r 
 
 i THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY,! 
 
 I Princeton, N. J. | 
 
 f f 
 
 ^ From the PUBLISHER. ^ 
 
 BV 4531 .A23 1848 
 Waterbury, J. B. 1799-1876. 
 Advice to a young Christian 
 on the importance of aimin 
 

 m..0^ 
 
 /^:f^' 
 

ADVICE 
 
 TO 
 
 A YOUNG CHRISTIAN, 
 
 ON THE 
 
 IMPORTANCE OF AIMING 
 
 AT 
 
 AN ELEVATED STANDARD OF PIETY. 
 
 BY A VILLAGE PASTOR, 
 WITH *^ 
 
 AN INTRODUCTORY ESSAY, 
 
 BY THE REV. DR. ALEXANDER, OF PRINCETON, N. J, 
 
 " Feed my Lambs." 
 
 NEW YORK: 
 
 ROBERT CARTER, 58 CANAL STREET, 
 
 1848. 
 
Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1843, by 
 
 JOHN S. TAYLOR, 
 
 la the Clerk's office of the District Court of the 
 
 Southern District of New York. 
 
PREPACK 
 
 To the Lambs of Christ's flock, whom Peter 
 was enjoined by the Good Shepherd to feed, 
 I dedicate this little book. The letters which 
 compose it, were written to instruct one of 
 their number, the daughter of an highly valued 
 friend. Since they are now made public, it is 
 the ardent prayer of the Author, that they may 
 comfort and edify many more. 
 
 As revivals of Religion have become so fre 
 quent, and have embraced in their sanctifying 
 influence, so many youth of both sexes : these 
 letters are given to the public, with the hope, 
 that under God, they may stimulate such youth 
 to activity in the cause of Christ ; and awaken 
 a desire for those exalted spiritual attainments, 
 which it is their object to recommend. 
 
 The age in which we live, demands a high 
 
iV PREFACE. 
 
 standard jf Christian character. Any thing 
 which contributes to elevate it, must be useful. 
 
 In presenting this little volume, the Author 
 has no apologies to offer. Not that he suppo- 
 ses it free from defects, or impervious to the 
 shafts of criticism ; but because, if it is calcu- 
 lated to be useful, apologies are unnecessary ; if 
 it is not, none, however laboured or eloquent 
 can atone for so grand and radical a defect. 
 
ESSAY 
 
 ON TIIE NATURE OF VITAL PIETY ;— ITS SAMENESS IN 
 ALL AGES AND COUNTRIES— AND ITS VARIOUS ASPECTS 
 IN DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES. 
 
 True religion not only enlightens the under- 
 standing, but rectifies the affections of the heart. 
 All genuine feelings of piety are the effects of 
 divine truth. The variety and intensity of 
 these feelings depend on the different kinds of 
 truth, and the various aspects in which the same 
 truth is viewed ; and also, on the distinctness 
 and clearness with which it is presented to the 
 mind. In a state of moral perfection, truth 
 would rmiformly produce all those emotions 
 and affections which correspond with its na- 
 ture, without the aid of any superadded influ- 
 ence. That these effects are not ex["erienced, 
 by all who have the opportunity of knowing 
 the truth, is a strong evidence of human de- 
 pravity. In a state of moral depravity, the 
 mind is incapable alike, of perceiving and feel- 
 ing the beauty and excellence of di vine truth. 
 The dead neither see nor feel, and man is by 
 nature " dead in trespasses and sins." Hence 
 
the necessity of the agency of the Holy Spirit 
 to illuminate and regenerate the mind. The 
 nature of divine agency, in every case, is in- 
 scrutable by mortals. " The wind bloweth 
 where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound 
 thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, 
 or whither it goeth : so is every one that is 
 born of the Spirit." We know, however, that 
 the work of the Spirit, in the regeneration of 
 the heart, is adapted to the rational nature of 
 man. The thing to be accomplished is not the 
 creation of some new facility ; it is a moral re- 
 novation ; and all moral changes must be ef- 
 fected by understanding and choice. To put 
 the soul, therefore, in that state in which it will 
 rightly understand the truth, and cordially 
 choose the highest good, is the end of regene- 
 ration. Truth, therefore, must be the means 
 by which actual conversion to God takes place. 
 " Being born again, not of corruptible seed, 
 but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which 
 live-th and abideth for ever." " Of his own 
 will begat he us with the word of truth." 
 " Sanctify them through thy truth, thy word ia 
 truth." Although piety in the heart is the ef- 
 fect of a divine operation, yet all its exercises 
 take place agreeably to the common laws of 
 
* INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 7 
 
 our rational nature. The understanding is en- 
 lightened, the judgment is convinced, motives 
 operate on the will, and conscience approves 
 or disapproves. That the soul, in the exercises 
 of piety, is under the renovating influences of 
 the Holy Spirit, is not known by any con- 
 sciousness which it has of these divine opera- 
 tions, but by the eflTects produced in a change 
 of views and feelings; and this change is ascri- 
 bed to Ggd, because no other is able to produce 
 it : and his word assures us that he is its author. 
 Now, as all men are endowed with the same 
 natural susceptibilities, and as all Christians con- 
 template the same fundamental truths, the work 
 of grace in the hearts of all, must be substan- 
 tially the same. All have, by the knowledge 
 of the law, been convinced of sin ; have been 
 made to feel sorrow, shame, and compunction, 
 upon the recollection of their transgressions ; 
 and to submit to the justice of the sentence of 
 condemnation, which the law denounces against 
 them. All have been made sensible of their 
 own inability to save themselves, and under the 
 influence of these humbling and penitent feel- 
 ings, have been led to seek refuge in Jesus 
 Christ, as the only hope of their souls. This 
 plan of salvation appears glorious and suitable 
 
B DR. 
 
 to all believers ; so that they not only acqui 
 esce in it, as th i only method of salvation, but 
 they are so well pleased with it, that they would 
 not have another if they could. And, in the 
 acceptance of Christ as a complete Saviour, 
 there is, in every case, some experience of joy 
 and peace. Connected with the views which 
 the true believer has of Christ as a Saviour, 
 there is also a discovery, more or less clear, of 
 the glory of the divine attributes, especially of 
 those whichi are most conspicuously manifest- 
 ed in the cross of Christ. Holiness, justice, 
 mercy, and truth, shine, in the view of the sin- 
 cere convert, with a lustre surpassing all other 
 excellence ; and God is venerated and loved for 
 his own intrinsic excellence, as well as for 
 the rich benefits bestowed upon us. But, al- 
 though these views may be distinguished, yet 
 in experience, they are not separated. The 
 brightest discovery of divine excellence ever 
 made, is God's love io our miserable race. 
 The law of God is also viewed to be holy, just, 
 and good, by every regenerated soul. The un- 
 renewed heart never is, nor ever can be, recon- 
 ciled to the law ; " it is not subject to it, nor 
 indeed can be," but the " new man" delights 
 m the law of God, and would not have one pre- 
 
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. y 
 
 cept of it altered ; and while it coiideiiins all 
 his feelings and works as imperfect, he ap- 
 proves of it still, and blames himself for his 
 want of conformity to a rule so perfect. 
 
 Another thing in which the experience of all 
 Christians is uniform, is that they all are 
 brought to a deliberate purpose to be on the 
 Lord's side. On this point there is no hesitan- 
 cy. Many are affected, and much agitated with 
 religious impressions, and yet never come to a 
 full decision to choose God and his service* 
 They halt between two opinions, and have a di'^ 
 vided mind. Such persons, however lively 
 their feelings, are not yet tndy converted : all 
 true converts, after counting the cost, have set" 
 tied this point for ever. And they can say 
 with the Psalmist, "My heart is fixed, O God, 
 my heart is fixed." They are, therefore, pre- 
 pared now to comply with the terms of disci-^ 
 pleship laid down by Christ himself. They are 
 willing to "deny themselves, to take up their 
 cross, and follow him ; to forsake father and 
 mother, wife and children, houses and lands^ 
 yea also their own lives, for the sake of Him, 
 who gave himself for them." 
 
 Out of such views and feelings as have been 
 desciibed, arises, an ardent hungering and 
 
10 Dr. ALEXANDER'S 
 
 thirsting after righteousness, an intense desire 
 to know more of God, and to be admitted into 
 closer union and more intimate communion 
 with him. These habitual desires of the re- 
 newed soul, find their proper expression in 
 prayer, and lead to a patient and earnest wai-t- 
 ing Upon God in all the ordinances and means 
 of his appointment. True piety, however, does 
 not stop in mere desires, or in attendance on 
 religious duties ; it seeks to glorify God by ac- 
 tion. The earnest inquiry of every soul, in- 
 spired with the love of God, is, " Lord, what 
 wouldst thou have me to do ?" And wherever 
 there is piety towards God, there will exist be- 
 nevolence towards men. One of the most sen- 
 sible emotions of the young convert, is, " good- 
 will to men ;" a sincere desire of the welfkre 
 and eternal salvaiion of all, not even excepting 
 its most inveterate enemies. And towards the 
 children of God, there springs up a strong and 
 tender affection. Such seem to be brethren 
 indeed, because they are the brethren of Christ, 
 and bear something of his image, in the humi- 
 lity, meekness, and benevolence of their cha- 
 racter. In short, genuine piety disposes and 
 determines all who are its subjects, to obey and 
 respect all the commandments of God, and to 
 
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 11 
 
 hate and avoid all sin, according to that decla- 
 ration of David, "I esteem all thy precepts 
 concerning all things to be right, and hate eve- 
 ry false way." 
 
 In all the above-mentioned essential charac- 
 teristics of piety, there is a perfect sameness, 
 in the exercises of all true Christians. The 
 same impression has been made on every re- 
 newed heart, and the only difference is, that it 
 is imprinted more deeply on some, than others; 
 but still, the characters are identical ; and, 
 therefore, the evidences of a work of grace, 
 contained in the Holy Scriptures, are equally 
 applicable to all persons who have been brought 
 from darkness to light. There often is, more- 
 over, a striking resemblance in those accompa- 
 nying exercises and circumstances, which are 
 not essential. Awakened sinners are liable to 
 the same erroneous conceptions, and usually 
 fall into the same mistakes. They are all prone 
 to think, that by reforming their lives they can 
 restore themselves to the favour of God. They 
 commonly apply to the works of the law for 
 relief, in the first instance ; and when driven 
 from this false refuge, by a clearer view of the 
 spirituality and extent of the law, and the depth 
 of their own depravity, they are apt to give up 
 
13 
 
 all for lost, and seriously to conclude that there 
 is no hope in their case. They are all prone 
 to misapprehend the nature of the gospel : of 
 its freeness they can at first form no concep- 
 tion ; and, therefore, they think it necessary to 
 come with some price in their hands — to ob- 
 tain some kind of preparation or fitness, before 
 they venture to come to Christ. And when it 
 is clear that no moral fitness can be obtained, 
 until they apply to him, this legal spirit will 
 lead the soul under conviction to think, that 
 very deep and pungent distress will recommend 
 it to Christ; and thus many are found seeking 
 and praying for a more deep and alarming im- 
 pression of their sin and danger. It is also 
 very common to place undue dependence on 
 particular means ; especially on such as have 
 been much blessed to others. Anxious souls 
 are prone to think, that in reading some parti- 
 cular book, or in hearing some successful 
 preacher, they will receive the grace of God 
 which bringeth salvation ; in which expectation 
 they are always disappointed, and are brought 
 at last to feel that they are entirely dependent 
 on sovereign grace ; and that they can do no- 
 thing to obtain that grace. Before, they were 
 like a drowning man catching at every thing 
 
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. IS 
 
 which seemed to promise support ; but now* 
 they are like a man who feels that he has no 
 support, but is actually sinking. Their cry, 
 therefore, is now truly a cry for mercy, " God 
 be merciful unto me a sinner !'* " Lord save, 
 I perish !" And it has often been proverbially 
 said, " Man's extremity is God's opportunity," 
 which is commonly realized by the soul cut off 
 from all dependence on itself — the arm of the 
 Lord is stretched forth to preserve it from sink- 
 ing ; the Saviour's voice of love and mercy is 
 heard ; light breaks in upon the soul, and it 
 finds itself embraced in the arms of the Sa- 
 viour ; and so wonderful is the transition, that 
 it can scarcely trust to its own experience. 
 
 This similarity of feelings in the experience 
 of the pious has often been remarked, and has 
 been justly considered a strong evidence of the 
 divine origin of experimental religion: for how, 
 otherwise, can this uniformity of the views and 
 feelings of the pious, in all ages and countries, 
 be accounted for ? Enthusiasm assumes a thou- 
 sand different shapes and hues, and is marked 
 by no uniform characteristics; but scriptural 
 piety is the same now, as in the days of David 
 and Asaph ; the same, as when Paul lived ; the 
 same, as experienced by the pious fathers of 
 2 
 
14 DR. iLiiXANDER'S 
 
 the Christian church ; the same, as described by 
 the Reformers, by the PuritanSj and by the 
 evangelical preachers and writers of the present 
 day. When tlie gospel takes effect on any 
 of the heathen, although it is certain that they 
 never had the opportunity of learning any 
 thing of this kind from others, yet we find 
 them expressing the same feelings which are 
 common to other Christians. Persons from dif- 
 ferent quarters of the globe, whose Vernacular 
 tongue is entirely different, yet speak the same 
 language in religion. Members of churches, 
 which hold no communion ; and which, 
 perhaps, view each other, when at a distance, 
 as heretics, often, when brought together, re- 
 cognize in one another dear brethren, who are 
 of one mind in their religious experience. 
 
 The late eminently pious and learned theo- 
 logian, the Rev. Dr. Livingston, related to me, 
 not many years before his decease, a pleasant 
 anecdote, which will serve to illustrate the 
 point under consideration ; and which I com* 
 municate to the public the more willingly, be- 
 cause I do not know that he has left any record 
 of it behind him. While a student at the uni- 
 versity of Utrecht, a number of pious persons, 
 from the town and from among the students^ 
 
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 15 
 
 were accustomed to meet for free conversation 
 on experimental religion, and for prayer and 
 praise, in a social capacity. On one of these 
 occasions, when the similarity of the exercises 
 of the pious, in all countries and ages, was the 
 subject of conversation, it was remarked by 
 one of the company, that there was then pre- 
 sent a representative from each of the four 
 quarters of the world. These were Dr. Living- 
 ston from America, a young man from the 
 Cape of Good Hope in Africa, another student 
 from one of the Dutch possessions in the East 
 Indies, and many natives of Europe of course. 
 It was therefore proposed, that at the next 
 meeting, the three young gentlemen first re- 
 ferred to, together with an eminently pious 
 young nobleman of Holland, should each give 
 a particular narrative of the rise and progress 
 of the work of grace in his own soul. The 
 proposal was. universally acceptable; and ac- 
 cordingly, a narrative was heard from a native 
 of each of the four quarters of the gloUe — of 
 their views and feelings, of their trials and 
 temptations, &c. The result was highly grqi- 
 tifying to all present ; and I think Dr. Livings 
 ston said, that it was generally admitted by 
 those present, that they had never before wit' 
 
16 DR. Alexander's 
 
 nessed so interesting a scene. And since I ha\ 3 
 taken the liberty of mentioning the name of 
 that venerable and distinguished theologian, I 
 beg leave to add, that I have never seen a man 
 who appeared to love vital piety more, or to 
 understand its nature better. 
 
 But the identity of religious feeling which 
 has been described above, is consistent with a 
 great variety in many of the accompanying 
 circumstances. Indeed, it seems probable, that 
 each individual Christian has something dis- 
 tinctly characteristic in his own case ; so that 
 there exists, at least, as much difference in the 
 peculiar features of the inner as of the outward 
 man. The causes of this diversity are mani- 
 fold ; as first, the different degrees of grace re- 
 ceived, in the commencement of the divine 
 life ; secondly, the extent to which they have 
 respectively run in sin, and the suddenness, or 
 gradual nature of their change ; thirdly, the 
 degree of religious knowledge which is possess- 
 ed ; and finally, no small diversity arises from 
 the various constitutional temperaments of dif- 
 ferent persons, which must have a powerful ef- 
 fect in giving complexion to the exercises ol 
 religion. To all which may be added, the man- 
 ner in which persons under religious impres- 
 
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 17 
 
 sions are treated by their spiritual guides ; and 
 especially the manner in which the gospel is 
 preached to them. 
 
 It has been remarked by men of exact obser- 
 vation, that particular revivals of religion are 
 often marked by something peculiar in the ex- 
 ercises, and in the spirit of those who are the 
 subjects of them. In some revivals, convic- 
 tions are more pungent and awful, or continued 
 for a longer time, than in others ; and the eon- 
 verts, in some revivals, appear to acquire a 
 much deeper and more abiding impression of 
 the reality and glory of divine things, and are 
 evidently more under the constraining influ- 
 ence of the love of Christ, than is observable in 
 other cases. These are subjects which deserve a 
 careful investigation ; and as revivals are increa- 
 sing in frequency and extent in our churches ; 
 and as different modes of conducting them 
 are in use, it is highly important, that some man 
 of deep experience, and sober, impartial judg- 
 ment, should make observations extensively, 
 and communicate them to the religious public; 
 which is, in many places, perplexed and dis- 
 tracted, with the different methods of treatment 
 recommended by different persons, and differ- 
 ent parties. It may, however, be laid down as 
 
18 DR. Alexander's 
 
 a sound maxim, that in proportion as the truth 
 of God is clearly brought to view, and faithful- 
 ly applied to the heart and conscience, the good 
 effects will be manifest. Erroneous opinions, 
 although mingled with the essential truths of 
 the gospel, will ever tend to mar the work of 
 God. The good produced on any individual, 
 or on a society, must not be judged of by the 
 violence of the feelings excited, but by their 
 character. Men may be consumed by a fiery 
 zeal, and yet exhibit little of the meekness, hu- 
 mility, and sweet benevolence of Jesus. Greac 
 pretenders and high professors may be proud, 
 arrogant, and censorious. When these are the 
 effects, we may, without fear, declare, " that 
 they knoAV not what manner of spirit they are 
 of" Any religion, however corrupt, may have 
 its zealots ; but true Christianity consists in the 
 fruits of the Spirit, which are " love, joy, peace, 
 long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 
 meekness, temperance." 
 
 Piety seems also to assume an aspect some- 
 what different, in different ages and periods of 
 the church. There is in human nature a strong 
 tendency to run to extremes ; and from one ex- 
 treme, immediately to the opposite. And as 
 the imperfections of our nature mingle with 
 
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 19 
 
 every thing which we touch, so piety itself is 
 not exempt from the influence of the tendency 
 above mentioned. In one age, or in one reli- 
 gious community, the leaning is to enthusiasm : 
 in another, to superstition. At one time, reli- 
 gion is made to assume a severe and gloomy 
 aspect ; the conscience is morbidly scrupulous ; 
 things indifferent are viewed as sins ; and hu- 
 man infirmities are magnified into crimes. At 
 such times, all cheerfulness is proscribed ; and 
 the Christian whom nature prompts to smile, 
 feels a check from the monitor within. This 
 alloy of genuine piety is also often connected 
 with bigotry and censoriousness. Now, when 
 true religion is disfigured by such defects, it 
 appears befor€ the world to great disadvantage. 
 Men of the world form their opinions of the 
 nature of piety, from what they observe in its 
 professors ; and from such an exhibition of it 
 as we have described, they often take up preju- 
 dices, which are never removed. There is, 
 however, an opposite extreme, not less dange- 
 rous and injurious than this. When professors 
 of religion conform to the world, so far that no 
 clear distinction can be observed between the 
 Christian and the worldling. If the former 
 
20 DR. 
 
 error drives men away from religion, as a sour 
 and miserable thing, this leads them to the opi- 
 nion, that Christians are actuated by the same 
 principles as they are ; and therefore they con- 
 clude that no great change of their character 
 is necessary. It is sometimes alleged by pro- 
 fessors who thus accommodate themselves to 
 the fashions and amusements of the world, that 
 they hope by this means to render religion at- 
 tractive, and thus gain over to piety those who 
 neglect it ; but this is a weak pretext, for such 
 conformity always tends to confirm people in 
 their carelessness. When they see professors 
 at the theatre, or figuring in the ball-room, 
 their conclusion either is, that there is no reali- 
 ty in vital piety, or that these professors act 
 inconsistently. 
 
 The religious habits of some serious profes- 
 sors of religion, are adapted to make a very 
 unfavourable impression on the minds of sen- 
 sible men. They assume a demure and sanc- 
 timonious air, and speak in an affected and 
 drawling tone ; often sighing, and lifting up 
 t?ieir eyes, and giving audible utterance to their 
 ejaculations. Now these persons may be, and 
 I doubt not, often are, truly pious ; but the im- 
 
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 21 
 
 pression made on most minds, by this affecta- 
 tion of religious solemnity, is, that they are 
 hypocrites, who aim at being thought uncom- 
 monly devout. It appears to me, that religion 
 never appears so lovely, as when she wears the 
 dress of perfect simplicity. We ought not, 
 indeed, to be ashamed of our religion, before 
 the world ; but it behooves us to be very care- 
 ful, not to give to others an unfavourable opi- 
 nion of serious piety. The rule is, " Let your 
 light 6*0 shine that others seeing your good 
 works may glorify your Father, who is in hea- 
 ven." " Let not your good be evil spoken of." 
 But the aspect and character of the piety of 
 one age, may differ from that of another, more 
 from the peculiar circumstances in which Chris- 
 tians are placed, than from the prevalence of 
 erroneous views or incorrect habits. In one 
 age, vital piety seeks retirement, and runs in 
 hidden channels. At such a time, the attention 
 of Christians is turned chiefly on themselves. 
 Much time is devoted to devotional exercises ; 
 often whole days. The secret recesses of the 
 heart are explored with diligence and rigour ; 
 in-dwelling sin is detected in its multiform ap- 
 pearances, and is mortified with invincible re- 
 
X» DR. ALEXANDER S 
 
 solution ; the various means of personal growth 
 in grace are studied, and used with persevering 
 assiduity ; and much useful knowledge of the 
 nature of the spiritual life in the soul is acqui- 
 red. But while vital piety is thus carefully 
 cultivated, and the attention is earnestly turned 
 to the exercises of the heart, there may be very 
 little display of active, enlarged benevolence ; 
 there may be few vigorous efforts made to 
 meliorate the condition of the multitudes pe- 
 rishing in sin. Under the influence of these de- 
 fective views of the nature of religion, many 
 pious persons, in the early ages of Christiani- 
 ty, withdrew entirely from the world, and lived 
 in the wilderness ; which mistake occasioned 
 innumerable evils to the church, the effects of 
 which are not yet obliterated. 
 
