
and the tokens of his dying
blood,
the deportment of her aged mother less striking and edify-
There was
ing.
in
her a mingled air of
grief, submission,
and devout thankfulness, which encouraged the best hopes

of her real piety, and greatly added to the solemnity and
For myself, while
interest of this affecting scene.
was
up
lifted
Him whose
to
rating, in gratitude
death
and praise
my
heart
we had been commemo-
for his
exceeding great love in
thus dying for us, and in instituting this holy supper, and in
prayer for the sanctified improvement of our late participation in them, I could truly say, " Lord, it is good for me to
be here."
my dying parishioner also for,

my leave of her, she suddenly
So thought
preparing
" O, this
to
is
',
take
more than
ever
felt
Fearing that her exertion in
said to her, " Is
" Oh, no, sir
it
was
observed,
before."
during the ad-
sitting up,
ministration of the ordinance, had produced
uneasiness,
as
some
pain that you
comfort, happiness, such as
feel
I
additional
?"
never before
My Saviour is indeed with me. He is mine,

am his. I cannot doubt that he will forgive and save
me. He knows that I love him ahove all things, and desire
but I am willing to wait, and to suffer whatto be with him
and when the holy will of
ever he pleases to put upon me
experienced.
and
God
I
am
now
is
done,
hope
truly thankful,
to
dwell with him for ever in heaven.
sir,
for this blessed ordinance,
and have
more to do or wish for as to this world but I

hope you will come and see me as long as I remain here
Do not grieve, my dear
that will be a great comfort to me.
but
little
mother," (perceiving her venerable parent

the will of God,
short
you know,
that
my
but blessed be his holy name,
in tears,) "it is
journey should be so
I feel
that
am
in the
way
to
When
heaven, and there,
Mr.
hope,
you
will shortly
preached poor Mr. P
mon,
sir,"
gone
to see the
him
23
addressing herself
me, " he
to
King of glory
and
's
told us that
trust
meet me.
funeral ser-
am
he was
going
to see
also,"
"
I trust
you are,"
said
I,
" and rejoice to find that
you
We
are able to look forward with so delightful a hope.
have prayed
God
in
for this
and now
you
will continue to be with
body, soul, and
only hope and pray, that
you
that he will sanctify
and preserve you
spirit,
heavenly
to his
kingdom."
Under
of
my
the influence of these feelings,
poor, sick
friend,
I left
the cottage
and returned home with an
in-
creased conviction of the infinite value of the Gospel, and
more firmly persuaded, by all that I had just seen and

that it is the grand remedy for all the evils under
which mankind labor that it can give peace to the troubled
still
felt,
conscience, pardon to the guilty, rest to the weary, comfort

to the afflicted, health to tlie sick,
that
in short,
it is,
what
power of God unto salvation

But
must begin
lage narrative.
to
Two
and even
the dead
life to
the apostle well describes

to
it,
" the
every one that believeth."
draw towards
again saw
my
vil-
made
the
the close of
days after that on which
During this short

interval her disease had made a rapid progress, and I plainly
perceived that it would soon remove her from a world of
Although considerably weaker, and sufpain and sorrow.
fering more acutely than before, she expressed the same
visit last
described,
humble, yet joyful hope of acceptance through her Redeemer, and
her earnest desire "
to
depart and be with
Christ."
" But
suffer
more
"You
cannot help thinking, sir," said she, "

yet, before I
can be
do not suppose,"
fit
for
tliat I
must
heaven."
replied, fearing at the
moment
24
some
that she might be imagining her suffering to be in
manner
meritorious, " that the pain
purchase heaven, or in
"
Oh
no, sir
God
itself
prove profitable
forbid that
was a very
to
should trust
my
for salvation but the merits of
that as
which you endure can
Saviour.
sinful creature,
you ?"
any thing
in
only meant,
and deserved
be
to
and had found the benefit of pain and suffering, in

weaning me from a vain and worldly life, I should probably
afflicted,
have
to
go through more than
have yet suffered
do not express myself as I ought."

" There is truth," said I, " in what you say.
haps
but per-
the Scripture says, that Christ

suffering
and we
may
was made
be well contented
You know
perfect through
be like him,
to
if
Every member
we may
of Christ is in a measure conformed or made like to him in
ours is intended
but his alone was meritorious
suffering
to humble and purify us, and God knows best how much,
dwell with him for ever in glory.
and what kind of suffering
is
most suited
upon you more than
will not lay
than he will enable you
and be assured that he
make you more than
to bear.
is
for you, or
Resign yourself
will support
He
to sanctify us.
good
you
every
in
conqueror, through him
more
him,
to
trial,
and
who hath
loved us."
"
I
am
trust
he
so sinful
pause,
again,
sir,
will,
and do not doubt
continued, "
for
my poor
am
who
After a short
glad to see and hear you
mother was obliged
terday, and the neighbors
to
leave
are kind enough to
them
me
yes-
come and
see me, talk almost entirely about worldly things

tell
though
his goodness,
and unworthy a creature."
have done with the world, and only wish
to
and
think
and speak of what concerns the salvation of my soul. InI have but one thing which gives me much anxiety
deed,
my
and that
is
happy
should be
about
poor, dear babe.
when
health to enjoy him, and
had him
now
but
used
I
to think
how
have never had
must very soon be parted

from him
I
ever as
for
world
to tliis
25
Poor, dear
from
me
but as soon as I see him,
goes to
it
fellow,
little
can resign him cheerfully sometimes, when he
away
is
my
very
heart."
"
do not doubt
task for
you
and take
Father.
replied
it,"
"
I.
It is,
indeed, a painful
leave him so young, in a world like
this,
and grandmother will no doubt be kind
his father
want a
to
him
the care of
all
power, and he shall not
him
will take
up, though every other friend
should forsake him, and will not suffer him to want.
have been young,' said the Psalmist,

never saw
Hope
" This
my
is
me
old
'
yet
offspring.^'
earnest prayer, sir
commit myself,
to
into his hands, to
My
am
and now
God, that as he has blessed you, so
in
your
will also bless
enable
'
the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging
their bread.'
lie
but
him,
Entrust him in the hands of your heavenly
friend.
He
in their
to
do as
it
my
and
child,
hope God will
and
my
husband,
seemeth good in his sight."
much
poor friend was so
exhausted by her exertion
it was comparatively a
was obliged to close my visit more quickly
than usual, which 1 did by reading a few passages of Scripture suited to her state, and commending her in prayer to
the jnercy and grace of God our Saviour.
As I was leav-
during
this conversation,
short one, that
although
ing the room, she repeated her earnest request, that
remember her
in
my
would
prayers, and that I would visit her
during the short remainder of her earthly pilgrimage
add-
ing, with a sort of prophetic feeling, that if she should not

live to see
me
meet
in
again, she trusted that, through the merits of
Redeemer
that blessed
heaven.
in
whom we
believed,
See her, indeed, again,
did
we
but
should
I
regret
was only during the state of extreme weakness and insensibility into which she suddenly fell a iew
days after my last interview with her. I was prevented by
a heavy fall of snow from repeating my visit till the follow.
to say, that
voi,. u.
it
30
26
ing Sabbath
my
when, on reaching the cottage,
learned, to
disappointment and sorrow, that her powers both of mind
and body were nearly exhausted, and that she was wholly
On
unconscious of what passed around her.

room,
found that
it
was indeed
the decay of the outward form,
so
and
man" day by
house of her tabernacle "
that although the " earthly
was nearly
lier
could only rejoice that
had witnessed the renewal of "the inward
day
entering
in contemplating
was such solid ground for bewould shortly inhabit " a building of God, a
dissolved, there
lieving that she
house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."
The mother
of
not having been able, from the
fatigue of her former journey, to return to her,

lect but little
could col-
from those who attended her, of the frame of
her mind during the short interval of sensibility which
lowed
my preceding
gather,
The
visit.
was pleasing and
however, which
little,
satisfactory.
found
that,
fol-
did
being
aware of her approaching end, she called for her husband

and other relatives who were near, and took a solemn and
affectionate farewell of them, declaring, in
humble yet
forci-
ble terms, her reconciliation with God, and her hope of sal-
Lord Jesus
vation through faith in our
exhorting and beseeching them to
gracious and all-sufficient Saviour.
commended him
and earnestly
refuge to the same
She then desired
to see
and
Almighty God, charging her husband to bring
him up in "the nurture and admonition of the Lord;" and
having again urged them to attend to the things which belong
to their peace, while the day of life lasted, she said that she
her
little
boy, and
Chi'ist,
flee for
to the protection
blessing of
had nothing
fai'ther to
do in this world, but humbly to wait
for the time of her departure
entirely patient
her once more

conflict.
adding, that she prayed to be
and resigned, and hoped that
to assist
her in preparing for her
last
trying
was prevented by her unconotherwise than by my prayers in
This, however,
scious state from doing,
should see

her behalf.
After
27
few
her, she revived only for a
left
minutes, during which she faintly but delightfully repeated
her
faith
and hope of salvation
peticefully in the
Lord
and soon afterwards
slept
leaving on the minds of those
who
witnessed her departure, a lively impression of her extraor-
dinary piety and heavenly happiness.
The
funeral of
my
poor parishioner took place on the
The journey was
following Sabbath.
her aged parent being present
crowd of
relatives,
the affection with
who
testified,
but
by
which they loved
with which they mourned her
always solemn and

tious
too great to allow of
was attended by a
it
their grief
her,
loss.
village funeral is
The absence
affecting.
and regret,
and the sincerity

of that ostenta-
and misplaced pomp, which accompanies the interment
of the great, tends at once
and where, as
to soften
and impress the mind

well-grounded hope
in the present instance, a
can be entertained of the happiness of the departed, the contrast
between the consignment of the poor remains
to the
lowly grave, and the I'ecollection of the heavenly glory
which the emancipated
spirit
has been exalted,
is
to
productive
of feelings and reflections of the most touching, yet animat-
ing nature.
endeavored
structive occasion,
to
improve
from the pulpit
this
solemn and
and
trust,
in-
that our
meditations on the frailty of man, and the inestimable value
of that word of the Lord which endureth for ever, and which,
by the Gospel,
is
preached unto
us,
were not altogether
in
vain.
1
might detain the reader yet longer by adding some of
the reflections whicii this subject has suggested to me.

I
will only repeat that the
But
preceding memorial affords an-
other testimony to the inestimable value of the Gospel, which
thus evidently triumphed over poverty, disease, and death

itself;
and proved the source of pardon, peace, holiness,
hope, and joy, to one
who
possessed but
little
of this world's
goods, and who, but for this heavenly treasure, would have
28
been poor indeed
young woman,
Tlic example, too, of this interesting
not only an additional evidence of the
is
capability of those
who
are in the lowest ranks of
life, to
understand and receive the great doctrines of the Gospel,

but of the nature and efficacy of Divine teaching.
departed parishioner was but
acquainted with
little
She was taught and
forms and professions of religion.
drawn of God, and
My
human
received, with the simplicity of faith and
word which was able to save her soul.

I would particularly hold out the example of her piety, as an encouragement to my clerical
love, that ingrafted
While, therefore,
brethren to persevere in their parochial labors, and to hope

for similar proofs of the
power and
reality of religion
among
the poor of their flocks, let us, whether rich or poor, whether
old or young, diligently inquire as to the natufe of our
knowledge,
faith,
own
Let us examine the foun-
and practice.
upon which we are building our hopes of salvation,

remembering that the hour cannot be far distant which will
dation
try
its
stability to the utmost.
a better wish, than that

firm
faith,
we may
know
all
not that
can express
possess the deep humility,
animated hope, and heavenly temper, which
beheld, and have thus imperfectly described, in " the Cottager's
Wife;" who,
to
" Just knew, and
A truth the
adopt Cowper's beautiful lines,
knew no more,
brilliant
her Bible true
Frenchman never knew
And in that Charter read, with sparkling

Her title to a treasure in tlie skies.
Oh, blessed
The
The
effect of
eyes,
penury and want,
seed sown there,
how
vigorous the plant
walk by, kindled from above.

Shows them the shortest way to life and love.
light they
They, strangers
to the controversial field.
Where Deists, always foiled, yet scorn to yield,

And never checked by what impedes the wise,
Believe, rush forward,
and possess
(he
prize.''''
JVo.
64.
CONVERSATION WITH AN INFIDEL.
Every one knows what
a mixed multitude and what a
variety of characters are usually' assembled in the cabin of

There are to be met individuals of
a western steam-boat.
almost every nation, speaking their own language, and cher-
own peculiar sentiments and predilections, reEvery

specting philosophy, religion, morals, and politics.
man thinks and speaks without restraint, as though the sole
arbiter of his thoughts, and is nearly sure to have some votaishing their
ries to his opinions,
whatever they
may
be.
following discussion, in the cabin of the Red Rover,

a steam-boat in tiie trade of the Upper Mississippi, conveyed
so much pleasure and instruction to the writer, that he is
The
induced to record it for the entertainment of others.
disputants were both veteran residents in the country of the
Upper Mississippi, and both men of high standing and talents.
The
Dr.
reclining
upon the richly embellished
side-
board, while a group of interested listeners were soon attracted to the spot, said to the other, pointing at the same
time to a Bible with a pack of cards lying upon it, " You
this })osition of the cards and the Bible
see, Mr.
seems to indicate which is usually uppermost in the mind.
beg leave to invert the order;" and extending his hand, he

placed tlie Bible upon the cards, observing, " That is the
order which best corresponds with the intrinsic nature and
value of things."
I
among the company, and

upon the speaker, responded, " You
are doubtless aware, sir, that some of us think differently
upon these matters."
" Yes," answered Dr. G
" perhaps you better understand the cards than the Bible, as you have been a more
Mr.
raising his head
directing a fixed eye
diligent student of the
The
VOL.
conversation
II.
one than the other."
now began
30=^
to
arouse the feelings of the
2
parties,
and
to attract the excited attention of
nearly
all in
the cabin.
Mr.
the Bible
^. "
is false,
I have deliberately made up my mind that

and totally unworthy of human credit and
confidence."
" This, sir, strikes me as a wholesale and
Dr. G
sweeping remark. Assertion, you must be aware, is not
argument. Permit me to ask, what particular part of the
point me, if you please, to the
Bible you condemn as false
Or, do you pretend to take the broad
chapter and verse.
position, that it contains nothing which is true ? I can point
you, sir, to one short sentence, the truth of which is confirmed by our daily observation and the universal experience
Here it is
It is appointed unto men once to
of mankind.
"
.
'
die.'
" I believe that many parts of the Bible are

Mr.
that the light of nature, reason,
of an immoral tendency
and philosophy, is a sufficient guide ; and that by the help
of these, man is capable of devising for himself a more perfect rule of duty than the Bible furnishes."
" Truly, sir, it fills me with astonishment,
Dr. G
that you, or any other thinking person, could ever adopt an
opinion so utterly contradictory to all history, truth, and experience. I will venture to affirm, upon the authority of all
past history, that the practical system of moral ethics con.
tained in the Old and New Testaments vastly surpasses, in

reach of thought, sublimity of conception, practical simplicity
of wisdom, and influential moral efficiency, all the systems
human
philosophy and ethics that have sprung into being,

and expired, since the world began. How many
Long since were they
of those systems are now known ?
exploded, covering with confusion their respective authors,
thinking themselves wise, became
as among those who,
fools.'
Behold Christianity, through ages of darkness, and
under all the vicissitudes of time, the convulsions and the
combined resistances of human governments, standing firm
against the attack of every foe, like a pillar of granite
against the waves of the ocean.
" Trace its influence along the successive periods of
history, profane and sacred, in giving existence, form, and
pei'manency to some of the most refined, useful, and wholesome institutions of civilized man ; in eradicating some of
of
flourished,
'
and some of the most

inveterate and pernicious customs and usages of barbarous
Why does the wretched monster upon the shores
nations.
of the Ganges cast the infant of her breast to the jaws of the
the most bloody rites af paganism,
voracious crocodile ? Or why does the widow in India cast

herself in frantic agony upon the funeral pile that consumes
the lifeless body of her husband ? Why have such customs
prevailed unchecked for centuries, under all the light of
nature and reason, and the philosophy and religion of the
Brahmins
"
ered
Has the boasted light of nature and reason ever delivman from the bondage of his guilty passions, his most
ignorance and his superstition ?

nature and x'eason, unaided by revelation, have effectually saved man from his vices, and held
him firm to his obligations and duties, and furnished him
with a better rule of conduct than the Bible, and I yield the
argument.
" Again, sir, as we appear to be honored with the ear of
the company, allow me to direct your attention to the influence of the Christian religion, in originating and fostering
those useful arts which give a true value and embellishment
to human life, and those institutions of education, and social
order, and morality, which are the only solid basis and firm
bulwark of civil government. Do I claim too much for
Christianity when I make it the most powerful auxiliary to
civil government that ever has existed ?
The very champions of infidelity, in England and France, have conceded
as much.
See it also in the more private walks of life,
putting forth a benign hand to comfort the orphan, the widow, and the fatherless.
Contrast this with a single custom
which, among some uncivilized nations, permits children to
inflict a death of violence upon their aged parents, that they
may escape the trouble of their maintenance. Christianity,
I am bold to affirm, is the very life and soul of all those
works of philanthropy which sceptics and infidels sometimes
foul
and degrading
Show me, from
vices, his
facts, that
lavishly admire and extol. They admire the fruit, but wish
to blast or disparage the noble, time-worn, weather-beaten
has yielded the harvest.

Nay, while they sometimes traduce and deface the true mother trunk, they attribute by stealth the same fruits to 'briars and thorns.' Often
ilo professed infidels, in their treatment of Christianity, imitree that
CONVERSATION WITH AN INFIDEL
tate the viper in the fable
that has
warmed
tliem into
they sting the maternal bosom

life.
" I point you, sir, to its deeds of philanthropy, in erecting institutions for the insane, the blind, the deaf, the poor;
and in gathering under the fostering wing of its protection
and care all those wretched outcasts from human society,
and countless objects of commiseration, which the cold and
sparing charity of the world often spurns from its bounty
with heartless contempt.
Who can count the number of its
trophies, in reforming the most baneful customs and crimes
of mankind ?
Estimate the drunkards, the profligates, the
gamblers, the profane swearers, the Sabbath-breakers, the
thieves, and the law-breakei*s of every name, nation, and
complexion, and shade of guilt, whom Christian motives
have finally reached and etlectually reclaimed. Are not
these good fruits ?
And are they not visible and abundant
wherever the Christian religion, in a nation, a community,
or an individual, exerts its most powerful influence ?
My
appeal is to facts.
By their fruits ye shall know them.'
"But, aside from all this array of external proof, I am
willing to attest the superiority of the Christian system by
one of its own internal, unrivalled precepts, namely, Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to
them.'
Not all the philosophers of antiquity, not the seven
wise men of Greece, not Socrates, Plato, or Seneca ever advanced a maxim of practical wisdom equal to this. Mankind have only to reduce this precept to universal practice,
and the most perfect condition of the human family is at
'
'
once attained. Who can once begin to act upon this maxim
without feeling the most exalted happiness in his own
bosom, and diffusing the same among his neighbors and
friends ?"
Mr.
after listening to these accumulated arguments, with few and feeble efforts to reply or refute them,
yet giving many signs of feeling stung with the chagrin of
defeat, upon a sudden, and unexpectedly to many of the
,
hearers, assumed the bold position that jnayi is annihilated at

death
that the Bible doctrine of a future existence and the
immortality of man is a fiction of the imagination, and inconsistent with all sound philosophy.
To
tiquity
doubt and cavil at every truth which can claim anand the general assent of mankind, appears to some
a singular proof of a bold and gifted mind: and here was

another sweeping and popular declaration.
" You are addressing one, sir," mildly replied Dr.
in your pro^ "who can well sympathize with you
upon this most solemn and interesting subject

I have long labored to convince myself that
the annihilation of man at death was true.
But I find incontestible proof of the immortality of man from the structure and attributes of my own mind.
Man need not go
beyond himself for overwhelming conviction upon this point.
Why do we possess capacities and powers which, so far
from reaching perfection in the present life, scarcely begin
to be improved and unfolded ?
Will any one pretend that
even the mind of Sir Isaac Newton reached the limit of its
powers in time ? How much less, then, the great mass of
minds that comparatively lie buried in ignorance ? Was
the mysterious hre of intellect lit up in the human breast to
be smothered or burn dimly a few brief years upon earth,
fessed belief
of revelation.
and after that be extinguished in the night of eternal an?

Who can believe this ? Would the Creator
thus cast mockery upon the noblest of his own works ?
Does not the human mind show, in its very structure and
faculties, an adaptation to a far more perfect and exalted
state of being ?
Why is every human mind often exercised
with the most ardent and irrepressible desires after something beyond its present gratification
desires and wants,
which nothing in the wide range of created objects can satisfy?
Why has the mind of man a moral and intellectual
constitution for a more exalted and enduring state of being,
if tliat state is never to be attained ?
Why does the monitoiy voice of the human conscience point man to a future
state of retribution, if no such state will take place ?
The
very apprehension of future punishment, often and keenly
felt by the guilty, as well as the pleasing anticipations of
future bliss known only to the righteous, are standing, living
proofs of man's immortality.
By the common laws of analogy and philosophy, the mind contains in itself the evidences
of its own immortality.
So reasoned Socrates, the prince
of ancient philosophers.
" Look for a moment at one case of analogy.
It is well
known that the caterpillar spends its existence in three different states.
It comes' into being a disgusting reptile
nihilation
burrows in the crevices of rocks, or mingles with the dust

feeds upon the most noxious vegetables, even the deadly
nightshade, and conveys a chill of horror by the touch to
almost every human being.
But mark, it is not destined to
its being in this condition.
After a short period it
assumes, by a mysterious law of its nature, the form of a
chrysalis.
This state seems a near approximation to the
total annihilation of the principle of life.
But this mysterious repose is soon broken by the animal's emerging into a
state of being
into an element and a physical form, at the
greatest imaginable remove from each preceding mode of
existence.
It is now seen sporting in the air, in the form of
a butterfly, and has been fitly called by naturalists the king
of insects.' Its former tenement is laid aside, and returns
to dust, but the same unextinguished and unclianged principle of life accompanies the animal to another form. Before,
it was only disgusting to the sight ; now, its attire is painted
with the most gaudy and beautiful colors in nature. Before,
it crawled upon the earth, to be assiduously shunned by
every passer ; noio, it basks in the sunbeam, borrowing its
hues, and plays its endless gambols in high air, the delight
of every child.
Before, it was nourished by poison; now,
it sips at every flower, and is nourished by nectar.
How
beautifully does this simple, but mysterious process of nature
illustrate man's immortality!
The philosopher can as
easily explain how man may pass into a state of immortality, as he can explain how a butterfly is produced from a
chrysalis.
Here are as great mysteries as attend the Scripture doctrine of the final resurrection and immortality of
man ; nor let the sceptic deny the mysteries of the one until
he can fully solve those of the other.
" Indeed, the common mysterious law of vegetation, by
which a new scion or germ is produced from its parent
seed the one rising into the light of the sun with renovated verdure and beauty, while the other decays in the
earth, afibrds analogical pi'oof of the immortality of man
equally forcible, and is beautifully appealed to by an inspired writer for that purpose."
now seemed disposed to close the colloquy
Mr. D
to which all present had listened with the most eager and
intense interest
by addressing his antagonist in these
words " You, sir, may take pleasure in such views and
finish
'
opinions upon these matters, but for myself J f/o 7iot like to
think of them.'''
" Instead of wholly abandoning a subject,
Dr.
sir, which I conceive to be so nearly connected with your
present and future peace, and upon which your own good
sense and abilities qualify you to form correct and peace-
inspiring opinions, let me, in the most sincere friendship,
counsel you to reexamine most assiduously and carefully

ground upon which you stand, and the supposed arguments by which your belief is supported. This Bible
teaches that man is endowed with an intelligent, immortal
mind ; that he is a sinner, and obnoxious to punishment, because the 'law is holy, just, and good,' and worthy to be
eternally maintained. The Lord Jesus Christ from heaven,
the only begotten Son of God, has made full and adequate
atonement for sin, and redeemed from the penalty of the law
all who truly repent and believe upon his name, and will
crown them with glory and immortality,' while the wicked
or tlie unbelieving and the impenitent will eternally eat of
the fruit of their own doings.'
the
'
'
"Now,
sir, in this belief of a divine, almighty, intercedpardoning Saviour, exalted at the right hand of God,
to give repentance unto Israel and remission of sins,' is to
be found the only remedy for all the maladies of a fallen
being.
And, above all, as I firmly believe, it is the only
sure antidote to that scepticism and infidelity which is the
prolific mother of all vice and crime
that infidelity which,
to morals, is as the autumnal fires that sweep over our vast
ing,
'
noble tree of liberty, as a worm at the root

temple, as a mine beneath her walls, or a magazine stealthily concealed in her vaults, and waiting only for
the universal popular consent, and the match, madly applied, to scatter her magnificent columns to the four winds.
Is the infidel, then, a patriot ?
When he puts a violent
hand to the ai'k of Christianity, or attempts to weaken the
foundations of virtue, morality, intelligence, and religion,
which Washington pronounced the only firm 'pillars of a
republic,' he aims a deadly thrust at the heart of his country.
If this be not corroborated by the history of every
civil government, let it pass for an idle figure of speech.
Look at France with her rivers of blood, when it was inscribed upon her temples of religion, 'There is no God.'
prairies
to
her
to the
fair
"Permit me,
who hear my
'
whose blood
'
sir,
once more
to
commend
to
you and
all
blessed Saviour of the world,

crimsoned the cross for lost man, and cleansvoice, that
'
Here is a balm for every wound the

eth from all sin.'
only true refuge from those corroding doubts and fears that
haunt the unbeliever.
This refuge is, to the tempest-tost
infidel, like a balmy island of repose and safety to the mariner who has only escaped with his life from being ingulfed.
is like the summit of a mountain gilded with sunshine,
while darkness and tempest lower beneath.
It is the sweet
shield and refuge of the Prince of Peace, the mighty God,
the everlasting Father,' from that coming storm which
shall 'devour the adversaries.'
It is a citadel, which, not
even the 'last enemy. Death,' can demolish. Here is a belief which will secure to all its sincere votaries an 'abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of God, to go no
"
more
It
'
out for ever.'
D
will comply with this friendly
counsel, until he shall reach that solemn crisis, called by
another "an honest hour," the bed of death, it remains for
time to show. That the conversation had shaken the minds
of many sceptics, and produced a highly solemn and salutary impression upon all present, was too manifest to be
doubted.
Do the friends of divine revelation and their
country witness in this characteristic promptness and firmness of Dr.
an example worthy of imitation ? Let
Whether Mr.
them according
do likewise !
to their ability
and opportunities
go and
]o.
65.
AN AMIABLE YOUTH
FALLING SHORT OF HEAVEN.
"ONE THING THOU LACKEST.">Urk
The
10
21.
young man is given by three of the

Mark 10, Luke 18, in nearly the same
therefore, doubtless worthy of our marked
history of this
evangelists, Matt. 19,

Avords.
It
is,
attention.
many things, and yet was deficient

He was rich he was possessed of power, for Luke
calls him "a ruler;" he was remarkable for his morality.
Few young men in our day could compare with him in this
This youth possessed
in one.
respect
when our Saviour, to try him, mentioned sevcommandments of the second table, in which our
our fellow-men is enjoined, this young man was
for
eral of the
duty to
able to say, " All these have I kept from
my
youth up."
And
our Lord did not deny the truth of his assertion yea,
he admitted it for Mark says, " Then Jesus beholding him,
He was pleased with the purity and blameloved him."
;
lessness of his external conduct.
sessed the
common
Christ, as a
innocent atfections of
man, pos-
human
nature
and he loved this young man on account of his freedom

from the vices to which many are addicted.
In the sequel, however, it will appear that this youth
had no proper knowledge of the state of his own heart.

His obedience was only like that of Paul when a Pharisee,
"touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless."
But he was not only moral, but
respectful.
Christ was
treated by most of the Jewish rulers with great contempt

so that it was contemptuously asked, on a certain occasion,
VOL.
II.
31
AN AMIABLE YOUTH.
"Have any
ruler,
him?"
of the rulers believed on
This young
however, was not ashamed to accost him in the most
manner for he came, regardless of the sneers of

and kneeling, said, " Good Master." Christ
reproved him for using the epithet "good," as being a title
respectful
his compeers,
which properly belonged to God only
and, evidently, the
young man, though he thought Christ was an inspired

teacher, did not know that he was a divine person.
And in addition to all, this amiable youth was a serious
inquirer.
The question which he asked was the most important that he could ask, or that any man ever asked
" What must I do to inherit eternal life ?"
He was con-
vinced that something was
still
He had heard of the
what.
needful, but
he knew not
teachings of Christ, and he
was
impelled by the serious impressions on his mind, to break
through every difl&culty, and to inquire of the Master believing that he could tell him what to do to secure this
;
object of infinite value.
And, evidently, he was confident that he was willing to

do whatever should be prescribed.
Oh, deceitful heart how
little did he know of its true state
But Jesus knew, and
;
in a
moment brought him
notwithstanding
all
to a fair test.
He knew
that,
his fair professions, amiable character,
and courteous demeanor, he was an idolater in his heart,

and worshipped mammon with supreme affection.
He
therefore said. Go sell all that thou hast and distribute to
the poor, and come, follow me and thou shalt have treas;
ure in heaven.
O what a test for a lover of riches See, the young

man's countenance changes he remains silent. His heart
is imdergoing an evident conflict.
Heaven and earth, with
!
charms, are before him..
all their
he hesitates
but,
for
For a moment, perhaps,

he sincerely wishes to possess eternal life
hard condition
his hea^t
was wedded
See, he turns his
back on
all
away all his riches, to which

No, no he cannot do it.
back on the Saviour; he turns his
to give
the treasures of heaven.
He goes away
sorrow-
AN AMIABLE YOUTH.
very sorrowful to lose the opportunity of se-
ful indeed,
curing eternal happiness, but deliberately resolved not to
He will have his

may become of him
reUnquish his hold of this world.

things " in this
Here
next.
is
life,
whatever
" good
in the
a picture of the true state of thousands
thousands of well-instructed, moral, and amiable youth
But was not
this a
required of others
put to
this test
hard
Not
test ?
at
all.
Was
All
it
not more than
may
of
not, in fact,
is
be
but every true disciple has already passed
and has renounced the world as a portion as

an object of supreme affection. And every true Christian,
however much of this world he may possess, would instantly
this ordeal,
resign
istic
it all
at the
command
of Christ.
It is
the character-
of every genuine disciple, that, for the sake of Christ,
he has been made willing to forsake father, mother, wife

and children, house and lands, yea, life itself.
It is true, this test,
if
made
practical in our churches,
would detect the hypocrisy of a multitude of professors

or rather, their want of supreme love to Christ is already
but too evident, from the ardor with which they pursue the
world, and from their unwillingness to part with even a
small portion of their wealth, to promote the cause of Christ.
This yoimg man possessed many excellent qualities and
advantages, and lacked but one thing yet that was the
main thing the one thing needful a heart to love God
supremely a heart
Though
to prefer
heavenly treasures to earthly
and conduct were so correct

and amiable, yet his heart was not right in the sight of
God. He went away sorrowful.
But did he ever come back with a better mind ? We
do not read that he ever did. His sorrow was not that of
riches.
his character
repentance unto life, but " the sorrow of

the world which worketh death ;" a sorrow which probably
true repentance
he has
bitterly felt for eighteen centuries,
and which
will
never cease.
What good
can his riches do him
furnish fuel to the flame in which he
now ?
is
They only
tormented.
Let
AN AMIABLE YOUTH.
young men look
Let the lovers of riches look
at this.
at
this.
Although neither the future course
man
in this world, nor his final destiny,
tures, the probability
is,
that,
of this rich
is
young
given in the Scrip-
having turned his back on the
Saviour and on the heavenly inheritance, he relinquished
thought about his salvation from
this time,
himself to the enjoyment of his idolized riches.
have
for a time
all
and abandoned
Men who
been under serious concern about the salva-
tion of their souls,
and afterwards turn back to the world,

diflficult', com-
because they find the terms of salvation too
monly become more careless and more hardened than others.

"Their last state is worse than the first."
But though we have no record of the end of this rich
young man, we have, from the lips of the Saviour himself,
an affecting account of the end of another rich man, who
lived in splendor and pleasure on earth, but neglected piety
and charity. The transition, in his case, from a sumptuous
table, and from being clothed in purple and fine linen, to
the torments of
hell, is as
great as the imagination can con-
When
he began to experience the keen anguish of

future misery, O how bitter was his cry "Send Lazarus to
dip his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am torceive.
mented in this flame." But it was too late to pray. He

had enjoyed his good things here, and nothing but torment
awaited him in the world of woe. Let the rich and respectable fear, then, 16st they receive their portion in this world.
Better to be poor as Lazarus here,

shall
convoy our departing
spirits to
if,
when we
die,
angels
the paradise of God.
66.
Io.
ON
SPIRITUAL DECLENSION
BY
"
write
And
:
CHARLES
RT. REV.
M'lLVAINB. D.
P.
D.
unto the angel of the Church of the Laodiceans
These thnigs
saith the
Amen,
the faithful and true
Witness, the beginning of the creation of
God
works, that thou art neither cold nor hot
wert cold or
So
hot.
and neither cold nor
and have need of
am
notliing
know thy
lukewarm,
spew thee out of my mouth.

and increased with goods,
rich,
;
would thou
then, because thou art
hot, I will
Because thou sayest,
and knowest not that thou art
wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.

