BEB Haw in SkiS UCSB LIBRARY X' yqi OUTLINES WITH EETERENCES TO HYMNS IN THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL HYMN-BOOK OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUECH, SOUTH; AND m JittroiJuctorg ssag on Composition: anb ^di REVISED BY THOS. 0. SUMMERS. RICHMOND, VA., & LOUISVILLE, KT.: PUBLISHED BY JOHN EARLY, FOR THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SOUTHi Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1854, by JOHN EARLY, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. STEREOTYPED BT L. JOHNSON ft CO. PHILADELPHIA. PRINTED B SMITH AND PETER3. EDITORIAL NOTE. IN revising this little work, the editor has taken the liberty to correct the style in a few places, and occasionally to add a line or two, where he thought it necessary to do so. He has also appended to each " Outline" the first lines of three or four of the " Hymns for Schools and Families," recently published for the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. They are to be sung before and after the Lecture, as circumstances may suggest. Su- perintendents and others, who may use this book, would do well to peruse carefully the Introductory Essay on the composition and delivery of a Sunday-school lecture. Some hints on this subject may also be found in our little book, entitled, " The Sunday-School Teacher ; or, the Catechetical Office," which ought to accompany the present volume. THE EDITOR. Charleston, S. C., April 1, 1854. 3 PREFACE. SOME years ago, when the writer of the following pages became connected with Sab- bath-schools, such a volume as the present would have been hailed by him as a valuable addition to the helps he possessed. He early learned to appreciate the excellent manuals in general use, but as those which contained Sabbath-school addresses con- tained them complete, there was little to call forth the sanctified ingenuity of the teacher ; besides, such a variety of subjects as is found in this volume would have oc- cupied many volumes in a complete form. Since the period above referred to, many valuable additions have been made to Sab- bath-school literature; and yet, so far as the writer is aware, nothing has been given in the shape of a volume of outlines. This still appeared a desideratum. With the 6 PREFACE. conviction that such a volume would be welcomed by teachers, who have little time to prepare their subjects, and the hope that it might call forth their thinking powers to a greater extent than more finished ex- ercises, the following pages have been pre- pared. To visitors and teachers of Sabbath- schools, to conductors of catechumen and Bible classes, and to teachers of schools in which Scripture lessons are given, it is hoped that this work will be acceptable. May the great Head of the church deign to stamp with his approbation this humble effort to assist his servants, and lead through them the little ones to Christ. ARRANGED IN SCRIPTURAL ORDER. Text. Subject. Page 1 Sam. ii. 12 Religion not Hereditary 112 iii. 1-10 Call of Samuel 60 xii. 24 Something to Think about 96 xxiv. 10 Taking base Advantage 98 2 Sam. xiv. 25, 26 Character of Absalom 84 2 Kings iv. 26 All is Well 38 vi. 16 The Good Man guarded from Danger 102 viii. 13 Our Ignorance of Self. 104 xxii. 1,2 Young Josiah 78 2 Chron. x. 13, 14 Following Bad Advice 52 xv Following Good Advice 70 xxxiii. 1-19. ...Character of Manasseh 106 Job xix. 25 Knowledge of the Redeemer.... 64 Psalm xxvii. 8 Seeking the Lord 92 li. 10 The Clean Heart 74 xc. 14 The Royal Road to Happiness. 116 ciii. 13 God pities us 72 cxxii. 1 Love for the House of God 40 cxix. 9 The Path of Life 100 cxxvii. 3 Children belong to the Lord 110 cxxxix. 4 God hears every Word 66 7 8 TABLE OF TEXTS. Text. Subject. Pag Proverbs i. 10 The good Child cautioned and advised 46 iv. 7 The principal thing 56 viii. 17 The Lord early sought for early found 63 xvi. 5 Pride 48 xxii. 1 A good Name 62 xxii. 6 Religious Education 114 xxiii. 26 Giving the Heart to God 88 Eccles. xii. 1 Youthful Reflections 36 Isaiah liv. 13 Our best Teacher, 108 Jer. iii. 4 The youthful Pilgrim and Heavenly Guide 34 Matt. vii. 7 How to Pray 90 xiii. 38 Missions 118 xix. 13-15 Christ receives Little Children. 42 xxi. 15,16 Hosanna to Jesus 94 xxviii. 5 Encouragement to those who seek the Lord 120 John i. 40-42 The Young Disciple 44 xx. 16 Mary seeking Jesus 82 Acts xi. 22-24 Secret of the Good Man's Suc- cess 76 Rom. xii. 21 How to Suffer and how to Act... 54 Gal. iv. 18 Zeal well directed and constant. 122 Eph. vi. 1 Obedience to Parents 50 2 Tim. iii. 14, 15 Character of Timothy 86 1 Peter ii. 13 Submission to Teachers 58 ii. 21 Our Pattern.... . 80 (fesajr ON THE COMPOSITION AND DELIVERY OF SUNDAY- SCHOOL LECTURES. ON the banks of the Jordan, and sheltered from the meridian sun by over-shadowing palms, whose broad feathery leaves waving above them in the breeze formed natural fans, reposed a company of travellers intently listening to one seated in their midst, who for some time past had discoursed on prayer. How much of heaven is there on that teacher's face ! what love beams forth from his eyes ! what wisdom dwells upon his tongue ! His auditors wonder at the gracious words that fall from his lips. The short pause succeeding to the Saviour's remarks (in which glances of approba- tion among the disciples, and a flush of shame on here and there a face, told of the effects of his teaching) was quickly broken by the mothers in that congregation, who, pressing through the crowd, are carrying their little ones to the world's 10 INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. Redeemer. Though too young to understand, they are not of too tender years to love the preacher. Note the eagerness of each parent's eye; and the children themselves, sympathizing with their parents, are stretching out their tiny hands to Jesus. The circle nearest Christ is composed of his professed disciples. These New- Testament Hannahs meet with no opposition till the disciples rebuke them : their icy looks and withering words cast a pall over the hopes that now die within these mothers' hearts. They fall back to their places slowly and sadly, and each child, joining in his guardian's grief, buries his head in her bosom to hide his tears. Jesus sees all, and, wondering at the selfishness or ignorance of his followers, is much displeased. For if even the bad man's contumely could excite the displea- sure of Jesus, much more did that of his chosen disciples and professed friends. " Suffer the little children to come unto me," said the Saviour : the mothers bounded toward him, the children sprang into his arms, and he, kissing them, caresses them, puts his hands on them, blesses them, and says, " Of such is the kingdom of heaven." Under the influence of this truth, the writer of the following outlines first engaged in Sabbath- school labours, and under the continued influence of the same truth, he hears, and prays that every INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 11 teacher may hear, the Saviour say, " Suffer little children to come unto me." The object of pious parents in bringing their little ones to the Sunday- school is, that through its medium they may be led to Jesus : even parents, making no pretensions to piety themselves, are beginning to learn the value of Sabbath-school instruction, from the de- portment of such as are influenced by it. The Sabbath-school spreads out its paternal arms to embrace the rising race, and would, in them, carry the young people of all nations to the Sa- viour of men. 0, remember this, you, who by your prayers, and labours, and contributions, help on the cause of Sabbath-schools. And let every parent remember that the grand design of Sabbath-schools is, to instruct children in righteousness, and thus lead them to the Re- deemer. It is hoped that this little work will, in some small degree, assist such as are called by the school arrangements to deliver an occasional ad- d_'333. Allow us, then, to offer a few remarks to young teachers on the selection of a suitable sub- ject on the arrangement of matter and on the effective delivery of his thoughts. In the selection of your subject, bear in mind you are to address children. You will be too 12 INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. wise, and too desirous of saving them of leading them to Jesus to discuss a grave point in doctrine, which would, of course, soon send them to sleep. You may be guided in your selection of a sub- ject by some circumstance which may have trans- pired in the school or neighbourhood ; or some previous conversation between you and some class; or the conduct of some child ; or a question put by some inquirer on a religious subject; but it is needless to allude to circumstances, conversation, and conduct : an intelligent and observant teacher, with an inventive mind, will turn many things to good account. A teacher, with a prayerful heart and willing mind, will never be greatly at loss for a suitable topic. To such, and indeed to all, we would say, pray for a text : " The Lord gives the Word." Allow me to offer a few hints on the arrange- ment of matter. You will see throughout the following pages an attempt at method. There is no need that the heads of an address should be formally repeated, because they appear in the skeleton : indeed, in most instances, they had better be hid in the ad dress, as are the bones of the osseous system in vertebrated animals, which, although invisible it- self, gives strength and beauty to all that meets the eye. In some cases, however, you will find it INTRODUCTORY ESSAY- 13 best to mention heads, thus to awaken atten- tion. You can repeat them somewhat in the following manner : Try, if you formally take a text, to make the children discover your verse : thus, in outline, No. 2. What is that in us that thinks? The mind. What is that act of the mind called when we think of past things ? Remembrance. Tell me some things we should remember ? The chil- dren will probably say a variety of things : as, our mercies ; our sins j our advantages, &c. &c< Who gave us all our mercies ?