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iNTROLMJCTORY ESSAY
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ADVICE
A YOUNG CHRISTIAN
THE IMPORTANCE OF AIMING
\N ELEVATED STANDARD OF PIET\.
BY A VILLAGE PASTOR
WITH
AN INTRODUCTORY ESSAY,
BY THE REV. DR. A. ALEXANDER,
CF PRIUOETON. KBTK" JEKBKY.
■'feed my i.Auns "
PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETY,
ISO NASSAU -STREET, NEW YORK.
Entered according to act ot Congress, in the year 1843, by John S. Taylor, in the Clerk's officeof the District Court of the Soathem District of New York.
Right of publishing transferred to the American Tract Society,
CONTENTS.
['AGE.
Preface, ......... 5
Introductory Essay, by Rev. Dr. A. Alexander, . . 7
LETTER I. Forming an elevated Christian character, . . .27
LETTER n. Temptations peculiar to the young Christian, . 33
LETTER ITL Danger of backsliding, 38
LETTER IV. On prayer, 43
LETTER V. On prayer — continued, 48
LETTER VI. Sincerity m prayer, 53
LETTER VII.
Faith essential to prayer, 58
LETTER VIIL For what should we pray 1 63
LETTER IX. When should we pray 1 68
LETTER X. The subject of prayer concluded, .... 73
LETTER XL On self-examination, . . . . . . .78
LETTER XII. Self-examination, stated and occasional, ... 83
LETTER XIIL Superficial self-examination, 88
4 CONTENTS.
LETTER XIV. The same subject continued, . . . . .93
LETTER XV.
Danger of deceiving ourselves, ..... 97
LETTER XVI
Relying on past experiences, . . . .102
LETTER XVII. Self-examination — continued, 107
LETTER XVIII. Self-examination respects feeling and conduct, . .112
LETTER XIX. Frequent and close self-examination, . . . . 116
LETTER XX. Stated times of self-examination, .... 120
LETTER XXI. Preparation for the Lord's supper, .... 124
LETTER XXII. The perusal of the Scriptures, 128
LETTER XXIII. Rehgious literature, ^ 133
LETTER XXIV. A systematic perusal of the Scriptures, . . . 137
LETTER XXV. A careless perusal of the Scriptures, .... 142
LETTER XXVI. The historical and doctrinal parts of Scripture, . . 147
LETTER XXVII. The Bible not to be studied for criticism, . . .15]
LETTER XXVIII.
Religion the business of hfe, 155
LETTER XXIX. Tnlluenceof religion on the social relations, . . . 160
Conclusion, 16o
PREFACE.
To tlie lambs of Christ's flock, whom Peter was en- joined by tlie Good Shepherd to feed, I dedicate tliis little book. The letters which compose it wpre written to in- struct one of their number, the daughter of a 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.
As revivals of religion have become so frequent, and have embraced in their sanctifying influence so many youtli of both sexes, these letters are given to the public with the hope, that under God, they may stimulate such youth to activity in the cause of Christ, and awaken a desire for those exalted spiritual attainments which it is Uieir object to recommend.
The age in which we live demands a high standard of Christian character. Any thing which contributes to ele- vate it must be useful.
6 PREFACE.
In presenting- this little volume, the author has no apologies to offer. Not that he supposes it free from de- fects,, or impervious to the shafts of criticism; but be- cause, if it is calculated to be useful, apologies are un- necessary : if it is not, none, however labored or eloquent, can atone for so grand and radical a defect.
ESSAY
ON THE NATURE OF VITAL PIETY— ITS SAME- NESS IN ALL AGES AND COUNTRIES— AND ITS VARIOUS ASPECTS IN" DIFFERENT CIRCUM- STANCES.
True religion not only enlightens the understand- ing, but rectifies the afiections of the heart. All genuine feelings of piety are the effects of divine truth. The variety and intensity of these feelings depend on the different kinds of truth, and the vari- ous aspects in which the same truth is viewed ; and also, on the distinctness and clearness with which it is presented to the mind. In a state of moral per- fection, truth would uniformly produce all those emo- tions and affections which correspond with its nature, without the aid of any superadded influence. That these effects are not experienced by all who have the opportunity of knowing the truth, is a strong evi- dence of human depravity. In a state of moral de- pravity, the mind is incapable alike of perceiving and feeling the beauty and excellence of divine truth. The dead neither see nor feel, and man is by nature ■' dead in trespasses and sins." Hence, the necessity
J^ YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
of the agency of the Holy Spirit to illuminate and res-enerate the mind. The nature of divine agency, in every case, is inscrutable by mortals. " The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, or whither it goeth : so is every one that is born of the Spirit." We know, however, that the work of the Spirit, in the regeneration of the heart, is adapted to the rational nature of man. The thing to be accom- plished is not the creation of some new faculty ; it is a moral renovation ; and all moral changes must be effected by understanding and choice. To put the Boul, therefore, in that state in which it wdll rightly understand the truth, and cordially choose the high- est good, is the end of regeneration. Truth, there- fore, must be the means by which actual conversion to God takes place. " Being born again, not of cor- ruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." " Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth." " Sanctify them through thy truth : thy word is truth." Although piety in the heart is the effect of a divme operation, yet all its exercises take place agreeably to the common laws of our rational nature. The understanding is enlightened, the judgment is convinced, motives operate on the will, and con- science approves or disapproves. That the soul, in the exercises of piety, is under the renovating rnflu-
INTROUUCTORV ESSAY. 9
ences of the Holy Spirit, is not known by any con- sciousness which it has of these divine o]>erations, but by the eflects produced in a change of views and feelings ; and this change is ascribed to God, because no other is able to produce it ; and his word assures us that he is its author.
Now, as all men are endowed with the same nat- ural susceptibilities, and as all Christians contem- plate the same fundamental truths, the work of grace in the hearts of all must be substantially the same. All have, by the knowledge of the law, been convinced of sin ; have been made to feel sorrow, shame, and compunction, upon the recollection of their transgressions ; and to submit to the justice of the sentence of condemnation, which the law de- nounces against them. All have been made sensible of their own inability to save themselves, and under the influence of these humbling and penitent feelings, have been led to seek refuge in Jesus Christ, as the only hope of their souls. This plan of salvation appears glorious and suitable to all believers ; so that they not only acquiesce in it, as the only method of salvation, but they are so well pleased with it, that they would not have another if they could. And in the acceptance of Christ as a complete Saviour, there is, in every case, some experience of joy and peace. Connected with the views which the true believer has of Christ as a Saviour, there is also a
10 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
discovery, more or less clear, of tlie glory of the di vine attributes, especially of those which are most conspicuously manifested in the cross of Christ. Holiness, justice, mercy, and truth shine, in the view of the sincere convert, with a lustre surpassing all other excellence ; and God is venerated and loved for his own intrinsic excellence, as well as for the rich benefits bestowed upon us. But although these views may be distinguished, yet, in experience, they are not separated. The brightest discovery of divine excellence ever made, is God's love to our miserable race. The law of God is also viewed to be holy, just, and good, by every regenerated soul. The un- renewed heart never is, nor ever can be, reconciled to the law ; " it is not subject to it, nor indeed can be :" but the " new man " delights in the law of God, and would not have one precept of it altered ; and while it condemns all his feelings and works as im- perfect, he approves of it still, and blames himsell for his want of conformity to a rule so perfect.
Another thing in which the experience of all Christians is uniform, is, that they all are brought to a deliberate purpose to be on the Lord's side. On this point there is no hesitancy. Many are affected, and much agitated with religious impressions, and yet never come to a full decision to choose God and his service. They halt between two opinions, and have a divided mind. Such persons, however lively
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 11
their feelings, are not yet truly converted : all true converts, after counting the cost, have settled this point for ever. And they can say vv^ith the Psalmist, "My heart is fixed, 0 God, my heart is fixed." They are, therefore, prepared now to comply with the terms of discipleship laid down by Christ himself. They are willing to " deny themselves, to take up their cross, and follow him ; to forsake father and mother, wife and children, houses and lands, yea, also their own Uves, for the sake of Him who gave him- self for them."
Out of such views and feelings as have been de- scribed, arises an ardent hungering and thirsting after righteousness, an intense desire to know more of God, and to be admitted into closer union and more inti- mate communion with him. These habitual desires of the renewed soul find their proper expression in prayer, and lead to a patient and earnest waitmg upon God in all the ordinances and means of his ap- pointment. True piety, however, does not stop in mere desires, or in attendance on religious duties ; it seeks to glorify God by action. The earnest inquiry of every soul inspired with the love of God, is, " Lord, what wouldst thou have me to do ?" And wherever there is piety towards God, there will exist benevolence towards men. One of the most sensible emotions of the young convert is, " good- will to men ;" a sincere desire for the welfare and eternal salvation
12 VOUNG CHRISTIAN.
of all, not even excepting its most inveterate ene- mies. And towards the children of God, there springs up a strong and tender affection. Such seem to be brethren indeed, because they are the brethren of Christ, and bear something of his image, in the humility, meekness, and benevolence of their charac ter. In short, genuine piety disposes and determines all who are its subjects, to obey and respect all the commandments of God, and to hate and avoid all sin, according to that declaration of David, "I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right, and hate every false way."
In all the above-mentioned essential characteristics of piety, there is a sameness in the exercises of all. true Christians. The same impression has been made on every renewed heart, and the only differ- ence is, that it is imprmted more deeply on some than others ; but still, the characters are identical ; and therefore the evidences of a work of grace, con- tained in the holy Scriptures, are equally applicable to all persons who have been brought from darkness to light. There often is, moreover, a strildng resem- blance in those accompanying exercises and circum- stances which are not essential. Awakened sinners are liable to the same erroneous conceptions, and usually fall into the same mistakes. They are all prone to think, that by reforming their lives, they can restore themselves to the favor of God. They
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 13
commonly apply to tlie works of the law for relief, in the first instance ; and when driven from this false refuge, by a clearer view of the spirituality and extent of the law, and the depth of their own de- pravity, they are apt to give up all for lost, and se- riously to conclude that there is no hope in theii case. They are all prone to misapprehend the nature of the Gospel : of its freeness they can at first form no conception ; and therefore they think it necessary to come with some price in their hands — to obtain some kind of preparation or fitness, before they ven- ture to come to Christ. And when it is clear that no moral fitness can be obtained until they apply to him, tliis legal spirit will lead the soul under convic- tion to think, that very deep and pungent distress will recommend it to Christ ; and thus many are found seeking and praying for a more deep and alarm- ing impression of their sin and danger. It is also very common to place undue dependence on particu- lar means ; especially on such as have been much blessed to others. Anxious souls are prone to think, that in reading some particular book, or in hearing Bome successful preacher, they will receive the grace of God which bringeth salvation ; in which expecta- tion they are generally disappointed, and are brought at last to feel that they are entirely dependent on sovereign grace ; and that they can do nothing to obtain that grace. Before, they were like a drown-
14 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
ing man catchii]g at every thing whicli seemed to promise support ; but now, they are like a man who feels that he has no support, but is actually sinking. Their cry, therefore, is now truly a cry for mercy. " God be merciful imto me a sinner." " Lord save, I perish." And it has often been proverbially said, " Man's extremity is God's opportunity," which is commonly realized by the soul cut off from all de- pendence on itself — the arm of the Lord is stretched forth to preserve it from sinking ; the Saviour's voice of love and mercy is heard ; light breaks in upon the soul, and it finds itself embraced in the arms of the Saviour ; and so wonderful is the transition, that it can scarcely trust to its own experience.
This similarity of feelings in the experience of the pious has often been remarked, and has been justly considered a strong evidence of the divine origin of experimental religion : for how, otherwise, can this uniformity of the views and feelings of the pious, in all ages and countries, be accoimted for ? Enthusi- asm assumes a thousand different shapes and hues, and is marked by no uniform characteristics ; but scriptural piety is the same now as in the days of David and Asaph ; the same as when Paul lived ; the same as experienced by the pious fathers of the Christian church ; the same as described by the Reformers, by the Puritans, and by the evangelical preachers and writers of the present day. When the
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 15
Gospel takes eflect on any of the heathen, although it is certain that they never had the opportunity of learning any thing of this kind from others, yet we find them expressing the same feehngs which are common to other Christians. Persons from diflerent quarters of the globe, whose vernacular tongue is entirely diflerent, yet speak the same language in rehgion. Members of churches, which hold no com- munion, and which, perhaps, view each other, when at a distance, as heretics, often, when brought to- gether, recognize in one another dear brethren, who are of one mind in their religious experience.
The late eminently pious and learned theologian, the Rev. Dr. Livingston, related to me, not many years before his decease, a pleasant anecdote, which will serve to illustrate the point under consideration ; and which I communicate to the pubhc the more willingly, because I do not Imow that he has left any record of it behind him. "While a student at the university of Utrecht, a number of pious persons from the town, and from among the students, were accustomed to meet for free conversation on experi- mental religion, and for prayer and praise, in a social capacity. On one of these occasions, when the sim- ilarity of the exercises of the pious, in all comitrics and ages, was the subject' of conversation, it was remarked by one of the company, that there was then present a representative from each of the four
16 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
quarters of the world. These were, Dr. Livingston from America, a yoimg- man from the Cape of Good Hope in Africa, another student from one of the Dutch possessions in the East Indies, and many na- tives of Europe of course. It was therefore proposed , that at the next meetmg, the three young gentlemen first referred to, together with an eminently pious young nobleman of Holland, should each give a par- ticular narrative of the rise and progress of the work of grace in his own soul. The proposal was univer- sally acceptable ; and accordingly, a narrative was heard from a native of each of the four quarters of the globe — of their views and feelings, of their trials and temptations, etc. The result was highly grati- fying to all present ; and I think Dr. Livingston said, that it was generally admitted by those present, that they had never before witnessed so interestmg a scene. And since I have taken the liberty of men- tioning the name of that venerable and distinguished theologian, I beg leave to add, that I have never seen a man who appeared to love vital piety more, or to understand its nature better.
But the identity of religious feeling which has been described above, is consistent with a great variety in many of the accompanying circumstances. Indeed, it seems probable, that each individual Christian has something distinctly characteristic in his own case ; BO that there exists at least as much difference in
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 17
the peculiar features of the inner as of the outward man. The causes of this diversity are manifold : aa first, the diflerent degrees of grace received in the commencement of the divine life ; secondly, the ex- tent to which they have respectively run in sin, and the suddenness, or gradual nature of their change; thirdly, the degree of religious Imowledge which is possessed ; and finally, no small diversity arises from the various constitutional temperaments of different persons, which must have a powerful effect m givmg complexion to the exercises of religion. To all which may be added, the mamier in which persons under religious impressions are treated by their spiritual guides ; and especially the manner in wliich the (lospel is preached to them.
It has been remarked by men of exact observation, 1 hat particular revivals of religion are often marked fcy something peculiar in the exercises, and in the sj>irit of those who are the subjects of them. In 80 me revivals, convictions are more pungent and a^^ful, or continued for a longer time, than in others ; and the converts, in some revivals, appear to acquire a much deeper and more abiding impression of the reality- and glory of divine things, and are evidently viore under the constraining influence of the love of Jhrist, than is observable in other cases. These are 6ubject& wliich deserve a careful investigation ; and as revivals are increasing in frequency and extent in
T. christian. ^
18 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
our churches, and as different modes of conducting them are in use, it is highly important, that some man of deep experience, and sober, impartial judg- ment, should make observations extensively, and communicate them to the rehgious public ; which is, in many places, perplexed and distracted with the different methods of treatment recommended by dif- ferent persons, and different parties. It may, how- ever, be laid dovni as a sound maxim, that in propor- tion as the truth of God is clearly brought to view, and faithfully applied to the heart and conscience, the good effects will be manifest. Erroneous opin- ions, although rmngled with the essential truths of the Gospel, will ever tend to mar the work of God. The good produced on any individual, or on a society, must not be judged of by the violence of the feelings excited, but by their character. Men may be con- sumed by a fiery zeal, and yet exhibit little of the meekness, humihty, and sweet benevolence of Jesus. Great pretenders and high professors may be proud, arrogant, and censorious. When these are the effects, w^e may, without fear, declare, " that they know not what manner of spirit they are of." Any religion, however corrupt, may have its z;ealots ; but true Christianity consists in the fruits of the Spirit, which are, " love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, good- ness, faith, meeloiess, temperance."
Piety seems also to assume an aspect somewhat
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 19
different, iii difierent ages and periods of the church. There is in human nature a strong tendency to run to extremes ; and from one extreme, immediately to the opposite. And as the imperfections of our nature mingle with ever}' thing which we touch, so piety itself is not exempt from the influence of the ten- dency above mentioned. In one age, or in one relig- ious community, the leaning is to enthusiasm : in another, to superstition. At one time, religion is made to assume a severe and gloomy aspect ; the conscience is morbidly scrupulous ; things indifferent are viewed as sins ; and human infirmities are mag- nified into crimes. At such times, all cheerfulness is proscribed ; and the Christian whom nature prompts to smile, feels a check from the monitor withm. This alloy of genuine piety is also often connected with bigotry and censoriousness. Now, when true relig- ion is disfigured by such defects, it appears before the world to great disadvantage. Men of the world form their opinions of the nature of piety from what they observe in its professors ; and from such an exhibition of it as we have described, they often take up preju- dices which are never removed. There is, however, an opposite extreme, not less dangerous and injurious than this. When professors of religion conform to the world so far that no clear distinction can be observed between the Christian and the worldling. If the former error drives men away from religion, as
20 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
a sour and miserable thing, this leads them to the opinion, that Cliristians are actuated by the same principles as they are ; and therefore they conclude that no great change of their character is necessary. It is sometimes alleged by professors who thus ac- commodate themselves to the fashions and amuse- ments of the world, that they hope by this means to render religion attractive, and thus gain over to piety those who 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 figuring in the ballroom, their conclusion either is, that there is no reality in vital piety, or that these professors act inconsistently.
The religious habits of some serious professors of religion are adapted to make a very unfavorable impression on the minds of sensible men. They as- sume a demure and sanctimonious air, and speak in an affected and drawling tone ; often sighmg, and lifting up their eyes, and giving audible utterance to their ejaculations. Now, these persons maybe, and 1 doubt not, often are, truly pious ; but the impres- sion made on most minds, by this affectation of religious solemnity, is, that they are hypocrites, who aim at being thought uncommonly devout. It ap- pears to rate, that rehgion never appears so lovely, as when she wears the dress of perfect simplicity. We ought not, indeed, to be ashamed of our religion be-
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 2]
fore the world ; but it behooves us to be very care- ful, not to give to others an unfavorable opinion of serious piety. The rule is, " Let your light so shine, that others seeing your good works, may glorify youi Father who is in heaven." " Let not your good be evil spoken of."