I
counsel
tliee to
mayest be rich
clothed,
and
buy of me gold
tried in the fire, that thou
and white raiment, that
tliou
mayest be
shame of thy nakedness do not appear
that the
and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see."
"
He
that hath ears to hear, let
saith unto the
churches." Rev. 3
him hear what the

:
Could language have described more forcibly a

spiritual declension ?
Could words have
sively the abhorrence and loathing with

dition is beheld of
But was
it
God
II.
told
state
of
more impres-
which such a con-
only for the unhappy Laodiceans that these
words were written

VOL.
Spirit
14-18, 22.
Can we
ai*
discover, in these days of
ON SPIRITUAL DECLENSION.
and privileges, no churches, no professed
light
among
are appropriate
all
whom
the churches, to
their
Alas
we
have our Laodiceans, in
too
poverty, blindness, and nakedness
wretchedness and self-complacency.
"brought
forth
sacred
of devotion
fire
fruit
Cliristians
these affecting admonitions
abundantly;" on whose
was ever
bright,
and
their
in all
Churches
that once
altars the
whose em-
into
brace precious souls were often snatched from a perishing
now sunk
world, are
that they
in the
slumber of
Not
spiritual death.
have deserted the ranks of Christian profession
but that they have wandered wofully from the ways of

Christian practice.
Not
in the eyes of the world
not as
man
" having a
seeth," they
name
faithfulness the
that they
have become a scandal

Him who " seeth
but that before
"have
to live,"
lost their first love
they " are dead."
Holy Ghost
is
O how
grieved.
;" that
By such
un-
important,
awaked to " repent and do

God should " come unto them quick-
that those in this state should be

their first
ly,
works,"
lest
and remove their candlestick out of
I.
The
his place."
step towards the healing of the sick
first
knowledge of the symptoms and extent of the malady.
is
To
SYMPTOMS OF SPIRITUAL DECLINE among the members
the
of a church,
1.
One
ual mind.
It is
let
of
"
us
its
To
first
attend.
earliest forms, is that of
be spiritually minded
is
want of a
life
spirit-
and peace."
not only the sure and essential preparation for the
and peace of heaven, but an
infallible criterion
life
by which
the life and flourishing state of religion in the soul at pres-
ent
may
be determined.
"
They
do mind the things of the Spirit."
that are after the Spirit,
They have
their
minds
habitually interested and occupied with spiritual things.
SPIRITUAL DECLENSION.
OSr
Their
on things above
liearts are set
the will of
God
their
meat
do
is to
concern and chief engagement
their great
are with the salvation of their souls and the glory of their
As
Master.
they become destitute of this happy frame of
mind, they are lukewarm, and approach the character of

those wlio are carnal.
Many are the ways by which this approach may be deWhen professed Christians can be much in each
tected.
communing
without
other's society,
together upon those
great and precious topics of grace, and love, and duty, the
savor of which should impart a freshness and

their intercourse
when they do
way
grims, to talk together by the
life
to all
not love, as fellow-pilor do not feel that
bond of Christian fellowship which unites the hearts of

faithful disciples
When,
the Spirit."
in addition to these evidences of spirit-
you observe
ual declension,
their
grossed with the objects of this
where Christ
sitteth
worldly business
all
then indeed they are not " walking after
is
business of eternity
much
en-
as with those " above,
on the right hand of God;" when
made
is
affections as
life
the great concern of
life,
and the
subordinate, the former receiving the
strength and the labor, the latter but the form and profession
then
know
for a truth that
among
that people there is
a sad spiritual declension.

2.
the
But lukewarmness
exercise
among
those
also manifested
Lord of
for the courts of the
is
better than a thousand.
keeper in the house of
my
Lord
God."
I
hy formality
religion
My
hosts.
flesh crieth out for the living
courts
Vital
who can say with David, "
thy tabernacles,
even fainteth
is
of public worship.
How
in
flourishes
amiable are
soul longeth, yea,
my
heart and
my
" For a day in thy
had rather be a door-
God, than
to
dwell in the tents
4
of wickedness."
"
My
soul thirsteth for God, for the liv-
when shall I come and appear

ing God
But alas, how many the churches in which
hearts are tuned to such strains
any
custom and a sense of
spiritual desires
when
able their carelessness
but a very few
and the professed follow-
ers of Christ assemble rather from
propriety, than from
God ?"
before
How
lament-
and
in the presence of God,
want of that solemnity of mind, and prayerfulness and
their
meekness of
spirit,
so essential to a profitable use of the
means of grace
When among
the
an habitual coldness
members of a church
prayer
in
no impressive sense of sin

ness
when
no hungering
no tenderness of heart
no
commune
to
with
there appears
is
among them
after righteous-
embrace and
spirit to
joice in the promises of the Gospel
crucified Saviour, and
there
re-
look by faith to the
God
and formality are become so dominant, that
when
all
coldness
the aflect-
ing thoughts and recollections connected with the Supper
of the Lord, are of no avail
and those who wait upon that
ordinance, instead of renewing their covenant engagements

to Christ,
with deep repentance and lively devotion under
th^ remembrance of his dying love, can approach the
sol-
emn ordinance with no

of common seriousness,
emotions more elevated than those
religion. is in a state of
dangerous decay.
it
not bring forth " fruit in
withering
the
should be taken for granted that
its
hand of the husbandman
the outpourings of the Spirit to revive

it
The
tree doth
season ;" the leaf thereof

to
it,
search
it,
is
and
are needed, lest
perish.
3.
world.
Another symptom of declension

"
Be
not
conformed
to this
conformity
is
world
to the
but be ye trans-
formed, by the renewing of your mind."
Our
blessed
Master "gave himself
he might purify unto
for us, that
So long
himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."
power of
relig-
no desire, nor can he be persuaded
to de-
as a Christian shall maintain in his soul the

ion,
he will
feel
scend in his views, affections, and
who have never known
with those
a conformity
efforts, to
" the excellency of the
knowledge of Christ."
Can
there be a
more unpromising feature
ance of any people, than that of fondness

luxuries, and
pomp
a garden
not sooner
is
of the world
The bad
known by
in the appear-
manners,
for the
cultivation of
of
its
spirit
of
of prayer cannot thrive in the
at-
multitude
the
weeds, than a lukewarm church by the worldly

its
members.
spii'it
Love and
mosphere of a prayerless world.
as they approach the contaminating

live but for themselves.
There
is
that spiritual declension has already
ress in the
heai't
zeal
must wane,
examples of those who

no more obvious proof
made lamentable
prog-
of a Christian, than that he begins to
measure the length of worldly conformity
to
which he
may
venture, without forfeiting the good opinion of his brethren,
or matej'ially compromising the interest of religion.

Christian in health
is
bold and decided
lineate the precise line
cause resolved never
to
4.
wander
so far
its
from the great centre
guidance.
Another evidence of lukewarmness
the cause
the Gospel
is
not anxious to de-
between religion and the world, be-
of religion as to find occasion for
for
of religion and
the glory
is,
a want of zeal
of God.
Wherever
successful upon the hearts of men, and the
souls of Christians are animated with the love and praise
of the blessed Redeemer, there assuredly will be seen an

earnest desire that perishing sinners should be blessed with
the privileges, and converted under the saving grace of tho
Gospel.
of prayer, united with that of diligent
spirit
exertion for the spread of the Gospel, will conspicuously
The
prevail.
necessity of labor and of pecuniary sacrifice
happy fellowship. Looking unto

by " the contradiction of sinners,"
will not discourage this
Jesus, and unwearied
they will " give

in supplication
diligence,"
all
by private and public means
in circulating the truth
in the labors of
Sabbath-schools, or Bible, or Tract, or Missionary Societies,

or
any other
contribute
formed
institution
some
little
The opposite of this

when among the members
tion.
nity of feeling
hand, and gone

feel
to the
to
blessed disposition
is
manifested,
is
no commu-
for the interests of the
Re-
to rejoice at the tidings
of prosper-
when with the efforts, and wants,

who have taken their life in their
any portion of Zion
and hardships of those
their " ears are dull of hearing,"
when
and their hearts are slow

ity in
God
man's salva-
of a church there
and of prayer
deemer's kingdom
for the glory of
aid to the great cause of
heathen, for their Master's cause, they
no affectionate and prayerful sympathy.
But more especially
is
it
manifested in the languishing
of religious institutions, and in a want of prayer for the
outpouring of the Spirit of God.
among whom
Do you know
a Sabbath-school cannot flourish
Bible or Missionary Society
is
a people
or whose
either entirely given up, or
maintained but by a few members, with zeal scarcely per-
Do you know
a people having no lively interest
in the supply of the poor
and the heathen with the bread of
ceptible
life,
and no disposition
to contribute of their
cause so solemnly bequeathed by Jesus
you know a people among whom

anxiety for the blessing of
word
to his
there
God upon
is
means
to this
church
Do
no prevailing
the ministry of the
no union of labor and prayer that the means of
grace
may
among them with the reviving and

Holy Gliost ; no hearty partici-
be attended
converting etFusion of the
army
pation in the strivings of that

the throne of grace
is
of the faithful by which
so besieged,
"
till
He
that sitteth
on
the throne" shall "breathe upon the slain," and cause a

glorious
among
revival
trespasses and sins ?"
the
sure you
who, no matter what their devotion
mony
who
millions
Then be
are
" dead in
know
a people
form and cere-
to the
of religion, or their attachment to the distinctive
have
peculiarities of their creed,
they " are dead "
have
"a name
live" while
to
the form of godliness without
its
power.
Another evidence of
5.
gard for
the strictness
and
of a truly spiritual mind,
He
precious.
all
its
a low
day
feels a pleasure
calmness, retirement, and devotional
loves to consider the heavenly happiness as
prefigured in the pleasures of an earthly Sabbath

instead of
re-
To one
the hours of the Sabbath are
truly welcomes the holy
inexpressible in
associations
spiritual declension is
sanctity of the Saibalh.
any anxiety
and
that the holy obligations of the
day
should terminate, would most thankfully bear the whole

spirit
and seriousness of the Sabbath into
the week.
But
all
the business of
far different are the feelings of
heart has strayed from the path of
Are
life.
him whose
his thoughts
carefully watched, lest they grovel with earthly cares
you
spiritual
him
little
Do
of conversation, that
engagement of thought and
feeling, so peculiarly
in
that
appropriate to the holiness of the season
sei'iousness
beliold
If he only reads
more of Scripture than ordinary, and abstains from
attention to worldly business,
Sabbatli,
is
he not contented with his
though amusements be indulged, books read, con-
versation shared, and
company
seen,
by which
his
mind
cannot but be diverted from spiritual pursuits
no better expedient
for
growth
in
As
And
it
may
be taken for granted, that
wherever a Christian community have come

have
their hours of seriousness
ousness,
and
antepast of
to
making a
Sabbath between God and the world, so as
division of the
to
its
and of relaxation from

following day by a
anticipate the
freedom
is
faith-
decay than
fulness, so is there no surer step to religious
Sabbath negligence.
there
grace than Sabbath
to
serilittle
there, vital religion has already
declined to a mournful degree.
6.
want of union among
the
members of a church is
It was in times
another symptom of spiritual declension.
of great spiritual prosperity, while the Gospel was extending
through the earth, and Christians were glorying in being

counted worthy
to suffer in the
enemies were constrained

Christians love one
those words, "
disciples, if
which
to
By
to
cause of Christ, that their
how these
Our adorable Master, in
men know that ye are my
exclaim, " Behold,
another."
this shall all
ye love one another," has
left
us a criterion by
determine, not only whether our religion
ishing, but
whether we have any
and pleasant
it is
to flourish.
members of
is
it,
grace
fight of faith,
;
and debtors
instead of being
to the
the
" kind, tender-hearted, forgiving

for Christ's sake,
hath forgiven" them, are agitated and divided by
strife
contention, envyings, jealousies, and evil-speakings,

distract their efforts,
in
same immeasurable
one another even as" they hope "God,
the
when
a church, instead of associating together as
children of the same heavenly adoption, soldiers
same
good
for brethren to dwell together in unity."
But what a grief to the heart of a true Christian

the
flour-
is
How
"
quench
and
which
their spirit of devotion, paralyze
exertions of their minister, and afford an occasion of
triumph
to the
"
enemies of the Gospel.
house divided
against itself cannot stand."

Spiritual pride
7.
symptom of decay.
another and a very lamentable
is
The most
Laodiceans was their perfect
hopeless appearance of the

self-satisfaction
imagining
they had " need of nothing," while in reality " poor, and
"
miserable, and blind, and naked."

at
Woe to
Woe to
ease in Zion."
there
is
no peace."
warmness and barrenness,
perishing with cold
ened body down
is,
them
to
that are
say, " Peace,
instead of " lamentation,
The most
fold their
fatal
arms
and
in con-
symptom of one
that he feels disposed to lay his
to sleep
when
those who, in a state of luke-
weeping, and great mourning," can

tentment and security.
Woe
who
those
upon the frozen earth
stiff-
and no
warning nor entreaty can rouse him from the lethargy, or
move him from
his perilous purpose.
If
such symptoms be
mournful, what shall be said of the spiritual condition of

those who, while surrounded with the painful evidences of
lifeless formality
sence of
all
zeal departed
tions
dying
of conformity to the world
spiritual
;
mindedness
of the ab-
of Christians divided
the Sabbath neglected, and valuable institu-
and while conscious
in
themselves of coldness
and deadness, can look around upon the desolate scene, and
within upon their
own
unfaithfulness, without humiliation
nor only without humiliation, but without even anxiety or

serious reflection
perhaps with a spiritual pride that speaks
the language of Loadicea, "
We
are rich, and in need of
nothing ;" or the words of the Pharisee, " God,

thee that
we are
to hear, let
"
not as other
him hear" what
Remember from whence
do the first works

VOL. II.
or else
men are."
"
He
we thank
that hath ears
the Spirit saith unto this people.
thou art fallen, and repent, and

I will
S-i
come unto thee quickly,
Oy SPIRITUAL UECLENSIOX.
10
and
remove thy candlestick out of
will
his place, except
thou repent."
11.
Having now enumerated some of
declension in religion,
it
symptoms of
the
will not be out of place to take a
view of some of the causes by which such lamentahlc ap-
They will
members
pearances are usually produced.

taking a few individuals out of
all
the
whei'e spiritual decay has exhibited
We
vestigating their habits.

1.
neglect of the
by bread
mouth of God."
the
God
soul,
word of God.
Such was
and
in-
"Man
shall not live
that proceedeth out of
the answer of Jesus to the
enemy who would have
insidious
desolations,
mention,
by every word
alone, but
its
be seen by
of a church,
allured
him away from
and such should be the language of every Christian
when tempted
to neglect the Bible.
the precious
It is
means of
his
"more
be desired than gold;" "sweeter than honey;"
to
nourishment, refreshment, and consolation
" converting the soul," " rejoicing the heart," " enlightening the eyes,"
"making wise the simple." How did the

when he exclaimed, " Oh how
Psalmist prize the word,

love
thy law;
testimonies are
it
is
my
my
meditation
delight and
such experience, the hearts of

agree.
They
literally feed
my
all
all
the day."
"Thy
With
counsellors !"
who
live
God
The com-
near
upon the word.
to
munications of the Gospel are often their means, through

the blessing of the Spirit, of near and precious
with
God
divine testimonies, the
knowledge
that
communion
and the more they read and meditate upon the
for
more do they grow
which the
in grace,
and
in
apostle counted " all tilings
but loss."
There are several ways by which a want of proper
re-
ON SPIRITUAL DECLliNSION.
gard
for the
Bible
is
They only can
discovered.
j;
be con-
way to be profited by the word,

who read it habitually and frequently, with a real desire
to know the will of God for the purpose of performing it.
Where was a Christian ever seen growing in grace, watchful, prayerful, and spii'itual, who did not thus wait upon the
Avord ?
And where is the individual to be found, habitualsidered as really in the
ly neglecting the Bible, in
of watchfulness
have an existence
whom
the spirit of prayer and
not low, if indeed
is
it
can even be said
to
But among those who do habitually read the Scriptures,

a want of due regard
to
them
often manifested in the
is
neglect of those two essential companions of
deed a treasure " more
much
fine
gold;" but
to
it
profitable
Bible
is
in-
be desired than gold, yea, than

will not yield
its
precious sub-
The way
stance unless diligently sought.

treasure,
all
The
use of the word, meditation and 'prayer.
seek this
to
and the diligence, earnestness, application, and
prayer required
for its profitable pursuit, are
described in
the following words from the second chapter of Proverbs

"
My
son, if thou incline thine ear unto
thine heart to understanding

ledge, and liftest
up thy voice
wisdom, and apply
thou criest after know-
if
for
understanding
if
thou
seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treas-
ures
find
then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and
the
knowledge of God."
Though
all
Scripture
is
" profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction

in righteousness,"
it
should not be expected to answer
these important purposes, and
but to him
who
" searches the
show
all its fitness for
Scriptures,''^
and ''follows
after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience,
ness."
" Blessed
is
the
man whose
delight
all
them,
is in
meek-
the law of
22
the Lord,
meditates thereon day and night ;" and who,
who
like the Psahxiist,
"
accompanies his meditation
Open thou mine eyes,
out of thy law."
that
He
"
may
praying,
witli
behold wondrous things
by the
shall be like a tree planted
rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in
due season
and whatsoever he doeth shall
his leaf also shall not wither,
prosper."
But not
so are those
The
prayer.
who
read without meditation and
of such reading will be but " as the
fruit
chaff which the wind driveth away."
Of such an
quate use of the Bible, the natural offspring

all
devotional duties.
The
The
soul
is
inade-
formality in
becomes barren
the heart
The conviction of sin dies away.

The glory and majesty of God lose
The love of Christ our
their impression on the mind.
cold.
sense of our necessities departs.
need of him
eousness
the exercise of faith
the thirst after right-
the feeling of our continual dependence upon di-
vine grace
the spirit of prayer
all decline,
day by day.
Though prayer be kept up in its form, it will be almost entirely in form.

The heart unimpressed with its wants, will
And the natural consequence
not know for what to pray.
is,
soon almost entirely to give up even the habitual
From
of praying.
which leads
to
it,
this
may
downward
all
that read these pages,
that writes them, through the

2.
But we
form
road, and from the gate
and he
mercy of God, be preserved

cause of
shall find another important
spirit-
ual decline, in the neglect or inadequate exercise of secret
prayer.
It
cannot be necessary, in
this place, to
show how
perfectly the whole spirit and power, and even existence,
of vital religion, are dependent upon the duty of secret

prayer.
One might
attempt as well
as to be a Christian Avithout prayer,
to live
without breath,
healthy state of
ON
body
is
not
SPlRlTUxVL DECLKNSION.
J3
more invariably indicated by the
free
and regu-
lar beating of the pulse, than a lively state of the soul
by a
As
we judge of a child that has no care for its daily food, do
we judge of a Christian who feels no desire after communregular habit and free exercise of a
with God.
ion
"
physician.
of prayer.
Both are declining

both must have a
Pray without ceasing," " pray always," saith
the Scripture.
Jesus taught " that
was abundant
men ought always
That blessed Example of
pray, and not to faint."

tians
spirit
And what
in prayer.
all
to
Chris-
has, in all ages,
been the peculiarity of him who has drunk deepest of his

spirit,
and enjoyed
imitated the most closely his example,
the most largely his love
" Behold, he prayeth."
has ever been a shining light in the world, whose
was
not distinguished in
of prayer
Who
Who
spirit
every feature with the impress
its
has ever made shipwreck of the
faith, or
backslidden from the appropriate stand of a professor of religion, in
the
first
whose experience
it
could not be discovered that
symptoms of decline were manifested
of the breath of prayer
Some
in a difficulty
professors of religion,
in private twice at least
who make
it
a rule to pray
every day, do not keep
Almost any excuse can srve
for its violation.
of the duty, necessity, and pleasure of prayer,

ciently abiding and solemn to set
all
temptations to negligence.
Their sense
is
not suffi-
resolutely against
Morning slumbers and even-
ing drowsiness overcome them,
on their knees.
them
to their rule.
when they
should be found
Often the cares of the world are entered
upon before the cares of the soul have had their
attention.
Often, indeed, the business of the world has so anticipated

the infinitely greater business of eternity, as to have gained
the whole
VOT,.
TT.
occupancy of the mind,

H'?*-
at the
very time when,
14
in
outward appearance, and
sinner
is
communing with
in the profession of
his
liis lips,
the
God.
But among many of those who suffer nothing to steal

away the seasons habitually appi'opriated to secret devotion,
the worm that eats away the heart of the tree, and brings
gaging in prayer.
may be discovered
Do they read the
tory to prayer
But
on
declension,
its
in
in their
what manner
or
Perhaps only in
mere information, and
the spirit of students, for purposes of
with the eye of criticism
manner of en-
Scriptures as prepara-
more probably with
haste,
wandering of mind, instead of
carelessness, coldness, and
that humble, prayerful, meditative spirit, with
ner should seek the contrite heart, the lively
which a
faith,
sin-
the love,
reverence, and adoration of an acceptable worshipper.
But
what manner do they go
after reading, in
throne of grace
" Boldly," indeed
to the
but not in the bold-
ness of a penitent soul, embracing and rejoicing in the cov-
enant of grace.
which cold
Boldly,
but with the boldness
feelings, distracted minds,
They
produce.
indeed
do not
and mere formality
their wants, sins,
feel
they have no thirsting after righteousness
And
God.
after
Rising from
it
yet with such prayer they are satisfied.
under the satisfaction of feeling that they
have discharged a periodical

of
life
weakness
they do not pant
debt, they enter
upon the cares
with that lightness of heart, which says they have
nothing undone.
left
And
here, let
ward path from

soul
do not
it
be marked,
the peace of
mean merely
is
the first step in the
God and
this
wandering of thoughts,
and coldness of heart, sometimes occurring

such sins
all
have occasionally
to
down-
the health of the
mourn
in prayer; for
but the content-
ment with which the frequent recurrence of such sins
is re-
ON SPmiTUAL DECLENSION.
I5
This rising up from a throne of grace, where God
garded.
has been mocked with words without meaning

without desire
confession without
ledgment without sorrow
duty
awaken
the soul to
no anxious exertions
away from
tions
the
name
and yet no self-condemnation
efforts to
prayer
acknow-
thanksgiving without gratitude
promises without sincerity

faith
conviction
its
of Christ witliout
no self-loathing
summon
to
to
spiritual decay, against
which,
heaven
them
this is the
who name
all
their guilt,
sad token of
name of
the
should unremittedly watch.
Chi'ist
This leads
3.
spiritual decline
to the consideration
of another cause of
a neglect of self-examination.
accounts in his business with
men
will not
man's
more certainly
become deranged by a neglect of examination, than

those infinitely
soul
its
the scattered affec-
the world, to preach to
and urge tliem onward
no
danger, and the heart to
is
more momentous accounts,
concerned with God.
in
will
which
his
Self-examination should be
continual, because the efforts of enemies are unceasing

vigilant,
because the snares of our enemies are extremely
deceitful
may
universal, because there
moment
not be assailed, no
astray, no being but
Do we
may
in
is
no place where
which we may
not
we
go
hurt our souls.
habitually repent of our sins, truly believe in
Christ for their forgiveness, and hourly strive against

all?
we
Is there
any
sin with
deliberately indulge
which we are
tions set
on things above
pride, luxury,
peace
them
which
which occasions no anxiety nor
which grows, instead of dying
contrition
at
Are our
affec-
Is the spirit of the world,
and mammon, mortified
Do we
of
live like
pilgrims and strangers, feeling the value of the soul and the
vanity of earthly, things
realizing the preciousness of our
ON SPIRITUAL
IQ
time
" striving
to
God ?"
enter in at the strait gate ;" and " press-
mark
ing towards the
As men
DECLENt?10\.
for the prize
of God, do
we
of the high calling of
flee the idols
patience,
may
meekness
ing
life
him
constrain us to live unto

for the
good
fighting the
lay hold on eternal
?"
of
to suffer the loss
count
all
Do we
we can
to
be " will-
to
Christ,
feel a lively zeal for the
cause of Christ and the salvation of souls

all
things but loss
we may win
all things, that
him ?"
in
we
the love of Christ
excellency of the knowledge of him ;"
and be found
of
faith, love,
fight of faith, that
Does
to "
man
of the
and "follow after righteousness, godliness,
sin,
Are we doing
promote the glory of God and the good of our
fellow-creatures
and property,
Do we
use our time, talents, influence,
cause of religion
for the
Are we growing
in grace, in humility, faith, the love of the Scriptures, the

spirit
of prayer, and the subjugation of ourselves
Such
are some of the questions with which the Christian should
be ever prying into and proving the state of his heart

are the serious visitors before
up
call
"
Who
his
most secret thoughts
can understand his errors
me
pray, " Cleanse thou
sins in the light of thy
and know
my
heart
see if there be
way
whom
"
for inspection
countenance ;" " search

try me, and
He
my
know
we
my secret
me, O God,
thoughts
and
in the
that doeth these things shall
never
me, and lead
will
wander from God,
proportion to his negligence.
just in
trial.
me
in
But he who neglects them
fall."
and
Therefore should
from secret faults ;" " set
any wicked way
everlasting !"
such
he should frequently
Soon
will
he find
himself in utter darkness and wretched confusion.
Oh
ye that have given over the keeping of your
be persuaded
to investigate their affairs.
accounts stand with God.
Consider
souls,
Look how your
how you
will be able
to
appear,
when
the
Judge
summon you
shall
Are you
account of your stewardship."

gate
Then be
certified
need of scrutiny.
to
know
your
But be not
now
the worst,
while there
Infinitely better to
shall stare
them
to
you
it
in the
souls' affairs,
now
matter what the pain of the discovery,

asketh, receiveth," than leave
be in dreadful
time to repent and
examine your
when he who cannot render up
"give an
to
Infinitely better is
is
afraid to investi-
affairs mu.st
afraid.
amend, than when death and eternity

face.
no
while " he that
be settled at that day
his talents with increase,
must himself sink under the eternal wrAth of God.
We
which
have now considered three of the principal sins
lie
at the root
of spiritual decay.
Only
let
one be
negligent of the Scriptures, or careless in secret prayer, or
remiss in self-examination, and he will soon see the most
lamentable consequences in
bringing forth
its fruit
that barren fig-tree
vated, from
away
for
" Cut
the departments of his soul's
whose
in
due season, he
will be likened unto
by the way-side, unprotected, unculti-
roots all the outpourings of
heaven pass
whose blossoms may please the eye, but whose
shall fall untimely
and
all
Instead of a tree planted by rivers of water, and
affairs.
it
It is
which, unless
down
fruit
whose very leaves soon must wither

it
revive, the
why cumbereth it
come
to
',
shall issue,
the ground ?"
from causes such as those
professors of religion
command
we have
mentioned, that
the neglect, and oflen the
disuse of that most important portion of domestic duty so

essential
to
family religion, to the education of children,
to the comfort of parents, to the welfare of servants, and to
the interests .of the church o Christfamily worship.
from such causes, that congregations in which the

ligion
and the power of
tlie
life
It is
of re-
Gospel were once conspicuous,
18
come, through the unfaithfulness of professed Christians,
and especially of those who are considered the leaders
among
the people, to exhibit that
that formality in public worship
formity
that
glory of
want of zeal
God ;
of the Sabbath
tians
want of a
spiritual
for the
cause of religion and the
that low regard for the strictness

;
that
mind
that spirit of worldly con-
and sanctity
want of union among professed Chris-
and, frequently, that most hopeless spiritual pride,
which mark a people on whose doorposts the Lord hath

written his
own charge
of lukewarmness, and
whom
he will
reject with abhorrence.
Should these remarks arrest the attention of any who
have reason
they are in a state of declension,
to believe
may
such as that above described,
the
Lord enable the
writer to say " a word in season " to their hearts.
Dear
from
all
you not most melancholy reason,
brethren, have
your feelings
at this time, to fear that
been deceiving yourselves
that
you have
you never have been
Christians; that your hearts were never changed?
what misgiving of mind
With
with what shame of conscience,
unless your consciences be seared, and your eyes blinded,
must you approach the
table of the
every look of the Saviour shame you
Lord
;
his
Oh, how must
every wound and
groan upbraid you
Dear
death-bed
brethren,
?
How
how
will
your broken vows and

leges,
How
will
you stand the
you then bear the

resolutions,
terrors of a
recollection of
your neglected
privi-
your abused mercies, and your despised warnings

will
just before
you be able
you
to stand,
when you
shall see eternity
and, looking back upon yourselves, shall
behold your spiritual affairs
all
in confusion;
the founda-
your hopes unexamined
tion of
whether you are

rising
up
at
to
Oh, come
waiting
come
am
when
have sinned against heaven
no more worthy
though
Father,
He
arms of
be joy among
and there shall
to
be called thy
is
yet
and
will
his love, will
em-
offended,
you afar
will see
out to meet you, and in the
brace you
as
and
thee,
be gracious.
to
peace or wrath,
yourselves! arise, go unto your Father,'
to
Your heavenly
son."
in
your anxious souls
to torture
and say unto him, " Father,

and before
and an awful uncertainty
meet the face of God
every moment
jg
off,
the angels of God,
a sinner repenteth.
Consider, brethren, what injury your example
is
contin-
ually doing to the cause of religion, and to the souls of men.
With what
feelings do
they are disposed

consistent spirit,
men of
you
the world regard
to despise religion,
If
they will see your
in-
If disposed to take
up
and be emboldened.
with a low standard of religion, they will call you Christians,
think
enough
it
reach your standard, and thus,
to
But, what
in all probability, ruin their souls.
ence you are daily, though
members of your
influence
families,
Must they not
and
is
within the reach of your
all
either perceive
and lament your
inconsistent example, or else be receiving every
contamination
the influ-
producing upon the
silently,
moment
its
Must not your children be trained up un-
der the most erroneous impressions of the real spirit and
duty of a Christian
Must not
the churches with
you are connected, and the ministers

you
listen, feel the evil
among any
in
society,
which
whose preaching
of your defection, in proportion to
your numbers, and your standing

to,
to
people, for
If
you are looked up
your age, experience, or standing
should you not tremble at the responsibility
which you so unfaithfully discharge?
20
Then, oh backsliding
wretchedness
tions
by
by
whom you
the Spirit
Saviour you have forsaken

of your condition
ing
by
by the blood of the souls you are ruin-
The Lord hath
mercy
sins be as scarlet," repent,
snow
wool."
earnest.
is
though they be red
But "what thou
Make
pain enough has been
and " they
make
lead straightway to
it,
Though
Be in good
Have done for
do quickly."
Time enough
to
has been
forbid eternally
and that the
heaven, the
rest of
Lord
lost,
and
any thing
That you may
short of a complete surrender to Christ,

to
"
shall be white
like crimson, they shall be as
doest,
felt,
and seek
not forgotten to be gra-
sure and thorough work.
ever with half-way work.
have grace
which you are
to
to return,
not clean gone for ever.
cious
your
his
and
have grieved, and the
be exhorted and entreated
the face of God.
fears
the guilt and the danger
and the pangs of that death-bed,
hastening
as
by your own
souls,
your professions, vows, and resolu-
all
in
your
life
mercy
through our Lord Jesus Christ
may
grant,
]o.
67.
THE
CHRISTIAN MINISTER'S
AFFECTIONATE ADVICE
TO
A MARRIED COUPLE.
BY REV. JAMES BEAN, A.M.
CHAPTER
I.
Important nature of the Marriage Union. Danger of remissness in

Duties formerly paid.
Treatment of Relations.
The marriage
relation is the most important of
are capable of forming in this
life.
It
is
happiness only, but that of others also, that
by an improper behavior
any you
not your
may
in this connection.
own
be affected
It is
a union
constituted with a view, not merely to the reciprocal benefit
of the two persons
who
agree to form
it,
but likewise to the
manners and the happiness of society at large.

Smaller communities are the nurseries of larger ones.
At a certain time of life a transplantation is made, and the
larger field of society takes
which were brought

family
life.
You
merely as two
into
character from those qualities
its
it
from the
little
inclosures of
are therefore not to consider yourselves
friends,
who have agreed
other's trials or enjoyments
to
share each
but as the founders of a
little
and immortal creatures, who may

hereafter found other small communities, and from whom
community of
rational
in process of time, a multitude
VOL.
IT.
R3
may
spring.
To
this multi-
ADVICE TO A MARRIED COUPLE.
tude, stationed
here and there, according
of Divine Providence, you

influence of which
may
may
to the allotments
give a cast of character, the
be matter of pleasure, or of pain,
both to themselves and those with
long after you have ceased
to
whom they, are
act in
the
connected,
present scene.
And though you may never move far from the spot on
which these observations are addressed to you ; yea, and
ere long be forgotten even in this little circle
yet the good
or evil influence of your conduct on this circumscribed spot
may take such a range, as to be felt where the name even
of your country is scarcely known.
But even this, though a large view of the possible extent of your influence, is comparatively but a confined one.
The members of your family
It may be felt to eternity.
;
are immortals.
Such
also will be their successors.
They
have a place in society, but an account to

God. Before him they must appear at the great
will not only
render
to
audit of the world, " to receive according to the things done
whether they be good or bad," 2 Cor.

you they may be in some measure indebted
in the body,
and
to
terror or the transport they
From
may
5:10;
for the
feel at that solemnity.
these considerations, see the importance of your
connection, and accept of that advice which your minister

feels
it
his
I will
duty
to
consider
address to you.
you
as felloic-travellers on the road of
by accident, or as those who have

keep together on the journey merely from a regard to convenience, 'but from a cordial esteem of each other,
heightened by a tender attachment, which has led you to
make choice of each other as companions, independent of a
view to the conveniences of travelling in company. You
life
not brought together
consented
to
have given yourselves up to each other ; and have, in the

presence of God, pledged yourselves to bear each other's
burdens, to consult each other's peace of mind, and to concur, invariably, in endeavoring to render the journey as
pleasant to each other as possible.