- God. Whom ought we, then, sometimes to think about ? God- What is God called, as the maker of all things ? The Creator. Should we remember our Creator in the days of old age, or now ? Now. What are these days called ? The days of our youth. Then we ought to remember our Creator in the days of our youth. Can any of you repeat a verse in which those words are found ? Perhaps one may : then ask if any can find it, and let the one that finds it first hold out his hand. One after another will presently put out his hand, and one may then be called on to read the text : if none can find it, name the chapter : they will soon be busy with their Bibles, and the text will be quickly repeated. Having thus, by a few ques- tions, led the children to think out the text, pro- 2 14 INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. ceed to name the three divisions: 1. The Duty; 2. The Time; 3. The Reason. Now, children can one of you name the 1st division ? Can another mention the 2d ? Who can repeat the 3d ? I have first to speak of the [Duty.]* What duty is mentioned in the text ? To remem- ber our Creator. Then discuss that head in an easy, familiar way : now and then, to awake atten- tion, put a question when finished, ask one to mention the 2d division; and so on to the 3d, getting the children to illustrate the time, and the reason for the text. Do not imagine the putting so many questions occupies too much time : the inductive mode of eliciting replies will soon be found a rapid and effective method of imparting truth. If so much is not said by the teacher as he wishes, let him reflect that the little said is well said. You will find, in such texts a the one selected for example, the use of divisions useful to your own and the children's memories. Sometimes, as when a Bible narrative or bio- graphy is the foundation of the address, the story- telling method may be adopted. Children are very fond of what may be termed a quaint, old- fashioned, once-upon-a-time style. We have seen * Leave such words as those enclosed in brackets for the children to repeat simultaneously. The ellipsis, if intro- duced carefully, constantly fixes attention. INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 15 a congregation of juveniles sitting in breathless silence, with eyes fixed intently on the speaker, appearing scarcely to breathe, while such subjects as llehoboam and his Counsellors, All is Well, and the Prodigal Son, have been under consideration. To illustrate this manner, we will give an ab- stract of our address from outline No. 10, which, we are conscious, if in the hands of a more ima- ginative and apt speaker, could be made much more interesting. The address was commenced somewhat in the following manner : As I came to the school this afternoon, I couldn't help thinking what a beautiful land it is we live in : the birds sang so sweetly, and the sun shone so brightly, the sky looked so blue, and the mea- dows so green, and every thing so gay and cheer- ful, that I thought there could be no land like the land we live in. Then I thought about other lands a great way off over the water, and at last I thought of one, and something that happened there ever so long ago, that perhaps you would like to hear about. It is not a very large country. A large sea washes one side, and a river flows along the other side. There were many cities, and villages, and hills, and vales there, and when the people were good they were happy. Well, many years ago 16 INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. there lived a great king there, who wore a crown and lived in a palace ; and the king was fond of music and singing, and he wrote a book full of beautiful hymns, and after some years he died and was buried, and the people were very sorry, for they loved their good king. When he was buried the people made his son their king : he was not fond of playing on the harp as his father was ; but he was very wise indeed : people came from a great way to see this wise king. After a while he died, and was buried in his father's grave, and his son was made king. A little while before the last king died some laws were made that the people did not like; but they thought they would wait till the next king wore the crown : so when the wise king was dead, and his son sat on the throne, they came to him and asked him to take off some of the laws. So one day a great many of them got together and went to the pa- lace. The king was there with his robe and crown on, he held a jewelled sceptre in his hand, and when the people came into the room and saw the young king, they all bowed their heads, and one, more bold than the rest, stepped forward and told the king what the people wanted. The prince told the people that they should come again another day, and he would give them an answer. When the people were gone, he asked his great INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 17 men what lie had better do : so they gathered around him to talk to him about it. There were some old men there with gray heads and long beards, who leaned on staves when they walked, they were so very old : they had been advisers to the king's father, so the young king listened to them first. Now the old men had read a good deal, and had lived with the wise king who was dead, and had thought about a good many things, so they were very wise, and said to the young prince : Speak kindly to the people, and tell them you will consider their case, and try to take the laws away that they do not like, then the people will love you. When the' old men with the long beards had done speaking, the king asked the others what they thought he had better do, but they said they would tell him another time. They were ashamed to tell what they thought before the old : so when the old men had left the presence-chamber, the young men, who were about as old as the king began to speak, and they said, if they were the king, they would drive -the people away and speak roughly to them, and not let them come asking him about the laws. So the young king reminded his friends of what the old men had said. "0," said these young ones, " they are old cowards, let us be brave and bold, and show the foolish old men that we 2* INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. know better than they." So the king thought it sounded very bold and well, and made up his mind to do as they said. By-and-by, another day, the people came again, and bowed to the king as he sat on his throne, and asked him if he had thought about them. " yes," said he, " I have not for- gotten you, and you will soon know it, unless you mind what you are about." The people then went away sad and sorrowful, and feeling angry that the king should treat them so badly. The old men who stood by wondered at the young king, and at first could not tell how it was that he acted so foolishly ; but when they saw how pleased the young lords looked who stood on the other side of the king's throne, then they wondered no longer : they saw the king had been misled by bad advice : it was too late now for them to say any thing, or they would have begged the king to think again before he acted as he did ; but, as I said, it was now too late, the people were gone away, and very soon the old men went away ; and the young king and his friends began to be very merry when they thought how bravely they had acted. The people used very often to talk about the silly king after, and at last they said they would have another king: so they made the brave young man who spoke to the king for them their king ; and they had a great many battles with the soldiers of the INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 19 king, and beat them, and drove them away, and took ten of the finest provinces of the kingdom, and made their brave leader to reign over them in the ten provinces which they had taken away from the young king. Do you think if he had minded what the old men said he would have lost his kingdom ? no, he would still have been a great king, and good people would have loved him, and everybody in the country would have been willing to die for him, they would have loved him so very much. How foolish it is to take bad advice ! Do you know who the first king was that sang so well, and played on the harp ? David. What did David write? Psalms. And who was the next king that was so wise ? Solomon. What books did he write ? The Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes, and the Song. Yes ; and who was the foolish king that would not attend to the wise men ? Rehoboam. And who was the king that won the ten pro- vinces ? Jeroboam. And where may you read about all this? In the Bible. Where? 