But the aspect and character of the piety of ono age may differ from that of another, more from the pccuhar circumstances in which Christians are placed, than from the prevalence of erroneous views or incorrect habits. In one age, vital piety seeka retirement, and runs in hidden channels. At such a time, the attention of Christians is turned chiefly on themselves. Much time is devoted to devotional exercises ; often whole days. The secret recesses of the heart are explored with diligence and rigor ; in- dwelHng sin is detected in its multiform appearances, and is mortified with invincible resolution ; the va- rious means of personal growth in grace are studied, and used with persevering assiduity ; and much use- ful knowledge of the nature of the spiritual life in the soul is acquired. But 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 benevolence ; there may be few vigorous efforts made to meUorate the condition of the multitudes perishmg in sin. Under the influence of these defective views of the
22 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
nature of religion, many pious persons, in the early ages of Christianity, withdrew entirely from the world, and lived in the wilderness ; which mistake occasioned innumerable evils to the church, the effects of which are not yet obliterated.
The spirit of piety among the K-eformers seems to have been pure and vigorous, but not as expansive as it might have been. They seem scarcely to have thought of the hundreds of milhons of heathen in the world ; and of course, made no efforts to extend 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 distance ; but if that zeal which was worse than wasted in controversy with one another, had been directed to the conversion of the heathen, their usefulness would have been far greater than it was.
The Puritans, also, although profoundly acquainted with experimental religion, seemed to have confined their attention too exclusively to themselves. Their ministers were, it is true, silenced, and driven into comers and into exile, by an ungrateful and tyran- nical government ; but it seems wonderful to us, that when prevented from preaching the Gospel to their own countrymen, they did not turn to the gentiles. But the era of missions had not yet arrived, and probably they had but small opportunity, in their
[. N T R O D U C T O R Y K 9 S A Y . 23
persecuted state, of uniting their counsels, or cora- bininof their energies in schemes of distant benevo- lence. One thing, however, is 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 labors 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 employmg their tongues, they betook themselves to their pens, and 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, Bunyan, Goodwin, Manton, Howe, and Bates, have effected much more good by their practical writings, than they could possibly have done by their preacliing, supposing them to have been ever so successful.
But our lot is cast in a difTerent age, and in a dif- ferent state of the church. After a long slumber, the attention of Christians has been aroused to con- eider the perishing condition of the heathen. "We hve in a period when great designs are entertamed, and plans formed for the conversion of the whole world ; when one benevolent enterprise or mstitution follows another in rapid succession, until the Chris- tian community begins to exhibit an entirely new aspect from what it did within our owai remem-
24 YOUNG CHRISTIAN. '
brance. Christians have begun to feel, that by a combination of effort, they have power to accom- pHsh much. The public attention is kept awake by the frequent recurrence of public meetings of an in- teresting kind, and by that more potent engine, the wide circulation of religious periodicals, by which, interesting intelhgence is conveyed to almost every corner of our extensive country. The duty of Chris- tians to be active, is now inculcated in almost every form ; Tracts are multipHed ; the Scriptures are cir- culated ; the young and ignorant are instructed by new methods ; and many are found riuining to and fro to promote the propagation of evangehcal truth. Revivals of religion, also, are exerting a mighty in- fluence on the church. The number of serious Chris- tians 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 ; and the duty of consecrating to the Lord a reasonable proportion of all their in- crease, is beginning to be extensively felt among serious Christians. And such is the spirit of enter- prise, that no undertaking appears too arduous, which has for its object the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom : and such is the favor of heaven towards benevolent enterprises in our day, that scarcely one has failed of accomphsliing some good ; and although the schemes of benevolence are so various and so
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 25
multiplied, yet there has occurred no sensible inter- ference of one with 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 favorable appearances and benevolent exertions, eveiy pious heart must and will rejoice.
But is there no danger, that many who feel in- terested in the operations of the day, and contribute It) 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, whichever way it may run. And is there no danger that Christians themselves, while they seem to flour- ish in external profession, zeal, and activity, may be decaying at the root, for want of sufficient atten- tion to their own hearts, and to the duties of the closet ? There is, indeed, much reason to fear that many professors now exist, who confine their religion too much to those external acts which may be per- formed from motives no higher than those which operate on imrenewed men. The danger now is, that the religion of the heart will be neglected, and that many will feel well satisfied vvdth themselves, on account of their activity and zeal, who are yet Btrangers 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 writ- ers seem disposed to turn the attention of the Chris-
26 YOUNGCURISTIAN.
tian public to the importance of diligence and punc- tuality in performing the duties of the closet. The following letters are well calculated to produce this effect. They were forwarded to me by an esteemed young clergj'^man, who is settled as a pastor in a dis^ tant and retired village. They were addressed,- as the author has stated in liis preface, to a young lady of highly respectable connections, upon the occasion of her makmg a public profession of religion. The father of this young lady, who is distmguished for his benevolence and evangelical piety, was miwilling that the pious and judicious counsels, and affection- ate exhortations which they contain, should be Hmited to an individual, since they are so well adapted to be useful to Christians generally, and especially to the young, placed in circumstances sim- ilar to those of the person to whom they were orig- inally addressed. A request was therefore made for their publication. The author, through modesty, has withlield his name, but has requested me to in- troduce them to the public with some preliminary essay of my own ; with which request I have here complied, believing that the letters of my young friend are seasonable, judicious, and pious, and that as they are written in an ornate and animated st}de, they will be extensively perused by the young.
A. ALEXANDER
Princeton, N. J.
ADVICE
TO
A YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
LETTER I.
FORMING AN ELEVATED CHRISTIAN CHARACTER.
Dear Young Friend — You are very young to pro- fess the high character of a Christian ; hut your youth, while it serves as a caution, should not oper- ate as a discouragement. Many a person of fewer years, and with less advantages, has not only given satisfactory evidence of conversion, but proved, in subsequent Kfe, to be of that number whose " path shineth more and more, unto the perfect day."
It becomes you, however, to look narrowly into the evidences of such a change. A mistake here will prove fatal. The word of God and prayer are the great means, which, if faithfully applied, will in due time develope your true moral character. If you have been deceived, if yet in your sins, these duties will ere long become irksome, and be loosely
28 yOUNG CHRISTIAN.
performed or utterly neglected. If you have been regenerated, you will not only persevere in these duties, but vidll find that they elicit more and more of your interest, until you arrive at a well-grounded hope of eternal felicity.
Taking for granted that you db not make this prO' fession on slight grounds, nor with inadequate or erroneous views, my object, in a few letters which I shall address to you, will be to urge you to the formation of an elevated Christian character. You profess to have taken the first step in the strait and narrow way ; but recollect, it is only the first step. The concentrated gaze of many eyes is upon you. Some would exult in your downfall — others rejoice in your advancement. Invisible and wicked spirits will tempt you to ruin. Good and guardian angels will watch around your steps, and rejoice in your victories. To sustain yourself jou have already been convinced is impossible. If you are regenerated, you are not perfectly sanctified ; nor will you be until death shall be swallowed up in victory. But as Paul could do all things, by the strength of his Mas- ter, so can the weakest believer ; and you must ever feel that the same grace wliich brought you " out of nature's darlaiess," must enable you to overcome your enemies, and "persevere unto the end."
As I have touched upon this point, I am forcibly reminded of the beautiful dream of the Rev. John
CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 29
Newton, while lying at anchor in the harbor of Venice, and witliin sight of a part of the Alps. For the particulars I refer you to' his volumes. The Bubstance is as follows.
The anxiety of mind which he endured in his waking hours, seemed to give a coloring to his night- vision. He felt himself in great perplexity and horror. While musing on the wretchedness of his condition, there appeared suddenly a celestial figure, who presented to him a ring, which she said, if pre- served with care, would, on every difficult occasion, resolve his doubts, and extricate him from trouble. He was overjoyed at the reception of it. All his fears seemed to subside, and a heavenly serenity to succeed. While in this tranquil and happy frame of mind, another personage, of less inviting aspect, made liis appearance, and, after many flattering words and artful msinuations, prevailed on him to part vdih the ring. He deliberately dropped it over the side of the vessel, and it sunk to the bottom. The flames, in an awful maim.er, immediately burst from the mountain, and he seemed threatened with instant destruction. At this moment of horror, his celestial friend again appeared, and, with a frown of mingled love and reproof, upbraided him for listening to the voice of the tempter. She then descended into the water, and soon returned bearing the ring, and thus addressed him : "As thou art miable to
30 YOUNGCIIRISTIAN.
keep this token, I will preserve it for thee, and it shall be secure for ever."
I have only given you from memory an outline of this beautiful vision. The interpretation wliich the author put upon it is full of spiritual instruction. If left for one moment to our own strength, how soon do we abandon the "rmg," even at the first suggestion of the tempter. Then the soul is af- frighted and dismayed. But Jesus, our guardian, is able to restore the " ring," and lest we should lose it, he, in condescension to our infirmities, deigns to keep it. " I Avill never leave thee, nor forsake thee," is his language. Thus, my dear young friend, intrust the " ring" to Him who alone is able to preserve it. When the tempter comes, whether in the artful guise of what the world calls innocent pleasure, or the bold assaults of blasphemy and despair, look up- wards to Him who is charged with the care of all that is precious to the soul. "Wait not until you are overwhelmed by the consciousness of contracted guilt, but flee — 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 honor, there is safety, there is happiness.
I congratulate you on the favorable circumstances in which you are placed for the formation of Chris- tian character. The work of divine grace in which you profess to be a participant, is, I imderstand, still
CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 31
in progress. Doubtless you find some congenial spirits, with whom you can mingle feelings, unite in mutual prayer, and converse on the sweetest of all topics, the love of your Lord and Master. Let it be a principle with you, to select as your companions the most heavenly-minded of your sex. If such can be found in the higher walks of life, very well ; be they your bosom friends : but, alas, how seldom, in the liigher circles, does religion, in its native simpli- city and purity, appear. You must seek it, I appre- nend, in the low vale of obscurity, and often amid the homely attire of honest poverty. If you have the spirit of Christ, you will love 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 fashionable appearance, but by intrinsic moral worth ; and I am persuaded that you must now feel, that if Providence has given you advantages of wealth and education above the plainest rustic, it is a ground of humility, inasmuch as it lays you under the greater obUgations, Where " much is given" — oh, never forget it — " much will be required." On this principle, are you not bound to be hmnble, benevolent, condescending ?
In closing this letter, I must say to you as I lately said to a youth in my congregation, who is about maldng a public profession of her faith in Christ, " I hope you will not be satisfied with being half a
32 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
Christian." So, my young friend, I would exhort y^ou to aim high. It is a day to elevate the standard of piety. We want more Newels, and Huntingtons, and Ramsay s, and Smelts. These were devoted eouls. It was not half-way work Vv^ith them. Re- ligion was " all in all." For this they lived, they suffered, and, supported by its consolations, they died. They have left a bright track for you to fol- low. Tread closely m their steps ; and then, though you share in their suflerings, you shall also inherit, with them, the " cro-v^ni of glory "
TEMPTATIONS. .U
LETTER II.
TEMPTATIONS.
Amono the first temptations wliicli you v/ill prob- ably experience, will be an effort, on the part of your spiritual enemies, to seduce you back to the pleasures of the world. Sometimes it will be a direct and powerful attack. The ways of religion will be rep- resented as difficult, whilst those of worldly pleasure will be strewed with flowers. " What," the tempter will exclaim, " shall one so young, so susceptible of enjoyment from all the varied delights ©f sense — one who has it in her power to command almost any im- agniable happiness — shall she put on the grave aspect of piety, and thus debar herself from every mnocent pleasure ? Look abroad, see thy young companions, how their hearts beat with rapture, as they float amid the circles of beauty and of fashion. Why shouldst thou become a sober religionist, when thou art ripening for so much bliss ? In such false and flattering colors will the tempter array the world. ILnowing that vanity is one of the strongest princi- pbs of our depraved nature, he will constantly, and often successfully, appeal to it. His flatteries will respect your person, your accomplishments, your for-
V. CUrutian. «^
34 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
June. He will suggest, that with, such advantages the world must pay you homage, and become a sort of perpetual paradise.
Had you, my young friend, been one of pleasure's gay votaries, as I have been, he could not, and probably he would not, thus address you. I could say, from experience, Thou seducing spirit, what thou sayest is false. Have I not mingled in the fes- tival ? Have I not courted pleasure in the brilHant assembly and the crowded theatre, where beauty and wealth have poured around their sihining and fasci- nating attractions ? And what did 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 transitory joys were not unalloyed. Jealousy, and envy, and 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 con- science was more powerful than all. What restlesa hours of wakeful sohcitude, what anticipated wrath, what vain rBsolutions, what unavailing regrets 1 And shall the tempter tell me that the pleasures of the world are worthy to be preferred to the calm delight of communion with God, and the high en- joyments of reUgion ? "He was a liar from the beginning ;" and when, my young Christian friend, he assaults you with such suggestions, or when,
TEMPTATIONS. 35
through his emissaries in human form, he would se- duce you from your allegiance, recollect his charac- ter, resist his suggestions — and, according to tho promise, " he will flee from you."
But it is far more probable, that his insinuations will 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 advance on your purity and devotedness, 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 human 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 in the waters of life.
Happy, dear youth, happy will you be, if that Bethel is always thus attractive and interesting. But the great danger is, that it will be neglected, and perhaps forsaken. You are ready to exclaim, " Im- possible ; I shall never cease to pray. I could sooner dispense with my daily food, than forego the privi- leges of a throne of grace." This is the language of smcerity, I doubt not. You verily think so ; but how httlo do you know the temptations which sur-
S6 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
round you, and the deceitfulness 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 redeemmg love, I was of the same opinion. I had waked up in a new 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 na- ture's magnificence and beauty. The foliage seemed greener and fresher than ever. The dew-drops glit- tered more brilliantly ; the sky looked purer ; and every tiling seemed to shme and wave ui silent but emphatic praise of God their Creator. My soul beat in happy unison with these silent worshippers, and methought I could never cease to sing and pray. My very being seemed to consist in it. But has it been so ever since ? Oh, ye hours of anguish, ye days of sensuality, ambition, and folly ; ye can say how gTiilty, 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 me there. I 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 suppose, that because I and others have been tempted to backslide, and have yielded to
TEMPTATIONS 37
the temptation, you must necessarily follow our dis- graceful defection. I hope you never will. If you are a child of God, you need not. You may go " from strength to strength." You may accompli.sh victory after victory, God grant that you may.
But should you, by mournful experience, have to look upon yourself as a backslider, you will remember 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 impenitence, more pitiable than the condition of a backslider. Con- science is too quick to allow him to enjoy the world ; and religion is too much neglected to yield him the smallest comfort. He lives in disquietude and an- guish, until he repents, and finds anew the favor of his God.
3& YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
LETTER III. DANGER OF BACKSLIDING.
In my last, I touclied upon the subject of temp ta^ tion.. I am constrained to add a few words more on the same subject. It has been too common for those who have betrayed their Lord by a disgraceful return to the world, to predict the same defection in others. Hence, you often hear professors of rehgion address the youtliful convert in such language as the follow- ing : " Your present ardor is no proof that it will continue ; now you are all joy, all devotion ; by and by the scene will be changed. I once felt as you now feel ; perhaps I enjoyed more ecstatic pleasure ; but I soon lost the glow of my first love, and so will you. A few years will cool you dovra, and show you that such engagedness carmot always last."
When I hear such language addressed to the young Christian, I am mdignant. It is not necessarily true ; my young friend, it is not true. The Bible, which is the only " lamp to our path," gives no warrant for Buch a prediction. True, it represents the cases of many who at first bade fair, but subsequently apos- tatized. It records the cases of such, as a flamuig beacon, to warn those who should come after them. But does it not represe»^t the path of the just, as " the
IIACKSLIDING. 39
Bhining light, which shineth more and more unto the perfect day ?" Does it not say, that he who hath clean hands, shall grow " stronger and stronger?" Does it not urge us to " grow in grace," to " forget the things which are beliind," and " reach towards those which are before ?" to make Christ our mark and press towards it, with all the energy of an Olym- pic racer, struggling in competition for the goal ?
Now, I warn you not to listen to such cold predic- tions. They who make them from their own expe rience, may have been hypocrites. They may have felt something, wliich they called spiritual joy ; but perhaps it was " Satan transformed into an angel of light :" perhaps it was the workings of their own imamnations, and not the lefjitimate fruits of the Spirit. Let them take heed to themselves, lest they have been deceived ; and not allure others on, in their do-svn-hill course, by their disgraceful example. But suppose them to have been Christians — and I allow tliat a Christian may grow cold, and backslide hi the service of God — is such language warranted Dy the word of God ? Is it likely to urge forward Uie young convert in the path of hoHiiess ? Is it likely to raise the standard of piety in the souls of others ? No ; far from it. Young converts are prone to copy those who are older and more experienced, [f they are persuaded that it is consistent with the existence of pieti^ to grow cold in feeluig, they will
40 \ O U N O C II R I S T I A N .
probably yield to the seductions of the world, and the temptations of Satan. They will not press for- ward ; they will recede. They will take the cold, dead level of their predecessors.
But, my young friend, be you warned by this, not to listen to such language for a moment; nor to suppose it must be true in your case. I do assure you, your Bible holds a different language. As you value your comfort, your peace of mind, your immor- tal hopes, your character as a Christian, your influ- ence as a follower of the Lamb, press forward. Strive every day to make some new attaiimaents in know- ledge and holiness. You are engaged in a conflict. You have put on the armor of God ; and put it ofl' for a moment you must not. Your enemies are nu- merous, vigilant, and powerful. You must contend every day : nor must you think of rest or relaxation. When death shall unbind for you the gospel armor, and you hear the dark waves of Jordan lashing these mortal shores, then, and not till then, will your strug- gles 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 bamier you contend. His arm will shield you, and Ills grace bring you ofl^more than conqueror.
I have digressed a little from the point at wliich I aimed. I wished to caution you particularly, con- cerning the first step in a backward course. The
BACKyLIDING. 41
firfit step in the retreat is an important one It is needful, therefore, to say, that generally, that step commences at the closet. Prayer is the strong hold to which the yoiuig Christian generally resorts. In doubts and difficulties, a throne of grace is his refuge. 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 in the blood of Jesus. If the path of duty be not obvious, if perplexity attend his course, at a throne of grace there is light and direction. Hence, it will be an important advantage to your 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 diffi- cult, often an arduous work ; but it is the life and soul of a Christian. It is not only his incumbent duty, but liis 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 endeavor to wrest it out of your hands. He will represent it as an irksome duty. He ^vill suggest tliat few^er and shorter prayers will answer. He \vill interpose obstacles bo4ween you and your closet. He will divert your attention wliile there, and then taunt you with your coldness and your folly. He will saj
42 yOUNG CHRISTIAN.
that your prayers are lij'pocritical — insincere — ar abomination to God. He will suggest, that now you are not in a good frame — advise you to put it off until you feel in a better. Thus will he try every art, and use every machination to draAv you from this refuge of your soul. But, " Get thee beliind me, Satan," must be your reply to all such suggestions. You must chng closer to the "horns of the altar." You must " bind the sacrifice with cords," if you can- not keep it there. You must give yourself to prayer, and to the word of God. Like the vestals, you must live at the altar.