Thus conjoined, you
have committed a trust to each other. Neither of vou have
your felicity in your own hands. Neither of you have it in

your power to be completely happy without the consent of
Never may you repent of this surrender. But
the other.
a knowledge of the imperfections of human nature makes me
anxious
for
you
rendering the
lest, after
first
stage of the
journey delightful by the interchange of every endearment,
you should sink
unhappy
into the
condition of those to
the greatest infelicity of the journey
whom
that they are obliged
is
to travel together.
To
avoid the evils into which the infirmities of our
may
nature
we
plunge us,
should enter betimes on the use
of preventives.
With
this view, the first thing to
an attention
otJier which
to the
determined you
first
which
exhort you
is,
preservation of that affection for each

to
be partners for
In
life.
the continuance of this alone, you will find the sufferings of

the present state considerably reduced.
culties are the
hope
common
lot
Trials and
diffi-
of humanity, and you cannot
an exemption from them.

Rough roads, dark
and stormy days are to be expected but while
for
nights,
your affections continue undiminished, you will, in this circumstance, find a considerable alleviation of the difficulties
The trials which occur
with which you have to contend.
by the way
will be less
felt,
when they serve
as occasions
of proving afresh the care and tenderness which the travel-
have
lers here
When
aftection
for
each
otlier.
exhort you to attend
which
am
life, I
to the
determined you
be understood as
first
not to
to
preservation of that
become partners
if I
for
expected that the
its commencement would continue.

But though time and familiaritv will
fervor experienced at
That
will
abate.
assuredly carry off
much
of the
first
improvement from time.

more chastened, rational, and steady
will receive
tivated.
If
it
be cultivated,
say
ardor, a true afiection
Time
will render
principle, if
it
otherwise, there
it
be cul-
may
be
a transition from idolatry to aversion.
To
cultivate this kind of aftection, neither of
you should
be remiss in those attentions which you have been accus-
Let not the husband grow

marks of regard by which a wife
feels herself acknowledged preeminently a friend and companion.
She perceives herself still distinguished, when all
the esteem, compassion, or good manners which her partner
tomed
to
pay
to
each other.
negligent of any of those
is
ready
to
express to others,
ly unstudied,
affection
is
more
still
a delicate plant.
shown
when
scarcely any time
can interest the husband

is
is
its
spent at
in
to her.
Conjugal
cannot thrive under
It
Sullen taciturnity checks
ence.
she
with a promptitude evident-
is,
coi'dially
indiffer-
But it dies
when everybody
growth.
home
conversation but the wife
when
the last person thought of in a recreation, or the least
considered in an accommodation.
Let
not,
however, the wife be too ready
to consider the
behavior of her husband as expressive of indifference.

conclusions often originate in the
of the observer.
let it
silent
prevent our drawing them too hastily,

to us,
though not diminished, naturally becomes a

sentiment.
A woman must guard against the
it,
tormenting disappointments
to
For there
render her liable.
pecting always to be caressed
more
Such
or petulance
be considered, that as an object becomes familiar
our esteem of
more
To
folly, pride,
which childish expectations

is
;
a childishness in her ex-
and
if
she do not become
rational in her expectations, this folly will occasion
own punishment.
She
its
fancy that she is neglected she

will complain
and her complaints will produce aversion.
There should likewise be some allowance made for
will
what
natural to men, especially Englishmen
namely, a
which they seem to be indifferent
when they are not really so. What may seem to improper
judges inattention to others, to more penetrating observers is
is
certain bluntness, through
manifestly nothing but an honest inattention to themselves

a superiority to the
whose chief study
mean
is
arts of those interested persons
the cultivation of an insinuating ad-
dress.
But should there appear
at
times something more than
mere
inattention,
temper, she
something that evidences a disturbance of
then perhaps called to allow for the agitations
is
of mind to which men are particularly
having more
to
do with the world than
liable,
women
woman moves
a serene region in which a
from their
have.
It is
not so that into
which the head of a family is often driven for the support of

those who depend on him.
In the midst of a thousand
vexations from the stupidity, negligence, or knavery of
those witli
which
whom
his wife
his business lies,
and children
may
he has
to
earn that bread
eat in tranquillity.
Should
when he comes home from this turbulent scene,

customary mark of affection, eat his meal in silence,
he, therefore,
omit a
or return a short answer to a civil question, let not the wife
consider such behavior as any proof of indifference to her.
Let her not

prompt her
is
listen to
to resent
it
that
demon of
discord
who would
that now
Let her recollect
as such.
the time for her to exert the peculiar virtues of her sex
to call forth all the sweetness,
humanity, and tenderness of
her nature, in order to soothe him
who
has been toiling
all
the day, principally, perliaps, with a view to her comfort.
In cautioning a wife not
to be too ready to consider herhave not imparted the whole of my advice

to her.
I have admonished the husband not to be negligent
of those marks of regard which are due to liis partner ; and
she is to remember that the same duty is incumbent on her.
self neglected, I
It
will be impossible for affection to be preserved, if she tread
in the steps of those inconsiderate
the marriage rites are celebrated,
persons who, as soon as
become remiss
in certain
engaging things, of which they before had been scrupulously

observant.
Must not she sink in the esteem of any understanding man, who by her conduct seems to say, " I have
jiow obtained
my settlement ?"
And
nothing
is
more calcu-
such an idea, tl)an a i-elaxation of former

When a woman abandons herself to sloth and inwhen she degenerates from neatness to negligence,
lated to suggest
attention.
dulgence
from industry
when
to indolence,
from kindness
to selfishness
these omissions are continued, without
VOL.
II.
33^
anv necessary
cause, after tliey have been gently remonstrated against,

is
man
natural for a
ment
it
of reflection to read this sordid senti-
in his wife's bosom,
and
man
for a
of generosity to
recoil at the discovery.
She who dreads the entertainment of such an opinion of

her in the mind of her husband, must take care
to
let
it
have no support from her conduct. She knows what is now

pleasing to him, by remembering what was formerly so.
And
by
he knows how capable she
is
of giving him pleasure,
recollecting the methods she once took for this purpose,
and that they are
still
practicable.
If,
with the power
in her hands, she is remiss in the act, there is but
one
still
infer-
for him to make

namely, that it is a inatter about
which she is not so solicitous as she once was.
Here I am naturally led to notice a monstrous perversion
of character observed in some of the sex.
I have seen a
ence
woman
negligent of
all
the duties that are peculiar to her,
and yet tormentingly busy

ince.
If a
woman would
in
her husband's immediate prov-
preserve the afiections of her hus-
her not only be attentive to him in all the engaging

which her sex, her situation in the family, and her
vows, give him a right to expect from her, but let her conband,
let
actions
fine herself to these.
The
disposal of his time, or his property, his journeys,
his connections, etc., are things to be regulated
cumstances of his calling

understands.
own sake
by the
cir-
a subject which probably he best
cannot but advise her, therefore, for her
as well as his, to leave these things entirely to his
management
soften,
and to remember, that it is her province to

and to refresh that mind on which the
to cheer,
weightiest cares of a family press.
The
to
unfriendly tendency of such interference in
the maintenance of mutual affection,
is,
women
however, not
more manifest, than is that of a supercilious treatment of

women. I refer to those ungracious men, who never honor
the understanding or contribute to the satisfaction of a wife.
For though not able to dictate, may she not be capable of

advising
Many
own
a man, wise in his
-J
esteem, might
have been saved from ruin, had he only deliberated with

and affectionate wife, to whose inquiries ho would scarcely vouchsafe an answer, though
that prudent, thoughtful,
introduced
graces by which a gentle and sub-
v/ith all the
missive spirit solicits attention.
Far be
this supercilious
address these precautions
behavior from him to whom I

and who has solemnly pledged
himself, not only to maintain, but to lionor his wife.
him
let
is
who ought
most disinterested friend
is his
it
deliberate with her
immediate duty
his
to
even
may
not
in those affairs
superintend.
He may
which
derive
nnnd in some particulars, though

want of practice be comprehensive
whole of his system. And if not, yet
useful hints from a female

it
Rather
be his dearest, and
to
from
enough to grasp tlie

he gratifies an innocent solicitude to know something of
affairs in which she is interested.
At least, he prevents the
mortification which a sullen or contemptuous concealment
occasions.
the
Such communications contribute very much

warmth of a rational affection, as they honor
standing of a
woman
to
keep up
the under-
as they give her credit for taking an
equal interest with her husband in his cares, anxieties, and

labors
and, above
as in such deliberations she feels
all,
herself treated as a friend.
them which draws
after
it
There
nothing
is
way
to regret.
of conducting
It
will be for
the happiness of both parties that these communications be
obviously the issues of a generous confidence.
tion
There is a circumstance in every matrimonial connecwhich may have a considerable influence on the happi-
ness of the married pair
On
there are relations on both sides.
properly managing the regard paid to these persons, the
preservation of mutual affection
much
to
is
found
in
many
cases very
depend.
Here, some of the most humiliating instances have been

exhibited of that selfishness which cannot be satisfied with
any thing
short of the
monopoly of
affection.
How
unrea-
g
sonable
is
afTections
it
habit, require
we
to
expect that love to nie should extinguish
which are due
me
whom
to those,
yet to love
duty, nature, and
Our mind
is
perverted, if
do not perceive something additionally amiable in that
married person, who, in the midst of new connections, cares,
and occupations, still shows to a tender parent the afiectionor manifests

ate and reverential spirit of a dutiful child
the still existing union of souls, which interested a fond
;
brother and sister in each other's happiness.

the object of
my
whatever relation
am
devoted
to
me
is
view
On
this object.
me, while
can
the other hand, I

rest satisfied
with
observe that the person thus
inattentive to every thing else.
Affection to our kindred

est
affec-
peculiar attachment appears amiable, in
the subject of a sordid passion, if
attentions paid to
my
If
be heightened by observing that
tions be rational, they will
attachment of the heart
not inconsistent with the fond-
is
to a
Do
husband or a wife.
therefore encourage that littleness and pride which
not
would
lead you to think yourself defrauded of something that
was
your own, when you see any tender regard paid to them.
It is a mean jealousy of temper that makes us frompt to
consider ourselves unrivalled.
us
a base pride that leads
It is
put an invidious construction on those signs of respect
to
and esteem which are shown
to others.
Let married per-
sons guard against such a cause of unhappiness to themselves,
by considering
that the distribution of affection does
not necessarily diminish
its
quantity
but that
is
it
even
capable of increasing, as the objects on which it is exercised

Conjugal affection can indeed be shared only by
multiply.
two persons
any
may grow
but this
loss sustained to
it
and strengthen, without
from the cultivation of
filial
or fra^
ternal affection.
While
the bonds of
dissolve those of
filial
matrimony nmst not be suffered
piety,
it
may
to
to
Let them avoid, as far

relations, that kind of manner,
suggest this hint to married persons

as is consistent with duty to
be as well, however,
:
in their treatment of them,
which
is
calculated to
awaken
Through neglect of
jealousy in the married partner.
this
rule of prudence, the visit of a relation has sometimes been
the period of misery to a couple
who had
hitherto lived in
Cannot we be glad to see a parent, a sister, or a

brother, without reducing a wife or a husband to a cipher in
the house, during their stay in it ?
Is it prudent to be so
profuse in the expressions of our regard for them, as to lead
the partner of our life to have an interest in their departure ?
These admonishings on the article of attentions, seemed
That matrimony was into me deserving of your regard.
harmony.
stituted for the happiness of
But
it is
mankind there can be no doubt.
not necessary to the fulfilment of this intention, that
happiness should spring up spontaneously

into the
marriage
Him who
It
against whatever
who
may
who
to those
enter
deserves our thankfulness to
ordained this union, that
intention to those
By
state.
it
will fully
answer its
guarding
will be at the pains of
defeat that intention.
your hopes. Do
which the circumstances
of the world, and the imbecility of your nature, will render
it impossible to realize.
You must not only expect to meet
with untoward circumstances in the world, but likewise to
Neither the scene, nor the
discover faults in each other.
actors, will be found to answer the ideas you may have
formed of them.
The scene you cannot alter ; it will be
managed by a superior power but you may accommodate
yourselves to it.
And this is incumbent on you, not only in
this sober
view
wish you
to adjust
not entertain expectations of bliss,
you both sustain to the great Disposer, but with

you are under to support one another comfortably, in the various changes through which
you may have to pass.
Among other things which should be your care in this
view, is the cultivation of good temper.
But to the consid-
the relation
respect to the obligations
eration of so essential a point,
chapter.
shall appropriate a separate
10
CHAPTER
II.
Importance of a kind and amiable Temper and Deportment.
Without
a good temper you can neither enjoy a pleas-
ing situation, nor support an inconvenient one.
good-nature
there
they would be
all
may
be
many
Witliout
valuable qualities
but
gladly exchanged for that sweetness of
which compensates for a thousand defects. With

engaging quality, the attentions which have been recommended will be so far from being impracticable, that they
disposition
this
will be, as
were, spontaneously produced
it
an occasional
It
or if there be
failure, the omission will be kindly interpreted.
want of thought, rather than
will be attributed to
to
any
thing of a more reprehensible nature.
The improvement
out of our power as
idea
It
it.
very
much
a thing not so
is
commonly supposed.
The
general
good temper is a certain gift of nature, like

which a man cannot have unless he is born with
must be confessed that some seem formed, from their
that
is,
beauty
of our temper
is
birth,
to
be the delight of the
human
kind in this
and that others, again, seern to have brought into

the world with them an unhappiness of temper whicli seems
incapable of amelioration.
The generality of mankind,
however, are not found in these extremes. The temper of
most people is made up of a mixture of good and bad. The
character of the person, in point of temper, is denominated
from that quality which has the ascendency.
The predominance of a condemnable temper is not to
be charged wholly to the circumstances that excite it, but
in part to the not imposing on ourselves that discipline which
respect
counteracts the influence of those circumstances which tend

to
deprave the temper.
prevail,
is
is
That the good

and
a most desirable thing
attainable.
Now,
if interest
to
may
in our
temper
may
this desirable thing
be allowed
to
second
what it says to the wedded

render your union delightful in all
the voice of duty, hear
" If you wish
pair
situa-

tions,
and
to relish
it
the very
to
last,
seek the improvement
of your temper at any price."
On
the cultivation of good-nature let
me
suggest a few
hints.
Endeavor to ascertain what is that particular defect of

and make a
into which you are most liable to fall
point of setting a strong guard over yourself in that particular.
Let this idea be ever present to your mind " At
temper
that
life
vice
weak
may
;
part of
my
nature
all
the miseries of matrimonial
This will probably be found a hard
enter."
but the necessity of the case obliges you to
ser-
You
it.
you must be incessantly

and self-denying here, or suffer every domestic delight to be torn from you.
But I have another piece of advice to give, namely,
Avoid the occasions which excite any unruly temper to
which you may be liable. This advice is given to you both
with respect to each other.
Having ascertained each other's
particular imperfection, you have likewise learned what
things they are that call it forth.
That which provokes
your partner must, as far as possible, be shunned.
have the choice of but two things
vigilant
Here a number of little things become objects deserving

Nor must they be passed over because they are
little.
Little things are felt to have great power when tliey
act upon a tender part.
An insect could have blinded
Samson when in his full strength. No small portion of the
attention.
uneasinesses that have imbittered married
life
has arisen out
of the insect occurrences which every day produces
and
contemptible as they are in themselves, they must be watched
on account of the mischiefs of which they are capable.
There
is
no
evil
which petty occurrences more
quently generate than disputes
which
it
against.
is
"
nor are there
fre-
things
more
The
the interest of the married pair to guard

contentions of a wife," saith Solomon, " are
a continual dropping."
Drop
after drop
impression than a thousand storms.
unthinking
many
woman
about
who
What,
wears a deeper
therefore,
indulges a disputing
is
that
spirit ?
12
who
will debate every point,
and have the
last
word about
is
forcing her husband into other society, and
that, perhaps, to
which he has had many objections all of

at length overcome by the refuge it
straws
She
which, however, are
him from
affords
perhaps, so
the miseiy of incessant debate.
much
It is not,
commission of the more alarming
to the
crimes, as to the frequency of frivolous disputes, that the

alienation of married people from each other
ally ascribed.
may
is to
be gener-
add, that in these irritating encoun-
deeds of the worst kind have often had their beginning.
ters,
Whatever, therefore, you forget, let me conjure both of you

to remember the mischief of frivolous disputes.
After all your care, perhaps, some occasicMial effects of
your respective weaknesses will occur. Yet it is not a few
eruptions of this sort that will throw you back in the cultivation of good-nature, if you can learn to make due allowance
for
constitutional
It
suppressing an unhappy temper

there
is
a readiness to
make
ance, the heart will be no
temper, than by a
fit
in
infirmity
therefore, to this plain lesson.
in
this
more
will
Attend,
each other.
have its advantage in
many
humane
by a
alienated
of epilepsy.
Where
instances.
wise and
The paroxysm,
allow-
sally of
little
in either
case, will call forth the compassion of the spectator.
Be
it
remembered, however,
that
we must
not be called
and that it will

hardly ever be granted, unless the tenor of life be such as
It is
forbids a severe construction of an occasional failure.
upon
too frequently for this
indeed the tenor of

It is
life
allowance
that preserves or destroys affection.
not a few brilliant expressions of love, in the midst of
constant unkindness, that will
union
nor
will render
is it
it
make us enjoy
the marriage
a few deviations from the line of duty that
unpleasant, while the general course of
life is
Make
expressive of kindness and unquestionable affection.
a point, therefore, of disciplining your own temper ; and be

assured that, by so doing, the connection which you have
formed will be more than tolerable
The
recollection of
it
at
some period
it
will be pleasing.
distant
from
its
com-
13
mencement, will be grateful notwithstanding there may

some things occur to you, in this retrospect, which you will
wish had been otherwise.
Let me entreat you to bestow all the pains on this point
which it may require. What equivalent can be found for
good-nature ?
Let the husband be sober and industrious ;
let the wife be chaste and frugal
by these virtues you may
bo preserved from some of the miseries wljich wait on profligacy and extravagance ; but while you escape these, what
will your house be without good-nature ?
Not a home
By a home, we understand a place in which the mind can
settle ; where it is too much at ease to be inclined to rove
a refuge to which we flee in the expectation of finding those
calm pleasures, those soothing kindnesses, which are the
;
sweetness of
life.
All the admonitions, therefore, that

article of temper,
may
might
detail
on the
be comprised in this short precept
make your house a home to each other. Absence

no gratification to either party. By the husband's attending to this precept, his return will be welcomed
by those whom he left at home. By the wife's observance
of this maxim, the husband will return with a pleasure equal
" The heart of her husto that with which he is received.
band will safely trust in her." Over the door of his house
he will see written, "Sacred to Peace;" and thither, in
Endeavor
to
will then be
the assurance of enjoying that repose he cannot find in the
world, he will hasten from
its toils
CHAPTER
and vexations.
III,
Influence of Christian Piety on the Happiness of Married Life.
Con-
duct which the Holy Scriptures require in Married Persons towards
each other.
I
HAVE reserved
the important subject
duced, for the latter part of

all
my
address
now
for I
things to leave the impression of this on
our parting.
VOL.
II.
34
to
be intro-
wish above
your minds
at
11
Whatever be our situation, there is one thing indispensably necessary to our enjoyment of the happiness it is capawe must endeavor to acquit ourselves as
ble of yielding
:
the servants of
God
in that situation.
Thereby we obtain
without which, no condition can long be

Let the situation be social or
either safe or comfortable.
commercial ; let it promise little or much ; let the govern-
his blessing in
it
the care of a family be
ment of an empire, or only
mitted to us, the observation holds equally true.

world, concerning which
lies in this
kind, "
Thorns and briers
shall
it
God has
com-
Tlie lot
said to
man-
bring forth unto you."
Piety, however, has resources in a world lying under such

I persuade myself that you mean to adopt the
have suggested to you ; yet I should not expect them
to be long followed, if I doubted of your having the fear of
God in your heart.
Nor is there, if this be wanting, any good security for
continued happiness even in those marriage connections
where the parties have joined their hands from the most
a sentence.
rules
sincere affection for each other.
Without
this,
the sources
of patience, resignation, forbearance, compassion, and candid allowance for natural infirmity, are small, and may be
soon exhausted.
Nor can
it
we
be expected that
shall per-
severe in the more arduous part of that kind of self-discipline

which has been mentioned, if reverence for the will of God,
and an earnest desire to please him in all things, are wantIf, therefore, you have rushed into this connection
regardless of what is incumbent on you as immortal beings,
ing.
your business
is
to
correct this error.
otherwise run through the whole
many
web of
Its
influence will
life,
and prevent
of those enjoyments which marriage was designed to
bestow on mankind.
If,
however, you are persons of genuine religion,

is a most favorable omen of your future
circunistance
It is
the
smile of heaven.
this
life.
The maintenance of mutual
been recommended to you as a great object of

the attention of a married couple.
And what is so likely to
affection has
15
keep up its vigor, as a deeply-rooted regard to a religion

which cherishes all the tenderness of which our nature is
capable ?
Such is Christianity a religion which exhibits
the highest example of benevolence, and suggests the most
:
powerful motives
to its imitation.
Christian piety promises to keep the spirit of conjugal

affection alive
by
that sublime species of benevolence
which
induces an earnest desire for the spiritual and eternal welfare of
nearly
all,
but especially of those to
allied.
And
it
whom we
are
more
has likewise always at hand a mo-
tive to the exercise of forgiveness,
by
that sense of our
own
faults, and our consequent need of forgiveness from God,
with which
it is
ever accompanied.
Religion, while
it
thus calls forth and strengthens the
mutual tenderness of those
allied in marriage, further pro-
by teaching them not to

neither of them has
" encompassed with
view makes them sober in their ex-
vides for their continued happiness,
much from each other, since

married an angel, but a human being,
expect too
infirmity."
This just
and docs much
to perpetuate their enjoyment.

Actuated by religious principle, the married pair will
pectations,
not have their happiness interrupted by those altercations
which are produced between the love of pleasure and the

Tliey will
necessity of resisting its- excessive demands.
likewise be preserved from the embarrassments which in the
end imbitter this connection, where the parties have agreed
In short, it is by
in adopting an expensive style of living.
these, and many other concomitants of genuine piety, that
old age steals on, without bringing with it the misery of feeling that there is nothing left but the dregs of worn-out
Something yet remains that can be tasted
enjoyments.
without exciting disgust.
truly pious man makes the Holy Scriptures the rule
Making them the
both of his expectations and his conduct.
" the faith once delivrule of his expectations, he embraces
ered to
ao-e in
tlie saints," whatever reception it may have in that

which he happens to live making them the rule of
:
16
he consults them with respect to the several

sustain in life, that he may " know how he
walk and please God." God has given very par-
his conduct,
relations
ought
to
he
may
how
to conduct ourselves in relative life,

such importance the servant of God may
how to act. The married person, particu-
ticular directions
that in situations of
not be at a loss
larly, has his behavior
man
marked out
and these passages the
of piety will study.
It
lamentable
is
to
observe
how many
there are,
take up the volume of inspiration merely as a book that

covers an expedient for escaping punishment
ing
it
as the directory of conduct.
who
dis-
never regard-
If these are
your models,
you will neither adorn nor enjoy the religion you profess.
There is nothing to be expected from your religion, unless
it be of that genuine kind, which will make each of you
attentive, as in the sight of
What
God,
have, therefore, to
to
your respective
recommend
to
you
duties.
is,
serious
meditation, accompanied with prayer to God, on those pas-
sages of Scripture which teach you
how
to
act in this
relation.
"Husbands,
your wives, even as Christ also loved

it ; that he might sanctify
and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that
he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having
spot or wrinkle, or any such thing ; but that it should be
holy and without blemish.
So ought men to love their
wives, as their own bodies. Let every one so love his wife,
even as himself." Eph. 5: 25-33.
"Husbands, love your
wives, and le not Utter against them." Col. 3: 19.
"Ye
love
the church, and gave himself for
husbands, give honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel." 1 Pet. 3
7.
Perhaps no part of Scripture less requires a comment.

The Christian husband is taught by this passage that God
requires him to love the woman he has chosen ; to be kind
and tender to her yea, to honor her ; and, therefore, that
the domestic tyrant, the fierce animadverter on every little
omission, the husband whose contemptuous treatment of a
;
17
an habitual degradation of her, are persons condemned by the Lord of all. Here husbands may learn that
something more is required of them than merely to afford a
wife
is
maintenance
want of that
What
is
to
a wife.
Nothing can compensate
for the
required in the passage above quoted.
love,
a maintenance, any further than
and how impossible
it
is
enjoyed
accompanied with
tenderness, kindness, and respectful treatment in words and
actions.
Alas
for want of these endearments, many a
woman, who by her dress seems to tell the world she has a
husband that spares no expense to gratify her, is, in all her
is this,
unless
it
is
a gaudy victim, ever bleeding

under the hands of domestic cruelty.
All that the warmest advocate for women can enforce
finery, to be considered as
on husbands, being, as the passages previously quoted show,

God himself; the next thing to be considered is the example Avhich the inspired writer has selected
for the model of a husband's behavior towards his companexpressly required by
"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the

it ; that he might sanctify and
cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he
might present it to himself a glorious church, not having
spot or wrinkle, or any such thing." Eph. 5 2527.
Here is at once example and motive. What more could
even an inspired man say, in order to form the husband to
every thing alTectionate, disinterested, sympathizing, and atLove her as Christ loved the
tentive to his wife, than this
church.
He who understands Christianity, finds a volume
His mind instantly recurs to that
in such a sentence.
astonishing instance of benevolence which his Redeemer
exhibited, in giving himself up to sufferings and death for
our salvation ; to that which he showed in sending forth
ion.
church, and gave himself for
ministers to " preach the Gospel to every creature ;" to the
tender attention which ho pays, now he is in heaven, to all

who receive this Gospel ; taking care that every thing be
provided whieli
is
necessary
to
increase their
faith,
their hearts, administer to their consolation, supnort

^^'VOL. a.
'
purify
them
in
|g
their conflicts,
and cherish the hope which he has formed
in
in the fulfilment of those gracious pur-
them of participating
poses towards his church, which are to be consummated

This, says he, is
in heaven, and enjoyed to all eternity.
my pattern. Such a
I to be to my spouse.
he
is
me
such a Saviour
Am
was
to his
Then he gave himself
church,
am
a partaker.
me.
for
wife, though she is not without fault
Let
humbly
here find myself required
am
a part of that body of which
imitate that affection, of the fruits of which,
hope,
my
friend as Christ
to love
to interpose be-
tween her and danger to supply, as far as in

every thing which can contribute to her comfort ;
;
only her present, but everlasting happiness
my
to
power,
seek not
for thus did
Christ love his church.
To
the wife the
word of God speaks thus
own husbands,
submit yourselves unto your
For the husband
Lord.
Christ
is
is
" Wives,
head of the wife, even as

Therefore, as the church
the
the head of the church.
is
as unto the
own hus" Let the wife see
subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their
bands
every thing." Eph. 5
in
22-24.
Eph. 5
that she reverence her husband."
Here we should
33.
particularly notice that virtue on which
the admonition principally turns

virtue so prominently
namely, submission.
commended, certainly merits
partic-
ular attention.
It
need
superiority
woman,
is
be necessary
not, surely,
which the Scriptures give
to observe,
that the
man
The
over the
to the
not that of a master over a slave.
precepts
enforced on the husband are of such a kind as to show that
which he
and maintained by love.
the superiority with

son,
the
woman
it
becomes him
not required from
every thing of
this
man of good sense

and an affectionate wife
Some women, however, consider
such as a
to receive,
will yield with pleasure.
fence.
invested, is founded in rea-
God has
the submission of a slave, but a reasonable and
advantageous submission
knows
is
kind as the relinquishing of
Mistaken creatures
It
is
all self-de-
their best security, as
ABVICE TO A MARRIED COUPLE.

well as one of their loveliest ornaments.
polished armor,
it is
19
3
1 Pet.
4.
Like
both beauty and defence.
Considering the importance given to the virtue now under consideration, we see at a glance, how far from that
character which the Holy Scriptures recommend to women,
are those
who deny
less he purchase
it
to
a husband any rule in his house un-
at the
Such conduct
expense of peace.
against not only the spirit, but the very letter of Chris" Let wives be subject to their own husbands in
tianity
is
every thing."
The apostle, as if to prevent tlie possibility of a misunderstanding, enforces his point by a most striking illustra" Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands,
tion
:
For the husband is the head of the wife,

even as Christ is the head of the chuioh and he is the
Saviour of the body. Therefore, as the church is subject
as unto the Lord.
unto Christ, so
let
the wives he to their
cmm husbands
in
every
thing."
The church is subject to Christ to this extent. She is

to be known by these circumstances
that as her
always
legislator, she receives
receives
him.
laws from Christ
commands from him
That
as her Lord she

as her guide, she follows
;
religious society, therefore,
the authority of Christ, and sets
matters of faith and morals,
is
up
for its
which renounces
own
directress in
not the cliurch.
This model of subjection, unreserved subordination, and

is a woman in the ties of wedlock to
make her exemplar if she would be found in that relation
reverential deference,
such as God approves. Let her be frugal, industrious,

cleanly, and chaste ; she is to have the praise of all these
good qualities ; but let her remember, that if withal she is
and refractory, she is destitute of that virtue in

which the Holy Scriptures seem to have concentrated all the
good qualities of a wife.
Much as she may triumph in the
contemplation of her superiority over the idle and extravagant with whom she compares herself, she resists the order
of God ; and .she resembles not the church, but the world.
self-willed
ADWICE TO A MARRIJiU COUPLE.
20
She
acts as if she were determined to go as far as possible

from the pattern which God has set before her, and had
chosen one that is the very reverse of the church.
Let the husband and the wife contemplate the two
examples which an inspired apostle has chosen for their retliat all which has been
said in the former part of this address, is bound on them
spective imitation, and they will find
from more authoritative considerations

quires
God himself
re-
it.
a point of sitting doAvn to reflect on these and

other passages in the Sacred Writings, in which the duties
Perhaps if you made it
of husband and wife are set forth.
Make
a rule at the return of any particular daythe annual return of your wedding- day. for instance to peruse them, it
might prevent your entirely overlooking what so much con-
cerns the credit and the comfort of each other.

