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CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS,
SENTIMENTS
OF THE HEART.
" This doth speak
Of better ornaments, tban gold, or pearls.
Or rich array."
LOWELL:
PUBLISHED BYN. L. DAYTON,
BOSTON: GOULD, KENDALL & LINCOLN.
1843.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the
Year 1843.
B7N. L. DAYTON,
In the Clerk's office of the District Court of
Massachusetts.
Printed by
J. G. Pillsbury, LowelL
PHI! F ikC XS
The succeeding pages are presented
to our readers with a view to that desire
for sympathy of which the human heart
is so deeply sensible even on subjects of
ordinary importance, but more especially
on that subject which of all others, moves
the inmost soul, claiming all the assis-
tance which kindred minds can impart ;
and, "as in water, face answereth to
face, so doth the heart of man to man."
It is hoped that the delineation here
given of the true ornaments of the Chris-
tian character, and the expression here
given of the sentiments of the heart by
holy men who have gone before us in
tlie way of wisdom, may afford direction,
consolation, encouragement and strength
to some who now pursue that road with
feeble, fluctuating steps ; and that this
little volume may, in the hands of God,
promote their progress in the divine
life.
C OS^TSNTS
9
Faith, 11
Works, 13
Prater, -------- 13
Frequent Prater, - - - - 15
One hour with Thee, - - - 16
Spiritual Deliverance, - - - 18
Union with Christ, - - - - 21
Jot in God, -- 24
Seeking after God, - - - - 26
Reliance on Christ, - - - - 27
Christian Improvement, - - 27
Feeble Christians, - - - - 29
Experience of MartixX Luther, 30
Benefit of temptation, - - - 31
Invitation of Christ, - - - - 33
Contrition, ------- 34
The time to die, ----- 36
Crucifixion of the Flesh,- - 37
vi contents.
Forbearance, 38
Divine Guidance, ----- 40
Looking towards Christ, - - 42
Religious Devotion, - - - 43
Religious Effort, ----- 45
Day's Duties, ------ 46
Humility, --------48
Forgiveness of injuries, • - 50
The Lord's Prayer, - - - - 53
Christian Reproof, - - - - 55
Mercy in affliction, - - - - 56
The Sabbath Day, - - - - 58
Experience, -------59
The Bible our Guide, - - - 61
Appeals of God, ----- 63
Love of God, ------ 64
Spiritual Deadness, - - - - 66
Worldly Pursuits, - - - - 67
Anticipations, ------ 69
Divisions in Religion, - - - 71
Christ's Righteousness, - - - 72
Spiritual Discernment, - - 73
The Spiritual Law, - - - - 75
CONTENTS. Vll
Religious Feeling, - - - - 76
Trust in God, 77
Grace and Gifts, 81
Death, ---------SI
Wanderings from Christ, - - 82
Worldliness, ------ 83
Warning, --------85
Worldly Seductions, - - - 86
Rewards of Piety, - - - - 88
The Heavenly Minstrel, - - 90
Carefulness, ------ 91
Rest in Jesus, ------ 92
Judgment, ------- 93
Force of Consistency, - - - 95
Steadiness in Religion, - - 97
Thoughts on Death, - - - 99
Religious Advancement, - - 104
Thoughts on Adversity, - - 105
Christian Conversation, - - 116
Burden of Sin, 116
Worldly Pleasures, - - - 118
Christian Assurance, - - - 120
The Water of Life, - - - 121
CONTENTS.
The Unprofitable Servant, - 122
Old age of Bishop Leighton, - 124
Life and Death, ----- 128
Love of the Brethren, - - 129
Be Careful for Nothing, - 131
Attraction to God, - - - 132
Confidence in God, - - - 133
Fear of Man, ----- 134
Covetousness, ------ 136
Effectual Prayer, - - - - 137
Walking with God, - - - - 140
Diligence in Religion, - - - 142
Constant Gratitude, - - - - 145
God with us, ------ 146
Rest, - - - - 147
The Land no Mortal mat know, 149
OHB.ISTIAXT QHNIkmBl^TS,
OKlSrAMENTS OF THE HEART.
The ornaments in which a Christian
may be most appropriately arrayed, are
denominated in the word of truth, "kind-
ness, humbleness of mind, meekness,
long-suflferinff, and above all, charity."
These and their kindred virtues are our
true ornaments, and it'may^be well to
compare them for a^moment with exter-
nal decorations, that we may more justly
appreciate them.
Our personal ornaments, as gold and
gems, durable as they^are, may in^time
wear away, and are liable to a variety of
accidents, while the ornaments of the
heart cannot_be_^destroyed: the former
10 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
are less glorious in their nature for they
are of the earth, earthy ; while the latter
are of heavenly origin : the former are
not securely worn, being merely exter-
nally attached ; while the latter are so
inseparably united as to become ideBtified
with ourselves : in the exhibition of the
former, regard must be paid to time and
place ; while the latter are equally suit-
able on all occasions, whether common
or uncommon, festive or sad : the latter
obtain the notice and commendation of
observers of a higher rank ; for while
our outward ornaments are admired only
by persons of the same order as ourselves,
these are approved by beings of rejBned,
spiritual wisdom and pure, unerring taste,
even by the occupants of heavenly
mansions.
II
FAITH.
Faith is the principal thing in the
christian religion. It is tlie spiritual
eye, enlightening the eye, directing the
feet, and cheering the heart ; the whole
turns upon it. As our faith is, so are our
strength and fruitfulness in good works.
At the same time there is nothing more
difficult to be maintained than faith,
even after the work of grace has been
actually wrought in our hearts. There-
fore, nothing is more needful than to
pray for faith, as long as we live. May
the Lord give and increase it contin-
ually !
Nothing can be stronger in the uni-
verse tlian the hand of faith. By this
we lay sure hold on our most glorious
and Ahuighty Lord in heaven ; and such
an inviolable union is thus established
between Christ and a believing soul,
that nothing can separate the one from
12 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
the other. All the powers of earth and
sin avail nothing against it. Faith over-
comes the greatest obstacles, removes
mountains of difficulties, and possesses a
kind of omnipotence. "For this is the
victory that overcometh the world, even
our faith."
WORKS.
To believe in Christ for justification,
is but one-half of the duty of faith.
Christ in the gospel is proposed unto us
as our pattern and example in holiness.
And as it is a false imagination, that the
v/hole end of his life and death was to
exemplify and confirm the doctrine of
holiness, which he preached; so to neg-
lect his being our example, so as not
seriously to consider him by faith unto
that end, and labor after conformity to
him, is a great and destructive evil.
PRAYER. 13
Wherefore, let us meditate on what he
was, what he did, and hov/ in all instan-
ces of duty and trial he conducted him-
self, until a glorious im.age of his perfect
holiness be established in our minds, and
all around take knowledge of us, that
we have been with Jesus, and that we
walk, even as He walked. "For even
hereunto were we called, because Christ
also suffered for us, leaving us an exam-
ple that we should follow in his steps."
PRAYER.
If we have not grace enough, it is
because we do not pray enough. For
most true it is we need not strive to
move God to compassion, and extort as
it were by our prayers, the blessings
which he has promised. Very far from
it. He is every minute communicating
liimself to us ; in every word he holds
34 QHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
forth Christ, and every good thing to us.
But we must always have a soul hun-
gering- after Christ, and by incessant
prayer stretch out the hand of faith to
receive him. This is chiefly to be un-
derstood of the inward groanigs and
desires of our spirit ; but Ave must not
omit to pour out our supplications daily,
as often as we can, by words ; else our
secret, mental prayers, at last may be-
come so secret as to cease entirely.
As soon as I appear Avitii my prayers
before the Lord, he writes all my pe-
titions in his book of remembrance.
Should I not pray much ? Yes, O Lord ;
and though I have many things already
in thy book, yet I would give thee occa-
sion to write down more and more every
hour. Nothing can be forgotten. All
will be granted by him. Delays we must
expect, but all shali be made up with so
much the larger gifts in due time, though
the best will be reserved for a blissful
eternity.
FREqUEiNT PRATER. 15
FREQUENT PHAYER.
The longer we neglect writing to an
absent friend, the less mind we have to
set about it. So, the more we neglect
private prayer, and closet communion
with God, the more reluctant we grow
in our approaches to him. Nothing so
speedily estranges the soul from God,
as the restraining of prayer before him.
And nothiug would renew the blessed
intimacy, if God himself, the neglected
party, did not as it were send us a letter
of expostulation from heaven, and sweet-
ly chide us for our negligence. Then
we melt, then we kindle, ana the bliss-
ful intercourse gradually opens as usual.
David would not have been so often on
his knees in prayer if affliction had not
weighed him down. There are I be-
lieve more prayers in the writmgs of
David and Jeremiah, than in any other
portion of scripture.
16 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
The longer you are Avith God on the
mount of private prayer, and secret com-
munion, the brighter will your face shine
when you come down.
Either prayer makes a ma.n leave oif
sinning, or sin makes a man leave off
praying.
ONE HOUR WITH THEE.
One hour with Thee, my God! when
daylight breaks
Over a world thy guardian care has
kept,
When the fresh soul from soothing slunl-
ber wakes
.To praise the love, that watched me
while I slept,
When with new strength my blood is
bounding free,
That first, best, sweetest hour, I'll give
to Thee.
Oiie hour with Thee, when busy day
be2"ins
GIVE HOUR WITH THEE. 17
Her never ceasing round of bustling
care
When I must meet with toil and pain
and sins,
And through them all, thy holy cross
must bear;
O then to arm me for the strife, to be
Faithful to death, I'Jl kneel one hour to
Thee.
One hour with Thee, when rides the
glorious sun.
High in mid heaven and parching na-
ture feels
Lifeless and overpowered, and man has
done
For one short hour, with urging life's
swift wheels ;
In that deep pause, my soul from care
shall flee,
To make that hour of rest, one hour
with Thee.
One hour with Thee, when sudden twi-
light flings
Her soothing charm o'er lawn, and
vale, and grove ;
When there breaths up, from all created
tilings
18 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
The sweet enthralling sense of thy
deep love ;
And when its softening power descends
on me,
My swelling heart shall spend one hour
with Thee.
One hour with Thee, my God ! when
softly night
Climbs the high heaven with solemn
steps and slow,
When the sweet stars, unutterably
bright,
Are telling forth thy praise to men
below ;
O then, while far from earth, my tho'ts
v/ould flee,
I'll spend in prayer, one joyful hour with
Thee.
SPIPJTUAL DELrv^ERAITCE.
If thou sayest Christ is thy Prince,
answer to these interrogatories. First,
how came he into the ^throne ? Satan
had once the quiet possession of thy
SPIRITUAL DELIVERANCE. 19
heart. He would not surely of his own
accord resign his crown and sceptre to
Christ ; and for thyself, thou wert neith-
er willing nor able, to resist his power ;
this then, must only be the fruits of
Christ's victorious arms, whom God hath
exalted to be a Prince and a Saviour.
Hath Christ come to thee, as once Abra-
ham to Lot, when prisoner to Chedorla-
omer, rescuing thee out of Satan's hands,
as he was leading thee in chains to
hell ? Didst thou ever hear a voice from
heaven in the ministry of the word, cal-
ling out to thee as once to Saul, so as to
lay thee at God's feet, and make thee
turn thy face to heaven ? to strike thee
blind in thine own apprehension, who
before hadst a good opinion of thy state ;
to tame and weaken thee, so as now thou
art willing to be led by the hand of a
child after Christ? Did Christ ever
come to thee, as the angel did to Peter
in prison, rousing thee up, and not only
20 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
causing the chains of darkness and stu-
pidity to fall off thy mind and conscience,
but making thee obedient also, that the
iron gate of thy will hath opened to
Christ, before he left thee ? then thou
hast something to say for thy freedom.
But if after all this, 1 be a barbarian,
and the language I speak be strange,
thou knowest no such work to have pas-
sed upon thy spirit ; then thou art yet
in thy old prison. Can there be a change
of government in a nation by a conquor-
or that invades it, and the subjects not
hear of this ? The regenerating spirit
is compared to the wind ; his first at-
tempts on the soul may be so secret that
the creature knows not whence they
come, or whither they tend ; but before
he hath done, the sound will be heard
throughout the soul, so that it cannot but
see a great change in itself and say, I
that was blind, now see ; I that was as
hard as ice, now relenting for sin ; now
SPIRITUAL DELIVERANCE. 21
my heart gives, I can meit and mourn
for it ; I, that was well enough without
a Christ, yea, did wonder Avhat others
saw in him, so to desire him, now have
changed my note wiih the daughters of
Jerusalem ; and for '• What is your be-
loved ? " as 1 scornfully have asked, I
liave learned to ask, " Where is he, that
I might seek him with you." O, soul
canst thou say it is thus with thee ? thou
mayest know who hast been here ; no
less than Christ, v/ho by his victorious
spirit, hath translated thee from satan'a
power, into bis own sweet kingdom.
UinON VHTH CHRIST.
Now, O my soul, meditate again.
Am I indeed brought in by Christ, to
union with God ? Are we no longer two,
but one spirit ? Can such a thing be ?
I do not doubt it, but admire it. What!
22 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
he that made heaven and earth ; he who
is the very life of the whole creation ;
he to whom Abraham, Moses and David
and all the worthies of old prayed ; to
whose truth, wisdom, love and glorious
power, they did bear v/itness, and do
still testify it to all ages? Is this God
really mine? Is it the word of his own
mouth " I am thy God ? " How un-
searchable is this union I Is he whom
Simeon embraced in his arms, and said,
"Mine eyes have seen thy salvation ; "
is he mine ? He who Avrought all those
miracles, who healed diseases, cast out
devils, forgave sins on earth, is he mine ?