2 Chron. x. 13, 14. You will there read the history of Rehoboam and his advisers. Now, let us try to learn something from this. Suppose we were to follow the advice of foolish people, what would be the end of all this ? Why, we should very often fall into trouble, and very often be un- INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. happy, and at last we should go to hell. But, if we follow the words of wise people who are older than we, (as parents and teachers,) then we shall be happy and holy, and by-and-by go to heaven. We are not kings, yet we all may live in a beau- tiful kingdom it is far, far away we must die before we can go there : if we follow good advice we shall not lose this glorious kingdom, but be happy there for ever. What do wise people say we must do to get to heaven ? Read the Bible pray serve God trust in Jesus Christ. Will you all try to follow good advice for the future, and never listen to idle young boys and girls who say silly things ; and will you all try to be more watchful and attentive to wise people? Yes. Well, we shall see if you are sincere. Let us sing a hymn, &c. We would not introduce the above as a model of perfection, but simply as an illustration of style. We are conscious, too, that our illustration is abundant in blemishes ; yet, if the reader catch the idea, our end will be gained. You have seen how readily a group of children will gather around some silver-headed patriarch, (whose imagination has long since lost its youthful vivacity, and who is now a fine example of Homer's " narrative old age"} and hang on (he simple tale he tells. He is picturing no fairy scene : he is painting no INTRODUCTORY ESSAY, - 21 spiritual Utopia : he doesn't deal in hyperbole j and yet how he wins those children's attention. Learn the secret of his success: his matter and his manner harmonize : he narrates events : he tells stories : his language is quaint : his style is old-fashioned. Look at yonder teacher surrounded by his class of eager listeners : he is suiting his manner to his matter, he is painting that beautiful picture our Saviour sketched, beginning "A cer- tain man had two sons," Listen ! he is following the prodigal from his home into the wilderness : how naturally he paints each phase in the expe- rience of the wretched wanderer. The little ones are so wrapt in the subject that they all regard it as a living, acting scene. By-and-by, the prodigal has spent all, eomes to himself, and arises to re- turn. One little follow, at length, is so excited by the scene that fills his mind as suddenly to shout out, aa the lost/ one is coming toward his father, " 01 won' the catch it!"* The expression was natural enough, and shows how thoroughly the teacher had drawn the child into the spirit of the tale. Again we say, suit the style to the sub- ject : sometimes induce, sometimes narrate, some- times paint, sometimes combine the three : learn * This happened in & Sabbath-school the writer visited. 22 INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. to pass on from grave to gay, from lively to se- vere. As your subject requires, get filled with your subject yourself, filled to overflowing, then, so far as delivery is concerned, you will speak easily : above all, consider your great responsibility while giving the address. For half an hour the teachers give up their classes to another : for half an hour you have the school in one class. You must gain the teacher's confidence and the child's attention ere you can be considered successful in the delivery of a Sabbath-school address. ! what wisdom you need ! not mere human know- ledge, but wisdom of celestial birth : earnestly seek that wisdom from Him who " giveth to all men liberally." It would be vain for me to give you any of the rules of eloquence you learned them at school Blair, and Fenelon, and Whately, and a host of others, have written on rhetoric. But, if rules are your guides, you are only artificially eloquent. Rhetoric has never yet converted a single soul, nor ever will. If you want a more certain guide to success, entertain some such considerations as these : What is the value of a soul ? What is the meaning of eternal punishment ? What is the duration of eternity ? INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 23 You may make a long catalogue of such heads for reflection, then take each one into your closet. Ponder over it pray over it and go with the influence of your prayerful reflections straight to the Sabbath-school : let nothing efface the impres- sion by the way. You will soon find yourself in earnest. You will soon discover it to be difficult to look a fellow-immortal in the face, without burning to say a word to him that shall awaken within him a concern about his salvation. Hu- man rules may be of service to the bar and the senate : they are comparatively worthless at the desk of a Sabbath-school. The early apostles ap- pear to have studied oratory very little, and you can think of men who are eminently successful in winning souls, whose discourses are far from ber ing adorned with the flowers of eloquence. The secret of their success lies in their having im- bibed so thoroughly the spirit of Barnabas, " who was full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and through whom much people were added to the Lord." Read such soul-stirring books as Al- leine's Alarm, Baxter's Call and Reformed Pas- tor, Fletcher's Appeal, and James's Earnest Mi- nistry. ! if all Sabbath-school teachers would " give attendance to reading" such works as these in turn with their Bibles, and pray over them INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. sentence by sentence, the country would soon be in a blaze. The hymns of praise to which holy Baxter listened after his first year at Kiddermin- ster with such delighted ears, would soon be echoed from Dan to Beersheba in our land. Get youthful hearts filled with the love of God, and youthful lips shall sing his praises : and angels, pausing in their song, shall bend from heaven to- catch the infant hallelujahs; and blessed spirits shall listen to the echoes of temple-sung hosan- nahs; and saints and angels shall engage with in- creasing zest in his worship who out of the mouths of babes and sucklings hath called forth praise. Brother Christian, did a young child ever ask of you the way to Jesus ? When was it ? "Where was it ? Could you answer truly ? Had you first found the way ? Or could yon only repeat a les- son stereotyped in your own mind by the oft-re- peated exposition of gospel truth ? We will hope that, like Andrew, you had 1 first found the Lord. ! did not your heart throb with godlike sympa- thies when you answered the youthful penitent, " Fear not, for I know that ye seek Jesus who was crucified. Fear not, little trembler Manasseh was vile, and Paul the chief of sinners, but they were both forgiven. Fear not, you are not too young they were infants in their mother's arms INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 25 whom Jesus welcomed to his breast: fear not, Jesus is the same for ever. I know that ye seek him, hy your tears, your earnestness, your feelings, your prayers, your inquiries. Jesus, who was crucified ever so long ago for you, he is not here : he is risen. He is by the throne David said, " The Lord thinketh upon me," (Psalm xl. 17,) and the Lord thinketh upon you : he thinketh upon you for good. Then fear not you are sorry for having sinned, you desire to sin no more, you wish to love God and go to heaven, then pray to him with all your heart for peace and pardon, and you shall be holy and happy, fear not. ! you have seen the tear of penitence ex- haled by the breath of childhood's prayer, and you have seen the countenance illumined by the smiles of heaven-born hope after the dew of early grief had passed away. The truth earnestly, affectionately, and prayerfiilly poured from heart to heart has been accompanied with a saving unction. To assist you in your addresses, the following outlines have been prepared, more as illustrations of the simplest methods of managing appropriate subjects than with the intention that they should be used by you as they stand on the page : though 3 26 INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. until you are at home in the work, you will doubt- less find it profitable occasionally to use them. Try as early as possible to make an occasional address or sketch of one yourself, and for an ex- ercise, which you will find valuable, employ your ingenuity in varying some of the outlines in the volume before you. You will generally be able to make a much more complete skeleton yourself from a text that strikes your mind than the printed outline of the same text. Enlarge the sketch add thought to thought treat the sub- ject every possible way, so as to obtain a complete view of it think out each division and each word until your mind is full of the subject. As an exercise, write an address now and then through- out, but never till you have delivered it, that your mind may be at perfect liberty when before the children. By far the best mode of preparing an address that we are acquainted with is, simply to make an enlarged sketch of it in the style of the outlines in this volume ; and without adding more to paper let each division be well digested. To show the advantage of enlarging an outline and varying it, we present you with the following variation and enlargement of sketch No. 42. " ! satisfy us early with thy mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days." INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 27 Early piety reasonable agreeable to the word of God dictates of conscience common sense and design of Sabbath-school instruction. Early piety important your real comfort in this world, "rejoice and be glad all your days," and in the next (1 Tim. iv. 8) closely connected with it. Young people wish to " rejoice and be glad all their days." Now I will put you into the secret ; but it is not my secret, nor is it a secret known by wicked people : they wish to be happy as much as yourselves, but they are not in the secret of it, therefore they are groping about in the dark, say- ing, " Who will show us any good ?" (Psalm iv. 6.) This secret is known by those who fear the Lord. (Psalm xxv. 14.) This is not even David's secret. He learned it in the Lord's school, whose secret it is. So it must be good, "The secret of the Lord," &c. Nay, David says in another place, (Psalm xvi. 11,) " Thou wilt show me the path of life," &c. &c., " plea- sures for evermore !" yes so listen to this secret of being happy. Begin at the beginning, and then I. You will acknowledge the need you have of divine mercy. 