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The letters which com- pose it were written to initruct one of their num- ber, the daughter of an highly valued friend. Since they are now made public, it is the ardent prayer of the Author, that they may comfort and edify many more. Ai revivals of Religion have become so frequent, and have embraced in their sanctifying influence 80 many youth of both sexes, these letters are giv- «n to the public, with the hope, that under Gun, they may stimulate such youth to activity in the cause of Christ ; and awaken a desire for those exalted spiritual attainments, which it is thtir object to recommend. The age in which we live, demands a high stand- ard of Christian character. Any thing which con- tributes to elevate it, must be useful. In presenting this little volume, the Author has no apologies to ofler. Not that he supposes it tree from defects, or impervious to the shafts of criticism ; but because, if it is calculated to be useful, apolo- gies are unnecessary ; if it is not, none, however laboured or eloquent, can atone for so grand and radical a defeot. 2 ^?T3 ESSAY ON THE NATURE OP VITAL PIETY ;— ITS SAME- NESS IN ALL AGES AND COUNTRIES— AND ITS VARIOUS ASPECTS IN DIFFERENT CIR- CUMSTANCES. TiwliO neglect it ; but this is a weak pretext, for such conformity always tends to confirm people in their carelessness. When they see professors at the theatre, or 'iguring in the ball-room, their eonclu- sion either is, that there is no reality m vital piety, or that these professors act inconsistently. The religious habits of some serious professors ol religion, are adapted to make a rery unfavorable impression on the minds of sensible men. 1 hey assume a demure and sanctimonious air, and speak in an afifectod and drawling tone ; often sighing, and lifting up their eyes, and giving audible utterance to their ejaculations. Now these persons may be, and I doubt not, often are truly pious; but the im- pression made on most minds, by this affectation ot religious solemnity, is, that they are hypocrites, who aim at being thought uncommonly devout. It appears to me, that religion never appears so lovely, as when she wears the dress of perfect simplicity. We ought not, indeed, to be ashamed of our rehgion before the world ; but it behoves us to be very care- ful, not to give to others an unfavourable opinion of serious? piety. The rule is, •' Let your light so shine that others seeing your good works may glo- rify your father, who is in heaven." '• Let not your good be evil spoken of." But the aspect and character of the piety of one age, may differ from that of another, inore from the peculiar circumstances in which Christians are placed, than from the prevalence of erroneous views or incorrect habits. In one age, vital piety seeks retirement, and runs in hidden channels. At such a time, the attention of Christians is turned chiefly on themselves. Much time is devoted to de'^otional exercises ; often whole days. The secret recesses of the heart are explored with diligence and rigour; iu-dwelliug sin is detected in its multiform appear- mjcei, and is mortified with invincible reiolution; m DR. ALEXANDER 3 \ the various means of personal growth in grace are sti'died, and used with persevering assiduity ; and much useful knowledge of the nature of the spirit- ual life in the soul is acquired. Cut while vital piety is thus carefully cultivated, and the attention is earnestly turned to the exercises of the heart, there may be very little display of active, enlarged bene- volence ; there may be few vigorous eiforts mado to meliorate the condition of the multitudes periah- ing in im. Under the influence of these defective views of the nature of religion, many pious per- sons, in the early ages of Christianity, withdrew entirely from the world, and lived in the wilder- ness ; Tprhic'-i mistake occasioned innumerable evils to the church, the eflects of which are not yet ob- literated. The spirit of piety among the Reformers, seems to have been pure and vigorous, but not as expan- sive as it might have been. They seem scarcely to have thought of the hundreds of millions of heathen in the world ; and of course, made no eirorts to ex- tend the knowledge of salvation to them. Indeed, they were so much occupied at home, in contending for the faith against the Romanists, that they had little time left for benevolent enterprises at a dis- tance ; but if that zeal which was worse than wast- ed in controversy with one another, had been direct- ed to the conversion of the heathen, their usefulness would have been far greater than it was. The Puritans also, although profoundly acquaint- ed with experimental religion, seemed to havo confined their attention too exclusively to them- selves. Their ministers were, it is true, silenced, and driven into corners and into exile, by nn un- grateful and tyrannical government ; but it seems wonderful to us, that when prevented from preach- ir.g the gospel to their own countrymen, they did not turn to the gentiles. But the era of missions I i ! INTRODUCTORY ESSAY 17 had not yet arrived, and probaWy they had but ■mall opportunity, in their persecuted state, of uni- ting theiJ counsels or combining their ene«'g»es m schemes of distant benevolence. One thing, how- ever, h now manifest, that the providence of God overruled the retirement and leisure of those godly ministers, who were ejected from their charges, so as to render their labours more useful to the church, than if they had been permitted to spend their lives in preaching the gospel ; for, when deprived of the liberty of Employing their tongues they betook themselves to their pens, «nd they have left to the church such a body of practical and casuistical theology, as all ages before or since, cannot equal. I have no doubt, that such men as Owen, Baxter Flavel, Bunyar, Goodwin, Manton, Howe, and Bates, have effected much more good by their practical writings, than they could possibly ha/o Sone by their preaching, supposing them to have been ever so successful. . But our lot is cast in a different age, and in a different state of the church. After a long slumber, the attention of Christians has been aroused to consider the perishing condition of the heathen. We live in a period when great designs are entei- tained, and plans foimed for the conversion of the whole world,— when one benevolent enterprise or institution follows another in rapid succession, un- til the Christian community begins to exhibit an entirely new aspect, from what it did withm our own remembrance. Christians have begun to teel, that by a combination of effort, they have power to £iccoraplish much. The public attention is kept awake by the frequent recurrence of public meet- ina& of an interesting kind, and by that more potent euKine, the wide circulation of religious periodi- cals, by which, interesting intelligence la conveyed to almost every corner of our oxtensivo country. <• I 18 DR. ALEXA.XDEft S llH The duty of Christiaas to be active is now incul- cated, in iilrnost every form ; tracts are multiplied ^ the SCI"'; turei are circulated ; the young and igno- rant are instructed, by new methods ; and many are found running to and fro to promote the propaga- tion of evangelical truth. Revivals of religion also are exerting a mighty influence on the cnurch. The number of serious Christians is vastly increased; and many youth are brought forward to a course of preparation for the gospel ministry. A spirit of liberality also is witnessed, unknown to our fathers t and the duty of consecrating to the Lord a rea- sonable proportion of all their increase, is beginning to be extensively felt among serious Christians. And such is the spirit of enterprise, that no under- taking appears too arduous, which has for its object the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom ; and such is the favour of heaven towards benevoler.t enterprises ir jur day, that scarcely one has failed of accomplishing some good ; and although tho schemes of benevolence are so various and so mul- tiplied, yet there has occurred no sensible interfer- ence of one another. As they all aim at the same object, so they are all viewed as parts of the same great system of operations. Now, in all these favourable appearances and benevolent exertions, every pious hearL nust and will rejoice. But is there no danger, that many who feel in- terested in the operations of the day, and contrib- ute to their advancement, should be mistaken as to their true spiritual condition ? When a powerful current takes a set, many will be carried along with it, which ever way it may run. And is there no danger that Christians themselves, while they seem to flourish in external profession, zeal and activity, may be decaying at the root, for want of sufficient attention to their own hearts, and to the duties of the closet? There is indeed much reason to fQ'Af 4- INTROnUCTORY ESSAY. Id \ that many professors now exist, who confine their religion too much to those external acts which may be performed from motives no higher than those which operate on unrenewed men. The danger now is, that the religion of the heart will be neg- lected, and that many will feel well suUsfied with themselves, on account of their activity and zeal, who are yet strangers to a work of grace. This being the point on which Christians of the present day are liable to err, it is a matter of congratulation, that some writers seem disposed to turn the atten- tion of the Christian public, to the importance of dihgence and punctuality in performing the duties of the closet. The following letters are well calcu- lated to produce this ellect. They were Icnvarde'l to me by an esteemed young clergyn.an, who is settled as a pastor in a distant and retired village. They were addressed, as the author has stated m his preface, to a young lady of highly respectable connexions, upon the occasion of her making a pub- lic profession of religion. The father of this young lady, who is distinguished for his benevolence and evangelical piety, was unwilling that the pious and judicious counsels and affectionate exhortations which they contain should be limited to an indivi- dual, since they are so well adapted to bo useful to Christians generally ; and especially to the young, placed in circumstances similar to those of the per- son to whom they were originally addressed. A request was, therefore, made for their publication. The author through modesty has withheld his name, but has requested mo to introduce them to the pub- lic with some preliminary essay of my own ; with which request I have here complied, believing that the letters of my young friend are seasonable, judi- cious, and pious, and that as they are written in an ornate and animated style, they will be extensively perused by the young. Princeton, N. /. A. ALEXANDER. >i ADVICE, &t'. \ "f LETTER I DEAR YOUNG FRIKND, You aro very young to profess the high character of ; ChrSran f but your youth, while it serves as a caution, should not operate as a ^'^f «»'-;fX'"^: Many nersous of fewer years, and with less advan ?lseJ, Lve not only given satisfactory evideace o conversion, but proved, in Bubsequent hfe, to Le ot that number whose " path «hineth more and more, "Itbt'o^'lou'twever, to look narrowly into th" evidences of such a change. A nnstake hero will prove fatal. The word of God and prayer, are the great means, which, if faithfully applied, w.l a due time, developo your true moral character, if you have been deieived, if yet in your s.ns these duties will ere long become irksome, and be loose y performed or utterly neglected. If y«« -:^%'^";" •e-euerated, you will not only persevere in these duC! but ;vill find that the), elicit more and more of your interest, until you arrive at a well-grounded hone of eternal felicity. , ,i • Taking for granted, that you do not make this profession on slight grounds, nor vvith m^^'-cq^a^e "J Lroneous views? my object, In a few letters wh ch I shall address to you. will be to urge you to the formation of an elevated Christian ^^h';-^^^^ ; . ^«^ profosa to have takou the Arst stop m the strait and 22 ADVICE TO A imiTovv way ; l,ut recollect, it is only the first stCD The couceutrated g.ze of many eyes is upon you' feojne would exult in your downfall-ethers rejoicL in your advancement. Invisible and wicked spirits niJ natch around your steps, and rejoice in your v.ctones. To sustain 2/o«r.eZ/, you have aheadi. been convinced ,s impossible. If you are regene- rated, you are not perfectly sanctified ; aor will you >e, until death shall be swallowed up in victory liut as Paul could do all thiugs, by the strem;th if his master, so can the weakest believer; and vou must ever feel that the same grace, which brought you out of nature's darkness," must enable you thoTn^cp"™^ ^""'' enemies, and "persevere unto As I have touched upon this point, 1 am forcibly ^mmded o. the beautiful dream of the Rev. lohn Newton, w-li.l^- lymg at anchor in the harbour of V enice, anrl wiibm sight of a part of the Alps. For the particulu 's, I refer you to his volumes. The substance is as fohows ;-- The anxietj- of mind which he endared in his waking hours, seemed to give a colouring to his night vision. Re felt himself in great perplexity and horror. While musing on the Iretcheiness o^f his condition, there appeared suddenly, aceles.il figure, who presented to him a ring, which she saiu'. If preserved With care, would, on every difficult oc- casion, resolve his doubts, and extricate him from AM . • r ^' was overjoyed i the reception of it. All his fears seemed to subside, and a heaver-iv se- renity to succeed. While ir tUh traE^juil and happy Iramo of mind, another pei-sonage, of less invitinff aspect, made his appearance, and after many flat- tering words and artful insinuations, prevailed on him to part vyith the ring. He deliberately dropped It over the suie of the vessel, and it sunk to the bV YOU.MG CHRISTIAN. 23 torn. The flames, in an awful mannc/. immediately burst from the mountain, and he seemed threatened M^ith instant destruction. At thisjmoment ot I)orror, his celestial friend again appeared, an ;, witn a frown of mingled love and reproof, upbraided lura for listening to the voice of tho tempter. She then descended into the water, and soon returned bear- ing the ring, and thus addressed him : " As thou art unable to keep this token, I will preserve it for thee, and it shall be secure for ever." I have only given you from memory an out-lr. - of this beautiful vision. Tho interpretation, which the author put upou it, is full of spiritual instruetion. If left for one moment to our own strength, how soordo w€ abandon the " ring," even at the hrst Buegostion of the tempter! Tbeo the soul is allnght- ed ana dismayed. But Jesu-, our guardian, is able to restore the " ring," and lest wo should lose it, he, in condescension to our infirmities, deigns to keep it. «' I will never lea»d thee, nor foraakc thee," is his iunguago. Thus, ray dear young frie^'d, entrust the " ring" to llim, who alone is able to preserve it. When tho tempter comes, whether in the artfu. guise of what lue world calls innocent pleasure, or the boid assaults of blasphemy and despair, look up- ward to Him who is charged with the care ot ail that is precious to the soul. Wait not until you arc overwhelmed by the consciousness of contracted guilt, but ilee— oh flee, as for your life, to Jesus . You cannot trust him too confidently. He will per- mit you to sit even at his feet. There is honour, there is safety, there is happiness. I conj:ratulate you, on the favorable circumstan- ces in which you are placed for *he formation of Christian Character. The work of divine grace m which you profess to be a participant, is, I under- stand, still in progress. Doubtless you find some congenial spirits with whom you can mingle feel- 24 ADVICE TO A ings, unite in mutual prayer, and converse oh tlis sweetest of all topics, the iove of your Lord and Master. Lot it be a principle with you, to select as your companions, the most heavenly-minded of your ses. If such can be found in the higher walks of life, very well ; be they your bosom friends; but, alas! how seldom, in the higher circles, does reli- gion, in its native simplicity and purity, appear ! You must seek it, I apprehend, in the low vale of obscurity, and often amid the homely attire of hon- est povoity. If you have the spirit of Christ, you will lovo his image, though arrayed in an humble garb. I know it has ever been the design of your parents, to make you estimate character, not by riches, nor fashionrd)le appearance, but by intrinsic moral worth ; and I am persuaded that you must now feel, that if Providence has given you advanta- ges of wealth and education, above the plainest rustic, it is a ground of humility, in as much as it lays you under the greater obligations. Where "much is given," oh, never forget ill "much will be required." On this principle, are you not bound to be humble, l/cnevolent, condescending? In closing this Ictttr, I must sny to ycu as I late- ly said to V youth in my parish, who is about mak- ing a public profession of her faith in Christ : " I hope you will not bo satisfied wiih being half a Christian." So, my young friend, I would exhort you to aim high. It is a day to elevate the standard of piety. Vv'c want more INcwcls, and Iluntingtons, llamsays, and Smelts. These were devoted souls. It was not half-way work with thom. Kcligion was " aliin all." Forthis ihey lived — they suffered — and, supported by its consolations, thoy died. They have loft a bright h-ack for you to follow. Tread cloudy in their steps ; and then, though you sharo in their sulToringii, you shall also inhorit, with them, the ''crown of glory." (*■'! ( TOUNG CniUSTlAN. LETTER II. Among tliG first temptations which you will pro- bably experience, will be an effort, on the part of your spiriiu'.l enemies, to seduce you back to the pleasures of the world. Sometimes it will be a di- rect and powerful attack. The ways of religion will bo represented as difficult, whilst those of world- ly pleasure Aviil he strewed with flowers. *' What," the tempter will exclaim, "shall one so yocng, so susceptible of enjoyment from all the varied delights of sense— one who has it in her power to command almost anv imaginable happiness— shall she put on the grave "aspect of piety, and thus debar herself from every innocent pleasure ? Look abroad, see thy young companions, how their hearts beat with rapture, as they float among the circles of beauty and o^" fashion. Why shouldst thou become a sober religionist, when thou art ripening for so much bliss?" In such false and flattering colours, will the tempter array the world. Knowing that vanity is one of tho strongest principles of our depraved na- ture, ho will constantlv and often successfully, appeal to it. His flatteries will respect your person, your accomplishments, your fortune, lie will suggest that with such advantages, tho world must pay you homage, and become a sort of perpetual paradise. , llnd you, my young friend, been one of pleasure 8 gay votaries, as I have been, iio could not, thus ad- dress you. I could say, from cr^perience— thou Gcducia?; spirit, what thou sayest i!3 false. Ilavo I not mingled in tho festival 1 Have I not courted pleasure in the brilliant asBembly, and the ciljwdcd 20 ADVICE TO A theatre, where beauty and wealth havo poured around their shiuiug and fascinating attractions ? And w'hatdid I ever gain ? A momentary rapture, I admit; an exhilaration of spirits, and a temporary oblivion of my cares. But this was all. And even these transitor' joys were not unalloyed. Jealousy, and ' nvy, ana hatred, and disappointment, would occasionally let fall the bitter drop, as the cup was passing to the lip ; and satiety, disgust, and self- loathing, would succeed. But conscience was more powerful than all. What restless hours of wakeful solicitude, what anticipated wrath, what vain reso- lutions, what unavailing regrets I And shall tho tempter tell me, that the pleasures of the world are worthy to be preferred to the calm delight of com- munion with God, and the high enjoyments of reli- gion? "He was a har from the beginning," and when, my young Christian friend, he assaults yow with such suggestions, or when, through his emis- saries in human form, he would seduso you from your allegiance, recollect his character, resist his suggestions— and, according to the promise, " he will Ree from you." But it is far more probable, that his insinuations wdl be almost imperceptible. A direct and power- ful attack may throw a Christian on his face, and overwhelm him with agony ; but Judah's lion shall appear, and affright the bold adversary. It is when your spiritual enemies are making a gradual ad- vance on your purity and devotediioss, that they are most to be dreaded, as most likely to be successful. Now, you are, I trust, conscientious in the discharge of the duty of private devotion. You love to retire from hunpan observation, to commune with God. I would fain believe, that you are never so happy as when thus engaged ; that you have a consecrated spot, which you call your Bethel, where the soul daily drinks iu the waters of life. TflUNG CimiSTIArf. 27 Happy, dear youth, happy will you be, if that Bothel is always thua attractive and interesting. But the great danger is, that it will be neglected, and perhaps forsaken. You are r«ady to exclaim, •• impossible! I shall never cease to pray. I could sooner dispense with my daily food, than forego the privileges of a throne of grace." This is the lan- guage of sincerity, I doubt not. You verily think so ; but how little do you know the temptation* which surround you, and the deeeitfulness of your own heart ? You have much to fear. When called myself from nature's darkness, and made, as I hope, to taste the sweetness of redeem- ing love, I was of the same opinion. I had waked up in a now world. 'Twas as if the Creator had formed a new being, akin to the happy spirits in heaven, and dropped him on the earth, in the spring time of nature's magnificence and beauty. The foilage seemed greener and freshar than ever. The dew-drops glittered more brilliantly ; the sky looked purer ; and every thing seemed to shine and wave, in silent hut emphatic praise of God, their Creator. My soul beat in happy unison with these silent wor- shippers, and raethought I could never cease to sing and pray. My very L ing seemed to consist in it. But has it been so ever since ? Oh ye hours of an- guish, yo days of sensuality— ambition — and folly; ye can say how guilty, how careless, how ungrateful, I have been. Little did I then dream of loving and serving the world. I thought I could have spent an eternity of happiness, on some lonely rock in the ocean, if God were with mo there. 