He who preached the gospel from heav-
en, who did bear my sins in the garden
on the cross, in his own body; who did
sweat blood, and was pierced through
for sinners ; is he mine ? Was I com-
prised in his prayer ? And is this Jesus
yet alive and his nature not changed,
but glorified to the perfection of power
UNION WITH CHRIST. 23
and sympathy ; Is he mine ? And am
I indeed his ? He who comforted his
disciples, buried their sins and miscar-
riages and blessed them ; and in the full
warmth of his love, ascended and sat at
the right hand of the Majesty on hicrh,
where love never ceaseth ; is tiiis, the
Judge whom I expect? even my Lord
and my God ; he who is exalted to give
repentance, and remission of sins; is he
mine, to teach, piirge, justify, and quick-
en me ? As near as the head to the
body, the root to the tree and branches,
as near and dear as the husband to the
wife ; doth he call me his own flesh and
bones ? Doth he live and breathe in
me and I in him ? O, for more faith,
reverence, thanksgiving, with all man-
ner of becoming thoughts, words and
deeds concerning him, and concerning
the reality of such a privilege. O, when
will the shadows fly away ? Be very
serious in exercising faith, to represent
24 CHRISTIAN ORNAMEJXTS.
the truth and reahty of this union-state,
that there is such a thing ; and in that
exercise, dilate your thoughts in an aw-
ful, serious, conformable reverence and
reverend love of God, manifested in the
flesh, to be Immanuel, God with us.
Pursue this meditation, till you make
this union visible as may be to the eye
of faith.
JOY IN GOD.
If thou desirest to delight tliyself on-
ly in the Lord, and art more solicitous
for the increase of faith, love and holi-
ness, than temporal happiness ; and
wouldest even part with some earthly
good, provided it would enlarge thy
spiritual welfare ; this comes not from
nature, but is an infallible mark of grace
and regeneration ; and the Lord shall
give thee also the desires of thine heart
JOY IN GOD. 25
and even much more than thou desir-
est.
Nothing can be more foolish than to
harbor one or more secret lusts in our
hearts, after we have been awakened.
We must certainly suffer for it; our
conscience will check us ; we cannot
enjoy it Avith half the pleasure as before ;
our course is hindered and our peace
disturbed. How much more prudent
and profitable then, would it be, to for-
sake all and follow Christ, who only can
satisfy the desires of our hearts ! Con-
sider this, O my soul ; act the wiser
part ; let thine eye be single, and cleave
to Him alone.; while others, seeking to
serve two masters, God and Mammon,
are disappointed here and hereafter ;
avoid thou this folly, and be wholly for
Christ. Thus thou wilt be able to taste
the crystal streams of his heavenly
love.
HG CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
SSEEn^a AFTER GOD.
Thou hidden love of God, whose height,
Whose depth unfath'md, no man knows ;
I see from far thy beauteous light,
I only sigh for thy repose.
My heart is pained ; nor can it be
At rest, till it find rest in thee.
Thy secret voice invites me still
The sweetness of thy yoke to prove ;
And fain I would ; but though my will
Seem fixed, yet wide my passions rove ;
Yet hindrances strew all the way ;
I aim at thee, yet from thee, stray.
'Tis mercy all, that thou hast brought
My mind to seek her peace in thee ;
Yet while I seek, but find thee not,
No peace my wandering soul shall see.
O when shall all my wanderings end.
And all my steps to ihee-ward tend !
Ts there a thing beneath the sun.
That strives with thee my heart to share?
Ah ! tear it thence and reign alone,
The Lord of every motion" there !
Then shall my heart from earth be free^
When it hath found repose in thee.
RELIAjyCE ON CHRIST.
EELIAHOE ON OHEIST.
It highly concerns believers, who
desire to keep constant peace in their
bosoms, to be ever sensible of ttheir
spiritual poverty. Disquiet of mind, and
spiritual slothfulness, often proceed from
self-righteousness, and not looking- to
Christ for every thing, but trusting se-
cretly to something in ourselves. Sal-
vation and the means of attaining it, are
to be sought for in Christ. To him,
therefore let us apply, and in him let us
confide ; thus shall we become spiritual
and happy ; and thus will he receive
from us the tribute which he deserves-
from all his church.
C HRISTIAN'IRIPEOTTIMENT.
Have every day lower thoughts of
yourself; higher thoughts of Christ;
28 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
kinder thoughts of your "brethren ; and
more hopeful thoughts of all around you.
Love to assemble in the great congrega-
tion ; but above all love to pray to your
Father in secret; to consider your Sa-
viour who says, " Look unto me, and be
saved ; " and to listen for your sanctifier
and comforter, who stands at the door
and knocks to enter into your inmost
soul ; and to set up his kingdom, of
righteousness, peace and joy, within
you. Let every one with whom you
converse, be the better for your conver-
sation. Be a burning and a shining
light, wherever you are. Let not the
good ways of God be blasphemed thro'
you. Let your heavenly mindedness,
and your brotherly kindness be known
to all men.
FEEBLE CKRIS'^IA^S. 2^
FEEBLE OHSISTIAITS.
The more delicate and tender the
plant, the greater is the gardener's care
and watchfulness over it; this but faint-
ly expresses the inlinite attention of the
Lord to the feeble among his people,
could they perceive Jiis kind concern,
and understand his coustant love for
them, how happy and resigned in their
hearts, how holy and regular in their
lives, might they find themselves priv-
ileged to be. He doth not drive the
lambs of his flock before him, but he
gathers them with his arms ; and if they
cannot walk, he cames them ; carries
them in his bosom, close to his heart
Can the believing soul doubt of his love,
who is all love ; of his conduct, Avho is
all wisdom ; of his ability, who is all
strength; of his promise, who is all truth;
of his fulness, who is all in all? Pon-
der this again and again, O my soul I
30 CHRISTIAN ORNAMEJ^TS.
and say unto thyself, what thy Lord per-
haps would say too ; O thou of little
faith wher<3fore dost thou doubt ?
EXPERIENOE OF MARTIN LUTHER.
It may be profitable to us to reflect
on the words of Martin Luther. " It is
very useful for sincere and pious persons
to know and meditate on Paul's doctrine
concerning" the contests between the
flesh and the spirit. When I was a
monk, if at any time I happened to feel
the motion of any bad passion, I used
to think my hope of salvation was over.
I struggled in a variety of ways, both to
overcome my bad passion and quiet my
conscience, all in vain ; the lust of the
flesh returned, and I was harrassed with
thoughts of this kind : thou hast com-
mitted this, or that sin ; thou art impa-
tient ; thou art envious ; in vain hast
thou entered holy orders.
EXPERIENCE OF MARTIN LUTHER. 31
Now if I had rightly understood
Paul's doctrine, of the flesh lusting-
against the spirit, I should not so long
and so miserably have afflicted myself;
I should have reflected, and said, as I
do at this day, in similar situations;
" Martin, as long as thou remainest in
the flesh, thou Avilt never be entirely
v^ithout sin ; thou art now in the flesh,
and therefore thou must experience a
contest with it ; and this agreeably to
what Paul says, ' the flesh resisteth the
spirit ;' despair not thou then, but strive
manfully, against all carnal dispositions ;
and fulfil not their lustings : do this, and
the law shall have no condemning do-
minion over thee."
BBNBirr OF TEMPTATION.
True Christians, in a right spirit are
still subject to temptations from within
32 CHRISTIAJi ORJSAMEISTS.
and without, but watching unto prayer,
they do not fall by them. On the con-
traiy, as temptations are great helps to
discover their hidden infirmities, and
stir, them up to be more cautious, serious
and faithful, they are foUwed and rewar-
ded with great and glorious victories.
Temptations are not indeed joyous in
themselves, but are attended with good
fruit, and blessed effects in the faith-
ful.
Hence St. James bids us count it all
joy, when we fall into divers temptations.
What reason have those to be afraid of
temptations, Avho find that every one
carries a new blessing along ^vith it
Jesus, lover of my s®ul.
Let me to thy bosom fly ;
While the waters o'er me roll,
While the tempest rages high.
Hide me, O my Saviour, hide.
Till the storms of life be pastj
Safe into the haven guide,
O receive my soul at last.
INVITATION TO CHRIST, 33
I?r7ITATI0Jr OF CHRIST.
" Come unto me all ye that labor and
are heavy laden, and I will give you
rest." This is a free invitation to ev-
ery weary, heavy-laden sinner, made by
Him who alone is^able to take away the
load of sin and give us rest. Every
person under the pressure of sin, not on-
ly may, but must come to Jesus, thus la-
den with a consciousness of guilt, if he
hopes to procure pardon. While we
endeavor to prepare our way, by self-
created claims, we rather fill it with
stumbling-blocks, whereby our souls are
hindered from attaining to the salvation
of Christ. Christ would have us to be-
lieve on Him who justifieth the ungodly ;
he came as a Physician for the sick, and
does not expect that they should recover
their health in the least degree, before
they|corae to him. The cure is entirely
his own ; and thus he shows the excee-
34 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
ding* riches of his grace, pardoning our
sins, and saving us freely.
CONTEITIOW.
The spirit of God alone can drive
the ploughshare of penitential convic-
tion through the sinner's heart, and give
us to mourn at a spiritual sight of him
whom our sins have pierced. The Lord
give us to mourn more and more, until
we have mourned away our unbelief,
carelessness and hardness of heart. The
soul is never safer than when with re-
turning Mary, we stand at the feet of
Christ, behind him weeping. I have
lately heard of a minister, whose depar-
ting words were, " A broken and a con-
trite heart, O God, thou wilt not des-
pise.'' Nor can I think such a state to
be at all inferior, in point of real safety..
CONTRITIOX. 35
to that of a good man who died a few-
years ago, in London, with these tri-
nmphant words on his lips, " Now an-
gels do your ofBce." Of some it is
written, " They shall come with weep-
ing, and with supplications will I lead
them ;" while others of the Lord's peo-
ple enter the haven of everlasting hfe,
as it were with fall sails : they " return
with singing unto Zion." May the
Father in his plentitude of saving grace
and heavenly love, descend upon our
souls as dew, and make us glad with
the light of his countenance ! When
I consider the goodness of God to me
the chief of sinners, 1 am astonished at
the coldness of my gratitude, and the
feebleness of my love. Yet little and
cold as it is, even that is his gift, and
the work of his spirit — an earnest, I
cannot doubt, of more and greater. The
Lord Jesus increase the spark to a flame
and make a little one to become a thou-
sand.
36 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
THE TIME TO DIB.
As our Lord did not pray for the de-
parture of his disciples out of the world,
neither does he for his people's. Those
who are saints indeed, are often praying
to be delivered out of the present state
and taken to glory ; but they are not
then looking to those words of Christ
which say, " I pray not that thou shouldst
take them out of the world, but that thou
shouldst keep them from the evil." They
are not then submitting to the wisdom
of Christ, neither are they of the same
raind with Christ. But flesh is flesh,
and sense is sense, and carnal reason,
carnal reason, even in saints. All those
who are born again feel sin, have an in-
rmvd sight, sense and perception of it;
they groan under the ruins of a spoiled
nature. They often think nothing would
be so expressive of their Father's love
to them, as a speedy translation to heav-
THE TIME TO DIE.
en, but there are very important reasons
and designs which he hath in continuing
his people in the world ; such as are
beneiicial to themselves and others.
And sucJi as Avill increase his praise and
glory. They are he-re to be made con-
formable to Jesus Christ ; to be subject
to affliction and temptation, to experi-
ence death; by these they are the fit
instruments for Jesus to display his
powerful grace.
CHUCiriSION OF THE FLESH.
Although the flesh be alive still and
frequently stir, yet it cannot fulfil its de-
sires, when it is fastened to the cross.
With the crucifying of the fiesh, we
liave to do, as long as we live. The
cross enhances the value of the word
of God. Be therefore, O my soul, al-
ways ready to endure it. If no cros3
CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
present itself without, thou must still
carry on the crucifixion of thine own
will, in every thing which is contrary to
the will of God. Painful and hard as
this may be at first, yet it will soon be-
come easier and be matter of real joy.
Blessing and peace will attend thy ways
and steps ; and thou shalt glorify God,
for having been resigned and guided,
not by thine own, but by his good will
and pleasure. Self-will, on the other
hand, creates vexation, uneasiness and
trouble. It is punished by itself, de-
prives us of real blessings and therefore
deserves to be broken and crucified, in
its first motions.
FORBEARANCE.
" We then that are strong, ought to
bear the infirmities of the weak, and
not to please ourselves, " " considering"
FORBEARANCE. 39
thyself, lest thou also be tempted."
" Who art thou, that judgest anotlier
man's servant ? ''
Extraordinary quickening and strength-
enings, being often followed by particu-
lar temptations, require particular watch-
fulness. Fear, therefore, rejoice with
trembling ; and as a needful m.eans to
secure thyself from falling, temper thy
joy with humility and gentleness towards
the faults of others. Be not high-
minded ; say not, when thou observest
the misconduct of others, "Nothing
ivould tempt me to do as they have done,"
for if God does not hold thee up himself,
thou wilt surely make greater mistakes.
Therefore, thou hadst better not look on
others, but on thyself; and from fear of
failing, be continually watchful in prayer.
Others would not have fallen so far, had
they been truly humble, and more chari-
table in judging of others. He who
exalts himself above others, and does
3
40 crrRiSTiAN ornaments.
not bear with the weak, is sometimes-
humbled and debased below the very
weakest of all. Bear, therefore, since
God bears with thee : he that bears most
with others, shows the greatest strength.
DIVINn GUIDAUOE.