1. Children need mercy, for they are sinners; and mercy supposes this fact. INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 2. As sinners, they are guilty and condemned, and need pardoning mercy. 3. As sinners, they are polluted, under the in- fluence of bad tempers, and in danger of everlast- ing punishment, and therefore need renewing and delivering mercy, new hearts, new tempers, and hope of heaven, &c. 4. All this is evident from your conduct, words, feelings, angry passions, conscience, fears of death, inability to be and do good of yourselves. The first part of the secret then is to acknowledge, yea, and feel, your need of mercy you cannot be happy or glad otherwise. Then II. You will find this mercy will afford satis- faction. " Satisfy us," &c. Satisfaction : explain and illustrate the term. Duellist, tradesman, senses of body, seeing, hear- ing, &c. hunger, thirst, no more desired enough. But here it is spiritual. . Observe the mercy which gives rise to the satisfaction, then judge 1. The source of satisfaction. The attribute of mercy in God : " with the Lord is mercy," &c., undeserved, free, full, seasonable, eternal, saving, abundant mercy, &c. 2. The display of this mercy through Christ so much in harmony with every attribute of God, as INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 29 to satisfy us, we see mercy righteously exercised toward us as procured for us. 3. The enjoyment of the fruits of mercy in the heart and conscience. Pardon, peace, hope, love, &c. Fear of death removed. - In-dwelling God satisfied ! The satisfaction then is (1.) Well founded atonement of Christ through faith therein. Intercession, resurrec- tion, &c. (2.) Real, experimental, personal conviction and consciousness. (3.) Comfortable, all surrendered to God, no anxiety, no bondage, or slavish fear : love, liberty, providence. (4.) Habitual and increasing, " rejoice ever- more," "be glad all our days." (5.) Lively, " rejoice/' immortal, evermore, &c. Then- Ill. The influence, when obtained early, is specially valuable in future life as well as in youth. Joseph, Samuel, David, Timothy, &c. 1. Early piety only the beginning and pledge of future and further blessings in the service of God and of his church. Time improved, habits formed, talents brought out, and gifts sanctified. 2. Has a promise of temporal good so far as a blessing to us. Scriptures in abundance. 3* INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 3. Prepares the soul for the trials of life, and sustains while in them. 4. Fits for death and opens portals of endless blessedness. Glad all our days of eternity. IV. Way to obtain all is prayer. Text a prayer. 1. Highly proper and reasonable in itself, " ask," &c. 2. Useful to us. Value what is obtained by effort a gift, yet must ask for it, that we may appreciate and retain it. " Strive," &c. 3. Often recommended in Scripture. 4. The way in which mercy has been obtained from olden times. Prayer. Examples, Jacob, David, in Old Testament; and Saul of Tarsus, &c., in New Testament. REMARKS. 1. How lamentable the case of those who are old in sin. 2. How essential to know ourselves as in need of mercy, though young. 3. How important to seek happiness scrip- turally, by obtaining mercy. * 4. How necessary to be earnest. " Lord ! satisfy," &c. INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 31 At the foot of each outline you will find a number of Scripture references these are in- tended for your own use : after you have read the sketch once or twice, find out and carefully read the verses to which you are referred. In most instances you will find additional light thrown by them on the subject treated of above. Some of the texts you may retain in your minds and quote when delivering the address ; or, what will be better and interest your young audience more, you may call on the children to find out and read them either singly or simultaneously. Be wise in your choice of illustration : some teachers fail here either their illustration (so called) has no connection with the subject, or it is above the comprehension of the child. Let it t>e simple and to the point. Carefully treasure up in a waste-book striking circumstances that have come beneath your notice. For a long time we have kept a book of "stray thoughts," in Avhich to enter incidents met with in books and life, that might be profitable to the Sunday-schools we visit. A quire of common writing-paper stiched in a stout wrapper will answer admirably : many a valuable thought may thus be retained. Carefully explain the use of important words when you use them, and as carefully refrain from the 32 INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. use of hard words, for, whatever your fellow- teachers may think of your knowledge, the chil- dren, whose welfare should then be your chief study, will think little of you or the address, un- less they fully understand it. Study the method and manner of Todd in the explanation of the word "conditions."* Aim to be understood by the youngest child present, so shall ALL the lambs be fed. Nay, if it be necessary, assume the style of " Peep-of-Day." Determine not to be mis- taken. Now and then pause, and by a question learn if your meaning is caught by the little children. Before we dismiss our remarks, we should like to add a word or two on the prayer at the conclu- sion. The prayer should be understood by the child, or he will scarcely enter into the spirit of it. How frequently do teachers have to complain of the inattention of children during the few moments spent in this most solemn exercise ! Is this to be wondered at ? We have heard teachers pray as if they were in an assembly of adults. He who would lead a child's devotions must be childlike in his language. Imbibe the spirit of a child, invest yourself with the feelings of a devout * Lecture the Second. INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 33 child, and utter your request in the simple lan- guage of a little child. Pray short, very short : surround all the children in your prayer, and offer them all to God. We would like to enlarge here, but space forbids. In conclusion. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, then you shall be thoroughly furnished for every good word and work. 34 THE YOUTHFUL PILGRIM. THE YOUTHFUL PILGRIM AND THE HEAVENLY GUIDE. JEREMIAH iii. 4. "Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My Father, thou art the guide of my youth ?" IN considering this subject, we shall say a little I. About the journey. It is the journey of life; beginning in the cradle, ending in the grave. It is dangerous, difficult, unknown, full of trials, troubles, and temptations. It is particularly so at the beginning, the paths of youth are slippery. We will now speak II. Of the traveller. All who live are travelling this journey, not all the same way, " every one thinks his way is right :" some have chosen to walk in the way of holiness, these are the redeemed of the Lord. The youthful traveller is hasty, ambitious, ignorant, vain, weak, unarmed, easily attracted by appearances. AND THE HEAVENLY GUIDE. 35 III. Let us consider the guide. A traveller in a strange land needs a guide a traveller in Switzerland. Some are guided by others who are themselves going wrong : some by their desires, some by appearances. God is the guide of all who trust in him: to inspire us with confidence he wishes us to consider him as our Father. Now he is experienced, wise, watchful, knows the way. He guides by providence, by his Spirit's teach- ing, by his book of directions to travellers to heaven. Old men are willing to be guided thus, much more youth. Application. 1. Who is your guide, the world? flesh? the wicked? &c. 2. Happy are such as God leads. Psalm Ixxiii. 24. Prov.xii. 15. xxi. 2. Isaiah Iviii. 11. Hebrews xiii. 5. John xvi. 13. Luke i. 79. Psalm xxxii. 