PRAYER. 43
LETTER IV.
PRAYER.
1 FEEL constrained, my young friend, to add some- thing more on the subject of prayer. This duty, in my 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 excellent things have been written.
You were taugnt by your pious parents, to utter a form of prayer, as soon as your infant mind could comprehend, and your infant tongue enunciate a sentence. In looking back upon these juvenile devo- tions, you doubtless see wherein they were deficient. Your ideas of the Being to whom they were addressed, were confused and inadequate. You could not then comprehend the necessity of a Mediator ; for as yet you had not discovered the evil of sin, and the wrath of God, as revealed against it. You had too deep a sense of -obhgation, 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. Tliis was probably all you knew about prayer.
But shall parents omit to inculcate this duty on their children, because they cannot comprehend the
44 VOUNG CHRISTIAN.
nature r?f it ? Certainly not. How can they tell but that, when they have taught the little prattler to compose himself to rest with liis famihar and simple petitions, the Spirit of God may enlighten the child into the spiritual import of liis prayer, and make it a means of leading him to more enlarged petitions, offered up " in spirit and in truth ?" No person can estimate the advantages of early imbumg the youth ful mind with a sense of its obhgations to God. Such instructions should commence with the first dawn of intellect ; and sure I am, that in subsequent life, the subject of them will generally be the better and the happier.
To illustrate this, I will recur again to my own case. I was taught by one of the best of mothers, never to close my eyes without repeating my prayers. This I conscientiously adhered to, until about thir- teen or fourteen years of age, when I began gradu- ally to omit them. Whether I felt that they were too childish, or whether, as is most probable, my conscience was becoming seared in the Gtown-hill course of iniquity, I cannot now remember. But at all events, my prayers were no longer offered ; and I went to sleep and rose up like a brute With the omission of these prayers commenced a retrograde movement in morals, mitil I hung over the abyss of ruin, ripe for the judgments of God. And what do you suppose occurred first to rouse me from the fatal
PRAYER. 45
slumbers of death ? As I was retiring one night, the recollection of my former punctilious attention to prayer rushed upon my mind. I paused. " What," said I to myself, " am I going to lie down without one thought of God, or ollering one prayer for the safety of my soul ? Did I not once repeat my pray- ers ; and at a time too when I was far less guilty than now ? Why have I omitted them so long ? Suppose I should die this night, where then would my soul be?" With such reflections I became im- pressed ; and although I did not kneel that night, yet in a recumbent posture I began again to repeat my juvenile devotions. I was nearly seventeen years of age when I resumed them. I had almost forgot- ten them. A few days and nights rolled away, and convictions grew heavier on my soul. I thought a repetition of these forms was not enough. My soul began to sink in the deep waters ; and a few more days brought me on my knees at the bedside, wdth the prayer of the publican, " God be merciful to me a sinner."
Thus, my young friend, were my mother's early instructions among the means, under God, of rescu- ing 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 im- press on them the obligation and the necessity of prayer.
46 VOUNG CHRISTIAN.
Still, I believe that the Christian only prays the acceptable prayer. Until the Spirit of G od convince 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. Your 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 I will fill it." What an honor thus to approach the 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 hberty to approach him at any time, and under all circumstances. Have we wants, he can supply them. Are we in trouble, he can extricate us. Do afflictions press our souls, he can mitigate and remove them. Does sin pollute our joys, with him is the fountain of cleansing. Does Satan vex our souls, he invites us to his arms as oui refuge. All relief and every blessing is with God.
P R A V K R . 47
There is nothing- which so elevates a character, and especially a female character, as deejo and inti- mate cumniLiniou with God. fcJhe seems then to be allied to angelic natures. A sort of mellow radiance is poured into her character, as if some particles 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 being than those idle, sickly daughters of pleasure, who waste their lives in dream- ing fanciful visions of happiness, sporting a while amid life's tumultuous joys, and then sinldng miblessed into a wretched eternity. She converses with God. At a throne of grace she acquires a benevolence, a dignity, a humility, wliich throw around her an at- tractive lustre, put sweetness into every action and expression, make her contented in every condition of life, patient under every affhction, faithful in the discharge of every duty, and which even grace her dying hours, and make her " death-bed privileged beyond the common walks of life "
48 . YOUNGCHRISTfAN.
LETTER V. PRAYER— CONTINUED.
There are three inquiries, my young friend, re- pecting prayer, which every conscientious Christian will be hkely to institute. How ought I to pray, when, or at what times, and for what things ? These are important inquiries. A full and satisfactory an- swer I feel myself unable to give. I shall, in mv desultory way, barely touch upon each.
Those who worship God, are bound to " worship him in spirit and in truth." In spirit, as opposed to the mere external ceremonies. The Jews and the Samaritans, at the time our Lord uttered the predic- tion just alluded to, were reposing an unfounded con- fidence in the mere forms and ceremonies of their religion ; while, in the emphatic language of inspira- tion, their '* hearts were far from God."
We must pray, then, with the spirit. The heart must be in the work, or it will be insincere and inef- fecitual. The Q^uakers, you know, reject all external forms. They may be regarded as on one extreme. The Jevv^s and Catholics, having a multitude of forms, are on the other. I would not insinuate, that among (Quakers and Catholics, there are no sincere worship- pers ; far from it. 1 believe there are many devout
PRAYER. 49
Christians among both. I am persuaded, for my own part, that some attention to form and circumstance is an important auxiliaiy to us poor weak mortals, in our attempts to worship God. In my own expe- rience, I have found the benefit of it. For example, ^vhen I have a particular room allotted to my devo- tions— a certain place in that room, where I am accustomed to kneel — a degree of obscurity shed over the place by the exclusion of too great a glare of light ; all these circumstances are a help to me, by the power of mental association. There is nature in this : and God permits us to have recourse to every lawful auxiliary in worshipping him. The great point is, to worship " in spirit and in truth."
True worship is distinguished from false, inasmuch as the one is scriptural, but the other is not. A tri- worshipper views the character of God as it is de lineated in the Bible. The omniscience, omnipres- ence, holuiess, justice, goodness, and truth of God, are attributes of delightful contemplation ; and cen- tering in one eternal, unchangeable, and incompre- hensible Spirit, they excite his reverence, his confi- dence, his humility, and his love. He looks into his Bible to learn the character of God ; and, as there found; worsliips him in spirit and in truth.
But can a guilty creature, who has violated every obligation he is under to his Creator, approach hira without the intervention of a Mediator? I bring
50 YOUKG CHRISTIAN.
this question home to myself, and inquire, would 1 dare, as a suppliant, to approach my God and my Creator in all my uncovered, aggravated guilt ? This, my young friend, is the hinge of salvation. The Socinian will tell me. Certainly you may. But my ovvTi conscience would give a different verdict. I see naught in my hfe hut sin — sui of the most aggravated land : I repeat these sins, and confess them ; and again repeat them. Now I say, Is God holy ? Is he opposed to sin ? Then m^ust I fall under liis wrath and curse. Then how can I expect to escape his indignation ? He is merciful, says the Socinian. True, he is merciful ; but is not that mercy exercised in a peculiar way ? Is it indiscrim- inate, unconditional mercy ? Must not sometliing be done to show God's abhorrence of my sins ? Must not some sacrifice be made ? Now I am brought to the delightful, soul-cheering feature of the Gospel : " God in Ch7-ist, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them." " He so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.'' "He was wounded for our transgressions." On tliis foun- dation my soul finds firm footing, and I rest secure in the promise of eternal life. Whosoever cometh unto the Father, therefore, must come through Christ ; and so coming, shall not be cast out.
PRAYER. 51
All acceptable prayer is rendered so by the merits and intercession of the divine Saviour. He is om merciful and faithful Hig-h-priest. His ovni blood was shed for the remission of our sins : and the apos- tle says, " If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." When you pray, therefore, never lose sight of the Mediator. "His name is like ointment poured forth." The sinner's friend, he pleads the sumer's cause. He knows your infirmities, your temptations, and youT trials, and is ever ready to afford you relief.
The doctrine of the Trinity is, I know, oflensive to many who are governed more by carnal reason than by Scripture ; but to me, if I am not deceived, it is one of the most comforting, cheering, and ele- vating truths of the Bible. I see the persons of the Godhead harmoniously engaged in my deliverance. In prayer, the Spirit seems to hft my lagging aflec- lions, and to carry them upwards, pouring hght into the dark chambers of the mind. Jesus the Medi ator pleads my cause, even when my own tongue is dumb with grief, and my soul overwhelmed with con- Ecious guilt. Then the throne of grace is precious, and the soul is replenished as with marrow and fatness.
I pity those whose scepticism has blotted out the glory of our Immanuel. Their rehgion is cold. It warms not the heart ; it pacifies not the conscience ; it prompts to few acts of self-denial ; it almost, cb-
52 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
literates the line between the righteous and the vvicked ; and it makes retribution a farce. After alia 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 return. In prayer we must be 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. Paul prayed with tears. Hannah wept at the altar. All these examples, and numerous others, such as the vddov/ pleading with the unjust judge, show the necessity of earnestness in prayer. This, I know, is often difficult. You will come to the mercy-seat 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 o fer. And this is sufficient. In such a frame of nijid there is the greater need of earnestness. Tarry not mitil your thoughts take a more elevated and spiritual tone. I have always found that the best way of proceedmg 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 heaven descends, and the sacrifice is enldndled. The Lord give you the spirit and the success of the patriarch Jacob.
PRAYER 53
LETTER VI.
SINCERITY IN PRAYER.
Sincerity, my dear yoimg friend, is an essential iugredient in prayer. Without it, no prayer can be acceptable. Indeed, if we are insincere, we cannot be said to pray. A mere form of words is not prayer.
Prayer is the desire of the heart for sometliing wliich we judge to be necessary or beneficial. It implies a knowledge of our wants, and an urgent wish to have them supplied. If, therefore, the heart be roving after one object, while the lips are em- ployed ill asking for another, we are insincere and unacceptable worshippers. Such conduct is an in- sult to om- Creator — a game of deception on our- selves. Such were the petitions at wliich God, in old times, declared liimself indignant ; when his professing people drew " nigh unto liim with their mouth, and honored him with their hps, while their heart was far from him." Such was the religion of the scribes and Pharisees ; fair and beautiful without, but within all rottemiess and corruption.
Reflect a moment ere you bend the knee at the throne of grace. I am not now about to approach an earthly monarch, who, though surrounded with the
54 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
pomp and circumstance of royalty, is but a worm of the dust like myself ; but I am to liave audience with the King of Idngs — the Lord of the whole earth. I am about to come into the presence, and to utter the name of Him at whose fiat all creation sprang into existence. Were I in the presence of a finite being, I might, perhaps, conceal my feelings under a form of words. I might utter one tiling and mean another. But can I thus practise deception with God ? Are not all things '' naked, and opened im.to 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 regard iniquity in my heart," says the sweet singer of Israel, " the Lord will not hear me." And again, in his bold and beautiful interrogatories, " He that formed the eye, shall he not see ? He that created the ear, shall 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 hke a slave at his feet. No, he is a God of love, of compassion, of long forbear- ance ; more beneficent and tender than the -nidesi earthly parent. You may go to him, and you must BO go, in the confichng simplicity of a child and a favorite When you take to him the name of Christ
PRAYER 55
your Mediator, yon take, so to speak, a passport iiito his very bosom. You may unburden your whole heart ; tell liim things which you could confide to no mortal ear ; make confession of sins which you dare only whisper in your closet ; and in the ingenu- ous frankness of faith and penitence, humbly cast yourself on liis all-supporting arm. He is your cov- enant God ; and, Avhen alone with him, you may indulge even a holy familiarity.
Reflect 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-seat, to appreciate 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 I at the throne ; what sins to confess, what mercies to acknowledge, what wants to be supphed ? For whom, besides myself, should I pray ? What temptations appear to be most formidable ? Let me not cover one sin, nor keep back one confession. Let me not ask for hohness, if I would retain a single lust ; if I am not resolved to crucify all. Let me not ask for a revival of religion, if I do not secretly and sincerely wish for it. " Search me, 0 God, and know my heart, and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting," should ever be your wish and your petition. Let your sin-
56 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
cerity be such that you can ever thus appeal to the heart-searching God. Nothing is so well calculated to foster the spirit of devotion, as to be enabled to say with Peter, "thou knowest ;" to make the fa- mihar appeal, although I cannot, by reason of infirm- ity, express the number and aggravation of my sins, yet, oh Lord, "thou knowest" I lament them, and sincerely desire their removal ; although my words fail in expressing my gratitude, yet " thou knowest" my heart is full ; although I cannot give expression to my feelings in behalf of Zion, yet " thou knowest " I love her prosperity, and earnestly desire her increase and glory. " Thou knowest" is a sweet expression in the ears of a prayer-hearing God. It gives the Boul a confidence and an earnestness, when pleading for itself or for others.
You will find, my young friend, strong temptations te be superficial and hurried in your prayers. Your enemies will suggest some engagements which will preclude or cut short your supplications. They will insinuate, that all tliis meditation is umiecessary. If in these attacks they prevail, you will immediately perceive an insincerity in your prayers. You will find yourself, at times, wishing the prayer was over : and uttering it, rather as a sedative to conscience, than as the supreme delight of your soul. You will then, indeed, come hke a slave to the altar; and, having performed to conscience, as to an unrelenting
PRAYER. 57
tyrant, the accustomed task, you will be j^jad of a speedy relief". You may even find yourself, at times uttering words and forms, of the meaning of wliich, while your heart is wandering on forbidden objects, you are totally unconscious. Tliis 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 ; dispute every inch of ground ; instead of retreating, advance ; instead of relaxing, brace anew your nerves for the conflict. Take the ^hole armor of God. Lookup- ward for grace and strength to wield it. March for- ward to the " wicket-gate," and to the glory that lies beyond. Keep your eye steadily on the Captain of your salvation. Where his bamiers wave, be you found, though it be in the thickest of the fight ; and soon, yes, soon, your trials will be over ; your victory will be won ; and you will have naught to do but to lay aside your" weapons, and sing the note of eter- nal triumph
58 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
LETTER VII.
FAITH ESSENTIAL TO PRAYER.
In my last, I recommended earnestness and siH' cerity, as necessary to acceptable prayer. The third particular which I mentioned was, faith in the promises.
Does not your Bible, my young friend, insist upon , this ? Does it not declare, that he who cometh to God, " must believe that he is, and that he is the rewarder of them that diligently seek him ?" Does it not compare to the fluctuation of the restless wave, that prayer which is offered without faith ? And does it not assert, that without faith, it is impossible to please liim ? But w^hat is meant by faith in the promises ? methinks I hear you say. How shall I know when I incorporate this faith in my petition ? It is not necessary, my young friend, that you know it ; but it is necessary, and even indispensable, that you have it.
There is afloat, a spurious and vain-confident feel- ing, that mistakes presumption for faith. This some- times appears in comm.unities which are visited by the special influences of the Holy Spirit. Ignorant and proud enthusiasts take advantage of excited feelings, and sow the tares of error, wliile the servant
P R A r F. R . 59
of JesuB is scattering the seeds of truth. Some have declared, that in jDrayinj^ for a blessing, we had only to believe that it would be granted, and success was certain. In praying for an individual, all we had to do was to be certain in our own minds that the indi- vidual would be converted, and it would be so. When I look at the spirit which such people evince, and find little of the meekness and humility of the Gospel, I view it as presumptive evidence against their characters, and their opinions. Yv^hen David prayed for the life of his cliild, though with deep humility and earnestness, it was not spared. "When Paul thrice besought the Lord for the removal of a grievous affliction, the prayer was heard, and an- swered on the soul ; but not as he had expected, on the body. 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 en- thusiasts. One step farther would make them claim inspiration.
When we come to the throne of grace, we come, aot to dictate, but to supplicate. God, in his word, has given us a warrant to pray for all Spiritual, and many temporal favors. In praying for the former, we may, and must be importunate and persevering until death. In respect to the latter, we must be
60 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
submissive ; and ever add, If it will be for thy glory, and the interests of my soul. When you pray, there- fore, for spiritual blessings, you know that your prayer IS according to the will of God. If it be sincere, and presented with an exclusive reference to the media- tion of Christ, it will, it must be answered. I do not say, that the very things you ask, and in the precise way and time in which you look for them, will be received. Not at all. But still I say, your prayer will be answered. We are short-sighted crea- tures. We often suppose that we know what is best for us, and would fain have in our own hands the management of our spiritual and temporal affairs. But recollect 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 be en- tertained of its security.
Recollect, then, that it is yours to believe. It is God's to plan and to execute. Confidence in God's veracity, and wisdom, and goodness, is the main ingredient in this prayer of faith. Say, in the fulness of your con- fidence, I plead for tliis thing, 0 God. Although it may not be given by thee in a mamier, and at a time which I expect, still I plead thy promise ; and I know thou art faitHful to hear and answer prayer.
Permit me to recur again to my oa\tli experience, ctnd I am not alone in this experience. Knowing that I was in a backslidden state, and feeling that foi
PRAYER. 61
months there had been a melancholy distance be- tween God and my soul, 1 gave myself to prayer. I entreated G od to reclaim me, to give me repentance, and a more entire consecration of soul and body to his service. I knew that these were blessings which were according to the will of God, and I knew that he had promised in his word to answer prayer foi Buch blessings. With the hope that I entertained of being in covenant with him, how could I doubt that he would answer the prayer for sanctification ? But I verily supposed, that it would be by a direct influ- ence of the Spirit on the heart. I expected that, in some favored moment, perhaps while I was then praying, God would send dovni a holy influence, irradiate the darkened mind, melt the hard heart, purify the sordid affections, and arrest and reclaim the wanderer. This he might have done. This he sometimes does in the case of others ; but it was not thus he answered my pra^^er.
When that season of earnest supplication had passed away, and was almost forgotten, he stretched me upon a bed of aifliction, and filled my mind with darlmess, and my body with torturing pains. Every expedient was tried to alleviate, but the waves and the billows rolled deeper and darker. Why is it, I was then led to inquire, that God's hand is pressed BO heavily upon me ? Look back, my soul, upon thy pride, thy worldly-mindedness, thy ambi tion, thy sen-
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suality, thy neglect of duty. Do not these compose the cloud that envelopes thee ; are they not the pains that rack thee ? Hast thou not forsaken " the Fountain of hving waters?" Then, like the prodi- gal's, my eyes were filled with penitential tears ; and I said, God is answering my prayer for humility, fci spirituality, for meekness, for more entire devoted- ness,
Happy is that soul who can say. Oh Lord, sanctify me, if it be by fire. Sanctify me, e v^en if it be through the deep waters of affliction.