1 thought my soul would never forsake him, nor my voice ever be silent in his praise. But I knew not my own heart, nor the power of the world's allurements. Now do not 3Ut)pose, that because I and otliers have bfsen tempted to backslide, and have yielded to the tomi)tation, you must necssiarily follow our hi I 28 ADVICE TO A disgraceful defection. I hope yon never will. If yon are a chikl of God, you need not. You may go " from strength to strength." You may accom- plish victory after victory. God grant that you may I But, should you, by mournful experience, have to look upon yourself as a backslider, you will re- member this warning, and wish you had heeded it. Like the prodigal, you will be in spiritual beggary. I know of no condition, except that of hardened im- penitence, more pitiable than the condition of a backslider. Conscience is too quick to allow him to enjoy tho world ; and religion is too much neg- lected to yield him the smallest comfort. lie lives in disquietude., and anguish, until ho repents, and finds anew tho favour of his God. YOUNa CHRISTIAN su LETTER III. In my last, I touched upon the subject of temp- tation. I am constrained to add a few words moro on the Barae subject. It has been too common for those who have betrayed their Lord by a disgraceful return to the worhl, to predict the same defection in others. Hence you often hoar professors of re- ligion address the youthful convert in such language as the following : '' Your present ardour is no proof that it will continue ; now you are all joy, all devo- tion ; by and by the scene v,'ill be changed, I once felt as you now feel ; perhaps I enjoyed more extatic pleasure : but I soon lost the glow of my first love, and so will you. A few years will cool you down, and show you that such engagedncss cannot always last." When I hear such language addressed to the young Christian, I am indignant. It is not neces- sarily true ; my young friend, it is not true. The Bible, which is the only " lamp to our path," gives no warrant for such a prediction. True it repre- sents the cases of many who at first bade fair, but subsequently apostatized. It records the cases of such, as a Ilainiiig beacon, to warn those who should come after thorn, liut does it not represent the path of the just, as " the shining light, which shiucth more and more unto the perfect day ?" Does it not say, that he who hath clean hands, shall grow •'stronger and stronger?" Doc it not urge us to " grow' in grace," to " forgot the things which are behind," and " roach towards those which are be- fore?" to make Christ our mark, and press towards i 30 ADVICE TO A It, with all the euei-gv of an Olympic rncer, stru''- giiiig in competition for the goal / ° Now. I warn you not to listen to siuii cold prc- tlictioiis. They who nj;:ko them from their own experience, may have been hypocrites. They may have felt something, which tliey called spiritual joy • but perhaps it was " Satan transformed into an angel ot light :" perhaps it was the wc -kings of their own imagmations, and not the legitimate fruits of the spirit. Let them take heed to themselves, lest they have been deceived ; and not allure others on, in their down-hill course, by their disgraceful ex- ample. But suppose them to have been Christians ; and 1 allow that a Christian may grow cold, and backslide m the service of God ; is now such lan- guage warranted by the word of God ? Is it likely to urge forward the young convert in the path of holiness? Is it likely to raise the standard of piety in the souls of others ? No, far from it. Young convorts are prone to copy those who are older and more expeneaced. If they are persuaded that it is consistent with the existence of piety, to grow cold in feehng, they will probably vicld to tho seductions of the world, and the temptations of Satan, They will not press forward ; they will recede. They %vill take Ihe cold dead level of their predecessors. But, my young friend, be you warned by this, not to listen to suich language for a moment; nor to suppose it must bo true in your case. I do assure you, your Bible holds a dillerent language. As you value your comfort, your peace of mind, your im- mortal hopes, your character as a Christian, your influence as a follower of tho Lainb— press forward. Strive every day to make some new attainments in knovvledge and holiness. You are engaged in a conflict. You have put on the armour of (lod ; and, piit It ofTfor a moment you must not. Your ene- mies are numerous, vigilant, and powerful. You roTJNG CHRISTIAN. 31 must conteml every day : nor must you think of rest or relaxation. When death shall unbind for you the gospel armour, and you hear tho dark waves of Jordan lashing these mortal shores, then, and not till then, will your struggles be ended, and your victory complete. You have counted the cost ; do not shrink at the cross. Christ will be with you. Christ will support you. Under his banner you contend. His arm will shield you, and his grace bring you oft" moro than conqueror. I have digressed a little from the point at which I aimed. I wished to caution you particularly, con- cerning the first step in a backward course. The first step in tho retreat is an important on«. It is needful, therefore, to say, that generally, that step commences at the closet. Prayer is the strong hold to which the young Christian generally resorts. In doubts and difficulties, a throne of grace is his re- fuge. If the "devouring lion" roar, thither the lamb will flee, and house itself in the bosom of its shepherd. If the world entice, and for a moment soil his purity, thither he repairs, and the stain is washed out m the blood of Jesus. If tho path of duty be not obvious, if perpledty attend his course, at a throne of grace ther-) is light and direction. Hence it will be an important advantage to our enemies, if they can draw you from this palladium, this strong tower of defence. Keep alive, then, I beseech you, to the first symptom of declension in prayer. Prayer is a diflicult, often an arduous work ; but it ia the life and soul cf a Christian. It is not only his incumbent duty, but his most precious privilege. Now it will be the aim of the tempter, to with- draw you from being "instant in prayer." He knows what a powerful weapon it is ; and therefore, he will endeavour to wrest it out of your hands. He will represent it as an irksome duty. Ho will I •it 82 ADVICE TO A suggest that lower and shorter prayers will answer Ife will interpose obstacles between you and Tom: closet He will divert your attention%vhi?e there fn'ijl h'"'"^? you with your coldness and youi^ folly. He will say that your prayers are hypocd- tical— iDsmcere— an abomination to God. He will suggest, that now, you are not in a good framo— ThnfxJin '^ P"' '' '^ ""^'^ ^"°" ^'''^ '" « better. Thus will he try every art, and use everv raachina- C ".t'tT ^7 K T this refuge of "your soul. But, "get thee behind me, Satan," must be vour reply to all such suggestions. You must clin/clo- ser to the " horns of the altar." You must -bind the sacrifice 5vith cords," if you cannot keep it there. You must give yourself to prayer, and to the word oj Orod. Liko the vestals, you must live at cho YOUKa CHRISTIAN. as LETTER IV. I feel constrained, my young friend, to add some- thing more on the -'ibject of prayer. Thia duty, i*j ray view, is of such importance as to warrant a few more remarks; although I do not intend .enlarging, on a subject upon which so much, and such excel- lent things have been written. You were taught, by your pious parents, to utter a form of prayer, i.s soon as your infant mind could comprehend, and your infant tongue enunciate a sentence. In looking back upon these juvenile de- votions, you doubtless see wherein they were defici- ent. Your ideas of the Being to whom thoy were addressed, were confused and inadequate. You could not then comprehend the necessity of a Me- diator; for as yet you had not discovered the evil of sip, and the wrath of God, as revealed against it. You had too deep a sense of obligation, to neglect prayer entirely ; but of the real nature and efficacy of prayer, you had little conception. To your mind, prayer was a form of words to be repeated at stated intervals. When thus repeated, the obligation was discharged. This was probably all you knew about prayer. But shall parents omit to inc¥ilcate this duty on their children, because they cannot comprehend the nature of it ? Certainly not. How can they tell but that when they have taught the little prattler to compose himself to rest, with his familiar and sim- ple petitions, the Spiiit of God may enlighten the child into the spiritual import of his prayar, and make it a mean, of leading him to more enlarged petiiioas, oSoYcd up " in spirit and in ; truth." No il hi i;' mt u ADVICK TO A ZVnM?hr T^V"" -^u ^^^««tages of early imbuing tho youthful mmd with a .enso of its obligations tS first dJnr-Tr''""' ''J^"^'' commence^vith the hrst dawn of intellect; and sure I am, that in sub- sequent hfe, the subject of them wiirgenerali; be the better and the happier. ^ ^ P^^^*" ^""'t'-ate this, I will recur again to my own never to close my eyes without repeating my pray- th?;f..i"' I conscientiously adhered to, until aboit thirteen or fourteen years of age, when I began gradually to omit them. Whether I felt that tSv were too childish, or whether, as is most orobable, my conscience was becoming seared in ihe down- mil course of iniquity, I cannot now remember. But at an events, my prayers were no longer offered ; and I went to sleep and rose up like a bnite. With the omission of these prayers, commenced a retro- f hti n?"""^-^™*"^ 'J? T'""^'^ ""^'1 I '^'^^S over the abyst of rum, ripe for the judgments of God. And from the fatal slumbers of death ? As I was re- tirmgone mght, the recollection of my former punc- tilious attention to prayer, rushed upon my Liud. I paused. " What," said I to myself, - am I going to he down without one thought of God, or offering up one prayer for the safety of my soul ^ oo ^vhTn ?"'° 'T^' '"^ P?y"''^ ' ^"^ ^* ^ time too nhen 1 was far less guilty than now / Why Hif! J ''"^'i'^'' 't^'" '" ^""''S' Suppose 1 sliould die this night, where then would iy soul be ?" VVith such reflections I became impressed; and al- though r did not knee! that night, yet in a recumbent posture, I began again to repeat my juvenile devo- tions. I was nearly seventeen years of ace when 1 resumed them. I had almost forgotten them. A few days and nights rolled away, and convictions grew heavier on my soul. I thought a repetiticxi :o le )- >Q Q »f t 1 Y y YOUNG CHRrSTIAN. «© of these forms was not enough. My sou. began t« sink in the deep waters ; and a few more dayi brought me on my knees at the bed-side, with the prayer of tiie publican : *' God be merciful to mo a sinner.'" , Thus, my young friend, were my mother s early instriotions, among the means, under God, of rescuing me from ruin, temporal and eternal. Thus it is evident, that the sooner children are taught to pray, the better ; and no assiduity can be too great, to impress on thom the obligation and the necessity of prayer. Still I believe, that the Christian only, prays the acceptable prayer. TTntil the spirit of God convmce of sin, the soul will not see its odiousness, nor pray for its removal. The danger to which it is exposed here and hereafter, it may see ; and it may depre- cate the punishment to which it is subjected ; but it is only when the soul is renewed in the image of God, that " sin appears exceeding sinful," and that the effectual fervent prayer for sanctification is offered. - . . , . If you are a Christian, my young friend, the throne of grace is yours. Ycur Father is seated on it. Your Saviour has sprinkled it with his blood. The Holy Spirit draws you sweetly to kneel before it ; and the promise, when there, is, " open your mouth wide, and 1 will fill it." What an h- ir thus to approa«h ihe King of Kings ! Were we to have audience with an earthly monarch, we should deem it an era in our history, and boast of it through life. But you, and I, and others, may have audience with the King of the universe. Nay, we have liberty to approach Him at any time, and under all circum- stances. Have we wants, He can supply them. Are we in trouble, He can extricate uj. Do afflic- tions press our souls, He can mitigate and remove them. Does sin pollute our joys, with Him is the .1 36 ADVICE TO A fountain of cleansing. Do-s Satan vex our souls, He invites us to his arms as our refuge. All relief and every blessing is with God. Tliero is nothing which so elevates a character, and especially a female character, as deep and in- timate communion with God. She seems then to be allied to angelic nat'i.es. A sort of mellow radi- ance is poured into lior character, as if some parti- cles of heaven's glory had been let fall upon her. She moves in a higher sphere than the generality of her sex. She is another bein?]; than those idle, sickly danghters of pleasure, who waste their lives dreaming fanciful visions of happiness, sporting awhile amid life's tumultuous joys, and then sinking unblessed into a wretched eternity. She converses with God. At a throne of grace, she acquires a be- nevolence, a dignity, a humility, which throw around her an attractive lustre, put sweetness into every action and expression, make her contented in every condition of lire, patient under every alHiction, faithful in the discharge f every duty, and which even grace her dying hours, and make her " death- bed privileged beyond the common walks of life." J VoCNti CllHiSTlAN. a; i LETTER V. There are three itKiuirics, my yoiuig friend, res- pecting prayer, which every conscientious Christian will be likely to institute. How ought i lo pray, when, or at what times, and for what things ? These arc important inquiries. A full and satisfactory answer, I feel myself unable to give. I shall, in my desultory way, barely touch upon cac^j. Those who worship God, arc bounato his Bible to learn the character of God ; and, as there found, worships him in spirit and in truth. But can a guilty creature, who has violated every obligation he is under to his Creator, approach him without the intervention of a Mediator / I bring this question home to myself, and inquire, would I dare, as a suppliant, to approach my God and my Creator, in all my uncovered, aggravated gu'lt ? This, my young friend, is the hinge of salvatiou. The Socinian will tell me, certain you may. But my own conscience would give .. difterent ver- dict. I see nought in my life but sin ; sin of the most aggravated kind : I repeat these sins, and confess them ; and again repeat them. Now, I say, is God holy ? Is he opposed to sin ? Tiien must I fall under Ilis wrath and curse. Then how can 1 expect to escape His indignation ? He is merciful, says tho Socinian. True, ho is merciful ; but is not that mercy exercised in a peculiar wa> ? Is it in- discriminate, unconditional mercy ? Blust not some- thing be done to show God's abhorrence of my sins ? Must not some sacrifice bo made ? Now I am brought to the delightful, soul-cheering feature oi YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 39 the Gospel : - God in Christ, reconciling the word unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto "hem." " H; so loved the world, that he gave h.s onW begotten Son, that whosoever beheveth m linn should no: perish, but have everlasting life. •'He was wounded for cur transgressions. On this Toundation. my soul finds firm footing, ^^^ I .-est^^; cure in the promise of eternal life. Whosoever Cometh unto 'the Father, therefore must come through Christ ; and so coming, shall not be cast ^'"aII acceptable prayer, is rendered bo, by the merits and ntercession of the Divme Saviour. He U'ot merciful and faithful High Pr est His own blood was shed for the remission of our sms . ana the apostle says, '' if any «^«" f •\''thi'.'lditeous " vocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the)ighteou8 When TOU pray, therefore, never lose sight of tho Mediator " His name is like ointment poured f.r t.'' The sinner's friend, he pleads the smner's ause. He knows your infirmities, yo- ^^^d -"u ' and your trials, and is ever ready to attord you '' The doctrine of the Trinity is, I know, offensive to many, who are governed more by carnal rea.on, han b/ cripture ; 1>ut to me, if 1 am not deceuxd, it isoneofthe most comforting, cheermg, and el o- va^mg truths of the Bible. I see the Pe-^; «J„^^^; Godhead harmoniously engaged m »"y ^ej^^^^^^^: Tn nraver the Spirit seems to hft my lagging dliec il^rand to ear?y them upward, 1-"""^ »'g^^Ji^" the dark chambers of the m.nd. Jesus, tbo MetUa tor, plead* my cause, even when my own tongue i. dumb with gnef, and my soul overwhelmed with coTscio'i guilt. 'Then the throne ol grace is prec - ous, and the soul is replenished as with manow '1pU;those whose scepticism has blotted out the 40 ADVICE TO A glory of our Immanucl. Their religion is cold. It Avarlns not the heart ; it pacifies not the conscience; it prompts to few acts of self-denial ; it almost ob- literates the line between the righteous and the wicked ; and it makes retribution a farce. After all, it is only a substitute, and a very poor one, for the glorious Gospel of the Son of God. Having been inadvertently led, by the subject, to these remarks, I must now rctiru. In prayer, wj must 1)0 earnest — we must be sincere— we must have faith in the promises. The " fervent prayer availeth much." "Jacob wrestled ;" what a strong expression ! Jesus, in prayer, sweat drops of blood. Paid prayed with tears. Hannah wept at the altar. All those example , and numerous others, such as the widow pleading with the unjustjudge, show the necessity of earnestness in prayer. This I know is often dilliciilt. You will come to the mercy-seal, with a cold heart and wandering thoughts ; and how at such times can you be fervent? " The Spirit helpeth our infirmities," is the only reply I can offer. And this is euflicient. In such a frame of mind, there is the greater need of earnestness. Tany not until your thoughts take a more elevated and spiritual 'one. I have always found, that the best way of proceeding in such a case, was to apply immediately to a throne of grace. There wrestle ; renew the supplication, and still renew it; until, as is often the case, the fire of heaveu descends, and the sacrifice is enkindled. The Lord give you the spirit and the success of the patriarch Jacob. \ VIlU-VO IIIKIS'IIA^ 4t LETTER VI. rtttJid .0 ;':; ' a moo fo™, of wo.a., . not employed iu askmg f»;."""f''s™l conduct is an and unacceptable wo.-sh,ppo>s^ „frcopron on our- '■"t"" '" Such wo oTh: ^Sn a. »\>ich God, in :rti;J;tSed M,^^^^^^^ cSiril:uSin™«^h^ thfiv. he"! "f g'^lib'^'La T'havisces; fair and S'Sul^wUhoutrtaT within, ail .ottenncss and corruption. , ^ ^ ^ ^^c at tho .""Itt^ar lam aot'now about to approach n„ a«h"lv m^aTch, .1.0, thoudt sunount^d tv.t ul|o ^omp-and circumstance «YyaUy,.»hm a. om Lf the dust hke 7'f f • ^1\ ,;' „.Vor the whole ^j;i.;^^pi.l.'?'|;;^to^d.,.— ^ ings under Krm o? word.. I u.igl'l ^i^^^*- "'"^' iMHMiiiiliHliil ffi. i ' i( 4:1 ADVICE TO A thing and mean another. But can I thus practice deception with God ? Are not all things " naked, and opened unto the eyes of Him, with whom we have to do ?" Does not He search the Hearts of the children of men ? Will he be satisfied with any thing but " truth in the inward parts ?" "If I re- gard iniquity in my heart," says the sweet singer of Israel, " the Lord will not hear me." And again, in his bold and beautiful interrogatories : " Ho that formed the eye, shall He not see ? He that created the ear, shull he not hear ?" Let such be your meditation, when you are about to kneel at the throne of grace. Not that I would array the character of God in terrors to your mind, or send you to tremble like a slave at his feet. No, he is a God of love, of compassion, of long forbear- ance ; more beneficent and tender than the kindest earthly parent. You may go to Him, and you must so go, in the confiding simplicity of a child and a favourite. When you take to Him the name of Christ your Mediator, you take, so to speak, a pass- port into his ve;y bosom. You may unburden your whole heart ; tell him things which you could con- fide to no mortal ear ; make coiifession of sins, which you dare only whisper in your closet ; and iu the ingenuous frankness of faith and penitence, humbly cast yourself on his all-supporting arm. Ho is your covenant God ; and, when alone with Him, you may indulge even a holy famiUarity. 'Refleei on your own character, as well as on that of the Being whom you address; the thought of both will humble you in the dust, and prepare you, in your approach to the mercy-sea- , to appre- ciate the all-glorious, divine, and compassionate Mediator. Be careful to inquire into your wants. Say within yourself, why have I now retired? What errand have 1 at the throne? what sins to confess: what mercies to acknowledge, what wants >i YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 4a to be supplied r For wl,o™be.ido myself sh<,uM I ra^lVL'"™e°rr o rTr" n'r L:,- keep back dable J L.e. me nui v^ holiness, it 1 one confession. Le^ ^^^^.^fHin not resolved to if ,he,e be auy wicked way m me and lead^m^e.^^ the way ove'tetmg;' should eve by _^^^ ^^^^ and your P^""""-. ,^,'' ^°"Vto the heart-searching that yon can eve thus aPI^"' ;° V' " j ,„ foster the God. Nothing IS so well ,'=»''»'^'rj ,„\ay „ith .pirit of Jovotiou, as o b -a'.le'lj»j;a^^ Pfitpr "thou knowest , to luaivo «." e^^Ur, pv- pell although I cannot, by reason of -K'-^- ;^,, l^ress the number and »f f^^^ ;";^° h"^^,' and L- b Lord, " thou knowest, I f »«""°^ \,„yi, fail cerely desire their -™''J,f' » 'I thfu S^-west," my inexpressingmygrattudo,yet in ;^^ ,„ heart is full; aUhough I »»»°«.4'r,Vou k"""^"'" my feehngsm behalf of Z.on,>_t . j,^, ;„. --te^lVa'rnS^^^^^^^^^^^ pleading for itself, and for others^ ^ You will find, my yo"9\'''^"^'^'*'X?r prayers. ;rn preclude o,- cu. 'I"'' r/S'S unnoce?- sary. It m tnese aviaciv •^ ' • ,. prayers, mediately perceive an »f ^,^^':'y,,i^"hin" the%ray^ You will tind yourself, «^ •'"^*' ^.'^^^ sedalive to was over ; and nttemig «^;J^f^^'^V^'h,^„t your soul, conscience, than as the '^^^'^^''^^^^^^^^ .he al- You will then- indeed, come like a siavu r* ADVICK TO A tar ; and, having performed to conscience, as to aii unrelenting tyrant, the accustomed task, you -will be glad of a speedy relief. You may even find your- self, at times, uttering words and forms, of the meaning of \Thich, while your heart is wandering on forbidden objects, you arc totally unconscious. This is sinful in the extreme. May you never arrive at this melancholy pitch of insult, and of mockery ! Yield not, dear young friend, to the power of the tempter. Give him no advantage over you ; dis- pute every inch of ground ; instead of retreating, advance ; instead of relaxing, brace anew your nerves for the conflict. Take the whole armour of God. Look upward for grace and strength to wield it. March forward to the "wicket gate," and to the glory that lies beyond. Keep your eye steadily on the Captain of your salvation. Where His ban- ners wave, be you found, though it be in the thick- est of the fight; and soon, yes soon, your trials will be over; your victory will bo wo ; and you will have nought to do, but to lay aside your weapons^ p„ • r.;^^ fUQ ..-^♦o r^F ^toraal U'iumph. I! I YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 45 if LETTER VII. I„ n,y las,, I recommended earj^s.ne.saod ^.-^ promises. „ friend, insist Does not your Bible, /">>",«, u ^ho com- cJhtoGo.1, '' ^«"l^ ^^^^'^.^^^^^^^^ seek him?" the rowarder ot them that ^^'S^^ > ^f ^^e rest- Does it not compare to ^^^^.^ is offered without less wave, that prayer which l^ ««^7^j^^„t f^ith, f,i,h.7 And does ^ -t -e^^^ ^t vXt is meant it is ropossible to please "^"J '. , j ^^ ^ you say. by faith in the promises, ^tneotporate this faith in How f.f ^^^^^^^iSronynTs-;, my young i^il^'S^youuLw it; b'ut it is necessary, and !;v:ntdispe^^blo, th^ you ^ve ;^- ,,i„.eontident There is afloat a ^pumus an ^^^.^ feelinj;, that mistakes V^^'^^^l^]^^ are visit- sometimes appears in ^^^""^"/"^'fj^^y gpint. Ig- cd by thespecral '"^^"^[I^J^'i/^Lue Advantage of norant and proud o»thus,ast., taK b^^.^^ excited leeliup, ^^^ "^Z-^^^^^^^^-^^ «f ^''"^^• the servant ol •^.^^"Vunfn raying for a blessing. Some have declared, ^^'^ ; " ^^^> j ^^ granted, and wo had only ^o )cheve ha twoniao g .^^.^.^^^^^^ success was certain. ^' P';^^>"^^^,.