8, Exodus xl. 36, 37. Isaiah xlix. 10. HYMN 207 : Guide me, thou great Jehovah. HYMN 209 : There is a path that leads to God. HYMN 358 : With humble heart and tongue. YOUTHFUL REFLECTIONS. II. YOUTHFUL REFLECTIONS. EcCLESIASTES Xli. 1. " Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shall say, I have no pleasure in them." I. THE duty. Remember thy Creator. Memory and judgment, (define.) Memory and judgment occupied consider- ing our trials, &c. their causes : occupy the mind by reflecting on the goodness of God in creation, providence and grace ; if the mind be employed thus, prayerfully, good desires and resolutions will be the result, and these will issue in a holy life. Remember, &c. in speaking, for God hears; and in acting, for God sees. II. The time. Now in the days of thy youth. Youth is life's holiday, time of levity and hope : present too often dreamed away, and the future based on feelings and desires, having their birth in the thoughtless now. Youth is evanescent, its beauty soon fades, its purposes soon evaporate. Religion YOUTOTUL REFLECTIONS. 37 confers angelic beauty and immortal stability. God requires us to give our zealous, blooming youth to him, and not wait till we become old and peevish. In making a nosegay for a friend, you select opening buds, not withered flowers. (Apply.) III. The reason. Evil days are coming.. (Illustrate.) Trouble, sick- ness, poverty, loss of friends, &c. ; another reason, God never forgets you. Again, Jesus gave the prime of his life to you, all his work was done in thirty-four years. Religion in old age is strength in weakness, pleasure in pain, joy in sorrow, riches in poverty. Again, we shall soon be old and gray-headed, what we have to do must be done quickly. Application. 1. In age memory is active, what will yours be employed about ? 2. In eternity the memory will be active, and will increase our pleasure or add to our pain. 3. Remember your Creator so as to love him. Psalm xciv. 9. I hare dared to disobey, CHARACTER OP TIMOTHY. xxvn. CHARACTER OF TIMOTHY. 2 TIMOTHY iii. 14, 15. "But continue thou in the things thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them ; . and that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thoe wise unto salvation through faith which is in Jesus Christ." I. TIMOTHY'S instructors. I. His venerable grandmother, Lois, with her kind looks and words, and firm trust in God. (2 Tim. i. 5.) 2 His affectionate mother, Eunice, with her sunny smiles, and winning ways, and love of Jesus Christ. 3. Paul, with his zeal, and faith and energy, and love for souls and cause of Christ. 4. Chiefly the Holy Spirit, who alone can teach savingly. II. Timothy's studies. 1. Not genealogies, (define,) an.d fables, (define,) or foolish books, which take up time, and rather weaken the mind than strengthen it. 2. Nor vain philosophy, or science so called. 3. But chiefly Holy Scripture, with all its histo- CHARACTER OP TIMOTHY. 87 ries, and prophecies, and doctrines, and precepts, and promises, &c. III. The effect of this study. 1. He knew the Holy Scriptures, that is, ex- perimentally. 2. In his youth, and so was prepared for future usefulness 3. He became an evangelist, he grew so wise. Explain Scripture meaning of evangelist. 4. Above all, was wise unto salvation. Application. 1. Are any of you, like Timothy, fond of study? Word of God. 2. Read it prayerfully, believingly, humbly. 3. Continue in the things you learn, i. e. practise them. 4. Be willing to learn of any. 2 Kings xxii. 10. Prov. xxxi. 1. Prov. x. 1 ; i. 8 ; vi. 20. 2 Pet. i. 20. Matt. xxii. 29. Luke xxiv. 45. John v. 39. Acts xvii. 2, 11. Deut. xvii. 18-20. Josh. viii. 34. 2 Chron. xxxiv. 30. Acts viii. 30. HYMN 330 : that I, like Timothy. HYMN 456 : Captain of our salvation, take HYMN 534 : When quiet in my house I sit. 88 GIVING THE HEART TO GOD. XXVIII. IVINO THE HEART TO GOD. PROVERBS xxiii. 26. " My son, give me thine heart." I. WHAT is meant by heart ? 1. Our mind, fountain of thought, seat of memory and judgment. 2. Our soul, all its affections and dispositions. The heart is the leading principle of action and character. II. What may be understood by giving the heart to God ? 1. Thinking about him, remembering his good- ness, reflecting on his mercy, &c. &c. 2. Loving him, serving him, believing in him, and trusting in his salvation. Note. Though we are asked to give our heart to God, it is not our own, being bought with a price. Note. Though God asks us to give our heart to him, it is not that we may benefit him by the gift. GIVING THE HEART TO GOD- 89 III. Why, in asking us to give him our heart, he says, " My son." 1. To remind us that as sons we should be obedient to him. 2. To remind us that he is our Father, and therefore desires our happiness. Note. By giving our heart to God we become happy and holy, and thus prepared for life or death. In proportion as we give ourselves to God he imparts himself to us. Application. 1. Do you ever seriously think of being religious ? 2. Will you now give God your hearts ? 3. Your Father in heaven asks you : can you refuse Him, who did not refuse his Son to you ? Deut. vi. 5. Prov. xxiii. 15, 19. Psalm cxix. 2. Matt, vi. 21. Psalm Ivii. 7. Psalm cxii. 7. 2 Chron. xv. 12. Prov. iii. 5. Matt. xxii. 37. HYMX 153 : When shall thy love constrain? HYMN 154 : And can I yet delay? HYMN 206 : Come, Saviour, Jesus, from above. 8* 90 HOW TO PRAY. XXIX. HOW TO PKAY. MATTHEW vii. 7. "Ask, and it shall be given you: seek, and ye shall find: knock, and it shall be opened unto you." SUBJECT : encouragement to praying children. Text contains three directions, and three pro- mises to those who pray. 1st direction. " Ask" in humble prayer, with a hopeful heart, with faith in Jesus Christ, in the sincerity of your heart, in the poverty of your spirit, in confidence, as when you ask a parent for a necessary thing. 1st promise. "And it shall be given you." Perhaps at the time, or at a time more suited, and in a degree that infinite love and wisdom shall limit. 2d direction. " Seek" in the depths of your soul : inquire diligently, early and late ; in sub- mission to the will of God ; through the merits of your Redeemer. 2d promise. " Ye shall find." Perhaps at a HOW TO PRAY. 91 time, and in a manner you little expect, and be- yond your greatest hopes ; whether to a great or less degree, you shall find. 3d direction. " Knock" loudly : be earnest and importunate, if you ask for a thfng you feel to be in harmony with the word and will of God : knock, repeat again and again your request : remember the unjust judge, the woman of Canaan, and Elijah. 3d promise. " It shall be opened unto you." How amply shall your prayers be answered : how you will praise God for answering you : how happy you will be ! ! ask, seek, knock. Application. 1. Do you all pray ? I do not mean, do you all say prayers ? 2. Is there a boy or girl here who does not pray? 3. Imitate Daniel, Moses, Elijah, David, and Jesus Christ. Luke xxii. 42. 1 Sam. i. 10, 11. Matt. xv. 21-28 ; xviii. 19 ; xxi. 22. John xiv. 14. James i. 6 ; iv. 3. 1 John v. 14. Psalm Iv. 17. Luke xviii. 1-14. James v. 13. HYMN 150 : Come, my soul, thy suit prepare. HYMN 161 : Jesus, my all, to heaven is gone. HYMN 354 : Lord, teach me how to pray. SEEKING THE LORD. XXX. SEEKING THE LORD. PSALM xxvii. 8. " When thou saidst, Seek ye my face, my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek." I. THE request. " Seek ye my face." 1. The face of God means here the love and favour of God. 2. By seeking the face of the Lord, is meant doing that which will help us to obtain his love and favour ; as reading his word, praying to him, singing his praises, and coming to his house; trusting in his Son, and living in the exercise of Christian duties and religious graces, as faith, hope, love, &c. Note. The time: "When thou saidst," &c. God has many times told you to be good, and love him he tells you by the mouths of teachers, and parents, and ministers by his providence, his Word, and his Spirit. II. The reply. Thy face, Lord, will I seek." 1. I will read, and pray, and sing thy praises, SEEKING THE LORD. \)6 and be watchful and obedient, and love thy Son, and hope in thy mercy, and try to be good. 2. " My heart'' says so. This is not the mere word of my lip, but the language of my heart. Note : this is a firm resolution, the language of conviction, not excitement. Note again : " My heart" said so, "when the Lord said, Seek ye," &c. I did not wait, but at once turned to God with full purpose of heart. Application. 1. The Lord has many times said to each of you, " Seek ye my face." 2. He says so again to-day. 3. Who of you will from this time begin to pray? 1 Chron. xxviii. 9. 1 Sam. iii. 1-10. 2 Chron. xix. 3 ; xxxi. 21; xxxiv. 3. Psalm Ixiii. 1. Isaiah xlv. 19. Cant, i. 4. Psalm cxix. 58 ; cv. 4. 2 Chron. vii. 14. HYMN 15 : The God of Abrah'm praise. HYMN 149 : that the Lord would guide my ways. HYMN 372 : Soon as I heard my Father say. 94 HOSANNA TO JESUS. XXXI. HOSANNA TO JESUS. MATTHEW xxi. 15, 16. " And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Ilosanna to the Son of David, they were sore displeased, and said unto him, Hearest thou what these say ? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea, have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise ?" I. THE children. 1. They were in the temple. Samuel was fond of the temple, and doubtless Timothy often heard the Scriptures read there. All good children are fond of the house of God, and often sing " I have been there, and still would go," &c. 2. They were singing. Good children are happy and cheerful, and love to sing the praises of Jesus " Hosanna, save now, I beseech thee, Lord," often used in temple service. II. The chief priests and scribes. 1. They saw, and heard, and were sore dis- pleased. They were not a little vexed they envied the children their happy feelings, and Jesus the praise he received, which they knew ho deserved. HOSANNA TO JESUS. 