« Lead m© in thy truth, and teach me^
0 thou God of my salvation." He that
offers this prayer from his heart, will
certainly be led of God. Now, O Lord
1 am blind, and heartily desire to be
directed by thee in all my ways, in great
and also in small things. Suffer me
never to follow my own spirit and natural
dispositions, when hostile to thee, what-
ever good appearance they may have,
but be pleased to cross them continually.
Often have I been deceived by false
appearances already; my zeal has not
always been according to knowledge.
DIVIDE GUIDANCE. 41
I have put natural passion in the place-
thereof, a:id thought I was contending
for the faith once delivered to the saints^
and have afterwards found it to be na
better than the effects of party spirit.
Be then, a Father to me, O Lord, and
instruct thy waiting child in all neces-
sary truths, and lead me in all thy
righteous ways.
O that the Lord would guide my ways
To keep his statutes still ;
O that my God would grant me grace
To know and do his will.
Order my footsteps by thy word,
And make my heart sincere ;
Let sin have no dominion, Lord^
But keep my conscience clear.
Help me to walk in thy commands,
'Tis a delightful road ;
Nor let my heart, or head, or hands,
Offend against my God»
42 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
LOOKIJTG TOWARDS CKHIST.
When Cyrus took the king of Arme-
nia, and his son Tygranes, with their
wives and children prisoners, and upon
their humble submission beyond all hope,
gave them their lives and their libe<-ty ;
on their returning home, when they were
commending Cyrus, some for his person,
some for his power, some for his clem-
ency, Tygranes asked his v/ife, " What
thinkest thou of Cyrus ; is he not a
comely man, of majestic bearing?"
'•Truly," said she, "I know not what
manner of man he is ; 1 never looked on
him." "Why," said he, " Where were
thine eyes all the while ; upon whom
didst thou look ? " "I feed mine eyes,"
said she, " all the while, upon him
(meaning her husband) who in my hear-
ing, offered to Cyrus to lay down his
life for my ransom." Thus, if any
quesstion the devout soul, once indeed
LOOKING TOWARDS CHRIST. 4o
captivated by the world, but now, by
Christ her heavenly bridegroom, v/hether
she is not charmed with the riches,
pleasures and gayeties of the world ?
Her answer is, that her eyes and her
heart are now fixed on a nobler object,
even on hun who not only made an offer
like Tygranes, to die in her stead, but
actually laid down his life to ransom
her. As her dear bridegroom is now
in heaven, her looks are after him, and
she can esteem nothing on earth in
comparison with him.
EELIGIOUS DBVOTIOI-J.
To be almost a Christian, is to be the
subject of manifold vexations ; but to be
a Christian altogether, makes all easy
and pleasant. Such as desire to have
the whole of Christ's salvation, and all
■'ive themselves
44 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
«p to him, not only in part, but wholly,
according to that most reasonable rule,
" All for all.^ As far as we deny him
any thing-, we make ourselves unhappy ;
but the more we are resigned to him,
the more we are fit to enjoy him and his
spiritual blessings.
Many would easily be persuaded to
follow Christ, if it was allowed to serve
him by halves, and reserve some things
to themselves. But what would that
profit them ? Christ will not be bar-
gained with ; and nothing is more dan-
gerous than the dividing of our hearts
between him and the world, or waiting
from time to time for a more convenient
season. Thus you may live many years,
and be neither hot nor cold ; and so
at last be rejected by the Lord. Con-
sider this well, O ye double-minded and
lukewarm. Christianity requires great
striving and overcoming all things, even
our [most favorite and darling lusts.
RELIGIOUS DEVOTION. 45
Awake, therefore,to righteousness ; spare
yourselves no longer ; rise above the
trifles of this world ; fight the good fight
of faith, and lay hold on eternal life.
BISiKQlOTJB EFFORT.
" Stir up the gift of God which is in
thee."
How can this be done ? By looking
as well upon thy great poverty and
wants, as upon the riches of that grace
which is in Christ for thee, and so
drawing near to God through him in
faith. But it is not enough to do this
once for all, or now and then only. It
is to be thy daily work. One day's
omission may greatly injure the soul.
The morning hours are especially adap-
ted to this purpose. These must be
directly laid hold on to converse with
God in prayer, before we meddle with
46 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
any thing in our business, though ever
so needful and important; lest we be
entangled and distracted the whole day.
Pour out thy whole heart before God ;
not giving over too soon. Se instant in
thy supplications, till thy heart burn
within thee, and thou feel the quickening
influence of his grace and Spirit. Then
care is to be taken to preserve this
blessing and strength in a quiet and
well composed mind. Examine thyself
frequently, especially at night, how the
day has been spent.
DAY'S DUTIES.— Written 1595.
When first thy eyes unveil, give thy soul
leave
To do the like ; our bodies but forerun
The spirit's duty ; our hearts spread and
heave
Unto their God, as flowers do to the sun ;
Give him thy thoughts, then ; so shalt
thou keep
Him company all the day, and in him
sleep.
day's duties. 47
Yet never sleep the snn up ; prayer
should
Dawn Avith the day ; there are set awful
hours
'Twixt heaven and us ; the manna was
not good
After sun rising ;■ the far day sullies
flowers ;
Rise to prevent the sun — sleep doth sins
n-lul;,
And heaven's gate opens when the world
is shut.
Walk with thy fellow creatures ; note
the hush
And whispering amongst them; not a
sprig
Or leaf but hath this morning hymn;
each bush
And oak doth know " I am ;" canst thou
not sing ?
Oh, leave thy cares and follies ; go thy
way !
And thou art sure to prosper all the day.
Serve God before the world ; let Him
not go
Until thou hast a blessing ; then resign
The whole unto him — and remember who
43 CHRISTIAIV ORNAMENTS.
Prevailed by wrestling ere the sun did
shine ;
Pour oil upon the stones — weep for thy
sins —
Then journey on and have an eye to
heaven.
When the world's up, and every swarm
abroad,
Keep well thy temper — mix not with
each day ;
Despatch necessities — life hath a load
Which must be carried on, and safely
may;
Yet keep those cares without thee ; let
the heart
Be God's alone, and choose the better
part.
HUMILITY.
True Christians form a lowly esti-
mate of their spiritual attainments ;
accounting' themselves comparatively
barren trees in the plantation of God.
Hence, when they approach the last
HUMILITY. 49
tribunal, tliey will be ready to disclaim
those pretensions which even their Judge
will distinctly support. Matt. xxv. 37 —
39. The reason is, they are poor in
spirit, and are not satisfied with the fruits
which they have borne ; all that they
were ever tempted to pronounce excel-
lent in themselves, vanishes before the
perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ.
Grant, O Lord, that I may earnestly
seek to bring forth fruit, and may in-
crease in fruitfulness, as T grow in years,
and never cease from yielding fruit;
hereby proving myself t© be a tree of the
Lord's planting, whose leaf is green,
and whose branches are flourishing and
productive. Yet bless me also with
deep poverty of spirit, that 1 may ac-
knowledge myself still to be nothing,
having nothing of my own to glory in,
or to justify me, and thus may esteem
Christ my All, and vest upon him wholly.
50 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
roRaiVEFEss of nvrjuRiES.
It is not the prostration of an enemy,
but the forgiveness of hirn, that evinces
a divine filiation, and conducts to the
noblest victory. Our great exemplar of
righteousness, the purity of whose life
hauled the scrutiny of malice, and com-
pelled that blood-stained wretch, who
had often sported with the rights of
innocence, to exclaim, " I find no fault
in the man," how did he meet injuries,
and what was his demeanor towards his
enemies ?
Mark his entrance into JeruspJem, that
city blackened by crime and steeped in
the blood of martyrs. From the Mount
of Olives it opened to his view. At
which sad sight, he wept. "Wept not
over friends, but enemies ; enemies who
had rejected, vilified, persecuted him,
and v/ho were still waiting, with fiend-
like impatience,to wreak their vengeance
on his person, and quench their malice
FORGIVENESS OF INJURIES. 51
in his blood. Nor is this a solitary
instance of benignity. Trace his path
from Bethlehem to Calvary, and you will
find him every where meek, humble,
long-suffering'. Surrounded by adver-
saries, and called to meet calumny, and
even persecution, he supported his
matchless clemency to the end ; and left
the world, good above conception — great
beyond comparison.
From the toils and trials of a distress-
ing, but perfect life, follow this illustri-
ous personage to the place of deatli.
Approach his cross, and fix your attention
on the prodigies which signalize his
sufferings, and stamp divinity on his
martyrdom. Think not that I allnde to
the terrific drapery which, in that dread
hour, was flung around the great theatre
of nature. No 'tis not the darkened sun,
the bursting tombs, the quaking moun-
tains, or Ihe trembling world, that I
allude to ! These are indeed prodigies ;
52 CHRIS f IAN ORNAMENTS.
but these vanish before the still greater
prodigies of meekness, humility, and sin
forgiving goodness, displayed in the
dying Saviour. When I behold him
amidst the agonies of dissolving nature,
raising his dying eyes to heaven, and
forgetful of himself, interceding with
the God of mercy, with his last breathy
and from his very cross in behalf of those
v/retches whose insatiable malice had
fixed him thev<B — then it is that the
evidence of his claims rises to demon-
stration, and I feel the resistless force of
that impassioned exclamation which
burst from the lips of infidelity itself,,
" If Socrates died as a philosopher,
Jesus Christ died as a God."
And shall a worm covered with crimes,
and living on sufferance, in that same
world where the agonizing Saviour
uttered his dying supplication, and left
his dying example for imitation, shall
such a worm, tumid with resentment.
FORGIVENESS OF I]?rjUR.IES. 53
lift his proud crest to his fellow worm,
and incapable of mercy, talk of retribu--
tion? No, blessed Jesus, thy death is
an antidote to vengeance. At the foot
of thy cross, J meet mine enemies, I
forget their injuries, I bury my revenge,
and learn to forgive those who have done
me wrong, as 1 also hope to be forgi^V^en
of thee.
Forgive thy foes ; nor that alone,
Their evil deeds with good repay.
Fill those with joy who leave thee none,
And kiss the hand upraised to slay..
So does the fragrant sandal bow.
In meek forgiveness to its doom ;
And o'er the axe, at every blow,
Sheds in abundance rich perfume.
THE LORD'S PRAYEH.
Many say the Lord's prayer, who do
not pray it; they are afraid lest God
should hear them ; they do not desire
54 CHRISTIAN ORNAMEiNTS.
that God should say, Amen, though they
themselves will say so. They say, " Our
Father ;" but if he be their father, where
is his honor ? They say, '■ Which art
in heaven ; '' but if they believed it,
how durst they sin, as they do upon
earth ? They say, " Hallowed be thy
name ; " yet take God's name in vain.
They say, " Thy kingdom come ; " yet
oppose the coming of his kingdom.
They say, " Thy will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven ; " yet will not abide
their words, "for this is the will of God,
even their sanctification," but they want
none of that. They say, " Give us this
day our daily bread ; " yet regard not
the supply of their souls v?ith the bread
which came down from heaven. They
say, " Forgive us as we forgive others ; "
but alas, if God should take them at
their word, how miserable v/ould they
be, whose hearts burn v/ith malice and
revenge I They say, " Lead us not into
THE lord's prayer. 55
temptation ; " yet run into it. They say
" Deliver us from evil ; " and yet deliver
themselves to evil, and give up them-
selves "to fulfil the justs of the flesh."
Reader, how often hast thou been
guilty of such vain petitions and repeti-
tions ! Be not surprised, if thou prayest
in such a manner as this, that thou
receives t nothing.
CHEISTIAW REPROOF.
If thou rebukest others, and would'st
have them be like thee, thou oughtest to
examine thyself first, whether thy re-
proofs flow from a blind party-zeal,
impatience, and self-will, or from a true
principle of love; and whether thou art
also much in prayer for them, both before
and after. He who lays the long suf-
fering of the Son of God truly to heart,
and considers how gently that heavenly
4
56 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
Benefactor has treated him, and still
treats him, must needs be moderate
towards all men, and think, " If no one
else would bear with others, surely I
must." May the Lord give us all the
spirit of meekness, that we may exercise
forbearance and lenity to our fellow
beings.
MEEOY IN AFFLIOTIOIJ.
God is wonderful in all his doings,
and his ways are often past finding out ;
but on the review of his dealings with
us, we are compelled to acknowledge,
that even those which once seemed the
severest, were the fruit of mercy. There-
fore, when things take such a turn, that
we are quite at a stand and do not know
which way to go, Ave may believe that
the hand of the Lord is in it, and that
some ffood will arise out of it at last.
MERCY IN AFFLICTION. 57
Such reasons may serve to remind us of
the prediction, "He shall be called
Wonderful ;" and to encourage the
expectation, that he will show himself to
be our Counsellor, and mighty God also.
At first, every thing may seem to be
against us, and go quite contrary ; but
at last, we shall see plainly, that all the
disappointments of our corrupt nature
were intended to produce unspeakable
advantage. Though the ways of God
are marvellous, yet they are all capable
of an explanation that will demonstrate
them to be worthy of our highest praise.
While over life's dark varied plain,
Unheeding as we roam.
Through many a path of joy and pain,
God leads his children home.
And though sometimes, in prospect
viewed,
The winding way seems dark and rude ;
Ah! who the backward scene hath
scanned,
But blessed his Father's guiding hand.
58 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
THE SABBATH DAY.
Reader, I know not who, or what,
thou art ; but may the God of all grace
bless this meditation to thy soul. Per-
haps thou art a careless sinner, who to
this day, hast trifled with Sabbaths. O,
do not profane the Lord's day any more.
But if thou hast any value for thy soul,
attend upon his worship, and desire to
be " in the spirit " on his day. Perhaps
thou art punctual in outAvard services, —
so far is praise-worthy ; but awful is thy
mistake if thou makest any outward
service the ground of thy acceptance.