I cite this example to show, that our prayers must be ofiered, and ofi^ered 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 cliildren go to him, and say. Our Father, hast thou not said thus, and dost thou not say this to me ? Let me then remind thee, 0 thou covenant-keeping God, of these ample promises, and let me beseech thee to fulfil them all in thy servant ; and in thine own way let them be verified in my complete salvation
PRAYER. 63
LETTER VIII. FOR WHAT SHOULD WE PRAY?
It was not my iutentioii to extend my remarks t^ BO great a length on the nature of prayer, but I have been insensibly led along by my anxiety to impress upon your mind the importance of the subject. By personal experience I have, I trust, learned its value. I have been able to trace every spiritual declension to the closet. When the enemies of my soul have triumphed, I could distinctly see that my armor had not been furbished by prayer. "When the sweet se- renity of conscious forgiveness, a calm sense of divine favor has departed, and the restless tumult of passion has succeeded, the Holy Spirit, I knew full v/ell, had not, with fervency, been Avooed to my bosom.
As well might we expect vegetation to spring from the earth without the sunsliine or the dew, as the Christian to mifold liis graces, and advance in hi^ course, without patient, persevering, and ardent prayer. The throne of grace must be your home, your dearest, happiest home. If unavoidably de- tained from your accustomed visits to the sweet retreat, 0 may you feel, like the dove that fluttered anxiously around the ark, that on earth there is naught that is stable, on which to rest your weary
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foot. And when you again find the consecrated spot , may your tears of joy mingle with those of penitence, as you throw yourself anew into the arms of your Father and your Friend.
In my last, I spoke of praying with faith in the promises, so that I have now glanced at the three important particulars necessary in acceptable prayer
The second inquiry, for ivhat you should pray, needs, it appears to me, hut httle consideration, if you have been taught of the Spirit. The apostle says, " we know not what we 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 matter of your prayers. If the Holy Spirit has wrought in your soul a deep conviction of your depravity, you will wrestle v/ith God for its removal. " Create in me a clean heart, 0 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, " 0 Lord, pardon mine iniquity, for it is great." If your heart be sluggish in duty, you will, of course, and from necessity, pray, " Gluicken me, 0 Lord, and I will run in the ways of thy command- ments." If you love the kingdom of Christ, you wiH pray earnestly, and with faith, for its coming. If you feel for the perisliing condition of" sinners, you will commend them, with tears, to the mercy of your God
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But your prayers will not be thus general. If you <;ver, as 1 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 omti soul, on your parents, on your sisters, on your neighborhood, on the world. Your ardent mind, steeped in benevolence, will hold a familiar and holy intercourse with your Father in heaven. Not an anxiety will you feel, but you will communicate it ; not a reasonable wish will you in- dulge, but you will express it ; not a known duty will you discover, but you will pray for grace to per- form it. To enter into further particulars would be unnecessary. The Christian has every day new sins to confess, new duties to perform, new temptations to encomiter ; requiring, of course, new modifica- tions of prayer and praise.
But one subject let me entreat you never to forget. It is the rising gloiy of our Immanuel's kingdom. Say, with David, or rather with those weeping cap- tives who were mingling their tears with the waters of Babylon, " If I forget thee, 0 Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cumiing : if I do not remember lilt 3, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth ; if 1 prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy." You Uve in a day of wonders. Your being, perhaps, has opened in the millennial mom. It is possible you
7. Christiau. *^
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may live to see its full-orbed splendors. 0, then, in every prayer remember Zion ; remember the heathen who sit in the valley and shadow of spiritual death. Take an enlarged view of this subject ; read the promises which secure to our Redeemer the whole habitable globe ; peruse them until your soul is fired with the prospect. Then go to the mercy-seat and plead for their fulfilment. Go, bear on your heart a sinking 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, the church would be without prayer, and without a blessing. Have you an interest at the throne of grace in your own behalf ? Do you hope so ; and, believing so, do you act accordingly ? then have you also an interest there in behalf of a perishing world. That interest you must use. By all the prospective glories of the Messiah, I beseech you to use it. By all the deep and inconceivable miseries of the heathen, by the probability of tbeir condemnation, and by the possibility of their deliverance, I conjure you to use it. "VMiatever you forget, forget not the millions who are perishing for lack of vision. Forget not the self-denied missionary who has gone to reheve them ;
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forget not the societies which are pledged to this holy enterprise. The day is coming' when this subject vnll hold a prominence in our supplications ; when the prayer, " Thy Idngdom come," will come gusliing from the heart, and be reiterated with an earnest- ness which shall indicate its near approach, and be prophetic of its universahty.
You see from my protracted remarks on this sub- ject, that 1 consider prayer the life and soul of the Christian. To the young Christian I cannot too urgently press its importance. Prayer is the key of heaven. 0, what has it not done ? By it Elijah shut up the skies, and no dew nor rain descended on the guilty land. By it Jacob placed a ladder between heaven and earth, and formed a communication for angels. By it Daniel shut up the mouths of ferocious lions, Sampson shook the pillars of Philistia's tem- ple, and Peter was delivered from prison. Prayer is a mighty weapon in the hands of the weakest. Use it, then ; never, 0 never yield up this weapon.
In my next I shall offer a few remarks on the third question, when should we pray ?
6y rOUNG CHRISTIAN.
LETTER IX.
WHEN SHOULD WE PRAY1
I SHALL make but a few additional observations, my yoimg friend, on the subject of prayer, although, I confess, my pen would pursue the dehghtful theme through many pages more.
The apostle commands us to " pray without ceas- ing.^^ Are we by this to understand that every mo- ment of our time is to be spent in prayer ? This, undoubtedly, is not liis meaning. The import of the exhortation is, omit not tliis important duty ; be regular and punctual in your daily visits to the altar ; and see to it that you continually preserve a prayerful frame of spirit. No person can plead for a more strict interpretation of the passage than this. It implies all that the apostle meant to inculcate ; and, be assured, that if you persevere in such a course, you will not subject yourself to the charge of " cast- ing off fear, and restraining prayer before Grod."
The seasons of prayer are stated and occasional, ordinary and extraordinary. No Christian can maiib tain a close walk v^^ith God, none can keep alive the hallowed fire of the soul, without daily kindling it afresh at the altar. None can grow in knowledge and holiness without stated and regular seasons of
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prayer " Give us this day our daily bread," implies as much the ahment of the soul as the nourishment of the body. The one can no more live in health and vigor without prayer, than the other without food.
It is usual to recommend the morning and the evening, as the most suitable seasons for prayer. In this, I fully concur. There appears to be something peculiarly appropriate in this arrangement of duty.
When the darkness has passed, and the light has agam dawned upon the earth ; when we rise from our couch, and find our faculties invigorated by the restorinj: slumbers of the nio^ht ; when we view the beauties of the morning landscape, listen to the mel- ody of birds, and feel the balmy breath of nature playing coolly and sweetly around us ; when praise and thanksgiving to God seem inscribed upon every feature of a revived world : how can we be silent ; how withhold the burst of rapturous adoration ? These scenes, I am aware, awaken 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 wdth 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
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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 meadovt^s smile, the garden imfolds 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, psaltery and harp," must be your language ; " I myself will awake early." Mary found her way to the sepulchre ere the day dawned ; nor wept at that sepulchre in vain.
Early devotions are all-important. They prepare the mind to attend, vdthout distraction, to the secu- lar duties of the morning. As the day breaks, sum- mon your recollections, and rise with the rising light. Grive your first hours to God. Pour out your soul before him in gratitude for nocturnal blessings, and throw yourself on his protection for the day. Be assured, this early apphcation 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.
P R A V E R . 71
You will thus allow yourself time, and not be hurried in your prayers. You will also be free from inter- ruptions, and the fear of them. This is all-important to a right discharge of sacred duties. It is indispen- sable that the mind should be free from solicitude and cares : and there is no time in the day that will 60 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 your- self for half an hour. The devotions of many are insipid, and burdensome, and unacceptable, because they have no definite time allotted for their perform- ance. They snatch a few moments in the morning, and hurry through a form of prayer ; which, though for the time it may pacify the conscience, yet, in the end, only increases their guilt. They do not make a business of prayer. This is the great reason why the exercise is a burden. Now, avoid this, my young friend, by having an early hour, and always occupy- ing the full time, in a constant and conscientious attention to your devotional duties. You will find by experience, that there is a great advantage in be- ing thus systematic. It will tend greatly to elevate your standard of piety, and make you, not a lean and desultory, but a consistent and growing Christian.
In your evening devotions, I should advise you to occupy, as a general n;le, as ranch time as in the
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morning I know that circumstances must be re- garded ; but I would endeavor to secure at least half an hour in the evening. Let this hour not be the ]ast 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 delightful hour.
How proper and pleasant is it to sit down at even- ing, 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 delight- ful to seek our pillow, when, having bathed anew in the fountain of Immanuel's blood, we feel a con- sciousness of pardon, and a hope full of immortality. Our slumbers then are sweet and refreshing. No visions of guilt, no fearful anticipations distort the unconscious muscles, or heave the troubled bosom. These are the tortures of guilty impenitence. They are the scourges of a conscience unpacified by the blood of atonement — the forebodings of that dreadful doom that awaits all who continue unreconciled to God, by the death of liis Son.
One more letter shall close my remarks on this subject.
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LETTER X.
PRAYER— CONCLUDED.
A Christian who aims at an elevated standard oi' piety, will not always be satisfied with the mom- in": and evenino^ sacrifice.
The most eminent Christians have followed the example of David, who, in asserting his perseverance in prayer, exclaims, " Evening, and morning, and at noon will I pray." And is tliis 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 be convenient to pray three times a day > but where it is, I promise the individual, he will be no loser by the exercise. The aliment of the body may be taken too often, and in too great quan- tities, for the health of the constitution : but not so that of the soul. There is no danger of satiety or repletion here. You may drink, and drink again, at the waters of life ; you may banquet, and return again and banquet. The soul will thrive proper- tionably. The food, instead of being loathed, wilj have the keener relish, and administer increasing nourisliment, until you grow up to the stature of the perfect in Christ Jesus.
A Christian of exalted piety will carry a prayer- ful frame of spirit throughout the day. He will not
74 lOUNG CHRISTIAN.
make his stated devotions the beginning and the end- ing of his reUgion. Such is the conduct of the hypo- crite, andtheformahst. But the Christian imbibes a portion of heaven, which he continually carries in his countenance, and exhibits in his deportment. Though wallting amid the avocations of secular life, he still walks with God. As a matter of duty, he descends from his elevation to perform his part in the concerns of this sublunary world ; but his soul is not here. His higher affections are calmly ascending to God. The silent ejaculation supplies his necessary absence from the throne of grace ; 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 fre- quent ejaculatory petitions. A temptation suddenly shoots across the mind — send upward the silent prayer for deliverance. You are about entering into dangerous circumstances — look upward for protection. Your feet have just touched the threshold of God's temple — 0 then breathe upward for his Spirit and his presence, ff your soul be attuned to devotion, you will live and breathe as in the presence of God, and travel through this wilderness leaning on the arm of your beloved.
In addition to this, I would wcge the duty of extra- ordinary and special seasons of prayer. I find such seasons warranted by the Scriptures, and their impor- tance attested by the experience of the most eminent
PRAYER. 75
saints, in all ages of the cliurch. There are lapses of the soul, wliich 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, wliich they only can. remove. Hence, if you will note the biography of the most eminently pious, you will find that special seasons of fasting, hu- miliation, and prayer, have been accompanied with an increase of grace, a deeper acquaintance with the heart, a more spiritual intercourse with God, more glorious views of divine truth, and a surer hope of a blessed inmiortality.
I think I can say, without hesitation, that the most exalted attainments have been made by such means Such extraordinary seasons of prayer are peculiarly acceptable to God. It was such, accompanied by a 8anctif}ing influence, that formed the high character of Brainerd, and of Martyn.
If you desire their piety, neglect not the means by which they attained to it. If you admire their charac- ter, then imitate their devotion and self-denial. There ifi no obstacle that may not be surmounted, to hinder you even from outstripping them. The prize is be- fore you. The race is pointed out. See, at its ter- mination, a crown of glory beaming in your Saviour's liands. Does it not fire your soul ? Does it not fil]
76 YOUJiG CHRISTIAN.
your eye ? Does it not brace anew your nerves { Fix your eye on the mark of the prize of your high caUing. Consider all the ground you have passed as nothing, so long as the goal is still at a distance — so long as you come short of perfection in Christ Jesus. But I have one remark before I dismiss this subject. It is this. Let nothing, if possible, hinder you, in the performance of your regular devotions, from oc- cupying your allotted season of prayer. When the love of God is on the wane, and that of the world is waxing stronger, a trifling excuse will satisfy the conscience for the neglect of this all-important duty. May such never be your case. Such a state is re- plete with danger, and often a precursor to a melan- choly and disgraceful fall. The soul that is bent on duty, and to whom prayer is a delightful privilege, will seldom be hindered from its performance. No trifling excuse will be heeded ; and if necessity for a time bar up the sacred enclosure, the heart will sicken at the void wliich is created by a temporary absence from the hallowed spot. "When that necessity can be removed, how will the soul leap forward to its dearest earthly home. It will seem doubly sweet for the temporary hinderance. The soul will say, as it lays itself beneath the altar, 0 blessed privilege ; how long does it appear since I last enjoyed thee. How delight- ful to lay my head on this dear support, and feel that I am again alone with my Redeemer and my friend.
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^uch 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 wiH soon be ushered into a new sphere. You will soon find yourself surrounded by companions, to whom you must pay the ordinary civilities of hfe. Then will you need this advice ; nay, you will need the Bupportmg hand of God, to keep you from dishonoring your profession, and forgetting the solemn vows you have recorded. Then, if you persevere in the course which I have marked out, it will be evident 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 com- mit 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 be covered 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, eter- Qally 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 and ever."
78 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
LETTER XI.
SELF-EXAMINATION.
You will recollect, my young friend, that I pro- posed to direct you to the attainment of an elevated standard of piety. In the course of my remarks, you must ever hear in mind that I am suggesting only the important means and methods of such attainment. Ever recollect, that without the Spirit's influence, the Christian can no more advance in holiness, than the simier repent and beUeve ; and yet the former will be guilty for not advancing, and the latter for not complying with the demands of 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. The first topic has been already discussed. Imperfectly as it has been set forth, I trust you are deeply convinced of its miportance ; and I shall, therefore, briefly at- tend to the second, namely, self-examination.
This is a duty as difficult as it is important. Every (christian acknowledges it to be so. The object of self-examination is to obtain a correct laiowledge of our moral character. Before conversion, man is gen- erally a stranger to himself As he comes forth froiD the nurser}'^, he enters upon the reckless career of boy-
SELF-EXAMINATION. 79
hood. His eye and ear are all attention, as one object after another crowds upon liis view. He is full of interrogatories concerning the phenomena both of art and of nature. He courts every trifle ; and when ob- tained, throws it away in pursuit of another. But he watches not the operations of his own mind. He is, indeed, all attention to the busy world without ; but all inattention to the busy 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 through nature, and collect and classify her produc- tions, and yet never sit one soHtary hour in severe judgment on himself. Such a man is, in one sense, a wise man, but in another a fool. That he is a man of knowledge, no one acquainted with liis attainments 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 ofttimes no connection. 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 surprismg how few persons are in the habil of attending to the operations of their own minds The generahty of mankind are so absorbed in the
80 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
various pursuits of life, that no opportunity is allow- ed for serious introspection. They live m a whirlpool 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, taldng, for the first time, a direct and dreadful look at themselves. Life has been frittered away, and eter- nity 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 feehng ; nor can he comprehend the " mystery of in- iquity " that pervades the heart : for it is " deceitful above all things ; who can know it ?" But he is so much in the habit of noticing his moral exercises ; he so frequently communes with his own heart, that he comes at length to an acquaintance with himself, and can pronounce, with humble confidence, on his present state and liis future destiny. Such a char- acter is venerable and immovable. Changes may occur ; prosperity or adversity may come ; but he walks in too high a region to be unduly elated by the former, or sinfully depressed by the latter. What a calm, delightful, enidable summit. It is like the mountain covered with verdure, upon whose top rest
SELF-EXAMINATION. 81
ihe mild beams of glory ; whilst, in the figurative language of Goldsmith, the " midway storm" thun- ders and rages beneath.
We are expressly enjoined by the apostle to " ex- amuie ourselves" — to "know our own selves;" for by so doing we come to the knowledge of our true characters. If we are Christians, we may, and we must endeavor to know it. Such knowledge will remove our fears, and add greatly to our comfort. Some, I am well aware, wallc in darkness and in doubt to the end of their journey. They see no light mitil heaven's glory breaks in upon the soul. Such, no doubt, was the case of the amiable and pious Cowper ; but his case was a peculiar one.
In general, the knowledge of his personal salvation is attainable by the Christian. None should ever think of resting until such assurance is attained. It may not be the will of God to give it, but it is his will that we should strive for it If you aim at an elevated standard of piety, this will be your mark.
Some persons are satisfied with just enough of re- ligion to ease the conscience and give encouragement for a feeble hope. They never rise above this grade, nor ever manifest more than a sort of negative char- acter. Self-examination they utterly neglect ; or, if Ihey pretend to practise it, they perform the duty so seldom and superficially, as to depress, rather than elevate, their own low and diminutive standard.
V Chriftinn. "
82 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
Be lliou not of their number. Employ every means to become thorouglily acquainted with youi true character. Make rehgion your grand business- Let the soul be the all-absorbing 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 inflex- ible inquisitor. Go into the secret chambers of the soul, and carry thither the touchstone of salvation, the torch of truth.
In my next I hope to enter a little more minutely 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 hope — and put within you the spirit of a self-denying a devoted Christian.
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LETTER XII.
SELF-EXAMINATION, STATED AND OCCASIONAL.
Tile duty of self-examination, lilte that of prayer, is both stated and occasional. The conscientious Christian should not sufl'er a single day to pass, with- out an investigation of his moral character. At the close of the day, and when about to commit the keeping of his soul to Him " who never slumbereth nor sleepeth," he should take a deliberate and serious retrospect of the past. His conduct, and the motives which prompted it, should pass under investigation.
I cannot, my young friend, too strongly recom- mend to you this practice. The most eminent saints have been distinguished for it, and I must press upon you a similar course, if you would aim at an elevated standard of piety.
There is less difficulty attending this diurnal in- vestigation, than many professors imagine. Were long intervals to occur between the periods of self- examination, we should indeed experience much in- convenience and perplexity in performing the duty. We should then resemble the unskilful and heedless merchant, who, yielding to habitual negligence and hurry, defers posting his books until he is over- whelmed with their intricacy and magnitude. But
64 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
let the duty be daily and thoroughly performed, and we rise to the standard of the skilful and prudent Qierchant, who duly records every item of business ; who never closes his counting-house, until his bal- ance-sheet is made up ; and who, by a single refer- ence, can tell the true state of liis accounts, and form a correct estimate of his commercial standing.
You will find yourself aided in this work by a secret journal or diary, which must be excluded from the insp^iction of all but God and yourself.