Let me request you both to charge yourselves with this
task.
Attend
to
what God teaches you on the subject
and
with which
reject with indignation, those opposite sentiments
the i?ay and profligate part of mankind daily insult both
God and man.
would have you not only read the passa-
Am
"
ges of Scriptures, but examine yourselves by them.
Did
in
this
relation
?
I
act,
in
person,
such
of
a
I this kind
Should any
thing, agreeably to the spirit of these words ?"
unpleasant circumstances in future
they
may
or
may
ai'ise,
inquire whether
not be attributed to your departure from
In thus examining yourselves

the pattern set before you.
by the appointed rule of duty, you may discover what there
is in your particular constitution to render the imitation of
Carry such diffithe pattern peculiarly difficult to you.
culties to
God ;
him
obtain from
not to request
him
to relax his laws,
but to
which you may

occasions worthy of your Chris-
those extraordinary succors
need, in order to act on all

tian profession.
These are the marks of genuine religion ; a divine prinwhich I pray may daily acquire strength in you. In
seeking the growth of vital piety, you will experience an
ciple

increase of
Rest not, therefore, in
attendant blessings.
its
21
your present attainments j but endeavor to acquire more

and more of the character of a real disciple of Jesus Christ.
Consider every discovery, or attainment in the Christian life,
which either of you make, as an addition to your common
stock of imperishable good ; and partake of it together, as
those who have no interest separate from each other in any
thing.
This is to live together " as heirs of the grace of
life." 1 Pet. 3
7.
Let this "growing in grace," therefore,
be a subject of frequent and earnest prayer to God, for
yourselves, and for each other
that you may pass your
days together, as both redeemed by the same Saviour, and
hoping at last to meet in the same heaven.
Thus, instead
of being snares to each other, you will proceed through life,
blessing and being blest, by administering tender admonitions when you see each other remiss ; encouragements,
when disheartened ; and consolations, when depressed.
:
CHAPTER
IV.
Advantages of Order
The family of Eusebius.The unhappiness of an
Effects of Christian Piety on a Household.
Family.
in a
Irrelig-
ious Couple.
There
is
one duty in particular which the
spirit
of piety
namely, the consecration of your house

daily returns offamily toorship.
Let there be an al-
will dictate to you,
by the
tar in
your house inscribed with the adorable name of your

Here let the master be daily found, presenting,
Creator.
as the minister of God, the offerings of prayer and praise.
By
this
acknowledgment of God, a married pair
dence their reverence of his being

blessing on their family
through
it;
they draw
they diffuse a
spirit
down
new household
their respective
What objects are these to

And how careful should
powers
in
endeavoring
to
his
of seriousness
and probably convey the seeds of piety
other families.
evi-
in
many
the formers of a
they be to unite
render that
effect-
ADVICE TO A MAERIED COUPLE.
22
Let not only the

ual which has such happy tendencies!
husband be ready to perform the duty in question, but the
wife also.
I have indeed doubted whether there were this
concurrence in some houses where, however, the duty was
not omitted.
I have seen the master waiting for that part
of the family which the mistress ought to have seen to be
ready to attend him at the hour of prayer. Here is an impediment to family religion, proceeding from something defective in her to
whom
principally committed.
the internal affairs of a family are
But
am
obliged to confess, that
the irregularity in question has not always been entirely

the
woman's
fault.
The master has
in
some measure been
chargeable with it, by not fixing a certain hour, or by appointing an inconvenient one for the performance of this
important duty.
This, and
many
other errors,
you
will avoid,
by
digest-
ing a system offamily government, and determining to adhere

an expedient which you will find to be a source of
to it
numberless advantages ; and much more necessary to personal and social happiness, than at first may be conceived.
Where there is order, there is silence, facility, and energy.
Among the points to which order should extend, there is

none of greater importance than the proper distribution of
time.
Have a fixed hour for rising, for devotion, and for
meals.
Let there be an appropriate portion of time for
every office, and for the labors or recreations of every member of your family.
How
happy
in this respect
is
the house of Eusehius
He
has a companion who, in her province, acts with him in

the maintenance of a well-digested system of domestic govThere is an appointed hour for breakfast ; after
ernment.
which,
(it
being on the whole most convenient,)
all
assemble
acknowledgments to God for the mercies

After this, every one withdraws to
of the preceding night.
This exhibition of order with
his respective employment.
which you are presented in the morning, is but a specimen
to
pay
their devout
of what
may
be seen through the day.
On
the Sabbath,
ADVICE TO A iMAHRIED COUPLE.
you perceive
the like regularity.
They
are assembled to prayers.
same dress
service in the
house of God
in
23
After breakfast the family

are enjoined to attend this
which they are
appear
to
that the preparation of their persons
in the
may
not
be deferred to too late an hour, and that, instead of spending

the last minute at the glass, there
may
be a
little
time for
reflection or private devotion previous to their attendance
on
All being thus ready, at a few minutes
public worship.
notice they are easily collected; and they proceed, as a
united and regular family to the house of God.
You
perceive nothing like
distraction
Every one knows what he has
in
Nor
to do.
this
is
house.
the sound
judgment of the superintendents more conspicuous than the

happiness of the
to
comfortable.
of
members of
be recommended, from
ordei',
much
It
was
its
this
this family.
tendency
to
Indeed, order
is
render every one
excellency and happy tendency
exhibited on a large scale, that contributed very
of Solomon to that high pitch

which she exclaimed, " Happy are thy
men, happy are these thy servants, which stand and hear
thy wisdom continually."
The hints which I have given to you are the result of
observation ; and give me leave to say, that in the whole
to raise the royal visitor
of admiration,
course of
my
in
obsei'vation there is nothing that has so fre-
quently struck
me
people, as the
want of
as a cause of unhappiness to married

religion.
This defect, nearly or
remotely, produces most of the miseries of a state, which
was designed
The
for the happiness
of the sexes.
evil effects of disregarding
God
are seldom more
shockingly exhibited than in the history of an irreligious

couple. Here, where the greatest temporal enjoyments might
be found, there are frequently experienced the most exquisite
human miseries. The fear of God being wanting, the

union becomes a source of incessant woes.
How can it be
otherwise with those whose nature is depraved, and who,
of
living without
any acknowledgment of God, are under no
superior influence to regulate their temper, and to prevent
24
the violence to which ungoverned passions are subject?
They become
the tempters and punishers of each other.
Offences are given
and no principle existing
that
would
lead them either to forgive injuries or suppress resentment,
mutual offences are freely multiplied, and the quantity of

wretchedness increases to a dreadful amount.
What wonder is it, then, to hear of dire distress in such a family ?
But many of the evils proceeding from irreligion are
concealed from the public eye.
And were all the grief, the
loathing, the hatred, the remorse, the apprehensions which
are experienced, as conspicuous as the actions
we
give birth,
of the case.
We
nal world, if
we would
impiety.
We
must follow the guilty pair
which they
must hear
transformed mto
into the eter-
ascertain all the effects of their

their reproaches.
who once exchanged vows
them,
to
should not even then have a complete view
beings
of the
We
must see
of eternal tenderness,
most hostile dispositions
towards each other, and meeting only
to
augment their
to which the
mutual accusations. This is the dreadful end

history of an irreligious couple tends.
CHAPTER
Short account of Evander and Theodosia.
the
members
V.
How
Christianity supports
of a religious Family under afflictive events, exhibited
in the death of Theodosia.
Conclusion.
Evander and Theodosia were
both the offspring of
Their union was a natural one. It had all

the qualities which accompany an attachment founded not
merely on similarity of religious views: it was such an
pious parents.
affection as they could neither suppress nor direct to another
But though their attachment was not produced by

Whatever they saw
it was nourished by it.
in each other's person or temper to unite their hearts, was
heightened by the satisfaction they had in each other's
object.
their religion,
piety,
ous
and the consequent prospect of spending a harmoniand a blessed eternity together.
life
25
Their hands were joined, and they entered on a state

all the enjoyments which an unshackled affection could yield to minds seasoned with the benevolence and
blessed with
Their equal regard
purity of Christianity.
to
God
dimin-
ished not one enjoyment in which a fond couple could share
but was, on the contrary, an additional source of pleasure.

They " delighted in God ;" and they delighted in the society of each other.
though unstudied
Tlieir unanimity, their visible,
inter-
changes of kindness, had an assimilating influence on their

family, and served to give considerable effect to that religious
order which they had established.

in a great
The invisible world
measure habitually before them, they
respective departments, attended to those
being
both, in their
who were under
them, whether children or domestics, as having the charge

of immortals.
Such was their behavior towards their children, tliat it

seemed as if training them for an eternal state was, in their
view, the principal purpose for which Divine Pi'ovidence
gave them an offspring. And to this business they applied
themselves with pleasure.
They began early with the infusion of religious ideas into the minds of their children
wisely inculcating, at first, those great and simple principles
which are the foundation of all religion. They aimed at
;
notliing short of guiding their offspring to Christ, that they
might know him, and by the aids of the Holy Spirit yield
Tiiey conceived that one way
their tender hearts to him.

to
prevent the introduction of
mind with
that
which
is
good
was
evil,
and
it
to
preoccupy the
never once came
into
blamed for enforcing a

truth on children, because they were too young to see all
their thoughts that they should be
the bearings of that truth as clearly as their instructors did.
They had none
of the subtleties and refinements of sceptics

method of education. They went to work in a
straightforward way ; what they had learned they taught
they trusted they knew "the way of salvation," and they
endeavored to lead their children in the same path.
35
VOL. II.
in
their
ADVICE TO A MARRIED COUPLE
26
Impressed with the
infinite
importance of
parent's duty, they took pains in
To
it.
of such consequence in a desultory way,
this part of
was
in their opinion
but a smaller degree of that criminality which neglects

entirely.
moral habits.
To
kept in their eye.

;
to see
from
free
useful
life,
see this simple character in their
them avowedly on the
affectation
all
side of truth, yet
evidently desirous of living a
yet neither vain nor obtrusive
expected not
to realize
They counted
part.
Hereby they hoped
was a hope they
without great pains taken on their
This they constantly prayed

from what they knew of the depravity of
But
it
it
their labors
this pious care
extended
to
would
was
fail
own house
truth,
nature,
not confined to their children
first
sight of a
of the sordid ignorance in respect
ing divine
believing,
human
of success.
alent in the families of the poorer class,

in their
for
every member, of their family.
operate silently at the very
Aware
pay it.
upon their
the cost, and determined to
to obtain the divine blessing
endeavors.
that without
it
them to inculcate rethey aimed, in dependence on God, to induce

The genuine Christian was the model they
therefore did not content
It
ligious ideas
children
conduct a business
It
new
began
to
domestic.
to religion,
prev-
and knowing that
there were better opportunities of learn-
they never employed
out feeling an anxious wish that
thing more of God, by coming
he
servant with-'
might know some-
among them, than he knew
before.
Thus honoring God, they were honored by him.
Their
family was not a society of starched formalists, distinguish-
ed by some unnatural peculiarity of dress or language

but while they looked like the
members of
other families,
They were taught to reverence the

They were taught that the
God, and the favor of their common superiors,
they lived differently.
word and ordinances of God.

blessing of
were
and
to
be expected in
in the
Favoritism
fulfilling the duties
of their stations,
discharge of good offices towards each other.
was struck
out of that svstem which the heads

of the family adopted
27
every one knew that impartial kind-
ness was the law of the house.
Thus
taught, they repaid their teachers by practising the
lessons in
which they had been instructed.
The house was
the abode of regularity, industry, uprightness, and peace.
was not exempt, indeed, from human infirmities ; yet it

showed to what a degree of excellence the human character,
under proper management, may be brought
and it produced social gratifications, untasted where the cultivation of
religious principle is neglected.
Nor was it easy to mistake
the source whence all the regularity and comfort of this
abode proceeded the genuine religion of Evander and TheoIt
Their authority, their instruction, and their example,

accounted for all that distinguished this happy society.
dosia.
They had
the reward of seeing the fruit of their labors.
That house, over which they ruled in the fear of God, was
not exempt from the ordinary visitations of Providence.
Like other houses, it was subject to the incursion of death ;
and at length the event took place but not accompanied
with its usual iiorrors.
The trial was softened by the manner in which it was met, both by those who departed, and
those who were called to give them up
the former being
enabled to die rejoicing in the truths of that Gospel which
;
had been inculcated in the family, and the latter to find a

relief under the painful stroke which separated one friend
from the other, in the well-grounded hope of meeting again
in a better world.
The
family,
bers.
ful
person
whom
it
pleased
God
first to
take from this
was one of its most important and most lovely memthe wife, the mother, the delightIt was Theodosia
:
companion of her husband, the nurse and instructress of
manager of his domestic affairs

whose unremitting attention banished confusion from the
house, and whose sweetness of temper filled it with peace.
an
I need not detail every particular of her last illness
his children, the discreet
account of the concluding circumstances will be sufficient

for
my
purpose.
28
Her
was of a lingering kind
disease
a circumstance of
peculiar advantage for manifesting the influence of religion
Evander approached her bedside one morning,
in death.
as
passed the night ; to whom

she replied in the following terms " I should be glad for
how she had
usual, to inquire
your sake, dear Evander,
to
better night than usual.
gladden your heart
but
had determined, before

morning,
this
weaker,
am
a report
not able to give such an
myself going apace, and

had the pleasure of seeing you
find
my
endeavor, before
to
to gratify a
have had a
would
to say, I
know how such
Indeed,
account of myself.
be able
wish which
illness renders
me any
have almost through
life
have never felt much solicitude about the kind

of death with which I might finish my course one thing
only I have been desirous of, which is, that I might not leave
indulged.
make such
the world without being able to

the mercies of
God
ing in his ways, and admonish
was
a declaration of
who
as might encourage those

tliose
who
ai'e
walk-
are not."
Slie
her husband what was the wish she desired
ffoinff to tell
but was interrupted by perceiving the tide of
to gratify,
They graspetd each

some minutes were spent by them both
grief suddenly rising in his breast.

other's hands, and
in the silent
When
indulgence of tears.
this effusion had, in
"We
began:
have thought of
some measure subsided, she

and I trust we
To you, indeed,
You love me and
this before
shall both be sustained in this last conflict.
the hardest part of the trial
is allotted.
am
therefore,
unworthy
have, indeed, something here for which
loss.
think
it
worth while
But there
all,
is
One
am
of such a regard, you will feel
to live.
above, for
dear as you are
worthy as
as
to
me.
whom
I
have endeavored
to
know him.
am, and what
could
my children.
can willingly leave you

to be with him.
Un-
hope
in liim as the
live in a state of indifference
me what
It is
of the least of his mercies,
warrantably rejoice
taught
you.
It is
God
He
of
my
has not suffered
towards him.
I
trust I
want.
It
may
salvation.
me
to
Grace has
has taught
me
29
present peace and everlasting happiness in
to look for
mak-
ing the mediation of a crucified Saviour the ground of

trust,
and his example the pattern of
me
grace encourages
through his blood.
and the sense

of
grace,
all
"
to
hope
In, this
have of
my
for the forgiveness of
my
but, above
Thus have
by leaving
gain,
all, f
I little to
am
sins
in
God
infinite obligations to the
you
that sets
me.
me
enabled
to leave
with
at ease
my
respect to the care necessary to be taken of
dren
my
hope of salvation through him,
rejoice in the prospect before
have a confidence
my
conduct; and that
dear chil-
them with God.
comparison of what I have to

world
but you, my dear Evander,
lose, in
this
have yet to maintain the Ciiristian conflict. Be, however,

of good cheer.
God is all-sufficient.
" You have often encouraged me in my religious course
permit me to make my last recompense to you in kind.
God, I know, will bless you.
He will keep you amidst the
snares of life ; direct you in all the labors and difficulties of
and support you in the last hour, as he does me.
the family
;
Then
I
we meet
again.
do rejoice in this expectation.
take delight in the thought of seeing you again.

" I thank you for all your tenderness, care, and kind-
ness
all
I
shall
your admonitions, reproofs, and counsels for

which you have interpreted my failings.
thankful for the example you have been enabled to
for all
the candor with
am
me, and for the care you have taken of my soul. You
have watched over me in tliis respect and I trust that I
shall have reason, as a creature designed for a future state,
set
ever
to bless
God
for bringing us together."
She meant to say more, but her affections weakened the

power of utterance and she, withal, saw it was too much at
present for Evander. He would have replied, but the occasion allowed him no -command of himself.
He would have
prayed, and fell on his knees by her bedside
but stopping
in the middle of the first sentence
he wept, and retired.
Religion, while it cherished all the sensibilities which
adorn the man. opened resources to Evander. who was no
35*
VOL. II.
;
30
sti'anger to the
the
He
He
life,
for
views and dispositions which form the Chris-
him
power of supporting another interview with Theodosia.
Reflection and prayer in his closet restored to
tian.
rejoiced with her in the prospect of everlasting felicity.

for having so well filled her station in
and kneeling down, he blessed the Father of mercies
having vouchsafed to them that knowledge of himself,
thanked her
had hitherto sweetened their society,

and now relieved them both, under the pain of separation.
When he had risen from his knees, Theodosia expressed a
desire that all the family might be admitted into her chamthe influence of which
ber
when
their minister should
make
she, " our family worship has been
joyments.
my
" For," said

greatest en-
should like to join once more with
household in this act
may
his visit.
one of
and
not be practicable."
if I
leave
Not long
it
to
all
my
another day,
it
after, the minister en-
room
to whom, after the customary inquiries
were answered, the proposal of Theodosia was mentioned
he was pleased with it.
Every domestic was
In a little time all were ready.
The servants were arranged at
admitted into the chamber.
some distance from the bed, but in sight of Theodosia, who
was raised by pillows, supported by two of her children.
The minister began by reading a portion of the 14th chapter
to which he added a few reflections,
of St. John's Gospel
calculated to infuse into the minds of this little congregation
They were
a desire to "die the death of the righteous."
preparing to conclude with a prayer, when they were de" Sir," said
sired by Theodosia still to keep their seats.
she, addressing herself to the minister, "will you permit me
to interrupt you for a few moments, while I declare, in the
hearing of my family, my faith in that Redeemer whom you
tered the
hav'e
preached unto us ?"
He
"
desired her to proceed.
The
testimony of a dying
" ought to have
woman," continued she,

tliose who hear it.
I
some weight with
here then declare, that nothing supports
me
in the prospect
3J
On him
of eternity, but faith in a crucified Saviour.

I
ground
in
On
dejjend for salvation.

all
my
presence of
my
may remember
in in death.
And
hope of future happiness.
what
professed through
Blessed Redeemer
'
them, and washed them from their sins in

I
minister then kneeled

last act
he then retired.
an admonition from her,
point
tiieir
by
to die for
me
who to
him who loved
his own blood
saints,
!'
down and prayed, and thus
The
servants were preparing to
to stay.
in present
in
Theodosia thought that
circumstances, might im-
minds, and be long remembered.
ing that the opportunity should be
modesty
rejoiced
grateful ac-
of family devotion in which Theodosia
withdraw, but were desired

press
declare
wait for thy salvation !"
concluded the
joined
life, I
my
accept
eternity shall ascribe their salvation to
The
this
husband, children, and servants, that they
that
knowledgments of that love which led thee

and fit me to enter that society of glorified
Lord,
alone
my Redeemer
the merits of
lost,
her wliich always led her
delicate approaches.
to
She chose,
her intention, which she did by calling
She was unwillwas a native
but there
make towards her

therefore, to cover
first
otlierof her servants to her bedside, and
one and then an-
making
those kind
which were natural, as her illness had prevented her seeing them for some time. When
she had thus gone round with her inquiries, she began to
speak of her own case. She told them of her supports, of the
goodness of God, and the blessedness of religion.
She admonished them in the most affectionate terms, not to neglect
inquiries about their health
religion, nor to be inattentive to the instructions of their affec-
whose zeal, humility, and benevolence,

She encouraged them to seek the kingdom
of God, by referring them to that composure which they now
saw in her, who knew not whether slie had a day to live.
" Thus peaceful," said she, " will you be in the last hour, if
you make it the main business of life to know and serve God.
We may not all meet together again here but be followers
of Christ, and we shall meet around his throne in heaven."
tionate minister, to
she bore witness.
32
To this tender address none of them were able to make

any reply. With respectful and affectionate silence some
Others were obliged
of them approached to kiss her hand.
to quit the room immediately, in order to give vent to their
feelings.
And all gave proof of having heard her with the
Of the scene which followed no dedeepest impression.
me
to
was her giving a parting charge
to
scription shall be attempted,
represent
it
justly
this
it
being impossible for
her children.
The anguish endured on

bly great
yet
let
it
this
occasion was unquestiona-
be remembered, that although the
survivors of Theodosia sutiered
much
in being obliged to
separate from her, the supports of Christianity were
They knew
again
that there
was
felt.
a possibility of their meeting
and they derived comfort from what they had been
taught, namely, that a far more happy interview awaited

them, if they followed her " who, through faith and patience,
inherited the promises."
These are the felichies of married life, where Christian

In such inis combined with natural attachment.
How great and
stances we see something of Eden restored.
piety
how
lovely the contrast to the wretched family of an irre-
is that where the members live together in peace

and love, delighting in God, and in the society of each other
worshipping his name, regarding his word, attending regu-
ligious pair,
larly
on
his ordinances, discharging their several duties,
bearing each other's burdens, and,
when death makes a
separation, quitting each other in the hope of being reunited

in a better world,
never
to
know
a parting there.
Such was the family of Evander and Theodosia. Like

Thus
them, may you rule your house in the fear of God
will you be " lovely and pleasant in your lives, and in death
Thus will you be happy in yourselves, comnot divided."
!
forts to
to the
the
each other, patterns
to
your neighbors, and witnesses
excellency of that holy estate, in which the hands of
first
human
pair
were joined by
their Creator.
No. 68.
POOR JOSEPH.
A POOR unlearned man, named Joseph, whose employment was to go on errands and carry parcels, passing through
London streets one day, heard psalm-shiging in the house of
God, and went in, having a large parcel of yarn hanging
over his shoulders. It was Dr. Calamy's church, St. Mary's,
Aldcrmunhury. A well-dressed congregation surrounded
"Tliis is
the doctor. He read his text from 1 Tim. 1 15.
a faithful saying, and wortliy of all acceptation, that Jesus
:
Christ came into the world to save sinners ; of whom I am

chief." From this he preached, in the clearest manner, the
ancient and apostolic Gospel, tiie contents of this fixithful saying, that there is eternal salvation for the vilest sinners, only
through the worthiness of Jesus Christ, the God that made all
things.
Not many rich, not many noble are called by this
" but God hath chosen the weak
doctrine, says the apostle
things of this world to confound tlie things that are mighty."
While the gay and thoughtless })art of the congregation
and, if they were struck
listlessly heard this glorious truth
;
with any thing,
it
wus only with some
fine expression or
POOR JOSEPH.
well-turned sentence that the doctor uttered Joseph, in

rugs, gazing with astonishment, never took his eyes from the
preacher, but drank in with eagerness all he said ; and trudging homeward, he was heard thus speaking with himself:
"Joseph never heard this before ; Jesus Christ, the God who
made all things, came into the world to save sinners like
"
Joseph
and
true
a
this is
Not long
and
it is
'
faithful saying.'
was seized with a fever, and

As he tossed upon his bed his con-
after this, Joseph
was dangerously
ill.
language was, " Joseph is the chief of sinners ; but

Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, and Joseph
loves him for this."
His neighbors who came to see him,
wondered, on hearing him always dwell on this, and only
stant
Some of the religious sort addressed him in the following manner: " But what say you of your own heart, Joseph ? Is there no token of good about it ? No saving change
this.
there
Have you closed with Christ, by

"Ah, no," says he, "Joseph can
him?"
acting faith upon

act nothing
Jo-
seph has nothing to say for himself but that he is the chief
of sinners ; yet, seeing that it is a
faithful saying,' that
Jesus, he who made all things, came into the world to save
sinners, why may not Joseph, after all, be saved ?"
One man, finding out where he heard this doctrine, on
which he dwelt so continually and with such delight, went
and asked Dr. Calamy to come and visit him. He came,
but Joseph was now very weak, and had not spoken for
some time, and though told of the doctor's arrival, he took
no notice of him ; but when the doctor began to speak to
him, as soon as he heard the sound of his voice, he instantly
sprang upon his elbow, and seizing him by his hand exclaimed as loud as he could with his now feeble and trembling voice, " O, sir, you are the friend of the Lord Jesus
whom I heard speak so well of him. Joseph is the cliief of
but it is a faithful saying,' that Jesus Christ, the
sinners
God who made all things, came into the world to save sinners, and why not Joseph ? Oh pray to that Jesus for me,
pray that he may save me tell him that Joseph thinks that
he loves him for coming into the world to save such sinners
as Joseph."
The doctor prayed when he concluded, Joseph thanked
him most kindly he then put his hand under his pillow
and took out an old rag, in which were tied up five guineas,
'
'
POOR JOSEPH.
(which he had kept all

he thus addressed him: "Joseph,
in his folly, had laid this up to keep him in his old age ; but
Joseph will never see old age take it, and divide it amongst
the poor friends of the Lord Jesus ; and tell them that Joseph gave it them for His sake who came into the world to
So saying, he resave sinners, of whom he is the chief."
clined his head. His exertions in talking had been too much
for liim, so that he instantly expired.
Dr. Calamy left this scene, but not without shedding
tears over Joseph ; and used to tell this little story with
much feeling, and as one of the most affecting occurrences
he ever met with.
It naturally suggests the following observations
The
1. Let us admire the power of Divine grace.
whole congregation, whether rich or poor, were sinners in
tiie sight of the holy God, and stood equally in need of that
and putting
this
it
into the doctor's hand,
while close in
his,)
which by the Gospel was preached to them. But

while the thoughtless assembly heard it with inattention,
the word of God came with " demonstration of the Spirit
and of power" to the heai't of Joseph, and fixed his attention to its infinite importance.
To what can we ascribe this
difference, but to the free grace of him who " hath hid these
things from the wise and prudent, and revealed them to
babes, and hath chosen the poor of this world to be rich in
faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to
them that love him ?"
salvation
To
display the riches of this grace, the apostle tells us

liath chosen the foolish things of the world tp confound the wise, and the weak things of the world to confound the things that are mighty, for the express purpose
that no flesh should glory in his presence, but that he that
that
God
glorieth should glory only in the Lord.

ferent from the general views of
men.
This
There
is
is
very
dif-
a prone-
ness in men, when convicted of sin, to go about to establish

a righteousness of their own, not submitting to the righteousness of God ; while others endeavor, by their own exertions, to make their hearts better, and so prepare thern for
the reception of Christ.
Josepli liad no idea of such a way
of salvation.
When asked about his heart, if there was no
token f)r good about it, no saving change there, "Ah," said
he, " Josepii has nothing to say fijr himself, but just that he
POOR JOSEPH.
the chief of sinners

but
it is a faithful saying, and
worthy of all acceptation, that Jesus Christ came into the
world to save sinners.' "
2. The Gospel, when received, produces love to God
and to his people. Joseph had received the word, not as the
word of men, but as it is in truth the word of God, and
is
'
wrouglit effectually in his believing it.

He experienced
the truth of the apostle's assertion, "
love him because
" Oh, pray," said he, " to that Jesus
he first loved us."
for me ; pray that he may save me !
Tell him that Joseph
thinks that he loves him for coming into the world to save
such poor sinners as Joseph." It was a sense of the love
of Christ manifested in saving sinners, that first attracted his
it
We
attention,
drew
his thoughts.
forth
liis
warmest
affections,
and occupied
all
sense of the love of Christ shed abroad in
by the Holy Spirit, always produces love, and this

shown by universal obedience to the will of God, and
studying to adorn the doctrine of God by a life and conversation becoming the Gospel. Joseph could not now manifest
liis love to God in this way, but he does it b}'' showing love
to his people, and that because they were the friends of Jesus.
When he heard Dr. Calamy's voice, he exclaimed, " O, sir
you are the friend of the Lord Jesus whom I heard speak
so well of him, and whom I love for what you said of him;"
the heart
is
and
to this profession
of love he added a substantial proof,

Jesus all he possessed in the
in giving to the poor friends of
world.
3. The Gospel is sufficient to support the mind in the
immediate prospect of death. Joseph did not comfort himself with the thought that he was no worse than his neighbors, and therefore, as God was merciful, he would be safe
enough.
The atonement of Christ was the only ground of
his hope and confidence, in the view of death, judgment, and
eternity.
Being justified by faith, he had peace with God
through the Lord Jesus Christ, and rejoiced in the hope of
the glory of God.
It is appointed unto men once to die, but after death the
judgment.
Think of this, ye that forget God. Remember
that your breath is in your nostrils, and perhaps this night
your soul may be required of you. Be entreated to consider
your ways, and flee for refuge to the hope set before you in
the Gospel.
69.
1V.
EELKIION OF THE CLOSET,

BY REV. JAMES BENNETT,
D. D.
PRESIDENT OF ROTHERHAM COLLEGE, ENGLAND.
MATTHEW
When
6: 6.
thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast
IS IN SECRET
AND THY
SHUT thy door, pray TO THY FaTHER WHO
Father, who seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
In unfolding
to
the mind, and enforcing on the con-
science " this
command of our Saviour," you will expect no

The subject would be profaned, were it treated
novelties.
in
any other way, than with the holy seriousness and devout
affections
it,
which we should cultivate
struck with the glory of puhUc worship
We
;
may
but
forget that the secret devotion of the closet

to the life
But
in the closet.
therefore, be deficient in interest
us never
let
is
so essential
of our public services, that without
the most
it
May
specious appearances are but splendid hypocrisy.

not then hope for your serious attention, while
will
be more
attempt to
describe the duties of the closet, to direct to their suitable

discharge, and to urge the motives which should enforce
your attention
I.
To
cessary.
DESCRIBE THE DUTY, a formal definition
Who
needs
to
be informed that
it
is
not ne-
consists in the
secret worship of the Christian, transacted between
God and
himself alone, whether in a private room or some retired

^6
VOT,. II.
RELIGION OF THE CLOSET.
spot in the open air

ercises, in
most effectually
our
design to point out the various ex-
which we may
so spend our devotional hours as
attain their
to
end
the divine glory, and
own
edification.
1.
mention secret prayer, on account of
importance, and because
when thou
" Thou,
enjoins in the text.
its
primary
which our Lord expressly
that
it is
prayest, enter into
Though united public prayer is enjoined in

Scripture, yet, when we design our own individual devotion,
Christ bi-ands it with a mark of hypocrisy, to pray in public
thy closet."
places of worship, as Jewish Pharisees in their synagogues,

or
modern Catholics
churches, which are kept open
This part of religion
for this purpose.
When
of a closet.
in their
demands
most deeply penetrated with awe
the solemn reflection, "
draw
Thou, God,
seest
near, with acceptance and profit, to
presence
feel
who
regai-d, we
me."
The
her posture, her dispositions, her expressions,
spirit adjusts
to
we
of His presence "
seeth in secret;" and having no one else to
make
the privacy
withdrawn from every creature,
The absence
the place.
fills
ness emboldens us to throw off
all
prevent the freedom of our address
"pour out our
restraint
to
hearts before him."
of every
Him whose
human
wit-
which would
God, and invites us
to
There each one can
ine Christian
own particular case and where is the genuwho has not some important concern to trans-
act with God,
which he could not express before any crea-
enter into his
ture,
however near and intimate
As
deceit lies in generals, the sincerely pious wish to
enter minutely into all their sins, infirmities, wants, and
woes.
But
whom
confession, but
could
him
In the closet, the
to
we
entrust with this unreserved
whose eye our hearts are opened
numerous
class of Christians
who com-
plain of being destitute of the gift of prayer, females and
young
persons,
may
upon God, unencumbered with the
call
Here
shackles of a form of prayer.
the spontaneous lan-
guage of an overflowing heart offends no one's

ungrammatical.
Now
emotions of the
Spirit,
the heart
Ave feel
knoweth what
secret,
is
the
mind
ear,
to
however
quench the
He who
conscious that "
he maketh intercession
of God."
no propensity
searcheth
of the Spirit,
for the saints,
In this hidden sanctuary
according
because
to the will
we may perform
that
solemn act of personal devotion, the surrender of
ourselves to God, and the consecration of our hearts to him,

in
an everlasting covenant, never

But, though the closet
shall
we hence
infer that
pattern of prayer
the
text,
When
is
to
be forgotten.
devoted
we must
to
personal religion,
there be selfish
In the
which our Lord immediately subjoins
he teaches us
to
say, "
to
Thy kingdom come."
Paul informs us of the request which he offered
for
the cTiurch night and day, does he not point out to us one
important part of his secret prayers

brethren.
When
Imitate
him
in this,
withdrawn from the eye of your fellow-
worshippers, prove the sincerity of your love to Zion, by
pouring out your prayers
for
her prosperity
vindicate your
public spirit from the suspicion of being an ostentatious

glare to catch the eye
approve
it
to
God and your own
conscience a divine and holy flame, which burns more pure
and bright when removed from human applause.

get to intercede for your minister, " that utterance
given him,"
who
is
relatives, a
erate parent,
iii
for-
may
be
perhaps at the same moment in his
Here
closet praying for you.
our
Nor
husband
also
we may
intercede for
for a wife, a child for
an unregen-
terms expressive of their condition, which
might be highly improper
in the
hearing of any
human
wit-
RKLIGION OF THE CLOSET.
These
ness.
secret supplications indulge the best feelings
of our hearts, and give
scope to our sacred passions,
full
which the presence even of a

2.
Let the study of
your secret worship.
works of
pious,
take
much room
there
tian's closet
companion.
open the holy book
mouth of
the
Lord
may
the
all
be profitably
peculiarly the Chris-
is
In the secret presence of God,
and, on your knees, " ask counsel at
the Lord," saying, "
speak."
will
form a part of
provided they occupy not too
but the Bible
forbid.
granted that
for
it
though uninspired men,
introduced into the closet,
the
would
child
the sacred Scriptures
But never
will hear
what God
forget Philip's question:
" Understandest thou what thou readest ?"
Be
not content
with reading a certain portion of the divine words, as though
they were
Jerome, "
operate mystically.
to
lies in the sense, not in
Never bring
Scripture."
to the
"
The Gospel,"
Bible a meaning, which
you or others may have previously imposed
know what
But
the
is
to godliness,
and cleanse us
ways were directed

word unto thy
hope
but seek " to
Should we seek to know, merely that

The Scriptures teach " doctrines accordto make us wise unto salvation, to sanctify
Hence, we
by the washing of water."
should read them with devout application.
!"
Spirit."
is this all ?
we may know
ing
mind of the
saith
the sound of the words of
to
servant,
Thus should
keep thy statutes
!"
"
that
upon which thou hast caused
we
yield to the Bible
my
" Perform thy
its
me
to
due honors.
For think you the word of God was given merely
to lie in
a parlor with a newspaper, or in a study with books of sci-
ence
must
No
lie at
in the
most holy recess, where
the threshold,
we
all
other books
should consult those " lively
oracles of God," as the high priest in the holy of holies
asked counsel of " him, that dwelt between the cherubim."
Ah, how ditFerently would the Scriptures be understood and

employed, were they thus studied
3.
Devout meditation
is
in their
"
meditate in the field at even-tide."
exercise
though
demands,
What numerous,
themselves
is
Thou
shalt meditate
retirement which this
naturally conducts
us
to
the closet;
to
air,
and the
stillness
of the evening.
various, and impressive subjects there of-
our meditation
heavens, the work of thy fingers
"
When
the
consider thy
moon and
which thou hast ordained ;" Lord, " what

art
This
perhaps find that Isaac chose the best place
and time, the open
fer
The
day and night."
we may
spirit
" Isaac went out to
repeatedly inculcated in Scripture.
in these things
own
a duty of the closet.
is
the stars,
man, that thou
mindful of him ?" that thy Son should become the Son
of man, thus made, a
little
the suffering of death
and honor, and put
all
while, lower than the angels, for
thou " hast crowned him with glory

things in subjection under his feet
!"
How much
more just and impressive views should we have

many parts of Scripture, and of every important subject,
were we thus to meditate on them in our devout retirement
of
How differently
would our most perplexing prospects appear,
how much easier would our most difficult duties become,

did we contemplate them in the blaze of the divine presence
Viewed in this light, on the blackest cloud we should behold a rainbow.
4.
Self-examination should attend our secret worship.
Observe, with what vehemence Paul urges this duty.
amine yourselves, whether ye be
own
selves.
Christ
is in
Know ye
not your
in the faith
own
selves,
you, except ye be reprobates?"
"
Ex-
prove your
how
that Jesus
This indeed
should be interwoven with all our reading of the Scriptures

36*
VOL. II.
and hearing of the Gospel
but fully to attain
must apply ourselves exclusively
we
silence and solemnity of the closet
own
our
say, "
hearts and try our ways.
At
ed and
when
make a
night,
still, I
the light
is
should
In the
commune
Could Seneca,
removed, and
we
end,
its
to this subject.
with
a heathen,
hush-
all is
scrutiny into the day, and hide noth-
ing from myself;" and shall Christians neglect this scrutiny
"
tell
it
Gath
not in
When God
!"
and you are alone,
anxiously inquire whether you have found favor in his sight.
Say
to
reins
him, "
and
The
grace.
Examine me,
my heart."
The
first epistle
" that you might
Lord, and prove
you
would
it
marks
collected together and written
But
if
you have
try
my
of John was given for this purpose,
know whether you have
not assist
me
Scriptures contain the marks of
in the
eternal
solemn inquiry,
down
to
life
;" and
have these
before you
satisfactorily decided this
momentous
question, and need not daily to repeat the inquiry concern-
ing your state
should you not constantly examine your
frame and walk before God
As
short reckonings are best
with such faithless servants as our deceitful hearts,
every evening ask. Have
Have
the
day
ted
any particular
am
nearer
morning
walked
Such
day
As
man examine
us
all
am
nearer eternity,
this evening,
than in the
more
and solemn
inquiries should be
full
on special occasions, as before the Lord's Supper.

a
let
God
neglected any express duty, or commitsin this
God and heaven
to
in the fear of
himself; and so
let
him
" Let
eat of that bread,
and drink of that cup."
II.
Directions for the suitable discharge of the duties
of the closet.
The proper
place, time, method, and spirit
of secret worship require attention.
UKLIGION OF THE CLOSET.