95' 2. They asked Jesus if he heard; perhaps they thought he would bid the little ones be still. III. Jesus Christ replied to them out of the Bible. 1. God ordained that children should praise his Son. 2. Jesus was pleased because his Father's will was done, and he loved to look at their little cherub faces, and listen as to a choir of young angels. ! dear children, Jesus loves to hear you sing. Application. 1. Are you fond of the house of G-od ? 2. Do you try to sing there ? 8. And do you sing with the heart, as well as voice ? 9 Meaning of word Hosanna in text Lord preserve the Son of David see Cruden. John xii. 13. Mark xi. 9, 10, Psalm viii. 2. HYMN 392 : Thee, Jesus, the Son. HYMN 397 : When Jesus into Salem rode. HYMN 401 : When, his salvation bringing, 96 SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT. XXXII. SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT. 1 SAMUEL xii. 24. " Only fear the Lord, and serve him In truth with all your heart; for consider how great things he hath done for you." I. SOMETHING to think about. " The great things he hath done for us." 1. Given us an existence in a Christian land. Illustrate state of heathen children . 2. Given us temporal mercies in abundance. Illustrate food, clothes, health, friends, education, &c. &c. 8. Given us his word, which is able to make us wise unto salvation. 4. Given us his Son, who lived to teach us, and died to save us. 5. Given us the blessings of salvation joy, hope, peace, &c. These are great things. We should gratefully consider them, SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT 97 II. Something to do. 1. Fear the Lord ; with the fear of a child who loves his parent too well to offend him who fears to lose his love. 2. Serve him in truth : not only seem to serve him, but in sincerity and truth be engaged in God's service. You may serve him by keeping his words; and thus, by setting a good example to others, win them over to virtue. You may serve him by inducing other children to attend Sabbath-school, &c. You may serve him by loving your parents, as he has commanded. 3. With all your heart. "When you play, you play with all your heart ; so, when you serve God, you must do so with all your heart he doesn't like half-hearted service. Application. 1. Some of you are trying to serve the Lord " go on." 2. Some only seem to serve God, or with only half a heart be sincere and earnest. 3. Let us all show our gratitude for the great things done for us, by giving ourselves more fully to the Lord. Job i. 8. Psalm cxxviii. 1. Acts x. 22. Col. iii. 22. Psalm xl. 3; cvii. 1-9, Ac.; Ixxi. 19; 1. 22. Job xxxvii. 14. Deut. viii. 2, Ac. HYMN 123 : Sinners, turn, why will ye die ? HYMN 183 : Come, thou Fount of every blessing. HYMN 338 : Great God, to thee my voice I raise. 98 TAKING BASE ADVANTAGE. XXXIII. TAKING BASE ADVANTAGE. 1 SAMUEL xxiv. 10. SUBJECT : David and Saul, at the cave of Engedi. I. Saul persecuting David. 1. Saul is envious of David because he killed the giant, and won the praise of the people. 2. The people told Saul' that David wished to kill him. 3. Saul pursues David with three thousand chosen men. 4. David hides in the cave. II. David spares Saul. 1. Saul enters the cave in which David is concealed, to cover his feet, and probably falls asleep. 2. Now, said the men to David, here is a good chance of killing Saul. 3. David arose -to kill ? he has a sword in his hand what is it for? See, he cuts off what? Saul's head, as he did the giant's? No a piece of his robe. TAKING BASE ADVANTAGE. 99 4. David would not even let his men kill Saul, ver. 7. III. Reconciliation. 1. Saul, refreshed by sleep, went his way, fol- lowed by David. Saul hears David looks behind David bows to the ground. 2. Saul now had David in his hands saw the robe, and wept. 8. Saul is convinced he has not heard the truth of David acknowledges David's righteousness, and is reconciled. Application. 1. Who of you are seeking, like Saul, to do another harm ? 2. Who of you will be like David ? 3. Learn not to take advantage. Why, if Jesus had pleased, he could easily have killed all his enemies. Learn to bear and forbear. Deut. xxxii. 35. Heb. x. 30. Psalm cxliv. 1. Horn. xii. 19. Exod. xxiii. 4. Prov. xxiv. 17, xxv. 21. 1 Kings iii. 11. Matt v. 44. Prov. xvi. 7. HYMN 35 : Behold the Saviour of mankind. HYMN 223 : A charge to keep I have. HYMN 364 : Lover of little children, thee. 100 THE PATH OF LIFE. XXXIV. THE PATH OF LIFE. PSALM cxix. 9. "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto, according to thy word." I. THE inquiry. " Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way ?" 1. Way, path of life, character, name. Psalm xvi. 11. 2. Cleanse his way, i. e. purify his character, and keep his garments unspotted from the world. Note (1.) The inquiry was directed to the proper being to God. Note (2.) It was the language of humility: it arose from a consciousness of the native im- purity of the heart, and its great deceitfulness. Note (3.) The inquirer was young. Jesus loved the young man who came seeking him. Youth is the proper time to seek the Lord. II. The reply. "By taking heed thereto, according to thy word." THE PATH OP LIFE. 101 1. By referring our actions, thoughts, and words, to the standard of truth. 2. By making the Bible the rule of faith and action. 3. By obeying the sacred law, imitating sacred example, and studying sacred doctrines and truths. 4. By avoiding all the Bible condemns, and performing all it exacts. 5. By taking the word of God to be our heri- tage for ever, and considering it as a light to our feet, &c. Application. 1. Have you ever discovered the error of your ways ? 2. Do you desire your life may be holy ? 3. The word of God is the only sure guide. Psalm xix. cxix. Jer. xxxii. 39; xlii. 3. Prov. ii. 8. Psalm i. 6. Isaiah xxvi. 7. Prov. iii. 17. Psalm xxv. 9, 10. Prov. xii. 28 : ii. 9 j iv. 18, 26. Matt vii. 13. John xiy. 6. HYMN 327 : I love the volumes of thy word. HYMX 329 : How shall the young secure their hearts. HYMN 334 : Great God, with wonder and with praise. 102 THE GOOD MAN XXXV. THE GOOD MAN GUARDED FROM DANGER. 2 KINGS vi. 16. "Alas! my master, how shall we do? Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them." INTRODUCE by referring to the history of the prophet. I. The good man's danger. II. The good man's confidence. I. The good man's danger. King of Syria intends to invade Israel plans his encampment all his plans known through Elisha to king of Israel, who, of course, altered his schemes accordingly. King of Syria wonders how his plans are known thinks there are traitors in the camp. They tell him that only Elisha is for Israel, and that he lives in Dothan. The king sees that before he can subdue Israel, he must capture the prophet. He commences the siege of Dothan, arriving in the night. Gehazi, in the morning, from the walls, discovers a great host of GUARDED FROM DANGER. 103 men and chariots, and in great fear cries out; Alas 1" &c. II. The good man's confidence. Fear not," &c. 1. The enemy consisted of mighty chariots and horses, and a great host : all encamped against the city, and these against a single man. 2. They that be with us are more than those against us, both in number and power. Gehazi could not see, and therefore would not believe, "Blessed are they who have not seen, and yet have believed." Gehazi's eyes are opened, and he saw horses and chariots of fire on the mount around Elisha. Application. 1. Learn the safety of God's children " Who is he that shall harm you/' &c. 2. " The angels of the Lord encamp about those that fear him." 3. The mount of prayer the Christian's citadel. Isa. Ixiii. 9. Dan. iii. 24, 25; vi. 22. Luke xxii. 43. .Acts xii. 11. Psalm xxxiv. 7; Ixviii. 17. Matt. xxvi. 53. Psalm cxix. 117. Deut. xxxiii. 12, 27. Psalm iv. 8 ; xx. 7. Prov. xxix. 25. HYMN 5 : How glorious is our heavenly King ! HYMN 53 : Beyond the glittering, starry skies. HYMN 194 : Come, ye that love the Lord. 104 OUR IGNORANCE OF SELF. XXXVI. OUE IGNORANCE OF SELF. 2 KINGS viii. 13. " Is thy servant a dog, that ho should do this great thing ?" INTRODUCE by referring to Scripture narrative. Benhadad the king is sick, and sends Hazael (who was probably the succeeding general in Syria to Naaman) to Elisha to inquire if he should re- cover. Elisha, on looking hard at Hazael, burst into tears; and, as a reason, tells the messenger what dreadful crimes shall stain his future life the text.* Learn I. Our ignorance of the future. 1. All those wicked men and women who have been thieves and murderers were once bright-eyed boys and girls, and would have shuddered had a holy prophet told them how wicked they would be ; and perhaps they would have been as angry as Hazael was, when Elisha referred to his future life. 2. Hazael, very shortly after the prophet had warned him, committed murder. Had he believed it possible that he might become guilty of such crimes, and sought purity of heart, his future life had not been so wicked. * A different construction is given to this passage by many commentators see Dr. A. Clarke. Harmer suggests that the " thick cloth" -which Hazael dipt in water and spread over Benhadad's face was a " gnat-pavilion" or musquito-net, , and was thus applied under pretext of cooling the king. See Observation 201, vol. iv. 411, London ed. 1787. [Eo. OUR IGNORANCE OF SELF. 105 3. We know nothing of our future life ; but we know that if we commit our way unto the Lord, he will direct our paths, and then all will be well. Learn II. To seek the grace of God now, that our lives may be virtuous. 