If you are in the habit of thus daily inquiring into your motives and conduct, you will find it an excel- lent preparation for approachmg a throne of grace You Avill perceive so many failures in duty, and such frequent commission of sin, that your soul must necessarily be humbled before God. You wdll also perceive whether you make any advances in know- ledge and hohness, and thus discover a source of encouragement, or a stimulus to greater dihgence. Your conscience will be rendered tender and faithful ; and you will thus be on the alert, that you be not tempted, or dravvai aside from your duty. You will walk softly amid the thorny path, Ror feel the bleed- ing wounds wliich are inflicted on so many careless and worldl}-minded professors.
Besides tliis daily process v/hich I am recommend- ing, there is one special season of self-examination which you should by no means omit. The apostle
SELF-EXAM liNAilON. 85
enjoins on every Christian, to examine himself before he partakes of the Lord's supper. " Let a man ex- amine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup." This is indispensable to a profit- able attendance on tliis interesting and significant ordinance. If you are in the habit of daily self- examuiation, you wall find the observance of this special season by no means difficult or laborious. You will have acquired, by your daily mtrospection, so much self-knowledge — such a tact, if I may be allowed the expression, at seizing upon evidence, and analyzing feelings and motives, that instead of prov- ing an unwelcome task, it will constitute a satisfac- tory', comforting, and delightful duty.
The reason why so many complain of the difficulty of a proper discharge of this duty, is obvious. I shall, in a subsequent letter, disclose it more fully.
Be assured, my young friend, that if ever you ar- rive at an elevated standard of piety, you will attrib- ute it as much to a strict and persevering self-exam- ina-tion, as to any other means which it is, under God, your privilege to use. It is through a neglect of this, that Christianity makes, in most of us, such a dwarfish appearance. It is for the want of this, that h)^ocrisy vaunts itself in the habiliments of piety. It is for the want of this, that doubts, and fears, and disquietude, and backslidings, are so prev- alent. I entreat you, therefore, as you value your
86 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
peace and your improvement, to persevere in the faithful discharge of this duty. You will be abun- dantly rewarded. Faith will walk arm in arm wdth the promises ; hope, instead of 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, until death, its vigorous and untiring career.
I say not that you will at once arrive at this lofty elevation. Ah, no ; you may have many a thorny path to tread, many a rugged way to traverse, many a difficult liill to climb. Nights of weeping, and days of darkness and of tempest may intervene. But God will interpose in your behalf; he will " temper the wind to the shorn lamb."
Recollect, for your encouragement, that the far ther you proceed, the easier and the more delightful will be the passage. As it approximates heaven, it partakes of celestial beauty. Like the fine, free ave- nue to a noble metropolis, the proximity of tliis road to the heavenly Jerusalem opens wider, and shows clearer, and almost admits the eager eye to catch the Bpires of glory as they glitter in the light of heaven. Take up your cross, dear youth, and march forward. While you may encounter difficulties, you may also partake of many pleasures — pleasures which are as much superior to the sickly joys of earth, as the rivej
SELF-EXAMINATION. 87
of life is purer than the green waters of an ofrensive and sta^iant 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 60 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 be disor- dered, we are alive to every symptom, and we watch every new as^^ect of the disease. But in respect to the soul, we are at little pains to substantiate 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 perhaps we may have only " a name to live, whilst we are dead."
Let this duty, my young friend, be viewed by you £LS altogether indispensable. Set about it M-ith dili- gence. Should your enemy, knowing its usefulness and hnportance, attempt to discourage you, listen not to the voice of the tempter. Renew your labor ; caU upon God to fix your thoughts, and to give you suc- cess. Persevere, even unto death, in a duty so neces- sary to your safety, and essential to your comfort.
Sh YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
LETTER XIII. SUPERFICIAL SELF-EXAMINATION.
It was intimated in 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 holiness, and your general elevation of character, you will bear with me a little longer, even though the sub- ject should appear to be destitute of those incidental attractions which are peculiar to the ordinary accom- plishments of life. You must first lay the solid col umn ; the Corinthian capital may then be super- added. 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 obtained, aijd, 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 mamiers and deportment before the heart is rectified, is like profusely adorning the exterior of a buildmfr when it is all unfinished
SELF-EXAMINATION. 89
and comfortless within. You are allured by the im- posing 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 certainly more pleas- ing, to view even a homely exterior, an outside that promises but Httle, and to perceive within, beauty, symmetiy, and elegance. Happy will you be, if, gifted as you are with at least an agreeable person, you can so irradiate your mind with knowledge and holiness as to throw around you an additional attrac- tion, and make your soul approximate to the comeli- ness of an unfallcn 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 appljing that evidence to ourselves. The habihty to deception hes here. We cannot say that we have the evidence, because we may have spurious and hypocritical feelings, which our self-love may mistake for genuine Christian emo- tions. The word of God is full, clear, and explicit. It marks out the true disciple of Christ with uner- Cng exactness. The evidence is direct and indirect, positive and negative, in example or embodied pr'ji- ciple.
The direct evidence, is that winch consiste in a
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record of the feelings wliich every Christian rnust possess. The Bible is full of this. The indirect, is that which may he 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 patriarchal 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 hes in the depravity of the human heart. That heart, as I have already observed, is " deceitful above all things :" and this is the true reason why we camiot appropriate this evidence, with the cer- tainty of its apphcation.
But I will enter into a few particulars, for your farther satisfaction, to show you that self-examina- tion is as difficult as it is important ; and that noth- ing but a long course of painful, persevermg effort, will bring you to a confidence, unshaken by doubt, of your being a cliild of God, and a joint heir with Jesus Christ. You do not wish to have a name to live, and still be dead. You do not desire to go into eternity with a profession only. No ; you wish not
SELF-EXAMINATION. 91
to be deceived in so momentous an affair ; for the world, you would not be deceived. You have counted the cost ; you have surveyed the cross ; and you are determined to follow your Lord. You will not then be discouraged, when I inform you, that to deal with your own heart, in close examination, is a great and difficult work. But the difficulty, as I before ob- served, will dimmish with diligence.
One great reason why so Httle satisfaction is ob- tained in the work, is, that our investigation is not complete. "VYe 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, noi any more important ; yet there is none, perhaps, more superficially performed. Although our hopes, our peace of mind, our growth in grace, are intimately connected with close self-examination ; yet, how easily are we discouraged by obstacles which the ene- mies 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 Uve along in doubt, and die, perhaps, in distressing uncertainty.
We are less thorough in this spiritual investigation than we 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
9S YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
as impracticable, when so superficially performed. When you, my young friend, enter upon this duty, make, I entreat you, sure work with your soul ; ex- plore the secret motives, and analyze the evanescent feehngs. If it cost years of persevering labor, ascer-' tain, if possible, whether you have an inheritance on high. May God, by his Spirit, assist you, and make you successful.
SELF-EXAMINATION. 93
LETTER XIV.
SUPERFICIAL SELF-EXAMINATIOr^.
I OBSERVED, in my last, that we were in daiiget of being superficial in the M^ork of self-examination. There will be a strong temptation to this, from our natural indolence, as well as the difficulties to be overcome. Hence, you will find few Christians who make this duty a serious and indispensable business. A httle hasty catechizing, just before they celebrate the Lord's supper, is all that is deemed necessar}\ Two or three months may intervene, during wliich the soul and its momentous affairs are comparatively neglected. When again summoned to renew their vows over the melting memorials of a Saviour's love, they begin to thinlc of some preparation ; but one moment steals upon the heels of another, and the business is deferred until the hour v/hen the inviting bell is calling them to the feast. Then, all is agita- tion and hurry, when all should be calm, collected, and contemplative. They leave to themselves, per- haps, a few moments, to extricate the soul from a tumult of cares ; and after an ineffectual and super- ficial attempt at self-examination, they go tremblingly m doubt, or fearlessly in cold-hearted presumption.
Such is the character of many who profess to be
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aiming at the crown of glory. They do not sit in judgment on the interaal man, as did David, when he threw open the chambers of his secret soul, and exclaimed, " Search me, 0 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 ever- lasting." It is mere half-way work with them. Conscience prejudges and condemns. To silence her clamors, it is necessary that they make at least a show of self-examination. But when they take up the sacred record, they find so little there which can be honestly appropriated m their favor, that they are obliged, if they would glean any tlimg for their en- couragement, to misinterpret and misapply its mean- ing. When they meet with such a sweeping decla- ration as this, " If any man love the world, and the things that are in the world, the love of the Father is not in liim ;" when their eyes glance at so discrim- inating a text, they employ a ready sophistry, to modify its severity, or avert its application.
There is, recollect, a strong temptation to be par- tial in this important work. Self-love prompts us to look more eagerly for the favorable, than the unfa vorable evidence ; and gives us a greater readiness in. applying the former than the latter. It is an ob- ject with our spiritual enemies, to flatter us into a behef of our good estate, that we may omit our watch, and indulge our vain-confident expectations. Thou-
3ELF-EXAMINATI0N. 95
sands are, by this means, led blindfolded down to ruin.
The superficial Christian seizes the most equivocal evidence. It will not take much to persuade 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, whose aspect in his case is, to say the least, doubtful, how eagerly will he grasp it, and cast it into the favorable scale. It is, with him, a prin- ciple, to be satisfied with the least possible testimony. He will make one text, which he supposes to be in his favor, neutralize a hundred others which are most unequivocally against liim. Hence, you will sometimes hear professing Christians declare, that were it not for this one text, " We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren," they should be driven to despair.
This may, indeed, be the language of a sincere dis- ciple ; 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 professor, I account it a sad mark against him. Is this the only text to which he can
96 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
cling ? Let him recollect, that the same apostle also said, " By this we .know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his command- ments."
The superficial professor seems determined, if pos- sible, to make the Bible speak in his favor. He comes not to that infallible touchstone with a sincere desire to probe his heart, to examine the reason of his hope, and to scrutinize the foundation of his confi- dence. He comes not with a resolution to make thorough and impartial work, but to make the word of God, like the fabled oracles of heathenism, speak a language ambiguous and equivocal.
Now, my young friend, be thou of a different spirit. Go into this investigation with a resolution that you will be thorough and impartial. Say to your Bible, I will consult thee faithfully, thou mfallible book. I will let thy light into the darkest chambers of my heart. The sword of the Spirit shall search the sys- tem, 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.
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LETTER XV.
DANGER OF DECEIVING OURSELVES.
The character of the superficial professor I must Barry along with me, 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 liimself, con- trary to evidence, that he is a Christian. And yet there are thousands of this character. Why do they not reflect on God's onuiiscience ? 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 . carries his judicial sentence home upon the soul. He can tear from the heart its most artful disguises, and look with an eye of infallible 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 he will bum up the chaff with unquenchable fire."
He who attends to self-examination superficially, places too much confidence in the judgment of others- Every person knows, that if another's opinion be co- incident with our own, we are flattered by it. This is especially the case when it respects our rehgious
Y. Christiiuj. '
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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 safes* extreme. Such are generally mourning Christians, who are much more prone to form an unfavorable, than a flattering opmion of their condition. But others are disposed to place undue reliance on the judgment of those who have expressed the beliet that they are Christians. This satisfies them ; espe- cially if it be the judgment of those whom they greatly respect, and whose perspicacity as to moral character, they have been in the habit of considering as wellnigh infallible. Perhaps it is merely the wish of a beloved friend, or the expression of parental hope, rather than a dehberate and formal decision upon ascertained evidence ; still, it is often enough to undermine the duty of close self-examination, and hiduce a carelessness, and a confidence, awfully pro- phetic of deep delinquency, and melancholy back- sliding.
It will be evident to you, my young friend, thai confidence, if it have no better foundation^ is nothing else than presumption ; and that it may, ere long, load to great doubt and perplexity, if not to absolute despair.
The hope of eternal life is not to be taken up on sUght grounds. It is a subject to be settled between God and your own soul. I would not despise the
SELFEXAMia. ATION. 99
advice, nor reject entirely the opinion of others ; but I would be careful not to trust too much to such ad- vice 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 advice and the opmion of ministers, and private Christians^ you will seek and respect ; but you will not regard them as infallible, nor place your reliance upon them. Let them neither sink you to despair, nor elevate you to a vain confidence.
You know full well, that no finite being can pro- nounce with certainty on your spiritual condition. Even the holy apostles, who were under the imme- diate inspiration of God, were not endued with this prerogative. Were they not deceived respecting the characters of Simon the sorcerer, of Demas, and of others ? How, then, can we trust our souls to the opinion of fallible man ? What reliance can we place on any tiling short of God, and liis unerring oracles ?
I dwell the longer on this topic, because I have not seen the point brought out fully in any of the experimental treatises which have fallen under my 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. You cannot be ignorant that such a course must be unsafe and im-
100 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
satisfactory. How much better to go at once to the Bible. If we there find our character to be that of tlie saints who have gone before us, what joy and assurance will it give. We know that we are stand- ing on a rock — we feel that it is stable as eternity. But if we lean to human opinion, we 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 Hable to be satisfied with the shadow of evi- dence. They grasp at the first hopeful appearances, and pronounce often a favorable decision when there are not sufiicient grounds to warrant it. Wlien you recollect this, you will receive their opinion with the greater hesitancy, and feel more deeply the impor- tance of settling the question over your Bible ; be- tween God and your oa^ti soul. Man can look only at the outside ; his limited vision cannot penetrate witliin. But God looketh on the heart — on that wandering, way^vard heart, the seat of so many joys xnd sorrows, the abode of so much deceitfulness and impurity. He knows its character. He analyzes its emotions.
To him, therefore, carry your soul, and with Da^'id invoke his scrutiny. Then will you be ab±e to give to him that asketh you, " a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." Then
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you shall have " the peace of God which passeth all understanding." Your title to a heavenly inherit- ance shall bear the royal signet — a seal which none on earth dare question ; and wliich, when the gates of death shall be mibarred, shall give you free access to the royal presence, and to the temple of God on hio^h. Rest satisfied with nothin": short of thia seal — and may the Lord enable you to persevere in seeking it.
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LETTER XVI.
PAST EXPERIENCES
In prosecuting the work of self-examination, there is another danger to which you will be liable, and against wliich I would guard you — a reliance upon ^ast experience. If you suffer tliis to have a prac- tical influence upon you, it will palsy every effort, and make you to sit down in indolence, satisfied with present attainments, when you should be pressing towards the mark, for the prize of your high calling,
I mention this, because it is a very common fault, and one but little regarded. What can be pleaded in extenuation of such spiritual sluggishness, I can- not conceive.
The holy apostle who, next to his Lord, is the brightest example which is set before us, counted all his past attainments as nothing, so long as any inter- val remained between liim and the perfection which is in Christ Jesus. Hence, he compares himself to one struggling m a race, reaclimg forth, and pressing towards the prize wliich was set before him. What a beautiful figure — reachmg forth, pressing towards — niaik the expressions.
If you had ever seen an Olympic race, where there were numerous competitors ; if you had ever wit*
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nessed their earnestness, as they approached the goal — every muscle strained to the utmost, and the hand reaching forvv^ard 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 fear that there are few, ver}'^ few of these Olympic strugglers in the Christian race. Too many are satisfied to look on as spectators, wliile a few only, run and win the prize. Too many loiter in the course, or turn off into the by-paths of iniquity. They base their con- fidence on past experience. They seem to have set- tled the point once for all. They will perhaps admit that, as to present evidence of Christian character, they have not much to offer ; but they refer you to the time when their evidence was clear and unequiv- ocal. "There was a period," say they, " when we experienced conversion. 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 acknowledged the change. 'Tis true, we do not feel now as we did then ; but we were told that this abatement of feeling was to be expected — that the ardor of the youthful convert could not last forever." Ask such vain-confident persons for the e\'idence of their faith, and they refer you immediately to this antedated hope. They are at no pains to inquire for
104 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
the present evidences of their being in a state of sal- vation. The business was settled years ago. Others, who v/ill not go quite to this length, will secretly feed their hopes too much upon the past, instead of inquiring into present marks of grace. It is a sad proof that they are either deceived vdth false appear* ances, or decUning from God and from duty.
I do not mean by these remarks to imply that we are never to recur to past experience for hope and consolation. 1 beheve we are 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 re- member thee, from the land of Jordan, from the Hermonites, and from the hill Mizar."
But what I wish to guard you against, my young friend, is placing too much confidence in the past, and suffering it to operate as an opiate to present vigilance and activity. Past experience is one of the devil's lures to vain confidence ; one of the veriest subterfuges of hypocrisy ; one of the most common and fatal grounds of self-deception. Even Paul would not trust to the past, although he had been struck blind by a beatific vision of his Master, and introduced into his kingdom under circumstances so Etrikmg and peculiar. No ; forgettmg all that is past, " he presses towards the mark for the prize of his liigh calling in Christ Jesus."
These old hopes, this former experience, you can
SELF-EXAMINATION. 105
not depend upon. As well might you think of cross- ing the ocean in a worm-eaten vessel. While the weather was mild and the sea calm, you might float in apparent security ; but should the heavens grow dark, and the billows begin to beat upon the vessel, you would fall a speedy prey to the all-devour- ing wave. The Christian who has no better basis than by-gone experience to rest upon, may Hve on, amid the sunshine of life, in apparent ease and com- fort ; but in that hour when God taketh away the soul, he will long for something more substantial to cling to than a doubtful and antedated hope.
Many are thus fatally deceived. To them life seems to glide onward undisturbed, and the soul is rocked asleep on the pillow of past experience. Con- science may be so far stupefied as not even to arouse at the call of death. They may knock at heaven's gate, but they may also hear the dread voice within, " I know you not ; depart from me, ye workers of iniquity."
Such self-deceivers will not acknowledge the duty of daily self-examination. It is impossible to rouse them to the performance of it. They are cased in an impervious mail. They have, in this past expe- rience, an antidote to every fear, and an apology for every delinquency. O", be thou not of their number. Look for daily evidence of salvation. It is present evidences that are called for, and such caimot b^
106 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
given without a daily, habitual self-examination. In all your past experience, there is, to say the least, a possibihty 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 rea- son of the hope tliat is within you." If you pursue the course which I have marked out, you shall never need to bring forward an old and antedated hope as the only evidence of your faith, but in every look, and word, and action, you shall make it certain to all, that you are, in deed and in truth, a Christian.
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LETTER XVIl.
SUPERFICIAL SELF-EXAMINATION.
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, where 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 Christians are faithful, they will arrive at a confirmed and satisfac- tory hope of eternal life.
There is difficulty, I 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 macliinations, that we are liable to draw too favorable conclusions of our being in a state of salvation. There are times, too, when we seem afraid to uncover our bosoms to the piercing glance of God. Like merchants who are on the borders of insolvency, we shrink from making a thorough inves- tigation of our accounts. We tremble at the thought of finding ourselves spiritual bankrupts, and are al-
108 y'oung christian.
most -willing, if I may be allowed the comparison, to forge evidences in our favor, and to our own decep- tion.