1.
The
here calls your closet.
i^lace Christ
Greek word may
servable that the
and some suppose
Lord designedly employed a word of such
had not a proper place
in
which
latitude,
have but one room, they might
Or,
if
in
from the rest of the
they want even this convenience, a curtain,
drawn across one corner of
may
the room,
imitate Christ's example,
may
who by
sacred
to
But
When
an oratory, a
retirement and devotion.
as possible.
It
was
for private de-
surely, every
the kind providence of
his power, will provide himself
Or we
suffice.
who withdrew
votion to a garden, a field, a mountain.

real Christian,
literally retire into a closet, if
have a door which would shut them
family.
What circumWhere people
to retire.
stances can give exemption from this duty
"
ob-
none might omit secret prayer, under pretence that they
that
it
is
It
signify, not only closet,
but chamber, wardrobe, or warehouse

that our
God has
closet,
it
in
a place
This should be as secret
not without design, that Christ said,
thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father in se-
The more remote from
cret."
be your approach
to
all
on earth, the nearer
may
heaven.
2. The time of retirement should be duly regulated.

Though we read in the New Testament that " Peter and
John went up
Jewish
we
not,
is
Must not
morning
it
some
fix
have been in confoi*mity
to
does not appear that the Gospel

to
prayer.
for ourselves ?
What
Should
is
left to
likely to be done at no time.

all
unite to consecrate their
Hearken
hear in the morning
my
for
being the
at the ninth hour,

to
any canonical hours sacred
however,
any time,
seems
this
institutions
prescribes
temple
to the
hour of prayer,"
to
;
David's vow
"
first
hours in the
My voice
shalt thou
Lord, in the morning will
prayer unto thee, and will look up."
direct
Ought we
not to
g
serve the
ments
first
By
and best of beings
witli
our
and best mo-
first
we
retiring for prayer before breakfast,
we might
secure the hour of which
and prepare our mind
at
once
afterwards be deprived,
by communion
for all that awaits us,
with him,
"Whose morning
Here
smiles bless
all
the day."
example goes before us
Christ's bright
" he,
for
ris-
ing up in the morning a great while before day, departed
and there prayed."
into a solhary place,
Is
The same example teaches us to retire in the evening.

not God worthy to be our Alpha and Omega, the begin-
ning and end of our days
an errand
mercies
Does not each day furnish us
throne of grace
to the
we asked
in
give thanks for the
and
day
the sins, which, alas, stain every
to
seek pardon for
Strain every nerve
supper or drowsiness renders
to retire to the closet before
you
to
the morning
me
" For if ye offer to
unfit for devotion.
or the blind for sacrifice,
is it
not evil
the lame
saith the
Lord of
hosts."
The
length of time to be spent in retirement, must de-
pend greatly on each one's circumstances.

have not time
at
command, may
Servants,
who
not be able to enjoy so long
an audience in the closet as their masters.
Perhaps the
medium most
generally suitable
morning and
at evening.
Colonel Gardiner, even
spent two hours in the oratory

able to employ
untarily abridge
most likely
an hour
at
when most
though some
hurried,
may
not be
more than half an hour, and what Christian

?
He
its
length
could endure less
is
is
to receive
Those who have
it
that knoAvs
;
its
and he that
much
in their
worth will not volis
much
with God,
from God.
power, will find
it
highly
to
REUGIOJf OF THE CLOcJET.
now and
their advantage, to devote,
and
closet,
Thus
extraordinary duty of fasting.

;
then, whole days to the
ordinary exercise the Scriptural
to join to their
public ministry
Christ prepared for his
thus he spent a whole night before he sent
Our
forth his apostles.
birthday, the new-year's day, and
the anniversary of a minister's ordination, invite to special
Might we not then say with David, "
devotion.
on
my
my
ways, and turned
feet
Could we not then wind up our
thought
unto thy testimonies?"
and form
souls' accounts,
plans for the ensuing year, through the whole of which the
divine, holy, and delightful savor of these consecrated
might not evaporate
The method
3.
worship must,
which we should conduct our secret
in
in a great degree,
we may
"
depend on each one's expe-
Yet some order should be
rience and circumstances.

served, that
days
ob-
neither neglect any important object,
nor protract our devotions
to
undue length
neither waste
our time, nor throw our minds into confusion, by irregular-
Allow me
ity or indecision.
our entrance into the
closet,
to
propose the following
we may
in a short prayer, or raise ejaculations to
Then open
the Scriptures
order or design.
the Old
other,
If
at
once
to
tures.
which
is
the true
What you
mind of
its
New
the
like-
and meaning of the
the Spirit in the Scrip-
have read will suggest hints
amination, which in
a book in
in the
your subject, and are most
ly to discover the connection, scope,

writer,
At
but not promiscuously, without
you read regularly through
Testament one part of the day, and
you come
bow our knees

God for divine aid.
either
for self-ex-
turn will furnish you subjects for
prayer.
But should our prayers be without order, without

sign
The
pattern of prayer
de-
which our Lord has given,
10
teaches us to ask for proper things in proper places.
The
orderly return of days and seasons invites us to regularity.
We may
appoint one day for thanksgiving, another for in-
tercession in behalf of relatives, or those

interest in our
Thus we may
prayers.
who
every subject, without suffering one duty
defeat the
to
Rising from the throne of grace,
claims of another.
shall
request an
enter fully into
have frequent occasions
down
to note
in
we
our diaiy the
history of our intercourse with God, and record those events

to
which we may
in future look back, to slay
cheer our hope, invigorate our
Him who
gratitude to
main,
we may
faith,
appeared
year, by devoting to
The
it
is
in
Your
imminent danger.
and reign
broken.
to the
to
What
machine
your
closet
place,"
writer,
"
Keep thy
Hearken
if
foot
the
you content your-
God is here
"must not dare to
!
with tears of penitence

is filled
when thou
to the voice
holy ground."
for
the air that
is
the end of the earth, the main-spring is
" Put off thy shoes from off thy

is
Here, Christian,
secret devotion
then shall give vigor, motion, and direction
oratory of God."
thou standest
be spent in
your body there an hour, though your
self with stationing
thoughts rove
in
may
If formality and a worldly
main-spring of your profession.

spirit intrude
One
be read in a
of the utmost impor-
the closet as unprofitably as anywhere.
you are
may
only a quarter of an hour every day.
spirit of secret devotion
Without watchfulness, your time
tance.
If time yet re-
at Bethel.
read the works of some pious author.
can scarcely conceive how many volumes
4.
our pride,
and raise our hearts in
"
feet, for
Say, "
goest into the
which there says,
whereon
the place
How
dreadful
The world," says
tread the floor that
is
nor unhallowed thoughts
with sighs and prayers."
is this
a pious
washed
to live in
In this most holy sanctuary invite the presence of Christ,
your great Higli
who alone can make your person

Ask a supply of the Holy Spirit,
Priest,
or offerings acceptable.
outward service go
even
kindle your sacrifice, and your
ascend with your offering
spirit
till
may
living fire
that this
Let
to the skies.
for nothing,
till
you draw near
all
to
Like Jacob, resolve to " wrestle all night

day break ;" saying, " I will not let thee go, except
to his seat.
the
thou bless me."
At
least,
disappointed of
if
One
humbled, and mourning after the Lord.
this,
return
af those days
of special devotion which have been recommended,

restore
III.
you
to
The MOTIVES which
tion only those four
enforce attention to the religion
which are glanced
worship of God in secret

of reward
The
is
But
the test of sincerity
test
of
sincerity.
This criterion
is
who
When
thou
pray " in public places, where " they

but thou,
to
when thou
judgment and conscience approve the
who
coldness and neglect
for
may
they love
be seen of
Must not your own
Can
test ?
Christian live without secret worship
erence for his parent
"
prayest, enter into thy closet,
thy Father in secret."
thought of a child
established
as a flame of fire;"
prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites
The
a source
and an imita-
" searcheth the hearts and trieth the reins."
and pray
examples.
by the Judge, "whose eyes are
men
can men-
at in the text.
means of public excellence
the
tion of the best

1.
may
your wonted joys.
of the closet, are numerous and weighty.
to
the
God,
in public should
a sincere
What would be
pretend much def-
but in private should behave with
Would
ment turn away disgusted
at
not every person of discern-
such hypocrisy
Judge then,
J2
I
what must
pray,
lic
the Father of our spirits think of our pub-
we
services and professions, if
where
the closet,
When
his
neglect to worship him in
eye alone can behold us
Job says, " Will he always
call
upon God ?" he
intimates that hypocrites are deficient in prayer
here extends the intimation farther, that they
and Christ
secret
fail in
Of so much importance is this, that we may safely

say, he who never prays in secret, never prays at all.
When expressing my hopes of a person who had been reprayer.
markably changed under the word, and from a

had become decent and attentive
served one of
my
he replied, "
son,
him
am
afraid there
though diligent
for
On
friends silent.
to
is
who has
neglect the closet."
no saving change in
attend on public means,
Too soon
the seeming convert.
to the true
for "
proverb,
the
and
have
cannot
power of the Gospel, can

views,
to assent to his
and watch with trembling anxiety
participate in his fears,
picions confirmed
felt
was forced
ob-
being asked the rea-
reason to believe he does not pray in secret

think that one
profligate
public worship,
to
it
saw the portentous
happened
The dog
is
to that
man
turned to his
again; and the sow that was washed,
to
sus-
according
own vomit
her wallowing in
the mire."
But
The
this is
given only as a negative criterion of sincerity.
neglect of the closet will stamp us hypocrites
tention to
least,
it
it
will only
hypocrites,
We may
win not as certainly prove us
who
still
show
that
we
but
sincere.
at-
At
are not the worst kind of
are designedly acting a deceitful
part.
own character, which we

down in Scripture. Yet a
be deceived in our
must try by other marks,
laid
regular, conscientious, cheerful performance of secret worship forms a strong presumption in our favor.
In the closet
REUGION OF THE CLOSET.
we honor
23
the omnipresence and omniscience of God,
invite the scrutiny of his heart-searching eye.
performance affords a pleasing hope that
whom
indeed, in
name
neglect this essential duty
The
2.
who
Father,
"
He
of the
I'eligion
in
secret,
seeth in
thrown away
less liberal
it
thus sincerely
" the reward
is
of
God
for that ?
peculiar delight in the hidden worship of the closet
testifies
man
as a truly generous
retires
his best favors in secret.
him "
not seek
If,
from public view,
to
bestow
then, this be his choice, should
in his pavilion," " in the secret of his
tabernacle
reward."
The very circumstance
is to
who
What though
is
" thy
for
himself will reward thee."
secret,
grace, and not of debt,"
who can dare
a rich reward.
closet yields
not
is
and diligently seek him."
we
are " Israelites
of hypocrite,
the bountiful rewarder of those
is
and
then, the
no guile," while the omission absolutely
is
brands us with the odious
Time, spent
we
If,
"In keeping
this
command
there
is
great
of being alone with
God
a Christian replete with honor and delight.
The
touches,
infinite
pleasure which affects the heart with most lively

is
the sense of being immediately
under the eye of
Wisdom, Holiness, and Goodness, who
will receive
us graciously, and crown our imperfect religion here with

hap})iness, large as
our desires, and lasting as our souls.
O, what delightful communion with his Saviour the believer

enjoys, when, in the silence of the closet, " the
voice " of Jesus sounds from the holy
word
still
How
small
freely
he pours out his whole soul into the bosom of that God,
who
is to
him a more
any creature
At
intimate, unreserved confidant, than
his feet
no earthly friend could

Jie
patriarch, goes on his
VOL.
ir.
he lays down the burden, which
lift
from his shoulders; and, like
way
with cheerfial steps.
37
14
Were
it
lawful to intrude upon the secrecy of this holy
and admit you
place,
be witness to the Christian's pri-
to
vate audience with Jehovah,
unveiled
How much
what hidden
glories
would be
of heaven would be seen on earth
Listening to the midnight worship of Mr. Welch, an ignorant friar discovered such intercourse between
him
is
where the memory of the righteous
the most beloved spot,
lingers with fondest delight
where he
Ask
stood at the gate of
" he wrestled
made
all
Jacob.
heaven
supplication,
where he poured out
yet
It is
am
the closet
It is
him
his soul to
was
It
not alone, for the Father
is
the biog-
at " the spring
Ask each
God."
says, "
where
face to face,
Ask
and prevailed."
where he
his Bethel,
his Peniel,
night with God, saw
rapher of the departed Ashburner.
tian.
What
once into a new world of views and feelings.
at
wept,
God and man
him with astonishment, and transported
as overwhelmed
am
left
Chris-
and
alone,
"
with me."
am
never less alone, than when alone."

Secret worship
3.
Thy
open shame,
It
is
means of
the
Father will reward thee openly.

to
which neglecters of
has been well observed, that
closet.
preserves from
duty are exposed.
apostasy begins at the
He, that dares neglect God
in secret,
may
and make men
God
cannot see this

openly,
this
public excellence.
It
sin,
find that
see
his
shame.
because
men
dares punish him
But "he,
that
dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide
under the shadow of the Almighty."
The man whose
secret religion proves his single eye to the approbation of
God, will often be surprised

fers
on him before men.
the cloud covers him.

this
Moses,
we know
not
at the
honors which
God
Moses ascends the mount
Hear
what
the cry of Israel

is
"
become of him."
As
consee,
for
After
him
forty days' concealment, see
15
Look how
return.
the
away their eyes, dazzled with the glory

They now know what had become of
that he has conversed with God face to face
sons of Israel turn
of his countenance.
him
they see
on the mount
for the skin of his face shines
with beams
of glory, and they cannot endure to look upon him,
covered with a
closet
We
has been
veil.
had missed him, and he
tells
no one where he
but his looks divulge the secret.
behold an
heaven about him, a beam of glory playing on his
air of
countenance.
perceive something divine in his
temper, his conversation, his conduct.
"
Lord
myself
his
God
is
with a child of
secret,
often
till
see the Christian return from his
upon him."
God
for
feel
spirit, his
The beauty
in
he has been with " his Father in
and his Father has rewarded him openly."
we
of the
company
How
see the religion of the closet openly rewarded in
which attends a minister
the unction
in the pulpit, in the
successful zeal which leads our public schemes of usefulness,
and in the divine
meetings
gifts
and graces which enrich our
for prayer.
But, if
we judge by
the rule of reverse,
what melan-
choly suspicions arise in our breasts, on beholding the
and conduct of some noisy professors
To
spirit
maintain an
honorable, edifying, public profession of religion, without

the devotion of the closet,
the
atfairs
How
is
more impossible than
to
guide
of a great empire without a cabinet council.
exercise in
make public business an excuse for

when the greater the pressure and
affairs, the more imperiously they demand that
which we derive grace to honor God openly
This holds
still
shameful, then, to
neglect of retirement,
publicity of
stronger, if our public
minister in the church of God.
To
employment
slight
be, to
the closet, in
IQ
order to prepare for the pulpit,

his haste to bless the people,
within the
and
veil,
found his time
filled
as if the high priest, in
When
to his benediction.
up
day, rather than neglect
in
it,
burn incense
to
on the mercy-seat that blood
to sprinkle
which gives efficacy
is
had neglected
our Lord
preaching and healing
he " spent
all
all
the
night in prayer to
God."
4. Secret
To
worship
an imitation of the
is
pray in public only,
is to
resemble the sin-
crites ;" but to frequent the closet, is to
our Saviour, "

in his steps."
days
At
"the excellent of the earth."
cere,
who left us an example,

You have seen him in
rising in the
their
head behold
we
should tread
that
the wilderness forty
morning a great while before day ; and
spending the whole night in prayer.
ment
His devotional
known
that Christ
be uncertain
in secret
But was
was
to
David seems
Many
private devotion.
shut his door,"
to
to
have dwelt and delighted
much
of his psalms are the expression of his
Elijah " retired
into
when he would pour
chamber and
his
out his soul to God.
close of his private humiliation and prayer.
imitate Peter,
it
our Father
Daniel his prophetic visions were vouchsafed
you
it
so
it
be found there, and shall
when and where we may pray
in the closet.
To
retire-
garden was so constant, that Judas selected
in the
as the surest place for his foul treason.
well
hest examples.
" be as the Pharisees, hypo-
who was
alone at worship
to open the door of faith to the Gentiles.
at
the
In the closet
when
You
sent for
imitate Cor-
who was "rewarded openly" by a visit from an

You tread in the steps of Paul, who
was known to be changed from a persecutor to a believer
nelius,
angel and an apostle.
by
this sign,
" Behold, he prayeth,"
path have walked
all"
the saints of
In the
God from
same
secret
the beginning
REUGION OF THE CLOSET.

" Go,
day.
to this
and do
j^
Be ye
tiiou likewise."
imitators
of those wlio have proved the place of secret prayer the
antechamber
the palace of eternal praise.
to
Those who, under a

days
profession of religion, spend their
in constant neglect of secret worship, are
acters
of
whom
it is
difficult to
reprobation and alarm.
pronounce you hypocrites.

affix this
You have heard the Redeemer

Your fellow-creatures dare not
odious brand on particular persons
often cannot tell
awful char-
speak in terms of sufficient
whether professors pray
because
we
in secret or not.
But the open conduct of many excites suspicions and alarms.
Remember, however,
ment we
Christ knows, and at the
know.
What
your confu!
To hear
Judge say, " Depart from me, thou hypocrite
thou hast
worshipped
me
only before men,
be seen of them
to
fore thou hast received thy reward.
ed
day of judg-
will then be
be unmasked before an assembled world
sion, to
the
shall
all
me
as
would promote thy
had thy heaven
credit
in thy reputation.
tious religion of the closet,
there-
Thou hast so far servamong men, and hast

The silent, unostenta-
which would procure thee no
applause, had for thee no charms
then what wouldst thou
do in a heaven, where thou wouldst not be an object of admiration, but
God
'
will be all in all
Depart from me, and
?'
take thy portion with hypocrites and unbelievers."

Consider,
such a reception
at the great
day
of the earth, as dross."
To hear
thou also become like unto us
away with
of seeing you in this place of torment

the damnation of a hypocrite.
much
the
wicked
the profligate say, " Art
Who
would have thought

?
Well,
have not
But there goes a man
like a Christian as
37*
bear
After having associated
with " the sons of Zion," to be " put
looked as
VOL. II.
how could you
earnestly beseech you,
any one
saw on
that
earth,
IQ
and now has as
much
of perdition as anyone
see in hell."
Think, then, while in your shop, your parlor, your bed, or

at the card-table, the tavern, the theatre,
are in their closets,
how you can
when
Christians
possibly pretend to rank
with those who "delight themselves in the Lord."

Ask
how you could endure to be in the immediate presence of
God through eternity, when you shun to be an hour alone
with him on earth.

to
Entreat him
to
"give you a new heart and right
be sincere and without offence
till
pardon your hypocrisy,

spirit,"
the
may
"that ye
day of Christ."
God and of prayer, suffer the word of exThough aware of the vast importance of the
subject, must we not all confess that we here stand reproved ? May we not trace to our neglect of the closet the cause
Children of
hortation.
My leanness my leanness !"
of those incessant complaints, "
Are we
not often guilty of
plicity of
With
immerging
into
such a multi-
just emphasis the devout
Heywood
For
it
be said of us,
But you plead
"The
that,
closet as
you should
duties in
life,
be,
if
earth swallowed
you are not
deny you time.
If laboring
men, going
more than a quarter of an hour
much
hear others complain,
in
your
station,
and
But might you not imitate
to
work
in the
not secure half an hour at evening
But
them up ?"
your circumstances,
David, by redeeming time fi'om sleep,

closet ?
so
shall
Korah
voluntarily entail upon ourselves the curse of
Shall
exclaimed, "Curs-
ed be those occasions which eat out religion."
we
God
worldly business, as leaves us no time for
to
spend
it
in the
early, cannot enjoy
morning, might they
"We
are frequently deter-
red from entering our closet by guilt upon our consiencc, or

the prevalence of
then,
is
forsaking
some unhappy frame and

tlie tlirDnc
spirit."
What,
of grace a I'emedy for a guilty

conscience, or a worldly frame
how
in the psalms,
same " fountain
to the
of David ;" and
let
not observed
David began dull and dejected,
often
but ended cheerful and triumphant
apply
29
Have you
Follow
was opened
that
this track
house
for the
" the harp of the son of Jesse drive
away
the evil spirit."
There yet remain some who

ed
to
abandon our
uncomfortable,
lifeless,
Beware how you

to serve
God."
We
are often inclin-
ai'e
there habitually
say, "
we
because
closet,
and haunted with sore temptations."
who
imitate those
complain, "
they are, they will
from you, like your
of pursuit
shadow.
If you are deprived of consolation
for if
evangelical views of the
way
"
spirit
knowledge of Christ,"
ing proof that secret devotion
when
levels against
lies
so
all
it
is
bad a
his craft
to drive
him from
the fruits of his retirement
But
if
wisdom and reve-
of
to
itself,
and
profit-
and your sworn enemy,
and malevolence
who
flight
nothing should induce us
Imitate
suffered not the
his retirement
by the
As
not a convinc-
is it
excellent in
spirit,
" the Captain of your salvation,"
tempter
by want of more
your remedy.
which there assault you,
the temptations
able for you,
flee
of salvation, in secret study of
the Gospel, and prayer for the

lation in the
vain
It is in
Let not your comfoi'ts be your chief object
but displayed
of the tempter.
abandon, neither
to
should any thing be suffered
to interrupt the regularity of
May we
not in a great degree obviate
our
seci'et
worship.
the evil occasioned by journeys and visits
house of a Christian friend,
room
to retire in ?
ing, " It is
hour;
my
there
withilraw ?"
Or why
stated time
is
why
should
it
you
excuse
to
at the
not ask for a
our
not offer
will
When
we
visitors
me
a room, with a Bible, to which you
Aftm- such a rclreat,
say-
for half
an
may
willi liow iniirli liighor
20
and more improving
relish should
we
return to the circle of
friendship.
Finally,
when your
" Pray without ceasing."
hastens,
your bodies, receive a joyful resurrection.
will, as well as
"
The day
prayers, which have lain buried in obscurity,
Your Father, who hath seen you
in secret, will
The
you openly," before the assembled universe.
reward
glories
of that reward set lana-uage at defiance. " The Lord shall

come, who will bring
and
hidden things of darkness,
to light the
will manifest the counsels of the heart ;
every
man have
and then shall
praise of God."
SECRET DEVOTION.
To
Thee, before the dawning

gracious God, I pray
meditate thy name by night,
And keep thy law by day.
light,
My
My
spirit faints to
see thy grace,
Thy promise bears me up

And while salvation long delays,
Thy word supports my hope.
Seven times a day
I lift
my
hands.
And pay my thanks to thee

Thy righteous providence demands
:
Repeated praise from me.
When midnight darkness veils the skies,

I call
My
thy works to mind
thoughts in
And
warm
devotion
sweet acceptance
Thou hast inclined this

Thy statutes to fulfil
rise,
find.
heart of mine
And thus, till mortal life shall

Would I perform thy will.
end,
No. 70.
DOCTRINES AND DUTIES

OF
THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION.

STATED IN THE LANGUAGE OF THE
who,
at
>undry times and in
di-
^
-
BIBLE.
^_y
-j
vers manners, spake in
times past unto the fathers
by the prophets, hath
m these
lest
days spoken
unto us by his Son
1:1,2.
to the things
let
them
Heb.
we ought to give the more earnest heed

which we have heard, lest at any time we should
Therefore
slip
for if the
word spoken by angels was
steadfast,
and every transgression and disobedience received a just rec-
DOCTRINES AND DUTIES.
oinpense of reward,
how
we escape
shall
great salvation, whicli at the
began
first
to
if
we
neglect so
be spoken by the
Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him
God
them
also bearing
and with divers miracles, and

2 1-4.
All Scripture
witness, both with signs and wonders,
is
gifts
of the Holy Ghost.
Heb.
given by inspiration of God, and
is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness
man
that the
thoroughly furnished unto
of
God may be
good works. 2 Tim. 3
all
perfect,
:
16, 17.
OF GOD.
God
4
is
God
16.
John 4
a Spirit.
is light.
God
24.
John, 1
is
love.
Who hath
5.
John,
measured
the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out
heaven
with a span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a
measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the

hills in
a balance
Who
or,
whom
took he counsel, and
him
hath directed the Spirit of the
being his counsellor, hath taught him
Lord,
in the path of
and showed
him
to
who
With
instructed him, and taught
judgment, and taught him knowledge,
way
the
of understanding
Behold,
the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as

the small dust of the balance
isles as a
very
little
thing.
behold, he taketh up the
Isaiah 40
covered the heavens, and the earth was
And
was
his brightness
out of his hand
as the light
His glory
12-1.5.
full
of his praise.
he had horns coming
and there was the hiding of
his
power.
Before him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth
at his feet.
He
stood,
and measured the earth
and drove asunder the nations

tains
were
me and known
;
he beheld,
and the everlasting moun
scattered, the perpetual hills did bo\y
are everlasting.
up-rising
his
ways
O Lord, thou hast searched

me thou knowest my down-sitting and mine
Hab. 3
3-6.
thou understandest
my
thoughts afar off; thou
OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION.

compassest
with
but
all
lo,
beset
my
me
whither shall
Whither
me
for
shall
my
in
tongue,
Thou
hast
can-
If I ascend
uttermost parts of the
in the
high,
make my bed
if I
it is
or
up
in hell,
take the wings of the morning,
if 1
go from thy Spirit
from thy presence
flee
heaven, thou art there
and dwell
even there
sea,
hand lead me, and thy right hand
shall hold
me
say, surely the darkness shall cover me, even the night
shall be light about
me
yea, the darkness hideth not from
day
thee, but the night shineth as the
the light are both alike to thee.

holy, holy,
come.
to
word
altogether.
wonderful
too
is
it.
behold, thou art there
if I
not a
it
behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
not attain unto
shall thy
lying down, and art acquainted
my ways. For there is

O Lord, thou knowest
Such knowledge
into
my
path, and
Rev. 4
siiall
Who
8.
darkness and
1-12.
art
come and worship before thee

Rev. 15
the habitation of thy throne
go before thy
face.
Psa. 89
and art
holy
Lord,
for all
thy judg-
for
Justice and judg-
4.
mercy and
truth shall
Great and marvellous
14.
are thy works. Lord
God Almighty;
ways, thou King of
saints.
Rev.
Holy,
art,
shall not fear thee,
For thou only
ments are made manifest.
ment are
tlie
Lord God Almighty, who wast, and
and glorify thy name

nations
Psa. 139
just and true are thy
1.5
3.
The Lord,
the
Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands,
forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin, and that will
no means clear the guilty
by
visiting the iniquity of the fathers
upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto

the
tliird
God, who
and fourth generation.

is
rich in
loved us, even
mercy,
when we were dead
us together with Christ
4, 5.
for
There are three
Exod. 34
for his great love
6,
7.
But
wherewith he
in sins, hath
quickened
by grace are ye saved.
Eph.
that bear record in heaven, the
Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost

one.
John, 5
Go
7.
them
tions, baptizing
and these three are
ye, therefore, and teach all na-
name of
in the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
the Father, and of the
Matt. 28:
The grace
19.
of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the com-
munion of the Holy Ghost, be with you
Amen. 2
all.
Cor.
13: 14.
OF PROVIDENCE.
Blessed be the
dom and might

sons
knoweth what
is
Dan. 2
him.
20-22.
Consider the
his glory
was
is
is
how much more
least,
lilies,
and yet
why
know
which
oven
cast into the
ye of little
he
for
they
faith ?
are ye better
If
ye then be not able
how they grow
is
to
take ye thought for the

;
they
not,
toil
say unto you, that Solomon in
to-day in the
If then
field,
all
God
and
to-
how much more will he clothe

Luke 12 24-28. Nevertheless
;
not himself without witness, in that he did good, and
gave us rain from heaven, and
fruitful seasons, filling
our
Are
not
hearts with food and gladness.
fall
hairs of
Acts 14: 17.
And one
of them shall
on the ground without your Father.
But the very
two sparrows sold

not
that
of you with taking thought
not arrayed like one of these.
so clothe the grass,
morrow
he giveth
them
Consider the ravens
one cubit
to his stature
they spin not
for wis-
which neither have storehouse nor
And which
do that thing which
left
and God feedeth them
than the fowls.
can add
and the light dwelleth with
in the darkness,
sow nor reap
neither
he
ever and ever
he revealeth the deep and secret things
you,
for
changeth the times and sea-
the wise, and knowledge to
understanding
rest
He
he removeth kings, and setteth up kings
wisdom unto
barn
name of God
are his.
for a farthing ?
your head are
all
numbered.
Matt. 10: 29, 30.
OF THE
Thou
first
thy soul, and with
all
thy heart,
all
vvitli
thy mind.
all
And
and great commandment.
GOD.
Lord thy God
love the
slialt
and with
LAW OF
This
the second
is
is
the
like unto
it
Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two
commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Matt.
22 37-40. Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Rom. 7 12. Whosoever:
keep the whole law, and yet offend
shall
guilty of all
also,
Do
thou
kill,
not
for
he that
kill.
Now,
it
Now we
saith to
mouth may be
guilty before
no
shall
if
in
one point, he
commit adultery,
not
is
said
thou commit no adultery, yet
if
thou art become a transgressor of the law.
10, 11.
saith,
Do
said,
know, that
James
whatsoever things the law
them who are under the law

stopped,
God
and
therefore
all
the world
by the deeds of the law there
flesh be justified in his sight
Rom. 3:
knowledge of sin.
that every
may become
for
by the law
is
the
19, 20.
OF THE FALL OF MAN.
God
created
created he him
man
in his
was very good.
and behold,
it
only have
found, that
own image,
in the
image of God
and God saw every thing that he had made,
they have sought out
Gen.
27, 31.
God hath made man
many
Eccl. 7
inventions.
Lo, this
upright; but
:
29.
The
Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree in the

garden thou mayest freely eat but of the tree of knowledge
for in the day thou
of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it
;
eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die.
when
that
it
the
woman saw
was pleasant
that the tree
to the eyes,
Gen. 2
was good
and a tree
to
16, 17.
for food,
And
and
be desired to
make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and
gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat. Gen.
3S
VOL. II.
Q
3
Wherefore by one man
6.
and
sin
there
is
able
there
throat
is
way
God
it is
men,
all
for
There
written,
none that under-
is
they are
all
they are together become unprofit-
none that doeth good, no, not one

;
their
with their tongues they have
under their
is
of cursing and bitterness
lips
whose
their feet are swift
Destruction and misery are in their ways;
shed blood.
fear of
there
the poison of asps
is full
and the
an open sepulchre
used deceit
mouth
is
As
12.
none that seeketh after God
way
gone out of the
to
Rom. 5
none righteous, no, not one
standeth
sin entered into the worlcl,
and so death passed upon
have sinned.
that all
is
by
deatli
known there
Rom. 3 10-18.
of peace have they not
before their eyes.
is
no
or THE DIGNITY AND OFFICES OF JESUS CHRIST.
Word was
In the beginning was the Word, and the
God, and the
Word was God.
ginning with God.
All things
The same was

were made by
with
in the be-
him, and
And
we
without him was not any thing made, that was made.
the
Word was made
flesh,
and dwelt among us
and
beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the