^^i„ i^ our own ^" ^:i: 'tt'he iidivUH 1 w^ulcTbrconverted. and 46 ADVICE TO A evidence against their characters, and their opinions. When David prayed for the life of his child, though with deep humility and earnestness, it was not spared. When Paul thrice hesought the Lord for the removal of a grievous affliction, the prayer was heard, and answered on the soul ; hut not as he had expected, on the hody. The prayer of faith is never lost. It is invariably answered. But to assert that it will be answered in the particular way, or for the particular thing which we have expected, is both anti-scriptural and presumptuous. Here lies the error of these enthusiasts. One step farther would make them claim inspiration. When we come to the throne of grace, wo come, not to dictate, but to supplicate. God in his word, has given us a warrant to pray for all spiritual, and many temporal favours. In praying for the former, we may, and must, be importunate and persevering until death. In respect to the latter, we must he submissive; and ever add, if it will be for thy glory, and the interests of my soul. When you pray, therefore, for spiritual blessings, you know that yourprajer is according to the will of God. If it be sincere, and presented with an exclusive roic- reuce to the mediation of Christ, it will, it niust be answered. I do not say, that the very things you risk, and in the precise way and time in which you look for them, will be received. Not at all. r»ut still I say your prayer will be answered. We are short-sighted creatures. We often suppose that wo know what is best for us, aud would fain have, in our own hands, the management of our spiritual and temporal affairs. But, recoliect the " ring." It is not for us to keep it. It is in the hands of God. There only, is it safe. There, no foe can reach it, and no fears need bo entertained of its security. Recollect, then, that it is yours to believe. It is YOUNO CHIUSTIAN. 47 \ tr. Pvecute. Confidence in God'B God's to plan and to execute. .^ ^^^ ^^^^ veracity, and w^^dom, and gooune , .^ ^^^ ^^^ ingredient in this prayer f ^^'^^^-^ f ^^^ thing, O ness of your oo"^^^^"^?' J P^iven by Thee in a God. Althoug^. it may no be giveu^^ y ^ ^ manner, and at a t|"^«' ^^^^^^^ J, faithful to hear thy promise ; and 1 Know and answer Pjaye^- ^^-^.^ ^y own experience, Permit ""« ^^ n fl^ exi^Lnco. Knowing and I am not alone m this ^^V^^\^ ^^^^ ,^,^, that I was in a backs^f den ^tate, ^^.^^^^^^ for months there had ^^^^^ ^„^^'^^yself\o praye^^ between God and my sou > . £^« J"X ^ ^^^ Jepent- I entreated God ^o reclaim me,^og ^^J^^^^ ance, and a more ^"^^^^""f't^'at these were bles- body to his service. 1 ^ne^^ J^^; ^ju ^f God, and sings which were 'f ^^''^'^i ^„ ^U word, to answer I knew that he had P^"^^ ^^^i^i^^hrhope that I prnycn. .^-/-\lTTcovenant with hL, how entertained oi oemfe, »" «„awpi *he prayer for could I doubt that he wouW an.wei jhe J^ y^^^^ sau tification ^.1^"^^ J/" e^ of the Spirit on the would be by a di«-f,Vfhrsome favoured moment, heart. 1 expected that, '"J^^^^^^^^^a would send perhaps while V^!,Valrra^diarihe darkened mind, down a holy influence, *" ^^,7^^ ' g^rdid affections, . melt the l-^^^-^^lvj^^lV wanderer. This he and an-est ^I^^J^^-^ Je sometimes does in the S'of' otriefsTbut r^s not thus he answered my P^Xen that season of earne. su^^^^^ passed away, -^^raS^r^ 'rf^ -y mind ed me upon ''^ ^^^'f j" „ ^ with torturiug pams. with darkness, «»d "^7 ^ ^V alleviate, but the Every expedient ^vab '''jj\:^^ and darker. ^r^ttwrh^irwtin^Ua-ood. !«i m 4§ ADVICE TO A hand is pressed so heavily upon me? Look backf my soul, upon thy pride, thy worldly-mindcdncss, thy ambition, thy sensuality, thy neglect of duty. Do not these compose the cloud that envelopes thee ? are thev not the pains that rack thee ? Hast thou not forsaken "the fountain of living waters?" Then, like the prodigal's, my eyes were filled with penitential tears ; and I said, God is answering my prayer for humility, for spirituality, for meekness, for more entire devoteduess. Happy is that soul who can say : O Lord, sanc- tify me, if it be by fire. Sanctify me, even if it be through the deep' waters of ailliction. I cite this e iampleto show, that our prayers must be offered, and offered in confidence. But the way and the time of their being answered, it is not for us to dictate. We may take any promise in the word of God, and with the confidence of children go to Him, and say, our Father, iiast thou not said thus, and dost thou not say this to me ? Let me then remind thee, O thou covenant-keeping God, of these ample promises, and let me beseech thco to fulfil them all in thy servant; and in thine own way let them be verified in my complete salvation ! N, .t d YOUNG CHRISTIAN. -19 X LETTER Vm. It was not my intention to extend my remarks to 50 ereata length on the nature of prayer; but 1 ha/ebeen insensibly led along, by niy an.i.ty to impress upon your'mind the '^POJ^^^^^^^ f , ,t" iect. By personal experience, I have, 1 trust, feamecfil^value. I ^^ve been able to trace .^^^^^^^ spiritual declension to ihe closet. ^When the ene me of my soul have triumphed I eo«ld distinctly see that ray armour had not been furbished by nraver When the sweet serenity of conscious for- Knc^s a calm sense of Divine favour has depart- ed an jVe re Uess tumult of passion has succeeded the swcet%p.:it, I knew full well, had not, with ffirvpncv. been wooed to my bosom. ''Tsw'ell might ^e expect vegetat.on to spnog fiom the earth without the sunshme or the de», as le ChrUthn to unfold his graces, and ''dv^nco "^ his course, without patient, persevering, and ar- dent pmjer The throne of grace must be your homC'^yJur dearest, happiest home If unavo.da- hlv detained from your accstomed visits to the sl'eet r:.rea,, O, n/ay you feel, like the dove that flnttpi-ed anxiously around the ark, that, on eaiin, ?he is nought th^t is 3.ahle, on which to rest your weary foot. And, when you ugam find the con TecrStcd snot, »m your tears of joy, mmgle with hosHf ponilence^ a^ you throw yo"V-;^f ™- '"'» thP arms of your Fi ther and your F/iend. the promises ; so that ? have now glanced at the three important particulars, necessary in acceptable prayer. 50 ADVICE TO A The second inquiry, for what you should pray, needs, it appears to me, but little consideration, if you have been taught of the Spirit. The Apostlo says, "we know not what .ve should pray for as we ought," but " the Spirit helpeth our infirmities." It would not, therefore, become me, to enumerate the particulars which should form the subject mat- ter of your prayers. If the Holy Spirit has wrought in your soul a deep conviction of your depravity, you will wrestle with God for its removal. " Cre- ate in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." If you are suddenly betrayed into sin, and your conscience feel the heavy load, you will exclaim, •' O Lord, pardon mine iniquity, for it is great." If your heart be sluggish in duty, you will, of course, and from necessity, pray, *• quicken me, O Lord, ^nd I will run in the ways of thy commandments." If you love the kingdom of Chriiit, you will pray earnestly, and with faith, for its coming. If you feel for the perishing condi- tion of sinners, you will commend them, with tears, to the mercy of your God. But your prayers will not be thus general. If you ever, as I trust you will, become a noble and devoted Christian ; if you mean to put your feet in the warm tracks of a Newell or a Huntington, your prayers will often be protracted and particular. You will pray for blessings on your own soul, on you; parents, on your sisters, on your neighbour- hood, on the world. Your ardent mind, steeped in benevolence, will hold a familiar and holy inter- course with your father in heaven. Not an anxiety will you feel, but you will communicate it ; not a reasonable wish will you indulge, but you will ex- press it; not a known duty will you disoover, but you will pray for grace to perform it. To enter into further particulars, would bo unnecessary. The Christian has every day new sins to confess. f YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 51 new duties to peiforra, now temptations to encoun- ter ; requiring, of course, new modifications ot prayer and praise. But one subject, let me entreat you never to lor- eet. It is the rising glory of our Immanuel's king- dom. Say, with Uavid, or rather with those " aping captives who were mingling their tears with the waters of Babylon: "If I forget thee. O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning; if I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof «f ray mouth ; if I prefer not Jerusalem above rav chief iW." You live in a day of won- ders. Your being, perhajps, has opened in the millennial morn. It is possible you may live to see its full-orbed sp)«"'ours. O, then, in every prayer, remember Zion ; remember the heathen ^;no "t m the valley and shadow of spiritual death. Take an enlarged view of this subject; read the Fop^f®* which secure to our Redeemer the whole habitable globe ; peruse them until your soul is fired with the prospect. TL-n go to the mercy-seat, and plead for their fulfilment. Go, bear on your heart a sink- ing world. Let your whole soul be drawn forth on this glorious subject. If it be not your lot to carry the glad tidings to the benighted, sustain, by your prayers, the hands and the hearts of those, whose are the privilege and the glory. Say not, I am a poor insignificant creature; what will my prayers avail? Ah! if every Christian were thus to reason, what would become of our Zion? Have you an interest at the throne of grace in your own bctuaI in your daily visits to the altar ; and see to it that you continually preserve a prayerful frame of spirit. No person cau plead for a more strict interpretation cf the passage, than this. It implies all that the apostle meant to incul- cate : and, be assured, that if you persevere in such a course, you will not subject yourself to the charge of " casting off fear, and restraining prayer before God." J , . „ , The seasons of prayer are stated and occasional, ordinary and extraordinary. No Chrstian can maintain a close walk with God ; none can keep alive the hallowed fire of the soul, without daily kindling it afresh at the altar. None can grow m knowledge and holiness, without stated and regular seasons of prayer, - Give us this day our daily bread," implies as much the ahmsnt of the soul, as the nourishment of the body. The one can no more live in health and vigour, without prayer, than the other without food. ^ It is usual to recommend the morning and the evening, as the most suitable seasons for prayer. u ADVICK TO A 1^ ^m In this, I fully concur. There appears to be some- thing peculiarly appropriate, ia this arrangement of duty. When the darkness has passed, and light has a- gain dawned upon the earth ; when we rise from our couch, and find our faculties invigorated by the restoring slumbers of the night; when we view the beauties of the morning landscape, listen to the melody of birds, and feel the balmy breath of na- ture, playing coolly and sweetly around us ; when praise and thanksgiving to God, seem inscribed up- on every feature of a revived world : how can we be silent! hew withhold the burst of rapturous ado- ration! These scenes, I am aware, awakeii no such feelings in the hearts of multitudes. They gaze on them, it is true ; but they recognize not the hand that formed them. They feel no thrill of gratitude, nor offer one note of praise. Not so with the Christian. To him they convey a lesson, through the eye, to the soul ; and lead him " from nature up to nature's God." How proper, then, my young friend, is the morn- ing, for secret converse with your God ! It is your privilege to reside in the country. You live amid nature's magnificence. The unobstructed arch of heaven is your canopy. For your eye, the forest waves, the meadows smile, the garden unfolds its beauties, and spring and summer vie in their efforts to regale your senses. You are not crowded into a noisy and profligate city, and shut out from almost every thing that is pleasant to the eye, and calming to the soul. No, you dwell, as it were, with God, and among his glorious works. Let your first hours, therefore, be his. Let not sloth nail you to your couch, when all nature invites you to awake and join the general concert of praise. "Awake, psal- tery and harp," must bo your language ; " 1, my- self, will awake early." 'Mary found her way to 1 ■ ^.'iSS^^'ilr' YOUXG CHRISTIAN. m the sepulchre, ero xhc day dawned ; nor wept at that sepulchre in vain. Early devotions are all -important. They are so, because they afford time to attend, without distrac- tion, to the secular duties of the morning. As the daybreaks, summon your recollections, and rise with the rising light. Give your first hours to God. Pour out your soul before him in gratitude for noc- turnal blessings, and throw yourself on his protec- tion for the day. Be assured, this early application to his throne, will distil upon the soul, a peace and a serenity, that shall not depart; but shall gild every look and action, and make the day glide onward smoothly and happily. You will thus allow your- self time, and not be hurried in your prayers. You will also be free from interruptions, and the fear of them. This is all-important to a right discharge of sacred duties. It is indispensible that the mind should be free from solicitude and cares ; and there is no vimo in the day that will so secure to you that freedom, as the early part of it. Arise so early as to allow yourself half an hour for the performance of your morning devotions: more, if your soul desire it. It is good to stipulate with yourself for half an hour. The devotions of many are insipid, and burdensome, and unaccepta- ble, because they hftve no definite time allotted for their performance. Thoy snatch a few moments in the morning, and hurry through a form of prayer; which, though for the linio it may pacify the eon- science, yet, in the end, it accumulates their guilt. Thoy do not rnako a business of prnyor. This is the great reason why the exercise is a burden. Now, avoid this, my young fricnJ, by iiaving an early hour, and always occupying the full time, in a con- stant and conscientious attention to your devotional duties. You will find by exporieuco, that there is a groat advantnge in bcin{5 thus syiitonjatic. It will I « ii ^A 5?; « ii; ADVICE TO A tend greatly to elevate your standard of piety, and make you, not a lean and desultory, but a consist- ent and growing Christian. In your evening devotions, I should advise you to occupy, as a general rule, as much time as in the morning. I know that circumstances must be regarded ; but I would endeavour to secure at least half an hour in the evening. Let this hour not be the last before retiring ; because, generally, the body is too much wearied, and the mind, by sympathy, too drowsy, to make devotion any thing but a task and a burden. Let it be early in the evening. If the hour of sunset is most convenient, let it be then. This was the time at which the patriarch Isaac was engaged in meditation and prayer, and it certainly is a very appropriate and delight ul hour. How proper and pleasant it is to sit down at evening, and review the mercies of the day, call in the thoughts from distracting occupations, and then pour the whole soul into the bosom of God. How delightful to seek our pillow, when, having bathed anew in the fountain of Immanuel's blood, we feel a consciousness of pardon, and a hope full of im- mortality ! Our slumbers then are sweet and re- freshing. No visions of guilt, no fearful anticipa- tions, distort the unconscious muscles, or heave the troubled bosom. These are the tortures of guilty impenitence. They are the ^^scourges of a consci- ence unpacified bv the blood of atonement— the fore- bodings of that dreadful doom that awaits all who continue unreconciled to God, by the death of his Son. One more letter shall close my remarks on this subject. • YOUNCt CHRISTIAN. 57 *^ LETTER X. A Christian who aims at an clevatetl standard of piety, will not always be satisfied with the morning and'evening sacrifice. The most eminent Christians have followed the example of David, who, in asserting his perseve- rance in prayer, exclaims, " morning and evening, and at noon, will I call upon thee." And is this too much? I am persuaded, my young friend, that, to a soul who pants after increasing conformity to God, it is not too much. It may not always bo convenient, to pray three times a day ; but where it is, I promise the individual, he will bo no loser by the exercise. The alim'^nt of the body may bo taken too often, and in too great quantities, for the health of the constitution r but not so that of the soul. There is no danger of satiety or repletion, here. You may drink, and drink again, at the water ot lite ; you may banquet, and return «gain and banquet. The soul will thrive proportionably. The tood, in- stead of being loathed, will have the keener relish, and administer increasing nourishment, V»7, y?^; grow I' p to the stature of the pcrtcct, in (^hrist ^'a Christian of exalted piety will carry a prayer- ful frame of spirit througl ut the day. He will not make his stated devotio 'he beginning and the ending of his religion. Such is the conduct of the Sypoaite, and the formalist. But the C u-.st.an imbibes a portion of heaven, which ho contiiiua ly carries in his countenance, and exhibits in his de- portment. Though walking amid the avocations of secular Ufe, he slill walks with CJod. As a mat- m Mr 58 ADVICE TO A a i tor of duty, ho descemls from his elevation, to per- form his part iu the concerns of this suhluuary world; but his soul is not here. His higher affec- tions are cahnly ascending to God. The silent ejaculation supplies his necessary absence from the throne of graco ; and is, if you will allow me the comparison, a sort of informal repast to the soul. The most eminent saints have been noted for frequent ejaculatory petitions. A temptation sud- denly shoots acioss the mind — send upward the silent prayer for deliverance. You are about enter- ing into dangerous circumstances — look upward for protection. Your feet have just touched the thres- hold of God's temple — O, then breathe upward for his spirit and his presence. If your soul be attuned to devotion, you will live and breathe as in the presence of God, and travel through this wilderHess, leaning on the arm of your beloved. In addition to this, I would urge the duty of ex- traordinary and special seasons of prayer. I find such seasons warranted by the Scriptures, and their importance attested by the experience of the most eminent Saints, iu all ages of the church. There are i pscs of the soul, which can only be counteracted by special and extraordinary prayer. There are temptations, which at times, so beset and harass the mind, as to call for special means. There are afflictive dispensations, which require them. There are perplexities as to the path of duty, which they only can remove. Hence, if you will note the biography of the most eminently pious, you will find that special seasons of fasting, humil- iation, and prayer, .lave been accompanied vrith an increase of grace, a deeper acquaintance with the heart, a more spiritual intercourse >vith God, more glorious views of divine truth, and a surer hope of a blessetl immortality. \0U.NO CHP-ISTIAN. 59 I think I can say, v/ithout hesitation, that the most exalted attainments b.ave been made by such means. Such cxtraordmary seasons o^ ju^er^^ are necuharly acceptable to God. It 'was s.ucn, : 'co npaniedly a sanctifying in auencoU^at formed the high character of Bramerd, and of Martjn. If you desire their piety, neglect not the means 1,V vhich they attained to it. If you admne their character, then imitate their devotion aiad self- den al There is no obstacle, that may not be sur- mounted, to hinder you even from outstripping them. The priz3 is before you. The race is pointed out. See, at its termination, a crown of glory, beaming fn your Saviour's hands. Does it not firo your soul ? Sols it not fill your eye ? Does it "o^^'^J.^/" ^^ vnur nerves '' Fix your eye on the mark ot the prizo jr/our high calling. Co^isider aHth^g-jf^y- have passed, as nothing, so long as ^e S«jl is JtiU at a distance ; so long as you come short of pcrfec- tion in Chriit Jesus. , ,. ,. , But I have one remark, before I dismiss this sub- iect It is this. Let nothing, if possible, hinder you. n the performance of your regular devotions^i^m occupying your allotted season of prayei . When the love of^God is on the wane, and that of the .vorld is waxing stronger a tnAmg excuse ^^^ satisfy the conscience for the neglect of this aU-ira- nortant duty. May such never be your case. Such Tstate i« rJplete wV^^^^g-;. -^?%\7soulTat to a melancholy and disgraceful fall. The ''«^1 ^a^^ 9 bent on duty, and to whom prayer is a dohghtful privilege, will seldom bo hindered from its perform- ance No trifling excuse will be heeded; and if necessity for a time bar up tho sacred enclosiuo the ear w lUicken at the void, which is created by a empo'ary absence from the hallowed spo . \\hen thTnccessiiy can be removed, how will the sou 1 apLwa /to its dearest earthly home! It will m ADVICE TO A seem doubly sweet, for the temporary binderancc. The soul will say, as it lays itself beneath the altar, O, blessed privilege ! How long does it appear since I last enjoyed thee ! How delightful to lay my head on this dear support, and I feel that I am agaia alone with my Redeemer and my friend ! Such will be the language of the Saint, when de- barred for a time from the throne of grace. Situated as you now are, you are in a measure free from the fear of such interruptions. But you will soon be ushered into a new sphere. You will soon find yourself surrounded by companions, to whom you must pay the ordinary civilities of life. Then will you need this advice ; nay, you will need the supporting hand of God, to keep you from dishon- ouring your profession, and forgetting the solemn vows you have recorded. Then if you persevere in the course which T have marked cut, it will be evi- dent that I have not written in vain, and that what I have written, has been attended with more than human efficacy. Little do you know, as yet, of your own heart ; little do you realize the seducing influence of the world, and the artful insinuations of Satan. But if you will cling to the counsel I have given, and commit your soul to the keeping of your Redeemer, those temptations you shall meet, immovable as the rock that beats back the angry billow — you shall walk unhurt amid the flames — you shall bo covced with a panoply, impervious to attack — you shall weather out the storm in safety — and at last, when your temptations and trials are over, you shall sing, eternally sing, unto Him who hath loved me, and washed me from my sins, in His own blood ; to him '■'■ be glory and dominion for ever ami ever." I I YOUNG CHUISTIA.N. ()1 LETTER XI. You will recollect, my young friend, that I pro- Dosed to direct you to the attainment of an elevated standard of piety. In the course of my remarks, you must ever bear in mind, I am suggeslmg only the important means and methods of such attain- ment. Ever recollect, that without the Spirit s in- fluence, the Christian can no more advance m holiness, than the sinner repent and believe ; and yet the former will be guilty for not advancing, and the latter for not complying with the demands ot the gospel. • ♦ „* The three grand helps towards the point at which you aim, are prayer, self-examination and a close and diligent perusal of the scriptures, ihe first topic has been already discussed. Impertectly as it has been set forth, 1 trust you are deeply con- vinced of its importance ; and I shall, therefore, briefly attend to the second ; viz : self-exaraination. This is a duty, as difficult as it is important. Every Christian acknowledges it to be so. Ihe obiect of self-examination is, to obtain a correct knowledge of our moral character. Before con- version, man is generally a stranger to himselt. As he comes forth from the nursery, he enters upon the reckless career of boyhood. His eye and ear are all attention, as one object after another crowds upon his view. He is full of interrogatories con- cerning the phenomena, both of art and o nature. He coSns every trifle ; and when obtained, throws it away in pu./uit of another. But he watches no the operations of his own mind. He, is indeed, all attention to the busy world without ; but, all mat- tP ADVICE TO A tention to the 'ousy world within. And such will he continue to be, when boyhood shall give place to maturity : unless the Holy Spirit turn his eye in- ward on the soul. A philosopher, he may range tln'ough nature, and collect and classify her produc- tions, and yet never sit one solitary hour in severe judgment on himself. Such a man is, in one sensc^ a wise man, but in another a fool. That he is a man of knowledge, no one acquainted with his at- tainments, can deny ; but, in my opinion, he is far from being a man of wisdom, in the highest and noblest use of that term. •* Knowledge and wisdom, far from being one, Have oft times no connexion. Knowledge dwells In heads replete with thoughts of other men ; Wisdom in minds attentive to their own, Knowledge is proud that he has learned so much. Wisdom is humble that he knows no more." It is surprising, how few persons are in the habit of attending to the operations of their own minds. The generality of mankind are so absorbed in the various pursuits of life, that no opportunity is allow- ed for serious introspection. They live in a whirl- pool of cares ; and to them, the deeper and more boisterous the vortex, the better. They are all hurry and bustle ; business and pleasure swallow up every thought ; and thus life's important hours, like successive couriers, chase each other into eternity. Hence you will often find these gay dreamers, when brought to a death-bed, taking, for the first time, a direct and dreadful look at themselves. Life has been frittered away, and eternity now stares them into a consciousness of their ruin. The Christian who is taught of the Spirit, is the only man who can be said to be acquainted with himself. Not that he can notice every hue of moral feeling ; nor cnu he comprehend the " mystery of ■»- ^ r =•*= YOUNG CHRISTIAN. C3 iniquity" that pervades the heart : for it is deceit- ful above all things; who can know it? But he is so much in the habit of noticing his moral exer- cises : he so frequently communes with his own heart, that he comes at length to an acquaintance wii.. himself; and can pronounce, with humble con- fidence, on his preser'. 