This is e!5rj)ecially the character of one who is not habitually and daily engaged in the work of self- examination. There is an uncertainty and confusion about his hopes, which make him afraid to enter too deeply into the state of his circumstances. He does not open the Bible, and appeal to its searching truths. He 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 favor his case, and to blind his vision to those which would shake liis confidence, or eradicate his hopes. When he would examine him- self 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 liimself for the self-denial ; but the "right hand" and the "right eye" are not parted with. Some worldly project is m view, wliich mihtates against too severe a standard of religious character, and wliich would be found to be inconsistent by too close an application to Bible etliics. Accordingly, instead of making the world yield to the claims of Christianity, he must narrow down Christianity to accommodate the world.
Business, pleasure, and love of reputation, when
SELF-EXAMINATION. 109
they gel the ascendency, make self-examination an irksome and mipleasant duty. When a Christian professor is too eager in pursuit of them, lie always feels a conviction of delinquency, depriving liim of that free and noble air wliich is ever the concomi- tant of an approving conscience, and filling his mind \sdth feeble apologies for himself, or with unjust cen- sures against liis 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-searching God ? Can he be a faithful inquisitor of the internal man? Will he not gloss over his sin ? Will he not hunt for evidence to neutralize his guilt ?
Such a character is satisfied with just enough of rehgion to make him respectable here, and afford a vague hope of happiness hereafter. But, alas, he is disappointed in both. He is viewed as hypocritical and insincere by many of his fellow-men ; and there is great reason to apprehend, that when God cometh to " make up his jewels," he will be found, not among them, but with unbelievers, in the regions of despair.
It is by exhibiting to your view, my young friend, this superficial and flimsy Christianity, that I would warn you against it, and rouse you to diligence in aiming at an elevated standard of piety, "V^Tiilst there are difficulties connected with the performance
no YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
of Christian duties, difficulties of no common magni- tude, they are still not insurmountable. The tiinid and the hesitating shrink and despond ; but the truo child of God knows that he has enlisted in a warfare that cannot end but with life. When he puts his hand to Grod's covenant, when he gives his name to the Captain of his salvation, it is a deliberate and well-considered act. He has counted the cost. He has surveyed the enemy ; and whilst he acknow- ledges his o^vn feebleness, he confides in that pledged assistance and protection which will render him in- vincible and triumphant.
I hope that you have thus considered the subject, and determined to make a thorough and well-disci- plined disciple. I trust, that with you, religion shall be all in all. It must be the business of every day ; it must be the business of life.
It is a grand mistake to suppose that the superfi- cial Christian can possess spiritual enjoyments. They are not for him. They are for the laborious, the self- denied, the pams-takmg Christian. It is the soldier who sleeps in liis armor, springs to his post at a word, rushes into the thickest of the fight, and deals Ills' well-directed blows upon the enemy — it is he, and ht alone, upon whom his admiring commander bestows the meed of honor, and the trophies of victory.
Be it yours to imitate him in the spiritual conflict, and it shall be yours to share, like him, in the rewards
SELF-EXAMINATION. HI
of conquest : and even far before him shall you be honored, for you shall sit at the King's table, and partake of the rich provisions of his temple. Every thuig urges you to diligence and to duty ; your honor and your happiness, your safety and your reward. 0 then, forgettuig the things which are behind, reach forth, press onward, and the prize, the glorious prize, ehall be soon and for ev3r yours.
112 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
LETTER XVIII.
SELF-EXAMINATION— CONTINUED.
Self-exaahnation respects both feeling and conr ifiict. A difficulty occurs in ascertaining whether the former is according to the spirit, *S,nd 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 promment place in the daily exercises of the closet.
But methinks I hear you inquire in what way you are to proceed ; how you are to know that you pursue the duty to advantage ; and whether you are not, after all, hable to deception. I have already forewarned you of difficulties which will appear for- midable, and which, at the very threshold of your Christian course, will be thrown m your way, to arrest your progress, and frighten you from the dis- charge of duty. But be not discouraged nor intimi- dated. Repeated efforts in prayer to God, will ena- ble you to breast the opposition ; and that which at drst appeared fraught with difficulties, will be found, after a few incipient discouragements, easy and de- lightful.
Satan will exert his utmost power to hinder you
SELF-EXAMINATION. 113
fiom this all-important duty. He knows how much your hopes, and your advancement in holiness, depend upon the faithful discharge of it. Having in so many other cases succeeded in hmdermg its performance, lie ■v^'ill hope in yours to succeed. May the grace of God enable you to disappoint him. May you perse- vere, even amid discouragements, until the duty shall become to you a most precious privilege.
"VYhen 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 before you ; that he would keep you fjjom a superficial investiga- tion, and enable you to deal closely and thorouglily 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 sported itself in fanciful and fooUsh visions.
It is important, therefore, that we at once counter- act this desultory state of mmd, by fervent prayer to God. We should then, in a measure, anticipate Sa- tan, who is always most busy with the children of God when they are the nearest to duty, and are about to receive som.e great spiritual benefit.
Our self-examination, I have already said, respecta our state of feelings, and our external conduct. Has
Q V. Christian. '-'
114 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
the former partaken of the spirit of Christ ? Has the latter corresponded with his precepts ? It is no very difficult matter for a conscientious and reflecting 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. Conscious that there has been much, in both heart and life, to condemn, but forgetting the particulars, he is obhged 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 wha^ feelings, he will ask, did I awake ? Did my gratitude for nocturnal repose and protection rise with the rising light to Him who is the Watchman of Israel, and who never slumbereth nor sleepeth ? Or was I, hke the brute, indifferent to the kindness of my heavenly Guardian ? 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 sluggish and cold ? Were my petitions hurried and insmcere? Did I really desire the blessmgs I sought ; or did I only mention
a ELF EX A MI N AT ION. 115
them as a necessary part of prayer ? Had I a deep sense of my unworthiness, and a full conviction of the necessity of my Mediator's blood and merits ? In my petitions, was my soul drawn forth in solicitude for others ; or did I confme them to myself?
Having left my closet, did I watch imto prayer 1 I besought God to keep me from sin ; but has my conduct this day been in unison with my prayers ? I prayed for sanctification ; but have I detected and suppressed the first risings of secret iniquity ? I en- treated 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 en- deavored to avoid it ? I prayed for Zion, and for the salvation of the impenitent ; but have I spoken a word of warning or exhortation to any person tins day ? Have I watched the leadings of Providence ? Have I advanced in the knowledge of God ? Have I made any new discoveries of his glory ? Have I learned more of the machinations of Satan, or seen deeper into the deceitfulness 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.
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LETTER XIX.
FAITHFUL SELF-EXAMINATION.
In my last communication, I instituted some jn- quiries, which, as I supposed, would he profitably comiected Vvdth a retrospect of the day. I am aware, my young friend, that one person cannot lay down rules on this subject which shall apply precisely 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 accordmg to circumstances.
I, who am a minister, and who have the care of Bouls, must inquire more particularly into my fidelity. Have I wrestled this day for the souls of my dear people ? Have I improved every opportunity to do them good ? Have I preached the truth as it is in Jesus ? etc.
But you, in inquiring into your conduct, must adapt those inquiries to the circumstances by which you are surrounded. You have personal and relative duties, which are peculiar. Parental esteem and obedience are obligatory. How, you should inquire, have I conducted towards my dear parents this day ?
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Have I alleviated any of their cares ? Have I been obedient and affectionate ? I have sisters ; have I done my duty towards them, instructing- them, and exhibiting an example which they might M^ith safety follow ? I am surrounded by companions, some of whom profess the same hopes as myself, but others are yet in *' the gall of bitterness and the bonds of iniquity ;" have I, so far as opportunity would per- mit, encouraged the former, and warned the latter ? What studies have I pursued, or what books perused ? What benefit have I derived from either ? Have I done any thmg tliis day for the glory of God ? These are some of the questions which I should suppose would occur to one in your circumstances.
If, upon such a daily review, you find that you have advanced in holiness ; that you have gained an advantage over your spiritual enemies ; 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 kindle up a lively gratitude in your soul, and give a zest to your devo- tions. If you discover much to condemn, many sins and failures, as you undoubtedly vidll, it will afford subject for himiiliation, and prostrate the soul in pen- itential confession before God. Thus, while you ad- vance in the knowledge of your own heart, you will have all the ingredients of acceptable worship. Youi prayer will be full of praise, and full of contrition.
118 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
Your mercies will call forth the one, and your trans- gressions prompt the other. Prayer with you will then be, not a cold formality, but a deep spiritual intercourse with God and your own heart.
This nocturnal ordeal will bring into view and make precious the 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 covei you mth confusion of face. The sins conunitted, even in that short period, will appear numerous. The soul would sink under their heavy load, were it not for the encouraging promise, " If any man sin, we have an advocate Avith the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." As sins appear numerous and ag- gravated, Jesus must ever appear proportionably pre- cious. You will cast yourself all guilty in his arms, and find that " though sin has abounded, grace doth much more abomid." After such a review as I have recommended, will a new application be made, and a new pardon supplicated from the hand of the Sav- iour He will thus be brought constantl} m view, and made increasingly dear and delightful.
You see, then, how iTiany and great are the ad- vantages connected with frequent and close self-ex- amination. 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 with as much punctuality as prayer and the reading
SELF-EAAMINATION. 119
of the word of God? I am persuaded, that after what has been said, you will by no means omit it. [ think you must perceive, too, that the difficulties, though great, may, by the plan which I propose, be all surmounted. They arise, as I have before ob- served, from neglect. Days, weeks, and months roll away, and the soul, immersed in the busy cares of life, contracts a defilement, and collects a rubbish, which a momentary and hurried examination may render ^'isible, but can never remove.
The soul of the delinquent is neglected — shame- fully neglected. He deserves to have liis hope ob- scured, his faith weakened, his doubts increased. He may be left amid these perplexities, until he is sud- denly 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 pillow ; an- guish insupportable heaves his dubious bosom. There is no clear sunshine upon his soul ; but he hes on the fluctuating wave, micertain whether he shall outride the beating storm.
Would you avoid such a scene ? 0 yes, I know you would. Then know yourself, ere it arrive. Be faitlifully and intimately acquainted with your own heart. Then shall your life be happy and useful, and your death serene, perhaps gloriously trium- phant. May you live the life, and die the death of the righteous.
120 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
LETTER XX.
SEASONS OF SELF-EXAMINATION.
As an important auxiliary means of advancing in holiness, I would reconunend, in addition to this daily self-examination, an attention to the same duty at stated and 'peculiar seasons ; such, for ex« ample, as the commencement of a new year, the recurrence of your birthday, or when about to enter upon some important change in life. By perusing 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 unob- served or unimproved.
There is something m the periodical revolution of the seasons which cannot fail to strike with serious- ness a reflecting mmd. A single day is of vast im- portance. 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, wliich will be faithfully recorded against the great day of account. Wlic, then, but the most infatuated, will dare to murder its hours amidst festivity and mirth, when those hours ^re sc 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-
SELF-EXAMINATION. Tjl
nod in which much may be done, either to grieve the Spirit of God and efl'ect the ruin of the soul, or to promote the cause of our Redeemer, and secure to ourselves an inheritance in the kingdom of glory.
I trust you w^ill, at least annually, review youi tliary. As one year rolls away, and another suc- ceeds, look back upon the past, and forward to the future. If you have been daily in the habit of self- examination, this will be not a difficult, but an easy task, replete with spiritual benefit. As you retrace the events of the year, the blessings which you have received will inspire you with afiectionate confidence and adoruig gratitude ; and the evils of heart and of life which have marked that period, will fill y(3ur soul with penitential sorrow ; and like David, pros- trate in the dust of humiliation, you will be con- strained to smg both of mercy and of judgment.
"What have I done, during the past year, to ad- vance the glory of my Redeemer's kingdom ? Have I done all that my means and circumstances would allow ? "What victories have I obtamed over myself? Is my easily besetting sin laid aside, or does it too often master my strongest resolutions ? Have I a deeper and more iiitimate communion with God than when the year commenced ? Are my desires for hohness stronger ? Have I made any apparent ad- vances towards that elevation at which I profess to aim ? Are my devotions colder and more infrequent ?
122 YOUNG CHRISTIAN-
Bo my sins oftener prevail, and is the world gaining on my esteem and my attention ?
These, my yomig friend, are some of the questions which the observance of such a season would prompt. Let them be seriously met, and smcerely answered. Let a day, if practicable, be specially appropriated to the duty, and let it be accompanied by fastmg and prayer.
The time would fail me to enumerate all the ad- vantages, and exhibit the full importance of such periodical investigations. Enter upon them with dil- igence, and prosecute them with fidelity, and you will find by your owti happy experience, that self-exam- ination is not only an important, but a delightful duty.
Your experience and your careful observance of 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 cir- cumstances in which you have found yourself pecu- liarly exposed, you can avoid. The means wliich have proved most efficacious for your good, and the individuals whose comisels have stimulated you to dut}', will be noted ; and m future the former will be Dftener resorted to, and the latter drawm into more constant and ultimate communion.
Your birthday ought also to be improved. I know that many spend that day in festivity and merriment. They deem it an occasion for mirth and hilarity.
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Herod made a royal banquet, and assembling all the wealth and beauty of the kingdom, celebrated his birthday with music and dancing. Many, with more circumscribed means, and on a smaller scale, imitate his example. But is there any thing in our birthday to demand such a parade of folly ? Is it a matter of mirth and rejoicing, that another year of our short lives has forever gone ? Should we celebrate our own speedy career to God's judgment-bar with music and the dance ? And especially, if the soul be un- reconciled to God, should we chant a jubilee over its approximation 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 liis work on earth as so momentous, that he is far from wish- ing to spend his birthday in festivity. With him it should be a day of serious examination and humilia- tion. It should be consecrated to God, and the pros- perity of the soul.
I hope that you will observe it in tliis mamier, and then it will be a sort of spiritual landmark, to which you can recur amid the tumultuous sea of life ; and when your days are numbered on earth, you will be found to have spent them in " wisdom's ways, which are ways of pleasantness ;" and you Avill look back upon Life, though with deep hiunility, yet without any heart-rending regret.
124 YOUNG CHRISTIAN
LETTER XXI.
PREPARATION FOR THE LORD'S SUPPER.
There are so many excellent works on the prepa ration of the heart necessary to an acceptable aj)- pi'oach to the Lord's sujyper, that I shall do little more than to refer you to them. The only objection which I have ever felt to the use of such treatises is, that by their prolixity, and by the numerous items wliich they have recommended, I have been con- fused, and sometimes discouraged, ui the work of self-examination. If some of them were greatly abridged, and were disencumbered of a multitude of particulars, which it is impossible to carry in the memory, they would, in my opinion, be far more use- ful. Still, my young friend, I would habitually con- sult 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, are ^o prevalent. Where they are derived directly from the clear testimony of Scripture, they will save you much trouble in col- lating the passages which apply more immediately to the subject in hand.
After all, the word of God is the only true stand- Pvrd ; and to one who is familiar with the sacred
LORD'S SUPPER. 125
volume, it will not be an irksome task to select the passages which he deems applicable to the work of self-examination. For my own part, I have ever fomid it attended with the greatest satisfaction, to go directly to the fountainhead. Take the Bible in your hand, and pore over it with an intention to sift your evidences of Christian character. Accompany that perusal with fervent applications to God for light and knowledge ; and you will experience a de- gree of satisfaction which no other mode can afford.
Esteem the sacramental season as one of your most precious privileges. It is then that you are in- vited to sup at the royal banquet. You have a place at the King's table, and it becomes you to array the soul m the beauties of holiness. Were you invited to the table of some earthly monarch, how eagerly would you anticipate the honor, and what solicitude would you feel, that your apparel might be appro- priate, and your conduct correct. But what is this honor, compared with that of sitting at the table of your Lord ? See, then, that you are adorned with the wedding-garment. Anticipate an audience with your King, and rush not into his presence with the carelessness of one who goes cnly to an ordinar}'' meal.
I would not array that sacred table with terrors to your mind. I am convinced that many throw around the hallowed elements a dread solemnity, which makes the timid and faltering behever feel,
126 YOUNO CHRISTIAN.
that if he, if one so vile as he should touch them, he would eat and drink damnation to himself, and seal for ever his hopelessness and liis ruin. It was never the intention of our Lord to hold up such fearful views of this feast of love. There is every tiling about it that is inviting. It is a most pathetic ap- peal to the fearful and troubled soul. It woos ir silent, but 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 lightning, or the thunder — no, weak and mourning believer, it is the uplifted cross, and the expiring victim, whose blood speaks peace from every vein. Look on those significant, simple memorials — is there any terror in this scene ? Is it not all peace, and love, and mercy to the penitent ?
The ordinance of the supper is a memorial of the love and compassion of Christ, a lively emblem of his sufferings for sin. It is a public acknowledgment of our attachment to his cavise. Having seriously and sincerely examined ourselves, and finding that we 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 great- est burden is sin, and our only ground of confidence is the Saviour, we have nothing to fear, but every thing to hope from this dehghtful and afiecting ordi-
LORD'S SUPPER. |^
nance. Much of the profit of partaking of this ordi- nance, you will recollect, depends on your fidelity in the work of sclf-exaniination. If that be neglected, you have no reason to look for a blessing. If it be performed in a hurried and superficial mariner, you need not expect much enjoyment in the ordinance. God will be glorified in them that make so near an approach to the mercy-scat.
When you approach the table, I would recommenu it to you to simplify your views as much as possible. By endeavoring to think of many things, the mind becomes confused. Having lifted your soul to God for light and feeUng, look on the elements, and en- deavor to view them as the appropriate 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 remission of sins ? And wherefore was that body broken, and that blood poured forth ? 0, my soul, let thy guilt and trans- gressions answer. Without 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 gratitude. Here, blessed Saviour, I give thee all I have — this broken, contrite heart Take it, 0 take it as thine own, wash it in thy blood, and seal it for thyself.
123 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
LETTER XXII.
THE SCRIPTURES.
On the subject of prayer and habitual self-exami iiatiou, I shall add no more. You recollect that ] connected with these, as of equal importance, a close and dihgent perusal of the Scriptures. I shaU therefore occupy your attention, for a short time, o» this last-mentioned topic.
The importance of making the word of God a de- votional study, is evident both from the testimony of that word, and the experience of all emment saints who have ever lived. The more I study the sacred volume, the more deeply am I impressed wdth its intrinsic grandeur, and its high importance to me as an accountable creature. Were I banished to a more lonely rock than that inhabited by the Corsican exile, with my Bible I should never want food for the soul, aor a stimulant to the understanding. I am aston- ished that men of literature, of mere worldly wisdom, do not more frequently druili: at this celestial foun- taui. Were they once to sip at this clear, pure stream, they oould not but relish it. The desire to drmk, and the relish, however, the Spirit alone can give.