 The spirit of piety among the Reformers, 
 seems to Lave been pure and vigorous, but not 
 as expansive as it might have been. They seem 
 scarcely to have thought of the hundreds of 
 millions of heathen in the world ; and of course, 
 made no efforts to extend the knowledge of sal- 
 vation to them. Indeed, they were so much 
 occupied at home, in contending for the faith 
 against the Romanists, that they had little tim@ 
 
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY* 23 
 
 left for benevolent enterprises at a distance ; 
 but if that zeal which was worse than wasted 
 in controversy with one another, had been di- 
 rected to the conversion of the heathen, their 
 usefulness would have been far greater than it 
 was. 
 
 The Puritans also, although profoundly ac- 
 quainted with experimental religion, seemed to 
 have confined their attention too exclusively to 
 themselves. Their ministers were, it is true, 
 silenced, and driven into corners and into exile, 
 by an ungrateful and tyrannical government ; 
 but it seems wonderful to us, that when pre- 
 vented from preaching the gospel to their own 
 countrymen, they did not turn to the gentiles. 
 But the era of missions had not yet arrived, 
 and probably they had but small opportunity, in 
 their persecuted state, of uniting their counsels 
 or combining their energies in schemes of dis- 
 tant benevolence. One thing, however, is now 
 manifest, that the providence of God over- 
 ruled the retirement and leisure of those godly 
 ministers, who were ejected from their charges, 
 so as to render their labours more useful to the 
 church, than if they had been permitted to 
 spend their lives in preaching the gospel ; for. 
 
84 DR. ALEXANDER S 
 
 "when deprived of the Hberty of employing 
 their tongues, they betook themselves to their 
 pens, and they have left to the church such a 
 body of practical and casuistical theology, as 
 all ages before or since, cannot equal. I have 
 no doubt, that such men as Owen, Baxter, Fla- 
 vel, Bunyan, Goodwin, Manton, Howe, and 
 Bates, have effected much more good by their 
 practical writings, than they could possibly 
 have done by their preaching, supposing them 
 to have been ever so successful. 
 
 But our lot is cast in a different age, and in a 
 different state of the church. After a long slum- 
 ber, the attention of Christians has been arous- 
 ed to consider the perishing condition of the 
 heathen. We live in a period when great de- 
 signs are entertained, and plans formed for the 
 conversion of the whole world, — when one 
 benevolent enterprise or institution follo^^s an- 
 other in rapid succession, until the Christian 
 community begins to exhibit an entirely new 
 aspect, from what it did within our own rem.em- 
 brance. Christians have begun to feel, that by 
 a combination of effort, they have power tc 
 accomplish much. The public attention is kep^ 
 awpke by the frequent recurrence of miblic 
 
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 3& 
 
 meetings of an interesting kind, and by that 
 more potent engine, the wide circulation of re- 
 ligious PERIODICALS, by which, interesting in- 
 telHgence is conveyed to almost every corner 
 of our extensive country. The duty of Chris- 
 tians to be active is now inculcated, in almost 
 every form ; tracts are multiplied ; the scrip- 
 tures are circulated ; the young and ignorant 
 are instructed, by new methods ; and many are 
 found running to and fro to promote the pro- 
 pagation of evangelical truth. Revivals of re- 
 ligion also are exerting a mighty influence on 
 the church. The number of serious Christians 
 i-s vastly increased ; and many youth are brought 
 forward to a course of preparation for the gos- 
 pel ministry. A spirit of liberality also is wit- 
 nessed, unknown to our fathers ; and the duty 
 of consecrating to the Lord, a reasonable pro- 
 portion of all their increase, is beginning to be 
 extensively felt among serious Christians. And 
 such is the spirit of enterprise, that no under- 
 taking appears too arduous, which has for its 
 object the advancement of the Redeemer's 
 kingdom : and such is the favour of heaven 
 towards benevolent enterprises in our day, that 
 scarcely one has failed of accomplishing some 
 3 
 
126 DR. Alexander's 
 
 good ", and although the schemes of benevo- 
 lence are so various and so multiplied, yet 
 there has occurred no sensible interference of 
 one with another. As they all aim at the same 
 object, so they are all viewed as parts of the 
 same great system of operations. Now, in all 
 these favourable appearances and benevolent 
 exertions, every pious heart must and will 
 rejoice. 
 
 But is there no danger, that many who feel 
 interested in the operations of the day, and 
 contribute to their advancement, should'be mis* 
 taken as to their true spiritual condition? When 
 a powerful current takes a set, many will be 
 carried along with it, which ever way it may 
 run. And is there no danger that Christians 
 themselves, while they seem to flourish in ex- 
 ternal profession, zeal and activity, may be de- 
 caying at the root, for want of sufllcient atten- 
 tion to their own hearts, and to the duties of 
 the closet ? There is indee Jl much reason to fear 
 that many professors now exist, who confine 
 their religion too much to those external acts, 
 which may be performed from motives no 
 higher than those which operate on unrenewed 
 men. The danger now is, that the religion of 
 
INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 27 
 
 thfc heart will be neglected, and that many will 
 feel well satisfied with themselves, on account 
 of (heir activity and zeal, who are yet stran- 
 ger « to a work of grace. This being the point 
 on which Christians of the present day are lia- 
 ble to err, it is a matter of congratulation, that 
 some writers seem disposed to turn the atten- 
 tion of the Christiafi public, to the importance 
 Df diligence and punctuality in performing the 
 duties of the closet. The following letters are 
 well calculated to produce this effect. They 
 were forwarded to me by an esteemed young 
 clergyman, who is settled as a pastor in a dis- 
 tant and retired village. They were addressed, 
 as the autfior has stated in his preface, to a 
 young lady of highly respectable connexions, 
 upon the occasion of her making a public pro- 
 fession of religion. The father of this young 
 lady, who is distinguished for his benevolence 
 and evangelical piety, was unwilling that the 
 pious and judicious counsels and affectionate 
 exhortations which they contain should be li- 
 mited to an individual, since they are so well 
 adapted to be useful to Christians generally ; 
 and especially to the young, placed in circum- 
 stances similar to those of the person to whom 
 
28 INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 
 
 they were originally addressed. A request was, 
 therefore, made for their publication. The 
 author through modesty has withheld his name, 
 but has requested me to introduce them to the 
 public with some preliminary essay of my own ; 
 with which request I have here complied, be- 
 lieving that the letters of my'young friend are 
 seasonable, judicious, and pious, and that as 
 they are written in an ornate and animated 
 style, they will be extensively perused by the 
 voung. 
 
 A. ALEXANDER. 
 Princeton^ N. J. 
 
ADVICE, &c 
 
 LETTER I. 
 
 DEAR YOUNG FRIEND, 
 
 You are very young to profess the high 
 character of a Christian; but your youth, while 
 it serves as a caution, should not operate as a 
 discouragement. Many a person of fewer 
 years, and with less advantages, has not only 
 given satisfactory evidence of conversion, but 
 proved, in subsequent life, to be of that num- 
 ber whose " path shineth more and more, unto 
 the perfect day." 
 
 It becomes you, however, to look narrowly 
 into the evidences of such a change. A mis- 
 take here will prove fatal. The word of God 
 and prayer, are the great means, which, if faith- 
 fully applied, will in due time, develope your 
 true moral character. If you have been de- 
 ceived, if yet in your sins, these duties will ere 
 long become irksome, and be loosely perform- 
 ed or utterly neglected. If you have been re- 
 generated, you will not only persevere in these 
 duties, but will find that they elicit more and 
 3* 
 
30 ADVICE TO A 
 
 more of your interest, until you arrive at a 
 well-grounded hope of eternal felicity. 
 
 Taking for granted, that you do not make 
 this profession on slight grounds, nor with in- 
 adequate or erroneous views ; my object, in a 
 few letters which I shall address to you, will 
 be to urge you to the formation of an elevated 
 Christian character. You profess to have ta- 
 ken the first step in the strait and narrow way ; 
 but recollect, it is only the first step. The 
 concentrated gaze of many eyes is upon you. 
 Some would exult in your downfall — others re- 
 joice in your advancement. Invisible and wick- 
 ed spirits will tempt you to ruin. Good and 
 guardian angels will watch around your steps, 
 and rejoice in your victories. To sustain your' 
 self, you have already been convinced is im- 
 possible. If you are regenerated, you are not 
 perfectly sanctified ; nor loill you be, until 
 death shall be swallowed up in victory. But 
 as Paul could do all things, by the strength of 
 his master, so can the weakest believer ; and 
 you must ever feel that the same grace, which 
 brought "you out of nature's darkness," must 
 enable you to overcome your enemies, and 
 " persevere unto the end." 
 
 As I have touched upon this point, I am for* 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 31 
 
 cibly reminded of the beautiful dream of the 
 Rev. John Newton, while lying at anchor in 
 the harbour of Venice, and within sight of a 
 part of the Alps. For the particulars, I refer 
 you to his volumes. The substance is as fol- 
 lows : 
 
 The anxiety of mind which he endured in 
 his waking hours, seemed to give a colouring 
 to his night vision. He felt himself in grekt 
 perplexity and horror. While musing on the 
 wretchedness of his condition, there appeared 
 suddenly, a celestial figure, who presented to 
 him a ring, which she said, if preserved with 
 care, would, on every difficult occasion, resolve 
 his doubts, and extricate him from trouble. He 
 was overjoyed at the reception of it. All his 
 fears seemed to subside, and a heavenly sere- 
 nity to succeed. While in this tranquil and 
 happy frame of mind, another personage, of 
 less inviting aspect, made his appearance, and, 
 after many flattering Avords and artful insinua- 
 tions, prevailed on him to part with the ring. 
 He deliberately dropped it over the side of the 
 vessel, and it sunk to the bottom. The flames, 
 in an awful manner, immediately burst from 
 the mountain, and he seem jd tlireatened with 
 instant destruction. At thi? moment of horror, 
 
32 ADVICE TO A 
 
 his celestial friend again appeared, and, with a 
 frown of mingled love and reproof, upbraided 
 him for listening to the voice of the tempter. 
 She then descended into the water, and soon 
 returned bearing the ring, and th'is addressed 
 him: "As thou art unable to keep this token, I 
 will preserve it for thee, and it shall be secure 
 for ever." 
 
 • I have only given you from memory an out 
 line of this beautiful vision. The interpreta- 
 tion, which the author put upon it, is full of 
 spiritual instruction. If left for oae moment 
 to our own strength, how soon do we abandon 
 the "ring," even at the first suggestion of the 
 tempter ! Then the soul is affrighted and dis- 
 mayed. But Jesus, our guardian, is able to re- 
 store the "ring," and lest we should lose it, he, 
 in condescension to our infirmities, deigns to 
 keep it. "I will never leave thee, nor forsake 
 thee," is his language. Thus, my dear young 
 friend, entrust the "ring" to Him, who alone 
 is able to preserve it. When the tempter 
 comes, whether in the artful guise of what the 
 world calls innocent pleasure, or the bold as- 
 saults of blasphemy and despair, look upward 
 to Him who is charged with the care of all that 
 is precious to the soul. Wait not until you 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 33 
 
 are overwhelmed by the consciousness of con- 
 tracted guilt, but flee — oh flee, as for your life, 
 to Jesus! You cannot trust him too confi- 
 dently. He will permit you to sit even at his 
 feet. There is honour, there is safety, there is 
 happiness. 
 
 I congratulate you, on the favourable cir- 
 cumstances in which you are placed for the 
 formation of Christian character. The work 
 of divine grace in which you profess to be a 
 participant, is, I understand, still in progress. 
 Doubtless you find some congenial spirits with 
 whom you can mingle feelings, unite in mutual 
 prayer, and converse on the sweetest of all 
 topics, the love of your Lord and Master. Let 
 it be a principle with you, to select as your 
 companions, the most heavenly-minded of your 
 sex. If such can be found in the higher walks 
 of life, very well ; be they your bosom friends ; 
 but, alas ! how seldom, in the higher circles, 
 does religion, in its native simplicity and puri- 
 ty, appear ! You must seek it, I apprehend, 
 in the low vale of obscurity, and often amid 
 the homely attire of honest poverty. If you 
 have the spirit of Christ, you will love his 
 image, though arrayed in an humble garb. I 
 know it has ever been the design of your pa- 
 
34 ADVICE TO A 
 
 rents, to make you estimate character, not by 
 riches, nor fashionable appearance, but by in- 
 trinsic moral worth ; and I am persuaded that 
 you must now feel, that if Providence has gi- 
 ven you advantages of wealth and education, 
 above the plainest rustic, it is a ground of hu- 
 mility, in as much as it lays you under the 
 greater obligations. Where " much is given," 
 oh, never forget it! "much will be required." 
 On this principle, are you not bound to be 
 humble, benevolent, condescending? 
 
 In closing this letter, I must say to you as I 
 lately said to a youth in my parish, who is about 
 making a public profession of her faith in Christ: 
 *'I hope you will not be satisfied with being 
 half a Christian." So, my young friend, I 
 would exhort you to aim high. It is a day to 
 elevate the standard of piety. We want more 
 Newels, and Huntingtons, and Ramsays, and 
 Smelts. These were devoted souls. It was not 
 half-way work with them. Religion was " all 
 in all." For this they lived — they suffered — and, 
 supported by its consolations, they died. They 
 have left a bright track for you to follow. Tread 
 closely in their steps ; and then, though yoa 
 share in their sufferings, you shall also inherit, 
 with them, the " crown of glory." 
 
YOtNG CHRlS-TlAN. 35 
 
 LETTER II. 
 
 Among the first temptations which you will 
 probably experience, will be an effort, on the 
 part of your spiritual enemies, to seduce you 
 back to the pleasures of the world. Sometimes 
 it will be a direct and powerful attack. The 
 ways of religion will be represented as diffi* 
 cult, whilst those of worldly pleasure will be 
 strewed with flowers. " What," the tempter 
 will exclaim, " shall one so young, so suscepti* 
 ble of enjoyment from all the varied delights 
 of sense — one who has it in her power to com- 
 mand almost any imaginable happiness — shall 
 she put on the grave aspect of piety, and thus 
 debar herself from every innocent pleasure? 
 Look abroad, see thy young companions^ 
 how their hearts beat with rapture, as they 
 float amid the circles of beauty and of fashion* 
 Why shouldst thou become a sober religionist^ 
 when thou art ripening for so much bliss ?" 
 In such false and flattering colours, will the 
 tempter array the world. Knowing that vanity 
 is one of the strongest principles of our de- 
 praved nature, he will constantly, and often 
 successfully, appeal to it. His flatteries will 
 respect your person, your accomplirilimcnts. 
 
86 ADVICE TO A 
 
 your fortune. He will suggest that with such 
 advantages, the world must pay you homage, 
 and become a sort of perpetual paradise. 
 
 Had you, my young friend, been one of plea- 
 sure's gay votaries, as / have been, he could 
 not, and probably he would not, thus address 
 you. I could say, from experience — thou se- 
 ducing spirit, what thou sayest is false. Have 
 I not mingled in the festival? Have I not 
 courted pleasure in the brilliant assembly, and 
 the crowded theatre, where beauty and wealth 
 have poured around their shining and fascina- 
 ting attractions ? And what did I ever gain ? 
 A momentary rapture, I admit; an exhilaration 
 of spirits, and a temporary oblivion of my 
 cares. But this was all. And even these tran- 
 sitory joys were not unalloyed. Jealousy, 
 and envy, and hatred, and disappointment, 
 would occasionally let fall the bitter drop, as 
 the cup was passing to the lip ; and satiety, 
 disgust, and self-loathing, would succeed. But 
 conscience was more powerful than all. What 
 restless hours of wakeful solicitude, what anti- 
 cipated wrath, what vain resolutions, what un- 
 availing regrets ! And shall the tempter tell 
 me, that the pleasures of the world are worthy 
 to b? preferred to the calm delight of com* 
 m\K 'on with God, and the high enjoyments of 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 37 
 
 religion ? " He was a liar from the beginning," 
 and Avhen, my young Christian friend, he as- 
 saults you with such suggestions, or when, 
 through his emissaries in human form, he would 
 seduce you from your allegiance, recollect his 
 character, resist his suggestions — and, accoi- 
 ding to the promise, " he will flee from you." 
 
 But it is far more probable, that his insinua- 
 tions will be almost imperceptible. A direct 
 and powerful attack may throw a Christian on 
 his face, and overwhelm him with agony ; but 
 Judah's lion shall appear, and affright the bold 
 adversary. It is when your spiritual enemies 
 are making a gradual advance on ) ^ur purity 
 and devotedness, that they are most to be 
 dreaded, as most likely to be successful. Now, 
 you are, I trust, conscientious in the discharge 
 of the duty of private devotion. You love to 
 retire from human observation, to commune 
 with God. I would fain believe, that you are 
 never so happy as when thus engaged ; that 
 you have a consecrated spot, which you call 
 your Bethel, where the soul daily drinks in the 
 waters of life. 
 
 Happy, dear youth, happy will you be, if 
 that Bethel is always thus attractive and inte- 
 resting^. But the great danger is, that it will 
 4 
 
88 ADVICE TO A 
 
 he neglected, and perhaps forsaken. You are 
 ready to exclaim, "impossible! I shall never 
 cease to pray. I could sooner dispense with 
 my daily food, than forego the privileges of a 
 throne of grace." This is the language of 
 sincerity, I doubt not. You verily think so ; 
 but how little do you know the temptations 
 which surround you, and the deceitfulness of 
 your own heart ? You have much to fear. 
 
 When called myself from nature's darkness, 
 and made, as I hope, to taste the sweetness of 
 redeeming love, I was of the same opinion. 
 I had waked up in a new world. 'Twas as if 
 the Creator had formed a new being, akin to 
 the happy spirits in heaven^ and dropped him 
 on the earth, in the spring time of nature's 
 magnificence and beauty. The foliage seemed 
 greener and fresher than ever. The dew-drops 
 glittered more brilliantly ; the sky looked 
 purer ; and every thing seemed to shine and 
 wave, in silent but emphatic praise of God, 
 their Creator. My soul beat in happy unison 
 with these silent worshippers, and methought 
 I could never cease to sing and pray. My very 
 being seemed to consist in it. But has it been 
 so ever since ? Oh ye hours of anguish, ye days 
 of sensuality — ambition — and folly ; ye can 
 sty how guilty, how careless, how ungrateful. 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 39 
 
 I have been. Little did I then dream of loving 
 and serving the world. I thought I could have 
 spent an eternity of happiness, on some lonely 
 rock in the ocean, if God were with me there. 
 I thought my soul would never forsake him, 
 nor my voice ever be silent in his praise. But I 
 knew not my own heart, nor the power of the 
 world's allurements. 
 
 Now do not suppose, that because I and 
 others have been tempted to backshde, and 
 have yielded to the temptation, you must ne- 
 cessarily follow our disgraceful defection. I 
 hope you never will. If you are a child of 
 God, you need not. You may go "from strength 
 to strength." You may accomplish victory af- 
 ter victory. God grant that you may ! 
 
 But, should you, by mournful experience, 
 have to look upon yourself as a backslider, 
 you Avill remember this warning, and wish you 
 had heeded it. Like the prodigal, you will be 
 in spiritual beggary. I know of no condition, 
 except that of hardened impenitence, more 
 pitiable than the condition of a backslider. 
 Conscience is too quick to allow him to enjoy 
 the world ; and religion is too much neglected 
 to yield him the smallest comfort. He lives in 
 disquietude, and anguish, until he repents, and 
 finds anew the favour of his God. 
 
40 ADVICE TO A 
 
 LETTER III. 
 
 In my last, I touched upon the subject of 
 temptation. I am constrained to add a few 
 words more on the same subject. It has been 
 too common for those who have betrayed their 
 Lord by a disgraceful return to the world, to 
 predict the same defection in others. Hence 
 you often hear professors of religion address 
 the youthful convert in such language as the 
 following: "Your present ardour is no proof 
 that it will continue ; now you are all joy, all 
 devotion ; by and by the scene will be changed. 
 I once felt as you now feel ; perhaps I enjoyed 
 more extatic pleasure : but I soon lost the 
 glow of my first love, and so will you. A few 
 years will cool you down, and show you that 
 such engagedness cannot always last." 
 
 When I hear such language addressed to the 
 young Christian, I am indignant. It is not ne- 
 cessarily true ; my young friend, it is not true. 
 The Bible, which is the only "lamp to our 
 path," gives no warrant for such a prediction. 
 True, it represents the cases of many who at 
 first bade fair, but subsequently apostatized. It 
 records the cases of such, as a flaming beacon, to 
 
YOTTNG CHRISTIAN. 41 
 
 #arn those who should come after them. But 
 iocs it not represent the path of the just, as 
 **thc shining light, which shineth more and 
 more unto the perfect day ?'* Does it not say, 
 that he who hath clean hands, shall grow 
 •* stronger and stronger?" Does it not urge 
 as to " grow in grace," to "forget the things 
 w^hich are behind," and "reach towards those 
 vhich are before?" to make Christ our 
 nark, and press towards it, with all the energy 
 >f an Olympic racer, struggling in competition 
 (or the goal? 
 