1. Then, poor or rich, at home or abroad, all will be well. The converted poor will remain honest, and the pious rich will not be oppressive or miserly. 2. Do not imagine that because you now feel a hatred toward sin, you will always feel so. Unless you devote yourselves to God, Satan will blind your eyes and harden your hearts, and sin will be committed without a pang of sorrow. The man who swears and gets intoxicated was not always a drunkard and a swearer. 3. The grace of God is the best preservative against crime. Education is good, but many learned people are vicious : ergo, education is not sufficient, we must be converted. " Create in me a clean heart, God," &c. Application. 1. "The heart is deceitful," &c. 2. By correcting the heart, the life is changed. 3. Will you dedicate yourselves to God ? Luke xxii. 61 ; Peter denied his Lord after assuring him of fidelity. Eph. iv. 18. Luke ix. 55. HYMN 127 : Sin has a thousand treacherous arts. HYMN 344 : 'tis a folly and a crime. UYMN 377 : Happy the child whose youngest years. 106 CHARACTER OF MANASSEH. XXXVII. CHARACTER OF MANASSEH. 2 CHRONICLES xxxiii. 1-19. INTRODUCE by referring to the history of Judah and Israel. I. Manasseh's wickedness. Note his age : twelve years when he began to reign he reigned fifty-five years. 1. He planted groves in honour of idols, re- established the worship of Baal : worshipped sun, moon, and stars, and reared to them altars in the courts of the temple : set up an idol in the temple itself, and burnt one of his sons in a sacrifice to Moloch, and practised sorcery and witchcraft. 2. The Lord reproved him for his sins, but neither he nor his people would hearken. They would not turn. II. Manasseh's repentance. 1. Caused by the afflictions which overwhelmed him in consequence of his wickedness. Note, God frequently punishes sinners in this life. 2. His repentance was genuine, not a mere ex- CHARACTER OP MANASSEH. 107 pression of sorrow; but, like all genuine repent- ance, was characterized by humility and prayer, and followed by a reformed life. III. Manasseh's end. 1. The Lord heard his prayer, and brought him out of captivity to Jerusalem again. 2. He knew the Lord, he had long lived far from God, but now by prayer sought and found the Lord and, 3. By and by died, and was buried with his fathers. Application. 1. Have we wickedly sinned against God ? 2. Have we ever repented and sought mercy ? 3. Be encouraged by Manasseh's finding the Lord. Horn. ii. 4. 2 Cor. vii. 9, 10. 2 Pet, iii. 9. Acts xxvi. 20 ; iii. 19. Matt. ix. 13. Psalm xxxiv. 4. 1 Cor. vi. 11. 1 John i. 9. HYMN 137 : Show pity, Lord, Lord, forgive. HYMN 140 : Fast flow, my tears : the cause is great. HYMN 172 : Hail ! my ever-blessed Jesus. 108 OUR BEST TEACHER, XXXVHL OUE BEST TEACHEK ISAIAH liv. 13. " All thy children shall be taught of the Lord, and great shall bo the peace of thy children." I. THE Teacher. " The Lord." God the Holy Ghost, through the word, &c. 1. Consider his wisdom. 2. Consider his love. 3. Consider his patience. 4. Consider his perseverance. II. The pupils. " Thy children." 1. They must be humble, 2. They must be attentive, 3. They must be prayerfuL 4. They must practise what they learn. III. The result of the lessons taught, ** Great shall be their peace," OUR, BEST TEACHER. 109 1. They shall have peace, peace of mind, with God, in life all its trials, &c. in death, day of judgment, for ever. 2. Great peace : God giveth to all men liberally, not as the world giveth, &c. Application. 1. Are you taught of God ? &c. 2. Other teachers cannot save. 3. You may know this teaching by the peace you have. Neh. ix. 20. Psalm xxxii. 8. Isaiah xxviii. 26. Pror. i. 1 ; viii. 10, 33. 2 Tim. iii. 16. Deut iv. 36. Psalm Ixxi. 17; cxix. 165. John vi. 45; vii. 17. See Cruden on the word instruction, HYMN 65 : Our blest Redeemer, ere he breathed. HYMN 68 : Come, Holy Ghost, our hearts inspire. HYMN 71 : Celestial Dove. 10 110 CHILDREN BELONG TO GOD. XXXIX. CHILDREN BELONG TO GOD. PSALM cxxvii. 3. " Lo ! children are a heritage of the Lord." I. MEANING of heritage. 1. Something we look forward to possessing on the death of another. 2. Something which by hard labour we have earned. 3. Something which is ours by purchase; as houses, lands, &c. Note 1. The psalmist took God's word to be his heritage for ever. Note 2. The good man is looking forward to the promised land as his great inheritance. , II. In what sense arc children the heritage of the Lord ? 1. You are the Lord's heritage because he created you. 2. Because the Lord has constantly provided for you. 3. Because Jesus Christ has died to redeem you from sin, death, and hell.* * The text probably means, "As an inheritance is the gift of God, so are children." Editor. CHILDREN BELONG TO GOD. Ill III. Learn a few lessons from the fact stated. 1. To devote our lives to God. 2. To study the will of God. 3. To be submissive in the hands of the Lord. 4. Note the pains God takes with you, and hia continual kindness, in providing you friends, &c., and education, &c. Application.^ 1. Did you ever feel that you belonged to God? 2. May you all go to heaven, and be the Lord's heritage for ever. 1 Cor. vi. 20 ; vii. 23. Isaiah xliii. 1. Deut. xxxii. 9. Ezekiel xviii. 4. John xvii. 10. Psalm c. 3. Mai. iii. 17. HYMN 87 : How large the promise, how divine ! HYMN 97 : happy day, that fixed iny choice. HTMN 309 : The gods that gave us not our birth. 112 RELIGION NOT HEREDITARY. XL. RELIGION NOT HEREDITARY. 1 SAMUEL ii. 12. ".Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial, they knew not the Lord." I. CHARACTER of Eli. 1. Office : priest, successor of Eleazar, teacher of Samuel. 2. Character: good man, chief infirmity not ruling well his own house. II. Character of Eli's sons. 1. Office of priest hereditary, but not the re- ligion of Eli. 2. Hophni and Phinehas, sons of^elial repro- bates, servants of Satan, did not love and serve God or study his word. III. Inferences. 1. Children are not certainly good because their parents are religion not hereditary. 2. Children will not certainly be saved because their parents go to heaven. 3. Many pious parents have wicked children : RELIGION NOT HEREDITARY. 113 how great must be their grief when they reflect on their children's wickedness. 4. Reflect on the judgment of God on the sons of Eli. Application. 1. Have you pious parents ? What a bless- ing what obligations are involved ! 2. Do you cause them trouble by your im- piety ? If so, you may expect the curse of God. Absalom was the son of good King David, the son of Jehoshaphat. Matt. iii. 9. Jehoram was HYMN 145 : Shall I, amid a ghastly hand. HYMN 277 : How dreadful, Lord, will be the day. HYMN 337 : Lord, I ascribe it to thy grace. 10* 1H RELIGIOUS EDUCATION. XLI. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION. PROVERBS xxii. 6. "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." I. THE way. 1. The way of holiness : distinguished by prayer and praise, love for the Bible, devotedness to God, trust in Christ, &c. &c. 2. The way of wisdom : distinguished by love of books and general knowledge, application to study, reflection, observation, &c. &c. 3. The way of duty: distinguished by the practice of such conduct as is the result of holiness and wisdom, obedience to parents and teachers, faithfulness to employers,., and love of relatives, &c. &c. II. The training of mind and heart and con- duct. 1. By example : Samuel, Solomon, and Timo- thy, taught thus. 2. By discipline: 1 Tim. iii. 5; Prov. iii. 12. 3. By instruction : Isaiah xxxviii. 19. 4. By prayer not merely for, but with the child. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION. 115 III. The encouragement, " He will not de- part/' &c. 1. God says so. This is most reasonable, for consider 2. The influence of early habits on future life, and 3. Remember the many instances of success. Note. How happy are those who can look on a youth carefully trained. Application. 1. To children: how thankful should you be for an existence in a land of schools, &c. &c. 2. To teachers and parents : mark well the whole subject. Prov. iv. 1. John xxi. 15. Eli and his sons an example of the neglect of this precept. 2 Tim. iii. 14-16. HYMN 455 : Come, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. HYMN 483 : How serious is the charge. HYMN 484 : Mercy, descending from above. 116 THE ROYAL ROAD XLH. THE ROYAL ROAD TO HAPPINESS. PSALM xc. 14. " ! satisfy us early with thy mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days." I. A UNIVERSAL desire. That we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Every ope wishes to be happy "rejoice and be glad all our days." 1. Some rejoice when their corn and wine increase. 2. Some rejoice and are glad when their fame or honour is on the increase. 3. The miser rejoices over his gold, and the philosopher over his wisdom, and the young over their strength, agility, or beauty, &c. &c. Note 1. These, if they keep their gold, and property, and beauty, and worldly wisdom, can only rejoice and be glad through the days of this mortal life. Note 2. "All our days" include the years of eternity. Note 3. Those who trust in earthly things to make them rejoice and be glad all their days, will be TO HAPPINESS. 117 miserably disappointed when a very few of them are passed away. II. How to obtain this desire. Early in life to obtain the mercy of God. 1. As sinners we all need mercy, (explain.) 