'tate, and his future destiny. Such a character is enerable and immovable. Changes may occur ; prosperity or adversity may come : but he walks in too high a region, to be un- duly elated by the former, or sinfully depressed by the latter. V/hat a calm, delightful, enviable sum- mit. It is like the mountain covered with verdure, upon whose top rest the mild bpamf, *^^gj°7 ' whilst, in the figurative language of Goldsmith, the " midway storm" thunders and rages beneath. We a.e expressly enjoined, by the apostle, to ♦' examine ourselves"— to "know our own «elves ; for by so doing, we come to the knowledge of our true characters. If we are Christians, we may, and we must endeavour, to know it. Such knowledge will remove our fears, and add greatly to our com- fort. Some, I am well aware, walk in darkness and in doubt, to the end of their journey, ihey see no light, until Heaven's glory breaks in upon the soul. Such, no doubt, was the case of the amia- ble aud pious Cowper; but his case was a pccuhar °^ln general, the knowledge of his personal salva- tion is attainable by the Christian. None should think of restiuK, until such assurance is attained. It mav not be the will of God to give it, but it 's his will that we should strive for it. If you aim at an elevated standard of piety, this will be your mark „ , . , . u r Some persons are satisfied with just enough ot reli-ion, to ease the conscience and give encourage- ment for a feeble hope. They never rise above this 64 ADVICE TO A grade, nor even manifest more than a sort of nega- tive character. Self-examination, they utterly neg- lect ; or. if they pretend to practise it, they perform the duty so seldom and superficially, as to depress, rather than elevate, their own low and diminutive standard. Be thou not of their number. Employ e^'ery means to become thoroughly acquainted with your true character. Make religion your grand business. Let the soul he the all-ahsorbing subject of interest. How dreadful would it be, to pass into eternity with false hopes and mistaken views ! Determine to know the worst, as well as the best of your case. Come to a personal investigation, with the spirit of an inflexible inquisitor. Go into the secret cham- bers of the soul, and carry thither the touchstone of salvation, the torch of truth. In my next, I hope to enter a little more minute- ly into this subject. In the mean time, I commend you to the grace of Him, who is able to build you up — to enable you to go from strength to strength — to fire your flagging zeal— rouse the animating hopo -—and put within you the spirit of a self-denied, all- devoted Christian. ynrNfi ffiniSTlAN. 05 LETTER XIl. m The duty of self-examination, like that of prayer, is both stated and occasional. The conscientious Christian should not suffer a single day to pass, without an investiijation of his moral character. . the close of the cmy, and when about to comm.i the keeping of his soul to Him " who never slum- bereth nor sleepeth," he should take a deliberate and serious retrospect of the past. His conduct, and the motives which prompted it, should pass under in- vestigation. i cannot, my young friend, too strongly recom- mend to you this practice. Ih'^ most eminent Saints have been distinguised for I. , ana J n»V^' press upon you a similar course, if you would aim at an olevLtcd standard of piety. . There is less difficulty attending this diurnal in- vestigation, that many professors imagine. Were lon<' intervals to occur tetvveen the periods ot self- examination, we should, indeed, experience mccu inconvenience and perplexity in perfornriing the duty. We should then resemble the unskiltul and heedless merchant, who, yielding to habitual negli- gence and hurry, defers posting his books, until he is overwhelmed with their intricacy and magnitude. But let the duty be daily and thoroughly performed, and we rise to the standard of the skilful and pru- dent merchant, who duly records every item of business; who never closes his counting-house, until h 'o balance sheet is made up ; and who, by a single reference, can tell the ti ue state of his accounts, and form a correct estimate of his commercial standing. ()(> ADVICE TO A You will find yourself aided in iliis work, by a secret journal or diary, which must be exclu- ded from the inspection of all, but God and your- self. If you are in the habit of thus daily inquiring into your motives and conduct, you will find it an ex- cellent preparation for approaching a throne of grace. You will perceive so many failures in duty, and such frequent commission of sin, that your soul must necessarily he humbled before God. You will also percei\e whether you make any adAances ia knowledge and holiness, and thus discover a source of encouragement, or a stimulus to greater diligence. Your conscience will he rendered tender and faith- ful ; and you will thus be on the alert, that you be not tempted, or drawn aside from your duty. Yon will walk softly amid the thorny path, nor feel the bleeding wounds which are inflicted on so many careless and worldly-minded professors. Besides this daily process which I am recom- mending, there is ore specUl season of self-exami- nation, which you should by no means omii. Tho Apostle enjoins on every Chrisiian, lo examine him- self before he partakes of tho Lord's Supper. " Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup." This is indispen- sable, to a profitable attendance on this interesting and significant ordinance. If you aro in the habit of daily .self-examination, you will find the observ- ance of this special season, by no means dillicult Or laborious. You will have acquired, by your daily introspection, so much s«lf-knowlodgo ; such a tact, if I may bo allowed the expression, at soiiiing upon evidence, and analyzing feelings and motiveti, that, instead of proving an unwelcome task, it will con- stitute a satisfactory, comforting, and delightful duty. The reason why so many complain of thedilTicul- ty of a proper discharge of thia duty, is obvious. ~ -^-^*'' ■ ■ » I ■i B iatiw Miw igw ' i 'W i WMW' m -i ^'i i' ■ai;!-!'.^ -iSiCf^ YOUNG CHRISTIAN. m I shalirTn a subsequent letter, disclose it more fully. Be assured, my young friend, that, it ever you arrive at an elevated standard of piety, you will at- tribute it, as much to a strict and persevering seU- examination, as lO any other means, which it is, under God, your privilege to U3e. It is through a ne<>^lectof this, that Christianity makes, in mostot imfsuch a dwarfish appearance. It is for the want of this, that hypocrisy vaunts itself m the habiU- m- s of piety. It is for the want of this, that dc s, and fears, and disquietude, and backsli- dinjis, are so prevalent. I entreat you, therefore, as you value >ur peace and your improvement, to pel-severe in 'the faithful discharge o< this duty. You will be abundantly rewarded. Faith will walk arm in arm with the promises; hope, instead r. a flickering light, will become a steady radiation from an unclouded sun ; love will grow to a flame, that "many waters cannot quench;" and zeal, founded in truth, and directed by knowledge, will hold on, untii death, its vigorous and untiring career. I say not, that you will at once arrive at this lofty elevation. Ah, no, you may havo many a thorny path to tread, many a rugged way to tra- verse, many a difficult hill to climb. Nights of weepine, and days of darkness and of tempest may intervene. But God will inte ,ose m your behalf ; he will ♦' temper the wind io the shorn lamb." u *u e Recollect, for your encouragement, that the tar- ther you proceed, the easier and the more dehghttul will :.o tho passage. As it approximates heaven, it partakes of celestial beauty. Like the fine, tree avenue, to a n-blo metropolis, tho proximity of this road to the heiivcnly Jerusalem, opens wider, and shows clearer, and almost admits the euper eye to catch the spires of glory, as thay glitter in the liirht m ADVICE TO A If of heaven. Take up your cross, dear ymmn^ and march forward. While you may encounter diffi- culties, you may also partake of many pleasures ; pleasures which are as much superior to the sickly joys of earf'', as the river of life is purer than the green waters of an offensive and stagnant pool. " The hill of Zion yields A thousand sacred sweets ; Before we reach the heavenly fields, Or walk the golden streets." To me, it has ever appeared strange, that when so much depends on the duty of self-examination, it should be so generally neglected. We do not thus act in our temporal affairs. If the claim to an estate be attended with any degree of doubt or embarrassment, we spare no pains to give it a thorough investigation. If the body bo disordered, wo are alive to every symptom, and we watch every new aspect of the disease. But in respect to the soul, we are at little pains to substan- tiate its hope, by actual examination. We live along, as if the matter were settled ; as if we had a guarantee for our heavenly inheritance : when, in fact, all is doubt and embarrassment; when, per- haps, we may have only " a name to live, whilst we are dead." Let this duty, my young friend, be viewed by you as altogether indispensible. Set about it with dili- gence. Should your enemy, knowing its usefulness and importance, attempt to discourage you, listen not to the voice of the tempter. Renew your la- bour ; call upon God to fix your thoughts, and to give you success. Persevere, oven unto death, in a duty so necessary to your safety, and essential to your comfort. ■'l llljlll*»W « H» l ll,f I I HLi ll • YOUNS CHRISTIAN. LETTER XIII. It was intimated, ia my last, that I should pursue my remarks a little farther, upon self examination. My reasons for so doing, are, the importance of the subject, and the general neglect of it with which many Christians are chargeable. . Since the duty is so intimately connected with your hope of salvation, your advancement in holi- ness, and your general elevation of character; you will bear with me a little longer, even though the subject should appear to be destitute of those inci- dental attractions, which are peculiar to the ordinary accomplishments of life. You must first lay the solid column ; the Corinthian capital may then be superadded. My conscience would condemn me, were I to speak first of external conduct, when the piety of the soul is paramount, and demands the first and deepest consideration. Let this be obtain- ed, and, I doubt not, your manners and deportment will take that elevated and noble character, which will secure to you the love of the virtuous, and the respect and admiration of all. Fixing the attention on manners and deportment, before the heart is rectified, is like profusely adorn- ing the exterior of a building, when it is all unfin- ished and comfortless within. You are allured, by the imposing aspect which it presents ; but upon entering, how great is your disappointment, to find, not only, no correspondence in the interior, but every thing cheerless and forbidding. It is certain- ly more pleasing, to view even a homely exterior, an outside that promises but little, and to perceive within, beauty, symmetry, and elegance. Happy V\l .MVWI W ADVICF TO A # will you be, if, gifted as you are, with Wleast an agreeable person, you can so irradiate your mind with knowledge and holiness, as to throw around you an additional attraction, and make your soul approximate to the comeliness of an unfallen spirit. But I have digressed, and must return. The difficulty of arriving at a knowledge of our true character, does not arise from any deficiency or obscurity in evidence, as recorded in the word of God ; but from the manner of applying that evi- dence to ourselves. The liability to deception lies here. We cannot say, that we have the evidence, because we may have spurious and hypocritical feelings, which our self-love may mistake for genu- ine Christian emotions. The word of God is full, clear, and explicit. It marks out the true disciple of Christ, with unerring exactness. The evidence is direct and indirect, positive and negative, in ex- ample or embodied principle. The direct evidence, is that which consists in a record of the feelings which every Christian must possess. The Bible is full of this. The indirect, is that which may be inferred, from precepts and prin- ciples. The positive, is exhibited in all those com- mands which relate to doing the will of God. The negative, from example or embodied principle, is that which is derived from the conduct of the patri- archal and primitive Saints. Thus you see the Bible is full of evidence relating to the character of the genuine follower of Christ. That evidence is clear and explicit, presented under various forms, and couched in the simplest phrase- ology. Where, then, lies the difficulty of correctly ascertaining, at once, our true character ? I will tell you. It lies in the depravity of the human heart. That heart, as I have already observed, is " deceitful nbovo all things ;" and this is the true reason, why we cannot appropriate thi - evidouco, with the certainty of its application. '''.i.ii^^^i'^'^iii &^^f^it;f>M^;i^^m^^''iMmm'i '%^ YOUNG CHRISTIAN. One great reason why so little satisfaction is ob- tained in the work, is, that our investigation is not complete. We do not come to it with a determina- tion to be thorough in its performance. Although we acknowledge that there is no duty so difficult, nor any more important ; yet there is none, perhaps, more superficially performed. Although our hopes, our peace of mind, our growth in grace, are inti- mately connected with close self-examination ; yet, how easily are we discouraged by obstacles which the enemies of our souls may interpose; and how hastily do we run through the duty, deriving no satisfaction, but only enveloping the mind in still deeper gloom. After one or two such superficial trials, some will give up the duty as impracticable, and live along in doubt, and die, jperhaps, in distres- sing uncertainty. We are less thoroug! in this spiritual iuvf^stiga- tion, than w« should be in almost any other subject. No wonder, then, that we make such slow advances in self-knowledge ; no wonder, that it is generally viewed as impracticable, when so superficially per- formed. When you, my young friend, enter upon this duty, make, I entreat you, sure work with your soul; explore the secret motives, and analyze the evanescent feelings. If it cost years of persevering labour, ascertain, if possible, whether you have an inheritance on high. May God, by his Spirit, assist you, and make you successful. 7-2 .\1>VICF, TO A I ». LETTER XIV. I observed, in my last, that we were iu danger of being superficial in the work of self-examination. There will bo a strong temptation to this, from our natural indolence, as well as the dilficulties to bo overcome. Hence, you will find few Christians, who make this duty a serious and indispensiblo business. A little hastycatechising, just before they celebrate the Lord's Supper, is all that is deemed necessary. Two or three months may intervene, during which, the soul, and i':8 momentous affairs, are comparatively neglected. When again sum- moned to renew their vows, over tho melting me- morials of a Saviour's love, they begin to think of some preparation; but one moment steals upon the heels of another, and the business is deferred, until the hour when the inviting bell is calling them to the feast. Then, all is agitation and hurry, when all should be calm, collected, and contemplative. They leave to themselves, perhaps, a few moments, to extricate the soul from a tumult of cares ; and after an ineffectual and superficial attempt at self- examination, they go tremblingly in doubt, or fear- lessly in cold-hearted presumption. Such is the character of many who profess to be aiming at the crown of glory. They do not sit iu judgment on the internal man, as did David, when he threw open the chambers of his secret soul, and exclaimed, "Search me, O God, and know my heart ; try me, and know my thoughts ; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." It is mere half-way work with them. Conscience prejudges and condenms. To VOUNU ilimSTIAN. m i silence her flamours, ii is uecossary thru ihcy nuvke. at least, a yliow of Hclf-oxamiiiation. Hut when they take uj) the sacred recoid, tliey (iud so little there, which can be honestly appropriated in theii' favour, that they are obliged, if they would glean any thing for their encouragement, to niibinterpret and m'sapply its meaning. When they meet with such a sweeping declaration as this, "If any man love the world, and the things that are in the world, the love of the Father is not in him ;" when their eyes glance at so discriminating a text, they employ a ready sophistry, to modify its severity, or avert its application. There iri, recollect, a strong temptation to be ))ar- tial in this important work. Self-love, prompts us to look more eagerly for the favourable, than the unfavourable evidence ; and gives us a greater readi- ness ill applying the former than the latter. It is an object with our spiritual enemies, to flatter us into a belief of our good estate, that wo may omit our watch, and indulge our vain confident expecta- tions. Thousands are, by this means, led blind- folded down to ruin. The superficial Christian, seizes the mo*t equivo- cal evidence. It will not take much to i)ersuade him that all is safe. If a vast amount of scripture is against him, and he can yet find but here and there a single text, whoso aspect in his case, is, to say the least, doubtful, how eage'ly will he grasj) it, and cast it into the favourable scale. It is, vvith him, a principle, to be satisfied with the least possi- ble testimony, lie will make one text, which he supposes to be in his favour, neutralize a hundred others, which are most unequivocally against him. Hence you will sometimes hear professing Chris- tians declare, that were it not for this one text, " wo know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren ;" they should be dri- ven to dcsj)air. ' :| m 74 ADVICE TO A This may, indeed, be the language of a sincere disciple ; of one who walks in darkness, but who goes mourning over his personal deficiency. Far be it from me, to discourage such. This precious text was recorded by the compassionate Spirit, for him ; and often, when the billows were high, and the prospect all darkness, it has beamed like a star of hope upon his trembling soul, and saved it from despair and death. But, when I hear it quoted by a thoughtless, worldly-minded ;)rofessor, I account it a sad mark against him. Is "his the only text, to which he can cHng? Let him recollect, that the same apostle also said, " By this wo know that we love the children of God, when wo love God, and keep his commandments.'* The superficial professor, seems determined, if possible, to make the Biblo speak in his favour. He comes not to that infallible touch-stone, with a sincere desire to probe his heart, to examine the rea- son of his hope, and to scrutinize the foundation of his confidence. He comes not, with a resolution to make thorough and impartial work , but to make the word of Goil, like the fabled oracles of heathen- ism, speak a language ambiguous and equivocal. Now, my young frien-1. be thou of a different spirit. Go into this investigation, with a resolution that you will bo thorough and impartial. Say to your Biblo, I will consult thee faithfully, thou in- fallible book. I will let thy light into tho darkest chambers of my heart. The sword of the Spirit shall search the system, and probe my wounded nature, in the tenderest part. I will not shrink from the inquisition, but will enter upon it sincerely, and persevere in it through life. I i i ^iil^i^?^^:? n](4*H- ;f,gt I . ;t ■flM'!- ' ^T '•=« YOfc'NG tnrvl311A> 7S LETTER XV. The character of the superficial professor, I must carry along with rae, in order to show you the im- portance and the happiness of aiming at a high standard of attainment. He is a miserable self-deceiver, who imagines that any advantage is gained, by persuading iiim- self, contrary to evidence, that he U a Christian. And yet there are thousands of this character. Why do they not reflect on God's omniscience ? Why do they not consider, that their own good opinion of themselves, will not alter their true character. God looketh upon the heart. He strips the outward man, and can-ies his judicial sentence home upon the soul. He can tear from the heart its most art- ful disguises, and look with an eye of infaUiblo decision on its emotions. With his "fan in his hand," he will pass through the visible church, " and gather his wheat into the garner ; but ho will burn up the chair with unquenchable fire." He who attends to self-examination superficially, places too much confidence in tho judgment of others. Every person knows, that U another's opinion be coincident with our own, we are flat- tered by it. This is especially the case, when it respects our religious character. Some, who are fearful of deception, will, I am well aware, never admit the opinion of others to have any weight. This is, certainly, the safest extreme. Such are, generally, mourning Christians, who are much more prone to form an unfavourable, than a flattering opinion, of their condition. Cut others are disposed to place undue reliance on the judgment of those i^il li'-fl 7(5 \DVICX TO A I' i'i I ? '.I'jui have cxpiesscd the hclicf that they are Chiis- iiaiis. This satislies them ; especially if it be the judgment of those, whom they greatly respect, aod whoso perspicacity as to moral character, they have been in the habit of considering as well nigh infalli- ble. Porhaps i^is merely the wish of a beloved frioDi' or the c;tpression of parental hope, rather than a deliberate and formal decision, upon ascer- tained evidence ; still it is, often, enough to under- mine the duty of close self-examination, and in- duce a carolessncss, and a confidence, awfully prophetic of deep delinquency, and melancholy It will be evident to you, my young friend, that confidence, if it have no better foundation, is noth- ing less than presumption ; and that it mtiy, ere long, lead to great doubt and perplexity, if not to absolute despair. The hope of eternal life, is not to be taken up on slight grounds. It is a subject to be settled between God and your own soul. I would not despise the advice, nor reject, entirely the opinion of others; but I would be careful, not to trust too much to such advice and opinion. Since you are to stand or fall by the word of God, it is to that, and to that alone, you must look for testimony in your case. The ad- vice and the opinion of ministers, and private Chris- tians, vou will seek and respect; but you will not regard'^thcm as infallible, nor place your reliance upon them. Let them neither sink you tc despair, nor elevate you to a vain confidence. You know full well, that no finite being can pro- nounce with certainty on your spiritual coudition. Even the holy apostles, who were under the imme- diate inspiration of God, were not endued with this prerogative. Were they not deceived respecting I he characters of Simon Mague, of Demas, and of (ilhers? How, then, can we Wmt our souls to Y OUN*i.