 Now, I warn you not to listen to such cold 
 {)redictions. They who make them from their 
 awn experience, may have been hypocrites. 
 They may have felt something, which they 
 called spiritual joy ; but perhaps it was " Satan 
 transformed into an angel of light :" perhaps 
 U was the workings of their own imaginations, 
 and not the legitimate fruits of the spirit. Let 
 them take heed to themselves, lest they have 
 been deceived ; and not allure others on, in 
 their down-hill course, by their disgraceful ex- 
 ample. But suppose them to have been Chris- 
 tians ; and I allow that a Christian may grow 
 cold, and backslide in the service of God ; is 
 such language warranted by the word of God ? 
 
42 ADVICE TO A 
 
 Is it likely to urge forward the young convert 
 in the path of holiness ? Is it likely to raise 
 the standard of piety in the souls of others ? 
 No, far from it. Young converts are prone to 
 copy those who are older and more experien- 
 ced. If they are persuaded that it is consist- 
 ent with the existence of piety, to grow cold 
 in feeling, they will probably yield to the se- 
 ductions of the world, and the temptations of 
 Satan. They will not press forward ; they will 
 recede. They will take the cold dead level of 
 their predecessors. 
 
 But, my young friend, be you warned by 
 this, not to listen to such language for a mo- 
 ment ; nor to suppose it must be true in your 
 case. I do assure you, your Bible holds a dif- 
 ferent language. As you value your comfort, 
 your peace of mind, your immortal hopes, 
 your character as a Christian, your influence 
 as a follower of the Lamb — press forward. 
 Strive every day to make some new attain- 
 ments in knowledge and holiness. You are 
 engaged in a conflict. You have put on the 
 armour of God; and, put it off* for a momen< 
 you must not. Your enemies are numerous 
 vigilant, and powerful. You must content 
 every day : nor must you think of rest or re 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 43 
 
 laxation. When death shall unbind for you 
 the gospel armour, and you hear the dark 
 waves of Jordan lashing these mortal shores, 
 then, and not till then, will your struggles be 
 ended, and your victory complete. You have 
 counted the cost ; do not shrink at the cross. 
 Christ will be with you. Christ will support 
 you. Under His banner you contend. His 
 arm will shield you, and his grace bring you off 
 more than conqueror. 
 
 I have digressed a little from the point at 
 which I aimed. I wished to caution you par- 
 ticularly, concerning the first step in a back- 
 ward course. The first step in the retreat is 
 an important one. It is needful, therefore, to 
 say, that generally, that step commences at the 
 closet. Prayer is the strong hold to which the 
 young Christian generally resorts. In doubts 
 and difficulties, a throne of grace is his refuge. 
 If the "devouring lion" roar, thither the lamb 
 will flee, and house itself in the bosom of its 
 shepherd. If the world entice, and for a mo- 
 ment soil his purity, thither he repairs, and the 
 stain is washed out in the blood of Jesus. If 
 the path of duty be not obvious, if perplexity 
 attend his course, at a throne of grace there is 
 light and direction. Hence it will be an im- 
 
44 ADVICE TO A 
 
 portant advantage to your enemies, if they can 
 draw you from this palladium, this strong tower 
 of defence. Keep alive, then, I beseech you, 
 to the first symptom of declension in prayer. 
 Prayer is a difficult, often an arduous work ; 
 but it is the life and soul of a Christian. It is 
 not only his incumbent duty, but his most pre- 
 cious privilege. 
 
 Now it will be the aim of the tempter, to 
 withdraw you from being " instant in prayer.' 
 He knows what a powerful weapon it is ; and, 
 therefore, he will endeavour to wrest it out of 
 your hands. He will represent it as an irksome 
 duty. He will suggest that fewer and shorter 
 prayers will answer. He will interpose obsta- 
 cles between you and your closet. He will di- 
 vert your attention while there, and then taunt 
 you with your coldness and your folly. He 
 will say that your prayers are hypocritical — in- 
 sincere — an abomination to God. He will 
 suggest, that now» you are not in a good 
 frame — advise you to put it off until you feel 
 in a better. Thus will he try every art, and 
 use every machination to draw you from this 
 refuge of your soul. But, "get thee behind 
 me, Satan," must be your reply to all such 
 suggestions. You must cling closer to th© 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 45 
 
 *' horns of the altar." You must " bind the 
 sacrifice with cords," if you cannot keep it 
 there. You must give yourself to prayer, and 
 to the word of God. Like the vestals, you 
 must live at the altar. 
 
46 ADVICE TO A 
 
 LETTER IV. 
 
 I FEEL constrained, my young friend, to add 
 something more on the subject of prayer. This 
 duty, in my view, is of such importance as to 
 warrant a few more remarks ; although I do 
 not intend enlarging on a subject upon which 
 so much, and such excellent things have been 
 written. 
 
 ^ You were taught, by your pious parents, to 
 utter a form of prayer, as soon as your infant 
 mind could comprehend, and your infant tongue 
 enunciate a sentence. In looking back upon 
 these juvenile devotions, you doubtless see 
 wherein they were deficient. Your ideas of 
 the Being to whom they were addressed, were 
 confused and inadequate. You could not then 
 comprehend the necessity of a Mediator; for 
 as yet you had not discovered the evil of sin, 
 and the wrath of God, as revealed against it. 
 You had too deep a sense of obligation, to 
 neglect prayer entirely ; but of the real nature 
 and efficacy of prayer, you had little concep- 
 tion. To your mind, prayer was a form of 
 words to be repeated at stated intervals. "When 
 
VOtfNG CHRISTIAN. 47 
 
 tlms repeated, the obligation was discharged. 
 This was probably all you knew about prayer. 
 
 Cut shall parents omit to inculcate this duty 
 on their children, because they cannot compre- 
 hend the nature of it ? Certainly not. How 
 can they tell but that when they have taught 
 the little prattler to compose himself to rest, 
 with his familiar and simple petitions, the 
 Spirit of God may enlighten the child into the 
 spiritual import of his prayer, and make it a 
 means of leading him to more enlarged peti- 
 tions, offered up " in spirit and in truth." No 
 person can estimate the advantages of early 
 imbuing the youthful mind with a sense of its 
 obhgations to God. Such instructions should 
 commence vv^ith the first dawn of intellect; 
 and sure I am, that in subsequent life, the sub- 
 ject of them will generally be the better and 
 the happier. 
 
 To illustrate this, I Avill recur again to my 
 own case. I was 'aught by one of the best of 
 mothers, never to close my eyes without re- 
 peating my prayers. This I conscientiously 
 adhered to, until about thirteen or fourteen 
 years of age, when I began gradually to omit 
 them. Whether I felt that they were too child- 
 ish, or whether, as is most probable, mv con- 
 
48 ADVICE TO A 
 
 science was becoming seared in the down-hill 
 course of iniquity, I cannot now remember. 
 But at all events, my prayers were no longer 
 offered ; and I went to sleep and rose up like 
 a brute. With the omission of these prayers, 
 commenced a retrograde movement in morals, 
 until I hung over the abyss of ruin, ripe for 
 the judgments of God. And what do you sup- 
 pose occurred first, to rouse me from the fatal 
 slumbers of death ? As I was retiring one night, 
 the recollection of my former punctilious at- 
 tention to prayer, rushed upon my mind. I 
 paused. " What," said I to myself, " am I go* 
 ing to lie down without one thought of God, 
 or offering one prayer for the safety of my 
 soul ? Did I not once repeat my prayers ; and 
 at a time too when I was far less guilty than 
 now? Why have I omitted them so long? 
 Suppose I should die this night, where then 
 would my soul be ?" With such reflections 1 
 became impressed; and although I did not 
 kneel that night, yet in a recumbent posture, I 
 began again to repeat my juvenile devotions. 
 I was nearly seventeen years of age when I 
 resumed them. I had almost forgotten them. 
 A few days and nights rolled away, and con- 
 victions grew heavier on my soul. I thought 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 49 
 
 a repetition of these forms was not enough. 
 My soul began to sink in the deep waters; 
 and a few more days brought me on my knees 
 at the bed-side, with the prayer of the publi 
 can : " God be merciful to me a sinner." 
 
 Thus, my young friend, were my mother's 
 early instructions, among the means, under 
 God, of rescuing me from ruin, temporal and 
 eternal. Thus it is evident, that the sooner 
 children are taught to pray, the better ; and no 
 assiduity can be too great, to impress on them 
 the obligation and the necessity of prayer. 
 
 Still I believe, that the Christian only, prays 
 the acceptable prayer. Until the spirit of God 
 convince of sin, the soul will not see its odi- 
 ousness, nor pray for its removal. The dan- 
 ger to which it is exposed here and hereafter, 
 it may see ; and it may deprecate the punish- 
 ment to which it is subjected ; but it is only 
 when the soul is renewed in the image of God, 
 that " sin appears exceeding sinful," and that 
 the effectual fervent prayer for sanctification 
 is offered. 
 
 If you are a Christian, my young friend, the 
 throne of grace is yours. Your Father is seated 
 on it. Your Saviour has sprinkled it with his 
 blood The Holy Spirit draws you sweetly 
 
50 ADVICE TO A 
 
 to kneel before it; and l^e promise, when 
 there, is, ** open your mouth wide, and I will fill 
 it." What an honour thus to approach the 
 King of kings ! Were we to have audience 
 with an earthly monarch, we should deem it an 
 era in our history, and boast of it through life. 
 But you, and I, and others, may have audi 
 ence with the King of the universe. Nay, we 
 have liberty to approach Him at any time, and 
 under all circumstances. Have we wants, He 
 can supply them. Are we in trouble, He can 
 extricate us. Do afflictions press our souls. He 
 can mitigate and remove them. Does sin pol- 
 lute our joys, with Him is the fountain of clean- 
 sing. Does Satan vex our souls. He invites us 
 to his arms as our refuge. All relief and every 
 blessing is with God. 
 
 There is nothing which so elevates a charac- 
 ter, and especially a female character, as deep 
 and intimate communion with God. She seems 
 then to be allied to angelic natures. A sort of 
 mellow radiance is poured into her character, 
 as if some particles of heaven's glory had 
 been let fall upon her. She moves in a higher 
 sphere than the generality of her sex. She is 
 another being than those idle, sickly daughters 
 of pleasure, who waste their lives in dreaming 
 
YOVNG CHRISTIAN. gf] 
 
 inciful visions of happiness, sporting awhile 
 amid life's tumultuous joys, and then sinking 
 unblessed into a wretched eternity. She con- 
 verses with God. At a throne of grace, she 
 acquires a benevolence, a dignity, a humility, 
 which throw around her an attractive lustre, 
 put sweetness into every action and expression, 
 make her contented in every condition of life, 
 patient under every affliction, faithful in the 
 discharge of every duty, and which even grace 
 her dying hours, and make her " death-bed pri- 
 vileged beyond the common walks of life." 
 
52 ADVICE TO A 
 
 LETTER V. 
 
 There are three inquiries, my young friend, 
 respecting prayer, which every conscientious 
 Christian will be likely to institute. How ought 
 I to pray, when, or at what times, and for what 
 things ? These are important inquiries. A full 
 and satisfactory answer, I feel myself unable 
 to give. I shall, in my desultory way, barely 
 touch upon each. 
 
 Those who worship God, are bound to "wor- 
 ship him in spirit and in truth." In spirit, as 
 opposed to the mere external ceremonies. The 
 Jews and the Samaritans, at the time our Lord 
 uttered the prediction just alluded to, were re- 
 posing an unfounded confidence in the mere 
 forms and ceremonies of their religion ; while 
 in the em-phatic language of inspiration, their 
 " hearts were far from God." 
 
 We must pray then with the Spirit. The 
 heart must be in the work, or it wiU be insin- 
 cere and ineffectual. The Quakers, you know, 
 reject all external forms. They are on one ex- 
 treme. The Jews and Catholics, having a mul- 
 titude of forms, are on the other. I would not 
 insinuate, that among Quakers and Catholics, 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 53 
 
 here are no sincere worshippers ; far from it. I 
 oelieve there are many devout Christians among 
 both. I am persuaded for my own part, that some 
 atte^jtion to form and circumstance is an impor- 
 tant auxiliary to us poor weak mortals, in our 
 attempts to worship God. In my own experience 
 I have found the benefit of it. For example ; 
 when I have a particular room allotted to my 
 devotions — a certain place in that room, where 
 I am accustomed to kneel — a degree of obscu- 
 rity shed over the place by the exclusion of too 
 great a glare of light ; all these circumstances 
 are a help to me, by the power of mental asso- 
 ciation. There is nature in this : and God per- 
 mits us to have recourse to every lawful auxi- 
 liary in worshipping him. The great point is, 
 to worship " in spirit and in truth." 
 
 True worship is distinguished from false, in- 
 asmuch as the one is scriptural, but the other is 
 not A true worshipper views the character of 
 God as it is delineated in the Bible. The om- 
 niscience, omnipresence, holiness, justice, good- 
 ness, and truth, of God, are attributes of delight- 
 ful contemplation ; and centering in one eternal, 
 unchangeable, and incomprehensible Spirit, 
 they excite his reverence, his confidence, his 
 humility, and his love. He looks into his Bible 
 5* 
 
54 ADVICE TO A 
 
 to learn the character of God ; and, as there 
 found, worships him in spirit and in truth. 
 
 But can a guilty creature, who has violated 
 every obligation he is under to his Creator, ap- 
 proach him without the intervention of a Me- 
 diator ? I bring this question home to myself, 
 and inquire, would I dare, as a suppliant, to ap- 
 proach my God and my Creator, in all my un- 
 covered, aggravated guilt ? This, my young 
 friend, is the hinge of salvation. The Socinian 
 will tell me, certainly you may. But my own 
 conscience would give a different verdict. I 
 see nought in my life but sin ; sin of the most 
 aggravated kind : I repeat these sins, and con- 
 fess them ; and again repeat them. Now, I say, 
 is God holy ? Is He opposed to sin ? Then 
 must I fall under His wrath and curse. Then 
 how can J expect to escape His indignation ? 
 He is merciful, says the Socinian. True, he is 
 merciful ; but is not that mercy exercised in a 
 peculiar way ? Is it indiscriminate, uncondi- 
 tional mercy ? Must not something be done to 
 show God's abhorrence of my sins ? Must not 
 some sacrifice be made ? Now I am brought 
 to the delightful, soul-cheering feature of the 
 Gospel : "God in Christ, reconciling the world 
 unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 55 
 
 unw them." " He so loved the world, that he 
 gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever be- 
 Keveth in Him should not perish, but have ever- 
 lasting life." " He was wounded for our trans- 
 gressions." On this foundation, my soul finds 
 firm footing, and I rest secure in the promise 
 of eternal life. Whosoever cometh unto the 
 Father, therefore, must come through Christ ; 
 and so coming, shall not be cast out. 
 
 All acceptable prayer, is rendered so, by the 
 merits and intercession of the Divine Saviour. 
 He is our merciful and faithful High Priest. 
 His own blood was shed for the remission of 
 our sins : and the apostle says, "if any man sin, 
 we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus 
 Christ the righteous." When you pray, there- 
 fore, never lose sight of the Mediator. " His 
 name is like ointment poured forth." The sin- 
 ner's friend, he pleads the sinner^s cause. He 
 knows your infirmities, your temptations, and 
 your trials, and is ever ready to afford you 
 relief. 
 
 The doctrine of the Trinity is, I know, of- 
 fensive to many, who are governed more by 
 carnal reason, than by scripture; but to me, if 
 I am not deceived, it is one of the most com- 
 forting, cheering, and elevating truths of the 
 
56 ADVICE TO A 
 
 Bible. I see the persons of the Godhead har- 
 moniously engaged in my deliverance. In 
 prayer, the Spirit seems to lift my lagging af- 
 fections, and to carry them upward, pouring 
 light into the dark chambers of the mind. Jesus, 
 the Mediator, pleads my cause, even when my 
 own tongue is dumb with grief, and my soul 
 overwhelmed with conscious guilt. Then the 
 throne of grace is precious, and the soul is re- 
 plenished as with marrow and fatness. 
 
 I pity those whose scepticism has blotted out 
 the glory of our Immanuel. Their religion is 
 cold. It warms not the heart ; it pacifies not 
 the conscience ; it prompts to few acts of self- 
 denial ; it almost obliterates the line between 
 the righteous and the wicked ; and it makes re- 
 tribution a farce. After all, it is only a substi- 
 tute, and a very poor one, for the glorious Gos 
 pel of the Son of God. 
 
 Having been inadvertently led, by the sub- 
 ject, to these remarks, I must now return. In 
 prayer, we must be earnest — we must be sin 
 cere — we must have faith in the promises. The 
 " fervent prayer availeth much." " Jacob wres- 
 tled ;" what a strong expression ! Jesus, in 
 prayer, sweat drops of blood. Paul prayed 
 with tears. Hannah wept at the altar. All these 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 57 
 
 examples, and numerous others, such as the 
 widow pleading with the unjust judge, show the 
 necessity of earnestness in prayer. This I 
 know is often difficult. You will come to the 
 mercy-seat, with a cold heart and wandering 
 thoughts ; and how at such times can you be 
 fervent ? " The Spirit helpeth our infirmities," 
 is the only reply I can offer. And this is suf- 
 ficient. In such a frame of mind, there is the 
 greater need of earnestness. Tarry not until 
 your thoughts take a more elevated and spirit- 
 ual tone. I have always found, that the best 
 way of proceeding in such a case, was to apply 
 immediately to a throne of grace. There wres- 
 tle ; renew the supplication, and still renew it ; 
 until, as is often the case, the fire of heaven 
 descends, and the sacrifice is enkindled. The 
 Lord give you the spirit and the success of the 
 patriarch Jacob 
 
68 ADVICE TO A 
 
 LETTER VI. 
 
 Sincerity, my dear young friend, is an es- 
 sential ingredient in prayer. Without it, no 
 prayer can be acceptable. Indeed, if we are 
 insincere, we cannot be said to pray. A mere 
 form of words, is not prayer. 
 
 Prayer, is the desire of the heart for some- 
 thing which we judge to be necessary or bene- 
 ficial. It implies a knowledge of our wants, 
 and an urgent wish to have them supplied. If, 
 therefore, the heart be roving after one object, 
 while the lips are employed in asking for an- 
 other, we are insincere and unacceptable wor- 
 shippers. Such conduct is an insult to our 
 Creator — a game of deception on ourselves. 
 Such were the petitions at which God, in old 
 times, declared himself indignant ; when his 
 professing people drew " nigh unto Him with 
 their mouth, and honoured Him with their lips, 
 while their heart was far from Him." Such 
 was the religion of the Scribes and Pharisees ; 
 fair and beautiful without, but within, all rot- 
 tenness and corruption. 
 
 Reflect a moment ere you bend the knee at 
 the throne of grace. I am not now about to 
 
TOtNO CHRISTIAN. 69 
 
 approach an earthly monarch, who, though sur- 
 rounded with the pomp and circumstance of 
 royalty, is but a worm of the dust like myself; 
 but I am to have audience with the King of 
 kingS' — the Lord of the whole earth. I am 
 about to come into the presence, and to utter 
 the name of Him, at whose fiat all creation 
 sprang into existence. Were I in the presence 
 of a finite being, I might perhaps conceal my 
 feelings under a form of words. I might utter 
 one thing and mean another. But can I thus 
 practice deception with God? Are not all 
 things " naked, and opened unto the eyes of 
 Him, with whom we have to do?" Does not 
 He search the hearts of the children of men ? 
 "Will he be satisfied with any thing but " truth 
 in the inward parts ?" " If I regard iniquity in 
 my heart,'* says the sweet singer of Israel, 
 "the Lord will not hear me." And again, in 
 his bold and beautiful interrogatories: "He 
 that formed the eye, shall He not see? He 
 that created the ear, shall He not hear ?" 
 
 Let such be your meditation, when you are 
 about to kneel at the throne of grace. Not 
 that I would array the character of God in ter* 
 rors to your mind, or send you to tremble like 
 a slave at his feet. No, he is a God of love, 
 
60 ADVICE TO A 
 
 of compassion, of long forbearance ; more be* 
 neficent and tender than the kindest earthly pa- 
 rent. You may go to Him, and you must so 
 go, in the confiding simplicity of a child and a 
 favourite. When you take to Him the name 
 of Christ your Mediator, you take, so to speak, 
 a passport into his very bosom. You may un- 
 burden your whole heart; tell Him things which 
 you could confide to no mortal ear ; make con- 
 fession of sins, which you dare only whisper 
 in your closet; and in the ingenuous frankness 
 of faith and penitence, humbly cast yourself on 
 his all-supporting arm. He is your covenant 
 God ; and, when alone with Him, you may in- 
 dulge even a holy familiarity. 
 