" In the Lord alone," says the enlight-
ened believer, " have I righteousness and
strength ;" and so wilt thou say if " in
the spirit." Or thou mayest have been
a splendid professor, but now a grievous
backslider. If haply once more thou
should'st be "in the spirit on the Lord's
day," thou wilt look to God for his
restoring influences.
THE SABBATH DAT. 59
If thou art a believer under sharp
trials, may'st thou be " in the spirit," that
so, "^hen tribulations abound, consola-
tions may abound also. If thou art a
believer walking close with God, rich in
knowledge and experience, thou wilt
wish to be " in the spirit," that grace may
be magnified, Jesus more loved, and his
name more honored.
Reader, whatever thou art, whether
master or servant, parent or child, if thou
wishest to be " in the spirit," and would
have thy temporal and spiritual concerns
prosper, make conscience ofkeepingthe
Sabbath day holy.
EXPSSENOE.
It is an important thing to know
assuredly, that the Scripture has such a
witness as experience, and that there is
a real correspondence betv/een the saints
60 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
and the word, between the believer and
Christ. What an empty thing would
religion be without a heartfelt knowl-
edge of its truth ! Experience is the
sure and secret mark whereby the Chris-
tian knows that the Scripture is of God,
and feels his own interest in Christ ; he
has been often raised from the depths of
gloom by the application of the word to
his heart. O what an excellent inter-
preter is experience ! Thus the serious
Christian obtains a view of the Scripture
and spiritual things, which the most
subtle and piercing eye of an unsanctiiied
schoolman cannot teach.
This cannot be found in books; it
confounds the wise and disputer of this
world, while the meanest and most
simple Christian understands it well, to
the satisfaction of his soul.
Reader, press after experience; live
not by hearsay, and upon the comforta
of others, but entreat the Lord to give
EXPERIENCE. 61
thee this inward testimony ; it will help
thee in fature trials ; it will remove
many of thy fears, make thy passage
through life easy and comfortable, and
be as a pledge of thy future glory.
THE EIBLE OUR GUIDE.
"Wherewithal shall a young man
cleanse his way ? By taking heed there-
to, according to thy word." " Open thou
mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous
things out of thy law." " Teach me, O,
Lord, the way of thy statutes, and I shall
keep it unto tiie end.'' " Thy word is a
lamp unto my feet and a light unto my
path." " Thy testimonies have I taken
as an heritage forever ; for they are the
rejoicing of my heart." " I have inclin-
ed my heart to perform thy statutes
always, even unto the end."
Neither the young, nor the old, can
62 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
walk uprightly witlioiit taking heed to
the word of God. If they depart from
that, they soon fail into error, and vicious
courses ; but, if they would make the
word their rule, they must read it care-
fully, and pray diligently for the aid of
the Holy Spirit. If David considered
his eyes as shut, how much more should
we consider ours too, and pray. Open
thou mine eyes. He who does not
fervently pray thus, is still blind ; even
though he should consider himself a
profound divine, and be esteemed by
others. Lord give me to see the wonders
both of thy law and gospel ; and turn my
feet from every crooked path. Let thy
commandments be always before me as
my guide, and enable me to choose the
narrow path of truth, and steadfastly
walk in it to the end.
APrEALS OF GOD. 63
APPEALS OF GOD.
" I AM the Lord thy God, which
teachest thee to profit, which leadest
thee by the way that thou shoal dst go.
O that thou hadst hearkened to my oom-
mandments I Then had thy peace been
as a river, and thy righteousness as the
waves of the sea." "Behold I stand
at the door and knock ; if any man hear
my voice and open the door, I will come
in to him, and will sup with him, and he
with me."
How often and how variously does
the Lord knock at the door of our hearts ;
by the voice of his word, of his Spn-it, or
of conscience ! But how seldom are Ave
inclined to give him the hearing ! We
are often so distracted with business or
pleasure, that we can hardly notice his
voice amidst the hurry and noise of
worldly things, and we are not at home
when he knocks, and seeks to take up
G4 CHUISTIAN ORNAMEiVTS.
his abode with us. Even now he is
knocking. Hearken to his voice and
open the door to him directly, since he
desires nothing from ns that is unrea-
sonable ; but intends to make our lieart
a glorious residence and banqueting
room of love, to fill it with heavenly-
treasure, and give us every thing along
with himself.
LOYS OF GOD.
O WOULD you be assured you love your
God,
Make him a God that must be loved of
need,
A God you cannot otherwise than love.
Throw off that yoke of joyless servitude,
That niggard balancing of right and
wrong,
Which fears to give too little or too much.
Doubt is not love — suspicion is not love !
Believe that he has known you, pitied
you,
LOVE OF GOD. 65
Taken you himself from prison and from
death,
SoLiglit and pursued you tlirough a world
of ill,
Restrained you, taught you, reared you
for his own.
Believe that he forgives you every sin,
Pays every debt, and cancels every
claim ;
Watches beside your pillow while you
sleep.
Supports you, leads you, guards you
when you wake.
And bids his angels know no better task,
Than to administer to you, his child :
And while in heaven's high mansion, he
prepares
The seat of royalty he bids you claim,
Arrays you in a vesture so divine —
Of holiness and goodness like his own —
That when the hour of just adjudgment
comes.
All may confess in you the heir of hea-
ven.
Believe the Lord your God is such an one,
And you must love him, even to your
soul.
6(3 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
SPIEITUAL DBADKESS.
If a man be naturally dead, though
the sun shine in his face, he sees not its
splendor, nor feels its worth. Offer him
rich presents, and he receives them not ;
he has no eye to see them, no heart to
desire them, and no hand to grasp them.
Thus it is with one that is spiritually
dead ; let the sunshine of the gospel
shine out ever so clearly, he sees it not,
because he is in darkness ; though he
live under plentiful means, and rich dis-
pensations, yet he is blind and poor ;
offer him the rich pearls of the gospel,
the rich treasures of grace in Christ
Jesus, yet he has no heart to them, no
hand of faith to lay hold upon them ; so
blind, stupid, and senseless is he, that
though these rich treasures, these graces,
the pearls of the gospel be conveyed to
him in earthen vessels, in a plain and
familiar manner, yet he does not, he
SPIRITUAL DEADNESS. 67
cannot apprehend them ; judgments do
not affright him, and mercies cannot
allure and persuade him. In the mean
time, this creature is all life in the
element of sin ; he loves it, he pleads for
it, he commits it with greediness. This
is St. Paul's account of the unconverted
Gentiles ; and how many such have we
under the Christian name ! O Lord,
exert thy great power, quicken all that
are thus dead in trespasses and sins ;
turn them from darkness unto light, and
from the power of Satan unto thine own
self. Amen.
WORLDLY PURSUITS.
The apostle says, " Let every man
abide in the same calling wherein he
was called." Most of the employments
of life are in their nature lawful ; and all
those that are so, may be made a sub-
68 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
stantial part of our duty to God, if we
engage in them only so far, and for such
ends as are suitable for beings that are
to live above the world. This is our only
measure of application to any worldly
business ; it must have no more of our
hands, our hearts, or our time than is -
consistent with a hearty, daily, careful!
preparation of ourselves for another life.
For, since all true Christians have re-
nounced this world to prepare themselves
by daily devotion for an eternal state of
quite another nature, they must look
upon worldly employments as upon
worldly wants and bodily infirmities — -
things not to be desired, but to be
cheerfully endured, till death and the
resurrection have carried us to an eternal
state of real happiness. A person's
being called into the kingdom of grace,
is not designed to make void the duties
that arise from his peculiar calling or
situation in life, but to enforce the prac-
"WORLDLY PURSUITS. ()9
tice of them in such a way as may be
most to the glory of God. He therefore
that does not consider the things of this
life as of little moment, or even nothing,
in comparison with the things that are
eternal, cannot be said either to feel or
believe the greatest truths of Christi-
anity.
A1'TTICIPATI0IS"S.
We sometimes stand on Pisgah's height,
And view tlie glorious, pleasant land.
Behold tliose boundless fields of light,
That stream of matchless, pure delight,
Flowing at God's right hand.
By faith we sometimes enter in
To that eternal, peaceful rest,
Where freed from sinning and from sin,
From want, from woe, from wandering,
Jesus' redeemed are blest.
70 CHR.ISTIA^' ORNAMENTS.
By faith we view the glittering throng
Of God's elect, salvation's heirs,
And hear them swell the choral song,
And think with joy, that we ere long
Shall join our notes to theirs.
Sweet visions these, that cheer our way,
And lead our weary spirits on ;
As sunbeams on a wintry day.
So bright, so beautiful are they,
But oh ! so quickly gone.
But faith shall shortly yield to sight.
And we shall gain that pleasant land,
Shall tread those boundless fields of light,
Drink of that stream of pure delight,
And near our Saviour stand.
To that eternal, peaceful rest,
And freed from sinning and from sin,
From want, from woe, from wandering.
With Christ the Lord be blest.
Soon shall we join that glittering throng
Of God's elect, salvation's heirs.
With them shall swell the choral song,
And through eternity prolono-,
Praise to our God, and theirs.
J
BIVISI07VS IN RELIGION, 71
DIVISIONS IN EELIGIOlXr.
Jars and divisions, wranglings and
prejudices, consume the growth, if not
the life of religion. These are those
waters of March that embitter our spir-
its, and quench the spirit of God. Uni-
ty and peace are said to be like the dew
of Heaven, and as the dew that descend-
ed upon Zion, when the Lord promised
his blessing. Divisions run religion in-
to briars and thorns, contentions and
parties. Divisions are in churches, like
wars in countries ; where war is, the
ground lieth waste and untilled ; none
take care of it. It is love that edifieth,
division pulleth down. Division is as
the north-east wind to fruits, which cau-
seth them to dwindle away to nothing ;
but when the storms are over, everything
begins to grow. When men are divi-
ded, they seldom speak the truth in love,
and then, no marvel, they grow not up
to Him in all things, which is the Head.
5
72 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
It is a sad presage of an approaching-
famine, as one well observes, not of wa-
ter, nor bread, but of hearing the word
of God, when the thin ears of corn de-
vour the full ones; when our controver-
sies about doubtful things, and things of
less moment, supplant our zeal for the
indispensable and practical things in re
ligion ; v/hich may give us cause to fear
that this will be the character by which
our age will be known to posterity, that
it was the age which talked of religion-
mosjt and loved it least.
CHEIST'S FJC4HTS0USnSSS.
Do we then, v/eak souls, tremble tO'
think of appearing before the dreadful
tribunal of the Almighty ? We know
Him indeed to be infinitely and inflex-
ibly just. We know his most pure eyes
cannot abide to behold sin ; and we
know wo have nothing" but sin- for him
Christ's righteousness. 73
to behold in us. Certainly were we to
appear before him, in the mere shape of
our own selves, we had reason to shake
and shiver, at the apprehension of that
terrible scene ; but now that our faith
assures us that we shall not otherwise
be presented to that awful Judge, than
as clothed with the robes of Clirist's
righteousness, how confident should we
be, thus decked with the garments of
our elder Brother to carry away a bles-
sing.
While, therefore, we are dejected
with the consciousness of our own vile-
ness, we have reason to lift up our heads
in the consciousness of that perfect
righteousness which Christ is made un-
to us, and we are made in him.
SPIRITUAL DIS0ESIO.CB]NrT.
Human wisdom is no competent judge
in spiritual things. You may as well try
74 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
metals on a brickbat, or judge of colors
by moon light, as of spiritual matters
by natural reason ; they are above it,
though not contrary to it ; nor will the
clearness of light without help in this
case ; high noon and midnight are both
alike to one that is born blind ; the light
of the sun, if seven-fold, would but daz-
zle the sight that is not adapted for it.
Divine things are not visible, but by an
organ suitably disposed ; in the want of
which the scripture itself is often per-
verted, and the letter of it set up, to ob-
literate its meaning. The very disci-
ples ef Christ knew not the scriptures,
but as he opened their understanding,
and shone into it, and enabled by this,
they looked upon and handled the word
of life as such. They beheld his glory
— the glory as of the only begotten Son
of the Father, while the Scribes with
all their endowments, saw no such thmg,
but counted him a deceiver, and one
SPIRITUAL DISCERNMEJVT. /O
possessed. The things of God, know-
eth no man, but the Spirit of God, and
he to whom the Spirit will reveal them ;
but the natural man (while such)receiv-
eth not the things of the Spirit, they are
foolishness to him.
THE SPIHITUAL LAW.
Say not the law divine
Is hidden from thee, or afar removed ;
That law within would shine,
If there its glorious light were sought
and loved.
Soar not on high
Nor ask who thence shall bring it down
to earth ;
That vaulted sky
Hath no sueh star, did'st thou but know
its worth.
Nor launch thy bark
In search thereof upon a shoreless sea,
Which has no ark.
No dove to bring this olive branch to
thee.
76 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
TJien do not roam
In search of that which wandering can-
not win ;
At home ! at home !
That word is placed, thy mouth, thy
heart within.
Oh ! seek it there,
Turn to its teachings v/ith devoted will ;
Watch unto prayer.
And in the power of failh this law fulfill.
RELIGIOUS FEELIK-a.
It is impossible for any, who have
not been spiritually quickened from
abo^e, to pant for God as a thirsty land ;
to grieve from a heartfelt sense of sin ;
and to be pained after a godly sort.