Father,
of grace and truth.
full
God, who
at
sundry times, and
John
in divers
For
1-3, 14.
manners, spake in
time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these
days spoken unto us by his Son,

heir of
all things,
by
whom
whom
also he
made
last
he hath appointed
the worlds
who,
being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of

his person,
and upholding
all
tilings
by the word of
power, when he had by himself purged our
on the right hand of the Majesty on high.
Who,
being in the form of God, thought
equal with
God
but
made himself
it
Heb.
his
down
sins, sat
:
1-3.
not robbery to be
of no reputation, and
took upon him the form of a servant, and was
made
in the
OF THE CHRISTIAN KELIGION.
men and being found in fashion as a man, he

humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the
likeness of
death of the cross.
Phil. 2
6-8.
For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A Prophet shall

the Lord your God raise up unto you, of your brethren, like
unto
me him
:
which
ye hear
shall
And
say unto you.
come
whatsoever he shall
every soul
to pass, that
from
will not hear that Prophet, shall be destroyed
among
the people.
Lord
upon me,
to
in all things,
shall
it
is
Acts 3
the poor
to
Spirit of the
because he hath anointed
saith Jesus,
preach the gospel
The
22, 23.
he hath sent
me
me
heal
to
the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives,
and recovering of sight
Luke 4
them
to the blind, to set at liberty
that are bruised, to preach the acceptable
year of the Lord.
18, 19.
Tlie Lord hath sworn, and will not repent
Priest for ever, after the order of Melchisedec.
who
Thou
art a
Ps. 110: 4.
For such a High Priest became
us,
undefiled, separate from sinners,
and made higher than the
heavens.
Heb. 7
bouse of God,
assurance of
Having
26.
holy, harmless,
is
High
Priest over the
us draw near with a true heart, in
let
faith,
full
having our hearts sprinkled from an evil
conscience, and our bodies washed
whh
Heb.
pure water.
10: 21,22.
He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the

Highest; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne
of his father David.*
is
not of this world
would
Jews
my
but
Luke
if
my
servants fight,
now
is
my
32.
Jesus said.
kingdom were of
tliat I
sliould not
My
kingdoiri
this world,
be delivered
kingdom not from hence.
then
to the
Pilate
Jesus
therefore said unto him, Art thou a King, then 1
answered, Thou sayest that I am a King ; to this end was I
born, and for this cause
came
bear witness unto the truth
I into
the world, that
every one that
is
should
of the truth,
3
heareth
my
John 18
voice.
hand
alted with his right

to
Him
36, 37.
hath
God
Acts
give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
For he must reign
5: 31.
under
his
feet.
Cor. 15
Jesus Chi-ist be with you

unto death, and
faithful
Rev. 2
ex-
be a Prince and a Saviour, for
to
he hath put
till
:
will
of our Lord
The grace
25.
Rev. 22
all.
Be thou
21.
enemies
all
give thee a crown of
life.
10.
OF THE CHARACTER OF JESUS CHRIST.
For such a High

gone up
Priest
Jerusalem
to
became
who
us,
separate from sinners. Heb. 7
less, undefiled,
twelve years of age,
at
harm-
holy,
is
:
Having
he was found
26.
in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hear-
ing them and asking them questions
who
said to him.
ing,
he replied,
41-49.
him
34.
seek not
me. John 5
to
is it
that
my
fulfil
that sent
all
will,
To John
and
mother,
to his
ye sought me
Wist ye not
Father's business
me, and
my own
30.
have sought thee sorrow-
Jesus said unto his disciples.
will of
us
How
father and
must be about
that I
Thy
My
Luke 2
meat
to finish his
is to
work.
do the
John 4
but the will of him that sent
the Baptist he said.
righteousness.
Matt. 3
It
becometh
And,
15.
in
the
morning, Jesus, rising up a great while before day, went
Mark
out into a solitary place, and there prayed.
35.
Jesus, as his custom was, went into the synagogue on ther
Luke 4:
Sabbath day.
16.
In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus
prayed, saying,
pass from
Matt. 26
fied
me
39.
O my
Father, if
it
nevertheless, not as
On
fell
on his face, and
be possible,
will, but
let this
as thou
the cross he prayed for those
him, saying. Father, forgive them, for they
cup
wilt.
who cruciknow not
what they
And when
Jesus had cried
Luke 23
do.
34.
with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands
my
and Iiaving
spirit ;
tlius
said,
I commend
he gave up the ghost.
Luke 23 46.
Peter said to the Jews, Ye denied the
Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be grant:
ed
Acts
you.
to
God
3.:
14.
anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the
with power
Holy Ghost and
Acts 10
went about doing good.
ivho
Come
8:17.
heavy laden,
unto me, said Jesus,
a7id
will give
you, and learn of me, for
and ye shall
find rest unto
/ have compassion on
away
fasting, lest
miracle
is
to
9: 56.
to
your
Take my yoke upon

and lowly in heart
Matt. 11
souls.
Matt. 15
them
and he wrought a
The Son
32.
destroy men's lives, but to save them.
new commandment
28, 29.
not send
I will
way
:
Matt.
ye that labor and are
am meek
they faint in the
to his disciples, that
yon, that
all
rest.
the multitude
supply them.
come
not
you
He
38.
himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.
of
man
Luke
give unto you, saith Jesus
ye love one another
as I have loved
John 13
ye also love one another.
34.
At
the
tomb of Lazarus, Jesus wept. Tlien said the Jews, Behold,

how he loved him. John 11 36. Then were brought
xmto Jesus little children, that he sliould put his hands on
:
them and pray.

said, Suffer
me
for of
little
such
And
the disciples rebuked them.
children,
is
the
and forbid them not
kingdom of heaven.
Jesus said to his disciples. Behold,
14.
sheep in the midst of wolves
to
But Jesus
come xmto
Matt. 19
13,
send you forth as
be ye therefore wise as ser-
and harmless as doves. Matt. 10 16. Christ also

suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow
his steps : who did no sin, neither was guile found in his
pents,
mouth
he
who, when he was reviled, reviled not again ; when

he threatened not ; but committed himself to him
suffered,
that judgeth righteously.
VOL.
II.
Pet. 2
"^S"*'
21-23.
10
OF THE ATONEMENT.
After threescove and two weeks shall Messiah he
Dan. 9
hut not for TiimseTf.
our transgressions
26.
he was bruised
for
our iniquities
chastisement of our peace was upon him
for
the
and with his
we are healed. All we, like sheep, have gone

we have turned every one to his own way and
stripes
astray
cut'off,
For he was wounded
him the iniquity of us all. Isa. 53

He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no
5, 6.
sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
the
Lord hath
laid on
2 Cor. 5: 21.
Jesus Christ also hath loved us, and hath
given himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice

a sweet-smelling savor.
Eph. 5
2.
were not redeemed with corruptible
to
Ye know
God
for
that
ye
such as silver
things,
and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb

without blemish and without spot
who
was
fore-
ordained before the foundation of the world, but was
made
verily
who by him do believe

him up from the dead, and gave him
manifest in these last times for you,
God
in
that raised
glory, that your faith and hope might be in God.

1
Unto him
18-21.
1 Pet.
and washed us
that hath loved us,
from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and
priests unto
minion
for
God and
his Father, to
ever and ever.
Amen.
him be glory and
Rev.
5, 6.
do-
Worthy
the Lamb that was slain fo receive power, and riches, and
wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.
Rev. 5 12.
is
OF REPENTANCE.
Repent ye, and believe the Gospel. Mark 1 15. Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of the
Lord Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall
:
receive the
gift
of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 11
38,
Christ
came
not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Him
Matt. 9: 13.
God
hath
and remission of sins.
exalted, to give repentance
turn ye even to me, with
your
all
Hosea 14
quity.
God
man
Joel 2
for thou hast fallen
12.
and
Return
by thine
ini-
Let the wicked forsake his way, and
1.
saith the Lord,
heart, with fasting,
with weeping, and with mourning.

unto the Lord thy
Now,
Acts 5: 31.
and let him return unto

mercy on him, and to our God,
for he will abundantly pardon.
7.
Turn ye, turn
Isa. 55
ye from your evil ways for why will ye die ? Ezek. 33
the unrighteous
his thoughts,
the Lord, and he will have
Whoso
11.
Prov. 28
mercy.
be repented of; but the sorrow of the
world worketh death.
meet
forsaketh his sins shall find
Godly sorrow worketh repentance
13.
to salvation, not to
fore, fruits
confesseth and
2 Cor. 7
for repentance.
Bring
10.
forth, there-
3:8.
Matt.
OF REGENERATION.
A
will
new heart
God, and a new
will I give you, saith
put within you
and
will take
away
spirit
the stony heart
out of your flesh, and
36
26.
I will give you a heart offlesh.

Ezek.
There was a man of the Pharisees named Nico-
demus, a ruler of the Jews

teacher come from
that
man
John 3
eth he
same came
to
Jesus by
art a
to
believe on his
say unto thee, except
as many as receive Jesus, to them givbecome the sons of God, even to them that
name which were born, not of blood, nor
But
1-3.
power
verily, I
he cannot see the kingdom of God.
he horn again.,
of the will of the
John
tlie
God for no man can do the miracles

thou doest,- except God be with him.
Jesus answered
and said unto him. Verily,

a
and said unto him. Rabbi, we know that thou
night,
12, 13.
flesh,
nor of the will of man, but of God.
Being born again, not of corruptible seed,
DOCTRmES AND DUTIES
12
but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and

abideth for ever.
1 Peter, 1
God, overcometh the world
Whosoever
23.
and
overcometh the world, even our
born of
is
this is the victory that
faith. 1
John 5
4.
OF JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH.
Surely, shall one say, In the Lord have
and strength
even
to
him
shall
men come
incensed against him shall be ashamed.
righteousness
and
are
all that
In the Lord shall
the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.
Isa. 45
But now the righteousness of God without the law
is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets
;
even the righteousness of God, which is by faith of Jesus
all
24, 25.
and upon
Christ, unto
all,
difference
for all
of
God
believe
no
for there is
shoi't
of the glory
being justified freely by his grace, through the
redemption that
to
all that
have sinned, and come
is in
Christ Jesus,
whom
Gtod hath set forth
be a propitiation, through faith in his blood,
to
declare his
righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through

the forbearance of
God
to declare, I say, at this time, his
him
righteousness, that he might be just, and the justifier of
which believeth
excluded.
By what law
law of
by
faith
faith
Now
to
therefore
is
boasting, then
of works
we
him
that worketh,
him
is
the
It is
man
Rom.
is justified
21-28.
reward not reckoned of
but to him that worketh not, but believ-
that justifieth the ungodly,
for righteousness.
Nay, but by the
conclude, that a
without the deeds of the law.
grace, but of debt

eth on
Where
in Jesus.
Rom. 4
4, 5.
liis
faith is
Knowing
counted
that a
man
is
not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of
Jesus Christ, even
might be
justified
works of the law

be
justified.
we have
believed in Jesus Christ, that
we
by the faith of Christ, and not by the

for by the works of the law shall no flesh
Gal. 2: 16.
Yea, doubtless, and
count

all
my
Christ Jesus
of
J3
things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of
and be found
Christ,
which
ness,
Lord
for
whom
is
have suffered the
my own
having
in him, not
of the law, but that which
faith of Christ, the righteousness
Phil. 3
and do count them but dung, that
all things,
which
loss
may win
righteous-
through the
is
God by
of
is
faith.
8, 9.
OF SANCTIFICATION.
Know ye
not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the
kingdom of God
Be
not deceived
neither fornicators,
nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of
themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor

drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the
And such were some
kingdom of God.
washed, but ye are
name of
Cor. 6
the
sanctified,
of you
Lord Jesus, and by the
our God.
Spirit of
all iniquity,
of the Spirit
is
Titus 2
is
fied the flesh,
no law.
They
walk
If
Sanctify them through thy truth, saith Jesus

truth.
John 17
ness, without
17.
Follow peace with
which no man
we
Gal. 5
in the Spirit.
all
shall see the Lord.
against
have cruci-
that are Christ's
with the affections and lusts.
the Spirit, let us also
14.
love, joy, peace, long-suffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance
such there
and purify unto himself
a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

fruit
but ye are
Jesus Christ gave himself for us, that he
911.
might redeem us from
The
but ye are justified in the
live in
22-25.
thy word
men, and
Heb. 12
is
holi:
14.
OF THE SOCIAL DUTIES.
Honor thy
father and thy mother, that thy days
be long upon the land which the Lord thy
Thou
shall
not
kill.
Thou
shalt
not
God
may
giveth thee.
commit adultery.
DOCTIUNKS A.\U DUTIES
14
Thou
Thou shalt not bear false witness

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's
shalt not steal.
against thy neighbor.
wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox,
nor his
is evil
one
to
nor any thing that
ass,
1217.
is
cleave to that which
Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, contin-
uing instant in prayer, distributing
given
bless,
and curse
towards another
to
no
Be
the sight of all
man
Be of
not wise in your
men.
If
it
own
men.
much
Vengeance
therefore, if thine
him drink
mine,
is
as lieth in
Dearly beloved, avenge
not yourselves, but rather give place to wrath

written.
for
will repay, saith the
enemy hunger,
feed
him
if
he
it
is
Lord
thirst,
doing thou shalt heap coals of
for in so
Rec-
conceits.
provide things honest in
be possible, as
all
same mind one
the
things, but condescend to
evil for evil
you, live peaceably with
of the
Rejoice with them that rejoice,
not.
mind not high
of low estate.
ompense
to the necessity
Bless them which persecute
to hospitality.
and weep with them that weep.
men
affectioned
not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving
the Lord.
you
abhor that whigh
another with brotherly love, in honor preferring one
another
saints,
Be kindly
good.
is
Exod. 20
thy neighbor's.
Let love be without dissimulation
give
fire
on
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with

good.
Rom. 12: 9-21. And whatsoever ye do, in word
or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks
to God and the Father by him.
Wives, submit yourselves
his head.
to
your own husbands, as
it
is
fit
in the Lord.
Husbands,
love your wives, and, be not bitter against them.
obey your parents in

the Lord.
all
things ; for this
is
Children,
well-pleasing unto
Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest

Servants, obey in
they be discouraged.
masters according to the flesh

pleasers, but
in singleness of heart,
whatsoever ye do, do
it
all
things your
not with eye service, as

fearing God.
heartily, as to the Lord,
men-
And
and not
men
unto
knowing
that of the
reward of the inheritance
Lord ye
shall receive the
ye serve the Lord
for
he that doeth wrong, shall receive for the
done
15
that he hath
and there is no respect of persons. Col. 3

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers
no power but of God
of God.
Rom. 13:
17-25.
for there
is
But
Christ.
wrong
the powers that be, are ordained
1.
OF THE PRIVILEGES OF REAL CHRISTIANS.

justified by faith, we have peace with God, through
our Lord Jesus Christ by whom also we have access by
Being
grace wherein
faith into this
God
of the glory of
ulation also
knowing
ashamed
1-5.
There
is
in Christ Jesus,
who walk
is
eth
not after the flesh, but after the
is
path of the just

tlie
Rom. 8
is
is
kept by the power of

to
1,2.
Holy Ghost.
perfect day.
God's.
Rom.. 14
as the shining light, that shin-
Prov. 4
God through
be revealed in the last time.
Cor. 3
faith
1
18.
All
or death, or
life,
things present, or things to come, all are yours
and Christ
not meat and drink, but right-
things are yours, whether the world, or
Christ's,
them who are
from the law of sin and death.
more and more unto
Rom. 5
given unto us.
eousness, and peace, and joy in the
The
the spirit of life in Christ Jesus, hath
For the kingdom of God

17.
glory in trib-
therefore no condemnation to
For the law of

free
we
worketh patience
by the Holy Ghost which
made me
but
so,
that tribulation
hearts
Spirit.
and rejoice in hope
stand,
and
and experience, hope ; and hope maketh
because the love of God is shed abroad in our
patience, experience
not
we
and not only
and ye are
21-23.
We
are
unto salvation, ready
Peter, 1
5.
Father,
whom thou hast

given me, be with me where I am, that they may behold
my glory which thou hast given me for thou lovedst me
saith Jesus Christ,
will that they also
before the foundation of the world.
John 17: 24.
IQ
or THE WORSHIP OF GOD.

I
am
Lord thy God
the
Thou
before me.
thou shalt have no other gods
shalt not
make
unto thee any graven
image, or any likeness of any thing that

or that
heaven above,
under
in
is
in the earth beneath, or that is in the water
is
bow down to them, nor serve

Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting
the earth; thou shalt not
them
for I the
upon the children unto the third

and fourth generation of them that hate me and showing
mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my
the iniquities of the fathers
shalt not take the
Thou
commandments.
name
of the Lord
Lord will not hold him guiltless

How amiathat taketh his name in vain. Exod. 20 2-7.
For a day in thy
ble are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts
courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a door-
thy God in vain
for the
keeper
house of
in the
wickedness. Psalm 84
my
1,
God, than
to
The
10.
dwell in the tents of
true worshippers shall
worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father

seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit; and they
that worship him,
John 4
the
14
life
:
6.
saith, I
man cometh
no
Verily, verily,
ask the Father in

erto
must worship him

Jesus
23, 24.
my
your joy
in spirit
the
in
will give
maketh
what
is
the
for as
And he
mind of the
16
sion according to the will of
Abraham,
we ought
saith
for
we know
but the Sjnrit
which can-
knoweth
because he maketh interces-
God. Rom. 8
God, that he will
his household aftei^ him,
hith-
Like-
23, 24.
that searcheth the heart,
Spirit,
ask and ye shall
intercession for us with groanings
not be uttered.
and
John
unto you
it
my name ;
may be full. John
what we should pray
itself
truth,
say unto you, whatsoever ye shall
name, he
wise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities

not
and in truth.
way, the
unto the Father but by me.
ye have asked nothing
receive, that
am
command
26, 27.
know
his children
and
and they shall keep the way of the
Lord
do justice and judgment. Gen. 18
to
whom
ye
this d;iy
we
will serve the
ye
will serve
when thou
thy Father which
to
which seeth
When
15.
in secret, shall
and thy Father,
When
reward thee openly.
pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do

think that they shall be heard for their
them
not ye therefore like unto
what things ye have need

6
much
ye
they
speaking
be
Matthew
before ye ask him.
of,
for
your Father knoweth
for
house,
thou jjrayesf,
hast shut thy door,
in secret,
is
Choose
19.
me and my
as for
Lord. Jos. 24
enter into thy closet, and
pray
17
6-8.
OF THE lord's DAT.
Remember
the Sabbath day, to keep
shalt thou labor,

is
and do
the Sabbath of the
all
thy work
Lord thy God
any work, thou, nor thy
in
Six days
holy.
it
but the seventh day
thou shalt not do
it
nor thy daughter, thy man-
son,
servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor the stran-
ger that
is
within thy gates
for in six
heaven and earth, the sea and

ed the seventh day
it.
Exod. 20
30.
If thou turn
from doing thy pleasure on
8-11.
my sanctuary
Sabbaths, and reverence
Lev. 19
them
is,
and
rest-
wherefore the Lord blessed the Sab-
bath day, and hallowed
my
days the Lord made
that in
all
away thy
my
foot
Ye shall keep
am the Lord.
from the Sabbath,
holy day, and call the Sab-
bath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable
and
shalt
honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own
pleasure, nor speaking thine
own words
delight thyself in the Lord. Isa. 58

Jirst
day of the week, when the
then shalt thou
disciples
came
break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready

the morrow.
Acts 20
7.
was
John, on the Lord's day. Rev. 1

39
VOL. II.
Upon
13, 14.
the
together to
to
depart on
in the Spirit, saith Saint
10,
IQ
ON THE EFFECTS OF INFIDELITY AND IMMORALITY ON

THE HAPPINESS OF NATIONS.
Hear,
heavens, and give ear,
hath spoken,
my
for the
Lord
The ox knoweth
and they have rebelled against me.

owner, and the ass his master's crib
know,
earth
have nourished and brought up children,
Ah,
people doth not consider.
his
but Israel doth not
sinful nation, a
people laden with iniquity, a seed of evil-doers, children

are corrupters
that
they have forsaken the Lord, they
have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are
gone away backward.
Isa. 1
unto me, and will not do
all
Lord
my
and
if
ye despise
ye will not hearken
If
commandments,
my
judgments, that ye break

unto you:
my
appoint over
covenant
you
saith the
your soul abhor
statutes, or if
this
I will
2-4.
these
terror,
also will
do
consumption,
and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and
cause sorrow of heart
your enemies
for
and ye shall sow your seed
shall eat
hearken unto me, then
this,
more
for
power
your
and
sins.
will
And
And
it.
I
I
break the pride of your
make your heaven
shall not yield
sliall
26
And
if
you seven times more
14-20, 27, 28.
your
;
for
for
to
your
me,
not, for
I,
sins.
even
Lev.
Therefore, also now, saith the Lord,
Turn ye even unto me with
all
your heart, and with
and with weeping, and with mourning;

hearts,
ye will
hearken unto me, but walk contrary
will chastise
I,
as iron, and
be spent in vain
her increase, neither shall the
trees of the land yield their fruits.

all this,
in vain,
will not, for all
you seven times
will punish
will
earth as brass, and your strength
your land
ye
if
and turn unto the Lord your God
fasting,
and rend your

;
for
he
is
gra-
cious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness,
and repenteth him of the
evil
Who
knoweth
if
return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him
12-14.
he will
?
Joel
TllK CHfilSTIAN RELI<;iOX.
(JF
29
OF THE TRUTH, POWER, AND TRIUMPH OF CHRISTIANITY.
We
followed not cunningly devised fables,
made known unto you
when we
power and coming of our Lord
the
Jesus Christ, but were eye-witnesses of his majesty
God
received from
came such
wiiich
whom
came from
in the holy
he
for
and glory, when there
a voice from the excellent glory, This
beloved Son, in
him
the Father honor
is
my
am well pleased. And this voice

heaven we heard, when we were witli
I
We
mount.
have
more sure word of
also a
prophecy, whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto

a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and
the day-star arise in
your hearts
j)rophecy of the Scripture

for the
is
knowing
this first, that
no
of any private interpretation
prophecy came not in old time by the will of man,
but lioly
men
of
Holy Ghost.
God spake
were moved by the

For the word of God is
as they
1:16-21.
2 Pet.
quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword,
piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and
of the joints and marrow, and
and intents of the heart. Heb. 4

saith St. Paul, of the
of
God
first,
ness of
The
12.
am
Gospel of Christ
for
Greek.
For therein
God revealed from
faith to faith
to the
just shall
live
by
faith.
another angel, saith St. John,
having the everlasting Gospel
and
not ashamed,
is
it
unto salvation to every one that believeth
and also
spirit,
a discerner of the thoughts
is
Rom.
fly in the
to
is
as
tlie
16,
it
the
to
power
the
Jew
righteousis
written,
17.
saw
midst of heaven,
preach unto them that
dwell upon the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and
tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice. Fear God,
to
him
and worship him
tluit
and give glory
for the
made
hour of
lieaven,
his
judgment
is
come
and earth, and the sea,
and the fountains of waters. Rev. 14
6, 7.
20
OF DEATH.
Man
that
He cometh
trouble.
woman
born of a
is
is
of few days, and
forth like a flower,
and
cut
is
he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.
number of
are determined, the
full
His days
months are with
his
thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass.

is
hope of a
tree, if
be cut down, that
it
it
wax
though
and the stock thereof
old in the earth,
die in the ground, yet through the scent of water
bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant
and wasteth away
where
to the
he
is
earth as
who gave
was, and the
it
men,
all
appointed unto
It is
ment. Heb. 9
where
27.
men once
O death,
thy victory
is
strength of sin
is
for that
al-1
the law
sin
so death hath
have sinned. Rom. 5
where
is
thy sting
sting of death
us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ!
5557.
And
sin,
is
but thanks be to God,
12.
but after this the judg-
to die,
The
God
return unto
Wherefore as by one man
and death by
sin entered into the world,
passed upon
will
dieth
shall the dust return
spirit shall
7.
it
man
but
giveth up the ghost, and
Then
1-10.
Eccles. 12
it.
man
yea,
Job 14
thee,
There
will sprout again,
and that the tender branch thereof will not cease

the root thereof
of
down
who
1
grave,
and the
giveth
Cor. 15
heard, saith St. John, a voice from heaven,
saying unto me. Write, blessed are the dead which die in
the
Lord from henceforth
may
rest
from their labors
yea, saith the Spirit, that they
and their works do follow them.
Rev. 14: 13.
OF THE RESURRECTION.
And many
shall awake,
of them that sleep in the dust of the earth
some
to everlasting life,
ing contempt. Dan. 12

is
coming,
his voice,
in the
and
which
shall
2,
all that
come
and some
Marvel not
forth
at this
to everlast-
for the
hour
are in the graves shall hear

;
they that have done good,

unto the resurrection of
life
2^
and they that have done
unto the resurrection of damnation. John 5
how say
be preached that he rose from the dead,
if Christ
evil,
Now
28, 29.
some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead ?

But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ
not risen
vain,
and
if Christ
and your
God
false witnesses of
and
if
sins
Cor. 15
is.
yea, and
we have
our preaching
we
are found
of God,
testified
he raised not up,
if so
the dead rise not, then
then they also
asleep in Christ are perished

the dead, and
Christ be not raised, your faith
if
your
in
whom
For
that the dead rise not.
yc are yet
because
up Christ
that he raised
Christ raised
be not risen, then
faith is also vain
become the
first
but
now
fruits
who
is
is
be
not
vain,
are fallen
Christ risen from
is
of them that slept.
12-20.
OF THE JUDGMENT.
We
must
all
that every one
according
2 Cor. 5
and
ry,
appear before the judgment-seat of Christ,
may
10.
receive the things done in the body,
he hath done, whether
to that
When
the
nations
it
shall
be good or bad.
come
in his glo-
the holy angels with him, then shall he
all
the throne of his glory

all
Son of man
sit
upon
and before him shall be gathei'cd
and he shall separate them one from another,
as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats

shall set the sheep
and he
on his right hand, but the goats on his
Then shall the King say to them on his right hand,

Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Then shall
left.
he
.say also to
them on
cursed, into everlasting

angels.
And
his left hand,

fire,
these shall go
ment, but the righteous into
VOL
II.
Depart from me, ye
prepared for the devil and his
away
life
mO'"
into everlasting punish-
eternal.
Matt. 25
31-34,
22
41, 46.
him
en
I
fled
saw
the
saw a great white
on
that sat
it
away, and there was found no place
is
the book of
God and
and another book was opened,
works
and the dead were judged out of
which were written
those things
their
life
And
them.
for
the dead, small and great, stand before
books were opened
which
and
throne, saith St. John,
from whose face the earth and the heav-
in the books, according to
and the sea gave up the dead which were in
it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in
them and they were judged every man according to their
;
works. Rev. 20: 11-13.
OF HELL.
On
the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone,
and a horrible tempest

11
cup, Psa.
quenched
quenched. Mark 9
be the portion of their
this shall
6; in hell, in the
where the worm dieth
:
43, 44.
fire that
The same
wine of the wrath of God, which
is
mixture into the cup of his indignation

tormented with
fire
and brimstone
never shall be
and the
not,
fire
not
is
shall drink of the
poured out without

;
and they
shall be
in the presence of the
holy angels, and in the presence of the
Lamb
smoke of
ever and ever
their torment ascendeth
and they have no
rest
day nor
up
night.
for
Rev. 14
and the
10, 11.
OF HEAVEN.
In
my
mansions
to
Father's house, saith Jesus Christ, are

if
it
were not
prepare a place for you.
for you, I will
that
where
we know
so, I
would have
And
if I
you
told
many
:
go
go and prepare a place
come again and receive you unto myself;

may be also. John 14 2, 3. For
am, there ye
that if our earthly house of this tabernacle
were
we have
dissolved,
23
made
a building of God, a house not
with hands, eternal in the heavens, 2 Cor. 5
an
in-
heritance incorruptible, and undefiled, that fadeth not away,
reserved in heaven. 1 Pet.

all tears
from their eyes
And God
4.
and there
wipe away
shall
shall be
no more death,
neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be
more curse, but the throne of God and of
there shall be no
the
Lamb
shall be in
it
and his servants shall serve him,
and they shall see his face

foreheads
and there
and his name shall be on their
shall be
no night there, and they need
no candle, neither light of the sun
them
eth
light;
and they
for the
Lord God
And
the
Lord God of
show unto
the holy prophets sent his angel to
giv-
and ever:
shall. reign for ever
these sayings are faithful and true.
the things
any pain
21:4; and
former things are passed away. Rev.
for the
which must shortly be done. Rev. 22
his servants
:
3-6.
Be-
now are we the sons of God, and it doth not appear

what we shall be but we know that when he shall appear,
we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is and
every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself,
loved,
even as he
is
pure.
John, 3
2, 3.
These are the true sayings of God. Rev. 19: 9. Reword of men, but as they
ceive them, therefore, not as the
are in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh in
them
that believe.
John 5
tion,
39,
Thess. 2
which are able
through faith that
is
to
Search the Scriptures,
13.
make you wise
See that ye refuse not him that speaketh

caped not who refused him that
more
shall not
we
escape, if
we
saith Christ,
and of
for if
15.
they es-
much
away from him that
spake on earth,
turn
speaketh from heaven. Heb. 12: 25.
ashamed of me,
unto salva-
2 Tim. 3
in Christ Jesus.
my
Whosoever
shall be
words, of him shall
DOCTRINES AND DUTIES, ETC.
24
the
Son of man be ashamed, when he
shall
come
9: 26.
Christ
I
;
am
for
it
not ashamed, saith St. Paul, of the Gospel of

is
the
power of God unto
one that believeth. Rom.

things saith, Surely
salvation to every
He who
16.
come quickly
testifieth
Amen.
all.
of these
Even
The grace of our Lord Jesus

Amen. Rev. 22 20, 21.
come, Lord Jesus.

with you
own
Luke
in his
glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.
PRAYER FOR THE HOLY
SPIRIT'S INFLUENCES.
Stay, thou insulted Spirit, stay,
Thoug-h
Nor
Nor
have done Thee such despite
cast the sinner quite away,
take thine everlasting
Though
have steeled
flight.
my stubborn heart.
And still shook off my guilty fears,

And vexed and urged Thee to depart.
For many long, rebellious years
Though
have most unfaithful been,
Of all who e'er thy grace received

Ten thousand times thy goodness seen,
Ten thousand times tliy goodness grieved
Yet, O! the chief of sinners spare.
In honor of my great High Priest
Nor in thy righteous anger swear
T' exclude me from thy people's rest.
This only woe I deprecate.

This only plague I pray remove
Nor
Nor
leave
curse
me
me
in
my
with
lost estate,
tliis
want of
love.
Lord, my weary soul release.

Upraise me with thy gracious hand.
Now,
And
And
so,
Christ be
guide into thy perfect peace,

bring me to the promised land.
C. Wesley.
71.
IXo.
THE
BIBLE ABOVE ALL PRICE.

EDWARD PAYSON,
BY REV.
Many
I
doubt
whose hands
into
may
Tract
entertain,
fall,
profound veneration for the Bible
not, a
their breasts
this
D. D,
it
has
its
advocate,
who
more powerfully and successfully than
pleads
I
can.
and in
its
cause far
To
such per-
sons nothing need be said in favor of a book, which not only
them support and consolation under the troubles of
affords
but enables them to contemplate death with pleasure,
life,
and, to borrow
salvation."
its
If all
own language, makes them " wise

were of
this description, farther
unto
remarks
would be needless.
But
it
is
presumable that there are
inattention to the subject, or from
many who, through
some other cause, have
formed very inadequate conceptions of the worth of this
ume
and who, consequently, do not
tance of putting
notorious
tiiat
it
into
hands of others.
the
even among such as profess
Scriptures, there are not a few

deficient in those qualities
tion.
It
may
who seem
which excite
to
to
show
that,
It
is
also
venerate the
regard them as
interest
not be improper, therefore, to
marks, with a design
to
vol-
impor-
feel the infinite
and
make
atten-
a few re-
while the Scriptures are
incalculably valuable and important, viewed as a revelation
from heaven, they are also in a very high degree

ing and deserving of attention, considered
man
COMPOSITION.
interest,
merely as a hu-
THE BIBLE ABOVE ALL
Were we
PRICE.
permitted to adduce the testimony of the Scrip-
tures in their
own
favor, as a proof that their contents are
highly interesting, our task would be short, and easily ac-
But
complished.
might think
possible, that to this testimony
it is
language of the captious Jews
volume
in the
"
bearest record of thyself; thy record
Thou
No
some
a sufficient reply, to apostrophize the sacred
it
to
oiy Saviour
is
not true."
similar objection can be urged, however, against avail-
ing ourselves of the testimony which eminent uninspired
men have borne in favor of the Scriptures.