It has charms, as a mere literary production, which
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the veriest iiifidels have been constrained to acknow- ledge. Prejudice, not long since, had shut out these heavenly stores from many highly cultivated minds. The Bible was so common a book, and was so fre- quently found in the hands of the poor and the illit- erate, that those who claimed to be learned and philosophic, took the liberty to despise it, and thus excluded themselves from the noblest source of men- tal and moral refinement. A young man of irrelig- ious character, who was a member of a respectable college, on hearing one of the professors allude to the beautiful comparison of our Saviour, when enjoining confidence in the providence of God, " Consider the liUes of the field, how they grow : they toil not, neither do they spin ; and yet I say unto you, that even Solomon, in all his glorj'", was not arrayed like one of these," turned to a fellow-student, and in- quired where that striking and elegant language was found. On learning that it was found in the Bible, he was astonished. Have you never read your Bible ? was the inquiry of liis companion. " My Shakspeare," said he, " is all the Bible I ever read." This, I ac- knowledge, is an extreme case, but there are many analogous to it.
Dr. Franklin, it is said, was once in the company jf several ladies of the English nobihty, when the conversation turned on pastoral poetry, in which the ladies took a conspicuous part. After hearing theii
Q
Y. ChriatiaB *'
J30 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
criticisms on various authors, he proposed to read the translation of a pastoral, for their amusement. He read, with a few verbal alterations, the book of Ruth. They were enraptured with the pastoral, and pro- nounced it the finest they had ever seen in any lan- guage. The doctor then gravely told them that he had read it from the Bible. "Wliether these ladies were professed infidels, or had considered the Scrip- tures beneath their notice, I am unable to say. I cannot even vouch for the truth of the anecdote. I am persuaded, however, that an occurrence 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, how little attention do the sacred oracles command.
While the shelf groans with elegant literature, ano the mind revels am.id the flowery fields of Johnson, A.ddison, and Shakspeare, or the later and more fas- cinating groves of Sir Walter Scott — the subHmitieL of the pentateuch and the prophecies ; the tender, touching, simple narrations of Christ ; the subhme devotional strains of " Israel's long ;" the wisdom of the wisest man who ever lived ; are regarded as dry and uninteresting. I cannot allow that man or wo- man to possess even a cultivated or discriminating taste, who thus judges. I have read Homer and Milton ; but when I compare their poetry to the lofty strains of David, Habakkuk, and Isaiah, it is the
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flickering light of a taper to the comiscations of a thunder-cloud, or to the full-orbed splendors of a noonday sun. I have read the pathetic story of Sterue on the incarcerated criminal, and the melting appeal which Sir Walter puts into the mouth of a favorite heroine, when pleading in the royal presence for the hfe of her sister ; but they are tame when compared with the struggling emotions of a Joseph, and the short but heart-rending plea of his brother Judah.
But this comparison might be extended to the various departments of Bible literature. Its moral precepts, how concise, and yet how comprehensive. Its narrations seize on the most prominent and strik- ing circumstances, without including any extraneous or unnecessar}^ matter ; and throughout, from Gene- sis 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 exhibition of human nature.
But why am I laudmg the Bible as a hterary com- position, to one who views this as its least attractive feature ? Why have I digressed from the great point of urging to an elevated standard of piety ? Let us return, and view it as the great means of sanctifica- tion. " Sanctify them through thy truth," said oui blessed Lord ; ' ' thy word is truth. ' ' This is the charm
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which so much attracts the pious heart. That heart is not insensible to the elegance of scriptural style, nor indifferent to its bold and beautiful imagery ; but these are not the principal attractions. It is the word of Grod. It convinces of sin. It stimulates to duty. It rouses from sluggishness. It warns against danger. It unfolds the character of God. It reveals the way of salvation. It dehneates the providence of God. It presents the Lamb of God slain for our transgressions. It communicates sweet strains of spiritual devotion. It brings into view a bright and eternal reward. It discloses the wounds of our na- ture, and offers the healing balm. In short, it em- bodies all that a Christian in this pilgrimage can need. It is his only chart through this tempestuous life. In trouble, it is his consolation ; ui prosperity, his monitor ; in difficulty, his guide. Amid the dark- ness of death, and while descenduig into the shadowy valley, it is the day-star that illuminates • his path, makes hi? dying eye bright with hope, and cheers his soul with the prospect of immortal glory.
Is this the book that vain and foolish minds under- value and despise ? From their folly, my young friend, learn thou a lesson of wisdom. Let your Ian guage be,
" May this blest volume ever lie Close to my heart, and near mine eye: Till life's last hour my soul engage, And be my chosen heritage."
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LETTER XXIII. THE SCRIPTURES— CONTINUED.
I WISH you nevfir to forget that the attainment of an elevated standard of piety is intimately connected with an assiduous and diligent perusal of the Scrip- tures. It is customary to recommend to the young Christian various authors on practical piety. Such au- thors I cordially unite in recommending ; but I fear that the youthful Christian, by too great an attention to desultory reading, has sometimes given less attention to the Bible than its paramount importance demands.
Christians, in recommending such books, have taken it for granted that the Bible is diligently and closely studied ; but they have taken too much for granted. A taste for religious novelties has been excited, and the precious word has at length become compara- tively uninteresting. If any book of mere human composition, be it ever so instructive, is to command more of our interest and attention than the Bible, we should, Uke Martpi, throw it aside, and reperuse the sacred volume, until we give it, in our hearts, its iegilim&te prominence 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,
134 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
that they do not, by such reading, form a sound, con- sistent, and deeply spiritual character. Far be it from me to undervalue such reading. But I wish to impress upon your mind the superiority of God's word. Other books of a religious character should be considered as subordinate to the Bible. When they throw light upon the sacred volume ; when they drive you back to this great fomitain of truth ; when they quicken your diligence in studying it, and serve rather as hand- maids than as rivals, they may be perused with pro- priety and wdth profit. But if you find that they draw away your mterest from the word of God, and excite a taste for novelties, you must suspect them as rivals, and immediately give again your highest affections to that precious book to which they legitimately belong. This caution is the more needful, because the press at the present day teems with periodicals and works of fiction, which, bearing a slightly rehgious aspect, are considered as good substitutes for similar but irre- Ugious books, and are therefore recommended to those whose consciences might revolt at the latter cast of productions. This furnishes a strong temptation to yoimg Christians. I warn them against it. I would not circumscribe their reading entirely to the word of God. I would be far from proscribing any merely Innocent or instiiictive book. Let them drink at the v/aters of Helicon and Parnassus. Let them be acquainted with poetry, history, and the various ex-
THE SCRIPTURES. 135
cellent works of taste ; but I would guard against making this reading paramount to the Bible. I be- lieve there never can be an exalted Christian char- acter, where the Bible is not made the first, and the best, and the most interesting of books. That person who cannot lay aside any volume, however interest- ing, for the Bible, and who cannot find in the latter a greater relish than in the former, has never attained to an elevated standard of piety.
It has been said, that every thing in a minister's studies should have a reference to the word of God. Through whatever fields of science or of literature he may rove, he should come back with superior relish to the Bible. The same advice should bo given to the young Christian. In the varied regions 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 devotion you are strongly drawn towards some new and inter- esting rehgious publication ; if you are tempted to omit for tliis the regular study of the Scriptures, regard it as a temptation, and resist it accordingly. You recollect the resolution of the pious Martyn, to which I have alluded. He never would allow him- self to peruse a book one moment after he felt it gain- ing a preference to liis Bible. As long as he could turn to his Bible with a superior rehsh, so long he would continue reading, and no longer. Go thou and
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do likewise. If you commence with this resolution, you Avill find the advantages of it in your daily expe- rience. The word of God will grow constantly in your estimation, and you will be ready to exclaim with David, " 0 how I love thy law ; it is sweeter to my taste than honey and the honey-comb."
* My own experience convinces me, that the oftenei and the more dihgently you peruse the Scriptures, the more beautiful will they appear, and the less rehsh will you have for light and superficial reading. There is, in an intimate acquaintance, in a daily conversa- tion with the Scriptures, something sanctifying, some- thing emiobling. A satisfaction is felt in perusing them, which no human composition can excite. You feel as if you were conversing with God and angels. You breathe a heavenly atmosphere. The soul is bathed in celestial waters. It imbibes a sweetness and a composure which shed over it unearthly attractions. To this fountain of light and life let us then daily re- sort. Here rs the healing influence. Here is the pool of Bethesda. Here abomids consolation for the afflicted. Here hope dwells to cheer and to guide. " Bind this precious volume about your neck ; write it on the tab- lets of your heart." It will prove your shield in con- flict, your guide in perplexity, your solace in adversity. When " death shall be swallowed up in victory," if it have been faithfully studied in this fife, it will afford themes for heavenly contemplation through eternity.
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LETTER XXIV.
STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES.
It is a common practice with young Christians to confine their attention to certain parts of the Scrip- tures, to the almost entire neglect of the rest. They select, generally, the devotional and preceptive por- tions, such as the evangelists, the Psalms, and some of the epistles. This circumstance, while it favors the evidence of their being Christians, 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 comprehensive view of scriptural truth, and exhibit a maturity of knowledge on doc- trinal theology. But there is danger that this prac- tice will be too long continued. If so, they will ever be children. They cannot grow in knowledge. They will be feedmg on m.ilk when they ought to receive the more substantial ahment.
Permit me, therefore, my yomig friend, to caution you against undervaluing any part of the inspired volume. Wliile I would rejoice in the fact of youi 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
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the attainment of that perfect standard at which you aim.
In these remarks I speak from personal experience. 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 reperused, until much of them was committed to memory, and all were very familiar. I do not, nor shall I ever regret this. But m.y mistake was, in supposing that the liistorical and prophetical, and some of the doctrinal parts of the Bible, were inap- plicable 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 confined my attention, were greatly elucidated and beautifully explained by other parts of the Bible, which I had thought too deep and too inapplicable for my reading.
The word of God is one magnificent whole. There is a symmetry in all its proportions, and a harmo- nious admeasurement in all its parts. It is like a beautiful edifice, constructed on the finest principles of architecture. The yoimg Christian may be com- pared to a superficial observer, who is enraptured with a glance of the finely turned arches, 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 vestibule,
THE SCRIPTLRE9. 139
but has also penetrated the interior court. He has examined carefully the foundation, and admired 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 laby- rinth, and ascertained its direction and its utility. He has found no part defective ; no portion super- fluous. As his mind sweeps in the noble pile at one glance, he acclaims, How magnificent, how grand, how worthy of the architect !
"VThile, therefore, my young friend, I would en- courage you hi perusing closely those parts of the Bible which appear most adapted to your character and circumstances, I would at the same time 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 more clearly the beauty of your favorite passages. The true method of interpreting Scripture is by compar- ing one part with another. Had I received and at- tended to this hint, my knowledge of scriptural truth would, I am persuaded, have been much more ex- tensive than it is at present. I have learned 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 re- plete with most exalted, and devotional, and soul- transporting sentiments. Since I began to study the
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Scriptures in course, I have lingered on the penta- teuch as on enchanted ground. The types aD<i shadows have been full of meaning. In all of them, Christ and him crucified appears conspicuous.
I am con\'inced of the utilit}'- of studying the Bible 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 affording equal satisfaction. I note for your benefit the oircumstances which prevented my improvement in the knowledge of God's word, and I hope that you will carefully avoid them. You will find a sohd satisfaction m studying the Scriptures according to the mode I rec- ommend. Consider it as the labor of life ; for be assured, that should you live to the age of fourscore years, you will not have attamed perfection in this study. But why should I call it a labor, when it is 30 delightful a privilege ? It is indeed a labor to that being who loves not the character, and who yields not obedience to the law of God. But is it a labor to that mind which is attuned, by the Spirit's influence, to the beauties of celestial truth ? Will not the soul expand under the developments of God, and of heavenly things ?
As we learn more and more of the wisdom, the 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
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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 its all -glorious Creator. But in the written word, we have God speaking to us with- out a medium, and speaking to us as to his children. Go, then, my young friend, and dihgently hsten to the holy oracles. Search the Scriptures. Peruse 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.
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LETTER XXV.
STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES.
You recollect, my young friend, 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 Grod. There is a careless; superficial attention to the Bible, which is neither acceptable to God, nor profit- able to the soul.
We should ever approach that sacred book mth reverence. Though written by men, remember that those men " spake as they were mioved by the Holy Spirit." The medium through which it was com- municated, detracts not from the divinity of the mat- ter. When we open the sacred volume, we listen to the voice of God. It is the same voice, though un- accompanied by those terrific circumstances, 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 Iraimanuel trode for us the wine-press of the wrath of God. Should we not, therefore, give a reverential attention v/hen Jehovah speaks ? Should not our posture be that of the deepest humihty and awe?
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When you take the Scriptures in hand, it is -well to let such a reflection pass your mind. It is profit- able to pause a moment, and say within yourself, What a privilege do I enjoy in the perusal of thia sacred page. Millions of my fellow-beings are shut out from it. They have nothing but the dim and flickering light of nature. They are, therefore, de- graded and besotted by ignorance and sensuality. Whereas I am favored "with the clear light of reve- lation. I hold in my hand the mind and will of God concerning me. Are not my obligs^tions, therefore, proportionably great ? What account can I give at the judgment-day, if I neglect or undervalue this precious volume? " 0 Lord, open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." Unstop mine ear, that I may listen, and dispose my heart to receive and obey. Spirit of light, Tnspirer of this heavenly book, be present to dissipate my darkness, and shed over my soul the beams of celes- tial glory. Let me not fall under the condemnation of that wicked servant, who knew his master's will, but refused to perform it ; but ha\dng, by thy illu- minating influence, a perfect understanding of the word, may I, through thy sanctifying grace, be moulded by it into the likeness 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 euch a supposition that I make these remarks. Be-
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Ware, I entreat you, of the habit of glancing ovei diiierent 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 charactCi. The for- mer is characteristic of the worldly-minded and su- perficial professor. Depend upon it, the closer atten- tion you give to the word, the more precious and interesting will it become, and the more rapidly 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 he, on all thy precepts. I muse on the work of thy hands. It is this meditative spirit which I would recommend, when you are perusing the Scriptures.
The celebrated Dr. Scott, as we learn from his memoirs, v/as in the habit of reading the Bible on his kiiees. Whenever a difficult part of divine truth came under consideration, he would lift his soul to God for the illuminating influence of the Spirit. It Was by prayer over the word of God, that this emi- nent saint formed a character that will stand as a blight example to all succeeding Christians. It was in this way, also, that he arrived at such a profound knowledge of the Scriptures, and was enabled to write his celebrated commentary. As you will need some helps in studying the Bible, permit me, without
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claiming tliat any human author is free from error, to recommend tliis invaluable work as among the best commentaries extant.
I cannot 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 adapted to ordinary use as Dr. Scott. As an interpreter, he is clear, sober, and judicious. He never so dwells upon one doctrine as to keep others out of view — the grand defect of many expositors — but gives to each truth that proportion of notice which its relative im- portance seems to demand. The great doctrine of justification by faith alone, the very hinge on which the whole Gospel turns, and its all-pervading prin- ciple. Dr. Scott very clearly and fully unfolds, where it is specially treated of in holy writ. He never loses sight of it upon any occasion, and uniformly so han- dles it, as to beat down the pride of the pharisee on .he one hand, and expose the rottenness of the anti- nomian on the other. But his commentary is not simply doctrinal ; he shows all the varied bearings of the truth upon the inner and the outer man. In a word, he is highly experimental and practical throughout. And for this part of his work, he ap- pea.rs peculiarly competent. Never, perhaps, were displayed in any uninspired composition, such a deep insight into the natural workings of the human heart, ftfid so accurate a knoAvledge of the exercises of a
V. riiristian. ' *-'
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mind renewed by divine grace, combined Avith such an enlarged, and at the same time minute acquaint- ance with human hfe, under every variety of cir- cumstance. To write this work, demanded such observation of the v/orld, united to such studious hab- its, as could very rarely indeed be found in the same individual. And the Lord seems to have led this wonderful man through just the path that would qualify liim to compose such a book."
I can add my testimony to the above. Although I had frequently heard Dr. Scott undervalued, as not sufficiently critical, I am now convinced that he has been wise in not encumbering his work with useless criticism, which, while it might have pleased the few, would have been a great disadvantage to the many. It will be found, I believe, that his opinion on all the great practical truths and doctrines of the Bible, is the correct one. I must conclude, therefore, by advising you to commence his work with a deter- mination, by the blessing of God, to finish it. Pro- spectively, it may appear a herculean task ; but be assured, it is not. As you advance, you will find each succeeding page more and more delightful.
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LETTER XXVI.
STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES.
I HOPE, my young friend, that you will acquire a thorough acquaintance with ihe Idstorical scriptures. They are intimately connected with the prophetical, the doctrinal, and the preceptive parts of the Bible. I have at times been rnade to blush for my ignorance of some fact wliich has been alluded to as a part of Bible history, and especially as quoted by the New Testament WTiters ; not because I neglected the Bi- ble, but because I confined my reading to a very limited portion of it.
It is impossible to miderstand the prophecies, without a Imowledge of the sacred history. It is equally impos sible, without this knowledge, to comprehend the beau- ty and force of the gospels and the epistles. The more thoroughly you study the Old, the more easily wdll you comprehend the meaning and beauty of the New Tes- tament. If you will become intimately acquamted with the book of Leviticus, the epistle to the Hebrews will possess charms which you had never attributed to it. If you have discriminated between the covenant v/hich God made with Abraham, and that which he formed with the people of Israel at Sinai, you will be prepared to estimate the force of the apostle's reason- ing in the epistle to the Galatians. There is scarcely any part of tlie New Testament which has not some
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connection with the Old. In the historical 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.
In studying the doctrvnal ^ants of the Bible, you will require much patience and perseverance, mingled with constant prayer for heavenly illumination. There is reason to apprehend that many young Christians have vague and superiicial notions of the doctrines, whilst they exhibit much of the true temper of the Gospel. If, however, they neglect to investigate and understand the doctrines of Scripture, they will be in danger of be- ing 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 " be- ing carried abo ut with every wind of doctrine. ' ' When a truth which you have thus deliberately embraced is called in question, be not induced by the apparent candor, or the plausible arguments of your opponent, to yield your opinion, until you have given it a thor- ough investigation. You may still be right, and your opponent wrong. Be not rash in giving up your opinion and adopting his. This caution is perhaps necessary to young Christians, who cannot at their ige be supposed to be thoroughly indoctrinated.
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The great truths of evangehcal religion you have received from education. I would advise you to re- examine them by the word of God, and if they corre- spond therewith, to hold them fast, as the most pre- cious legacy which your pious parents have be- queathed. It will be insinuated, perhaps, that such opimons are 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 them fast, as a " form of sound words." If they were opposed to the Bible, you ought to aban- don them, however dear, or sanctified by parental aflection. But in yielding such opinions, I would still say, be not rash. Investigate closely and can- didly, ere you let them go. There is a tenderness of conscience in young Christians, which Satan some- times pushes to a painful and distressing embarrass ment. Tliis is as much the case in respect to beUef, as to external conduct.