-< Ui<,+a*Ki,.\ 77 the opinion o< fallil.h; mnii ? What icli.ince vim we place on any thing, short of God, and his uner- ring oracles. I dwell the longer on this'topic. hccause J have not seen tho point brought out fully, in any of the experimental treatises which have fallen under mv observation; and because there is in most persons, a strong tendency to lean upon the judgment of others, rather than to be at the pains of a severe and strict investigation for themselves. Yoy cannot be Ignorant, that such a course must bo unsafe, and unsatisfactory. How much better, to go at once to theJiible? If we there Hnd our character to bo that of the saints who have gone before us, what joy and assurance will it give ! We know that we are standing on a rock— we feel that it is stable as ®u^i?'*^' c^"*' *'" ^^^ '*^^" *° human opinion, wo shall ever find our evidences equivocal, and our hope neither sure nor steadfast. Remember, too, my young friend, that those who love us, and who wish us to become Christians, are very liable to be satisfied with the shadow of evi- dence. They grasp at the first hopeful appearances, and pronounce often a favourable decision, when there are not sufficient grounds to warrant it. When you recollect this, you will receive their opinion with the greater hesitancy, and feci more deeply, the importance of setthng the question over your «ible ; between God and your own soul. Men can look only at the outside ; his limited vision cannot penetrate within. But God looketh on the heart ; on that wandering, wayward heart, the seat of so many joys and sorrows, the abode of so much de- ceitfulness and impurity. Ho knows its character. He analyzes its emotions. To him, therefore, carry your soul, and, with David, invoke his scrutiny. Then will you be able to give to him rhat askcth you, " a reason of the 7Q ADVICE TO A hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." Then you shall have '♦ the peace of God whi^h pnsseth all understanding." Your title to a heavenly inhe- ritance, shall bear the royal signet ; a seal which none on earth dare question ; and which, when the gatec of death shall be unbarred, shall give you free access to the royal presence, and to the temple of Gfod on high. Rest satisfied with nothing short of this seal— and may tho Lord enable you to per- severe in seeking it. I I Yoxjyu < IIRI•;TIA^' 75* LETTER XVI. In prosecuting tho work of sMf-examinatiori, there is another danger to which you will be liable, and against which I would guard you— a reliance upon past experience?. If you suffer this to have a practical influenco upon you, it will palsy every effort, and rrake you to sit dowa in indolence, satiahed with present attainments, when you should be pressing towards the mark, for the prize of vour high calling. * ^ I mention this, because it is a very common fault and one but little regarded. What can be pleaded m extenuation of such spiritual sluggishness, I can- not conceive. The holy Apostle, who, next, to his Lord, is the brightest example which is sot before us, counted all ins past attainments as nothing, so long as any inter- val remained between him, and the perfection which is in Christ Jesus. Hence he compares himself to one struggling in a race, reaching forth, and pressing towards the prize which was set before him. What a beautiful figure—reachiog forth, pressing towards — mark the expressions. If you had ever seen an Olympi- race, where there were numerous competitors ; if you had over witnessed their earnestness, as they approached the goal—every muscle strained to the utmost, and tho hand reaching forward to seize the crown— you would have a more impressive idea of this beautiful metaphor. May you, by happy experience, know Its import. But, my young friend, I muht confess, that there are few, very few, of these Olympic utrugfjIerM. ii, the Christian race. Too many are 80 nVICK TO A I! i 5 ■ i i satisfied to look on as specmtors, while a few only, run and win the prize. Too ninny loiter in the course, or turn olV into the by-paths of iniquity. They base their confidence on past experience. They seem to have settled the point once for all- They will perhaps admit, that, as to present evi- dence of Christian character, they have not much to offer; but they refer you to the time when their evidence was clear r.nd unequivocal. " There was a period," say they, "when we experienced c»n- version. A great change took place in our feelings, affections and conduct. We can no more doubt that it was the work of God, than that our bodies are a part of His creation. Others saw and ac- knowledged the change. 'Tis true, we do not feel DOW, as we did then: but we were told that this abiircment of feeling, was to be expected ; that the ardour of the youthful convert could not last for- ever " Ask such vain confident persons, for the cvid3nce of their faith, and they refer you immedi- ately to this antedated hope. They are at no pains to inquire for the present evidences of their being in u state of salvation. The business was settled years ago. Others, who wiU not gc quite to this length, will secretly feed their hopes too much up- on the past, instead of inquiring into present marks of grace. It is a sa I proof, that they are either de- ceived with false appearances, or declining from God, and from duty. I do lAOt mean, by those remarks, to imply, that we are never to recur to past experience, for hope and consolation. I believe we arc permitted, by the word of God, and the examples of his saints, so to do. David, in a time of deep trouble, said. " I will remember thee, from tho lanhemtothe pcrforni.nce of it. They arc cased n ^'•1 miperv.ou. mail. They have, in this past expe 'Hvnc, an antidote to every fear, and an' npolo^gv gg ADVICE TO A for every delinquency. O, bo thou not of thoir number. Look for daily evidence of salvatioL. It is present evidences that are called for, and such cannot be given, without daily, habitual, self-exam- ination. In all your past experience, there is, to say the least, a possibility of your having been deceived ; it is therefore not a sufficient ground of trust. You must be ready now, " to give to him that asketh, the reason of the hope that is within you." If you pursue the course which I have marked out, you shall never need to bring forward an old and ante- dated hope, as the only evidence of your faith ; but in every look, and word, and action, you shall make it certain to all, that your arc in dGG(\ and in truth, a Christian. YOUNG CHRISTIAN. . m LETTER XVII. Assurance of salvation, or even a well-grounded, uniform, and scriptural hope, is a blessing which is not attained by a superficial and infrequent self- examination. It is not generally enjoyed until after - a series of persevering, and well applied exertions. Sometimes, whore there is a desire to be thorough and diligent, it is not enjoyed. It appears to be the will of God, that some should go weeping after it, even to the grave. But generally, if Christiaas are faithful, they will arrive at a confirmed and sa- tisfactory hope of eternal life. There is difficulty, 1 admit, in the work of self- examination. ♦' Even the righteous are scarcely saved-— saved in many instances as by fire." The heart is so deceitful, and the enemies of our soul so full of evil machinations, that we are liable to draw too favourable conclusions of our being in a state of salvation. There are times too, when we seem afraid to uncover our bosoms to the piercing glanva of God. Like merchants who are on the borders of insolvency, we shrink from making a thorough in- vestigation of our accounts. We tremble at the thought of finding ourselves spiritual bankrupts, and are ahnost willing, if I may bo allowed the compa- rison, t» forge evidences in our favonr, and .<, our own deception. This is especially the character of one vho is not habitually and daily engaged in thf v ' k of self- exaniinariou. There is an Uiiicertainiy and confu- Hion about his hopes, which make him afraid to cuter too deeply into the state of his cirr .iastances. Ho does not open the U;'>le, and p.ppeal to its search- *4i*r W'A ^ y ADVICE TO A ing truths, lie fears that the scrutiny would sweep down his cherished expectations. He is, therefore, tempted to hunt out only those portions of scripture, which appear to favour his case; and to bhnd his vision to those, which would shake his confidence, or eradicate his hopes. When ho would examine himself respecting the love or the renunciation of sin, he is far from being a thorough and impartial censor. He can yield up some of the least-loved sinful habits, and can give full credit to himself for the self-denial; but the "right hand" and the " right eye" are not parted with. Some worldly project is in view, which militates against too severe a standard of religious character; and which would be found to be inconsistent, by too close an appli- cation to Bible ethics. Accordingly, instead of ma- king the world yield to the claims of Christianity, he must narrow down Christianity to accommodate the world. Business, pleasure, and reputation, when they get the ascendency, make self-examination an irk- some and unpleasant duty. When a Christian pro- fessor is too eager in pursuit of them, he always feels a conviction of delinquency, depriving him of that free and noble air, which is ever the concomi- tant of an approving conscience; and filling his mind with feeble apologies for himself, or with un- just censures against his superiors in piety. Now, can such a person come fearlessly up to the work of self-examination ? Can he take the Bible in his hand, and appeal to the heart-search- ing God ? Can he be a faithful inquisitor oi the internal man ? Will he not gloss over hin sin ? Will he not hunt for evidence to neutralize his guilt ? Such a character is satisfied with just enough of religion to make him respectable here, and aftbrd a vague hope of happiness hereafter. But, alas ! ho I ^:mmm§i^;g;^i YOUNG CHRISTIAN. sr, hei i A'"'?' ''*^' ^^y "^«°y «^ '"« f«"«>v men : and Cometh ET '■^.^'°" to apprehend, that, when God nTm '^^^^ "P his jewels," he will bo found, ot ^rdefpair' '"' ""'^ "'^'^''^^^••«' - *fa^ -g- It is bj exhibiting to your view, my young friend this soperfic.a and flimsy Christianity, tha? I would warn you against it, and rouse you t; diligence aiming at an elevated standard of piety ^Whils there are difficulties connected with^he^ perform ma'^nitud?;^'"^"^'^ «f«« ^-"•"O" magnitude, they arc still not insurmountable. The tLo'trr^h^t ^r^'""}'?^ ^'^""'^ «"^ despind; but the true child of God knows that ho has inlisted in a warfare that cannot end but with life. When he puts his hand to God's covenant, when he gives his anT will '^' ''?^''". "' ^^^ ^^'^^*'«"' •' i^ a deTberate and well-considered act. He has counted the cost He has surveyed the enemy; end whils? he acknow: ledges his own feebleness, he confides in that p^edl ed assistance and protection, which will render hifn mvincible and triumphant. iecV'anV^'l^'.^'"" ^T ^^'"' considered the sub- ject, and determined to make a thorough and well-d.seiphned disciple. I trust, that wS you religion shall be all in all. It must be theC siness of every day ; it must be the business of ciaV cE!!'^ "'''^'^^' **" '"PP^^^ ^^«* ^he superfi- cial Christian can possess spiritual enjoyments. the Lrdr' ^r i •"^' '^^^y ^^^ ^^^ ^^e laLTu t e self-denied, the pains-taking Christian. It is the soldier v/ho sleeps in his armour; springs to h s L7dl? T- "' ' ,7^ '^^'"^° the thickest SftSfigh and deals his we 1 directed blows upon the enemy " IS he, and he alone, upon whom his admiring com ■^'44' rA' 86 A O VICE TO A W i Be it yours to imitate him iu the spiritual couflict, and it shall be yours to share, like him, in the re- wards of conquest : and even far before him shall you be honoured, for you shall sit at the King's table, and partake of the rich provisions of his tem- ple. Every thing urges you to diligence and to duty ; your honour and your happiness ; your safety and your reward. O then, iorgettmg the things which are behind, reach forth ; press onward ; and the prize, the glorious prize, shall be soon and forever yours. in I 4'.t I f I' \ YOUJVG CUniSTIAN'. 87 LETTER XVIll. Self-exaraiiiation, respects both feeling and con- duct. A difficulty occurs in ascertaining whether the former is according to the spirit, and the latter correspondent with the precepts of the Bible. I am persuaded that you are already impressed with the importance of the duty, and are resolved that it shall occupy a prominent place in the daily exercises of the closet. But, mcthinks I hear you inquire, in what way you are to proceed ; haw you are to know that you pur-_e the duty to advantage ; and whether you are not, after all, liable to decepaon ? I have al- ready forewarned you of difficuhies which will ap- pear formidable, and which, at the very threshold of your Christian course, will bo thrown in your way, to arrest your progress, and frighten you from the discharge of duty. But, be not discouraged nor in- timidated. Repeated efforts in prayer to God, will enable you to breast the opposition; and that which at first appeared fraught with difficulties, will be fouud, after a few incipient discouragements, easy and delightful. Satan will exert his utmost power to hinder you from this all important duty. He knows how much your hopes, and your advancement in holiness, depend upon the faithful dischargo of it. Having, in so many other cases, succeeded in hindering its performance, ho will hope in yours to succeed. May the grace of God enable you to disappoint him. May you persevere, even amid discourage- ments, until the duty shall become to you a most precious privilege. _J^ ftO i'S f M i II I I'! 88 ADVICE TO A When you enter upon this work, you will first look upward to heaven, in a few short petitions, that God would grant you his holy spirit ; that he would fix your attention on the immediate duty be- fore you ; that he would keep you from a super- ficial investigation ; and enable you to deal closely and thoroughly with your heart. We are very liable, in our retirement, to wander- ing thoughts ; and I doubt not, that hours have been wasted in the closet, in a vain attempt to fix the mind, while it eluded the effort, and bj orted itself in fanciful and foolish visions. It is important, therefore, that we at once coun- teract this desultory state of mind, by fervent prayer to God. We should then, in a measure, anticipate satan, who is always most busy with the children of God, when they are the nearest to duty, and are about to receive some great spiritual benefit. Our self-examination, I have already said, res- pects our state of feelings, and our external conduct. Has the former partaken of the spirit of Christ ? Has the latter corresponded with his precepts? It is no very difficult matter for <. conscientious and re- flecting individual to retrace the occurrences of a single day. But, if the business be deferred for weeks and months, his sins will be multiplied and forgotten, amid the fluctuating scenes of life. Con- scious that there has been much, in both heart and life, to condemn, but forgetting the particulars, he is obliged to repent in the gross. But he who daily calls himself to an account, will, after a few trials, find the employment both easy and edifying. With what feelings, he will ask, did I awake ? Did ray gratitude for nocturnal repose and protection, rise with the rising light, to Him, who is the watchman af Israel, and who novfir slura- boreth orsleepcth? Or was I, like the bruto, indif- ferent to the kindness of ray heavenly Guardian? YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 80 Did I arise with the breath of praise on my lips, and the spirit of devotion in my heart? Or' were my thoughts scattered and desultory ? In my morning devotions, can I say that I enjoyed a near access to God, so that I communed with him, even as it were, from the mercy-seat ? Did I wrestle ? Did I agonize ? Was this the spirit, or were my prayers formal and forced ? Was my frame of mind slug- gish and cold / Were my petitions hurried and in- sincere ? Did I really desire the blessings I sought; or did I only mention them as a necessary part of prayer ? Had I a deep sense of my unworthiness, and a full conviction of the necessity of my Media- tor's blood an(' merits ? In my petitions, was my soul drawn forth in solicitude for others ; or did I confine them to myself ? Having left my closet, did I watch unto prayer ? I besought God to keep me from sin ; but has ray conduct, this day, been in unison with my prayers ? I i^rayed for sanetification ; but have I detected and suppressed the first risings of secret iniquity ? I entreated God for more light and knowledge ; but have I meditated on his works, and studied his word ? I deprecated my easily besetting sin ; but have I endeavoured to avoid it ? 1 prayed for Zion, and for the salvation of the impenitent ; but have I spoken a word of warning or exhortation to any person this day ? Have I watched the leadings of Providence ? Have I advanced in the knowledge of God ? Have I made any new discoveries oi his glory? Have 1 learned more of the machinations of satan ; or s ^en deeper into the deceitfulncss of my own heart ? These are a few general questions, which may serve as a guide, to one who wishes an outline of daily self-examination. I m afpVick to a LETTER XIX. ■% ¥ iO In my last communication, I instituted somo in- quiries, which, as I supposed, would he profitably connected with a retrospect of the day. I am aware, my young friend, that ono person cannot lay down rules on this subject, which shall apply pre- cisely to the feelings and circumstances of others. I give you, therefore, only a sketch, by which your inexperience may possibly be benefited. The questions which one would wish to propose, in taking a retrospect of the day, must of course vary, according to circumstances. I, who am a minister, and Avho have the care of souls, must inquire, more particularly, into my fidel- ity. Have I wrestled this day, for the souls of my dear people ? Have I improved every opportunity to do them good ? Have 1 preached the truth as it is in Jesus, &c. But you, in inquiring into your conduct, must adapt those inquiries to the circumstances by which you are surrounded. You have pei-sonal and rela- tive duties, which are peculiar. Parental esteem and obedience, are obligatory. How, you should inquire, have I conducted towards my dear parents this day? Have I alleviated any of their cares? Have I been obedient and afl'ectionate ? I have sisters ; have I done my duty towards them, in- structing them, and exhibiting an example Avhich they might with safety fol.'ow ? I am surrounded by companions, some of whom profess the same hopes as myself; but others are yet in "the gall of bitter- ness and the bonds of iniquity ;" have I, so far as opportunity would permit, encouraged the former, I ■ Youri'c I -laiaxiAN. i)\ and warned the lattoi- ? What studies havo I pur- sued, or what books perused? What ijenefit have I derived from either? Havo 1 done any thine this day for the glory of God ? These are some of the questions which I should suppose would occur to one in your ciicuinstances. If, upon such a daily review, you find that you have advanced in holiness; that you havo {;ained an advantage over your spiritual enomies ; that you have profited by the means which a kind Providence has given for your improvement ; it will afford matter for praise and thanksgiving. It will kiudlo up a lively gratitude in your soul,' and give a zest to your devotions. If you discover much to con- demn, many sins and "failures, as you undoubtedly will, It Avill afford subject for humiliation, and j)ros- U^ato the soul in penitential confession before God. Ihus, while you advance in t!i& knowlod-e of your own heart, you tvili havo all tho ingredients of ac- ceptable worship. Your prayer wiil bo full of praise, and full of contrition. Your mercies call for forth the one, and your transgressions promnt the other. Prayer, with you, will then be, not 'a c^old formality, but a deep spiritual intercourse with God, and your own heart. This nocturnal ordoal, will bring into view, and mako precious, tho merits and intercession of Jesus, your High Priest and Saviour. A review, even of a single day, must, if it be close and careful, ever cover you with confusion of face. The sins com- mitted, even in that short period, will appear nu- merous. The soul would sink under their heavy load, were it not for tho encouraging promise : " If any man sin, we havo an advocate Avith tho Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." As sins appear nu- merous vjid aggravated, .losus must over appear proportionably precious. A^ou will cast yourself all guilty iu his arm>, and find that '= though sin has h 4 ^^. ^aj IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 11.25 no ■^" 2.5 M M 1.8 L4 ill 1.6 7 ^o (./ 4 % V C<'tf & ^ Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 m.s- 92 ADVICE TO A abminde*!, grace doth much more abound." After such a review as I have recommended, will a new application be made, and a new pardon supplicated, from the hand of the Saviour. He will thus be brought constantly in view, and made increasingly dear and dehghtful. You see, then, how many and great are the ad- vantages connected with frequent and close self- examination. Can you, then, live without it a single day ? Are you not resolved, that, under all ordinary circumstances, it shall be entered upon and performed Avith as much punctuality, as prayer and the reading of the word of God ? lam persuaded, that, after what has been said, you will by no means omit it. I think you must perceive, too, that the difficulties, though great, may, by the plan which I propose, be all sur- mounted. They arise, as I have before observed, from neglect. Days, weeks, and months, roll away ; and tho soul, immersed in the busy cares of I'fe, contracts a defilement, and collects a rubbish, which a momentary and hurried examination may render visible, but can never remove. The soul of the delinquent is neglected — shame- fully neglected. He deserves to have his hope ob- scured, his faith weakened, his doubts increased. He may be left amid these perplexities, until he is suddenly called to a death-bed, and compelled to take a direct look at his case. It is then a fearful scene. Clouds and darkness curtain his dying pil- low ; anguish insupportable heaves bis dubious bosom. There is no clear sunshine upon his soul ; but he lies on the fluctuating wave, uncertain whe- ther he shall outride the beating storm. Would you avoid such a scene ? O, yes, I know you would. Then know yourself, ore it ar- rive. Bo faithfully and intimately acquainted with ' YOUNG CHRISTIAN. D3 your own heart. Theu shall your life be happy and useful; and your death serene, perhaps glori- ously triumphant. May you live the life, and die the death ol the righteou* i I' m T' "m D\ .UiVK-i!, to A II LETTER XX. As an impojlant auxiliary means of advaucing in holiness, I would recommend, in addition to this daily self-examination, an attention to tho same duty, at stated and peculiar seasons : such, for ex- ample, as the commencement of a new year, the recurrence of your birth-day, or when about to en- ter upon some important change in life. By j)eru- siug; the biography of those saints who have been most distinguished for exalted piety, you will find that they never permitted such periods to pass by unobserved or unimproved. There is something in the periodical revolution of the seasons, which cannot fail to strike with seriousness a reflecting mind. A single day is of vast importance. When passed, it can never be recalled. With all its cares,; its pleasures, and its pains, it has sunk into eternity. It has gone to give tidings of moral conduct, which will be faithfully re- corded against the great day of account. WJio, then, but the most infatuated, will dare to murder its hours amid festivity and mirtl., when those hours are so fleeting, and so pregnant with eternal results ? If a day is so important, a week, a month, or a year, proportionably increases in value ; and forms a pe- riod, in which much may be donov either to grieve the spirit of God, and eflcct tho ruin of the soul, or to promote the cause of our Redeemer, and secure to ourselves an inheritance in tho kingdom of glory. I trust you will, at least annually, review your diary. As one year roils away, and another suc- ceeds, look back upon the past, and forward to the I M YOUNCr CHR!S'riA>. 