From the almost innumerable testimonies of this nature
which might easily be adduced, we shall select only that of
supreme court of judica-
Sir William Jones, a judge of the
ture in Bengal
a man, says his learned biographer, who,
by the exertion of rare

ledge of
intellectual talents, acquired a
know-
and languages, which has seldom
arts, sciences,
been equalled, and scarcely,
"
surpassed.
if ever,
have
carefully and regularly perused the Scriptures," says this
truly great man, " and
dependent of
its
am
of opinion that this volume, in-
more sublimity,
divine origin, contains
purer morality, more important history, and finer strains of

eloquence, than can be collected from
whatever language they

well he was qualified to
implied in his
lips,
may
may have
make
this
other books, in
all
been written."
remark, and how
be inferred from the
How
much
fact, that
it
he was
acquainted with twenty-eight different languages, and with

the best works which had been published in most of them.
That a volume, which,

thus superior to
all
in the opinion of
esting and insipid a composition as

it
it,
must be needless
such a man,
is
other books united, cannot be so uninter-
to
remark.
though great and unqualified,
many seem
That
is
in
his
to
imagine,
commendation of
no respect unmerited,
THE BIBLE ABOVE ALL

it
would be easy, were
PRICE.
necessary, to prove, by appropriate
it
quotations from the book which he so highly extols.
But
its
morality will be more properly considered in a subsequent

part of this treatise
and
unrivalled eloquence and sub-
its
limity are too obvious, and too generally acknowledged, to
require illustration.
If
any imagine
torical information
that
he has estimated too highly the
which
volume
this
only request them to peruse
it
with attention
which
larly to consider the assistance
many
ing for
contains,
it
his-
we would
and particu-
affords, in account-
otherwise inexplicable phenomena in the nat-
ural, political,
and moral world.
person
who has never
attended to the subject, will, on recollection, be surprised to
how
find for
to this
large a portion of his knowledge he
neglected book.
torily accounts, or
It
is
the only book
even professes
to
is
indebted
which
satisfac-
account, for the intro-
duction of natural and moral evil into the world, and for the
To
consequent present situation of mankind.

also,
we
tors of
are indebted for
all
this
book,
our knowledge of the progeni-
our race, and of the early ages of the world
for
our
acquaintance with the manners and customs of those ages

for the origin
tions
and explanation of many remarkable
which have extensively prevailed; and
thing whicli
is
known
of
many once
for
tradi-
almost every
flourisliing nations, es-
pecially of the Jews, the most singular and interesting people, perhaps, that
It is
ever existed.
the Bible alone, which,
by informing us of
the del-
many
surpris-
uge, enables us to account satisfactorily for
ing appearances in the internal structure of the earth, as
well as for the existence of marine exuviae on the summits

of mountains, and in other places, far distant from the sea.
By
the
same volume we are
assisted in accounting for the
THE BIBLE ABOVE ALL
multiplicity of languages
which
world
exist in the
degraded condition of the Africans

versal prevalence of sacrifices
PRICE.
and
an equally interesting nature.
many
for
We
for the
and uni-
for the origin
other facts of
shall only add, that,
while the Scriptures throw light on the facts here alluded
to,
the existence of the facts powerfully tends, on the other hand,

to establish the truth
and authenticity of the Scriptures.
In addition to these intrinsic excellencies of the Bible,
which give
it,
considered merely as a
human
production, pow-
erful claims to the attention of persons of taste and learning,
there are various circumstances of an adventitious nature,
which render
Among
it
peculiarly interesting to a reflecting mind.
these circumstances
properly, mention
said of
its
we may, perhaps
not im-
Whatever may be
great antiquity.
its
some of the books which compose
inspiration,
it
are unquestionably the most ancient literary compositions

extant,
nor
and perhaps the most ancient that ever were written
is it
very improbable
tliat
letters
were
employed
first
in
recording some parts of them, and that they were written in

the language
first
spoken by man.
It is also,
not only the
most ancient book, but the most ancient monument of hu-
man
exertion, the oldest offspring of
human
All the contemporaries of
not his frailty.
long since perished, and are forgotten
volume
still
which are
intellect,
Unlike the other works of man,
in existence.
stood for ages,
have bid defiance
unmoved
sweeps away men with
it is
in existence a tree
infancy have
pillars
to the
of Seth,
deluge,
in the midst of that flood
it
has
which
their labors into oblivion.
That these circumstances render

of contemplation,
its
yet this wonderful
Like the fabled
survives.
said to
now
inherits
it
it
an interesting object
needless to remai'k.
Were
which was planted, an
there
edifice
now
which
THE BIBLE ABOVE ALL
was
any monument of human ingenuity, which
erected, or
was formed
PRICE.
at that early period in vvliich
Bible were written, would
some parts of the
not be contemplated with
it
keenest interest, carefully preserved, as a precious
and considered as sometliing
what emotions,
little less
then, will a thoughtful
and what a train of interesting

calculated to excite
reflections is
it
irresistibly impelled to venerate
whose works,
The
is
interest
which
this
it
volume
we
we
not feel almost
by
excites
its
has encountered, and the almost innu-
no ordinary degree of
interest, a
rage
With
proud waves be stayed."
We contem-
still
and here shall
greater interest,
we
contemplate
which, during thousands of years, had been con-
stantly assaulted
by successive generations of enemies
around whose walls millions had perished

throw which, the utmost
efforts
of
nuity had been exerted in vain.
this
rock which has
practically gaying,
though of a somewhat different kind, should
tress,
antiquity,
consider the violent and per-
for centuries the ocean's
fortress,
works
as proceeding originally
it,
" Hitherto shalt thou come, but no farther
view
antiquity,
us, except the
merable enemies'it has resisted and overcome.
tliy
in this
its
yesterday, to-day, and for ever the same
severing opposition
braved
Bible,
like his years, fail not ?
will be greatly increased, if
plate, with
With
in anticipation, as continuing to exist
unaltered until the end of time, must
from Him, who
it
While we contemplate
exceeding that of every object around

of God, and view
than sacred
mind open the
tlie
relic,
we contemplate
in the Bible.
human
Such a
rock, such a for-
For thousands of yeai*s
volume has withstood, not only the iron
which devours men and
their
and, to over-
force and inge-
tooth of time,
works together, but
physical and intellectual strength of man.

40
VOL. IT.
all
the
THE BIBLE ABOVE ALL
PRICE.
Pretended friends have endeavored

it
it
to
corrupt and betray
kings and princes have perseveringly sought
from the world
greatest empires have been leagued for

iires
and
its
banish
destruction
of persecution have been often lighted,

friends together
its
to
the civil and military powers of the
many
and, at
to
the
consume
seasons, death in
it
some
horrid form has been the almost certain consequence of affording
it
an asylum from the fury of its enemies.
It
been almost incessantly assailed by weapons of a

kind, which, to
than
fire
wasted
any other book, would be
shafts
all their
defeats,
misguided reason has been compel-
lend her aid, and, after repeated
to
has again been dragged
learning have been emptied,

in search of
means
been had, not only

to the
more dangerous
In these assaults, wit and ridicule have
or sword.
though reluctantly,
led,
far
to
to
to
to the field
arm her
prosecute
it
the arsenals of
for the contest
and
with success, recourse has
remote ages and distant lands, but even
bowels of the earth, and the region of the
Yet
has also
different
stars.
the object of all these attacks remains unin-
still
jured, while one
army of
Though
melted away.
it
its
assailants after another has
has been ridiculed more
bitterly,
misrepresented more grossly, opposed more rancorously, and

burnt more frequently, than any other book, and perhaps
than
all
other books united,
the efforts of
its
until the final
much
it is
so far from sinking under

its
surviving
now
evidently
enemies, that the probability of
consummation of
greater than ever.
all things, is
The
rain has descended,
the
floods have come, the storm has arisen and beaten upon
but
it
falls not,
burning bush,
unconsumed
who
it
for
it
is
founded upon a rock.
has ever been in the flames, yet
a sufficient proof,
was there no
dwelt in the bush, preserves the Bible.
it
Like the
it is still
other, that
He,
THE BIBLE ABOVE ALL

If the opposition
countered, renders
it
which
this
PRICE.
volume has successfully en-
an interesting object of contemplation
the veneration which has been paid to
been made of
from
it
it,
not esteem
with
all
which has
in all ages,
it
make
more
it still
a most delightful privilege, to
man who had lived through as

who had conversed
see and converse with a
many centuries
the use
it,
and the benefits which have been derived
by the wise and good
Who would
so.
as the Bible has existed
the successive generations of men, and been
inti-
mately acquainted with their motives, characters, and conduct
who had been
the chosen friend and
wise and good in every age
example and
had ascribed
instructions the wise
and the virtuous their virtue

esting than the sight,
companion of the
the venerated monitor, to
What
their
whose
wisdom,
could be more inter-
what more pleasing and instructive
man ? Yet such society we

whenever we choose to open the Bible.
volume we see the chosen companion, the most
than the society of such a
may
in effect enjoy,
In this
intimate friend of the prophets, the apostles, the martyrs, and

their pious contemporaries
implicitly followed
the guide,
the monitor, to
whose directions they
whose
faithful
warnings
and instructions they ascribed their wisdom, their virtues,

and
their happiness.
In this volume
we
see the Book, in
which the deliverer, the king, the sweet Psalmist of

delighted to meditate day and night
liim wiser than all his teachers
Israel
whose counsels made
and which he describes as
sweeter than honey, and more precious than gold.

This, too,
is
the book, for the sake of
which many a per-
secuted believer has forsaken his native land and taken up

his dwelling in the wilderness
most valuable treasure, and
at
bringing
it
with him as his
death bequeathing
posterity as the richest bequest in his
power
to
make.
it
to his
From
THE BIDLE ABOVE ALL
now
this source, millions
in
and purest consolation
est
heaven have derived the strongand scarcely can we
on a single passage in
attention
PRICE.
this
our
fix
wonderful book, which
has not afforded comfort or instruction
thousands, and
to
been wet with tears of penitential sorrow or grateful joy
drawn from eyes
that will
weep no more.
There
is
proba-
bly not an individual in this Christian land, some of whose
more
ancestors did not, while on earth, prize this volume
than
and breathe
life,
all their
duced
many
descendants, to the latest generation, might be in-
to
prize
it
in a similar
have sealed their belief of

ing to shed
in
it
to the stake,
this
its
to
been confined
effects
volume, which
less
Thousands,
triumph over
have participated largely in
alds of Chi'istianity
No
manner.
is at
its
them
led
Na-
to individuals.
Armed
with
shield, the first her-
conquering and
forth
it
tortures.
its benefits.
once sword and
went
too,
truth with their blood, rejoic-
its
defence of a book, which, while
enabled them
Nor have
tions
fervent prayers to heaven, that
to
conquer.
powerful than the wonder-working rod of Moses,
its
touch crumbled into dust the temples of paganism, and overthrew, as in a moment, the immense fabric of superstition
and idolatry which had been
volume alone
it
is
for ages erecting.
owing, that
we
To
this
do not assemble on our
appointed days to offer our worship in the temple of an idol

that stocks
and stones
our
are. not
deities
that cruelty, in-
temperance, and impurity do not constitute our religion
and
that our children are not burnt, as sacrifices at the shrine
of Moloch.
To
this
volume we are
reformation in the days of Luther

vival and progress of learning
and
also indebted for the

for the
for
consequent
re-
our present freedom
from papal tyranny.
Nor
are these benefits, great as they are,
all
which
it
THE BIBLE ABOVE ALL
PRICE.
Wherever
has been the means of conferring on man.
comes,
which
age,
blessings
diffuses itself,
betrays
it
fluence
vail
is felt,
in
follow
and
is
apparently
course by
its
it
Like the stream,
train.
its
among
lost
the herb-
Wherever
its effects.
its
in-
temperance, industry, and contentment pre-
natural and moral evils are banished, or mitigated
and churches, hospitals, and asylums
for almost
every spe-
and cheer
cies of wretchedness arise, to adorn the landscape,
Such are
the eye of benevolence.
which even
infidelity itself, if
would
it
for
Almost coeval with the sun,
fittest
its
once be candid,
bestowed on man.
that the Bible has
must acknowledge
that luminary,
the temporal benefits,
emblem,
from the commencement of
it
has, like
existence,
its
shed an unceasing flood of light on a benighted and wretch-
Who,
ed world.
then,
can doubt that He, who formed the
sun, gave the Bible to be " a light unto our feet, and a
to
our path ?"
Who,
that contemplates this fountain,
lamp
still full
and overflowing, notwithstanding the millions that have drunk

of
its
waters, can doubt that
connection with that river of

right
hand of God
Thus
man
far
composition
life,
which flows
for
ever at the
we have
;
has a real, though invisible
it
considered the Bible as merely a hu-
though, as was unavoidable, some rays
of divinity have, from time to time, burst through the cloud

in
which we vainly attempted
this
view thus valuable and
shall
we
to
describe the importance
AS A REVELATION FROM
GoD
eternal
day
there, if
That
it is
to prove, but shall take
VOL.
11.
it
it.
it
But
if
it
be in
what language
assumes,
when viewed
as the book which has guided
millions of immortal beings to
must guide us
shroud
interesting, in
heaven
as the book
which
we
ever reach those mansions of
so,
we
for
shall not at present attempt
granted
!0^'-
and proceed, without
THE BIBLE ABOVE ALL
10
delay, on the supposition
our readers believe, with the
tliat
apostle, that " all Scripture is given
Viewed
in this light,
PRICE.
what
by
finite
inspiration of
God."
mind can estimate
its
worth, or describe the attention and reverence with which
The
ought
to
tence,
which they believed, though without foundation,
be regarded
have descended from heaven
and veneration
for this gift,
and
to
We, more
cent temple.
they caused
to
it
be engraven, in
favored, have not a sentence only,
but a volume, which really descended from heaven
which, whether
Author
we
consider
its
contents or
and
Author, ought
its
engraven on the heart of every child of Adam.
to be indelibly
the
is
Author of our being
afford us information of the
and
its
contents
most satisfactory and important
kind, on subjects of infinite consequence, respecting

all
to
evince their gratitude
of gold, on the front of their most sacred and magnifi-
letters
Its
it
ancient Greeks had one sen-
which
other books are either silent, or speak only doubtfully
and unauthoritatively.
It
informs us, with the greatest
clearness and precision, of every thing necessary, either to
our present or future happiness

Avhich
its
of every thing, in fact,
Author knows, the knowledge of which would be
really useful to us
and thus confers those benefits which
the tempter falsely pretended would result from eating the
forbidden fruit
making us
as gods,
knowing good and
In the fabulous records of pagan antiquity
endowed with
mirror,
it,
its
properties so rare, that
possessor could discover
to see,
however remote
sons and
Such a
things above,
do
we
evil.
read of a
by looking
into
any object which he wished
and discover with equal ease perbelow, behind, and
mirror, but infinitely
titious glass,
we
before him.
more valuable than
really possess in the Bible.
ploying this mirror in a proper manner,
we may
this fic-
By em-
discern ob-
THE BIBLE ABOVE ALL

and events,
jects
past, present,
and
PRICE.
to
Here we may
come.
contemplate the all-infolding circle of the
and behold a most perfect
JJ
Him, whom no mortal
portrait of
eye hath seen, drawn by his own unerring hand.
we may
into the deepest recesses of eternity,
We may
exertion
first
see heaven, the habita-
and glory, " dark with the excessive
tion of his holiness
brightness" of his presence
and
hell, the prison
of his jus-
with no other light than that which the fiery billows of
tice,
his
Piercing
behold Him,
existing independent and alone, previous to the
of his creating energy.
Mind,
Eternal
cast, " pale
wrath
and dreadful," serving only
to ren-
der " darkness visible."
Here,
we
we may
too,
witness the birth of the world which
inhabit; stand, as
it
grow up from infancy
to
of
its
We may
Creator.
were, by
its
cradle;
see light, at his
summons,
islands and
continents
verdure and
fertility,
appear, not, as now, clothed with
but sterile and naked as the sands
Again he speaks, and the landscape appears,
of Arabia.
summer, and autumn,
uniting the various beauties of spring,
and extending farther than the eye can reach.

not even the
hum
of the insect
of deatli pervades creation
from every grove
and the
from the carpet at his

filled
with
Here,
life
too,
of our race
mighty
starting
Controlled by His word, the waters subside, and
a shore.
it
and discovering the world of waters without
into existence,
silent
and s6e
manhood, under the forming hand
and
feet,
till,
we may
in
an
heard
Still, all is
the stillness
instant, songs burst
eyes
startled spectator, raising his
sees the air, the earth,
and the
sea,
thousand various forms.
activity, in a
contemplate the origin and infancy
trace from
river, of
is
its
source to
which we compose a
arating into two great branches
its
termination that
part,
and see
it
sep.
one of which flows back
THE BIBLE ABOVE ALL
X2
and
in a circle,
PRICE.
whence
loses itself in the fountain
it
arose
while the other rushes on impetuously in an opposite direction,
and precipitates
In this glass
we may
which has no bottom.
itself into a gulf,
also discover the fountain
those torrents of vice and wretchedness
earth
whence flow
which deluge the
trace the glorious plan of Divine Providence, run-
ning, like a stream of lightning, through the dark and stormy
cloud of sublunary events
and see
light
and order break-
ing in upon the mighty chaos of crimes, revolutions, wars,
and convulsions, which have ever distracted the world

which,
to a
ever appear to produce no beneficial
each other without order, and

Here,
too,
we may
to
all their
contemplate ourselves in every con-
which we are walking
what we
are,
Above
derful
all,
scheme
see our hearts laid
secret recesses displayed
map, the paths which lead

in
to
;
and what we
we may
for the
but to succeed
effect,
happen without design.
ceivable situation and point of view

open, and
and
person unacquainted with the Scriptures, must
heaven and
trace, as
to hell
on a
ascertain
and learn what we have been,

shall be hereafter.
here see displayed to view that won-
redemption of self-destroyed man, into
which "angels desire
to
and without which the
look;"
knowledge of God, and of ourselves, would serve only

plunge us in the depths of despair.
whom we
We
may
to
behold Him,
had previously seen creating the world, lying, as
a helpless infant, in the manger, expiring in agonies on the

cross,
and imprisoned in the tomb.
ing, ascending to heaven, sitting
We
down "
may
see
him
at the right
ris-
hand
of the throne of the Majesty on high," and there swaying

the sceptre of universal empire, and ever living to
intercession for his people.
Finally,
we may
see
make
him com-
ing in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory, to
THE BIBLE ABOVE ALL
We may
judge the world.
rising from their graves
PRICE.
]3
command,
see the dead, at his
standing in awful silence and sus-
pense before his tribunal
and successively advancing,
receive from his lips the sentence,
which
will confer on
to
each
of them an eternal weight of glory, or consign them for ever
mansions of despair.
to the
Such are
Who
is
will
such as
from God
deny
such the information which they
that this information is important
we might
man
With
afford.
or that
it
naturally expect to find in a revelation
Equally important
of
and objects which the Scriptures
the scenes
place before us
the present and future happiness
to
are the precepts which the Scriptures inculcate.
the greatest clearness and precision, and with an au-
which no other book can pretend, they teach us
thority to
our duty with respect
That
selves.
to
spiritual
God, our fellow-creatures, and our-
kingdom, whose laws they promul-
gate, consists in " righteousness,
Holy Ghost
;"
and peace, and joy
in the
and were these laws universally obeyed,
nothing but righteousness, peace, and holy joy would be
found on earth.
Should any one deny
them
it
attentively,
perusing
this, after
would prove nothing but the weakness
of his understanding, or the depravity of his heart.
They
require us to regard
God with
low-creatures with fraternal affection.

to "
be
just, ruling in the fear
of
God
filial,
They
and our
;" and subjects to " lead
quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and
They require the husband
fel-
require rulers
honesty."
" to love the wife even as himself;"
and the wife "to reverence her husband."
They
require
parents to educate their children " in the nurture and admonition of the
their parents.
Lord ;" and children
They
to love, honor,
and obey
require masters to treat their servants
THE BIBLE ABOVE ALL
14
with kindness
industry
and servants
They
faithful.
require of
PRICE.
be submissive, diligent, and
to
temperance, contentment, and
all,
and stigmatize, as worse than an
him who
infidel,
neglects to provide for the necessities of his family.
They
provide for the speedy termination of animosities
and dissensions, by requiring us

enemies whenever we pray
reparation to
to
all
whom we
and pray
to forgive,
for ourselves
and
for
our
make
to
have injured, before we presume
appear with our offering in the presence of God.
In a
word, they teach us, " that denying ungodliness, and worldly
lusts,
we
should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this
present world
looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious
appearing of the
God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ."
gi'eat
These duties they require us
to
perform with constancy and
perseverance, on penalty of incurring the everlasting displeasure of our Creator, and
its
dreadful consequences.
In addition to these instructions and precepts, the Scriptures furnish us the most instructive examples
examples,
which most plainly and convincingly teach us both what
we must
shun, and what
we
of every path which leads
On
are to pursue.
where immortal souls have been wrecked

to
danger
and
in the path of life,
and
infallible guides,
and point us
to the
to
approach
they place
who
it ;
many
salt, to
warn
while at the gate
divinely-instructed
lead the way, beckon us to follow,
happy mansions
Knowing how powerfully we

ample of those with
entrance
they show us some
self-destroyed wretch, standing, like a pillar of
succeeding travellers not
every rock,
at the
whom we
in
which
it
ends.
are influenced
associate,
it
by
the ex-
introduces us to
the society of the most amiable and excellent of our species
makes us
perfectly acquainted with their characters and
pursuits
admits us
into,
not only their closet, but their
THE BIBLE ABOVE ALL

hearts
PRICE.
25
unveils to us their secret springs of action
and
shows us the hidden source whence they derived wisdom

and strength
come
subdue
to
By
the world.
this
volume,
Noah share the hospitality,

Abraham ascend the mount of God
;
secret devotions of
David
with the
at
any
in the
ark
with Moses
unite in the
or listen to the eloquent and im-
Him, who spake
spirits
sit
or witness the faith of
passioned address of St. Paul. Nay, more

verse with
we may
Eden with Adam
time walk in the garden of
with
and over-
their sinful propensities,
opening
as never
made
of the just
and happiness of heaven
man
we may here
spake
perfect in the
con-
participate
employments
and enjoy sweet communion
through his Son Jesus Christ.
with the Father of our
spirits,
Such
which the Scriptures introduce us
is
the society to
such the examples which they present

quiring us to follow them "
promises;"
inherit the
Redeemer
Nor
tions,
and
to
who through
walk
to
to
our imitation
faith
re-
and patience
in the steps of our divine
be " followers of God, as dear children."
does this precious volume contain merely instruc-
and threatenings.
precepts, examples,
It
contains
also "'strong consolation ;'' consolation, suited to every possible variety
and complication of human wretchedness
of sufficient efficacy
and
render the soul, not only resigned,
to
but joyful, in the lowest depths of adversity

quil, but triumphant, in the
not only tran-
very jaws of death.
It is
the
appointed vehicle by which the Spirit of God, the promised

Comfijrter,
communicates not only
consolations to the soul.
It is, if I
his instructions, but his
may
so express
it,
body, which he has assumed, in order to converse with
and he
lives
and speaks
be "quick," or living,
" are
spirit,
in
every
line.
"and powerful."
and they are
life
Hence it
Hence
the
men
is
said to
its
words
;" the living, life-giving words
THE BIBLE ABOVE ALL
IQ
The
of the living God.

the blessings which
otent
It
consolation
offers,
it
PRICE.
which
it
imparts,
and
are such as nothing but omnip-
Goodness can bestow.

finds us guilty,
and freely
us pardon.
offers
It find
us
polluted with innumerable defilements, and offers us moral

purity.
It
It
finds
weak and
finds us
us wretched,
and
enslaved, and offers us liberty.

offers
dead, and offers everlasting
hope, and without
God
life.
in the
happiness.
world "
finds us
It
us " having no
It finds
with nothing
before
us but " a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery

indignation," and places glory and honor, and immortality,
full in
our view
and while
urges us
it
to
pursue them, by
the exercise of faith in the Redeemer, and " patient continu-
ance in well-doing,"
pursuit,
encourages and animates us in the
it
by the most condescending
offers
of assistance, and
by " exceedingly great and precious promises;" promises

signed by the immutable God, and sealed with the blood of
his eternal
cient to
Son
promises which, one would think, are
render indolence active, and timidity bold.
ing pleasures
durable riches
able mansions
immortal honors
an unfading crown
an everlasting kingdom
suffi-
Unfail-
imperish-
an immovable throne
an eternal weight of glory
perfect,
uninterrupted, never-ending, perpetually increasing felicity,

in the full fruition of
God, are the rewards which these
promises assure to
penitent believers.
we
all
attempt to describe these rewards
But
for "
in vain
do
eye hath not
seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of
man, the things which God hath prepared
for
them
that
love him."
Such are
the circumstances
teresting as a
human
precepts, and promises,
which render the Bible
composition
which
it
in-
such the instructions,
communicates, as a revela-
THE BIBLE ABOVE ALL

tion
from God.
which would
Destroy
inhabit
do,-
its
absence
its
volume, as the enemies of
this
profoundly ignorant of our Creator
we
from
result
happiness have vainly endeavored to
world which
27
In proportion also to the importance of
contents, are the evils
or loss.
TRICE.
human
and you render us
of the formation of the
of the origin and pi-ogenitors of
our race; of our present duty and future destination; and

consign us through
life to
Destroy
conjecture.
this
the dominion of fancy, doubt, and
volume, and you rob us of the
consolatory expectation, excited by
its
predictions,
the
tliat
stormy cloud, which has so long hung over a suffering world,

will at length be scattered,
tion shall
no more
and a brighter day succeed

hour
forbid us to hope that the
is
approaching,
you
when " na-
up sword against nation," and
lift
right-
eousness, peace, and holy joy shall universally prevail, and
allow us to anticipate nothing but a constant succession of
wars, revolutions, crimes, and miseries, terminating only
with the end of time.
Destroy
this
volume, and you de-
prive us, at a single blow, of religion, with
all
and prospects which
hopes,
consolations,
the animating
leave us nothing but the liberty of choosing

alternative
!)
between the cheerless gloom of
the monstrous shadows of paganism.
and you unpeople heaven ;

wretched posterity of
his fatal sting
our bodies
bury hope
consign
bg,r for
Adam
all
Destroy
ever
its
and
affords,
it
(miserable
infidelity
this
and
volume,
doors against the
restore to the king of terrors
same grave which receives
in the
who have
died before us, to eternal
sleep or endless misery, and allow us to expect nothing at

death, but a similar fate.
and you take from us
In a word, destroy this volume,
at once,
every thing which prevents
existence from becoming of all curses the greatest.
out the sun, dry up the ocean, take
VOL.
[I.
41
You
blot
away the atmosphere
of
THE BIBLE ABOVE ALL
jg
the moral world, and degrade
he
may
man
Who,
would not earnestly wish
then,
came
own enemy
his
Who
satisfy all but the wilfully incredulous
all
it is, is
studied, as such,
and put, without delay,
Were
sion of
into the
by
to
say, that they are
that they ought
who
all
hands of
all
possess
who do
iiot to
them
not
were a stranger
if
he neglected
to
feelings of
to the
communicate
?
And
if
humanity require him
What
their use ?
to
spend whole nights,
possible excuse, thenj
when
us the means of doing
an expense
it
at so trifling
are destitute
Will
it
be said, that none are destitute of the
that they are, therefore,
it
be said, that few or none of our fellow-citizens
it
Admitting
for
for
the press affords
own
sacred volume but in consequence of their
however,
it
can we assign
neglecting to distribute this treasure,
Will
he
use of the press, would not the com-
as did a wealtliy merchant in the East, in transcribing
which
any individual, would you not consider him as the
as soon as possible to his fellow-creatures
mon
view
in this
this inestimable treasure in tire exclusive posses-
most malevolent of beings,

it
when
sufficient to
Who,
prepared
books the most important
be prized and
can be so
as to refuse to believe them,
they come attended with evidence more than
of them, imperfect as
the
believe
to
him unattended with
to
evidence of their Divine origin
sufficient
not of
from which
to a situation,
look up with envy to ''the brutes that perish."
Scriptures, even though they
much
PRICE.
this to
it
is
unworthy
to receive
be the case, which in
not, is this
becomes us
an excuse
to assign ?
many
rule in the distribution of his favors
had
would ever have been favored with
and
gift ?
them
adopted such a
he bestowed the
who among
it
instances,
for neglecting
Had God
Bible on none but the deserving,
fault
such a
ourselves
THE BIBLE ABOVE ALL

Will
it
19
be said, that the other wants of the poor are so
numerous and
supply of
PRICE.
pressing, that nothing can be spared for the
this ?
But what other want can be
so pressing,
so deserving of immediate attention, as that of the Bible
In what other
way can
we, at an equal expense, do so
to alleviate the miseries,
eternal, but
and promote,
much
will not say the
even the temporal happiness of the poor, as by
which contains such a mass
putting into their hands a book
of the most valuable and important information

so eminently calculated to render
quently, happier in
all
them
the relations of
which
is
better, and, conse-
life
which teaches
them, " in whatever state they are, therewith
to
be content,"
and
to
Him, " who
to look for the relief
hears the young ravens
of their necessities
when they cry
;" and to
whom they
will never look in vain, while they take this precious vol-
ume for their guide.

Were they experimentally
this
the
acquainted with the worth of
volume, they would themselves

first,
feel the
want of it
they would cry, but " a famine of the word of Go:l."
your
wealtli,
ble, to
will
enjoy your possessions
smooth the path of
the language of the pious poor.
the poor
render
it still
more necessary
Let us then bind
its
Keep
give us but the Bi-
but living, and dying,
Such, were
it
Such
not for
would be the language of
all
and who will deny that their vices and ignorance

that they should be put in im-
mediate possession of the Bible
treasure
though we should perish with hunger.
their vices or their ignorance,
be
and the bed of death, and we
envy none of your possessions
will bless you,

is
life
to
Send us any famine,
the most pressing of wants.
study
it
it
to
our hearts, as our most valuable
with that attention and reverence which
character demands, and submit implicitly
to its decisions,
THE BIBLE ABOVE ALL
2Q
as to " the lively oracles of
PRICE.
Thus we
God."
shall be im-
pressed with a conviction far more strong and abiding than

that " all Scripture
any external evidence can produce,

given by inspiration of God, and
for reproof, for correction,
that the
unto
own
ist
all
is
profitable for doctrine,
and instruction in righteousness
God may be
good works." Thus
man
is
of
perfect, thoroughly furnished

shall
we
be enabled, by our
experience, to feel and adopt the language of the Psalm"
The law
of the Lord
Lord
the testimony of the
converting the soul
is perfect,
is
sure,
making wise
the simple.
The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart the
commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine
:
gold
over,
sweeter also than honey or the honey-comb.
by them
them there
is
is
thy servant warned
great reward."
I love the volumes of thy
word
What light and joy these leaves afford

To souls benighted and distress'd
Thy precepts guide my doubtful way,
Thy fear forbids my feet to stray
Thy promise leads my heart to rest
From the discov'ries
The perfect rules of
of thy law
life I draw
These are my study and delight
Not honey so invites the taste,
Nor
gold, that has
tlie
Appears so pleasing
furnace pass'd,
to the sight.
Thy threat'nings wake my slmnb'ring

And warn me where my danger lies
eyes,
But 'tis thy blessed Gospel, Lord,

That makes my guilty conscience clean,
Converts
And
my
soul,
subdues
More-
and in keeping of
my
sin.
gives a free, but large reward.
Jo.
72.
SIXTEEN
SHORT SERMONS
I.
What
is
own
man
soul
Matt. 16
How
profited, if
Or what
?
:
he shall gain the whole world, and lose his
shall a
man
give in exchange for his soul
little
attention does this infinitely important subject
gain in the world
How
few consider the salvation of their
precious souls as the great business of
life
reading these lines, did you ever consider

lay
it
26.
to heart,
You who
it ?
are
Did you ever
and are you acting accordingly
If this is
the case, the following language will express your heartfelt
soul
convictions
must
"
have a soul as well as a body.
live for ever in happiness or misery.
capa-
my
body.
ble of pain or pleasure inconceivably greater than

It is
am
a matter of comparatively
importance whether
am
to
continue in the present world
respected or despised by
body
is
my
;
fellow-mortals
sickly or healthy, painful or at ease.
matters of small consequence
death
is
during the
in abject poverty or the greatest affluence,
few years
am
my
little
My
It is
whether I
whether
These are
certain,
is
near.
must soon be pronounced

In a dying moment, if I could call
over my lifeless body.
the whole world my own, what good would it do me ? What
But whether my soul is to be
comfort could it afford me ?
41*
VOL. II.
'
Ashes
to ashes,
and dust
to dust,'
SIXTEEN SHORT SERMONS.
companion of angels and

doomed to
weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth, with devils and
damned spirits in hell, where the worm never dieth, and
happy or
eternally
saints
made
where the
misei'able
the
perfect around the throne of God, or
never will be quenched
fire
tous inquiry
ought
to
To
make.
momen-
this is the
escape from the wrath to
come, and secure an inheritance among the saints

ought
my
to be
my
most in
what
may
If
Am
shall
But when did

saved?'
Is
so
it
thoughts, this or the next
anxious about
eat,
great concern.
not often inquiring,
drink, or wherewithal shall
seriously inquire,
'
in light,
Which world is
What am I most
What
what
shall I
be clothed
shall
do
to
be
have no prevailing concern about my soul,

my state is bad, and its danger awfully
be certain
great."
II.
Sin
is
the transgression of the law.
Sinner, did you ever inquire what
John, 3
sin is ?
4.
Did you ever
study the word of God, that you might have proper views of
this greatest of all evils ?
quiry, your state
Look
at stake.
to
is
If
you have never made the
Your
bad, dreadfully bad.
seriously into the text.
God, and say, "Lord, give
me
Lift
in-
salvation is
up your heart
proper views of sin."
"Sin is the transgression of the law." What law? The

law of the most holy God. Where is this law to be found?
Did I ever read
It is contained in the ten commandments.
them with
a trembling heart and a faltering voice, asking,
Have
Did
ever consider that the law
transgressed this or that part of God's holy law
as well as
law
by word or deed
is spiritual,
reaching
tentions of the heart
gression of the law
that
Did
be broken by thought,
I
ever reflect that the
to the thoughts,
purposes, and in-
every irregular thought -is a trans-
that every unholy desire
" for every idle word that

in the
may
men
is sin
that
speak, they must give account
day of judgment," Matt. 12
36
that awful day.
SIXTEEN SHORT SERMONt?.
when
how many
shall
judge the secrets of our
thoughts have passed through

mind, without the proper conviction attending each of
hearts
my
God
the heart-searching
Alas,
them, that this
sin
is
idle
See Gen. 6
How many
5.
idle
words have I every day spoken, without reflecting, that for

every one of these I must give an account
Matt. 12 36.
When did the evil of my thoughts and words extort an anx!
ious cry from
my
heart, "
God be merciful to me
If sin be the transgression of the
law
that
is,
a sinner ?"
if falling short
of the perfection which the law requires, in thought, word,

or deed, be sin, as well as doing that which the law forbids
how much have
answer for, that perhaps I never before

have often confessed, "We have done
what we ought not to have done, and have left undone what
we ought to have done, and there is no health in us." Alas
to
Yet
thought of?
my lips what I
my conscience, O Lord, now
have mocked God, by confessing with
not feel in
my
awakened
to feel
Let
heart.
what
sin
do
be
is.
Ill
All have sinned, and
come
short of the glory of God.
" All," and therefore you,
We
my dear
Rom. 3
23.
reader, and myself.
that is, we have broken God's law

for
none righteous, no, not one." Rom. 3 10. There
is none that has kept the law of God.
We have transgressed
every precept of his moral law, either in act, word, or evil
*'
have sinned
there
desire.
is
The charge
is
heavy, but the verdict
us consider the case, earnestly entreating God
Take
is
true.
to
Let
enlighten
commandments into your hand,

first commandment, by
" Thou
trusting in and loving other things more than God.
shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart."
Matt. 22
The second respects the
37.
In this we have come short.
manner in which God is to be worshipped, not with outward
form and ceremony, but in spirit and in truth.
Alas, how
deficient have we been in that serious attention, that inward
our minds.
and read.
We
the ten
have broken the
and that devout affection which his worship

God is a jealous God. You say you have never
been guilty of profane cursing and swearing, and so think
you have kept the third ; but have you never in prayer,
reverence,
required
and in reading the sacred Scriptures, suffered the holy name

God to pass through your lips without an awful sense of
of
what you were doing, or even without thought ? " God will
him guiltless that taketh his name in vain," Have
you always employed the whole Sabbath in those religious
exercises which the fourth commandment enjoins ; and performed those exercises in such a devout manner, that the
not hold
law has nothing

deed
to
charge you with,
in thought,
Need
guilty.
go through the second table
love thy neighbor as thyself
been guilty of disobedience
to
That every
desire
is
is
Know you
murder
adultery
Matt. 5
Matt. 5
28.
secret fraud and neglect of affording that succor
poor which
to the
all men
Have you never
your parents
not that every rising of causeless anger
That every unchaste
Dost thou
Hast thou done unto
as thou wouldst they should do unto thee
22.
word, or
Sinner, lay your hand upon your mouth, and plead
is
in
uncharitable thought
is
your power,
is
theft?
That every
a breach of the ninth, and every cov-
etous wish a transgression of the tenth
commandment ? Sure-
which the law forbids, and

law commands. What have I
ly all have sinned, in doing that
doing that which
in not
then done
What
have
my state ?
is
not
tlie
and what have
felt it till
not done
state of sinfulness
now
Because
All have sinned.
and misery.
Why
my
sin hath blinded
eyes against the light of truth.
IV.
Cursed
is
every one that continaeth not in

the
book of the law
What means that

of
sin
God
is
to
all
do them.
things that are written in
Gal. 3:
awful word, " Cursed
10.
The
curse
the declaration of his just anger and wrath against
and the sinner.
Who
can stand
in his sight, if
he
is
angry
Every
Psalm 76 7. But who is cursed ?

young or old, rich or poor, learned or
wliether
continueth not, throughout the whole period of
any intermission,
in thought,
failure, or defect
all
things,
word, and deed, doing perfectly what the law
law condemns,
to
without
life,
whatever, in
requires, and keeping himself absolutely free
km
one,
ignorant, that
do them
from what the
in all things that are written in the book
the law being understood in
its
of the
and
spiritual
And remember
most exalted sense and interpretation.
that
whosoever shall keep

the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of
all.
Now consider, has there been a day, an hour, a moit
further said,
is
ment,
The
in
James 2
10, that
which your state has been such as the law requires ?

is pronounced on every transgressor for every
curse
transgression
and such
not only for profaneness, murder, adultery,
like gross acts of sin
but for every sinful thought,
every moment in which you have failed to love the

Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
O how many curses, then, has the law denounced against
and
for
you and me
our lives
things so
What
is
has been revealing the wrath of
It
against us every
moment of our
lives
for
we have been sinning against God.