A good man of the last century, some-
where observes, that " He who cries out
I am dead, proves himself by that very
cry to be alive." Can a dead person
feel ? Can a dead man complain ? A
RELIGIOUS FEELI^G. 77
believer may lament his deadness, but he
cannot lament his death, without his lips
refuting themselves. There must be
spiritual life, or there can be no spiritu-
al sensibility, no spiritual motion, no
spiritual breathings. If the Lord had
not drawn you, you had not followed
hard after him. JMor could you say,
" The desire of ray soul is to thy name,"
unless Gods spirit had awakened that
desire in your heart. If you were not
truly converted, you v/ould not be so
anxious about the truth of your conver-
sion. It is not the untamed bird of prey
that pours its plaintive strain. No, it
is the dove that mourns ; it is the night-
ingale that sings with her breast against
a thorn.
TRUST IN GOD.
In che difficulties of life, we are prone
to double them, by taking all upon our-
78 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
selves ; we are not able in our own
might, properly to sustain or master the
least trouble, and our usual object in
trying- to get rid of it, is merely our own
ease ; too often we forget who sent it,
or for what it was sent, and hence we
neither glorify God in it nor reap as we
ought, any spiritual improvement for
ourselves. We never had a sorrow, nor
a temptation, but if we had brought it
to our God, we might have been the wi-
ser or the better for it ; our very s]ij)3
and falls, with this management of grace
would have made us stronger, and more
on our guard, for the time to come ; birt
we too often encounter trials in our own
strength, and especially if we think them
small ; and then our trials, even the
least, bring us down with grief and
shame. The sorrows of the believing
soul, in this respect, no unbeliever can
know ; the troubles of the believing-
mind are more from what tlie world
TRUST IN GOD. 79
cannot see, than from what it can. The
making- God our strength, or reposing
ourselves upon his holy arm, is no slight
business, but the hardest work in the
world ; it is easy to believe a matter
out of trial ; and so it is for people to
talk of storms, and shipwrecks, in a
warm room on shore ; but let evil spir-
its, or corruptions, blow like the winds ;
let the floods of ungodly men beat on
every side ; and if faith have not fixed
the house upon the rock, it will fall ;
there is but one support in tiie case, and
that support is at the foundation ; if this
be not right, all the rest will soon be
found wrong ; and even Avhere it is right,
the tempest is not pleasant, although the
soul is safe ; it may be shaken, although
it stand ; and so shaken, as to put the
trembling inhabitant in fear of his life.
Our Lord requires all his people to pray
" lead us not into temptation ; and wheth-
er we see it or not, there is a temptation
80 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS,
lurking in every thing. It is our duty
to pray in all circumstances, against the
temptations which attend them. If we
saw sometimes what temptations lay
disguised under our greatest blessings
and privileges, and even under our holiest
duties, we should be almost afraid to use
them; when we are alone we are beset
by them, and v/e are kept from being a
prey, only by a superior power. In com-
pany we have these and ether snares in
our way, and we have need repeatedly
to pray, "Lead us not into temptation."
In our nearest approaches to God, and
when our souls are most enlarged, we
are not beyond the reach of a snare, nor
able of ourselves to repel it; and we
are never safe but in him who is our
strength, and who alone can keep us by
his Almighty power, through faith, unto
salvation.
EXTRACT. 81
EXTEAOT.
A believer's affections are too of-
ten like a cascade, or waterfall, that
flows downward ; instead of being like
a fountain, which rises and shoots up-
ward, towards heaven.
GHAOE AITD GIFTS.
Great grace and small gifts, are
better than great gifts and small grace.
It is not said, the Lord gives gifts and
glor37- ; but the Lord gives ^race and
giorj". Blessed is such an one to whom
the Lord gives grace, for that is a certain
forerunner of glory.
DEATH.
Believers should not have a slavish
fear of death. Where is the infant that
is afraid to go to sleep in its nurse's
82 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
A MAN would not be sorry to be ejec-
ted from a cottage in order to his living
in a palace^; and yet how apt we are to
fear death, which to a child of God is
but the writ of ejectment that turns him
out of prison, and transmits him to his
apartments at court.
WANDERINGS FROM CHRIST.
As it is only with thee, O my Saviour,
that I can be happy, I would never leave
thee any more ; sooner than that I should
depart from thee, under whatever plau-
sible pretences, let my way be hedged
up, and let thorns grow all around me.
Let me quickly discover and crucify
every thing that would intercept the
manifestations of thy love, or diminish
mine. Never would I take one step|out
of the way which thou frequentest, lest
I bring on myself guilt and trouble. As
WANDERIIN'GS FROM CHRIST. 83
for the cross which thou imposest, 1 will
cheerfully bear it, and even bless thee
for the harden.
Glory be to thee, that thou hast not
given me up yet, and suffered me to run
into destruction in ray own Avays. Be
pleased to restrain me still ; and v.-hen-
Gver I am in danger from wandering
into the broad way, let me find no rest
till I am brought back, though it be
tlu'ough the briars ef affliction.
WOELDLnSTESS.
" AiiL thi'sgs are lawful for me, but J
will not be brought under the power of
any." — St. Paul.
Many who are well affected towards
religion, and receive instructions in piety
with pleasure and satisfaction, often
wonder why it is they make no greater
progress in that religion which they so
S4 CHRISTIAN OKNAMENTS.
much admire. Now the reason of it is,
because relicrjon lives only in their heads,
while something else has possession of
their hearts ; and therefore they continue
froai year to year, mere admirers and
praisers of piety, without ever coming
up to the reality and perfection of its
precepts. If it be. asked why religion
does not gain possession of their hearts ;
the answer is, not because they live in
gross sins, (for their regard to religion
preserves them from such disorders) but
because their hearts are constantly per-
verted, and kept in a bad state by the
wrong use of such things as are lawful ;
for our souls may receive very great
hurt, m.erely by the abuse of innocent
and lawful things, What is more inno-
cent than rest and retirement? Yet
what is more dangerous than sloth and
idleness ? What is more lawful than
eating and drinking ? Yet what is more
destructive of virtue than sensual indul-
WORLDLINESS.
g^ence ? Care in the management of
a family is certainly commendable. Yet
■what is more prejudicial than an anxious,
worldly temper? Reader, follow the
apostle, and be on thy guard, as it res-
pects even lawful things ; let them not
engage thee, beyond due measure.
" If ye call on the Father, who without
respect of persons, judgeth according to
every man's work, pass the time of your
sojurning here in fear." — St. Peter.
Reader, dcst thou believe that there
is a God, who will shortly judge thee for
every action thou hast done, and for ail
the secrets of thy bosom ? How then
canst thou meet thy Judge, unless thy
heart be changed and thy sins pardoned ?
There will be no opportunity of excusing,
dissembling, or escaping these. Begin,
therefore, in time to consider how thou
8d christian ounaments.
wilt appear before that judgment seat.
The door of mercy is yet open. Call
upon tlie Lord for repentance and par-
don, before the door shall be shut, and
thou be lost forever.
O God my inmost soul convert,
And deeply on my thoughtful heart
Eternal things impress.
Give me to feel tJieir solemn weight,
And tremble on the brink of fate,
And wake to righteousness.
Be this my one great business here,
With serious industry and fear,
My future bliss to insure.
Thine utmost council to fulfill,
And suffer all thy righteous will,
And to the end endure.
V/ORLDLY SBDUCTIOnS.
'^No man can serve two masters, for'
either he will hate the one and love the
other ; or else he will hold to the one
and despise the other. Ye cannot serve
God and mammon.''— Jesus Christ.
WORLDLY SEDUCTIONS* 87
Doth satan tempt thee, either by plea-
sures, tlignities, or profits ? O my soul,
stand upon thy guard ; gird on thy
strength with suck thoughts as these 5
What can the world profit me, if the
cares of it choke me? How can plea-
sures comfort me, if their sting poison
me ? Or what advancement is this, to
be triumphing in honor before the face
of men here, and to be trembling in
confusion before the throne of God,
hereafter? What are the delights of
the world, to the peace of my conscience,
or the joy that is in the Holy Spirit ?
What are the applauses of men to the
crown prepared by God ? Or what is
the gain of the world to the loss of my
soul ? The vanity of the creature is far
beneath the excellency of my soul; and
the things of time are not worthy to be
mentioned with the things of eternity.
Two masters of such opposite principles
as God and mammon, 1 cannot serve
6
CHRISTIAN ORNAr.IENTS.
Deign, blessed Lord, to employ me in
thy family, and at the same time engage
my whole heart, that I may admit no
rival to thyself, but seiTe thee eternally
and thee alone.
Thou seest my heart's desire
Still unto tliee is bent;
Still does my longing soul aspire
To an entire consent.
REWAEDS OF riSTY.
We are all naturally intent on present
gratifications. It is by no means suffi-
cient, therefore, to explain to us our duty
and enforce it by future rewards and
punishments. There must be pleasures
at hand, to outweigh the enticements of
sin, and outbid whatever that sorceress
can offer. The religion of Jesus adapts
itself to this prevalent feeling, — it brmgs
the Dossession of the best happiness
REWARDS OF PIETY. 89
here ; a rich foretaste in this Hfe of
heavenly glory. Salvation cometh of
the Lord to the sinner upon believing,
as an ample estate bequeathed to a
person in debt ; at once it alters his
whole condition, setting him free from
all he owes, supplies all his wants, gives
him rank and authority, to which before
he was a perfect stranger. Such blssed-
ness, in the pardon of all ray sins, in
access to God with confidence, in victory
over my spiritual enemies, give me, O
my God, to enjoy.
The hill of Zion yields
A thousand sacred sweets.
Before we reach the heavenly fields^
Or walk those o-olden streets.
90 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
THE HEAVENLY MUXTSTREL.
Enthroned upon a hill of light,
A heavenly minstrel sings ;
And sounds unutterably bright,
Spring. from the golden strings ;
Who would have thought so fair a form
Once bent beneath an earthly storm ?
Yet was he sad and lonely here ;
Of low and humble birth ;
And mingled, while in this dark spherOj
With meanest sons of earth ;
In spirit poor, in look forlorn.
The jest of mortals and the scorn.
A crown of heavenly radiance now,
A harp of golden strings
Glitters upon his deathless brow,
And to his hymn^note rings ;
The bower of interwoven light.
Seems, at the sound, to grow more bright.
Then, while with visage blank and sere,
The poor in soul we see,
Let us not think what he is here.
But what he soon will be ;
And look beyond this earthly night,
To crowns of gold and bowers of light
CAREFULNESS. 91
CAREFULNESS.
Some affirm that experienced Chris-
tians meet with no strong temptations,
and feel no evil suggestions from within,
and of course no striving against the
same ; but it is quite the contrary.
Young converts are engaged chiefly in
escaping from the outward pollutions of
the world, while those who are farther
advanced, find it necessary to strive
more immediately against their inward
and spiritual iniquities. Therefore take
heed to your spirit, though your mean-
ing be ever so good, and your assurance
ever so great. Be not high-minded, for
fear of falling. The least sin may,
unawares, and by degrees, draw tliee
into many others, so that thou mayest at
last be entangled in such a manner that
without great exertion, it will be impos-
sible to extricate thyself; therefore, be
not deceived ; fiee all occasions of sin.
92 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
Say not within thyself, "It is a light
thing, it only concerns outward things,
which do not belong to the essence of
Christianity." Such language betrays
a most unbecoming levity, or rather a
seared conscience. If we indulge any
degrees of improper conformity to the
world, we so far supply the enemy of
our souls vfith the means of ruining
them, and m.ay well fear that our latter
end will prove worse than the beginning.
REST IH JSSirS.
The needle in the mariner's compass
cannot rest till it points directly to the
pole. The wise men of the east followed
the course of the star which appeared
unto them ; and the star itself stood not
still till it came over the place illumina-
ted by that other star, which shone more
brightly in the manger, than the one in
REST IN JESUS. 93
the lirmament. Noah's dove could find
no rest for the sole of her foot all the
while she was fluttering over the flood,
till she returned with an olive branch in
her mouth. So the heart of the true
Christian can find no rest all the while
it is hovering- over the waters of this
world, till with the silvery wing-s of the
dove, and the olive branch of faith, it
flees to Jesus, the true Noah and rest of
our souls, who puts forth his hand out of
the ark and taking the dove in, receives
it to himself. In his presence, and in
communion with him, the believer finds
safety, strengtli, and the most exalted
joy.
JUDGMENT.
Many things now accounted indiffer-
ent, will, in the final day of investigation,
be condemned. Hence the necessity of
94 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
circumspeelioHy even where there is no
apparent danger. We can scarcely
consider our ways with too much atten-
tion, or scrutinize our hearts with too
much rigour. Under the presumption
that certain pursuits aiW amusements
are innocent, thousands advance in the
broad road to destruction. Conscience,
perhaps, interposes with a scruple, till
overborne by the suggestion that the
measure contemplated, unquestionably
agreeable, is also harmless ; to this the
heart, already attracted and engaged,
yields a willing consent, and thus guilt
steals in and ruin follows. O Lord,
grant that 1 may have a quick and clear
perception of right and wrong, and that
1 may revolt from the latter, however
pleasing to the flesh, and eagerly prose-
cute the former, at whatever cost and
hazard, so that my leaf may not wither,
and that whatsoever I do may prosper*
FORCE or CONSISTENCT. 95
FORCE OF COrTSISTEJSrCT.
When a man delineates religion not
so much as the result of study and rea-
soning-, as a matter of his own history ;
when he unfolds it with that inexpressi-
ble character of life and earnestness
which accompany truths drawn from
one's own bosom, he cannot be power-
less. There is nothing obscure or
unintelligible in the speech of such a
one. He presses earnestly towards his
object. His heart's desire is that his
hearers may be saved. The power of
that inward emotion he cannot conceal.
Chains cannot bind it. Mountains cannot
bury it. It thaws through the most icy
hab its. It b arsts from the lip. It speaks
from the eye. It modulates the tone.