 Reflect on your own character, as well as 
 on that of the Being Avhom you address ; the 
 thought of both will humble you in the dust, 
 and prepare you, in your approach to the mer- 
 cy-seat, to appreciate the all-glorious, divine, 
 and compassionate Mediator. Be careful to 
 inquire into your wants. Say within yourself, 
 why ha,ve I now retired ? What errand have I 
 at the throne ? what sins to confess, what mer- 
 cies to acknowledge, what wants to be suppli- 
 ed ? For whom, beside myself, should I pray ? 
 what temptations appear to be most formida- 
 
YOtJNO CHRISTIAN. 61 
 
 ble ? Let me not cover one sin, nor keep back 
 one confession. Let me not ask for holiness, 
 if I would retain a single lust ; if I am not re- 
 solved to crucify all. Let me not ask for a re- 
 vival of religion, if I do not secretly and sin* 
 cerely wish for it. " Search me, O God, and 
 know my heart ; and see if there be any wicked 
 way in me, and lead me in the way everlast- 
 ing ;" should ever be your wish and your peti- 
 tion. Let your sincerity be such, that you can 
 ever thus appeal to the heart-searching God> 
 Nothing is so well calculated to foster the spi» 
 rit of devotion, as to be enabled to say with 
 Peter, "thou knowest;" to make the familiar 
 appeal, although I cannot, by reason of infirmi- 
 ty, express the number and aggravation of my 
 sins, yet, oh Lord, "thou knowest," I lament 
 them, and sincerely desire their removal ; al* 
 though my words fail in expressing my grati* 
 tude, yet "thou knowest," my heart is full ; al- 
 though I cannot give expression to my feelings 
 in behalf of Zion, yet " thou knowest," I love 
 her prosperity, and earnestly desire her in 
 crease and glory. " Thou knowest," is a swee 
 expression in the ears of a prayer-hearing God. 
 It gives the soul a confidence and an earnest- 
 ness, when pleading for itself, or for others. 
 6 
 
e» ADVICE TO A 
 
 You will find, my young friend, strong tempt- 
 ations to be superficial and hurried in your 
 prayers. Your enemies will suggest some en- 
 gagements which will preclude or cut short 
 your supplications. They will insinuate, that all 
 this meditation is unnecessary. If in these at- 
 tacks they prevail, you will immediately per- 
 ceive an insincerity in your prayers. You will 
 find yourself, at times, wishing the prayer was 
 over ; and uttering it, rather as a sedative to 
 conscience, than as the supreme delight of 
 your soul. You will then, indeed, come like a 
 slave to the altar ; and, having performed to 
 conscience, as to an unrelenting tyrant, the ac- 
 customed task, you will be glad of a speedy 
 relief. You may even find yourself, at times, 
 uttering words and forms, of the meaning of 
 which, while your heart is wandering on for- 
 bidden objects, you are totally unconscious. 
 This is sinful in the extreme. 
 
 May you never arrive at this melancholy 
 pitch of insult, and of mockery ! 
 
 Yield not, dear young friend, to the power 
 of the tempter. Give him no advantage over 
 you ; dispute every inch of ground ; instead of 
 retreating, advance ; instead of relaxing, brace 
 anew your nerves for the conflict. Take the 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 63 
 
 whole armour of God. Look upward for grace 
 and strength to wield it. March forward to the 
 "wicket gate," and to the glory that lies be- 
 yond. Keep your eye steadily on the Captain 
 of your salvation. Where His banners wave, 
 be you found, though it be in the thickest of the 
 fight ; and soon, yes soon, your trials will be 
 over ; your victory will be won ; and you will 
 have nought to do, but to lay aside your wea- 
 pons, and sing the note of eternal triumph. 
 
V« ABTicrir yo ^ 
 
 LETTER VIL 
 
 In my last, I recommended earnestness and 
 incerity, as necessary to acceptable prayer. 
 The third particular which I mentioned was, 
 faith in the promises. 
 
 Does not your Bible, m}' young friend, insist 
 upon this ? Does it not declare, that he who 
 Cometh to God, " must believe that he is, and 
 that he is the rewarder of them that diligently 
 seek him ?" Does it not compare to the fluc- 
 tuation of the restless wave, that prayer which 
 is offered without faith ? And does it not assert, 
 that, without faith, it is impossible to please 
 Him ? But w^hat is meant by faith in the pro- 
 mises, methinks I hear you say. How shall I 
 know, when I incorporate this faith in my pe - 
 tition ? It is not necessary, my young friend, 
 that you know it ; but it is necessary, and even 
 indispensable, that you have it. 
 
 There is afloat, a spurious and vain-confident 
 feeling, that mistakes presumption for faith. 
 This sometimes appears in communities, which 
 are visited by the special influences of thie 
 Holy Spirit. Ignorant and proud enthusiasts, 
 take advantage of excited feelings, and sow 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 65 
 
 (he tares of error, while the servant of Jesus is 
 scattering the seeds of truth. Some have de- 
 clared, that, in praying for a blessing, we 
 had only to believe that it would be granted, 
 and success was certain. In praying for an in- 
 dividual, all we had to do was to be certain in 
 our own minds, that the individual would be 
 converted, and it would be so. "When I look 
 at the spirit which such people evince, and find 
 little of the meekness and humility of the gos- 
 pel, I view it as presumptive evidence against 
 their characters, and their opinions. When Da- 
 vid prayed for the life of his child, though with 
 deep humility and earnestness, it was not spa- 
 red. When Paul thrice besought the Lord for 
 the removal of a grievous affliction, the prayer 
 was heard, and answered on the soul ; but not 
 as he had expected, on the body. The prayer of 
 faith is never lost. It is invariably answered. 
 But to assert that it will be answered in the 
 particular way, or for the particular thing which 
 we have expected, is both anti-scriptural and 
 presumptuous. Here lies the error of these 
 enthusiasts. One step farther would make them 
 claim inspiration. 
 
 When we come to the throne of grace, we 
 come, not to dictate, but to supplicate. God^ 
 6* 
 
^ ADVICE TO A 
 
 in his word, has given us a warrant to pray for 
 all spiritual, and many temporal favours. In 
 praying for the former, we may, and must, be 
 importunate and persevering until death. In 
 respect to the latter, we must be submissive ; 
 and ever add, if it will be for thy glory, and the 
 interests of my soul. When you pray, there- 
 fore, for spiritual blessings, you know that your 
 prayer is according to the will of God. If it be 
 sincere, and presented with an exclusive refe- 
 rence to the mediation of Christ, it will, it 
 must be answered. I do not say, that the very 
 things you ask, and in the precise way and 
 time in which you look for them, will be re- 
 ceived. Not at all. But still I say your prayer 
 will be answered. We are short-sighted crea- 
 tures. We often suppose that we know what 
 is best for us, and would fain have, in our own 
 hands, the management of our spiritual and 
 temporal affairs. But, recollect the " ring." 
 It is not for us to keep it. It is in the hands 
 of God, There only, is it safe. There, no foe 
 can reach it, and no fears need be entertained 
 of its security. 
 
 Recollect, then, that it is yours to believe. 
 It is God's to plan and to execute. Confidence 
 in Gcd*s veracity, and wisdom, and goodness. 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 67 
 
 is the main ingredient in this prayer of faith. 
 Say in the fullness of your confidence, I plead 
 for this thing, O God. Although it may not 
 be given by Thee in a manner, and at a time, 
 which I expect, still I plead thy promise ; and 
 I know Thou art faithful to hear and answer 
 prayer. 
 
 Permit me to recur again to my own experi- 
 ence, and I am not alone in this experience. 
 KnoAving that I was in a backslidden state, and 
 feeling that for months there had been a me- 
 lancholy distance between God and my soul, I 
 gave myself to prayer. I entreated God to re- 
 claim me, to give me repentance, and a more 
 entire consecration of soul and body to his ser- 
 vice. I knew that these were blessings which 
 were according to the will of God, and I knew 
 that he had promised in his word, to answer 
 prayer for such blessings. With the hope that 
 I entertained of being in covenant with him, 
 how could I doubt that he would answer the 
 prayer for sanctification? But I verily suppo- 
 sed, that it would be by a direct influence of 
 the Spirit on the heart. I expected that, in 
 some favoured moment, perhaps while I was 
 then praying, God would send down a holy in- 
 fluence, irradiate the darkened mind, melt the 
 
68 ADVICE TO A 
 
 hard heart, purify the sordid affections, and ar- 
 rest and reclaim the wanderer. This he might 
 have done. This he sometimes does in the 
 case of others ; but it was not thus he answer- 
 ed my prayer. 
 
 When that season of earnest supplication 
 had passed aAvay, and was almost forgotten, he 
 stretched me upon a bed of affliction, and filled 
 my mind with darkness, and my body with tor- 
 turing pains. Every expedient was tried to al- 
 leviate, but the waves and the billows rolled 
 deeper and darker. Why is it, I was then led 
 to inquire, that God's hand is pressed so heavily 
 upon me? Look back, my soul, upon thy pride, 
 thy worldly-mindedness, thy ambition, thy sen- 
 suality, thy neglect of duty. Do not these com- 
 pose the cloud that envelopes thee ? are they 
 not the pains that rack thee ? Hast thou not 
 forsaken " the fountain of living waters ?" 
 Then, like the prodigal's, my eyes were filled 
 with penitential tears ; and I said, God is answer- 
 ing my prayer for humility, for spirituality, for 
 meekness, for more entire devotedness. 
 
 Happy is that soul who can say : Oh Lord, 
 sanctify me, if it be by fire. Sanctify me, even 
 if it be through the deep waters of affliction. 
 
 I cite this example to show, that our prayers 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 69 
 
 must be offered, and offered in confidence. But 
 the way and the time of their being answered, 
 it is not for us to dictate. We may take any 
 promise in the word of God, and with the con- 
 fidence of children go to Him, and say, our 
 Father, hast thou not said thus, and dost thou 
 not say this to me ? Let me then remind thee, 
 O thou covenant-keeping God, of these am- 
 ple promises, and let me beseech thee to fulfil 
 them all in thy servant ; and in thine own way 
 let them be verified in my complete salvation ! 
 
70 ADVICE TO A 
 
 LETTER VIII. 
 
 It was not my intention to extend my re- 
 marks to so great a length on the nature of 
 prayer ; but I have been insensibly led along, 
 by my anxiety to impress upon your mind the 
 importance of the subject. By personal ex- 
 perience, I have, I trust, learned its value. I 
 have been able to trace every spiritual declen- 
 sion to the closet. When the enemies of my 
 soul have triumphed, I could distinctly see that 
 my armour had not been furbished by prayer. 
 When the sweet serenity of conscious forgive- 
 ness, a calm sense of Divine favour has depart- 
 ed, and the restless tumult of passion has suc- 
 ceeded, the sweet spirit, I knew full well, had 
 not, with fervency, been wooed to my bosom. 
 
 As well might we expect vegetation to spring 
 from the earth without the sunshine or the 
 dew, as the Christian to unfold his graces, and 
 advance in his course, without patient, perse- 
 vering, and ardent prayer. The throne of 
 grace must be your home, your dearest, hap- 
 piest home. If unavoidably detained from your 
 accustomed visits to the sweet retreat, O, 
 may you 5«el, like the dove that fluttered anx- 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 71 
 
 Sously around the ark, that, on earth, there is 
 nought that is stable, on which to rest your 
 weary foot. And, when you again find the 
 consecrated spot, may your tears of joy, min- 
 gle with those of penitence, as you throw your- 
 self anew into the arms of your Father and 
 -your Friend. 
 
 In my last, I spoke of praying with faith in 
 the promises ; so that I have now glanced at 
 the three important particulars, necessary in 
 acceptable prayer. 
 
 The second inquiry, for what you should 
 pray, needs, it appears to me, but little consi- 
 deration, if you have been taught of the Spirit. 
 The Apostle says, "we know not what we 
 should pray for as we ought," but " the Spirit 
 helpeth our infirmities." It would not, there- 
 fore, become me, to enumerate the particulars 
 which should form the subject matter of your 
 praycrF. If the holy Spirit has wrought in 
 your soul a deep conviction of your depravity, 
 you will wrestle with God for its removal. 
 "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and re- 
 new a right spirit within me." If you are sud- 
 denly betrayed into sin, and your conscience 
 feel the heavy load, you will exclaim, " O 
 Lord, pardon mine iniquity, for it is great." If 
 
92 ADVICE TO A 
 
 your heart be sluggish in duty, you will, oi 
 course, and from necessity, pray, "quicken me, 
 O Lord, and I will run in the ways of thy 
 commandments." If you love the kingdom ol 
 Christ, you will pray earnestly, and with faith, 
 for its coming. If you feel for the perishing 
 condition of sinners, you will commend themj 
 with tears, to the mercy of your God. 
 
 But your prayers will not be thus general. II 
 you ever, as I trust you ^vill, become a noble 
 and devoted Christian ; if you mean to put 
 your feet in the warm tracks of a Newell or a 
 Huntington, your prayers will often be pro- 
 tracted and particular. You will pray for bless- 
 ings on your own soul, on your parents, on 
 your sisters, on your neighbourhood, on the 
 world. Your ardent mind, steeped in benevo* 
 lence, will hold a familiar and holy intercourse 
 "with your Father in heaven. Not an anxiety 
 will you feel, but you will communicate it ; not 
 a reasonable wish will you indulge, but you 
 will express it; not a known duty will you dis- 
 cover, but you will pray for grace to perform 
 it. To enter into further particulars, would 
 be unnecessary. The Christian has every day 
 new sins to confess, new duties to perform, 
 
\0t7NG CHRISTIAN. 73 
 
 new temptations to encounter; requiring, of 
 course, new modifications of prayer and praise. 
 But one subject, let me entreat you never to 
 forget. It is the rising glory of our Immanuel's 
 kingdom. Say, with David, or rather with 
 those weeping captives who were mingling 
 their tears with the waters of Babylon : "If I 
 forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand 
 forget her cunning ; if I do not remember thee, 
 let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth ; 
 if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy." 
 You live in a day of wonders. Your being) 
 perhaps, has opened in the millennial morn. It 
 is possible you may live to see its full-orbed 
 splendours. O, then, in every prayer, re- 
 member Zion ; remember the heathen who sit 
 in the valley and shadow of spiritual death. 
 Take an enlarged view of this subject ; read 
 the promises which secure to our Redeemer 
 the whole habitable globe ; peruse them until 
 your soul is fired with the prospect. Then go 
 to the mercy-seat, and plead for their fulfilment* 
 Go, bear on your heart a sinking world. Let 
 your whole soul be drawn forth on this glori- 
 ous subject. If it be not your lot to carry the 
 glad tidings to the benighted, sustain, by your 
 prayers, the hands and the hearts of those. 
 
74 ADVlCfi TO A 
 
 whose are the privilege and the glory. Say not, 
 I am a poor insignificant creature ; what will 
 tny prayers avail ? Ah ! if every Christian were 
 thus to reason, what would become of our 
 Zion ? Have you an interest at the throne of 
 grace in your own behalf ? do you hope so? 
 and, believing so, do you act accordingly ? then 
 hav^e you also an interest there in behalf of a 
 perishing world. That interest you must use. 
 By all the prospective glories of the Messiah, 
 1 beseech you to use it. By all the deep and 
 inconceivable miseries of the heathen ; by the 
 probability of their condemnation ; and by the 
 possibility of their deliverance, I conjure you 
 to use it. Whatever you forget, forget not the 
 millions who are perishing for lack of vision. 
 Forget not the self-denied missionary who has 
 gone to relieve them ; forget not the societies 
 which are pledged to this holy enterprise. T he 
 day is coming, when this subj'^ct will hold a 
 prominence in our supplications ; when the 
 prayer, " Thy kingdom come," will come gush- 
 ing from the heart, and be reiterated with an 
 earnestness which shall indicate its near ap- 
 proach, and be prophetic of its universality. 
 
 You see from my protracted remarks on this 
 subject, that I consider prayer the life and soul 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 75 
 
 of the Cliristian. To the young Christian, I 
 cannot too urgently press its importance. 
 Prayer is the key of heaven. O, what has it 
 not done ? By it, Elijah shut up the skies, and 
 no dew nor rain descended on the guilty land. 
 By it, Jacob placed a ladder between heaven 
 and earth, and formed a communication for 
 angels. By it, Daniel shut up the mouths of 
 ferocious lions ; Sampson shook the pillars of 
 Philistia's temple ; and Peter was delivered 
 from prison. Prayer is a mighty weapon in 
 the hands of the weakest. Use it then ; never, 
 O, never, yield up this weapon. 
 
 In my next, I shall offer a ^ew remarks on 
 the third question, when should we pray ? 
 
7(^ ADVICE TO A 
 
 LETTER IX. 
 
 I SHALL make but a few additional obserTa 
 tions, my young friend, on the subject of prayer ^ 
 although, I confess, my pen would pursue the 
 delightful theme, through many pages more. 
 
 The apostle commands us to " pray without 
 ceasing." Are we by this to understand, that 
 every moment of our time is to be spent in 
 prayer ? This, undoubtedly, is not his meaning. 
 The import of the exhortation is, omit not this 
 important duty ; be regular and punctual in 
 your daily visits to the altar; and see to it that 
 you continually preserve a prayerful frame of 
 spirit. No person can plead for a more strict 
 interpretation of the passage, than this. It im- 
 plies all that the apostle meant to inculcate ' 
 and, be assured, that if you persevere in such 
 a course, you will not subject yourself to the 
 charge of " casting off fear, and restraining 
 prayer before God." 
 
 The seasons of prayer are stated and occa- 
 sional, ordinary and extraordinary. No Chris- 
 tian can maintain a close walk with God ; none 
 can keep alive the hallowed fire of the soul, 
 without daily kindling it afresh at the altar. 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 77 
 
 None can grow in knowledge and holiness, 
 without stated and regular seasons of prayer. 
 " Give us this day our daily bread," implies as 
 much the aliment of the soul, as the nourish- 
 ment of the body. The one can no more live 
 in health and vigour, ^vithout prayer, than the 
 other without food. 
 
 It ia usual to recommend the morning and 
 the evtning, as the most suitable seasons for 
 prayer. In this, I fully concur. There appears 
 to be s.jmething peculiarly appropriate, in this 
 arrangement of duty. 
 
 When the darkness has passed, and the light 
 has again dawned upon the earth ; when we 
 rise from our couch, and find our faculties in- 
 vigorated by the restoring slumbers of the 
 night ; when we view the beauties of the morn- 
 ing landscape, listen to the melody of birds, 
 and feel the balmy breath of nature, playing 
 coolly and sweetly around us ; when praiso 
 and thanksgiving to God, seem inscribed upon 
 every feature of a revived world : how can we 
 be silent ! how withhold the burst of rapturous 
 adoration ! These scenes, I am aware, awaken 
 no such feelings in the hearts of multitudes. 
 They gaze on them, it is true ; but they re- 
 cognize not the hand that formed them. They 
 7* 
 
78 ADVICE TO A 
 
 feel no thrill of gratitude, nor offer one note 
 of praise. Not so with the Christian. To him 
 they convey a lesson, through the eye, to the 
 soul ; and lead him " from nature up to nature's 
 God." 
 
 How proper, then, my young friend, is the 
 morning, for secret converse with your God ! 
 It is your privilege to reside in the country. 
 You live amid nature's magnificence. The un 
 obstructed arch of heaven is your canopy. For 
 your eye, the forest waves, the meadows smile, 
 the garden unfolds its beauties, and spring and 
 summer vie in their efforts to regale youi 
 senses. You are not crowded into a noisy and 
 profligate city, and shut out from almost every 
 thing that is pleasant to the eye, and calming 
 to the soul. No, . you dwell, as it were, with 
 God, and among his glorious works. Let your 
 first hours, therefore, be his. Let not sloth 
 nail you to your couch, when all nature invites 
 you to awake and join the general concert of 
 praise. " Awake, psaltery and harp," must be 
 your language ; " I, myself, will awake early." 
 Mary found lier way to the sepulchre, ere the 
 day dawned; nor wept at that sepulchre in vain. 
 
 Early devotions are all-important. They are 
 SO, because they afford time to attend, without 
 
yOUNG CHRISTIAN. 79 
 
 distraction, to the secular duties of the morn- 
 ing. As the day breaks, summon your recol- 
 lections, and rise with the rising light. Give 
 your first hours to God. Pour out your soul 
 before him in gratitude for nocturnal blessings, 
 and throw yourself on his protection for the 
 day. Be assured, this early application to his 
 throne, will distil upon the soul, a peace and a 
 serenity, that shall not depart ; but shall gild 
 every look and action, and make the day glide 
 onward smoothly and happily. You will thus 
 allow yourself time, and not be hurried in your 
 prayers. You will also be free from interrup- 
 tions, and the fear of them. This is all-impor- 
 tant to a right discharge of sacred duties. It 
 is indispensable that the mind should be free 
 from solicitude and cares : and there is no time 
 in the day, that will so secure to you that free- 
 dom, as the early part of it. 
 
 Arise so early as to allow yourself half an 
 hour for the performance of your morning de- 
 votions : more, if your soul desire it. It is 
 good to stipulate with yourself for half an hour. 
 The devotions of many are insipid, and bur- 
 densome, and unacceptable, because they have 
 no definite time allotted for their performance 
 They snatch a few moments in the morning, 
 
80 ADVICE TO A 
 
 and hurry through a form of prayer ; which, 
 though for the time it may pacify the con- 
 science, yet, in the end, it accumulates theii 
 guilt. They do not make a business of prayer. 
 This is the great reason why the exercise is a 
 burden. Now, avoid this, my young friend, by 
 having an early hour, and always occupying 
 the full time, in a constant and conscientious 
 attention to your devotional duties. You will 
 find by experience, that there is a great advan- 
 tage in being thus systematic. It will tend 
 greatly to elevate your standard of piety, and 
 make you, not a lean and desultory, but a con- 
 sistent and growing Christian. 
 
 In your evening devotions, I should advise 
 you to occupy, as a general rule, as much time 
 as in the morning. I kno\v that circumstances 
 must be regarded ; but I would endeavour to 
 secure at least half an hour in the evening. 
 Let this hour not be the last before retiring ; 
 because, generally, the body is too much wea- 
 ried, and the mind, by sympathy, too drowsy, 
 to make devotion any thing but a task and a 
 burden. Let it be early in the evening. If the 
 hour of sunset is most convenient, let it be then. 
 This was the time at which the p^itriarch Isaac 
 was engaged in meditation and prayer, and it 
 
^^^xy,ix CHRISTIAN. 81 
 
 certainly is a very appropriate and delightful 
 hour. 
 