95 future. If you have hoen daily in the habit of sclt- eKamination, this will be not a difficult, but an easy task replete with spiritual beuelit. As you retrace the events of the yeuj-, the blessings which you have received will inspire you with allectiouate confi- dence, and adoring gratitude; and theevils of heart and of life, w^hich have marked that period, will fill your soul with penitential sorrow ; and like David, prostrate in the dust of humiliation, you will be constrained to sing, both of mercy and of judgment. What have I done, during the past year, to ad- vance the glory of ray Redeemer's kingdom ? Have I done all that my means and chcurastances would allow? WL>. victories have I obtained over my- self ? Is my easily besetting sin laid aside, or does it too often master my strongest resolutions ? Have I a deeper and more intimate communion with God, than when the year commenced ? Are my desires for holiness stronger? Have I made any apparent advances towards that elevation at which 1 profess to aim ? Are my devotions colder and mor« infre- quent? Do ray sins oftener prevail, and is the world gaining on my esteem and my attention ? These, my young friend, are some of the questi- ons, which the observance of such a season would prompt. Let them be seriously met, and sincerely answered. Let a day, if practicable, be Hpocially appropriated to the duty, and let it be accompanied by fasting and prayer. The time would fail me, to eaumerato all the advantages, and exhibit the full importance of such periodical investigations. Enter upon them with diligence, and prosecute them with fidelity, and you will find by your own happy experience, that self- examination is not only an important, but an easy and delightful duty. Your experience and your careful observance of 96 ADVICE TO A the past, will enable you to calculate for the future. Against the temptations which have proved most successful, you can place a double guard. The circumstances in which you have found yourself peculiarly exposed, you can avoid. The means which have proved most efficacious for your good, and the individuals whose counselPi have stimu- lated you to duty, will he noted : and in future, the former will be oftener resorted to, and the latter drawn into mere constant and intimate communion. Your birth-day ought also to be improved. I ' -aow that many spend that day iu festivity and merriment. They deem it an occasion for mirth and hilarity. Herod made a royal banquet, and assembling all the wealth and beauty of the king- dom, celebrated his birth-day with music and danc- ing. Many with more circumscribed means, and on a smaller scale, imitate his example. But is there any thing in our birth-day, to demand such a parade of folly ? Is it a matter of mirth and rejoic- mg, 'hat another year of our short lives has fore- ever goae ? Should we celebrate our own speedy career to God's judgment bar, with music and the dance ? And especially, if the soul be unreconciled to Gtod, should we chant a ibilee over its approxi- mation to hell ? If any have reason to rejoice, it is the Christian. He is one year nearer his eternal and happy home. But he views himself as so deficient, and his work on earth as so momentous, that he is far from wish- ing to spend his birth-day in festivity. With him it should be a day of serious examination and humil- iatiouv It should be consecrated to God, and the prosperity of the soul. I hope that you will observe it in this manner, and then it will be a sort of spiritual land-mark, to which you can recur amid the tumultuous sea of YOUNG CHRISTIAN. hfe ; and when your days are numbered on earth, you will be found to have spent them in » wis ' dom 8 ways which are ways of pleasantness ; and you will look back upon life, though with deep hu- mility, yet without any heart-rending regret i 4 <)3 ADVICE TO A h LETTER XXI. Tliero are so many excellent works, on the pre*- paration of the heart necessary to an acceptable approach to the Lord's Supper, that 1 shall do little more than to refer you to them. The only objection which I have ever felt to the use of suclr treatises, is, that by their prolixity, and by the nu- merous items which they have recommended, I have been confused, and sometimes discouraged, in the work of self-examination. If some of them were greatly abridged, and were disencumbered of a mul- titude of particulars, which it is impossible to carry in the memorv, they would, in my opinion, be far more useful. * Still, my young friend. I would hab- itually consult them. They are written, generally, by men of the deepest and most fervent piety, who have not taken those superficial views of church communion, which, among many denominations, aro so prevalent. Where they are derived, directly, from the clear testimony of Scripture, they will save you much trouble in collating the passages, which apply more immediately to the subject in hand. After all, the word of God is the only true stand- ard : and to one who is familar with the sacred volume, it wdl not bo an irksome tnsk to select the passages which he deems applicable to the work of self-examination. For my own part, I have ever found it attended with the greatest satisfaction, to go directly to the fountain head. Take the Bible in your hand, and pore over it with an intention to sift your evidejjccs of Christian character. Accom- pany that perusal, with fervent applications to ' I YOUiNG CHRISTIAN. trod for light and knowledge : and you will oxperi- ©Dce a degree of satisfaction, which no other mode €Bn aflord. Esteem the sacramental season as ono of your most pi-ecious privileges. It is then that yoiiare invited to sup at the royal banquet. You have a place at the King's table, and it becomes you to array the soul in the beauties of hohness. Wore ▼ou in /.ted to the table of some earthly monarch, ho>v ea-erJy would you feel, that your apparel -f^'g. ' r.e fipnropnate, and your conduct correct! i "d wiifit IS this hohouw compared with that of sit- ting nt the table of your Lo.d? Sec then that you -»rc .'.cor.ed v^.th the \vedding garment. Anticipate Ai muieavG -vuh yr j hwi;. and rush not into his f'C^nx.oui V ifh the ca-eiosauess of one who goes onlv 40 ua tj'.dhiary mc»'. Nor would I array that sacred table with terrors to yourmmd. 1 anj convinced, that many throw around the hallowed elements a dread solomjiitv. which makes the timid and faltering believer fGcI. that if Ae, if one so vile as he, should touch them, ho would cat and drink damnation to himself, and seal loreycr his hopelessness and his ruin, it was never the intention of our Lord, to hold up such fearful views of this feast of love. There is every thing ii)out it Ihatisiiiviring. It is amost pathetic appeal to the fc.nrM and troubled soul. It woos, in silent luit eloquent terms, the weary and heavy laden, to come and find rest. It is not Sinai—but Calvary. it IS not the smoke, or the iightuin-, or the thunder —no, weak and luourniug believer, it is the uplifted cross, and t.ie expiring victim, whoso blood speaks peace from every vei-i. Look on those signifi- cnut, simple memorials— is there any terror in this scene ? Is it not all peace, and love, aud jiicrcy / . The sacrament ofthc supper h a memorial of the '41 100 ADVICE TO A love and compassion of Christ, a lively emblem g( his sufferings for sin. It is a public acknowledgment of our attachment to his cause. Having seriously and sincerely examined ourselves, and finding that wo can humbly claim the characteristics of the true disciple, we may come to this feast of love, and commune with our Lord, and with one another, in a composed and humble frame of mind. If our greatest burden is sin, and our only ground of con- fidence is the Saviour, we have nothing to fear, but every thing to hope, from this delightful and affect- ing ordinance. Much of the profit of partaking of this sacrament, you will recollect, depends on your fidelity in the work of self-examination. If that be neglected, you have no reason to look for a blessing. If it be performed in a hurried and super- ficial manner, you need not expect much enjoy- ment in the ordinance. God will be glorified in them that makv. so near an approach to the mercy- seat. When you approach the table, I would recom- mend it to you, to simplify your views as much as possible. By endeavouring to think of many things, the mind becomes confused. Having lifted your soul to God for light and feeling, look on the ele- ments, and endeavour to view them as the appro- priate memorials of your bleeding Lord. What do you see in that broken bread ? Is it not the emblem of the mangled body of the Lamb of God ? What meaneth that flowing wine ! Is it not the emblem of his blood, which was shed for the re- mission of sins ? And wherefore was that body broken, and that blood poured forth ? O, my soul, let thy guilt and transgressions answer. With- out the shedding of that blood, there had been no remission. What, then, can I render to my Lord, for all this dying love ? I am speechless in gra- titude. Here, blessed Saviour, 1 give thee all I h YOUNG CHRlSTAr 101 IITTJ*"'' ^'*'*^^°' ^^"*"^« '^eart. Take it O takr* tl m . ^ V v' 1(}\1 AT)VlCr TO A LETTER XXri. If On the subject of prayer and habitual self-exam- ination, J shall a "d no more. Yon recollect, that I connected with those, as of equal importance, a close anu diligent perusal of the scriptures, a shall thercfoi-e occupy your attention, for a short time, on this last mentioned topic. The importance of making the word of God a devotional study, is evident, both from the testi- /nony of that word, and the experience of all emi- nent saints who have ever lived. The more I study the sacred volujie, the more deeply I am impressed with its intrinsic grandeur, and its high importance to me as an accountable creature. \Vere 1 banis-h- ed to a mere lonely rock, than that inhabited by the Corsican exile, with my Bible I should never want food for the soul, nor a stimulant to the understand- ing. I am astonished, that men of literature, of mere worldly wisdom, do not mo"o frequently drink at this celestial iouutain. Were they once to sip at thits clear, pure stream, they could not but relish it. {Such a relish, however, tho Spirit aiona can give. ' Jt has charms, as a mere literary production, which tho veriest infidels have been constrained to acknowledge. Prejudice, not long since, had shut out these heavenly stores from many highly culti- vated minds. The i>ible was so common a book, and was so frequently found in the bauds of tho poor and tlie illiterate, tiiat those who claimed to bo learned and philosophic, took the liberty to despise it, and thus excluded thcmselvcii from the noblest source of mental and moral re!inemeijt. A younfj TOUNG CIIf.ISTlAN^. 103 man, of incli-ious character, who w?s a member oi a ^-espectableeollogo, on hearing one of thopro- LTvi'!n^""^if '" '.^^ !^'""*''"' comparison o/our Sr^viour when enjoining confidence in the provi- dence of Goc , » Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not neiihor do they spin ; and yet 1 say unto you, that even Solomon, in all his glory wn- not arrayed like one of th- ."-turned to a fellow student, and inquired who, ihat strik- ing and elegant language was found. On lournine that it was found iu the Bible, he was a.tonishe f Have you rover road your Bible ^ v . the irquirv n'n /h ''S^^T^"- *' ^y Shakespeare," said he •' is al! the Bible I ever road." This, I acknowledge, is an extreme case; but there aro many analogous nv^f ^'■^'^V'?' |t 's said, was once in the compa- ny of several ladies of the English nobility, when th^i; 5t- • ^^ "" conspicuous part. After hearing read the translation of a pastoral, for their amuse- {f« I ro '\^'^' :^}^^ " ^^^^ ^«'*b«' alterationg, the book of Ruth. They were enraptured with the pastoral, and pronounced it the finest they had over seen in language. Th-) doctor then eravelv told them that ho had read it from the Bibif. Whether those ladies were professed infidels, or had consi- dered the scriptures beneath their notice, I am unn- Die to say. I cannot even vouch for the truth of the anecdote. ^ I am persuaded, howev^ , that an oc- curronco of that nature might have happened daily, at a time when infidelity was in vogue, and the Bible ridiculed and despised. Even in our day, mand !" ^"^'"^'o° ^'^ the sacred oracles com- Whilc the shelf groans with elegant literature, and the mmd revels amid the llowery fields of 104 ADVICE TO A Johnson, Addison, and Shakespeare, or the later and more fascinating groves of Sir Walter Scott ; the sublimities of the Pentateuch and the Prophe- cies; the tender, touching, simple narrations of Christ ; the sublime devotional strains of " Israel's king ;" the wisdom of the wisest man who over lived ; are regarded as dry and uninteresting. 1 cannot allow that man or woman, to possess even a cultivated or discriminating taste, who thus judges. I have read Homer and Milton ; but when I com- pare their poetry to the lofty strains of David, Ha- bakkuk, and Isaiah, it is the flickering light ot a ta- per, to the corruscations of a thunder-cloud, or to the full-orbed splendours of a noon-day sun. I have read the pathetic story of Sterne, on the incarcera- t«d criminal, and the melting appeal which Sir Walter puts into the mouth of a favourite heroine, when pleading in the royal presence for the life of her sister ; but they are tamo, when compared with the struggling emotions of a Joseph, and the short Vut heart-rending plea of bis brother Judah. But this comparison might be extended to the various departments of fiible literature. Its moral pracepts, how concise, and yet how comprehensive ? Its narrations seize on ^he most prominent and strik- ing circumstances, without including any extraneous cr unnecessary matter; and throughout, from Ge- nesis to Revelation, there is an unearthly something, which stamps it, as intelligence from the skies. Its analysis of character is wonderful. There is no other book on earth, in which there is so accurate, and full, and clear an exhibitioc of human nature. But why am I lauding the Bible as a literary composition, to one who views this as its least at- tractive feature ? Why have I digressed from the groat point, of urging to an elevated standard of piety ? Let us return, and view it as the grent ii YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 105 Ih?;n.rh '?'°''J^''''^?; "Sanctify them through ti uth. This IS the charm which so much attracts eb.S:.r ^'"'•- '^'^f ^^^^^^« not sensible to the bold «n?l h! 'TfT'^^ ^'y^^' °°^ indifferent to its n?i- 1 *?"^'-"' imagery; but these are not the pnnc.pal attractions. It is the word of God. It convmces of sm. It stimulates to duty. It rouses frcm sluggishness. It warns against^ danger It unfolds the character of God. ft reveals the way of salvation. It delineates the providence of GotJ^ It presents the Lamb of God slain for our trans- gressicis. It communicates sweet strains of spirit- a bright and uai devotion. It brings into view eternal reward. It discloses the wounds^oPour na- ture, and offers the healing balm. In short, it em- bodies all that a Christianf in this pilgrimage cTn need. It ,s h^ only chart through t^his'temp^es uous life. In trouble, it is his consolation ; in prosperity his mon.tor; m difficulty, his guide. Amfd the darkne.. of death, and while descending into the ttfrj r"'i- '''f "^^^ ^^•^■^^^'- '^'^' illuminates his ouh T ^' , ^'' u yi"fc' ^y^ ^"ght with hope, and cheers his soul with the prospect of immortai glory Is this the book that vain and foolish minds un- dervalue and despise? From their folly, my young friend, learn thou a lesson of wisdom Lef you? language be, J "^ " May this blest volume ever lie Close to my heart, and near mine eye j Till life's last hour ray soul engage, And be my chosen heritage." 1 •jJ lOG ADVICE TO A LETTER XXIII. I ' I wish you never to forget, that the attainment of an elevated standard of piety, is intimately eonnect- etl with an assiduous and diligent perusal of the scriptures. It is customary to recommend to the young Christian, various authors on practical piety. Such authors, I cordially units in recommending'; but I fear, that the youthful Christian, by too groat au attention to desultory reading, has sometimes given loss attention to the Bible, than its paramount importance demands. Christians, in recommending such books, have taken it for granted, that the Ijiblc is diligently and closely studied ; but they have taken too much for granted. A taste for religions novelties has been excited, and the precious word has at length become comparatively uninteresting. If any book of mere human composition, ue it ever so instructive, is to command more of our interest and attention than the Bible, we should, like Marfyn, throw it aside, and re-peruse the sacred volume, until we give it, in our hearts, its legitimate pre-3minenco and superiority. When young Christians become devoted to this religious literature, the Bible is very apt to be neg- lected. They acquire a flippancy in discussing the superficial parts of Christianity; but I insist upon it, that they do not, by such reading, form a sound, consistent, and deeply spiritual character. Far be it from me to undervalue such reading. 15ut I wish to impress upon your mind, the superiority of God's word. Other books of a religious charnetor, should be cousideiod as subordinate to the Bible. When YouNo cnnrsTiAN, 107 licy throw light upon the sacred volun^c ; when they c nve you back to this great fountain of truth ; when t.ioy quicken your dihgence in studying it and serve rather as hand-maids, than as & ;' they may be perused with propriety and with profit But If you hntl that they draw away your interest rem the word of God, and excite a taste for novel t.es, you must suspect them as rivals, and imme- diately give again your highest affections t^at precjous book, to which they legitimately belong nreT. nrthl"" '' '^', '""''" """''^"'' because the press, at the present day, teems with periodicals and works of fiction, which, bearing a slightry eu! S^mihrh.';'-'' r-'''^'7^ !"' good' substitut^es for r^T. "i '[''chg.ous books ; and are therefore recommcndrd to those whose consciences mi^ht re^ volt at the latter cast of productions. This furnish- es a strong temptation to young Christians. I wtirn hem against u. I would not circumscribe their eadmg entirely to the word of God. I would be .vA?V'''°f ''^'."^ any merely innocent or instruc- tive book. Let them drink at the waters of Helicon and 1 arnassus. ..et them be acquainted with poetry, history and even many excellent works of het.oij ; but I would guard against making this •tad-ng paramount to the Bible. 1 belteve there never can be an exalted Christian character, where he Bible „ not made the first, and the best, and the mo.t .nto.;est.ng of books. That person who cnn- hii?^.'"' .''"yj''''"'"^' however interesting, for the Bib c, and who cannot find in the latter, a gieat- cr rcl.-sh than m the former, has never attained to an elevated r.tnndard of piety. ""^'necj to It ha. been said, that every thing in a minister's -^t Idles should have a reference to the word of God. i hi-ouo h whitfover fields of science, o. .f literature. c imiy rove, he .hoi-ld come back with superior rc^lish to the Jiiblc. The same advice shouhl be 4 108 ADVICE TO A given to the young Christinn. In the varied regi- ons of philosophy and taste, he is permitted to rove ; but the Bible should be his richest banquet. Make it a rule always to prefer it. If at the hours of de- votion, you are strongly drawn towards some new and interesting religious publication; if you are tempted to omit, for this, the regular study of the Bcripturei, regard it as a temptation, and resist ac- cordinglj. You recollect the resolution of the pious Martyn, to which I have alluded. He never would allow himself to peruse a book one moment, after he felt it gaining a preference to his Bible. As long as he could turn to his Bible with a superior relish, io long he would continue reading, and no longer. Go thou and do likewise. If you commence with this resolution, you will find the advantages of it in your daily experience. The word of God will grow constantly in your estimation, and you will bo ready to exclaim with David, " O how 1 Icve thy law ; it is sweeter to my taste than honey, and the honey- comb." My own experience convinces me, that the oft- ener and t)ie more diligently you peruse the scrip- tures, the jmore beautiful will they appear, and the less relish will you have for light and superficial reading. There is, in an intimate acquaintance, in a daily conversation with the scriptures, something sanctifying, something ennobling. A satisfaction is felt m perusing them, which no human composi- tion can excite. You feel as if you were convers- ing with God and angels. You breathe a heaven- ly atmosphere. The soul is bathed in celestial wa- ters. It imbibes a sweetness and a composure, which shed over it unearthly attractions. To this fountain of light and life, let us then daily resort. Here is the healing influence. Hero is the pool of Bethesda. Here abounds consolation for the afflicted. Here hope dwells to cheer and to TOUNG CHRISTIAN. 