It pervades the manner. It possesses
and controls the whole man. He is seen
to be in earnest
persuades.
96 CHRISTIAN OR.NAMENTS.
It is a most important service which
religion has rendered not only to tlie
eloquence of the pulpit, but to every
department of Christian literature, by
putting the faculties under the pressure
and power of a grand motive. The
heart of man must be pressed and well
nigh crushed before it v/ill give out its
wine and oil. " Wo is me," said Paul,
" if I preach not the gospel of Christ."
He who would preach with force and
effect, must subject himself to that
religious sense of responsibility, which
is alone competent to bring into action
every dormant faculty ; and bear about
with him the solemn and weighty reflec-
tion that he watches for souls as one
that must give an account. Whenever
the heart and conscience exert their
combined power in this direction, every
talent will be employed ; the whole man
is urged to full and efficient action.
Cast such a man into prison, and like
FORCE OF CONSISTENCY. 97
Bunyan, "ingenious dreamer," will he
describe the progress of the soul to God ;
confine hira to a bed of sickness, and
like Baxter will he sweetly muse and
write of the saint in heaven ; blind his
eyes in total night, and ' celestial light '
will shine inward, enabling him, like
Milton, to
see and tell
. Of things invisible to mortal sight.
Fetter him with chains, and in the very
presence of kings and governors, he will,
like Paul, reason about a judgment to
come ; nail him to the cross, his heart
will still palpitate with inextinguishable
love, and his latest breath will be spent,
like his Master's, in praying and speak-
nig for others' good.
STEADINESS IN SELIGION.
O MT blessed Saviour, enable me to
rest humbly and quietly in thee, avoiding
CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
all such novelties as might breed pre-
sumption,distractmy thoughts, and cause
my heart to swerve from thee. Who-
ever has tasted the sweetness of thy
word, will be satisfied with it ; and better
it is to improve in the life of faith and
power of godliness, than in new words,
forms and professions. May the Lord
quicken me by the truths that have been
established of old, and humble my heart
evermore, so that I may receive them
better, and abide in that which I have
heard from the beginning.
Novelty often proves the bane of souls,
and is always calculated to unsettle and
distract them. It is enough for the weak
and quiet to keep within the bounds
divinely prescribed, and effectually to
centre in God. How can those enjoy
true rest who from a vain curiosity to
know every thing, are continuaHy long-
ing to hear new doctrines ! Lord save
me from this mortal fluctuationj and
FORCE OF CONSISTENCY. 99
make me determined to know nothing
but Jesus Christ and him crucified.
THOUGHTS ON DEATH.
It is an awful and a solemn thing to
die ; and I am sometimes amazed at
myself, that seeing it is not only awful
but sure, I can be so void of reflection
or recollection, as 1 frequently am con-
cerning it.
Some talk bravely about death, and of
encountering it with great natural cour-
age, or upon high philosophical princi-
ples. These may, indeed, defy or meet
the sting ; but they can neitlier soften
nor take it away.
O eternity ! eternity ! It s fearful
indeed to burst the bonds of life, and to
break forth into the boundless and
unalterable regions of eternity ! Nature
in its senses cannot bear the shocking
100 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
reflection, which death affords, either of
being an everlasting nothing, as atheists
talk, or of enduring everlasting misery,
as sin deserves. It is grace only which
can inspire the heart with a hope full of
joy and immortality, that, v/hen this
brittle, transitory life is past, the soul ,
shall possess a being, happy and long as
th& days of heaven.
Through Jesus Christ alone is death
disarmed. When the Saviour speaks
peace and salvation through his cross
and righteousness, this last great enemy
is no more the king of terrors. He gives
up his fearful sting, and destroys nothing
about the Chrisian but sin.
O how sweet is the smile of that
Christian, who, dying in the body, feels
himself just upon living forever ! " He
is' not sick unto death, but unto life,"
indeed. He quits his cares, his sorrows,
his infirmities, and all that could distress
or distract his spirit here, and looks
THOUGHTS ON DEATH, 101
calmly into the state before him, where
he can meet with nothing but concord
and joy, in the society of the redeemed
and of his Saviour. He is weaned from
the earth, and therefore can part witii it
easily : he is fitted for heaven, and
tlierefore Icngs for it earnestly. He
cannot but desire that which is conge-
nial with his own renewed mind ; and
this can only truly and perfectly be found
in the regions of glory.
Lord, when I shall quit this clay, 1
know not, nor do 1 desire to know. It
will be sufScient for me, if thou sustain
me by thy grace now, and if I am
divinely assured that I shall be forever
with thee in the world to come. O that
this invincible "joy of. the Lord may
indeed be my strength," when I lie
down upon the bed of languishing and
death, waiting from moment to moment
for Christ, and for my dismission to be
with him.
102 CHRlStiAN ORNAMENTS.
Whence, at times, is the shuddering
S-eluctance I feel at the prospect of dying?
Surely, it is because my faith and hope
are not so Uvely as they are priyileged
to be ; it is because I do not so steadily
trust in the truthof those things which
my mind apprehends, and which 1 profess,
to be waiting- for. Earth is too real, and
heaven too unreal , or I cou d not thus
hesitate, or tremblingly stand on the
bank of the brook which keeps me from
the fruition of my God. The struggle
of my heart would not be for longer and
longer continuance here, if my spirit
were as firmly persuaded as it should be
of my inheritance and mansion in glory.
Thou, blessed Saviour of poor sinners
like me, on tbee, and thee alone, my
eyes are fixed. In the solemn, last hour
of my pilgrimage below, O let my eyes
of faith be yet more steadily and more
ardently fixed upon thee ! And do thou
in the tender compassion of thy heart,
THOUGHTS ON DEATH. 103
which can sympathise with all thy peo-
ple's woes, look down in my departing'
moments upon me. Soothe the pangs
of death with thy rich consolation and
care. Let me then see thee by pre-
cious faith, who to carnal sense art in-
visible, ready, willing, glad to receive
my soul ; and let me pour it forth, in an
ecstacy of praise and desire, as into the
bosom of everlasting love ! O my God,
thus to die would not be dying, but only
departing to live and be happy forever !
So true are thy gracious words, O my
Jesus, that " whosoever liveth and be-
lieveth in thee, shall never die " no, "he
shall never perish, but is passed from
death unto life, and shall live forever
more." Glory be to thee for this rich,
this invaluable promise ! Lord, I be-
lieve ; O help mine unbelief.
7
104 CHRISTIAN OR]NAMENTS.
EELIGIOUS ADVANCEMENT.
Many complain that though they will
not turn back, yet they have no poAver
to advance further. If this be thy case
my reader, remember that the enemy of
souls will discourage thee. But go thoa
on, praying, and venture evermore upon
the Lord. Consider how he awakened
thee at first, how often he has since
heard thy prayers, and assisted thee in
many hard struggles. Surely, he will
help thee now also. If that will not do,
begin, as it Avere, afresh ; acknowledge
thyself guilty, and as a great sinner,
plead for mercy, and be instant indium-
ble supplications ; looking at the same
time upon God as a reconciled Father
through Christ, who is Avillingto pardon
thee, and bless thee in spite of all thy
misery ; then thou wilt soon make a bet-
ter progress. To despair of our own
strength is good ; but v/e must never
RELIGIOUS ADVANCEMENT. 105
despair of the power of Christ, who is
risen from the dead, and will enable
thee to overcome with him at last
THOUGHTS ON ADVERSITY.
1. Judge nothing before the time.
When the end cometh, pass a judgment
on providential dispensations ; not before.
Psalm, cvii. 43, "Whoso is wise and
will observe these things, even they
shall understand the loving-kindness of
the Lord." David's haste might have
cost him dear. Psalm, cxvi. 11. "I said
in my haste, All men are liars." " Sam-
uel and all are liars, I shall never obtain
the kingdom ; I shall now perish by the
hand of Saul." It was well God did not
take him at his word, as he refused to
credit God. God works often above
means, sometimes without them: nay,
sometimes contrary to them : but it is a
1C6 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
settled rule with him, which every belie-
ver has faand true in experience, viz :
He led tliem forth by the right way,
that tliey might go to a city of habita-
tion. There may appear some flaws at
present, but tliere will be none in the
end , it will appear to be the right way.
Wherefore humble yourself in the sight
of the Lord, and he shall lift you up,
James, iv. 10. Humbling providences
are sweetest in the end, for they bring a
man to himself; and till a man be thor-
oughly emptied of self, he can never, as
he ought, improve Christ. What though
God bereave you of children, friends,
substance, health, Jill is well. There is
no empty, void space, but what he him-
self fills up. " Surely," says one, " he
dieth oft whose life is bound up in the
dying creature ; as oft as the creature
fails, his hope fails, his heart fails: when
the creature dieth, his hope giveth up
the ghost." He only lives an unchange-
THOUGHTS ON ADVERSITY. 107
able life, that by faith can live on an
unchangeable God.
2. Bring the promise and a promising"
God close together ; whatever be the
promise, consider He is faithful that hath
promised; all intervening difficulties
should be viewed in the light of the
promise. What is that ? Why, all
things are yours, and all things work
together for good. We need our crosses
as well as our comforts, x^re we through
many tribulations to enter the kingdom ?
Then we must have these tribulations
ere we possess it. Abraham, you have
heard, staggered not at the promise
through unbelief: he, against hope, be-
lieved in hope ; he left out all buts, and
whys, and ifs; he had God's word of
promise, and he knew God's arm of
power, and also that He was faithful
who had promised ; that is, enough :
but we shall never say All is vjell, till
Ged's promise and faithfulness are
108 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
brought closer together. Faith sets all
difficulties aside, removes them out of
the way, never considering them but in
the light of the promise.
3. Weigh your sins and your mercies
together, before you look at any of your
trials. Never think of your sufferings,
but at the same time think of your sins ;
afflictions will sit light where sin sits
heavy. You will find then, that you
have sinned away this comfort, and
over-loved the other blessings ; have
abused God's mercy, and stood in need
of his rod ; for he does not afflict wil-
lingly, nor grieve the children of men ;
whatever be the temptation or affliction,
there is no need of it ; and then, have
we no mercies under our strong tempta-
tions and sore trials ? The church, upon
consideration, found it thus. Lam. iii. 23.
Though God had written bitter things
against her in righteousness, " it is of
the Lord's mercies v/e are not consumed,
THOUGHTS ON ADVERSITY. 109
because his compassion fail not." No
trial is so grievous and bitter but it
might have been worse.
4. Be much in the actings of present
foith. Thou losest a child, a friend, a
husband, or wife ; but thou hast not lost
thy God. Psalm xciv. 19: "In the
multitude of my thoughts within me, thy
comforts delight my soul.'' " As much
confusion as 1 have within, I have com-
fort when I look above; my thoughts
are dark and doleful, intricate and per-
plexing, and there is a multitude of them
that break in upon me, as if they would
sw^allow me up; but thy comforts are
life and light, and delight to my soul ;
my thoughts do not sink me deep, but
thy comforts are a heaven to me." It is
well. God hath said, "Leave thy fath-
erless children, I will preserve them
ahve, and let thy widows trust in me."
Jer. xlix. 11. If they are God's care,
they shall be well provided for. He tha^
110 CHRISTIAN ORJN'AMENTS,
feedeth the ravens and clotheth the
lilies, will he be less kind and bountiful
to thee ? " The earth is the Lord's, and
the fullness thereof, the world, and they
that dwell therein." Psalm xxiv. 1 Every
heart is at God's disposal : rather than
his poor shall want bread, God will feed
them from their enemies table. You
have a certain promise ; God hath given
his word, and there is no exception to it.
Psalm xxxvii. 3 : " Trust in the I^ord and
do good ; so shalt thou dwell in the land,
and verily thou shalt be fed." I had
rather, (says one) have God's amen, his
verily, than a promise from all the princes
and potentates of the world ; if God has
said it, it shall be well. Be much then
in the actings of present faith ; believe
for this trial; believe to-day; put not off
till you see hoAv things will go ; that is
to know, not to trust. Faith brings
down general promises to a man's own
particular case and circumstances. " I
THOUGHTS ON ADVERSITY. Ill
will never leave thee nor forsake thee,"
Heb. xii. 5 : there is the promise : sajs
faith, " Lord I trust thee, I credit thee
upon that word of thine ; 1 am poor, but
the poor committeth himself to thee ; I
am a widow, and desolate as to outward
comforts, but I trust in God." The
Lord thy maker is thy husband ; and fear
not, nor be dismayed, for he will help
and uphold thee ; it is as easy for God
to help me in these distressing circum-
stances as in any other. Thou art the
Holy One of Israel, and all thy saints
have borne testimony to thy faithfulness
and truth. Lord, shall I be an excep-
tion? sure thou wilt not fail me; I feel
thou hast not; my cup is sweetened by
thy presence and love ; thou strength-
enest me with strength in my soul. I
will believe ; Lord, I do believe, help my
unbelief; it is well : Lord, it is well.
Present faith must be exercised when
present trials come ; and God, where he
112 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
gives a promise, gives faith also to lay-
hold of it.
5. Be frequent in thoughts of heaven,
your rest, your home, where all your
sorrows will have a full end. There
remaineth a rest for the people of God ;
every one of our sorrows takes off one
from the account ; we are one step the
nearer to glory ; the same trial is not to
come over again ; and " blessed are the
dead which die in the Lord, from hence-
forth ; yea, sailh the Spirit, for they rest
from their labors," Rev. xiv. 13. Chris-
tian ! you shall rest from your labors
soon : there is a heaven above, and the
hope of it comforts and delights you
here; it is well; it must be so : "In
thy presence there is fulness of joy, at
th}'' right hand there are pleasures for
evermore," Psalm xvi. 11: and heaven
will make you amends for every thing.