 How proper and pleasant is it to sit down 
 at evening, and review the mercies of the day, 
 call in the thoughts from distracting occupa- 
 tions, and then pour the whole soul into the 
 bosom of God. How dehghtful to seek our 
 pillow, when, having bathed anew in the foun- 
 tain of Immanuel's blood, we feel a conscious- 
 ness of pardon, and a hope full of immortali- 
 ty ! Our slumbers then are sweet and refresh- 
 ing. No visions of guilt, no fearful anticipa- 
 tions, distort the unconscious muscles, or heave 
 the troubled bosom. These are the tortures of 
 guilty impenitence. They are the scourges 
 of a conscience unpacified by the blood of 
 atonement — the forebodings of that dreadful 
 doom that awaits all who continue unreconci- 
 led to God, by the death of his Son. ! 
 
 One more letter shall close my remarks on 
 this subject. 
 
 ^' 
 
ADVICE TO A 
 
 LETTER X- 
 
 A Christian who aims at an elevated stand- 
 rd of piety, will not always be satisfied with 
 the morning and evening sacrifice. 
 
 The most eminent Christians have followed 
 tlie example of David, who, in asserting his 
 perseverance in prayer, exclaims, "morning 
 and evening, and at noon, will I call upon 
 thee." And is this too much ? I am persuaded, 
 my young friend, that, to a soul who pants af- 
 ter increasing conformity to God, it is not too 
 much. It may not always be convenient, to 
 pray three times a day ; but where it is, I pro- 
 mise the individual, he will be no loser by the 
 exercise. The aliment of the body may be ta- 
 ken too often, and in too great quantities, for 
 the h-ealth of the constitution : but not so that 
 of the soul. There is no danger of satiety or 
 repletion, here. You may drink, and drink 
 again, at the waters of ''fe ; you may banquet, 
 and return again and banquet. The soul will 
 thrive proportionably. The food, instead of be- 
 ing loathed, will have the keener relish, and ad- 
 minister increasing nourishment, until you grow 
 up to the stature of the perfect, in Christ Jesus. 
 
YOrNG CHRISTIAN. 83 
 
 A Christian of exalted piety, will carry a 
 prayerful frame of spirit throughout the dajr. 
 lie will not make I is stated devotions, the be- 
 ginning and the ending of his religion. Such 
 is the conduct of the hypocrite, and the formal- 
 ist. But the Christian imbibes a portion of 
 heaven, which he continually carries in his 
 countenance, and exhibits in his deportment. 
 Thoujrh walkin"^ amid the avocations of secu- 
 lar life, lie still walks with God. As a matter 
 of duty, he descends from his elevation, to 
 perform his part in the concerns of this sublu- 
 nary world ; but his soul is not here. His 
 higher affections are calmly ascending to God. 
 The silent ejaculation, supplies his necessary 
 abs'^nce from the throne of grace ; and is, if 
 you vrill allow me the comparison, a sort of in- 
 formal repast to the soul. 
 
 The most eminent saints have been noted 
 for frequent ejaculatory petitions. A temptation 
 suddenly shoots across the mind — send upward 
 the silent prayer for deliverance. You are 
 about entering into dangerous circumstances — 
 look upward for protection. Your feet have 
 just touched the threshold of God's temple — O, 
 then breathe upward for his spirit and his pre- 
 eence. If your soul be attuned to devotion. 
 
84 ADVICE TO A 
 
 you will live and breathe as in the presence of 
 God, and travel through this wilderness, lean- 
 ing on the arm of your beloved. 
 
 In addition to this, I would urge the duty of 
 extraordinary and special seasons of prayer. I 
 find such seasons warranted by the Scriptures, 
 and their importance attested by the experi- 
 ence of the most eminent Sain-ts, in all ages of 
 the church. There are lapses of the soul, which 
 can only be counteracted by special and extra- 
 ordinary prayer. There are temptations, which 
 at times, so beset and harass the mind, as to 
 call for special means. There are afflictive 
 dispensations, which require them. There are 
 perplexities as to the path of duty, which they 
 only can remove. Hence, if you will note 
 the biography of the 'most eminently pious, 
 you will find that special seasons of fasting, 
 humiliation, and prayer, have been accompa- 
 nied with an increase of grace, a deeper ac- 
 quaintance with the heart, a more spiritual in- 
 tercourse with God, more glorious views of 
 divine truth, and a surer hope of a blessed im- 
 mortality. 
 
 I think I can say, without hesitation, that 
 the most exalted attamments, have been made 
 by such means. Such extraordinary season? 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 86 
 
 of prayer, are peculiarly acceptable to God. It 
 was such, accompanied by a sanctifying influ- 
 ence, that formed the high character of Brain - 
 erd, and of Martyn. 
 
 If you desire their piety, neglect not the 
 means by which they attained to it. If you ad- 
 mire their character, then imitate their devo- 
 tion and self-denial. There is no obstacle, that 
 may not be surmounted, to hinder you even 
 from outstripping them. The prize is before 
 you. The race is pointed out. See, at its 
 termination, a crown of glory, beaming in your 
 Saviour's hands. Does it not fire your soul ^ 
 Does it not fill your eye ? Does it not brace 
 smew your nerves ? Fix your eye on the mark 
 of the prize of your high calling. Consider all 
 the ground you have passed, as nothing, so long 
 as the goal is still at a distance; so long as you 
 come short of perfection in Christ Jesus. 
 
 But I have one remark, before I dismiss this 
 subject. It is this. Let nothing, if possible, 
 hinder you, in the performance of your regular 
 devotions, from occupying your allotted season 
 of prayer. When the 'love of God is on the 
 wane, and that of the world is waxing stronger, 
 a trifling excuse will satisfy tlfe conscience for 
 the ne^rlect of this all-important duty. May 
 
86 ADVICE TO A 
 
 such never be your case. Such a state is re» 
 plete with danger, and often a precursor to a 
 melancholy and disgraceful fall. The soul that 
 is bent on duty, and to whom prayer is a de* 
 lightful privilege, will seldom be hindered from 
 its performance. No trifling excuse will be 
 heeded ; and if necessity for a time bar up the 
 sacred enclosure, the heart will sicken at the 
 void, which is created by a temporary absence 
 from the hallowed spot. When that necessity 
 can be removed, how will the soul leap forward 
 to its dearest earthly home ! It will seem doubly 
 sweet, for the temporary hinderance. The soul 
 will say, as it lays itself beneath the altar, O, 
 blessed privilege! How long does it appear 
 since I last enjoyed thee ! How delightful to lay 
 my head on this dear support, and feel that I am 
 again alone with my Redeemer and my friend! 
 
 Such will be the language of the saint, when 
 debarred for a time from the throne of grace. 
 
 Situated as you now are^ you are in a mea- 
 sure free from the fear of such interruptions. 
 But you will soon be ushered into a new sphere. 
 You will soon find yourself surrounded by 
 companions, to whom you must pay the ordina- 
 ry civilities of fife. Then will you need this 
 advice ; nay, vou will need the supporting hand 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 97 
 
 *f God, to keep you from dishonouring your 
 profession, and forgetting the solemn vows 
 you have recorded. Then if you persevere in 
 the course which I have marked out, it will 
 be evident that I have not written in vain, and 
 that what I have written, has been attended 
 with more than human efficacy. 
 
 Little do you know, as yet, of your own 
 heart ; little do you realize the seducing influ- 
 ence of the world, and the artful insinuations 
 of Satan. But if you will cling to the counsel 
 I have given, and commit your soul to the 
 keeping of your Redeemer, those temptations 
 you shall meet, immoveable as the rock that 
 beats back the angry billow — you shall walk 
 unhurt amid the flames — you shall be covered 
 with a panoply, impervious to attack — you shall 
 weather out the storm in safety — and at last, 
 when your temptations and trials are over, you 
 shall sing, eternally sing, unto Him who hath 
 loved me, and washed me from my sins, in His 
 own blood; to him "be glory and dominion 
 for ever and ever." 
 
88 ADVICE TO A 
 
 LETTER XI. 
 
 You will recollect, my young friend, that I 
 proposed to direct you to the attainment of an 
 elevated standard of piety. In the course of my 
 remarks, you must ever bear in mind, I am sug- 
 gesting only the important means and methods 
 of such attainment. Ever recollect, that with- 
 out the Spirit's influence, the Christian can no 
 more advance in holiness, than the sinner re- 
 pent and believe ; and yet the former will be 
 guilty for not advancing, and the latter for not 
 complying with the demands of the gospel. 
 
 The three grand helps towards the point at 
 which you aim, are prayer, self-examination, 
 and a close and diligent perusal of the scrip- 
 tures. The first topic has been already dis 
 cussed. Imperfectly as it has been set forth, 
 I trust you are deeply convinced of its import- 
 ance ; and I shall, therefore, briefly attend to 
 the second ; viz. self-examination. 
 
 This is a duty, as difficult as it is important 
 Every Christian acknowledges it to be so. The 
 object of self-examination is, to obtain a cor- 
 rect knowledge of our moral character. Before 
 conversion, man is generally a stranger to him- 
 self. As he comes forth from the nursery, he 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 09 
 
 waters upon the reckless career of boyhood. 
 His eye and ear are all attention, as one object 
 after another crowds upon his view. He is full 
 of interrogatories concerning the phenomena, 
 both of art and of nature. He courts every 
 trifle ; and when obtained, throws it away in 
 pursuit of another. But he watches not the 
 operations of his own mind. He is, indeed, 
 all attention to the busy world without ; but, 
 all inattention to the busy world within. And 
 such will he continue to be, when boyhood 
 shall give place to maturity ; unless the Holy 
 Spirit turn his eye inward on the soul. A phi- 
 losopher, he may range through nature, and 
 collect and classify her productions, and yet 
 never sit one solitary hour in severe judgment 
 on himself. Such a man is, in one sense, a 
 wise man, but in another a fool. That he is a 
 man of knowledge, no one acquainted with his 
 attainments, can deny ; but, in my opinion, he 
 is far from being a man of wisdom, in the high- 
 est and noblest use of that term. 
 
 " Knowledg"e and wisdom, far from heing" one, 
 Have oft times no connexion. Knowiodg'e dwells 
 In heads replete with thoughts of other men ; 
 Wisdom in minds attentive to their own. 
 Knowledge is proud that he has learned so much| 
 Wisdom is humble that he knows no more, 
 
 8* 
 
90 ADVICE TO A 
 
 It is surprising, how few persons are in the 
 habit of attending to the operations of their 
 own minds. The generality of mankind are 
 so absorbed in the various pursuits of life, that 
 no opportunity is allowed for serious introspec ^ 
 tion. They live in a whirlpool of cares ; and 
 to them, the deeper and more boisterous the 
 vortex, the better. They are all hurry and 
 bustle; business and pleasure swallow up every 
 thought ; and thus life's important hours, like 
 successive couriers, chase each other into eter- 
 nity. Hence you will often find these gay 
 dreamers, when brought to a death-bed, taking, 
 for the first time, a direct and dreadful look at 
 themselves. Life has been frittered away, and 
 eternity now stares them into a consciousness 
 of their ruin. 
 
 The Christian who is taught of the Spirit, is 
 the only man who can be said to be acquainted 
 with himself. Not that he can notice every 
 hue of moral feeling ; nor can he comprehend 
 the " mystery of iniquity" that pervades the 
 heart : for it is " deceitful above all things ; who 
 can know it?" But he is so much in the habit 
 of noticing his moral exercises; he so fiequent- 
 ly communes with his own heart, that he comes 
 at length to an acquaintance with himself; and 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 91 
 
 can pranounce, with humble confidence, on his 
 present state, and his future destiny. Such a 
 character is venerable and immoveable. Chan- 
 ges may occur ; prosperity or adversity may 
 come : but he walks in too high a region, to 
 be unduly elated by the former, or sinfully de- 
 pressed by the latter. What a calm, delightful, 
 enviable summit. It is like the mountain co- 
 vered with verdure, upon whose top rest the 
 mild beams of glory ; whilst, in the figurative 
 language of Goldsmith, the "midway storm' 
 thunders and rages beneath. 
 
 We are expressly enjoined, by the apostle, 
 to "examine ourselves" — to "know our own 
 selves ;" for by so doing, we come to the 
 knowledge of our true characters. If Ave are 
 Christians, we may, and we must endeavour, 
 to know it. Such knowledge will remove our 
 fears, and add greatly to our comfort. Some 
 I am well aware, walk in darkness and in doubt, 
 to the end of their journey. They see no light, 
 until Heaven's glory breaks in upon the soul. 
 Such, no doubt, was the case of the amiable and 
 pious Cowper ; but his case was a peculiar one. 
 
 In general, the knowledge of his personal 
 salvation is attainable by the Christian. None 
 should think of resting, until such assurance is 
 
92 ADVICE TO A 
 
 actained. It may not be the will of God to give 
 it, but it is his will that we should strive for it. 
 If you aim at an elevated standard of piety, 
 this will be your mark. 
 
 Some persons are satisfied with just enough 
 of religion, to ease the conscience and give en- 
 coura>gement for a feeble hope. They never 
 rise above this grade, nor ever manifest more 
 than a sort of negative character. Self-exami- 
 nation, they utterly neglect ; or, if they pretend 
 to practise it, they perform the duty so seldom 
 and superficially, as to depress, rather than ele- 
 vate, their own low and diminutive standard. 
 
 Be thou not of their number. Employ every 
 means to become thoroughly acquainted with 
 your true character. Make religion your grand 
 business. Let the soul be the all-absorbing sub- 
 ject of interest. How dreadful would it be, to 
 pass into eternity with false hopes and mista- 
 ken views ! Determine to know the worst, as 
 well as the best of your case. Come to a per- 
 sonal investigation, with the spirit of an inflexi- 
 ble inquisitor. Go into the secret chambers of 
 the soul, and carry thither the touchstone of 
 salvation, the torch of truth. 
 
 In my next, I hope to enter a little more mi- 
 nutely into this subject. In the mean time, I 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 93 
 
 commend you to the grace of Him, who is able to 
 build you up — to enable you to go from strength 
 to strength — to fire your flagging zeal — rouse 
 the animating hope — and put within you the 
 spirit of a self-denied, all-devoted Christian. 
 
94 ADVICE TO A 
 
 LETTER XII. 
 
 The duty of self-examination, like that of 
 prayer, is both stated and occasional. The con- 
 scientious Christian, should not suffer a single 
 day to pass, without an investigation of his 
 moral character. At the close of the day, and 
 when about to commit the keeping of his soul 
 to Him "who never slumbereth nor sleepeth," 
 he should take a deliberate and serious retros- 
 pect of the past. His conduct, and the motives 
 which prompted it, should pass under investi- 
 gation. 
 
 I cannot, my young friend, too strongly re- 
 commend to you this practice. The most emi- 
 nent saints have been distinguished for it; and 
 I must press upon you a similar course, if you 
 would aim at an elevated standard of piety. 
 
 There is less difficulty attending this diurnal 
 investigation, than many professors imagine. 
 Were long intervals to occur between the pe- 
 riods of self-examination, we should, indeed, 
 experience much inconvenience and perplexity 
 in performing the duty. We should then re- 
 semble the unskilful and heedless merchant, 
 who, yielding to habitual negligence and hurry. 
 
YOtJtIG CHRISTIAN. 95 
 
 defers posting his books, until he is overwhelm- 
 ed with their intricacy and magnitude. But let 
 the duty be daily and thoroughly performed, 
 and we rise to the standard of the skilful and 
 prudent merchant, who duly records every item 
 of business ; who never closes his counting- 
 house, until his balance-sheet is made up ; and 
 who, by a single reference, can tell the true 
 state of his accounts, and form a correct esti* 
 mate of his commercial standing. 
 
 You will find yourself aided in this work, by 
 a secret journal or diary, which must be exclu- 
 ded from the inspection of all, but God and 
 yourself. 
 
 If you are in the habit of thus daily inquiring 
 into your motives and conduct, you will find it 
 an excellent preparation for approaching a 
 throne of grace. You will perceive so many 
 failures in duty, and such frequent commission 
 of sin, that your soul must necessarily be hum* 
 bled before God. You will also perceive whe 
 ther you make any advances in knowledge and 
 holiness, and thus discover a source of encou- 
 ragem.ent, or a stimulus to greater diligence. 
 Your conscience will be rendered tender and 
 faithful ; and you will thus be on the alert, 
 that you be not tempted, or drawn aside fxcm 
 
96 ADVICK TO A 
 
 your duty. You will walk softly amid the 
 thorny path, nor feel the bleeding wounds 
 which are inflicted on so many careless and 
 worldly-minded professors. 
 
 Besides this daily process which I am recom- 
 mending, there is one special season of self- 
 examiixation, which you should by no means 
 omit. The Apostle enjoins on every Christian, 
 to examine himself before he partakes of the 
 Lord's Supper. "Let a man examine himself, 
 and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of 
 that cup." This is indispensable, to a profita- 
 ble attendance on this interesting and signifi- 
 cant ordinance. If you are in the habit of 
 daily self-examination, you will find the obser- 
 vance of this special season, by no means diffi- 
 cult or laborious. You will have acquired, by 
 your daily introspection, so much self-know- 
 ledge ; such a tact, if I may be allowed the ex- 
 pression, at seizing upon evidence, and analy- 
 zing feelings and motives, that, instead of pro- 
 ving an unwelcome task, it will constitute a sa- 
 tisfactory, comforting, and delightful duty. 
 
 The reason why so many complain of the 
 difficulty of a proper discharge of this duty, is 
 obvious. I shall, in a subsequent letter, dis- 
 close it more fully. 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 97 
 
 Be assured, my young friend, that, if ever 
 you arrive at an elevated standard of piety, you 
 will attribute it, as much to a strict and perse- 
 vering self-examination, as to any other means, 
 which it is, under God, your privilege to use. 
 It is through a neglect of this, that Christianity 
 makes, in most of us, such a dwarfish appear- 
 ance. It is for the want of this, that hypocrisy 
 vaunts itself in the habiliments of piety. It is 
 for the want of this, that doubts, and fears, and 
 disquietude, and backslidings, are so prevalent. 
 I entreat you, therefore, as you value your 
 peace and your improvement, to persevere in 
 the faithful discharge of this duty. You will 
 be abundantly rewarded. Faith will walk arm 
 in arm with the promises ; hope, instead of a 
 flickering light, will become a steady radiation 
 from an unclouded sun ; love will p-row to a 
 {lame, that "many waters cannot quench ;" and 
 zeal, founded in truth, and directed by know- 
 ledge, will hold on, until death, its vigorous 
 and untiring career. 
 
 I say not, that you will at once arrive at this 
 lofty elevation. Ah, no, you may have many 
 a thorny path to tread, many a rugged way to 
 traverse, many a difficult hill to climb. Nights 
 of weeping, and days of darkness and of tem- 
 9 
 
98 ADVICE TO A 
 
 pest may intervene. But God will interpose 
 in your behalf ; he will " temper the wind to 
 the shorn lamb." 
 
 Recollect, for your encouragement, that the 
 farther you proceed, the easier and the more 
 delightful will be the passage. As it approxi- 
 mates heaven, it partakes of celestial beauty. 
 Like the fine, free avenue to a noble metropo- 
 lis, the proximity of this road to the heavenly 
 Jerusalem, opens wider, and shows clearer, and 
 almost admits the eager eye to catch the spires 
 of glory, as they glitter in the light of heaven. 
 Take up your cross, dear youth, and march 
 forward. While you may encounter diffi- 
 culties, you may also partake of many plea- 
 sures ; pleasures which are as m.uch superior 
 to the sickly joys of earth, as the river of life 
 is purer, than the green waters of an offensive 
 and stagnant pool. 
 
 ««Thehillof Zion yields 
 A thousand sacred sweets ; 
 Before we roach the heavenly fields, 
 Or walk the golden streets." 
 
 To me, it has ever appeared strange, that 
 when so much depends on the duty of self- 
 examination, it should be so generally neg- 
 lected. 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 99 
 
 We do not thus act in our temporal affairs. 
 If the claim to an estate be attended -with any 
 de^ee of doubt or embarrassment, we spare 
 no pains to give it a thorough investigation. 
 If the body be disordered, we are alive to every 
 symptom, and we watch every new aspect of 
 the disease. But in respect to the soul, we are 
 at little pains to substantiate its hope, by actual 
 examination. We live along, as if the matter 
 were settled \ as if we had a guarantee for our 
 heavenly inheritance : when, in fact, all is 
 doubt and embarrassment ; when, perhaps, we 
 may have only " a name to live, whilst we are 
 dead." 
 
 Let this duty, my young friend, be viewed by 
 you as altogether indispensable. Set about it 
 with diligence. Should your enemy, knoAving 
 its usefulness and importance, attempt to dis- 
 courage you, listen not to the voice of the 
 tempter. Renew your labour; call upon God to 
 fix your thoughts, and to give you success. 
 Persevere, even unto death, in a duty so ne- 
 cessary to your safety, and essential to your 
 comfort. 
 
100 ADVICE TO A 
 
 LETTER XIII. 
 
 It was intimated, in my last, that I shoulil 
 pursue my remarks a little farther, uj^on self- 
 examination. My reasons for so doing, are, 
 the importance of the subject, and the general 
 neglect of it with which many Christians are 
 chargeable. 
 