109 n^i xir "• this precious volume about your neck. Wite .t on the tablets of your heart." ll will prove your shield in conflict, vour guide n ner ^l^uT y°"'' '«'«^^ '" adversity. When '! de^ath ■hall be swallowed up in victory " if it hnv« h faithfully studied in thi? life, itt?ll affo d theses fir heavenly contemplation through eternity. m 111 n no AHVIGK TO A II i LETTER XXIV. It is a common practice, with young Ciiristians, to cooHne their attention to certain parts of the scriptures, to the almost entire neglect of the rest. They select, generally, the devotional and precep- tive portions, such as the Evangelists, the Psalms, and rome of the Epistles. This circumstance, while it favours the evidence of their being Chris- tians, is also best calculated, perhaps, to advance their growth in grace. In this early stage of their progress, they cannot be expected to take a com- prehensive view of scriptural truth, and exhibit a maturity of knowledge on doctrinal theology. But there is danger that this practice will be too long continued. If so, they will ever be children. They cannot grow in knowledge. They will bo feeding on milk, when they ought to receive the more sub- stantial aliment. Permit me therefore, my young friend, to caution you against undervaluing any part of the inspired volume. While I would rejoice in the fact of your having, at first, preferred those scriptures which are more particularly devotional, I must exhort you to go on to perfection. " All scripture is given by in- spiration of God," and all is, therefore, profitable, for the attainment of that perfect standard, at which you aim. In these remarks, I speak from personal experi- ence. My attention, for a long time, was confined almost exclusively to the Psalms, the Evangelists, and a few of the plainest of the Epistles. These I perused and re-perused, until much of them was committed to uicuiory, and all were very familiar. I i YOUNG CHRISTIAN. IJl I do not, nor shall I erer regret this. But ray mis- take was. in supposing that the historical and pro- phetical, and some of the doctrinal parts of the Bi- ble, were inapplicable to my circumstances, and therefore had little claim on my attention. I fear that others have fallen into this mistake. I have since learned that those very scriptures, to which I conHned ray attention, were greatly elucidated, and beautifully explained, by other parts of the Bible, which I had thought too deep, and too inap- plicable lor my reading. The word of God is one magnificent whole. Ihere is a symmetry in all its proportions, and an tiarmonious adraoasuremoot in all its parts. It is like a beautiful edifice, constructed on the finest principles of architecture. The young Christian may be compared to a superficial observer, who is «nHTh"'K-^ u^'^\ ^- l^T** ?^^^^ ^'"'^y ^"••"^d a'-ches, and the highly finished columns of this temple. He dwells upon these, as the principal attractions. The more advanced saint, has not only entered the ves- tibule, but has also penetrated the interior court. tie has examined carefully the foundation, and ad- mired its adamantine structure. He has surveyed Its halls, and its galleries, and has been struck with the beauty of their proportions. He has threaded every labyrinth, and ascertained its direction audits utility. He h:;s found no part defective ; no por- tion super/lucua. As his mind sweeps in the noble pile at one glance, he exclaims, how magnificent • how grand! how worthy of the architocl ! While, therefore, my young friend, I would en- courage you, in perusing closely those parts of the Bible, which appear most adapted to your charac- ter and circumstances, I would, at the same lime, caution you not to neglect other important parts of sacred scripture. As I before observed, by reading the Bible as a whole, you will perceive much morn il'Z ADVICE TO A I' ! I a K I clearly, the beauty of your favorite passages. The 1. ue method of interpreting scripture, is by com- paring one part with another. Had I received and attended to the hint, my knowledge of tcriptural truth would, I am persuaded, have been much more extensive than it is at present. I have learn- ed from happy, though late experience, that the historical books of the Old Testament, not only throw light on all the subsequent inspired writings, but are replete with most exalted, and devotional, and soul-transporting sentiments. Since I began to study the scriptures in course, I have lingered on the Pentateuch, as on enchanted ground. The types and shadows have been full of meaning. In all of them, Christ and Him crucified, appears con- spicuous. I aiP convinced of the utility of studying the Bi- ble in course ; and I can assure you that my former desultory practice, of opening and reading where the eye chanced to fall, was far from aifording equal satisfaction. I note for your benefit, the circum- stances which prevented my improvement in the knowledge of God's word, and I hope that you will carefully avoid them. You will find a solid satis- faction in studying the scriptures according to the mode I reci mmend. Consider it as the labour of life ; for be assured, that should you live to the age of four-score years, you will not have attained per- fection in this study. But why should I call it a labour, when it is so delightful a privilege ? It is indeed a labour, to that being who loves not the character, and who yields not obedience to the law of God. But is it a labour to that mind which is attuned, by the Spirit's influence, to the beau- ties of celestial truth ? Will not the soul expand under the developements of God, and of hjavenly things ? As we learn more and more of the wisdom, the II yOOXG CHIIISTIAN. 113 goodness, and the mercy of God, we shall the more ardently desire a conformity to these divine attri- butes. It is thus we shall grow in grace, and in the knowledge of God, and of our Saviour. In the visible creation, every thing is full of glory. Every thing speaks of the wisdom and the power of God, and invites the soul to ascend to iu all-glorious Cre- ator. But in the written word, we have God speak- ing to us as to his children. ^ Go, then, ray young friend, and ddigently list?n to the holy oracles. Search the scriptures. Pen me them systematically. Make them your daily and nightly companions. And may their celestial influ- ence be so infused into your soul, that you shall pro- gressively lose the image of the earthly, and assume the image of the heavenly inhabitants. i 111 ADVICE TO A LETTER XXV. You recollect, my young friena, that when speak- ing on the subject of prayer, I warned you against a hurried and superficial manner. I would repeat the same caution in respect to reading the word of God. There is a careless, superficial attention to the Bible, which is neither acceptable to God, nor profitable to the soul. We should ever approach that sacred book with reverence. Though written by men, remember that those men " spake, as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.'^ The medium through which it was communicated, detracts not from the divinity of the matter. When we open the sacred volume, we listen to the voice of God. It is the same voice, though unaccompanied by those terrific circum- stances, which issued from that awful cloud which curtained the summit of Sinai. It is the same voice, that was heard in such piteous lamentations from Calvary, when our Immanuel trode for us the wine press of the wrath of God. Should we not, therefore, give a reverential attention, when Jeho- vah speaks ? Should not our posture be that of the deepest humility and awe? When you take the scriptures in hand, it is well to let such a reflection pass your mind. It is pro- fitable to pause a moment, and say within yourself, what a privilege do I enjoy in the perusal of this sacred page ? Millions of ray fellow-beings are shut out from it. They have nothing but the dim and flickering light of nature. They are, therefore, degraded and besotted by ignorance and sensuality. Whereas I am favoured with the clear light of reve- I YOUNG CHRISTIAN. llfj lation. I hold in my hand the mind and will of God concerning me. Are not my ©bligations, therefore, proporiionably great ? What account can I give at the judgment day, if I neglect or un- dervalue this precious volume ? " O Lord, open thou mine eyes, that T may behold wondrous things out of thy law." Unstop mine ear, that I may listen, and dispose ray heart to receive and obey. Spirit of light! Inspircr of this heavenly book ! be present to dissipate my darkness, and shed over my soul the beams of celestial glory. Let me not fall under the condemnation of that wieked servant, who knew his Master's will, but refused to perform it; but having, by thy illuminating influence, a per- fect understanding of the word, may I, through tky sanctifying grace, be moulded by it, into the like- ness and image of God. I take it for granted, that the study of the Bible, is to form a part of your daily devotions; and it is upon such a supposition, that I make these remarks. Beware, I entreatyou, of the habit of glancing over different parts of the Bible, instead of perusing it in course, and with close and diligent attention. The latter mode, accompanied with the blessing of God, will form an elevated Christian character. The former, is characteristic of the worldly-minded and superficial proressor. Depend upon it, the closer attention you give to the word, the more precious and interesting will it become, and the more rapid- ly will you grow in knowledge and holiness. The pious David, declared that his love for the word of God was so ardent, that it was his meditation day and night. I meditate, says be, on all thy precepts. I muse on the work of thy hands. It is this medi- tative spirit, which 1 would recommend, when you are perusing the scriptures. The celebrated Dr. Scott, as we learn from his memoirs, was in the habit of reading the Bible on 'tr no ADVICE TO A ^1 his knees. Whenover a difficult part of divine truth came under eonside-ation, he would 4ift his soul to God, for the illuminating influence of the Spirit. It was by prayer over the word of God, that this eminent saint formed a character that will stanl as a bright example to all succeeding Chris- tians. It was in this way^ also, that he arrived at such a perfect knowledge of the scriptures, and was enabled to wnte his celebrated cunuueutary. As you will ceed somo helps in studying the Bible, permit me here to recommend this admirable work. I caDiiot do this better, than by copying a brief notice from the pen of a clerical friend. " I have never met with a commentator, so admirably adapt- ed to ordinary use, as Dr. Scott. As an interpreter, he is ^lear, sober, and judicious. Ho never so dwells upon one doetrine, as to keep others out of view, (tho grand defect of many expositors,) but gives to each truth that proportion of notice v/hich its relative importance seems to demand. The great doctrine of justification by faith alone, the very hinge on which the whole gospel turns, and its all-pervading principle. Dr. Scott very clearly and fully unfolds, where it is specially treate' of in hoiy writ. He never loses sight of it upon any 0";casion, and uniformly so handles it, as to beat down the pride of the pharisee on tne one band, and expose the rottenness of the jLtinomian «n the other. But his commentary is not rjaip'.y doctri".a) •, he shows all the varied i)ear"r?^;f' of tl :o truth upon the inner and the outer man. In a word, he is highly expe- rimental and practical throughout. And for this part of his work, he appears peculiarly conipeleni. Never, perhaps, were displayed in any uninspired composition, f uch a deep insight into the natural workings of the human heart, and so acl•llia^e a knowledge of the exercises of a mind renewed by YOPNG CHRISTIAN. 117 divine grace ; combined with such an enlarged, and at the same time minute acquaintance with human life, under every variety of ci'-'^umslance. To write this work, demanded such observation of the world, united to such studious habits, as could very rarely indeed be found in the same individual. And the Lord seems to have led this xvonderful man through just the path that would qualify him to com- pose such H book." I can add my testimony to the above. .\Uhough I had frequently heard Dr. Scott undervalued, as net sufficiently critical, I am now convinced that he has been wise in not encumbering his work with useless criticism, which, whUe itmisht have ploused the few, would have beta a great disadvantage tt the many. It wili ^'9 found,, I believe, that hie opinion on all imporiant poinU, is the correct one. He is, for general use, undoubtedly the best com- mentator e-tatit. I must conclude, therefore, by advising yeu to commence his work with a deter- mination, by the blessing of God, to finish it. Prospectively, it may appear a berculear. task ; but be .issui-ed, it is not. As you advacce, you will find each succeeding page, more and more de- lightful. 118 ADVICE TO A LETTER XXVI. I hope my young friend, that you will acquire a thorough acquaintance ivith the historical scriptures. They are intimately connected with the prophetical, the doctrinal, and the preceptive parts of the Bible. I have, at timea, been made to blush for my igno- rance of some fact, which has been alluded to, as a part of Bible history, and especially as quoted by the New Testament writers; not because I neglect- ed the Bible, but because I confined my reading to a very limited portion of it. It is impossible to understand the prophecies, without a knowledge of the sacred history. It is equally impossible, without this knowledge, to comprehend the beauty and force of the gospels and the epistles. The more thoroughly you study the Old, the more easily will you comprehend the meaning and beauty of the New Testament. If you will beccire intimately acquainted with the book of Leviticus, the epistle to the Hebrews will possess charms which you had ntiver attributed to it. If you have discriminated between the covenant which God made with Abraham, and that which he formed with the people of Israel, at Sinai, you will be pre- pared to estimate the force of the Apostle's reason- ing, in the epistle to the Galatians. There is scarcely any part of the New Testament, which has not some connexion with the Old. In the his- torical books, you have also an exhibition of the providence of God, and many bright examples of patriarchal Christianity. You cannot fail, therefore, of being amply rewarded by a diligent perusal of the sacred history. TOONS CHRISTIAN. 119 In studying the doctrinal parts of the Bible, you will require much patience and perseverance, min- gled with constant prayer for heavenly illumination. There is reason to apprehend, that many young Christians have vague and superficial notions of the doctrines, whilst they exhibit much of the true tem- per of the gospel. If, however, they neglect to in- vestigate and understand the doctrines of scripture, they will be in danger of being led astray, by the seducing influence of heresy. Be well grounded, therefore, in the fundamental doctrines of the Bible. In making up your opinion with respect to any doctrine, avoid a rash and hasty conclusion. Be deliberate, and you will escape the imputation of " being carried about with every wind of doctrine." When a truth, which you have thus deliberately embraced, is called in question, be not induced by the apparent candour, or the plausible arguments of your opponent, to yield your opinion, until you have given it a thorough investigation. You may ptill be right, and ycur opponent wrong. Be not rash in giving up your opinion and adopting his. This caution is perhaps necessary to young Chris- tians, who cannot, at their age, be supposed to be thoroughly indoctrinated. There are some truths which you have received from education. I would advise you to re-examine them, by the word of God, and if they correspond the»ewith, to hold them fast, as the most precious legacy which your pious parents have bequeathed. It will be insinuated, perhaps, that such opinions nre the result of education, and are destitute of any other foundation. Be cautious in admitting this. Search the scriptures, and if you find them there, hold ihem fast, as a " form of sound words." If they are opposed to the Bible, abandon them, however dear, or sanctified by parental aftection. But in yielding 5.nch ((pinions, I would still say, be 120 ADVICE TO A not rash. In /estiga' closely and candidly, ere you let thenoi go. There is a tenderness of conscience in young Christians, which Satan sometimes pushes to a painful and distressing embarrassment. This is as mu^.h the case in respect to belief, as to exter- nal conduct. As an illustration of these remarks, there occurs to my recollection, the case of a youth, who, on making a public profession of religion, joined, as a matter of course, the church in which he had been baptized, and to which his parents belonged. For a short time ail went happily with him. He enjoy- ed the communion of the saints, and the ordinances of the gospel. The scene, however, was soon changed. His mind was thrown into great distress, by the insinuations of one, who, by his bold and dogmatical mode of reasoning, led him into uoubts on a particular point of doctrine. He was deeply perplexed astD the path of duty. Atone time, the adversary would suggest the guilt of remaining a day longer in his present connexion. At another, he would insinuate that he had made a false pro- fession, and therefore had committed the sin against the Holy Ghost. In this hourof angui&ii, he prayed most earnestly for direction. The thought occurred to Mm, that he need not be rash in altering his views. As he was comparatively a child, and had much to learn, God would not bo displeased, if ho took time for investigation. This thought gave him consolation, and he set about a diligent and prayer- ful examination of his Bible. The result was, a conviction of tho truth as he had held it, and a per- fectly settled state of mind on that point, even to the present time. 1 hope, therefore, my young friend, that in mak- ing up your doctrinal opinions, you will study the word of God closely and prayerrtrll;y. Bo careful not to rush into hasty conclusions from isolated t f YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 121 passages ; but take a comprehensive view of the connexion. Look at the Bible in all its grand and magnificent proportions. Be thoroughly indoctri- nated, and you will become a growing and stable Christian. There will be a solidity in your cha- racter, which, like a foundation that is well adjust- ed to the superstructure, will be, at once, the evi- dence, both of permanency and of beauty. -i u i -.-i H 122 ADVICE TO A LETTER XXVII. I would not. my young friend, have you study the Bible as a critic; but as a Christian. You should endeavour to derive some spiritual nourish- ment frona every part of scripture. In this, Dr. Scott's commentary is admirably calculatf>d to as- sist you In studying the historical scriptures, you can occasionally pause and meditate. You can \p- quire, whether your mind distinctly coniprehended the facts recorded, and their practical bearing. In this vay, your memory will be strengthened, and your heart, I trust often affected. Before I leave this subject, permit me to say a v/ord or two, on the spirit with which you should peruse the sacre 1 volume. It is a spirit of implicit faith, and child '7 It is melancholy, to behold so many satisfied with a name in the church, nud a seat at the sacramental board. This appears lo make up the sura of their religion. Others go ore step farther, and observe some decent regard to what may be termed the ex- perimental part of religion ; hut aim not at **iat elevated standard which it is their privilege to at- tain. They live in doubt, and they often die in darkness. They enjoy neither religious consola- tions, nor the peace which the world giveth. A'.l this is in consequence of that miserable, half-way, compromising spirit, which seeks to perform the ser- vice, and enjoy the approbation, of two masters. Let me entreat you to make a noble surrender in this cause. The world has hitherto been the mas- ter, and you must acknowledge, that you have rendered a full and faithful service ; but shall you yield a les£i free and faithful devotion to Christ ? Which is the more worthy of your regard ? Which has the greater claims on your affections ? Which 'jrs the fullest reward ? Determine by the grace of God, that you will forsake all and follow Christ ; do not, like Peter, follow him afar off, but, like Mary, sit at his feet ; like the beloved disciple, rest upon his bosom. You will perceive from my communications thus far, that there is work enough to do ; that there is some struggling for the prize ; that the kingdom of heaven is to bo taken by violence ; that you are not to sit down and idly imagine that now you have joired the church, there remaineth no more for you to do ; that you are to be carried along, as it were, by a sort of invisible influence to heaven, without any extraordinary exertions of your own. Deter- mine, that if c*hers act on the principles of the spiritual sluggaru, you will leave them, and march forward towards the elevation of Christian charac- ter, wh'-h the Hible plainly marks out as your duty >i 1-28 ADVICE TO A and your privilege. Onward, is the daily vrateh- word of the faithful soldier of the cross. Ho sleeps not at his post. He hears the first note of alarm, and prepares for the conflict. He loves his .ing, and obedience is a pleasure, rather than a duty. Many a bright example still shines in your view. A Brainerd, a Martyn, a Graham, and a Nawell, have left thu li^Iit of their glorious career still lin- gering on earth. Plant your feet in their tracks, and if you cannot equal, at least make a near ap- proximation to them. Dread the thought of being any thing less than they were ; and remember that it is possible even to surpass them. O may you aim high, in contending for the prize o^ you high calling I May you go from strength to strength, from victory to victory, from one attain- ment to another, until you shall stand, a glorious example on earth ; until you shall inherit the high- est rewards of the blessed in heaven I YOUNG CHRlsriAN. J2D LETTER XXIX. The duties which I hav« been urging upon you, as important in forming an elevated standard of piety, are those especially which relate to God, and your own soul. Social obligations, and the reia- tive duties of life, I have not considered. They are not first in importance. Besides, if you give heed to the advice which I have presented in these sheets; if you pe> severe ii. the path which I have marked out; if ;r;ou give the diligence in prayer, in self- examination, and the study of the Bible, which I have urged; you will, most certainly, not be a delinquent, in the various social and domestic duties of life. The course recommended, if faithfully pursued, will have a controlling innuenc* upon your iuter- course with others. It will put every thing in its proper place, and give every duty its legitimate prominency and attention. Jt will make you the obedient child, the beloved sister, the diligent scholar, and the amiable and intelligent companion. It will render you in every respp'^^ lovely and interesting. It is under this impres that 1 have given to this subject a protracted consideration, and that I have said so little about your general de- portment. I have endeavoured first to erect the solid column ; the Corinthian capital can be easily superadded. I might have added something more, on the im- portance of Christian biography, as a means of stimulating the young Ch»! tian ; bra I take it for granted, that you are already familiar with most of the popular works of that kind, which are now so 130 ADVICE TO A Of it. n^n'i P '" ^T^^ "^*""''*^^- '^^*^« "memoirs JfMr f \^'^''f>' ^«''^y°' aud Scott; tho lires of Mrs. Graham, Ramsay, NewelJ, and Hunting, tou, cannot be rcjul too often, nor copied too elosS- trerncnt, to ho d converse with some ot these ex- alted 8amt6. It will rurnish a humbling view of your own compa»-a.ive sluggishness; and arouse you to emulate their noble self-denial and devo- tion. Nexj to your Bible, may they be your most intimate and beloved companinos. ^ But ah! how small a number of such characters have ever lived to grace this fallen woHd ! '"iTke angel visitors they have been few and far between." They have shot athwart our world, to evidence to scofiers and infidels the genuine beauty of Chris- tianity, and to exhibit for the imitation of their brethren, that high and noble character to which human nature, degraded as h is, can, by the sS t'hetfelf'Hp'' ?''u >^ ^'"'^^^^ ' ^'^-° I -«5 of their self-denial; their e:... e consecration of their all to he service of Christ ; their agonizing praver«' >vh.ch were offered less for themselves th^an for th^ perishing souls around them; their r (arged bene- volence, which was satisfied with rothinl short of blessing a world; when I consider their patience msuflermg; their cheerfulness , .der repeated and severe afflictions ; their composure and triumph "n death , 1 view them as possessing a character which nought but a superhuman power can confer;' tar very far transcending J,o brightest models of Giec an or of Roman virtue. They scarcely seem to belong to our specie.; and, if fancy were per- muted to decide, we should alm.ost say, that in TsX^l^ ' '"' '""'""" '' ^"'"^ sJr'aph was But still, my young friend, " they were bone of our bone, and flesh of our flesh.'