2. This mercy will satisfy us removing fear, implanting peace. 3. Mercy in early life is like the sun shining bright in the morning, it gives the promise of a pleasant day : note, piety in youth blesses the whole life : mercy must be sought for by prayer, earnest, " ! satisfy," &c. Illustrate, by in- stances of the happiness of early piety. Application. 1. Do you wish to rejoice and be glad all your days ? 2. How are you seeking happiness ? 3. Only the mercy of God can satisfy : i. e. give full and complete satisfaction to the mind there is an aching void till mercy is obtained. Neh. ix. 17. Psalm Ixxxvi. 5. See Sketch, No. 23. Psalm xxii. 26 ; xxxvi. 8. Eccles. i. 8 ; iv. 8; v. 10. Jer. ii. 12, 13 ; xxxi. 14. Psalm xxiii. 6 ; c. 5 ; cvii. 9. John iv. 13, 14. HYMN 184 : Thou hidden love of God, whose height. HYMN 189 : Object of my first desire. HYMN 196 : My God, the spring of all my joys. HYMN 379 : Happy, beyond description, he. 118 * MISSIONS. XLIIL MISSIONS. MATTHEW xiii. 38. " The field is the world." WE wish to interest you all in the cause of missions to the heathen : to do so we will I. Consider the greatness of the work. 1. To preach the gospel to every creature. Note, there are nearly 1,000,000,000 of human beings in the world, speaking different languages, living in countries distant and different from each other, and having manners and customs peculiar to themselves : of these 600,000,000 are Pa- gans, 150,000,000 Mohammedans and Jews, 200,000,000 Papists, Greeks, and other corrupt Christians, leaving only 50,000,000 nominal Protestants ! 2. To lead the souls of the lost to a Saviour. II. Consider the means of promoting this work. 1. Missionaries : who must be men of wisdom, patience, perseverance, self-denial, courage, faith, MISSIONS. 119 zeal, &c. ; first missionary Jesus Christ, think of his journey, &c. 2. The Bible translated into all languages Bible Society. 3. The prayers of good people. 4. Pecuniary contributions. III. Consider some of the results of this great work. 1. Souls are saved, the heathen forsake their idols and turn to God. 2. The ignorant are instructed, schools are established. 8. Savage nations are civilized, allude to New Zealand, Fejee, Negroes on plantations, &c. 4. Think of the eternal results when the con- verted of all countries shall assemble in heaven and speak one language, that of heaven and love, and sing one song the new song, &c. Application. 1. Will you collect or give to this cause? 2. Will you pray for this cause ? Daniel vii. 14. Luke ii. 10. Psalm Ixvii. 3. Luke iv. 18. Gal. i. 16. 1 Tim. ii. 4; iii. 16. Mark xiii. 10. Matt. iv. 23. Mark xiv. 9; xvi. 15. Rev. xiv. 6. Matt xxviii. 19, 20. HYMN 409 : What is the world ? A wildering maze. HYMN 416: From Greenland's icy mountains. HYMN 417 : The call to China ! Hear. HYMN 430 : Hark! the song of jubilee. 120 ENCOURAGEMENT TO XLIV. ENCOURAGEMENT TO THOSE WHO SEEK THE LORD. MATTHEW xxviii. 5. "Fear act ye; for I know that ye seek Jesus, who was crucified." I. WHO are seeking Jesus ? 1. Those who feel they are sinners, and believe that only Jesus Christ can save them. 2. Those who trust in the atonement of Christ for acceptance with God. 3. Those who study the mind and will of the Saviour, and seek to please him. 4. Those who are earnest and prayerful in their deportment. 5. Those who attend to religion as to a thing of first importance. II. Your encouragement " fear not." 1. Some fear they are too wicked, allude to Manasseh, Saul, &c. 2. Some think Jesus is unwilling to save them, " Come unto me ALL," &c. 3. Some think they are too young they were infants Jesus invited to him. THOSE WHO SEEK THE LORD. 121 III. How we know a seeker of the Lord. 1. By his regular and constant attendance on the means of grace. 2. By his love for his Bible and earnest prayers. 3. By his anxiety in reference to religious matters. 4. By his inquiries, " Men and brethren, what shall we do ?" &c. Application. 1. I know that some of you are seeking Jesus. 2. Fear not, if you feel you are sinners, Jesus will receive you, they that seek shall find. 8. We shall all wish we had sought our Saviour on the day of judgment. See Scriptures to Sketch No. 18. Sketch, No. 80. Sketch, No. 45. Isaiah xli. 10 ; liv. 4. John vi. 37. HYMN 114 : Come, sinners, to the gospel feast. HYMN 116 : Come, ye sinners, poor and needy. HYM.V 303 : Hosanna to Him. 11 122 ZEAL, XLV. ZEAL, WELL DIRECTED AND CONSTANT. GALATIANS iv. 18. " It is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing." I. REFER to some of the good things toward which we should be zealously affected. 1. Toward the study of the word of God. 2. Attendance on the means of grace. 3. Persevering, humble prayer. " Men ought always to pray," &c. 4. Pursuit of knowledge, human and divine. 5. The cause of missions, and all other Chris- tian institutions. 6. Particularly Sabbath-schools. 7. The exhibition of the graces of the Chris- tian character. II. Why we should be zealously affected, &c. 1. Because of the importance of the things themselves. 2 . Because the mind must be employed : the greater the object the better. 3. Zealously, because if a thing be worth doing WELL DIRECTED AND CONSTANT. 123 at all, it is worth doing well. Be a whole man at one thing at a time. 4. Zealously, because the work will be sooner done, and better done. III. " Always," &c. 1. Some work by fits and starts. 2. Some depend on special times and seasons. 3. Sow beside all waters. "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand." 4. Life is brief and uncertain. " Work while it is day." Application. 1. Do you love your Sabbath-school ? 2. Are you zealous in your attachment to it? 3. How zealous was Jesus, and Paul, and Wesley, and Howard ! 1 Cor. xv. 68. See, also, scriptures to Sketch 6. 2 Tim. Iv. 2. 1 Sam. xii. 14. Acts ii. 42. John viii. 31. Aots xxvi. 22. Rom. ii. 7. Heb. xii. 1-3. HYMN 212 : Awake, my soul, stretch every nerve. HYMN 226 : Labourers of Christ, arise. HYMN 227 : Sow in the morn thy seed. HYMN 490 : May we who teach the rising race. GENERAL INDEX. Sketch. Absalom, Character of..... 26 Advantage, Taking base.. 33 Advice, Bad 10 Advice, Good 7, 19 All is Well 3 Andrew, Character of 6 Asa and Oded 19 Bad Advice 10 Bad Company 7 Beauty, not real Excel- lence 26 Barnabas, Character of.... 22 Call of Samuel 14 Caution 7 Character of Absalom 26 Character of Andrew 6 Character of Barnabas 22 Character of Hazael 36 Character of Josiah 23 Character of Manasseh.... 37 Character of Rehoboam... 10 Character of Timothy 27 Children belong to the Lord 39 Children's Hosanna 31 Christ receives Little Children 5 Clean heart, what 21 Cleansing our Way..... v .. 34 124 Sketch. Company, Bad 7 Constancy. 45 Conversion, Evidences of.. 6 David and Saul at Engedi 32 Disciple, the Young 6 Education not Religion... 21 Education, .Religious 41 Eli and his Sons.., 40 Elisha and Gehazi 35 Enemies, Kindness to 33 Evidences of Conversion.. 6 Example of Jesus..... 24 Face, seeking the Lord's.. 30 Faith of Young Disciple... 6 Fearing the Lord .20, 32 Fears removed 44 Field, the World 43 Future^ unknown 36 God hears every Word.... 17 God pities us 20 Good Action, what consti- tutes it 21 Good Advice 7, 19 Good Child cautioned and advised 7 Good Man guarded 35 Good Man's Confidence... 36 GENERAL INDEX. 125 Sketch. Good Name 15 Good People not always right 5 Good Things 45 Great things done for us.. 32 Guide, Heavenly 1 Happiness 42 Hazael, Character of. 36 Heart, Clean 21 Heart, Decision of. 30 Heart defined 28 Heart, giving it to God... 28 Heritage, the Lord's 39 Heathen, the 43 Hosanna to Jesus 31 House of God, love for.... 4 How to pray 29 How to suffer, and how to act 11 Humility of Jesus 24 Humility of Young Disci- ple 6 Integrity of Jesus 34 Josiah, Character of. 23 Journey of Life 1 Joy on visiting the Sanc- tuary 4 Knowledge of Jesus Christ 16 Law, use of. 13 Lois and Eunice 27 Love for the House of God 4 Love of Jesus 22 Love of Young Disciple... 6 Manasseh, Character of... 37 Mary seeking Jesus 25 Missions.... ... 43 Name, good 15 Sketch. Obedience to Parents 9 Obedience to Teachers, Ac 13 Obedience Sign of Love... 20 Ordinances of men 13 Overcome Evil with Good 11 Path of Life 34 Pattern, Jesus our 24 Peter brought to Jesus.... 6 Pilgrim, the Youthful 1 Pity of the Lord 20 Pray, how to 29 Prayerfulness of Jesus 24 Preaching the Gospel 43 Pride 8 Principal Thing 12 Pupils, Character of the Lord's 38 Redeemer 16 Reformation not New Cre- ation 21 Rehoboam, Folly of. 10 Religion not Hereditary.. 40 Religious Education 41 Remember thy Creator... 2 Riches 15 Samuel, Call of. 14 Saul and David 33 Secret of Success 22 Seekers encouraged 44 Seeking and finding the Lord.. 18 Seeking Jesus 25 Seeking the Lord 30 Self denial of Jesus 24 Something to think of..... 32 Songs of Children 31 Soul, Value and Capabili- ties of, &c ! Study of Scriptures 27 Submission to Instructors 13 11* 126 GENERAL INDEX. Sketch. Success 22 Suffer, being persecuted... 11 Teacher, Divine 38 Temporal Things 3 Thankfulness of Jesus 24 Timothy, Character of..... 27 Tongue, Use of. 17 Training the Young 41 Usefulness depends on Holiness 22 Vanity 26 Virtue true Beauty 26 Waiting on the Lord 14 Sketch. Watchfulness of Jesus 24 Way, how to cleanse our.. 34 Way of Holiness, Wisdom, Duty 41 Wisdom the principal Thing 12 Words, God hears our 17 World a Field for Labour. 43 Young Disciple 6 Youthful Piety 23 Youthful Pilgrim 1 Youthful Reflections 2 Zeal, constant 45 Zeal of Jesus 24 Zeal of Young Disciple.... 6 ' UCSB LIBRARY