 Since the duty is so intimately connected 
 with your hope of salvation, your advancement 
 in holiness, and your general elevation of cha- 
 racter ; you will bear with me a little longer, 
 even though the subject should appear to be 
 destitute of those incidental attractions, which 
 are peculiar to the ordinary accomplishments 
 of life. You must first lay the solid column ; 
 the Corinthian capital may then be superadded. 
 My conscience would condemn me, Avere I to 
 speak first of external conduct, when the piety 
 of the soul is paramount, and demands the first 
 and deepest consideration. Let this be obtain- 
 ed, and, I doubt not, your manners and deport- 
 ment" will take that elevated and noble charac- 
 ter, which will secure to you the love of the 
 virtuous, and the respect and admiration of all. 
 
 Fixing the attention on manners and deport- 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 101 
 
 ment, before the heart is rectified, is like pro- 
 fusely adorniiig the exterior of a building, when 
 it is all unfinished and comfortless within. You 
 are allured^ by the imposing aspect which it 
 presents ; but upon entering, how great is your 
 disappointment, to find, not only, no corres- 
 pondence in the interior, but every thing cheer- 
 less and forbidding. It is certainly more pleas- 
 ing, to view even a homely exterior, an out- 
 side that promises but little, and to perceive 
 ivithin, beauty, symmetry, and elegance. Hap- 
 py will you be, if, gifted as you are, with at 
 least an agreeable person, you can so irradiate 
 your mind with knowledge and holiness, as to 
 throw around you an additional attraction, and 
 tnake your soul approximate to the comeliness 
 of an unfallen spirit. But I have digressed, 
 and must return. 
 
 The difl^culty of arriving at a knowledge of 
 our true character, does not arise from any de- 
 ficiency or obscurity in evidence, as recorded 
 in the word of God ; but from the manner of 
 applying that evidence to ourselves. The lia- 
 bility to deception lies here. We cannot say, 
 that we have the evidence, because we may 
 have spurious and hypocritical feelings, which 
 our self-love may mistake for genuine Christian 
 9* 
 
102 ADVICE TO A 
 
 emotions. The word of God is full, clear, and 
 explicit. It marks out the true disciple of Christ, 
 with unerring exactness. The evidence is di- 
 rect and indirect, positive and negative, in ex- 
 ample or embodied principle. 
 
 The direct evidence, is that which consists 
 in a record of the feelings which every Chris- 
 tian must possess. The Bibl« is full of this. 
 The indirect, is that which may be inferred, 
 from precepts and principles. The positive, is 
 exhibited in all those commands which relate 
 to doing the will of God. The negative, from 
 example or embodied principle, is that which 
 is derived from the conduct of the patriarchal 
 and primitive saints. 
 
 Thus you see the Bible is full of evidence 
 relating to the character of the genuine follow- 
 er of Christ. That evidence is clear and ex- 
 plicit, presented under various forms, and 
 couched in tho simplest phraseology. Where, 
 then, lies the difficulty of correctly ascertain- 
 ing, at once, our true character ? I will tell you. 
 It lies in the depravity of the human heart. 
 That heart, as I have already observed, is " de- 
 ceitful above all things ;" and this is the true 
 reason, why we cannot appropriate this evi- 
 dence, with the certainty of its application. 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 103 
 
 But I will enter into a few particulars, for 
 your farther satisfaction, to show you that self- 
 examination is as difficult, as it is important ; 
 and that nothing but a long course of painful, 
 persevering effort, will bring you to a confi- 
 dence, unshaken by doubt, of your being a 
 child of God, and a joint heir with Jesus Christ. 
 You do not wish to have a name to live, and 
 still be dead. You do not desire to go into 
 eternity, with a profession only. No, you wish 
 not to be deceived in so momentous an affair ; 
 for the world, you would not be deceived. You 
 have counted the cost; you have surveyed the 
 cross ; and you are determined to follow your 
 Lord. You will not then be discouraged, when 
 I inform you, that to deal with your own heart, 
 in close examination, is a great and difficult 
 work. But the difficulty, as I before observed, 
 will diminish with diligence. 
 
 One great reason why so litti*? satisfaction is 
 obtained in the work, is, that our investigation 
 is not complete. We do not come to it with 
 a determination to be thorough in its perform- 
 ance. Although we acknowledge that there is 
 no duty so difficult, nor any more important ; 
 yet there is none, perhaps, more superficially 
 performed. Although our hopes, our peace 
 
104 ADVICE TO A 
 
 of mind, our growth in grace, are intimately 
 connected with close self-examination ; yet, 
 how easily are we discouraged by obstacles 
 which the enemies of our souls may interpose; 
 and how hastily do we run through the duty, 
 deriving no satisfaction, but only enveloping 
 the mind in still deeper gloom. After one or 
 two such superficial trials, some will give up 
 the duty as impracticable, and live along in 
 doubt, and die, perhaps, in distressing uncer- 
 tainty. 
 
 We are less thorough in this spiritual inves- 
 tigation, than we should be in almost any other 
 subject. No wonder, then, that we make such 
 slow advances in self-knowledge ; no wonder, 
 that it is generally viewed as impracticable, 
 when so superficially performed. When you, 
 my young friend, enter upon this duty, make, 
 I entreat you, sure work with your soul ; ex- 
 plore the secret motives, and analyze the eva- 
 nescent feelings. If it cost years of perse- 
 vering labour, ascertain, if possible, whether 
 you have an inheritance on high. May God, 
 by his Spirit, assist you, and make you suc» 
 cessful. 
 
♦ YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 105 
 
 LETTER XIV. 
 
 I OBSERVED, in my last, that we were in dan- 
 ger of being superficial in the work of self-exa- 
 mination. There will be a strong temptation to 
 this, from our natural indolence, as well as the 
 difficulties to be overcome. Hence, you will 
 find few Christians, who make this duty a se- 
 rious and indispensable business. A little hasty 
 catechising, just before they celebrate the 
 Lord's Supper, is all that is deemed necessary. 
 Two or three months may intervene, during 
 •flrhich, the soul, and its momentous affairs, are 
 ".omparatively neglected. When again sum- 
 iJioned to renew their vows, over the melting 
 memorials of a Saviour's love, they begin to 
 think of some preparation ; but one moment 
 steals upon the heels of another, and the busi- 
 ness is deferred, until the hour when the invi- 
 ting bell is calling them to the feast. Then, all 
 is agitation and hurry, when all should be calm, 
 collected, and contemplative. They leave to 
 themselves, perhaps, a few moments, to extri- 
 cate the soul from a tumult of cares ; and af- 
 ter an ineffectual and superficial attempt at 
 
106 ADVICE TO A 
 
 self-examination, they go tremblingly in doubt, 
 or fearlessly in cold-hearted presumption. 
 
 Such is the character of many who profess 
 to be aiming at the crown of glory. They do 
 not sit in judgment on the internal man, as did 
 David, when he threw open the chambers ot 
 his secret soul, and exclaimed, " Search me, O 
 God, and know my heart ; try me, and know 
 my thoughts ; and see if there be any wicked 
 way in me, and lead me in the way everlast- 
 ing." It is mere half-way work with them. 
 Conscience prejudges and condemns. To si- 
 lence her clamours, it is necessary that they 
 make, at least, a show of self-examination. But 
 when they take up the sacred record, they find 
 so little there, which can be honestly appropri- 
 ated in their favour, that they are obliged, if 
 they would glean any thing for their encour- 
 agement, to misinterpret and misapply its 
 meaning. When they meet with such a sweep- 
 ing declaration as this, "If any man love the 
 world, and the things that are in the world, the 
 love of the Father is not in him ;" when their 
 eyes glance at so discriminating a text, they 
 employ a ready sophistry, to modify its seve- 
 rity, or avert its application. 
 
 There is, recollect, a strong temptation to be 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. lOt 
 
 partial in this important work. Self-love, 
 prompts us to look more eagerly for the favour- 
 able, than the unfavourable evidence ; and 
 gives us a greater readiness in applying the 
 former than the latter. It is an object with 
 our spiritual enemies, to flatter us into a belief 
 of our good estate, that we may omit our watch, 
 and indulge our vain-confident expectations. 
 Thousands are, by this means, led blind-folded 
 down to ruin. 
 
 The superficial Christian, seizes the most 
 equivocal evidence. It will not take much to 
 persuade him that all is safe. If a vast amount 
 of scripture is against him, and he can yet find 
 but here and there a single text, whose aspect 
 in his case, is, to say the least, doubtful, how 
 eagerly will he grasp it, and cast it into the fa- 
 vourable scale. It is, with him., a principle, to 
 be satisfied with the least possible testimony. 
 He will make one text, which he supposes to 
 be in his favour, neutralize a hundred others, 
 which are most unequivocally against him. 
 Hence you will sometimes hear professing 
 Christians declare, that were it not for this one 
 text, " We know that we have passed from 
 death unto life, because we love the brethren;'* 
 they should be driven to despair. 
 
108 ADVICE TO A 
 
 This may, indeed, be the language of a sin* 
 cere disciple ; of one who walks in darkness, 
 but who goes mourning over his personal de-- 
 ficiency. Far be it from me, to discourage such. 
 This precious text was recorded by the com- 
 passionate Spirit, for him ; and often, when the 
 billows were high, and the prospect all dark- 
 ness, it has beamed like a star of hope upon 
 his trembling soul, and saved it from despair 
 and death. But, when I hear it quoted by a 
 thoughtless, worldly-minded professor, I ac- 
 count it a sad mark against him. Is this the only 
 text, to which he can cling ? Let him recollect, 
 that the same apostle also said, " By this we 
 know that we love the children of God, when 
 we love God, and keep his commandments." 
 
 The superficial professor, seems determined, 
 if possible, to make the Bible speak in his fa- 
 vour. He comes not to that infallible touch- 
 stone, with a sincere desire to probe his heart, 
 to examine the reason of his hope, and to scru- 
 tinize the foundation of his confidence. He 
 comes not, with a resolution to make thorough 
 and impartial work ; but to make the word of 
 God, like the fabled oracles of heathenism, 
 speak a language ambiguous and equivocal. 
 
 Now, my young friend, be thou of a different 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 109 
 
 Spirit. Go into this investigation, with a reso- 
 lution that you will be thorough and impartial. 
 Say to your Bible, I will consult thee faithfully, 
 thou infallible book. I will let thy light into 
 the darkest chambers of my heart. The sword 
 of the Spirit shall search the system, and probe 
 my wounded nature, in the tenderest part. I 
 will not shrink from the inquisition, hut will 
 enter upon it sincerely, and persevere in it 
 through life. 
 
 10 
 
no ADVICE TO A 
 
 LETTER XV. 
 
 The character of the superficial professor, I 
 must carry along with me, in order to show 
 you the importance and the happiness of aim- 
 ing at a high standard of attainment. 
 
 He is a miserable self-deceiver, who ima- 
 gines that any advantage is gained, by persua- 
 ding himself, contrary to evidence, that he is a 
 Christian. And yet there are thousands of this 
 character. Why do they not reflect on God's 
 omniscience ? Why do they not consider, that 
 their own good opinion of themselves, will not 
 alter their true character. God looketh upon 
 the heart. He strips the outward man, and 
 carries his judicial sentence home upon the 
 soul. He can tear from the heart its most art- 
 ful disguises, and look with an eye of infalli- 
 ble decision on its emotions. With his " fan 
 in his hand," he will pass through the visible 
 church, *' and gather his wheat into tlie garner; 
 but he will burn up the chaff with unquencha- 
 ble fire." 
 
 He who attends to self-examination superfi- 
 cially, [)laces too much confidence in the judg- 
 ment of others. Every person knows, that if 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. Ill 
 
 another's opinion be coincident with our own, 
 we are flattered by it. This is especially the 
 case, when it respects our religious character. 
 Some, who are fearful of deception, will, lam 
 well aware, never admit the opinion of others 
 to have any weight. This is, certainly, the 
 safest extreme. Such are, generally, mourning 
 Christians, who are much more prone to form 
 an unfavourable, than a flattering opinion, of 
 their condition. But others are disposed to 
 place undue reliance on the judgment of ttiose 
 who have expressed the belief that they are 
 Christians. This satisfies them; especially if 
 it be the judgment of those, whom they great- 
 ly respect, and whose perspicacity as to moral 
 character, they have been in the habit of con- 
 sidering as well nigh infallible. Perhaps it is 
 merely the wish of a beloved friend, or the ex- 
 pression of parental hope, rather than a deli- 
 berate and formal decision, upon ascertained 
 evidence : still it is, often, enough to under- 
 mine the duty of close self-examination, and 
 induce a carelessness, and a confidence, awful- 
 ly prophetic of deep delinquency, and melan- 
 choly backsliding. 
 
 It will be evident to you, my young friend, 
 that confidence, if it have no better foundation, 
 
112 ADVICE TO A 
 
 is nothing less than presumption ; and that it 
 may, ere long, lead to great doubt and per- 
 plexity, if not to absolute despair. 
 
 The hope of eternal life, is not to be taken 
 np on slight grounds. It is a subject to be set- 
 tled between God and your own soul. I would 
 not despise the advice, nor reject, entirely, the 
 opinion of others ; but I would be careful, not 
 to trust too much to such advice and opinion. 
 Since you are to stand or fall by the word of 
 God, it is to that, and to that alone, you must 
 look for testimony in your case. The advice 
 and the opinion of ministers, and private Chris- 
 tians, you will seek and respect ; but you will 
 not regard them as infallible, nor place your 
 reliance upon them. Let them neither sink you 
 to despair, nor elevate you to a vain confidence. 
 
 You know full well, that no finite being can 
 pronounce with certainty on your spiritual con- 
 dition. Even the holy apostles, who were un- 
 der the immediate inspiration of God, were not 
 endued with this prerogative. Were they not 
 deceived respecting the characters of Simon 
 Magus, of Demas, and of others ? How, then, 
 can we trust our souls to the opinion of fallible 
 man ? What reliance can we place on any thing 
 short of God, and his unerring oxacles. 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 113 
 
 I dwell the longer on this topic, because I , 
 have not seen the point brought out fully, in 
 any of the experimental treatises which have 
 fallen under my observation ; and because 
 there is in most persons, a strong tendency to 
 lean upon the judgment of others, rather than 
 to be at the pains of a severe and strict investi- 
 gation for themselves. You cannot be ignorant, 
 that such a course must be unsafe, and unsatis- 
 factory. How much better, to go at once to the 
 Bible ? If we there find our character to be that 
 of the saints who have gone before us, what joy 
 and assurance will it give ! We know that we 
 are standing on a rock — we feel that it is 
 stable as eternity. But, if we lean to human 
 opinion, we shall ever find our evidences equi- 
 vocal, and our hope neither sure nor steadfast. 
 
 Remember, too, my young friend, that those 
 who love us, and who wish us to become Chris- 
 tians, are very liable to be satisfied with the 
 shadow of evidence. They grasp at the first 
 hopeful appearances, and pronounce often a 
 favourable decision, when there are not suffi- 
 cient grounds to warrant it. When you recol- 
 lect this, you will receive their opinion with 
 the greater hesitancy, and feel more deeply, 
 the importance of settling the question over 
 10* 
 
114 ADVICE TO A 
 
 your Bible ; between God and your own soul. 
 Man can look only at the outside ; his limited 
 vision cannot penetrate within. But God look- 
 eth on the heart ; on that wandering, wayward 
 heart, the seat of so many joys and sorrows, 
 the abode of so much deceitfulness and impu- 
 rity. He knows its character. He analyze* 
 its emotions. 
 
 To him, therefore, carry your soul, «^irt, 
 with David, invoke his scrutiny. Th©*« will 
 you be able to give to him that asketh you, "n 
 reason of the hope that is in you, witn meek- 
 ness and fear." Then you shall have " the 
 peace of God which passeth all understanding." 
 Your title to a heavenly inheritance, shall bear 
 the royal signet ; a seal which none on earth 
 dare question ; and which, when the gates of 
 death shall be unbarred, shall give you free ac- 
 cess to the royal presence, and to the templ«i 
 of God on high. Rest satisfied with nothing 
 short of this seal — and may the Lord enable 
 you to persevere in seeking it. 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 115 
 
 LETTER XVI. 
 
 In prosecuting the work of self-examination, 
 there is another danger to which you will be 
 liable, and against which I would guard you — a 
 reliance upon past experience. If you suffer this 
 to have a practical influence upon you, it will 
 palsy every effort, and make you to sit down in 
 indolence, satisfied with present attainments, 
 when you should be pressing towards the mark, 
 for the prize of your high calling. 
 
 I mention this, because it is a very common 
 fault, and one but little regarded. What can 
 be pleaded in extenuation of such spiritual 
 sluggishness, I cannot conceive. 
 
 The holy Apostle, who, next to his Lord, is 
 the brightest example which is set before us, 
 counted all his past attainments as nothing, so 
 long as any interval remained between him, 
 and the perfection which is in Christ Jesus. 
 Hence he compares himself to one struggling 
 in a race, reaching forth, and pressing towards 
 the prize which was set before him. What a 
 beautiful figure — reaching forth, pressing to- 
 wards — mark the expressions. 
 
116 ADVICE TO A 
 
 If you had ever seen an Olympic race, where 
 there were numerous competitors ; if you had 
 ever witnessed their earnestness, as they ap- 
 proached the goal — every muscle strained to 
 the utmost, and the hand reaching forward to 
 seize the crown — you would have a more im- 
 pressive idea of this beautiful metaphor. May 
 you, by happy experience, know its import. 
 But, my young friend, I must confess, that 
 there are few, very few, of these Olympic 
 strugglers, in the Christian race. Too many 
 are satisfied to look on as spectators, while a 
 few only, run and win the prize. Too many 
 loiter in the course, or turn off into the by- 
 paths of iniquity. They base their confidence 
 on past experience. They seem to have set- 
 tled the point once for all. They will perhaps 
 admit, that, as to present evidence of Christian 
 character, they have not much to offer ; but 
 they refer you to the time when their evidence 
 was clear and unequivocal. *' There was a pe- 
 riod," say they, "when we experienced conver- 
 sion. A great change took place in our feelings, 
 affections, and conduct. We can no more doubt 
 that it was the work of God, than that our 
 bodies are a part of His creation. Others saw 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 117 
 
 and acknowledged the change. 'Tis true, we 
 do not feel now, as we did then ; but we were 
 told that this abatement of feeling, was to be 
 expected ; that the ardour of the youthful con- 
 vert could not last forever." Ask such vain- 
 confident persons, for the evidence of their 
 faith, and they refer you immediately to this 
 antedated hope. They are at no pains to in- 
 quire for the present evidences of their being 
 in a state of salvation. The business was 
 settled years ago. Others, who will not go 
 quite to this length, will secretly feed their 
 hopes too much upon the past, instead of in- 
 quiring into present marks of grace. It is 
 a sad proof, that they are either deceived with 
 false appearances, or declining from God, and 
 from duty. 
 
 I do not mean, by these remarks, to imply, 
 that we are never to recur to past experience, 
 for hope and consolation. I believe we are 
 permitted, by the word of God, and the exam- 
 ples of his saints, so to do. David, in a time 
 of deep trouble, said, " I will remember thee, 
 from the land of Jordan, from the Hermonites, 
 and from the hill Mizar." 
 
 But what I wish to guard you against, my 
 
118 ADVICE TO A 
 
 young friend, is placing too much confidence 
 in the past, and suffering it to operate as an 
 opiate to present vigilance and activity. Past 
 experience is one of the devil's lures to vain 
 confidence ; one of the veriest subterfuges of 
 hypocrisy ; one of the most common and fatal 
 grounds of self-deception. Even Paul, would 
 not trust to the past, although he had been 
 struck blind by a beatific vision of his Master, 
 and introduced into His kingdom, under cir- 
 cumstances so striking and peculiar. No, for- 
 getting all that is past, " he presses tovi^ards 
 the mark for the prize of his high calling in 
 Christ Jesus." 
 
 These old hopes, this former experience, 
 you cannot depend upon. As well might you 
 think of crossing the ocean in a worm-eaten 
 vessel. While the weather was mild, and the 
 sea calm, you might float in apparent security ; 
 but should the heavens grow dark, and the bil- 
 lows begin to beat upon the vessel, you would 
 fall a speedy prey to the all-devouring wave. 
 The Christian, who has no better basis than 
 by-gone experience to rest upon, may live on, 
 amid the sunshine of life, in apparent ease 
 and comfort ; but in that hour when God ta- 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 119 
 
 ketli away the soul, he will long for something 
 more substantial to cling to, than a doubtful 
 and antedated hope. 
 
 Many are thus fatally deceived. To them, 
 life seems to glide onward undisturbed, and the 
 soul is rocked asleep on the pillow of past ex- 
 perience. Conscience may be so far stupified, 
 as not even to arouse at the call of death. 
 They may knock at heaven's gate, but they 
 may also hear the dread voice within, "I 
 know you not, depart from me, ye workers of 
 iniquity." 
 
 Such self-deceivers will not acknowledge 
 the duty of daily self-examinaticn. It is im- 
 possible to rouse them to the performance of 
 it. They are cased in an impervious mail. 
 They have, in this past experience, an iuiti' 
 dote to every fear, and an apology for every 
 delinquency. O, be thou not of their number. 
 Look for daily evidence of salvation. It is 
 present evidences that are called for, and such 
 cannot be given, without a daily, habitual, self* 
 examination. In all your past experience, 
 there is, to say the least, a possibility of your 
 having been deceived ; it is therefore not a suf- 
 ficient ground of trust. You must be read) 
 
120 ADVICE TO A 
 
 now, " to give to him that asketh, the reason 
 of the hope that is within you." If you pur- 
 sue the course which I have marked out, you 
 shall never need to bring forward an old and 
 antedated hope, as the only evidence of your 
 faith ; but in every look, and word, and action, 
 you shall make it certain to all, that you art 
 in deed and in truth, a Christian. 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 121 
 
 LETTER XVII. 
 