As an illustration of these remarks, there occurs to my recollection the case of a youth, who, on mak- ing a pubUc profession of religion, joined, as a matter of course, the church to which his parents belonged. For a short time all went happily with him. He enjoyed the communion of the saints, and the ordi- nances of the Gospel. The scene, however, was soon changed. H.s mind was thrown into great distress by the insinuations of one, who, by his bold and dog-
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matical mode of reasoning, led him into doubts on a particular point of doctrine. He was deeply per- plexed as to the path of duty. At one time, the adversary would suggest the guilt of remainmg a day longer m his present comiection. At another, he would insinuate that he had made a false profession, and therefore had com.mitted the sin against the Holy Ghost. In this hour of anguish, he prayed most earnestly for direction. The thought occurred to him, that he need not be rash m altering his views. As he was comparatively a child, and had much to learn, God would not be displeased if he took time for mvestigation. This thought gave him consola- tion, and he set about a diligent and prayerful exam- ination of his Bible. The result was, a conviction of the truth as he had held it, and a perfectly settled state of mind on that point, even to the present time. I hope, therefore, my young friend, that in makuig up your doctrinal opinions, you will study the word of God closely and prayerfully. Be careful not to rush into hasty conclusions from isolated passages ; but take a comprehensive view of the comiection. Look at the Bible in all its grand and magnificent proportions. Be thoroughly indoctrinated, and you will become a grow- big and stable Christian. There will be a sohdity in your character, which, like a foundation that is well adjusted to the superstructure, will be at once hd evidence both of permanency and of beauty.
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LETTER XXVII.
STUDY OF THE SCRIPTURES.
I WOULD not, my young friend, have you study the Bible as a critic, but as a Christian. You should endeavor to derive some spiritual nourishment from every part of Scripture. In this, Dr. Scott's com- mentary is admirably calculated to assist you. In studying the historical Scriptures, you can occasion ally pause and meditate. You can inquire whether your mind distinctly comprehended the facts recorded, and their practical bearing. In this way, your mem- ory will be strengthened, and your heart, I trust, often affected.
Before I leave this subject, permit me to say a word or two on the spirit with which you should peruse the sacred volume. It is a spirit of implicit faith, and childlike docility. There are many parts of Scripture, which, after the most diligent and care- ful investigation, will still appear, to short-sighted man, almost inexplicable. There are many doctrines too profound for human comprehension — many mys- terious truths relating to God, to angels, and to heaven. God has given to man a revelation which embodies the august truths of his eternity, and of his infinite attributes ; which brings into view a
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Bpiritual world, and throws down upon ns the light of the inconceivable glory ; and such a revelation must necessarily contain things to us mysterious and incomprehensible. It necessarily presents certain truths to be received on the simple testimony of God ; and this is faith. Shall I, therefore, in perusing the Bible, reject one of its doctrines, because it is less in- telligible than another ? Am I not bound to receive even incomprehensible truths, if I find them there recorded ? Having settled the fact that the Bible is inspired, I must come to it as to an infallible oracle. I must feel, vdth the apostle, that although there are many tilings which, in consequence of my infirmity, I can only view as through a glass darkly ; yet, if 1 am a Christian, the time is near when I shall see them as clearly as I can behold a friend face to face. Although I must (Confess that there are many deep truths wliich now I know but in part, yet there is a day commg when I shall know them as fully as I myself am known. Even the venerable apostle ranks liimself but as a child in the knowledge of divine things. He is content to wait mitil that knowledge shall be expanded among the bright in- telligences of heaven.
Were your father, whom you so much love, an as- tronomer, conversant with the motions of the heav- enly bodies — were he to take you, while a child, to his observatory, point you to those revolving orbs.
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and tell you that he had measured their distances, and calculated their motions, would you believe him 1 0 yes; he is your father, who would not deceive you, and you are his confiding child. You could not comprehend the fact, but you would believe youi father ; you would have no doubt of his veracity. Were he again to tell you, that should your life be continued, you also would, in a few years, be able to make these sublime calculations, your astonishment would be increased. Had not your father said it, you could not have believed it. But still you would confide in your beloved parent.
This is precisely the spirit which you must possess in studying the Scriptures. It is your Father who Bpeaks. Sometimes he speaks of liigh and mysterious things ; but remember, that you are bound to confide in his word. When scepticism would harass your mind, flee to the word of God, and subject your un- derstanding implicitly to its dictates. When troubles assail, betake yourself instantly to tliis fountain of consolation. When doubts of your acceptance come over your mmd like a dark and portentous cloud, here, in this blessed volume, is the Sun of righteous- ness to chase away the cloud, and restore you to calnmess and tranquilhty.
Whilst there is a spirit abroad that would under- value the plain testimon} of revelation, and make it, like the heathen oracles of old, speak an ambiguous
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and time-serving language, be it your resolution to cling to the precious Bible, and to love even its most Kelf-denpng and soul-humbling doctrines. Be not ashamed of those views of truth which, in the esti- mation of vain and proud man, are peculiar only to vulgar minds. The Bible, you will recollect, was written equally for the vulgar and the refined. The poor claim it as their most precious legacy. What though there be in it some mysterious and inexpli- cable doctrines ; is it not the part of faith to sit meekly at the Saviour's feet, and receive implicitly the words which drop from his lips ?
Compassed about as we are with infirmities — de- pendent as we are for the least ray of heavenly com- fort— with intellectual pride on the one hand, and deep-rooted and sinful prejudices on the other — now wandering from God and duty, and now returning disappouited and dejected — let us sink into the deep- est self-abasement. Let us bow, with the spirit of children, to the simple truth as it is in Jesus ; let us implore the divme Spirit to gmde us through this benighted desert ; and let us look forward by faith to the period when we shall emerge from our darlaiesa into imclouded and eternal day.
THE BUSINESS OF LIFE. 155
LETTER XXVIII.
RELIGION THE BUSINESS OF LIFE.
By this time, my young friend, you perceive that reliirion is the business of life — a momentous work, which will task every faculty to the utmost. To make a profession in the visible church is one thing ; but to evince, by a progressive improvement in knowledge and holiness, our connection with the church invisible, is another. When I look around and behold so many youth gathered within the church by the sanctif}dng influence of the numerous and powerful revivals of religion, my soul exults in the prospective glories of our Zion. These, me- thinks, are the generations who are to urge forward the cause of Christ, and who may be permitted to chant the jubilee of millennial glory.
I am anxious that the rising generation of Chris- tians should assume a more elevated standard of piety and action than that which has characterized their predecessors ; and that primitive holiness, and magnanimity, and self-denial, should once more ap- pear, as the earnest and pledge of that glorious con Bunmiation when holiness shall be inscribed even on the bells of the horses. I confess, however, that I have my misgivings. I have seen some who but
156 YOUiNG CHRISTIAN.
lately gave auspicious promise of this high and noble character, sinking down to the dead level of ordinary professors, taking the hue and character of those around them, and appearing contented with just so much religion as will render them agreeable to all, without incurring the censure of any. How unwor- thy of a great and noble character ! I would never name the name of Christ, or I would give liim my heart — my full, free, undivided heart.
The gospel of Christ admits of no compromise. It demands our all. If it required less, it would be unworthy of its great author and finisher. I rejoice that it requires all. This is its glory. When we are brought to yield to its claims, and give up all, then, and not till then, will it throw around us its arms of mercy. And what is our all ? What do we give when we give our all ? A polluted soul, that might justly be cast into hell; a body, the miserable companion of that soul, and groaning under the dire efiects of disobedience and guilt. Our all consists, at last, in nothing more than a polluted and guilty nature.
What a wonder is it that God will accept such an offering. What a miracle of mercy, that raises us up from our pollution, bathes us in the laver of re- generation, and clothes us in the wliite linen of the saints. And do we talk about self-denial ? Do we say, how hard to give up all ? I am ashamed to use
THE BUSINESS OF LIFE. 157
such language ; ashamed to hear it used. What did Christ give up for us ? Let that question blot out " self-denial " trom the Christian's vocabulary. When you thlnlv the Gospel makes severe requisitions by requiring all, go up to Mount Calvary and weep over such suggestions. See the blood of your Immanuel so freely gushing from a heart that never exercised towards you any emotion but love ; love unspeak- able— love unsought — and love for the guilty. Go hide your head in shame and penitence at such a thought. It is a glorious privilege, my young friend, to give up all to Christ. The soul that feels the constraming influence of his love, asks not how little may be given consistently with obtaining the heav- enly reward — asks not for the lowest standard of dis- cipleship ; it burns with an ardent desire to devote elII, and to aim at perfect " conformity to his death." It is melancholy to behold so many satisfied with a name in the church, and a seat at the sacramental board. This appears to make up the sum of their rehgion. Others go one step farther, and observe some decent regard to what may be termed the ex- perimental part of religion, but aim not at that ele- vated standard which it is their privilege to attain. They live in doubt, and they often die in darkness. They enjoy neither religious consolations nor the peace which the world giveth. All this is in conse- quence of that miserable, half-way, compromising
158 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
spirit, wliicli seeks to perform tlie service, and enjoy the approbation of two masters
Let me entreat you to make a noble sm-render in tliis cause. The world has liitherto been the master, and you must acknowledge that you have rendered a full and faithful service ; but shall you yield a less free and faithful devotion to Christ ? Which is the more worthy of your regard ? Which has the greater claims on your affections ? Wliich offers 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 — iilte the beloved disciple, rest upon his bosom.
You vvdll perceive from my commmiications thus far, that there is work enough to do ; that there is some struggling for the prize ; that the kingdom of heaven is to be taken by violence ; that you are not to sit do^vn and idly imagine, that now you have joined 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 extraordmary exertions of your own. Deter- mine, that if others act on the principles of the spiritual sluggard, you will leave them, and march forward towards the elevation of Christian charac- ter which the Bible plainly marks out as your duty and your privilege. Onward, is the daily watchword of the faithful soldier of the cross. He sleeps not it
THE ntJSINESS OF LIFE. 159
his post. He hears the first note of alarm, and pre- pares for the conflict. He loves his King, and obe- dience is a pleasure rather than a duty. Many a bright example still shines in your view. A Brain- erd, a Martyn, a Graham, a Judson, and a Newell, have left the light of their glorious career stUl lin- gering on earth. Plant your leet in their tracks, and if you cannot equal, at least make a near approxi- mation to them. Dread the thought of being any thing less than they were ; and remember, that it is possible even to surpass them.
0 may you aim high, in contendmg for the prize of your high calling. 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.
160 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
LETTER XXIX.
RELIGION THE BUSINESS OF LIFE.
The duties which I have been urging upon you, as important in forming an elevated standard of piety, are those especially which relate to God and your oAvn soul. Social obligations, and the relative 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 persevere in the path Avhich I have marked out ; if you give the diligence in prayer, in self-examina- tion, and the study of the Bible which I have urged, you will, most certainly, not be a delmquent in the various social and domestic duties of life.
The course recommended, if faithfully pursued, will have a controlling influence upon your inter- course with others. It will put every thing in its proper place, and give every duty its legitimate prom- inency and attention. It will make you the obedient child, the beloved sister, the diligent scholar, and the amiable and intelligent companion. It will render you in every respect lovely and interesting. It is under this impression that I have given to this sub- ject a protracted consideration, and that I have said Bo Httle about your general deportment. I have
THE BUSINESS OF LIFE. 161
endeavored first to erect the solid colunm ; the Co- rinthian capital can be easily superadded.
I might have added sometliing more, on the im- portance of Christian biography as a means of stim- ulating the young Christian, but I take it for granted that you are already familiar with most of the pop- ular works of that kind, which are now so much read and so justly admired. The memoirs of Brain- erd, Pearce, Martyn, and Scott ; the lives of Mrs. Graham, Ramsay, Newell, and Huntington, cannot be read too often, nor copied too closely. You will find it highly iJ^eful, in your daily retirement, to hold converse with some of these exalted samts. It will furnish a humbling view of your own compara- tive sluggishness, and arouse you to emulate their noble self-denial and devotion. Next to your Bible, may they be your most intimate and beloved com- panions.
But ah, how small a number of such characters have ever Hved to grace this fallen world. " Like angel visitors, they have been few and far between." They have shot athwart our world, to evidence to BcofTers 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 it is, can, by the spirit and grace of God, be elevated. When I read of their self-denial ; their entire consecration of all to
y. CtuisUan 1 1
162 5fOUNG CHRISTIAN.
the service of Christ ; their agonizing prayers, wliich were offered less for themselves than for the perish- ing souls around them , their enlarged benevolence, which was satisfied with nothing short of blessing a world ; when I consider their patience in suffering, their cheerfulness under repeated and severe afflic- tions, their composure and triumph in death, I view them as possessing a character which naught but a superhuman power can confer ; far, very far trans- cending the brightest models of Grecian or of Ro- man virtue. They scarcely seem to belong to our species ; and if fancy were permitted to decide, we should almost say, that in them the glory and bright- ness of some seraph was displayed.
But still, my yoimg friend, " they were bone of our bone, and flesh of our flesh." They possessed, in common with us, the same sickly, sinful nature. They made no pretensions to superiority. Nay, they considered their own characters as vile, in the eyes of Him who " cannot look upon sin." If they pos- sessed an elevation of character above us, they seemed not to know it. They were, wliile shining cut with angel virtue, all meekness and humility. These are the characters which, though undervalued by the world, make their silent progress through life, mdifferent to the honors and the pleasures which inferior and sordid minds are struggling to obtain. These are the characters which, while they walk on
THE BUSINESS OF LIFE. 163
earth, converse with the skies, hold communion — intimate, deep, dcHghtful communion — with heaven. Their souls daily disentangling themselves from the bonds of sensuality, severing their willing ailections from the dross and corruption of earth, rise to a sinailitude with God ; and ere they leave •their earthly abode, appear to imbibe a purity and a per- fection, 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 simple narrative will speak a stronger eulogy.
Such are the characters which I wish you to copy. They are the only happy characters. There is a de- hghtful, yet mournful contrast between them and that cold-hearted, half-devoted, earthly-minded race of professors, who, I verily believe, are among the most miserable beings on earth. They are a dis- grace to the Christian church ; a standing scandal upon religion ; a grief to the pious ; a laughing-stock to the world. Over their worldly-mindedness, their niggardly charities, their hollow professions, thou- sands stumble into perdition. Avoid this character, as you regard the peace of your own soul, the pros- perity of the church, the advancement of Christ's kingdom, and your fmal salvation.
Remember, that there is a day coming when the precious will be separated from the vile, when the
164 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
Master shall walk through the Christian church, and " shall gather the wheat into his gamer, and bum up the chaff with unquenchable fire." Be not, my young friend, satisfied with grovelhng views, or low attainments. Aim high, even at perfection ; for ycu know* that a greater than man hath said, "Be ye perfect, as your Father in heaven is perfect."
CONCLUSION 165
CONCLUSION.
I CANNOT believe, my young friend, that the serious cautions, solemn warnings, and earnest appeals which I have made, are to be entirely lost. I flatter myself, that when the hand which penned, and the heart which prompted them, are resting in the grave, she, for whose instruction they were given, will exhibit all that maturity of knowledge, all that purity of chara.cter, all that holy elevation of purpose and of action, which, together constitute the fulness of Chris- tian perfection. But if, after all, you should make a compromise with the world, and be wilhng to settle down upon that low and unworthy standard too common among our churches — if a few years should find you foremost in pleasure and in fashion, and undistinguished from the noisy, vain, and trifling crowd, methinks your conscience will have been rapidly seared, and your heart quickly steeled to a sense of your duty.
But I am persuaded better tilings of you, though 1 thus speak. Still, I know more than you can at present of the deceitfulness of the heart, the subtle insinuations of Satan, and the powerful attractions which the world presents to a warm, youthful imag- ination. Secluded as you now are, you can form but a faint conception of the power of worldly seduction;^
166 YOUNG CHRISTIAN.
Perhaps you are ready to conclude, that your heart is impregnable to all their assaults. This, be as- sured, is a great mistalvo. Think not that your mountain stands strong. If you indulge tliis thought, you will most assuredly fall ; you will be obliged to weep over the disgrace which you will have brought upon religion ; you will, perhaps, be constrained to bewail the ruin of some soul, who may have been emboldened in sin through your carelessness or inad- vertency. You have a dangerous road to travel. You camiot be too vigilant ; you cannot offer too many prayers for guidance and protection. Your armor camiot be too bright, nor your eye too circum- spect.
' Remember what I liave already said, that declen- sion begins at the closet. AVatch there for its first appearance. There be ready to discover and to cor- rect it. Prayer is your stronghold. In every encoim- ter with your adversaries, draw upon the strength of heaven. In every dark, distressful hour, cast an eye upward to God. When the world displays its fascinations, and woos you away to its arms, God, and God alone, is the "strength of your heart." When afflictions come, and the soul is made sad and desolate, where then shall you look, but to Him who heareth the mourner's cry ? Prayer has ever been powerful and efficient. It has wiped away the tear of the penitent, and lighted . up the gleam of hope.
CONCLUSION. 167
It has broken the stout sinews of rebellion, and transforaied the lion to the lamb.
In the work of self-examination, be close and thorough — be habitual and persevering. Let a nice discrimination run through your investigations. Re- member your aim. It is high ; it is the elevated character. Deal faithfully, then, with your own soul. Arraign it at, a diurnal tribunal, and judge it, severely judge it, from the law of God. Anticipate the great and final account. It will then not burst upon you unprepared. You will go calmly forward to the bar of God, and unhesitatingly open your bo- som, conscious of forgiveness, to his keen inspection.
Let the word of God dwell in your heart. Study its sacred pages with prayerful diligence, and bow to its doctrines with implicit faith. Be it the man of your counsel ; the guide of your belief; the founda- tion of your hope.
In short, take to yourself the whole armor of God : the shield of faith, by which you may quench the fiery darts of Satan ; the helmet of salvation, to adoru and defend your head ; the breastplate of righteous- ness, to cover your bosom from the shafts of calumny or of envy ; the sword of the Spirit, whose keen edge will make you resolute and fearless in the attack, powerful and irresistible in the defence. Thus ar- rayed, look upward, and press onward. God is your strength, and when he nerves the arm, though it be
168 iTOUNG CHRISTIAN.
the arm of the weakest believer, that arm is irresisti- ble. Lay not aside your weapons, while one foe within is unsubdued, or one enemy without uncon- quered. But life is short. The time is at hand when you shall have a full and free discharge. The cro^vn of glory glitters in prospect. Aftei a few more days of fidelity to your Kmg, that crown shall be placed upon your brow.
When death comes, he will prove your last enemy. A-S he falls beneath your triumphant struggle, you shall hear the notes of victory, bursting from ten thousand angels, on your dying ear. Then your work is done. Then your warfare is over. On yon- der 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 for ever. The trials of life will be remembered no more ; or if remembered, will serve as new themes of praise and thanksgiving.
What a consummation ! Who would not struggle a few short days, to inherit so rich a reward — to wear forever so bright a diadem ?
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