^ They possessed. YOUKG CHRISTIAN. 131 in common with us, thd same sickly, sinful nature. Thoy made no pretensions to superiority. Nay, they considered their own character as vile, in the eyes of Hira who '• cannot look upon sin." If they possessed an elevation o^ ;haracter above us, they seemed not to know it. They were, while shining out with angel virtue, all meekness and hu- mility. These are the characters, which, though undervalued by the world, make their silent progress through life, indifferent to the honours and the plea- sures, which inferior and sordid minds are struggling to obtain. These are the characters, which, while they walk on the earth, converse with the skios — hold communion — intimate, deep, delightful com- munion, with Heaven. Their souls daily disen- tangling themselves from the bonds of sensuality, severing their willing affsctions from the dross and corrupt, n of earth, rise to a similitude with God ; and er6 they leave their earthly abode, appear to imbibe a purity and a perfection, which are a sort of earnest of their quick transition to glory. But my pen is unable to render a just tribute to characters so bright and magnificent. The sim- ple Pisrative will speak a stronger eulogy. These are the characters which I wish you to copy. They are the only happy characters. There is a delightful, and yet pitiable contrast, between them and that cold-hearted, half-devoted, earthly- minded race of professors, who, I veri'y believe, are among the most miserable beings on earth. They are a disgrace to the Christian church ; a standing scandal upon religion ; a gi ief to the pious ; a laughing-stock to the world. Over their worldly- mindedness, their niggardly charities, their hollow professions, thousands stumble into perdition. A~ void this character, as you regard the peace of your own soul, the prosperity of the church, the advance- ment of Christ's kingdom, and your final salvaiion. 132 ADVICE TO A Remember that there is a day comioff, when th?» precious w, 1 be separated from the v lei when the 1T"\'^^?^' walk through the Christian Srch and .hall gather the wheat into his garner and burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire^.''B'e not my young fnend, satisfied with grovelllDir views or low attamments. Aim high, even a perSon '" rv?nt7 ^^ ^ e^*4^ '"^'^ man 'hath ^d; be ye perfect, as your Father in heaven i. per- ■'■f^.l! ,'N^- "S3 YOUNG CHRIS'lIAN. 133 CONCLUSION. I cannot believe, my young friend, that the seri- ous cautions, solemn warnings, and earnest appeals, wlich I have made, are to be entirely lost. 1 flatter myself, that when the hand which penned, and the heart which prompted them, are silent m the grave ; she, for whose instruction they were given, will exhibit all that maturity of knowledge, all that purity of character, all that holy elevation of purpose and of action, ivhich together constitute the fulness of Christian perfection. But if, aft«r all, you should make a compromise with the world, and he willing to settle down upon that low and unworthy standaid, too common among our church- es ; if a few years should find you foremost in plea- sure and in fashion, and undistinguished Irom the noisy, vain, and trifling crowd ; methinks your con- science will have been rapidly seared, and your heart quickly steeled to a sense of your duty. But I am persuaded better things of you, though 1 thus speak. Still, I know more, than you can at pro«ent, of the deceitfulness of the heart, the subtle insinuations of Satan, and the powerful attractions which the world presents to a warm, youthful ima- gination. Secluded as you now are, you can form but a faint oouceptiouv of the power of worldly seductions. Perhaps you are ready to conclude, that your heart is impregnable to all their assaults. This, be assured, is a great mistake. Thmk not that your mountain stands strong. 11 you indulge this thought, you will most assuredly fall ; you wi be obliged to weep over the disgrace which you will have brought upon religion ; you will, perhapt, l>« 134 AD^ltK TO .4 coasiraiued to hewail the ruii, of some soui ivho nor your eye too circumspect. ^ ' Remember what I have already said, that do cast an eyo upward to God/ Wl^en h. wlrM j" ' plaj. us (asdnatious, und «oos you awav to »" but to Him who heareth the mourner's cry'* Pravo; a:;;7h?™:rT.t"' -^ «»-«• I. h.s wT; gleam of hoDlrh/K""f°'' l""' '«'"'='' "P 'ho ffihAm,.„ . jf .' I "^ '"■o'"" "■« stout sinews of thor''outh;7e'ha^^\rand;™;::ve°ri;;^ t^^. "^^ cha e.,> n-,J-H^^^^^ Xr""^ " |f^'~c.'t;or;o'u r piopaied. You wdl go calmly forward to Ihe bar , Let the ws;";;? G-o'd" wo ,r;z he';.«- s. , YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 135 la short, take to yourself the whole armour of God ; the shield of faith, by which you may quench the fiery darts of Batan; the helmet of salvation, to adorn and defend your head ; the br«ast-plate of righteousness, to cover your bosom from the shafts of calumny or of euvy; the sword of the Spirit, whose keen edge will make y«u resolute and fear- less in the attack, powerful and irresistible in the defence. T!:us arrayed, look upward, and press onward. God is your strength ; and when He nerve* the arm, though it be the arm of the weak- est believer, that arm is ij resistible. Lay not aside your weapons, while one foe within is unsubdued, or one enemy without unconquered. But life is short. The time is at hand, when you shall have ft full and free discharge. TLe crown of glory glitters in prospect. Alter a few more days of fidel- ity to your King, that crown shall be placed upon your brow. When death comes, he will provo your last enemy. As he falls beneath your triumphant struggle, you .shall hear the notes of victory, bursting from ten i.housaud angels on your dying ear. Then your work is done. Then your warfare is over. On yonder heavenly plains, you shall receive a golden harp, and .learn celestial music. You shall sound that name by which you conquered ; and in your eternal song, chant the praise of Him, who sitteth upon the throne, and of the Lamb forever. The trials of life will be remembered no more, or if re- membered, will serve as new themes of praise and thanksgivin . What a consummation! Who would not struggle a few short days, to inherit so rich a reward— to wear forever so bright a diadem ? "K EXTRACTS FROM ▲ SKETCH OP THE LIFE AMD CHARACTER OF LADY DARCY MAXWELL, OF Pollock — late of Edinburgh. Taken f.'om an English Periodical for 1816. Lady Maxwell, was the youngest daughter of Thomas Brisbane, Esq. of Bri»bane, m Ayrshire, and widow of Sir Walter Maxwell, Baronet, of Pollock. Lady Maxwell's piety was sound, deep, and consistent. Her conversion to God was genuine and clear, although the time and the circumsianccs of that important change cannot be detailed. Hu- mility, which is the arst grace implanted in the Christian's mimV and the first feature formed in the Christian's character, and which lies at the root of every other grace, had a conspicuous situa- tion in her temper and conduct. This grace, how- ever, had to display its beauty under some unfavour- able circumstances. For as there was nothing in her person, or her early habits, congenial to such a temper, so there was something of such command- ing dignity in her whole mein, that it is said, that when very young and at school, sho maintained such an overbearing superiority of spirit, as held all her companions in respectful awe, and led them to keep a measured distance. Nor did that mighty mo- ral change which divine grace had wrought in her soul, completely eiface all traces of her early habits. For it may be said, almost without a figure, that there were, on some occasions, such an inexpres- sible air and dignity in her manner, as might have awed sovereignty itself to a respectful distance, ^_.' MEMOIR OF LADY MAXWELL 137 and caused i: to sink in conscious inferiority. Bur all this was in a manner the very opposite of that amiable spirit that always breathed in her heart. Love, which ranks the first among Christian gra- ces, which includes within itself the whole of reli- gion, and without which, knowledge is empty, and faith is vain; this had a place in her mind worthy of its pre-eminent nature ; it was so deeply seated in her heart, so powerful and uniform in its operation, as more to resemble a principle than a passion. Its origin was. heavenly, its nature was divine, and its works were agreeable to that nature, and corres- ponded with itj great souce. From the tin^e that she received a concern for a knowledge of divine things, she desired to love God with all her heart, and mind, and soul, and strength ; and that inferior d«gree of this, of which she was made a partaker w'len she received the justifying grace of God, only tended more to awaken her concern, inflame her ardour, and invigorate her pursuits of that great Christian enjoyment. Her soul cried out for all the divine fulness, nor did she cry in vain. She ob- tained the desire of her heart, in the sanctification of her nature unto God— and for the space of near thirty years, God reigned the Mndi«iputed sovereign of all her affections. As she thus loved God with all her heart, so she loved ail his rational offspring, and ever felt disposed, to tha utmost of her power and means, to serve their present and eternal in- terests. She entered with all her soul into every scheme, which had for its object the removal or diminution of any part of the sum of human wretch- ednos?, or to improve the natural or moral condi- tion of her fellow creatures. And while she was desirous of serving all, she would not injure an>. With her the charu-ters of others were as sacred us their property. Speaking evil of the absent was not known in her presence, and even the attempt MEMOIR OF was very seldom made. Hgm- charity iiiclineJ to run to excess ; and having formed the best opinion possible of every person, she did not wish to licar any thing which mi.'rht induce her to make any abatement from that degree of \Torth at which she had estimated them. She knew too well the proper place for her sex, to take any part in the affairs and government of the church ; and as she allowed of no venders of evil reports, she remained ignorant of any little disorder or impropriety which might exist in individuals; and this undoubtedly contri- buted much to her own peace. Very different in- deed is this from the conduct of those who, under the mistaken idea of indignation against sin, zeal for the purity of the church and the glory of God, allow their habitations to become a rendezvous of religious gossipping, iiLtil they form the common sewers of pious scandal. Joy in God, joy in the Ho'iy Ghost, and joy un- speakable, are Scripture terms, and are expressive of a Christian grace to which no true believer can be an entire stranger. Yet it has been observed, that this grace is most distinguishable in the first stages of the Christian's experience, when ever? thing in the world or kingdom of grace wears the face of novelty ; and when, perhaps, that hole of the pit, out of which the hand of mercy has but recently dug the individual, is still gaping in sight. For contrasting his past, with his present state, such an one must necessarily feel his mind inspired with joy from an assurance of God's salvatipu. So it has been remarked further, that in general, religious joy is the most sensible in the minds of those per- sons whose attainments are not the most strikingly ra .irked by their depth or height. And certainly if wo are, in any case, to determine of our being in a state of salvation by the existence or strength of any of those graces which enrich and adorn tho .ADY MAXWfcLL. KiU Christiau's mind, perhaps there is none more equivocal, less certain as a criterion, or that 's so subject to feel the operation of disturbing causes, both from without and within, than that of joy. That supreme love to God, and submission to his authority, which fix the mind into a determination rather to die than to sin, form a much more conclu- sive proof of our being ia a state of acceptance, than any measure of joy which we can feel. On the subject of religious joy. Lady Maxwell said but little. For although she could not be a stranger to this spiritual enjoyment, and notwithstanding her mental comforts were not subject to those fluctu- ations which are but too common with many, yet to rapturous or extatic joy she was a stranger. She would speak of a solid, settled peace ; a divine tranquility ; an overwhelming sense of the divine goodness, which rather sunk, than elated her soul ; a losing herself in God ; the deep teachings of God's Spirit; an emptying of the mind, and a filling of her soul with love. And at some times she spoke of such a consciousness of the whole Deity drawing near to her in his gracious influences, rl caused a heavenly solemnity to pervade all her mental pow- ers, producing, " That speechless awe which dares dot move." And often she seemed to realize what is expressed in lines, as poetically grand, as the di- vinity is profound, " Plung'd in the God'vaad's deepest sea, And lost ia his itnmensity." Yet neither in life, nor in death, did she speak of any extraordinary measure of spiritual joy. Her candour. Although Lady Maxwell wasfuUy established in her own religious sentiments, senti- ments which she had drawn from that infallible source of truth, the word of God, and had embraced them from a full conviction, which was the result of 140 MKMOin or earnest, but dispassionate examination ; yet did she not exclaim, " The temple of the Lord" alone " are we," but indulged the most Christian charity to- wards all who laid Christ as the foundation, and held hira as the Head. She loved and esteemed good people of every religious persuasion ; being of opinion, that when the essentials of Christianity are maintained, sentiments in religion form a less considerable part of the thing, than many persons seem to apprehend, or at least, less than most are disposed to grant. As she often attended that church in which she had been educated, so she often made grateful mention of the profit which she there received ; and of various ministers, both of the English and Scottish establishments, as well as of dissenters of both countries who occasionally visited her, she spoke in terms of the highest respect. Her talent for conversation was very remarkable, calculated at once to profit and delight. It might be said of her, " that she spoke well on every sub- ject." For although in one sense she was out of the world, she was by no means unacquainted with it, nor yet of those leading events which in contin- ued succession engage the public mind ; while in the early part of her life, she appeared to have amassed a considerable fund of original observation on things, manners, and men. She was also well acquainted with the general circle of British litera- ture in its various departments, and possessed a memory retentive of important facts, and ready in supplying at the precise moment, the idea or illus- tration which was then wanted. She had no parti- ality for controversy on any subject, and mostly avoided disputable points. When, however, she was called to give aa opinion on such subjects, she would do it with ease and clearness — and by adv' ;rt- ing to the data of her own reasoning — to the pro- cedure of her understanding from one link to ano- LADY MAXWELL. 141 ther of that chain of ratiocination which it had formed, she seldom failed to conduct the minds of others to the same conclusions with those of her own. Her command of language in conversation was not less ext'-aordinary ; the characteristics of which were, perspicuity, purity and elegance. Her words in general were so well chosen, that a per- son of taste would have been ready to conclude, that had she ransacked all the Lexicons of the language, she could not have selected words more justly to express her sepse, or to convey the precise ideas she intended to communicate, than those which she employed. During the space of about forty years, Lady Maxwell was her own chaplain. For some time after she became acquainted with divine things, she employed a pious minister of the Scottish Estab- lishment to officiate in that capacity, but »>ith which she »90'- became dissatisfied. For being placed by Provideiice at the head of her own household, sho considered that that relation imposed upon her the performance of certain duties, which could not be discharged by proxy ; and of which duties, that of conducting family worship she esteemed as not the least. It was not, hx,ny.'.or, without much reason- ing and considerable conflict, that duty and consci- ence triumphed over spurious shame and false deli- cacy. But having once overcome reluctance, and begun the practice, sho found an ample reward : duty became privilege, and the work was wages. When she was in health, she read the Scriptures, and prayed extempore with her whole family morn- ing and evening ; and in these exercises, not only evinced the fervour of her devotion, but displayed the resources of a mind, richly furnished out of the divine treasury. For to some of those persons wl?o had been in the habit of joining with her in family worship for many years, and who were very ade- 142 MEMOIR or quate to detect any thing like a form or sameness iu her manner, it was astonishing, >vhat an ahnost endless variety, both in petition and expression, she always had at command. Nor was there any appearance of a falling off in the latter part of" her life, Avhon it might have been expected, that in- firmities and age would have considerably impaired the energies of h«r mind. To talk of a good man or woman, who does no good, or who does not all the good which the abili- ties of such a person can compass, is to talk about a monster cf imagination, which has no positive ex- istence. " Pure religion and undeiiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and the widow in their affliction." "For whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him ?" It will not be unto such as say, " Lord, Lord, bless thy holy name," that the Judge will award that plaudit, " Come, ye blessed or my Father, inherit tho kingdom prepared for you," but to those who have fed, and clothed, and visited his necessitous and suffering members. This is not mjrely a proof of the existence and reality of inward religion, the ripe fruit of piety ; but it is religion itself, a resem- blance of the divine goodness ; and all the appara- tus of redemption is constructed, and all the regen- erating influences of tho Spirit are employed on the mind, to infuse the disposition, to fix the principle, and impart the moral power to continue patient in well-doing. There was no trait iu Lady Maxwell's character more prominent and fair, than her bsne- volence. Her ardent desire for getting good by con- stant recourse to the Saviour's fulness, was not more intense, than her wish to be useful to her fel- low-creatures ; and perhaps very few examples have occurred, of means so comparatively limited, LADV MAXWKLL. 143 being husbanded so ^vell, as to produce such a quantum of benefit to mankind. Her pecuniary resources, especially during the latter part of her life, were not the most abundant, considering the rank and station which she had to uphold in soeiety. For although she might be left a widow in affluent circumstances, yet being a dow- ager lady, confined to a fixed income, the depreci- ation of the value of money in more than half a century, must considerably have curtailed her means of doing good. But she saved all that she could, for the solo purpose of giving, and by the latter her funds we'-e constantly kept low. She was singu- larly plain in her dress, genteelly frugal in her household, her table seldom furnished more than two or three phv i and wholesome dishes; and thus, by avoiding every useless expence, she acquired the power of conferring more in charity, than many possess with ten times her inoome. And all that was in her power to do, she did to the very ut- most. There was scarcely a humane institution, or a private or a public charity, whether for the repose of age, or the instruction of youth, the relief of indigence, or the help of sickness; for the reforma- tion cf morals, or the spread and support of reli- gion, from which she did not receive applications, and to which she did not contribute. She erected and supported a school for many years, in which about one thoussnd gi-'ls have received a good edu- cation ; and each a copy of the Scriptures ou leav- ing the school. And such were the eujouraguig efiects produced bv this ichool, as induced her Lady^ ship, by will, to p'rovide for its continuance to the end of time. As she was prepared for every good work, the subject of her charities is an almost end- less one. Could the dead arise, and would the liv- ing speak, the poor she has helped, the sick she has relieved, the orphans protected, and the friend- 144 MEMOIR OF LADY MAXWELL. less assisted, — embarrasied honest tradesmen that she has raised above difficulty, modest merit which she has brought into notice, — the youth which she has instructed, and set out in the world ; — could these, or would they speak, an army would rise to bless her memory. But she not only employed her money, but her tongue, which was persuasive, — her pen, which was urgent, — and her influence, which was mild, but powerful, — among her friends, to ob- tain their assistance. And it has been said, that there was no sum which she gave, however small, no institution which she patronis«d, nor an indivi- dual, who became the object of her charity, but what she followed with particular, earnest pr&yer to God, that what she had done might receive his blessing. As this eminent lady lived a Christian life, of the same character was her departure from time to eternity. For some weeks previous to her disswlu- tion, her health gradually declined, but as death made rapid advances, she stood calm and collected, clad in the armour of righteousness, and expecting the combat without dread. One of her expressions to a Minister was, " God is with me," and again when speaking of her ailliciion, she said, she had "no painful exercise of mind:" that her " cod.i- dence was unshaken," and " her peace inexpres- sibly sweet :" at the time her friends were engaged in prayer, " She took her last triumphant flig'it, " From Calvary to Zion's height." Thus died Lady Maxwell, 2d July 1810. len that it which hich she ; — could d rise to jyed her ve, — her 3, which s, to ob- aid, that 3r small, 1 iadivi- ritv, but : prayer seive his 'e, of the time to dissolu- as death ollected, xpecting ^ressions ad again she had " COD.l- nexpros- engaged 10.