 Assurance of salvation, or even a well- 
 grounded, uniform, and scriptural hope, is a 
 blessing which is not attained by a superficiaJ 
 and infrequent self-examination. It is not ge- 
 nerally enjoyed until after a series of perse- 
 vering, and well applied exertions. Some- 
 times, where there is a desire to be thorough 
 and diligent, it is not enjoyed. It appears to be 
 the will of God, that some should go weeping 
 after it, even to the grave. But generally, if 
 Christians are faithful, they will arrive at a con- 
 firmed and satisfactory hope of eternal life. 
 
 There is difficulty, I admit, in the work of 
 self-examination. "Even the righteous are 
 scarcely saved — saved in many instances as 
 by fire." The heart is so deceitful, and the 
 enemies of our soul so full of evil machina- 
 tions, that we are liable to draw too favourable 
 conclusions of our being in a state of salva- 
 tion. There are times too, when we seem 
 afraid to uncover our bosoms to the piercing 
 glance of God. Like merchants who are on 
 the borders of insolvency, we shrink from 
 makinc a thorough investigation of our ac- 
 
1^ ADVICE to A 
 
 counts. We tremble at the thought of finding 
 ourselves spiritual bankrupts, and are almost 
 willing, if I may be allowed the comparison^ 
 to forge evidences in our favour, and to oui 
 own deception. 
 
 This is especially the character of one who 
 is not habitually and daily engaged in the 
 work of self-examination. There is an uncer* 
 tainty and confusion about his hopes, which 
 make him afraid to enter too deeply into the 
 state of his circumstances. Hfe does not open 
 the Bible, and appeal to its searching truths* 
 He fears that the scrutiny would sweep down 
 his cherished expectations. He is, therefore^ 
 tempted to hunt out only those portions of 
 scripture, which appear to favour his case ; 
 and to blind his vision to those, which would 
 shake his confidence, or eradicate his hopes. 
 When he would examine himself respecting 
 the love or the renunciation of sin, he is far 
 from being a thorough and impartial censor. 
 He can yield up some of the least-loved sinful 
 habits, and can give full credit to himself for 
 the self-denial ; but the " right hand" and the 
 " right eye" are not parted with. Some world- 
 ly i)roject is in view, which militates against 
 too severe a standard of religious character ; 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 123 
 
 4»vd which would be found to be inconsistent, 
 by too close an application to Bible ethics. 
 Accordingly, instead of making the world yield 
 to the claims of Christianity, he must narrow 
 down Christianity to accommodate the world. 
 
 Business, pleasure, and reputation, when 
 they get the ascendency, make self-examina- 
 tion an irksome and unpleasant duty. When 
 a Christian professor is too eager in pursuit of 
 them, he always ferls a conviction of delin- 
 quency, depriving him of that free and noble 
 air, which is ever the concomitant of an appro- 
 ving conscience; and filling his mind with 
 feeble apologies for himself, or with unjust 
 censures against his superiors in piety. 
 
 Now, can such a person come fearlessly up 
 to the work of self-examination ? Can he take 
 the Bible in his hand, and appeal to the heart- 
 searching God ? Can he be a faithful inquisitor 
 of the internal man ? Will he not gloss over 
 his sin ? Will he not hunt for evidence to 
 neutralize his guilt ? 
 
 Such a character is satisfied with just enough 
 of religion to make him respectable here, and 
 afford a vague hope of happiness hereafter. 
 But, alas ! he is disappointed in both. He i? 
 viewed as hypocritical and insincere, by mam- 
 
134 ADVICE TO A 
 
 of his fellow men : and there is great reason 
 to apprehend, that, when God cometh to " make 
 up his jewels," he will be found, not among 
 them, but with unbelievers, in the regions of 
 despair. 
 
 It is by exhibiting to your view, my young 
 friend, this superficial and flimsy Christianity, 
 that I would warn you against it, and rouse 
 you to diligence in aiming at an elevated stand 
 ard of piety. "Whilst there are difficulties con- 
 nected with the performance of Christian du- 
 ties, difficulties of no common magnitude, they 
 are still not insurmountable. The timid and 
 the hesitating shrink and despond ; but the 
 true child of God knows that he has enlisted 
 in a warfare that cannot end but with life. 
 When he puts his hand to God's covenant, 
 when he gives his name to the captain of his 
 salvation, it is a deliberate and well-considered 
 act. He has counted the cost. He has sur- 
 veyed the enemy ; and whilst he acknowledges 
 his own feebleness, he confides in that pledged 
 assistance and protection, which will render him 
 invincible and triumphant. 
 
 I hope that you have thus considered the sub- 
 ject, and determined to make a thorough and 
 well-disciplined disciple. I trust, that witli you, 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. ]^ 
 
 religion shall be all in all. It must be the busi- 
 ness of every day ; it must be the business of 
 life. 
 
 It is a grand mistake, to suppose that the su- 
 perficial Christian can possess spiritual enjoy- 
 ments. They are not for him. They are for the 
 laborious, the self-denied, the pains-taking 
 Christian. It is the soldier who sleeps in his 
 armour; springpp to his post at a word ; rushes 
 into the thickest of the fight ; and deals his well- 
 directed blows upon the enemy : it is he, and 
 he alone, upon whom his admiring commander 
 bestows the meed of honour, and the trophies 
 of victory. 
 
 Be it yours to imitate him in the spiritual 
 conflict, and it shall be yours to share, like him, 
 in the rewards of conquest: and even far before 
 him rihall you be honoured, for you shall sit at 
 the King's table, and partake of the rich provi- 
 sions of his temple. Every thing urges you to 
 diligence and to duty ; your honour and your 
 happiness ; your safety and your reward. O 
 then, forgetting the things which are behind, 
 reach forth ; press onward ; and the prize, the 
 glorious prize, shall be soohand forever yours. 
 11* 
 
126 ADVICE TO A 
 
 LETTER XVIII. 
 
 Self-examination, respects both feeling and 
 conduct. A difficulty occurs in ascertaining 
 whether the former is according to the spirit, 
 and the latter correspondent with the precepts 
 of the Bible. I am persuaded that you are al- 
 ready impressed with the importance of the 
 duty, and are resolved that it shall occupy a pro- 
 minent place in the daily exercises of the closet. 
 
 But, methinks I hear you inquire, in what 
 way you are to proceed ; how you are to know 
 that you pursue the duty to advantage ; and 
 whether you are not, after all, liable to decep- 
 tion? I have already forewarned you of difficul- 
 ties which will appear formidable, and which, 
 at the very threshold of your Christian course, 
 will be thrown in your way, to arrest your pro- 
 gress, and frighten you from the discharge of 
 duty. But, be not discouraged nor intimidated. 
 Repeated effi^rts in prayer to God, will enable 
 you to breast the opposition; and that which at 
 first appeared fraught with difficulties, will be 
 found, after a few incipient discouragements, 
 easy and delightful. 
 
 Satan will exert his utmost power to hinder 
 
YOtJNG CHRISTIAN. 127 
 
 you from this all-important duty. He knows 
 how much your hopes, and your advancement 
 in holiness, depend upon the faithful discharge 
 of it. Having, in so many other cases, succeed- 
 ed in hindering its performance, he will hope in 
 yours to succeed. May the grace of God ena- 
 ble you to disappoint him. May you persevere, 
 even amid discouragements, until the duty shall 
 become to you a most precious privilege. 
 
 When you enter upon this work, you will 
 first look upward to heaven, in a few short pe- 
 titions, that God would grant you his holy spi- 
 rit ; that he would fix your attention on the im- 
 mediate duty before you ; that he would keep 
 you from a superficial investigation ; and ena- 
 ble you to deal closely and thoroughly with 
 your heart. 
 
 We are very liable, in our retirement, to wan- 
 dering thoughts ; and I doubt not, that hours 
 have been wasted in the closet, in a vain attempt 
 to fix the mind, while it eJudod the effort, and 
 sported itself in fanciful and foolish visions. 
 
 It is important, therefore, that we at once 
 counteract this desultory state of mind, by fer- 
 vent prayer to God. We should then, in a mea- 
 sure, anticipate satan, who is always most busy 
 with the children of God, when they are the 
 
128 ADVICE TO A 
 
 nearest to duty, and are about to receive some 
 great spiritual benefit. 
 
 Our self-examination, I have already said, 
 respects our state of feelings, and our external 
 conduct. Has the former partaken of the spirit 
 of Christ ? Has the latter corresponded with 
 his precepts ? It is no very difficult matter for 
 a conscientious and reflecting individual to re- 
 trace the occurrences of a single day. But, if 
 the business be deferred for weeks and months, 
 his sins will be multiplied and forgotten, amid 
 the fluctuating scenes of life. Conscious that 
 there has been much, in both heart and life, to 
 condemn, but forgetting the particulars, he is 
 obliged to repent in the gross. 
 
 But he who daily calls himself to an account, 
 will, after a few trials, find the employment 
 both easy and edifying. With what feelings, 
 he will ask, did I awake? Did my gratitude 
 for nocturnal repose and protection, rise with 
 the rising light, to Him, who is the watchman 
 of Israel, and who never slumbereth nor sleep- 
 eth ? Or was I, like the brute, indifferent to the 
 kindness of my heavenly Guardian ? Did I arise 
 with the breath of praise on my lips, and the 
 spirit of devotion in my heart ? Or were my 
 thoughts scattered and desultory ? In my morn* 
 
YOTNG CHRISTIAN. 129 
 
 ing devotions, can I say that I enjoyed a near 
 access to God, so that I communed with him, 
 even as it were, from the mercy-seat? Did I 
 wrestle? Did I agonize ? Was this the spirit, or 
 were my prayers formal and forced? Was my 
 frame of mind sluggish and cold ? Were my 
 petitions hurried and insincere ? Did I really 
 desire the blessings I sought; or did I only 
 mention them as a necessary part of prayer ? 
 Had I a deep sense of my unworthiness, and a 
 full conviction of the necessity of my Media- 
 tor's blood and merits ? In my petitions, was 
 my soul drawn forth in solicitude for others ; 
 or did I confine them to myself? 
 
 Having left my closet, did I watch unto 
 prayer? I besought God to keep me from sin; 
 but has my conduct, this day, been in unison 
 with my prayers? I prayed for sanctification ; 
 but have I detected and suppressed the first ri- 
 sings of secret iniquity ? I entreated God for 
 more light and knowledge; but have I medita- 
 ted on his works, and studied his word ? I de- 
 precated my easily besetting sin ; but have I 
 endeavoured to avoid it ? I prayed for Zion, 
 and for the salvation of the impenitent ; but 
 have I spoken a word of warning or exhorta- 
 tion to any person this day ? Have I watched 
 
130 ADVICE TO A 
 
 the leadings of Providence ? Have I advanced 
 in the knowledge of God? Have I made any- 
 new discoveries of his glory? Have I learned 
 more of the machinations of satan; or seen 
 deeper into the deceitfulness of my own heart? 
 These are a few general questions, which 
 may serve as a guide, to one who wishes an 
 outline of daily self-examination. 
 
yOtrKS CHRISTIAN* 131 
 
 LETTER XIX. 
 
 In my last communication, I instituted some 
 inquiries, which, as I supposed, would be pro- 
 fitably connected with a retrospect of the day. 
 I am aware, my young friend, that one person 
 cannot lay down rules on this subject, which 
 shall apply precisely to the feelings and cir* 
 cumstances of others. I give you, therefore, 
 only a sketch, by which your inexperience may 
 possibly be benefited. 
 
 The questions which one would wish to pro^ 
 pose, in taking a retrospect of the day, must of 
 course vary, according to circumstances. 
 
 I, who am a minister, and who have the care 
 of souls, must inquire, more particularly, into 
 my fidelity. Have I wrestled this day, for the 
 souls of my dear people ? Have I improved 
 every opportunity to do them good ? Have I 
 preached the truth as it is in Jesus, &c. 
 
 Ptit you, in inquiring into your conduct, 
 must adapt those inquiries ti the circumstances 
 by which you are surrounded. You have per- 
 sonal and relative duties, which are peculiar. 
 Parental esteem and obedience, are obligatory. 
 Hov, you should inquire, have I conducted to- 
 
132 ADVICE TO A 
 
 wards my dear parents this day? Have I alle- 
 viated any of their cares ? Have I been obedi- 
 ent and affectionate ? I have sisters ; have I done 
 my duty towards them, instructing them, and 
 exhibiting an example Avhich they might with 
 safety follow? I am surrounded by companions, 
 some of whom profess the same hopes as my- 
 self; but others are yet in "the gall of bitter- 
 ness and the bonds of iniquity ;" have I, so far 
 as opportunity would permit, encouraged the 
 former, and warned the latter ? What studies 
 have I pursued, or what books perused ? What 
 benefit have I derived from either? Havel 
 done any thing this day for the glory of God ? 
 These are some of the questions which I should 
 suppose would occur to one in your circum- 
 stances. 
 
 If, upon such a daily review, you find that 
 you have advanced in holiness ; that you have 
 gained an advantage over your spiritual ene- 
 mies; that you have profited by the means 
 which a kind Providence has given for your 
 improvement ; it will afford matter for praise 
 and thanksgiving. It will kindle up a lively 
 gratitude in your soul, and give a zest to your 
 devotions. If you discover much to condemn, 
 many sins and failures, as you undoubtedly 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 133 
 
 will, it will afford subject for humiliation, and 
 prostrate the soul in penitential confession be- 
 fore God. Thus, while you advance in the 
 knowledge of your own heart, you will have 
 all the ingredients of acceptable worship. Your 
 prayer will be full of praise, and full of contri- 
 tion. Your mercies will call forth the one, and 
 your transgressions prompt the other. Prayer, 
 with you, will then be, not a cold formality, 
 but a deep spiritual intercourse with God, and 
 your own heart. 
 
 This nocturnal ordeal, will bring into view, 
 and make precious, the merits and intercession 
 of Jesus, your High Priest and Saviour. i\ re- 
 view, even of a single day, must, if it be close 
 and careful, ever cover you with confusion of 
 face. The sins committed, even in that short 
 period, will appear numerous. The soul would 
 sink under their heavy load, were it not for the 
 encouraging promise: "If any man sin, we 
 have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ 
 the righteous." As sins appear numerous and ag- 
 gravated, Jesus must ever appear proportiona 
 bly precious. You will cast yourself all guilty in 
 his arms, and find that " though sin has abound- 
 ed, grace doth much more abound." After such 
 a review as I have recommended, will a new 
 12 
 
134 ADVICE TO A 
 
 application be made, and a new pardon suppli* 
 cated, from the hand of the Saviour. He will 
 thus be brought constantly in view, and made 
 increasingly dear and delightful. 
 
 You see, then, how many and great are the 
 advantages connected with frequent and close 
 self-examination. Can you, then, live without 
 it a single day ? Are you not resolved, that, un- 
 der all ordinary circumstances, it shall be en- 
 tered upon and performed with as much punc- 
 tuality, as prayer and the reading of the word 
 of God ? I am persuaded, that, afier what has 
 been said, you will by no means omit it. 1 think 
 you must perceive, too, that the difficulties, 
 though great, may, by the plan which I propose, 
 be all surmounted. They arise, as I have be- 
 fore observed, from neglect. Days, weeks, 
 and months, roll away ; and the soul, immersed 
 in the busy cares of life, contracts a detilement, 
 and collects a rubbish, which a momentary and 
 hurried examination may render visible, but 
 can never remove. 
 
 The soul of the delinquent is neglected — 
 shamefully neglected. He deserves to have 
 his hope obscured, his faith weakened, his 
 doubts increased. He may be left amid these 
 perplexities, until he is suddenly called to a 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 135 
 
 death-bed, and compelled to take a direct look 
 at his case. It is then a fearful scene. Clouds 
 and darkness curtain his dying pillow ; anguish 
 insupportable heaves his dubious bosom. There 
 is no clear sunshine upon his soul ; but he lies 
 on the fluctuating wave, uncertain whether he 
 shall outride the beating storm. 
 
 Would you avoid such a scene ? O, yes, I 
 know you would. Then know yourself, ere it 
 arrive. Be faithfully and intimately acquainted 
 with your own heart. Then shall your life be 
 happy and useful ; and your death serene, per- 
 haps gloriously triumphant. May you live the 
 life, and die the death of the righteous ! 
 
136 ADVICE TO A 
 
 LET'J'Ell XX. 
 
 As an imiiortQiit auxiliary means of advan- 
 cing in holiness, I woiiLl recommend, in addi- 
 tion to this daily self-examination, an attention 
 to the same duty, at stated and peculiar seasons : 
 such, for example, as the commencement of a 
 new year, the recurrence of your birth-day, 
 or when about to enter upon some important 
 change in life. By perusing the biography of 
 those saints who have been most distinguished 
 for exalted piety, you will find that they never 
 permitted such periods to pass by unobserved, 
 or unimproved. 
 
 There is something in the periodical revolu- 
 tion of the seasons, which cannot fail to strike 
 with seriousness a reflecting mind. A single 
 day is of vast importance. When passed, it 
 can never be recalled. With all its cares, its 
 pleasures, and its pains, it has sunk into eter- 
 nity. It has gone to give tidings of moral con- 
 duct, which will be faithfully recorded against 
 the great day of account. Who, then, but the 
 most infatuated, will dare to murder its hours 
 amid festivity and mirth, when those hours are 
 so fleeting, and so pregnant with eternal re- 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 137 
 
 suits ? If a day is so important, a week, a month, 
 or a year, proportionably increases in value ; 
 and forms a period, in which much may be 
 done, either to grieve the spirit of God, and 
 effect the ruin of the soul, or to promote the 
 cause of our Redeemer, and secure to ourselves 
 an inheritance in the kingdom of glory. 
 
 I trust you will, at least annually, review 
 your diary. As one year rolls away, and an- 
 other succeeds, look back upon the past, and 
 forward to the future. If you have been daily 
 in the habit of self-examination, this will be 
 not a difficult, but an easy task, replete with 
 spiritual benefit. As you retrace the events of 
 the year, the blessings which you have received 
 will inspire you with affectionate confidence, 
 and adoring gratitude ; and the evils of heart 
 and of life, which have marked that period, 
 will fill your soul with penitential sorrow ; and 
 like David, prostrate in the dust of humilia- 
 tion, you will be constrained to sing, both of ^ 
 mercy and of judgment. 
 
 What have I done, during the past year, to 
 advance the glory of my Redeemer's kingdom? 
 Have I done all that my means and circum- 
 stances would allow? What victories have I 
 obtained over myself? Is my easily besetting 
 12* 
 
138 ADVICC TO A 
 
 sin laid aside, or does it too often master my 
 strongest resolutions? Have I a deeper and 
 more intimate communion witli God, than 
 when the year commenced ? Are my desires 
 for holiness stronger? Have I made any appa- 
 rent advances towards that elevation at which 
 I profess to aim? Are my devotions colder and 
 more infrequent ? Do my sins oftener prevail, 
 and is the world gaining on my esteem and my 
 attention ? 
 
 These, my young friend, are some of the 
 questions, which the observance of such a sea- 
 son would prompt. Let them be seriously met, 
 and sincerely answered. Let a day, if practica- 
 ble, be specially appropriated to the duty, and 
 let it be accompanied by fasting and prayer. 
 
 The time would fail me, to enumerate all the 
 advantages, and exhibit the full importance of 
 such periodical investigations. Enter upon 
 them with diligence, and prosecute them with 
 fidelity, and you will find by your own happy 
 experience, that self-examination is not only 
 an important, but an easy and delightful duty. 
 
 Your experience and your careful observance 
 of the past, will enable you to calculate for the 
 future. Against the temptations which have 
 proved most successful, you can place a double 
 
VOUNG CHRISTIAN. " VS9 
 
 guard. The circumstances in which you have 
 found yourself peculiarly exposed, you can 
 avoid. The means which have proved most 
 efficacious for your good, and the individuals 
 whose counsels have stimulated you to duty, 
 will be noted : and in future, the former will 
 be oftener resorted to, and the latter drawn into 
 more constant and intimate communion. 
 
 Your birth-day ought also to be improved. I 
 know that many spend that day in festivity and 
 merriment. They deem it an occasion for 
 mirth and hilarity. Herod made a royal ban- 
 quet, and assembling all the wealth and beauty 
 of the kingdom, celebrated his birth-day with 
 music and dancing. Many with more circum- 
 scribed means, and on a smaller scale, imitate 
 his example. But is there any thing in our 
 birth-day, to demand such a parade of folly ? 
 Is it a matter of mirth and rejoicing, that an- 
 other year of our short lives has forever gone ? 
 Should we celebrate our own speedy career to 
 God's judgment bar, with music and the dance ? 
 And especially, if the soul be unreconciled to 
 God, should we chant a jubilee over its ap- 
 proximation to hell ? 
 
 If any have reason to rejoice, it is the Chris- 
 tian. He is one year nearer his eternal and 
 
140 ADVICE TO A 
 
 happy home. But he views himself as so defi- 
 cient, and his work on earth as so momentous, 
 that he is far from wishing to spend his birth- 
 day in festivity. With him it should be a day 
 of serious examination and humiliation. It 
 should be consecrated to God, and the prospe- 
 rity of the soul. 
 
 I hope that you will observe it in this man- 
 ner, and then it will be a sort of spiritual land- 
 mark, to which you can recur amid the tumultu- 
 ous sea of life ; and when your days are num- 
 bered on earth, you will be found to have spent 
 them in " wisdom's ways, which are ways of 
 pleasantness ;" and you will look back uf jn life, 
 though with deep humility, yet withr it any 
 heart-rending regret. 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 141 
 
 LETTER XXI. 
 