What a blessed reckoning Paul made !
and do not you account it so too ? Rom.
THOUGHTS ON ADVERSITY. 113
viii. 18 : "I reckon that the sufferings
of this present time are not worthy to he
compared with the glory which shall he
revealed in us." And you have them,
not all at once : God proportions your
day to your strength ; it is but here a
little, and there a little, as you are able
to bear it ; you have a wise and gracious
God, which orders and over-rules all that
concerns you ; hitherto he has done all
things well, and he will perfect that
which concerneth you.
These considerations are of use to
beget and keep alive in the Christian
this spirit of resignation.
Two cautions upon the whole, and I
have done.
Caution 1. Do not think this great
and sweet lesson is to be learned at once.
God teaches his children as you do
yours, little by little, somewhat this
week, and more the next ; somewhat by
this affliction, more by another : and as
114 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
our crosses, so neither do our comforts
come all at once ; the fruit of affliction
is not gathered presently. Heb. xii. 11 :
" Now no chastening for the present
seemeth to be joyous, but grievous ;
nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the
peaceable fruit of righteousness to them
that are exercised thereby." The fruit
is not gathered presently, it must have
a ripening time ; faith must be tried
before it will come out precious, as gold
does out of the fire. Do not expect to
learn this lesson at once. It is well.
Such knowledge and attainment is the
fruit of long experience and observation.
Caution 2. Do not expect, if you are
able to use the language in my text now,
that you shall do it v/ith the same ease
and comfort always. Abraham staggered
not at the promise of God through unbe-
lief, when he received the tidings of a
son : but it should seem afterwards he
doubted it.
THOUGHTS ON ADVERSITY. 115
My mountain stands strong, says Da-
vid ; but let God hide his face, and imme-
diately David is troubled. A Christian is
flesh as well as spirit. We hear not
only of Job's patience, but of his impa-
tience too. Observe it, we usually read
of the failure of the saints in that grace
for which they were the most eminent ;
the reason is this, to show that no man
is to be trusted in, no, not to trust him-
self, or his oAvn heart. A settled, even
frame of hope and trust, few Christians
maintain here. When we come to be
with God, we shall walk by sight; now
we walk hj faith ^ and this faith is often
weak, therefore the Christian's trust often
fails. But though moved he is, he shall
never be removed; though he fall, he
shall never fail ; this is the foundation
of every Christian's hope. O that it
were more the rejoicing of his hope.
May God the Spirit enable us so to do.
116 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
CHRISTIAN CONVERSATION.
If we are under obligation to promote
the temporal good of our neighbor, how-
much more the spiritual, by edifying
discourse ! But how often have we
occasion to remark that the children of
God seem at a loss for conversation, or
slide into unprofitable subjects. It would
be well for them if at such seasons they
were thus to appeal on high ; " O my
God, here I receive a guest, and having
nothing to set before him, I pray thee to
give what will prove wholesome food,
both for hira and myself." They would
often be indulged witli a gracious an-
swer ; and thus at once receive and
convey spiritual improvement.
BURDEN OF SIN.
It is a sure sign that a man is awa-
kened out of his sleep when he discovers
BURDEN OF SIN. 117
the error of his dream. In the drawing
up of water out of a deep well, so long
as the bucket is under deep water, we
feel not the weight of it ; but as soon as
it comes above water, it begins to hang
heavy on the hand ; and it a man dive
under the water, he feels not its weight,
though there maybe many tons of it over
his head ; whereas a small vessel full
of the same water, would be very bur-
densome to him, and make him soon grow
weary of it. In like manner, so long as
a man is overhead in sin, he is not sen-
sible of the weight of sm, it is not
troublesome to him ; but when he begins
to come out of that state of sin wherein
he lay and lived before, then sin begins
to hang heavy upon him, and he groans
under the weight thereof. So long as
sin is in the will, the proper seat of sin,
a man feels not the weight of it, but it is
sport and pastime to him to do evil. It
is, therefore, a sign chat sin is removed
118 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
out of its chair of state, when it becomes
burdensome to us ; and such a sense of
sin may well be considered as an entrance
into a state of grace.
Great God create my heart anew,
And form my spirit pure and true ;
O make me wise betimes to see
My danger and my remedy.
WORLDLY PLEASUHES.
If you were to see a man endeavor-
ing all his life, to satisfy his thirst, by
holding an empty cup to his mouth, you
would certainly despise his ignorance ;
but if you should see others of finer
understandings, ridiculing the dull sat-
isfaction of one cup, and thinking to sat-
isfy their thirst by a variety of gilt and
golden empty cups, would you think
that these were the wiser or happier, or
better employed, than the object of their
contempt ? Now this is all the difl'er-
WORLDLY PLEASURES, 119
ence that you can see in the various forms
of happiness caught at by the men of the
world. Let the wit, the great scholar,
the fine genius, the great statesman, the
man of the world, unite all their schemes
and they can only show you more and
various empty appearances of happiness;
give all the world into their hands, let
them cut and carve as they please, they
can only make a greater variety of emp-
ty cups ; for search as deep, and look as
far as you will, there is nothing greater
to be found, unless you look for it in wisr
dom and the laws of religion. Reader,
reflect upon the vanity of all who live
without godliness, that you may be ear-
nest at the throne of grace, to be turn-
ed from the creature, and seek for hap-
piness in the Creator,
120 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
CHRISTIAN ASSURANCE,
"Let him that thinketh he standeth,
take heed lest he fall."
He who stands fast in faith, and is of
a cheerful temper, must not magnify the
measure of his own faith, nor iinderval-,
ue that of weaker believers; such con-
duct would declare that he is even now
fallen into pride, and a contempt of his
brother ; therefore, however fast we may
seem to stand, let us be wary and watch-
ful. We are never so near a fall, as
when we grow self-oonfident. He who
knows the nature and power of tempta-
tions, will not discourage the weak, nor
insist too much upon particular enjoy-
ments and sensible assurances, which
are not the constant witness and marks
of faith. The Holy Spirit himself is
the earnest and seal of adoption ; who
is to be known, not only by this joy, but
all his other fruits and operations. To
CHRISTIAN ASSURANCE. 121
trust too much upon feeling-, disturbs
our peace, as soon as it is gone ; but to
rely upon the word preserves a settled
assurance.
THE WATER OF LIFE.
"The water that I shall give him,
shall be in him a well of water, spring-
ing up into everlasting life," said our
blessed Saviour to an early disciple.
This well being opened in us, it highly
concerns us to draw living water out of
it daily, by fervant prayer, and then it
will spring up freely. But reader, if
thou beginestto be slothful, and distract-
ed with worldly cares, not abiding close-
ly with Christ, nor calling diligently on
him, thy spirit soon will be dried up and
thou wilt scarcely be able with anxious
groans to draw a single drop from this
well. Therefore, take heed to thy spirit
1^2 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
and if thou desirest thine own comfort,
and God's glory, keep near the well's
mouth and drink thereof abundantly.
THE UNPROFITABLE SERVANT.
"Cast ye the unprofitable servant
into outer darkness ; there shall be weep-
ing and gnashing of teeth." Matt. 25,
30.
Look at this man to whom his Lord
had given one talent ; he could not bear
the thought of using his talent accor-
ding to the will of him from whom he
had it, and therefore he chose to make
himself happier in a way of his own.
" Lord," said he, " I knew thee that
thou wast a hard man, reaping where
thou hadst not sown, and gathering
where thou hadst not strewed." But
his lord having convicted him out of his
own mouth, despatched him with this
THE U^^PROFITABLE SER\ AIST. 123
sentence ; " Cast the unprofitable ser-
vant into outer darkness." Here you
see what this man secured by not acting
wholy according to his Lord's will. It
was according to his own account a life
of murmuring and discontent; "I knew
thee," said he, '• that thou wast a hard
man ;" it was a life of fear and apprehen-
sions. " 1 was," said he, " afraid ; " it
was a life of vain labors and fruitless
travels ; " I went," said he, " and hid
thy talent.'' And after having been
awhile the sport of foohsh passions, tor-
menting fears and fruitless labors, he is
rewarded with darkness, eternal weep-
ing, and gnashing of teeth. Look at
the man with his five talents. "Lord,
thou gavest me five talents, behold, I
have gained besides them five talents
more." Here you see a man wholly in-
tent on improving his talents ; his work
prospers in his hand, the blessing of five
becomes the blessing of ten talents;
124 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
and he is received with a " Well done
good and faithful servant; enter thou
into the joy of thy Lord."
EXTRACT.
If I ever arrive in heaven, I expect
to behold three wonders ; T shall see
some that I never expected to see there ;
some whom 1 expected would be there,
will not be there ; but the greatest won^-
der of all will be, that I myself am
there.
OLD AaE OF ARCHBISHOP LEIGHTON.
" To him," observes the biographer
of Archbishop Leighton, " death had
lost its sting," it was become a pleas-
ant theme, and gave occasion to some
of his most cheerful sayings. He would
OLD AGE OF BISHOP LEIGHTON. 125
compare the heavy load of clay with
which the soul is encumbered, to the
miry boots of which the traveller divests
himself on finishing his journey, and he
could not disguise his own wish, to be
speedily unclothed, instead of lingering
below, till his garments were worn out
and dropped off through age. In gen-
eral, his temper was serene rather than
gay ; but his nephew states, that if ev-
er it rose to an unusual pitch of vivaci-
ty, it Was when some illness attacked
him ; when from the shaking of the
prison doors, he was led to hope that
some of those brisk blasts would throw
them open, and give him the release he
coveted. Then he seemed to stand tip-
toe on the margin of eternity, in a de-
lightful amazement of spirit, eagerly
waiting the summons, and feeding his
soul with tlie prospect of immortal life
and glory. Sometimes, while contem-
plating his future resting place, he
136 CHillSTIAI* ORNAMENTS.
would break out in that noble apostro*
phe of pious George Herbert :
" O let me roost and nestle there,
Then of a sinner thou art rid
And 1 of hope and fear."
" Thus hath the prospect of speedily
having done with the world, and going
to be with Christ, which is far better,"
comforted the hearts of God's people
under their most overv/helming sorrows ;
and the same source of consolation
would prove equally abundant and effi-
cacious still, were the hearts and con-
versation of believers more in heaven.
But alisl alas ! this world is too much
the home of many of God's people.
They are too much engrossed with its
cares — too much occupied with its pur-
suits— too much facinated with its en-
joyments, too sanguine in their expecta-
tions of what it is calculated to yield
them ; and thus, what was intended to
animate and console them under tri-
OLD AGE OF BISHOP LEIGHTON. 127
al, (the shortness of their stay where
trial alone can reach them,) is converted
into a source of uneasiness and disqui-
et. Let us rouse ourselves from such
earthliness, let us have our conversa-
tion in heaven, from whence also we
look for the Saviour, and then, in the
deepest affliction, we may apply to our-
selves the words of the poet :
" Though long of winds and waves the
sport,
Condemned in wretchedness to roam,
Soon shalt thou reach a sheltering port,
A quiet home."
128 CHRISTIAN OUNAMENTS.
LIFE AI^-D DEATH.
O fear not thou to die !
Bat rather fear to live ; for life
lias thousand snares thy feet to try
By peril, pain and strife.
Brief is the work of death ;
But life ! the spirit shrinks to see
How full ere Heaven recalls the
breath,
The cup of woe may be.
O fear not thou to die !
No more to suffer or to sin ;
No snares without thy feet to try,
No traitor heart within.
But fear, O ! rather fear.
The gay, the light, the changeful
scene,
The flattering smiles that greet thee
here,
From heaven thy heart to wean.
Fear lest in evil hour, —
Thy pure and holy hope o'ercome
By clouds that in the horizen lower,
Thy spirit feel that gloom ;
LIFE AJs'D DEATH, 129
Which over earth and heaven,
The covering throws of fell des-
pair;
And deems itself the unforgiven,
Predestinated child of care.
O fear not thou to die !
To die and be that blessed one,
Who in the bright and beauteous sky,
May feel his conflict done —
May feel that never more
The tear of grief or shame shall
come,
For thousand wanderings from the
power
Who loved and called him home I
LOVE OF THE BRETHREN.
" By this shall all men know that ye
are my disciples, if ye love one another."
—St. John.
" God is love, and every one that lov-
eth is born of God ;" if we love one
another as brethren in Christ, and love
130 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
all saints as such, not because they are
of this or that party ; and if we love not
in word only, but in deed, and show the
truth of our love by works and labors of
love, this is a solid proof to ourselves
and to others, that we are real disciples
of Jesus. It is a clear testimony that
we have truly learned Christ and that
we have his spirit and his love shed
abroad in our hearts ; that we are of the
household faith and shall enjoy all the
privileges insured to the happy commu-
nity* This is a better evidence, and
more convincing to all around us, of what
we are, than all knowledge, gifts, attain-
ments and outward privileges whatever.
O God of love, cause me to love thee
and all thine, the poor, the weak, and the
feeble, as well as the strong ; for all are
thine.
BE CAREFUL FOR NOTHING. 131
BE CAEEFUL FOR NOTHING.
" How long shall I take counsel in my
soul, having sorrow in my heart daily."
" Be careful for nothing ; hut in every
thing by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving, let your requests be known
unto God." " Commit thy way unto the
Lord ; trust also in him, and he shall
sustain thee ; he shall never suffer the
righteous to be moved." "He hath
done wonderful things ; his counsels of
old are faithfulness and truth."
"Be careful for nothing," is a wall
against a thousand troubles. If, on the
other hand, we give way to care and
unbelief, they will spread their mischie-
vous effects through all our actions.