Can you from Scripture prove them
every sinner cursed
perpetually sinning
all
for
my life ?
from a sincere regard

thought, word, or action
Is
it
sin,
Are these
to
true that
been
have never,
never performed one duty, or ab-
stained from one sin, from a right motive, love to
my
be false
and have
God, made conscience of one
to
;
every
God
every moment of
God
Has
been one uninterrupted course of evil ? Is

How astonishing
iny state, then, a state of condemnation ?
What a proof of the darkness of my mind and the
it is
whole
life
liardness of
my
the curse of
heart, that
God
that I
can
can
trembling, since the curse of

tent sinner into hell
live
lie
one hour
down
at
ease under
or rise up without
God must plunge
the impeni-
V.
The wages
Sin
is
of sin
is
Rom. 6 23.
death.
the transgression of the law, 1 John, 3
4, that
eternal rule of right to rational beings, the moral law of
God.
It is
sin, all sin,
every
sin, that is
Death, whatever that word means,
here spoken
of.
the just and certain
is
reward of every sin committed in thought, word, or deed.

But what is death ? The death of the body is its separation
from the soul. You are a sinner ; and this effect of sin you
have begun to feel in all those pains and sicknesses which
are bringing your body to the grave.
You are now a dying
man. The death of the body, or its separation from the
soul, will occasion its return to the dust from which it
was taken. But death in the text means vastly more the
:
What
death of the soul.
more dreadful than
is
that ?
It is
something as
that of the body, as the soul
value than the body.
much
of more
is
the separation of the soul from
It is
it becomes a state of
and first or last, a state of self-tormenting
anguish, arising from the forfeiture of the friendship of God,
God, as
with
and happiness: hence,
its life
unavoidable
all its
sin,
Spiritual death, or the death
attendant blessings.
of the soul, consists not in the loss of consciousness or
feel-
image and favor of God. For in

his favor is life, Psalm 30 5
and in his frown is death.
If you, my dear fellow-sinner, are not made alive by God's
converting grace, this is your state.
You are dead in trespasses and sins ; and unless you are quickened by God's
Spirit, communicated to you before your departure hence,
for the
in this unhappy state you must for ever continue
ing, but in the loss of the
death spoken of in the text,

following clause.
And
is
opposed
oh, if the
death be misery, even in this present
of every
must
it
man
testifies, if
be in the world to
read of a
worm
that
to eternal
effect of this
life
never
Ah
dies, to
the
spiritual
as the experience
he will own the truth
come
life in
then what
who can
tell ?
We
prey on the tormented

conscience
of fire that never can be quenched, to destroy
both body and soul in hell
gnashing of teeth
and
all
of weeping, and wailing, and
But
this is to last for ever.
is
there not a disproportion between the offence and punish-
ment
Let God be
the wages, the just
binds him to
fly
He says
true, and every man a liar.
reward of sin, is death. God's truth
threalenings, as well as his promises.
fulfil his
from the wrath
dwell with devouring
come
to
everlasting burnings ?"
for "
who among
Who among
fire ?
Isaiah 33
us can
us can dwell with
14.
VI.
What must
This
and who painfully
under
mean
30.
awakened
he
Alas
and insensible of their danger
sin
a sinner, and as such,
is
curse of God, and in danger of hell
tlie
By
sinner.
man who knows what
men
all
;
fire.
Are
are naturally
and so they continue
they are roused out of their carnal slumbers by the word
till
and
Spirit of
when
there
peace
to
is
the
after day,
thoughts
They cry peace, peace, to themselves,

for God hath said, " There is no
wicked." Isa. 48:22. They live on, day
God.
no peace
',
keeping death, judgment, and eternity, out of their
never reading
know what
their state
vou can
live
Bible with a sincere desire to
God be merciful
without earnest prayer
habitually neglecting
alienated from the
in you, as if
tlie
and never praying
is,
bottom of their hearts, "

If
the
feels that
you an awakened sinner

asleep,
Acts 16
the anxious inquiry of an
is
an awakened sinner,
is,
do to be saved
it,
life
you give as
of
you were
to
full
God through
God from the

me a sinner."
to
to
God
for
mercy,
proof that you are
the ignorance that
is
living in the grossest immoralities.
But when it pleases God to fasten conviction on the heart of

a man, and to awaken his conscience, then he starts up as
He sees, what he never discovered beone out of sleep.
fore, that
it
is
an evil and bitter thing
to sin
against God.
He
reads in the word of truth, that the wicked shall be
turned into
hell,
and
all
God; and
the nations that forget
trembles as he reads.
Psalm 9:17. He acknowledges,
" I have forgotten God and sinned against him ;" and being
convinced that the wages of sin

earnest
saved
when he makes
He
world with
all its
insipid
cannot give ease
it
formal,
is
now
begins
to
pray.
the real language of his heart, not the
unmeaning service
danger drives him
God he now
aching heart,
to his
He now
nor heal his wounded conscience.
His prayer
The
becomes
pleasures, profits, and honors,

;
shall
feels that his all for eternity is at stake.
and
tasteless
the
How
death, he asks.
is
Such a man is deeply in

inquiry, What must I do to be
escape the damnation of hell
to the
was
it
before.
sense of his
The word
throne of grace.
reads as the decision of eternal truth
of
and he
reads it as having an interest in every line. Sinner, has this

inquiry ever been yours, " What must I do to be saved ?"
VII.
Mark
Repent ye, and believe the Gospel.
These
to
It is
the
work of
15.
But what
God upon
the Spirit of
producing such an inward sense of the

as
are the words of our blessed Saviour, addressed
poor guilty sinners like you and me.
ance
makes a man wonder
that he
man
tred of sin as causes a
is
and
evil
out of hell
to forsake
apprehension of the consequences of
it
sin, as
is
repent-
the heart,
guilt of sin,
such a haand such an

;
makes a man
willing to be saved wholly and solely through what Jesus

Christ has done and suffered for lost souls.
sinner
is
himself, as a sinner,
is
liable to the
must be pardoned or punished
his salvation
prepared
must be
to
all
welcome
of grace.
the
wrath of God
that he can
for the least of his transgressions
is
The
convinced that sin deserves punishment
penitent
;
that he
that siu'
make no amends
and consequently, that

The man thus humbled,
news of a Saviour who came

seek and
to
Such
save that which was
to
The sum
world
into the
Matt. 18
lost.
11.
glad tidings to a lost, guilty world.

and substance of it is this, that " Christ Jesus came
the Gospel.
is
j)
to
It is
save sinners."
to
make
in
one Saviour, " he
satisfaction for their sins
He
died
and being God and
man
Tim.
1
:
15.
able to save to the uttermost all that
is
come unto God by him." Heb. 7 25. His blood being

the blood of God incarnate, Acts 20 28, was infinitely
meritorious ; and it was shed for this very purpose, to take
away sin so that if your sins, poor self-condemned sinner,
are more in number than the hairs of your head, or the
:
sand on the sea-shore
they are great and aggravated, and
if
red like scarlet, yet there

Christ cleanseth"
1
John,
get the comfort of

the
"
hope.
is
The
virtue to cleanse
But how am
7.
hath
I to
become
word of God says about Jesus
Christ,
am
sin."
Yes, "
this is
and
what
and his willing-
But may
sumption believe that Jesus Christ came

I
all
interested in this,
" Believe the Gospel :" rely on
it ?
ness and power to save sinners.
wretch as
blood of Jesus
" from
without pre-
to
save such a
God's commandment, that
ye believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ." 1 John,

There can be no presumption in doing what God
3 23.
has commanded, and taking God at his word.
:
VIII.
This
a faithful saying, and worthy of
is
Christ
1
Tim.
came
1
This
made
is
world
into the
all
the
sum
of the Gospel.
the world, and
all
is,
fire and brimstone.

manifest in the flesh :"
But,
with
VOL.
If.
am
chief.
To save
was born
sinners.
them upon the
Col 1
is
16
God
;
he
but
we
and rebelled against him.
all into hell,
for
Jesus Christ
that therein
might justly have cast us
purpose
whom
15.
his creatures broke his laws,
dying
acceptation, that Jesus^
to save sinners, of
"
God was
For what
did he save them ?
By
wondrous love
into the woi-ld.
How
cross, " bearing their sins in his
ii
He
the lake that burneth
own
10
body upon the tree," and washing them from their sins in
his own blood.
Did I ever consider this wonderful love of
God ? I am a sinner, born in sin, and as such liable to eter" Jesus Christ
nal punishment.
sinners," even such as I am.
him
treated
sinner
me
save
to
Do
I feel
Do
me,
Alas,
into the
I
world
am
save
a miserable
And am
it ?
to
ever earnestly en-
believe that
and lament
it,
that unless Christ saves
ever
came
Have
sensible,
must be a damned soul
how many never go
to
Jesus Christ
to
for
save
them
How many are careless and unconcerned about
what Jesus Christ has done for sinners
But do I lay it to
heart ?
Are all my hopes built upon this faithful saying,
that " Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners ?"
O what a comfortable saying it is, that though I am a sinner,
!
the chief of sinners, yet
tential sense of
and
my
him
trust in
may
committed, and the hell
be saved from the sins
have deserved,
wickedness,
O may
the
have
under a peni-
if,
look up to Jesus Christ,
Holy
Spirit enable
me
thus
Oh, what should I, a poor, wi-etched,

How
if there were no Jesus to save me ?
unto Jesus.
to look
helpless sinner do,
Surely, the
I welcome such glad tidings
message is " worthy of all acceptation," and ought to be received by all, since all have sinned, and stand in need of
and since all who feel their lost estate may
being saved
come to HIM who is able to save them. O Lord, the Holy
eagerly should
Ghost, enable
me
to believe to the
saving of
my
soul.
IX.
Him
that
How
lost
cometh
me,
to
I will in
no wise cast
tenderly compassionate
sinners
How
is
out.
John 6: 37.
the dear friend of poor
anxious does he appear
to
remove every
way
of the inquiring soul, that is made

willing to be saved on Gospel terms, " by grace through
objection out of the
faith !"
Eph. 2
8.
Lest such should be discouraged,
how
graciously does he describe their character and feelings,
SHOUT SERJIONS.
!SlXTEEi\
inviting them, with all the eloquence of Godlike piety, to
Hear
come unto him!

imto me,
all
his words. Matt. 11
28
"Come
ye that labor and are heavy laden, and
Are you weary of
give you rest."
the bondage of Satan and the world
Are you heavy laden
with guilt on your conscience, and fear in your heart
open arms
hold, the loving Saviour stands with
you
will
the slavery of sin, and
Be-
receive
to
and these are the gracious words which proceed out
of his mouth: "Come unto me, and I will give you rest."
" He is faithful that hath promised, and cannot deceive you."
Heb. 10 23. " He will not alter the thing that is gone out
:
to
him.
Make
Psalm 89: 34.
of his lips."
He is able
to save,
and he
is
come
the experiment;
willing to save
where-
you doubt ?
But you say, " I am a great sinner." Be it known unto
you, that Jesus Christ is an Almighty Saviour.
You say
further, " I have continued long in open rebellion against
him ; I have been many years sinning against him with a
fore should
Be
high hand."
mercy, nor
is
it
you are not out of
so;
your case
of the great Physician.
Do you
of no
common
of sinners
you
the
is
word of
1 John, 1
all sin."
still
object, "
am
7.
the righteousness of God,
sufficient to justify the
The
and power
am
a sinner
Even unto
blood of Jesus
28, and therefore " cleanseth
The righteousness of Jesus

Rom. 3 23, and therefore is
most ungodly.
Do
not despair
thus saith thy Saviour, the lover of thy poor

that
chief."
this salvation sent.
the blood of God, Acts 20
from
is
is
kind
the reach of
too desperate for the skill
lost soul,
"
for
Him
He makes
I will in no wise cast out."
being " not willing that any should perish,
Cometh unto me,
no exceptions
but that
all
should
come
to
repentance."
2 Pel. 3
9.
But you say, " Must I not mend my heart and reform my
life before I venture to approach him ?" If you wait till you
have effected this in your own strength, you will after all
This he must do for you and this he will
die in your sins.
;
effectually do for you,
when you come
to his cross, confess-
12
ing your sins, and trusting in his blood as your atonennent.
You must come

to
to
him
you
just as
are, a poor, vile sinner,
be washed in his blood, to be clothed in his righteousness,
sanctified
you
by
his Spirit, and
freely, " without
money and
Luke 15
he
2, that
so
ready
to
give
He
may
1,
even
professedly receiveth sin-
save them
and has solemnly
declared, hi7n that cometh unto me, be the person
he may, / will in no wise cast
do
and that
without price," Isa. 55
pardon, holiness, and heaven

ners,
is
Why
for his glory.
fitted
what he
object to receive
who
or what
out.
X.
Being
by
justified
faith,
we have peace
with God, through our Lord

Rom. 5:1.
Jesus Christ.
" There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked !" Isa.

48 22. An unpardoned sinner can have no peace with
While his conscience is unawakened, he may be
God.
but as soon as his eyes are opened,
careless and secure
and his heart is made to feel, he must be miserable, till God
:
speaks peace
To
his guilty soul.
to
be justified,
is to
be
pardoned and accepted of God. Pardon and acceptance are

only to be obtained by faith in Jesus Christ, as having atoned
for sin
by
When
his precious blood.
lieve that Jesus Christ hath taken
nothing more
my
to distress
The
with God.
distress of
it
given
is
away my
me
to be-
sins, there is
conscience ; then I have peace

an awakened soul arises from a
As
guilty conscience, and a sense of his sins.
soon there-
fore as the poor, trembling sinner discovers, that Christ died

for
such as he
is
chief of sinners
that Christ, being God,
that this
Him
that he hath said, "

cast out,"
this,
John 6
37
was
that
trust
God
for
able to save the
cometh
to
me,
will in
and
no wise
as soon as the poor sinner believes
he hath peace with God
he can
is
his errand into the world,
he can call God his Father;
every thing
he can think of death with
comfort, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Sinner
is
SIXTEEN' tJlIOKT S5ERMOXS.
your
this
Do you know
state ?
without an interest in Christ
God
13
that there is
no salvation
that there is no peace with
? that unless your sins be

must be unhappy, and your death the
but through Jesus Christ
pardoned, your
life
entrance of eternal misery
am
If I
looking unto Jesus as
the only Saviour, and in self-despair have fled to

refuge, then
God
is
me
no longer angry with
which are many, are forgiven

if I die to-night, I shall
go
to
my person is
accepted
O, happy
God.
him
my
for
sins,
and
have
state, to
life or death
to have God for our Father,
Redeemer, the Holy Ghost for our Comforter,
death our friend, heaven our home, and a happy eternity
before us of peace and joy
Sinner, is this thy case ?
nothing to fear in
Christ for our
XI.
Unto you which
The
Apostle
is
believe,
He
precious.
Pet. 2
7.
speaking of Jesus Christ, the dear dying
friend of poor lost sinners,
pity on ourselves
is
and died
who
us when we had no
when otherwise we must
pitied
for us
into hell.
Now, if you believe this, that your
would have damned you if Christ had not taken them on
himself; and that you must have been cursed for ever, if
Christ had not been made a curse for you if you feel in
your hearts a humble assurance of pardon purchased by his
have been cast

sins
blood
and
if
you can consider him
50,
"Go
in peace, thy sins are
you in
woman, Luke 7
as saying to
Gospel, what he said to the poor sinful
the
48,
forgiven;" then Christ
is
you love him above all things. You love

;
to think of him, you love to hear of him, you love to talk of
him whatever he has commanded, you desire to do and
what he has forbidden, you will not willingly do, to gain the
whole world. You are now become a new creature. You
cannot live as you once lived. You are born again.
Old
things are passed away, and all things are become new.
2 Cor. 5: 17. The things which you once hated, such as
precious to you
VOL.
II.
42*'
14
now
prayer, praise, hearing and reading God's word, you
and the things you once loved, such as vain, sinful

conversation, and trifling amusements, you now hate. You
cannot now go to bed at night without thanking your pre-
love
cious and adorable Jesus for the mercies of the day
nor
without committing yourself to his protection for the night,
and trusting your soul in his hands, that if you die before
morning, he may receive you unto himself: and when you
rise in the morning, you cannot go out into the world about
your lawful business, without begging him to keep you from

the snares of the world and the temptations of Satan. Your
one object is to please your beloved Saviour, and above all
you
things
you
glory of God."
strains
You
fear to offend him.
you
eat or drink, or whatever
you,"
Cor. 10
2 Cor. 5
do,
"
31.
desire, that "
you may do
The
whether
all
ô the
love of Christ con-
14.
XII.
Follow holiness, without which no
of
God is a holy God

God is a holy Spirit
are holy angels

people.
assure
Am
me
that
and
man
Christ
all
a holy Saviour
is
a holy place
14.
the Spirit
the angels
God's redeemed people are a holy
a holy person
I
is
heaven
Heb. 12:
sliallsee the Lord.
If I
am
shall not, cannot, see
a separation of heart from sin
to
God.
not, the Scriptures
God.
It
is
Holiness
is
not mei'e de-
cency of conduct ; there may be external morality where

there is no holiness, though there can be no holiness without
If you are a holy person, you not only abstain
morality.
whatfrom sin, but you really hate it. You hate all sin
ever is not consistent with the will of God, you hate and ab;
hor.
Your abhorrence
is
turned against yourself on account
of your remaining sinfulness.
You
not only discover sin in
your life, but in your heart. If you are a sanctified person,

you make conscience not only of your actions and word.s,
You not only desire to appear good
but of your thoughts.
15
in the eyes of the world, but to approve yourself to
You
searcheth the heart.
mind and
will of
Holiness
God.
Is this the
in short, the love of
is,
Remember
the motixie to all holy obedience
word of God then
the
Now, no man
can enter heaven till he is made holy. Do you believe

And is it the prayer of your heart, " Lord, sanctify
wholly, soul, body, and spirit ?"
begun
the good
work
in
your
If
heart,
be-
and the gloiy of God
proposed as the end of our conversation.
is
in the
This love becomes
us.
rule of the whole conduct
that
Lord.
the
God shed abroad
Holy Ghost given unto
heart by the
comes the
case
Without holiness no man shall see
written,
is
it
God who
seek an inward conformity to the
be, the
it
it ?
me
Lord hath
and he will perfect
may
unto the day of Jesus Christ, that you
it
be presented
holy and unblamable before him in love.
XIII.
Looking
for that blessed hope,
God and
This
the
is
and the glorious appearing of the great
Titus 2
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
happy
13.
privilege of the believer in Jesus, to
be looking for the second appearance of his Lord.
has promised that he will come again
Rev. 22
quickly."
20.
He
2.
The
believer
is
come
has declared that his coming
will be sudden, like that of " a thief in the night."
Jesus
that he will "
man who
is
expecting
Thess.
waiting
it,
for it, and preparing to welcome it.

He knows that though
" the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his
mighty angels,
that
know
Jesus Christ
tion
in flaming fire taking
vengeance on them
Lord
not God, and obey not the Gospel of our

;
who shall
be punished with everlasting destruc-
from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his
that another end of his coming is, that he may

" be glorified in his saints, and admired in all them that be-
power;" yet
lieve."
2 Thess.
blessed hope.
He
7-10.
Therefore he looks
has peace with
for that
God through Jesus
Christ.
SIXTEEN SHORT, SERMONS.
16
Guilt, the cause of fear,
the
Judge
is
He
comfortable expectation.
not his rest
feels that his present state is
feels that sin yet
fore longs for the
stroy
coming of
The hope he
it.
taken out of his
sin is
conscience, and the love and power of
he painfully
out of his heart,
it
dwelleth in him
and there-
may
Christ, that he
has,
believes that
he looks forward with a
though the guilt of
for
He
taken away.
is
his friend, therefore
totally de-
a blessed hope, because the
is
things hoped for are inestimable in value, eternal in duration,
and certain
"
hope.
to the
We that are
man who
looks for
"do
groan, being burdened," 2 Cor. 5
tion,
and temptation
them
" of
in this tabernacle
4,
and
in faith
flesh
and blood,
with
sin, afflic-
but at the glorious appearing of our
Christ, " God shall wipe away all tears from

and
there shall be no more death, neither sorrow
;
nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain ; for the
former things are passed away." Rev. 21 4.
Lord Jesus
our eyes
XIV.
If ye then, being evil,
how much more

them
know how
shall
him ]
that ask
to give
good
gifts
unto your children,
your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to
Luke
11
13.
In these words, our gracious Father
who
is in
heaven
permits us to decide an important point by the conviction of

oujr
own
consciences.
He
appeals to our feelings as parents,
encourage our hope and enliven our confidence^

" If a son ask bread of any of you that is a father,
in order to
ver. 11
will he give
him a stone ?"
If a
am
hungry
father, saying,
" Father,
to eat ;"
would the
father, unless
bread
child
come
to
starving for want, give
me
he were worse than
mock him ? " Or if he

serpent ?
Or if he ask an
a brute, give his child a stone, to
ask a
fish, will
he give him a
Ceregg, will he give him a scorpion," to destroy him ?

" How much more, then, shall your heavenly
tainly not.
Father," whose affection for his poor sinful children
is
so

infinitely superior to
" give
I
Holy
tlie
am
yours
Spirit to
17
your bodies,
him ?"
want to know myself as
for tlie offspring of
them
tliat aslv
a poor ignorant sinner.
a sinner before God, and as exposed to his just indignation.

I
to know Jesus Christ as

know him is life eternal.
want
for to
1
Holy
this
for his comfort
be
my
I
God has promised
for that is the point
a poor, helpless sinner.
Yet
on the Son of God.
My
want
and salvation.
necessary
into all truth
Lord,
conscience
is
let
thy Holy Spirit
God has promised
his
peace of
sanctification of
my
my
have no heart
him
to believe
essential to salva-
is
distressed on account of
"know him and
to
faith in
my
sins.
power of his resurrection."

Holy Spirit, to work faith in the heart
the
of every humble supplicant.

to the
teacher.
am
tion.
poor soul
saving knowledge
poor ignorant sinner that feels
Spirit, to lead the
his ignorance
But
can only derive from divine teaching.
his
my
a Saviour to
Lord, help
me
to believe,
my heart,
of my soul,
conscience, the joy of

nature, the salvation
the
and
the eternal glory of thy name.
God
giveth his
Holy
Spirit to
them
that ask him.
can do no good, we can do nothing but

ourselves, without his special assistance.
want
And
it ?
sin,
We
and so destroy
Do you
feel
you
do want and absolute necessity drive you to
a throne of grace for this comprehensive blessing
ask as a hungry child asks his father for bread
Do you
Are you
your ignorance, so as earnestly to seek his divine

and of your helpless state, so as to ask help of
God ? " Ask, and ye shall receive ; seek, and ye sliall
find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."
Consider,
God cannot break his word. If you have asked without
receiving, it is because you did not ask in earnest.
You do
Ask of God to give you to feel your
not feel your want.
wants, and then he will supply them
ask him to teach you
sensible of
teaching
to
for
pray.
*'
Come
to
him as a
poor, ignorant, helpless child
Except ye be converted, and become as
little
children,
18
ye cannot enter
kingdom of heaven."
into the
Lord, give unto us this childlike
18:3.
Matt.
spirit.
XV.
It is
men once
appointed unto
to die,
Heb. 12
YoTT and
friends
and
and
after this the
judgment.
27.
We have
are dying men.
relatives laid in the
seen many of our

many as young as
live.
Some we have
grave
ourselves, and apparently as likely to
seen carried off by long and lingering diseases, and some
God only knows when

" We know
cut
down suddenly without warning.
we
are to follow them into the eternal world.
not the
It
may
We
must come.
but
we know
not
what madness
ance
row
to
how
near.
it
set at
can be
Now,
if
at
moment
of death
no great distance
these things are true,
to-mor-
we
neglect
" the gift of God," if
is
" Because
nought
it
and refuse
to-day,
to us,
times are in God's hand."
We are not certain of seeing
and as repentance
say
Our
are certain the
put off the necessary work of repent-
to
day
have stretched out
have
We
are certain
it is
to a future
ask for
may
"
day of our death."

be to-night.
my
all
to
hear his warning voice, he
have called, and ye refused ; I

hand, and no man regarded ; but ye
I
my
counsel, and would none of
my
your calamity, I will mock

when your fear cometh. When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind ; when
distress and anguish come upon you, then shall they call
upon me, but I will not answer ; they shall seek me early,
but they shall not find me for that they hated knowledge,
and did not choose the fear of the Lord." Prov. 1 24-29.
reproof;
I also will
laugh
at
After death comes the judgment.
We
must
all
stand
before the judgment-seat of Christ, to give account of the

things done in the body, whether
Who
must appear there
poor, without
All,
they be good or bad.
young and
distinction or exception.
old,
rich
You and
and
must
meet
But
there.
of what
Of
selves
of
all
for
what purpose
To
19
give an account
our secret thoughts, known only
all
to our-
our secret actions, which no eye saw but the
all-seeing eye of the omniscient Judge.
He
keeps a book of
which every evil thought, word, and work

is registered ; every one of which will be then brought forth,
to our eternal confusion, unless they are washed away in the
precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. We read. Rev. 6
16, that some, in that day, will call to the rocks and the
mountains, " Fall on us and hide us from the face of him
that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb."
God grant it may not be your case, or mine. But in order
to avoid this dreadful state, we must " seek the Lord while
he may be found, and call upon him while he is near; the
wicked must forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his
thoughts, and return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy
upon him, and to our God, and he will abundantly pardon."
This is the day of grace. But it will be too late to seek for
mercy when the day of judgment comes. If you die without an interest in Christ, it had been good for you if you had
never been born for it would be better to have had no existremembrance,
in
ence
at all,
than have a miserable existence in hell for ever.
This must be the portion of every unpardoned, unconverted

sinner.
God hath
said
it,
who cannot
lie.
XVL
How
A
tion,
shall
we
escape,
if
we
it
3.
SALVATION great indeed, beyond description or concepwisdom and love of God for my poor,
!
salvation procured
How
begotten Son of God.
How
Heb. 2
contrived by the
lost soul
to
neglect so great salvation?
deeply was
make such
fallen
by the death of
near was
it
God has no
are unconcerned about
it
the only
the brink of hell
How many and great my sins,

How dangerous must
a salvation necessary
be to neglect
I to
if
other Son to give.
you take no pains
to
If
you
secure
it;
20
you are unaffected with your danger and with the

you how can you escape ?
if
tion that is proposed to
You
impossible.
salvaIt
is
and therefore
reject the only Saviour,
commit the greatest sin you spurn God's free mercy in

Are you not shocked at such a thought ? Be assured that every careless sinner is guilty of this.
There is
no relief provided for those who finally reject Christ. " There
remaineth no more sacrifice for sin."
Their ruin is certain,
:
Christ.
Remember,
near, and will be eternal and intolerable.
is
this is the
accepted time, this the day of salvation.
2.
If
you
2 Cor.
you can never see the face

of God with comfort.
You must hear the Judge pronounce
your sentence, " Depart, ye cursed, into everlasting fire,
prepared for the devil and his angels." Matt. 25 41. God
forbid.
Once more I entreat you, my fellow-sinner, before
you close the book, stop and think. Nay, go upon your
knees, and pray to God to awaken your conscience, and give
you the knowledge of Christ. My poor prayers are offered
up for your salvation. I have no motive in putting this into
your hands but your eternal good. " O God, may this little
6
die without Christ,
book be productive of good

eternity.
Follow
it
to the reader's soul, in
with thy blessing, and
may
cious truths, therein set forth, be 'the savor of
and not of death unto death.'

Christ's sake.
Amen."
Grant
it,
life
time and
thy preunto
life
Lord, for Jesus

American Tract Society 2

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^.

AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETY,

NASSAU-STREET, NEW YORK.

Sin appears in Heaven.

43. Sleeping in Church,

Persuasive to Public Worship.

44. " Give

Daniel Dana, D. D.,

The Well-spent Day.

57. Duties to Relatives,

Gift for Mourners.

By Rev. Thos. Goodwin, D. D.,

Philip Doddridge, D. D.,

56. Blind Ellen,

Purifying the Heart.

64. Conversation with an Infidel,

amiable Youth falling short of Heaven,

dying Mother's Counsel to her only Son,

54. Conviction at the

and Rev. John Newton,

of Rev. John Cowper.

By Rev. John Townsend,

46. Subjects for Consideration,

39. Duties of Children,

Jas. Bennett, D. D.,

and Duties of the Christian Religion,

72. Sixteen short

69. Religion of the Closet.

By Rev. James Bean, A. M.,

MISS DINAH DOUDNEY,

parents are great bless-

and good children are a great comfort

The Lord gave the woman of Shunem a little boy

a good thing for a child

thought exceeded one thousand five hundred.

and some grow up

Dinah was nine years of age

Shunamite's child with a pain

woman, and went

best for her

heaven, and that God

and therefore she did not

what the Lord had done.

well with thee

well with the child

prophet Elisha in her distress.

prophet's servant asked her, Is

with thy husband

His mother was a godly

people, and die very

The Lord who gives us our

men and women

noon, and then died."

he had brought him

Miss Doudney was very

more than a year before her

She said one day

should die very soon.

her aunt, with

dying, and going to heaven.

should like him

and when he says,

say you will be grieved, though you need not.

have been thinking," said