Therefore we ought while prosecutmg
our lawful engagements, to rely in all
things on the good promises and faith-
fulness of God ; firmly believing that he
will never fail to carry us through the
132 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
most difficult and intricate circumstances
though there should be ever so little
probability in our own eyes.
ATTRACTION TO G-OD.
Many and various are the ways the
Almighty takes in bringing his children
to himself, and to the knowledge of the
things which belong to their peace.
Sometimes he draws by the silken bands
of love ; sometimes by the knotted cords
of pain and sickness ; sometimes he
Urges them by the storm and tempest of
his broken law; sometimes, and most
effectually, by the display of their Re-
deemer's sacrifice. Reader, pray that
he may make thee sensible of the secret,
tender influence of his mercy. This
habit of praying is very needful, because
we are always in want ; and without
beipg instant and earnest, we cannot
ATTRACTIOJf TO GOD. 133
receive much. Therefore, it is not a
hard command, but a great benefit and
privilege if God should say, " Thou art
a poor child, always wanting something" ;
but thou mayest always pray to me and
I will always hear and assist, and draw
thee after me."
CONFIDBNOE IN GOD.
" Abraham against hope believed in
hope." Rom. 4, 18.
O my soul, thou hast not one single
promise only, like Abraham, but many
promises, and many patterns of faithful
believers before thee. It behooves thee
therefore, to rely with confidence upon
the word of God. And though the Lord
delay his help, and the evil seem to
grow worse and worse, be not v/eak, but
rather strong and rejoice ; since the
most glorious promises of God are g^n-
134 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
erally fulfilled in such a wondrous man-
ner, that he steps forth to save us, at a
time when there is the least appearance
of it. He commonly brings help in our
greatest extremity, that his finger may
plainly be seen in our deliverance. And
this method he chooses that we may not
trust in anything that we see or feel,
(as we are always apt to do) but only
upon his word, which we may depend
upon in every state.
FEAH OF MAINT.
How many people swell with pride
and vanity for such things as they would
not know how to value at all, but that
they are admired in the world ! How
fearful are many of having their houses
poorly furnished, or themselves meanly
clothed, lest the v/orld should make no
account of them ! How often would a
FEAR OF MAN. 135
man yield to the haughtiness and ill-na-
ture of others, and show a forbearing
temper, but that he dare not pass for
such a poor spirited man, in the opinion
of the world. Many a man would often
drop a resentment, and forgive an affront
but that he is afraid if he should, the
world would not forgive him. How ma-
ny wish to be real Christians and would
carefully practice christian temperance
and sobriety, were it not for the censure
which the Avorld passes upon such a life.
Others have frequent intentions of liv-
ing up to the rules of the christian reli-
gion, which they a^-e frightened from,
by considering what the world would
say of them. Thus does the impression
which we have received from living in
the world, enslave our minds, that we
dare not attempt to be excellent in the
sight of God and holy angels, fcr fear
of being little in the eyes of the work).
Reader, how is it uith thee? What
9
136 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
can the world do for thee in sickness,
death and judgment ? Make serious re-
flection upon this, with prayer to Goel;
and the snare of the world will be bro-
ken.
COVETOUSHSSS.
A CQVETODS man is called an idola--
ter, and has no part in the kingdom of
God ; but who believes that he is- covet-
ous ? The charge attaches to every one^
who is not content with what he has.-
O, reader, it i& fit that thou shouldst take
alarm. Get the covetous desires of thy
heart subdued, and keep disentangled
from worldly things ; for who knows
how soon thou must go out of this'
world and leave every thing behind ?
Withdraw thy heart from it, else thy
death will be very hard. The Christian's
motto iSj God is enough ; for he that has-
COVETOUSISESS. 137
God is content, and consequently al-
ways rich enough, even in poverty. He
must be a covetous man indeed, who has
not enongh, having God. O Lord make
me so free, by faith from the love of
earthly things, that I may equally praise
thee, whether thou be pleased to give
me som.ething, or take it av/ay from me;
and that I m.ay never covetously refuse
that to others, or to myself, which thou
hast given for my own and my neigh-
bor'd comfort.
EFFECTUAL PRAYER
What a condescending king we
have, who may always be approached;
You say, O that my coldness and indif-
ference v>'ould permit me to do it. But
are you sensible of your wants and mis-
eries ? Is not this backwardness of
which you complain, misery enough T
138' CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
Therefore you ought always to pray^
and' to pray most when you feel your-
self sinking into a worldly and torpid
frame. Arise, therefore, and pray ; the
jtrood spirit of God will assist you in it.
Encouraged by the promises of a prayer-
hearing God, and the special assistance-
of the Holy Spirit, in this work we must
even in the greatest conflicts not omit
to resist the temptations of the Devil,
Though we have sinned, we must not
refrain from prayer, for what can we do'
better? What can we do besides? If
we stop until we make ourselves worthy,
we shall never approach God. Lord,
grant me more of the spirit of prayer,
and let it never be extinguished in my
li^art.
In reference to this subject this ex-
hortation is given, us by the Psalmist ;.
*^pour out your heart before God."
What a diiferent view does this lively
text give us of praiji?ig\^ when oj)pos6d
EFFECTUAL PRATER. 139
to the usual expression of snyiwy our
pmiytrs ; saying what our books or our
parents teacli us ; or what we have long
been used to say, in a formal and cus-
tomary manner ! To pour out our hearts
is like emptying- a vessel of all its con-
tentP, so that nothing remains ; and what
a pleasing, awful, important thing must
this be! Whatever is in my heart, my
guilt or fears, my sins or sorrows, my
•cares or crosses, my wants, dangers,
weaknesses, temptations, darkness, and
ignorance, my doubts and anxieties re-
specting both body and soul, myself and
others, the church and the world ; every
thought tiiat arises relating either to
jjast, present or future — I have leave to
.empty myself of, to pour out my drops,
in a more copious stream, till not one
burden remains; and this not by myself,
or before men; (for what help can I get
from either ? )but before a God, both able
arid willing to relieve, and who will not
140 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
turn away from his creatures, when they
pour out their hearts before him, but will
iill them with his consolations, which
are neither few nor small. He can send
a Hannah away no longer sad ; can say,
son or daughter, bo of good cheer, thy
sins are forgiven thee ; and send an inr.
structor to an inqusirisg Cornelius to in-
form him what he must do. No avoii^
der then that real prayer is such a cor^
dial, when it is made before him who is
a Refuo-e for us.
WALSING- WITH GOB.
'" The Lord is not far from every one
of us, for in him we live and move and
have our being." St. Paul.
" Even the very hairs of your head
are all numbered." Jesus Christ.
Row close and tender the love which
Ihe Lord bears to his people ! Nothing
WALKING WITH GOD. 341
is so mean as to be overlooked by the
providence of God ; and scarcely any
thing is so minute as not to be capable
of either injuring or profiting the soul.
How sweet it is to observe the divine
footsteps, even in the least considerable
affairs, and to be satisfied that we can
trust every concern, in the divine hands.
O Lord, grant that I may never swerve
from thee, nor do any thing without
thee; but that ia going in and out, I
may always have respect to thy pres-
ence, as if T had to do with none but
thee. O that I could transact all my
affairs as if with thee alone ; and in all
places look npon Thee as my observer
and friend ! Let me carefully mark the
inward workings of thy grace and the
outward tokens of thy providence, so as
daily to have a true sense of thy gra-
cious presence in every thing, whether
more or less important ; and thereby to
be strengthened in faith, and kept in a,
142 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
composed state of mind ; considering
that nothing happens by mere chance,
but that all is wisely ordered by thy
providential care for our good ; firmly
believing that if any thing goes contra-
ry to expectation, some benefit will ac-
crue from it, if I be but patient and re-
signed.
DILIGENCE IW EELiaiON.
You are concerned for having no
more grace. What is the reason ? Per-
haps you are indolent, careless and un-
faithful. And though you have no war-
rant even for an hour to live, yet you
unreasonably suppose that you have
time enough ; therefore you are not se-
rious, diligent and fervent in prayer for
sufficient strength to be always prepar-
ed, and to have boldness in death. No
wonder, if you do not immediately re-
DILIGENCE IN RELIGION. l43
sist sin, that it grows strong', and you
are always weak and discouraged. And
how can you expect to receive more
grace, if you do not faithfully improve
what little you have ? If you would
but diligently and faithfully apply your-
self to the word and prayer, God would
certainly not be wanting on his part to
fulfil his promises, and give you enough.
It is well to be observed, that there is no
such thing as making any progress in
grace, and carrying our point, unless
we are mindful of ourselves, watching
and praying against all sins, and whatev-
er may be a hindrance on the one hand ;
and following with all diligence, that
which is good, and what may be a fur-
therance on the other. It is not enough
to use some^ we must use all diligence ;
and according as our grace is increased,
our diligence must increase also.
The hearts of men are not like their
clocks, which need, at most, to be wound
144 CHRISTIAN ORNAMEiNTTS.
up only once a day. Tiiey are liable to
become inactive, and to fall into disorder
every moment, and must therefore be
searched and excited without intermis-
sion. We should accompany all our
actions with prayer, strictly examining
the principles whence they flow, and
anxious that those principles should be
of the highest order. If we proceed
according to this rule, accepting every
monition from above, we ghall both avoid
many severe chastisements, and glorify
our Father who is in heaven. A Chris-
tian has daily his proper burden, like a
clock its w^eights, by which the flesh is
kept under, so that the spirit may rise.
Therefore when any trouble occurs, he
looks upon it as his weight for the day, to
stir him up to the exercise of prayer and
meditation on the word of God. O Lord,
grant that I may always bear thine easy
yoke, and never be the cause of my own
distress and dullness.
CONSTA^^T GRATITUDE. 145
CONSTANT GRATITUDE.
O Lord, how many are thine nnknoAvn
mercies ! I am surrounded with them
.on all sides ; yet how little do I observe
them and acknowledge them to thy
praise. IF thou hast punished even the
heathen for not having glorified thee in
thy works, what will become of me ?
Pardon, O Lord, this my blindness and
ingratitude ; and to all thine other mer-
cies, add a thankful heart, that I may
joyfully praise thee for the blessing of
my creation, the daily bounty of thy
providence, and the adorable gift of thy
Son. In all thy creatures may I see and
adore thine infinite power, wisdom, and
goodness ; and be thereby continually
strengthened in faith, and stirred up to
thy praise and love. Thus let me always
converse v/ith thee, adhere to thee, and
have uninterrupted communion with thee
that jiothing may in the least disturb this
146 CHRISTIAN OR^'AME^'TS.
disposition of my soul. O Lord, grant -
me this privilege for thy glory's sake. —
Amen.
GOD V7ITH us.
Reader, dost thou desire that in all
thy removals, God's presence may go
with thee ? That thou be not permitted
to stir, without the testimony that thou
art in the path of duty ? Art thou wait-
ing upon the Lord, earnest to serve him
in sincerity and truth, not being conform-
ed to this world, but transformed by the
renewing of thy mind, and desirous to
be numbered with his peculiar people ?
Then thou mayest expect the divine
blessing, and that thy way will be pros-
perous. It was a distinguishing privilege
of the Israelites that they were to " dwell
alone," and not be reckoned among the
nations ; and it is the privilege and duty
GOD WITH US. 147
of the spiritual Israel to be separate and
distinct from the world ; they are a
separate people in the love of God ; in
their election in Christ ; in the covenant
of g-race made with them in him ; in
effectual vocation ; in their being seated
with him at his right hand in the day of
judgment; and in their being with him
to all eternity. Nor are they reckoned
among the nations, but they are called
out of them; they do not reckon them-
selves to be of the world, but as pilgrims
and strangers in it. Lord, let my lot be
among thy separate people, the righteous,
both here and forevermore. Amen.
REST.
When God first made man,
Having a glass of blessings standing by,
Let us, said he, pour on him all we can ;
Let the world's riches, v\^hich dispersed
now lie
Contract into a span.
148
CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
So strength first made away,
Then beauty flowed, then wisdom, hon-
or, pleasure.
When ahnost all was out, God made a
stay.
Perceiving- that alone of all his treasure^
Rest at the bottom lay.
For, if 1 shoald, said He,
Bestow this jewel also, on my creature,-
He v/ould adore my gifts, instead of me,
And rest in nature, not the God of na-
ture.
So both would losers be.
Yet let him keep the rest.
But keep them with repining restless-
ness,
Let him be rich^ and weary, that at least,
If goodness lead Jiim not, yet weariness-
May toss him to my breast.
THE LAND NO MORTAL MAT KNOW. 149
THE LAIMD WHICH NO MORTAL MAY
SKOW.
Thong-h earth has full many a beautiful
5-^pot,
As the poet or painter may show ;
Yet m.ore lovely and beautiful, holy and
bright.
To the hopes of the heart, and the spirit's
^lad sight.
Is the land that no mortal may know.
There the crystalline stream, bursting
forth from the throne,
Flows on and forever will flow ;
Its waves, as they fall, are with melody
rife,
And its waters are sparkling with beauty
and life.
In the land where no mortal may know.
And there, on the margin, with leaves
- ever green,
With its fruits healing sickness and
wo,
The fair tree of life, in its glory and;
pride,
Is fed by the deep, inexhaustable tide,
Of the land which no mortal mav know.
150 CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS.
There the pale orb of night, and the pale
fountain of day
Nor beauty nor splendor bestow ;
But the presence ot Him, the unchang-
ing I AM!
And the holy, the pure, the immaculate
Lamb !
Light the land which no mortal may
know.
O I who but must pine, in this dark vale
of tears,
From its clouds and its shadows to go,
To walk in the light of the glory above,
And to share in the peace, the joy. and
the love.
Of the land which no mortal may know.
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