 There are so many excellent works, on the 
 preparation of the heart necessary to an ac- 
 ceptable approach to the Lord's Supper, that I 
 shall do little more than to refer you to them. 
 The only objection which I have ever felt to 
 the use of such treatises, is, that by their pro- 
 lixity, and by the numerous items which they 
 have recommended, I have been confused, and 
 sometimes discouraged, in the work of self- 
 examination. If some of them were greatly 
 abridged, and were disencumbered of a multi- 
 tude of particulars, which it is impossible to 
 carry in the memory, they would, in my opi- 
 nion, be far more useful. Still, my young 
 friend, I would habitually consult them. They 
 are written, generally, by men of the deepest 
 and most fervent piety, who have not taken 
 those superficial views of church communion, 
 which, among many denominations, are so 
 prevalent. Where they are derived, directly, 
 from the clear testimony of Scripture, they 
 will save you much trouble in collating the 
 passages, which apply more immediately to the 
 subject in hand. 
 
142 ADVICE TO A 
 
 After all, the word of God is the only true 
 standard : and to one who is familiar with the 
 sacred volume, it v/ill not be an irksome task 
 to select ihe passages which he deems appli- 
 cable to the work of self-examination. For 
 my own part, I have ever found it attended with 
 the greatest satisfaction, to go directly to the 
 fountain head. Take the Bible in your hand, 
 and pore over it with an intention to sift youi 
 evidences of Christian character. Accompany 
 that perusal, with fervent applications to God 
 for light and knowledge ; and you will experi- 
 ence a degree of satisfaction, which no other 
 mode can afford. 
 
 Esteem the sacramental season as one of 
 your most precious privileges. It is then that 
 you are invited to sup at the royal banquet. 
 You have a place at the King's table, and it be- 
 comes you to array the soul in the beauties of 
 holiness. Were you invited to the table of 
 some earthly monarch, how eagerly would you 
 anticipate the honour; and what solicitude 
 would you feel, that your apparel might be ap- 
 propriate, and your conduct correct ! But what 
 is this honour, compared with that of sitting at 
 the table of your Lord ? See then that you are 
 adorned with the wedding garment. Anticipate 
 
yOUNG CHRISTIAN. 143 
 
 an audience with your King, ana rush not into 
 his presence with the carelessness of one who 
 goes only to an ordinary meal. 
 
 Nor Avould I array that sacred table with ter- 
 rors to your mind. I am convinced, that many 
 throw around the hallowed elements, a dread 
 solemnity, which makes the timid and faltering 
 believer feel, that if he, if one so vile as Ae, 
 should touch them, he would eat and drink 
 damnation to himself^ and seal forever his 
 hopelessness and his ruin. It was never the 
 intention of our Lord, to hold up such fearful 
 views of this feast of love. There is every 
 thing about it that is inviting. It is a most pa- 
 thetic appeal to the fearful and troubled soul. 
 It woos, in silent but eloquent terms, the weary 
 nnd heavy laden, to come and find rest. It is 
 not Sinai' — but Calvary. It is not the smoke, 
 or Ihe lightning, or the thunder — no, weak 
 and mourning believer, it is the uplifted cross, 
 and the expiring victim, whose blood speaks 
 peace from every vein. Look on those sig 
 nificant, simple memorials — is there any terro'j 
 in this scene? Is it not all peace, and love, 
 and mercy? 
 
 The sacrament of the supper is a memorial 
 of the love and compassion of Christ, a lively 
 
144 ADVICE TO A 
 
 emblem of his sufferings for sin. It is a public 
 acknowledgment of our attachment to his cause. 
 Having seriously and sincerely examined our- 
 selves, and finding that we can humbly claim 
 the characteristics of the true disciple, we may 
 come to this feast of love, and commune with 
 our Lord, and with one another, in a composed 
 and humble frame of mind. If our greatest 
 burden is sin, and our only ground of confi- 
 dejice is the Saviour, we have nothing to fear, 
 but every thing to hope, from this delightful 
 and affecting ordinance. Much of the profit 
 of partaking of this sacrament, you will recol- 
 lect, depends on your fidelity in the work of 
 self-examination. If that be neglected, you have 
 no reason to look for a blessing. If it be per- 
 formed in a hurried and superficial manner, 
 you need not expect much enjoyment in the 
 ordinance. God will be glorified in them that 
 make so near an approach to the mercy-seat. 
 
 When you approach the table, I would re- 
 commend it to you, to simplify your views as 
 much as possible. By endeavouring to think of 
 many things, the mind becomes confused. 
 Having lifted your soul to God for light and 
 feeling, look on the elements, and endeavour to 
 view them as the appropriate memorials of your 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 146 
 
 bleeding Lord. What do you see in that broken 
 bread? Is it not the emblem of the mangled 
 body of the Lamb of God ? What meaneth that 
 flowing wine ? Is it not the emblem of his 
 blood, which was shed for the remission of 
 sins? And wherefore was that body broken, 
 and that blood poured forth? O, my soul, let 
 thy guilt and transgressions answer. Without 
 the shedding of that blood, there had been no 
 remission. What, then, can I render to my 
 Lord, for all this dying love ? I am speechless 
 in gratitude. Here, blessed Saviour, I give 
 thee all I have — this broken, contrite heart. 
 Take it, O take it as thine own, wash it in thy 
 blood, and seal it for thyself, 
 
 13 
 
116 ADVICE TO A 1 
 
 LETTER XXII. 
 
 On the subject of prayer and habitual self 
 examination, I shall add no more. You recol- 
 lect, that I connected with these, as of equal 
 importance, a close and diligent perusal of the 
 scriptures. I shall therefore occupy your at- 
 tention, for a short time, on this last mentioned 
 topic. 
 
 The importance of making the word of God 
 a devotional study, is evident, both from the 
 testimony of that word, and the experience of 
 all eminent saints who have ever lived. The 
 more I study the sacred volume, the more deep- 
 ly am I impressed with its intrinsic grandeur, 
 and its high importance to me as an accounta- 
 ble creature. Were I banished to a more lonely 
 rock, than that inhabited by the Corsican exile, 
 with my Bible I should never want food for the 
 soul, nor a stimulant to the understanding. I 
 am astonished, that men of literature, of mere 
 worldly wisdom, do not more frequently drink 
 at this celestial fountain. Were they once to 
 sip at this clear, i)ure stream, they could not 
 but relish it. Such a relish, however, the Spi- 
 rit alone can give. 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 117 
 
 It has charms, as a mere literary production, 
 which the veriest infidels have been constrained 
 to acknowledge. Prejudice, not long since, 
 had shut out these heavenly stores from many 
 highly cultivated minds. The Bible was so 
 common a book, and was so frequently found 
 in the hands of the poor and the illiterate, that 
 those who claimed to be learned and philoso- 
 phic, took the liberty to despise it, and thus ex- 
 cluded themselves from the noblest source of 
 mental and moral refinement. A young man, of 
 irreligious character, who was a member of a 
 respectable college, on hearing one of the pro- 
 fessors allude to the beautiful comparison of 
 our Saviour, when enjoining confidence in the 
 providence of God, "Consider the lilies of the 
 field, how they grow ; they toil not neither do 
 they spin ; and yet I say unto you, that even 
 Solomon, in all his glory, was not arrayed like 
 one of these :" — turned to a fellow-student, 
 and inquired where that striking and elegant 
 language was found. On learning that it was 
 found in the Bible, he was astonished. Have 
 you never read your Bible? was the inquiry 
 of his companion. " My Shakspeare," said 
 he, "is all the Bible I ever read." This, I ac- 
 
148 ADVICE TO A 
 
 knowledge, is an extreme case ; but there are 
 many analogous to it. 
 
 Dr. Franklin, it is said, was once in tlie com- 
 pany of several ladies of the English nobility, 
 when the conversation turned on pastoral po- 
 etry, in which the ladies took a conspicuous 
 part. After hearing their criticisms on various 
 authors, he proposed to read the translation of 
 a pastoral, for their amusement. He read, with 
 a few verbal alterations, the book of Ruth. 
 They were enraptured with the pastoral, and 
 pronounced it the finest they had ever seen in 
 any language. The doctor then gravely told 
 them that he had read it from the Bible. Whe- 
 ther these ladies were professed infidels, or 
 had considered the scriptures beneath their 
 notice, I am unable to say. I cannot even 
 vouch for the truth of the anecdote. I am 
 persuaded, however, that an occurrence of that 
 nature might have happened daily, at a time 
 when infidelity was in vogue, and the Bible ri- 
 diculed and despised. Even in our day, how 
 little attention do the sacred oracles command! 
 
 While the shelf groans with elegant litera- 
 ture, and the mind revels amid the flowery 
 fields of Johnson, Addison, and Shakspeare, 
 or tne later and more fascinating groves of 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 149 
 
 Sir Walter Scott; the sublimities of the Penta- 
 teuch and the Prophecies ; the tender, touching, 
 simple narrations of Christ ; the sublime de- 
 votional strains of " Israel's king;" the wisdom 
 of the widest man who ever lived; are regarded 
 as dry and uninteresting. I cannot allow that 
 man or woman, to possess even a cultivated or 
 discriminating taste, who thus judges. I have 
 read Homer and Milton ; but when I compare 
 their poetry to the lofty strains of David, Ha 
 bakkuk, and Isaiah, it is the flickering light of 
 a taper, to the corruscations of a thunder-cloud, 
 or to the full-orbed splendours of a noon-day 
 sun. I have read the pathetic story of Sterne, 
 on the incarcerated criminal, and the melting 
 appeal which Sir Walter puts into the mouth of 
 a favourite heroine, when pleading in the royal 
 presence for the life of her sister ; but they 
 are tame, when compared with the struggling 
 emotions of a Joseph, and the short but heart- 
 rending plea of his brother Judah. 
 
 But this comparison might be extended to 
 the various departments of Bible literature. Its 
 moral precepts, how concise, and yet ho^ com- 
 prehensive? Its narrations seize on the most 
 prominent and striking circumstances, w bout 
 including any extraneous or unnecessary mat- 
 13* 
 
150 ADVICE TO A 
 
 ter ; and throughout, from Genesis to Revela- 
 tion, there is an unearthly something, which 
 stamps it, as intelligence from the skies. Its 
 analysis of character is wonderful. There is 
 no other book on earth, in which there is so 
 accurate, and full, and clear an exhibition of 
 human nature. 
 
 But why am I lauding the Bible as a literary 
 composition, to one who views this as its least 
 attractive feature ? Why have I digressed from 
 the great point, of urging to an elevated stand- 
 ard of piety ? Let us return, and view it as the 
 great means of sanctification. " Sanctify them 
 through thy truth," said our blessed Lord, " thy 
 word is truth." This is the charm which so 
 much attracts the pious heart. That heart is 
 not insensible to the elegance of scriptural style, 
 nor indifferent to its bold and beautiful image- 
 ry ; but these are not the principal attractions. 
 It is the word of God. It convinces of sin. 
 It stimulates to duty. It rouses from sluggish- 
 ness. It warns against danger. It unfolds the 
 character of God. It reveals the way of sal 
 vation. It delineates the providence of God. It 
 presents the Lamb of God slain for our trans- 
 gressions. It communicates sweet strains OJ 
 spiritual devotion. It brings into view a bright 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 151 
 
 and eternal reward. It discloses the wounds 
 of our nature, and offers the healing balm. In 
 short, it embodies all that a Christian, in this 
 pilgrimage, can need. It is his only chart 
 through this tempestuous life. In trouble, it is 
 his consolation ; in prosperity, his monitor ; 
 in difficulty, his guide. Amid the darkness of 
 death, and while descending into the shadowy 
 valley, it is the day-star that illuminates his 
 path, makes his dying eye bright with hope, 
 and cheers his soul with the prospect of im- 
 mortal glory. 
 
 Is this the book that vain and foolish minds 
 undervalue and despise ? From their folly, my 
 young friend, learn thou a lesson of wisdom. 
 Let your language be, 
 
 *' May this blest volume ever lie 
 Close to my heart, and near mine eye ; 
 Till life's last hour my soul cng-ag-e, 
 And be my chosen heritage." 
 
152 ADVICE TO A 
 
 LETTER XXIII. 
 
 I WISH you never to forget, that the attain- 
 ment of an elevated standard of piety, is inti- 
 mately connected with an assiduous and dili- 
 gent perusal of the scriptures. It is customary 
 to recommend to the young Christian, various 
 authors on practical piety. Such authors, I 
 cordially unite in recommending ; but I fear, 
 that the youthful Christian, by too great an atten- 
 tion to desultory reading, has sometimes given 
 less attention to the Bible, than its paramount 
 importance demands. 
 
 Christians, in recommending such books, 
 have taken it for granted, that the Bible is dili- 
 gently and closely studied ; but they have taken 
 too much for granted. A taste for religious 
 novelties has been excited, and the precious 
 word has at length become comparatively unin- 
 teresting. If any book of mere human compo- 
 sition, be itft^er so instructive, is to command 
 more of our interest and attention than the Bi- 
 ble, we should, like Martyn, throw it aside, 
 and reperuse th« sacred voJume, until we give 
 it, in our hearts, its legitimate pr^ominence and 
 superiority. 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 163 
 
 When young Christians become devoted to 
 this religious literature, the Bible is very apt to 
 be neglected. They acquire a flippancy in dis- 
 cussing the superficial parts of Christianity ; 
 but I insist upon it, that they do not, by such 
 reading, form a sound, consistent, and deeply 
 spiritual character. Far be it from me to un- 
 dervalue such reading. But I wish to impress 
 upon your mind, the superiority of God's word. 
 Other books of a religious character, should be 
 considered as subordinate to the Bible. When 
 they throw light upon the sacred volume ; when 
 they drive you back to this great fountain of 
 truth ; when they quicken your diligence in 
 studying it, and serve rather as hand-maids, 
 than as rivals ; they may be perused with pro- 
 priety and with profit. But if you find that 
 they draw away your interest from the word 
 of God, and excite a taste for novelties, you 
 must suspect them as rivals, and immediately 
 give again your highest affections to that pre- 
 cious book, to which they legitimately belong. 
 
 This caution is the more needful, because the 
 press, at the present day, teems with periodi- 
 cals and works of fiction, which, bearing a 
 slightly religious aspect, are considered as 
 good substitutes for similar but irreligious 
 
154 ADVICE TO A 
 
 books ; and are therefore recommended to those 
 whose consciences might revolt at the latter 
 cast of productions. This furnishes a strong 
 temptation to young Christians. 1 warn them 
 against it. I would not circumscribe their read- 
 ing entirely to the word of God. I \vould be 
 far from proscribing any merely innocent or 
 instructive book. Let them drink at the waters 
 of Helicon and Parnassus. Let them be ac- 
 quainted with poetry, history, and even many 
 excellent works of fiction ; but I would guard 
 against making this reading paramount to the 
 Bible. I believe there never can be an exalted 
 Christian character, where the Bible is not made 
 the first, and the best, and the most interesting 
 of books. That person who cannot lay aside 
 any volume, however interesting, for the Bible, 
 and who cannot find in the latter, a greater re- 
 lish than in the former, has never attained to 
 an elevated standard of piety. 
 
 It has been said, that every thing in a mi- 
 nister's studies, should have a reference to the 
 word of God. Through whatever fields of sci- 
 ence, or of literature, he may rove, he should 
 come back with superior relish to the Bible. 
 The same advice should be given to the young 
 Christian. In the varied regions of philosophy 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 165 
 
 and taste, he is permitted to rove ; but the Bi- 
 ble should be his richest banquet. Make it a 
 rule always to prefer it* If at the hours of de- 
 votion, you are strongly drawn towards some 
 new and interesting religious publication ; if 
 you are tempted to omit, for this, the regular 
 study of the scriptures, regard it as a tempta- 
 tion, and resist it accordingly. You recollect 
 the resolution of the pious Martyn, to which I 
 have alluded. He never would allow himself 
 to peruse a book one moment, after he felt it 
 gaining a preference to Iiis Bible. As long as 
 he could turn to his Bible with a superior re- 
 lish, so long he would continue reading, and 
 no longer. Go thou and do likewise. If you 
 commence with this resolution, you will find 
 the advantages of it in your daily experience. 
 The word of God will grow constantly in your 
 estimation, and you will be ready to exclaim 
 with David, " O how I love thy law ; it is 
 sweeter to my taste than honey, and the honey- 
 comb." 
 
 My own experience convinces me, that the 
 oftener and the more diligently you peruse the 
 scriptures, tlie more beautiful will they appear, 
 and the less relish will you have for light and 
 superficial reading. There is, in an intimate 
 
156 ADVICE TO A 
 
 acquaintance, in a daily conversation with the 
 scriptures, something sanctifying, something 
 ennobling. A satisfaction is felt in perusing 
 them, which no human composition can excite. 
 You feel as if you were conversing with God 
 and angels. You breathe a heavenly atmos- 
 phere. The soul is bathed in celestial waters. 
 It imbibes a sweetness and a composure, which 
 shed over it unearthly attractions. 
 
 To this fountain of light and life, let us then 
 daily resort. Here is the healing influence. 
 Here is the pool of Bethesda. Here abounds 
 consolation for the afflicted. Here hope dwells 
 to cheer and to guide. " Bind this precious vo- 
 lume about your neck. Write it on the tablets 
 of your heart." It will prove your shield in 
 conflict, your guide in perplexity, your solace 
 in adversity. When " death shall be swallowed 
 up in victory," if it have been faithfully studied 
 in this life, it will afford themes for heavenly 
 contemplation through eternity. 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 157 
 
 LETTER XXIV. 
 
 It is a common practice, with young Chris- 
 tians, to confine their attention to certain parts 
 of the scriptures, to the almost entire neglect 
 of the rest. They select, generally, the devo- 
 tional and preceptive portions, such as the 
 Evangelists, the Psalms, and some of the Epis- 
 tles. This circumstance, while it favours the 
 evidence of their being Christians, is also best 
 calculated, perhaps, to advance their growth in 
 grace. In this early stage of their progress, 
 they cannot be expected to take a comprehen- 
 sive view of scriptural truth, and exhibit a ma- 
 turity of knowledge on doctrinal theology. But 
 there is danger that this practice will be too 
 long continued. If so, they will ever be chil- 
 dren. They cannot grow in knowledge. They 
 will be feeding on milk, when they ought to 
 receive the more substantial aliment. 
 
 Permit me, therefore, my young friend, to 
 caution you against undervaluing any part of 
 the inspired volume. While I would rejoice 
 in the fact of your having, at first, preferred 
 those scriptures which are more particularly 
 14 
 
158 ADVlCtJ to A 
 
 devotional, I must exhort you to go oh to pet* 
 fection. "All scripture is given by inspiration 
 of God," and all is, therefore, profitable, for 
 the attainment of that perfect standard, at which 
 you aim» 
 
 In these remarksj I si)eak from personal ex* 
 perience^ My attention, for a long time, was 
 confined almost exclusively to the Psalms, the 
 Evangelists, and a few of the f.lainest of the 
 Epistles. These I perused and reperused, un* 
 til much of them was committed to memory^ 
 and all were very familiar. I do not, nor shall 
 I ever, regret this. But my mistake was, in 
 supposing that the historical and prophetical, 
 and some of the doctrinal parts of the Bible, 
 were inapplicable to my circumstances, and 
 therefore had little claim on my attention. I 
 fear that others have fallen into this mistake* 
 I have since learned that those very scriptures, 
 to which I confined my attention, were greatly 
 elucidated, and beautifully explained, by other 
 parts of the Bible, which I had thought too 
 deep, and too inapplicable for my reading. 
 
 The word of God is one magnificent whole. 
 There is a symmetry in all its proportions, and 
 an harmonious admeasurement in all its parts* 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 159 
 
 It is like a beautiful edifice, constructed on the 
 finest principles of architecture. The young 
 Christian may be compared to a superficial ob- 
 server, who is enraptured with a glance of the 
 finely turned arches, and the highly finished 
 columns of this temple. He dwells upon these, 
 as the principal attractions. The more advanced 
 saint, has not only entered the vestibule, but 
 has also penetrated the interior court. He has 
 examined carefully the foundation, and admired 
 its adamantine structure. He has surveyed its 
 halls, and its galleries, and has been struck 
 with the beauty of their proportions. He has 
 threaded every labyrinth, and ascertained its 
 direction and its utility. He has found no part 
 defective ; no portion superfluous. As his 
 mind sweeps in the noble pile at one glance, 
 he exclaims, how magnificent ! how grand ! 
 how worthy of the architect ! 
 
 "While, therefore, my young friend, I would 
 encourage you, in perusing closely those parts 
 of the Bible, which appear most adapted to 
 your character and circumstances, I would, at 
 the same time, caution you not to neglect other 
 important parts of sacred scripture. As I be- 
 fore observed, by reading the Bible as a whole, 
 
160 ADVICE TO A 
 
 you will perceive much more clearly, the beauty 
 of your favourite passages. The true method 
 of interpreting scripture, is by comparing one 
 part with another. Had I received and attend- 
 ed to this hint, my knowledge of scriptural 
 truth would, I am persuaded, have been much 
 more extensive than it is at present. 1 have 
 learned from happy, though late experience, 
 that the historical books of the Old Testament, 
 not only throw light on all the subsequent in- 
 spired writings, but are replete with most ex- 
 alted, and devotional, and soul-transporting 
 sentiments. Since I began to study the scrip- 
 tures in course, I have lingered on the Penta- 
 teuch, as on enchanted ground. The types and 
 shadows have been full of meaning. In all 
 of them, Christ and Him crucified, appears 
 conspicuous. 
 
 I am convinced of the utility of studying 
 the Bible in course ; and I can assure you that 
 my former desultory practice, of opening and 
 reading where the eye chanced to fall, was far 
 from affording equal satisfaction. I note for 
 your benefit, the circumstances which prevent- 
 ed my improvement in the knowledge of God's 
 word, and I hope that you will carefully avoid 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 161 
 
 diem. You will find a solid satisfaction in stu- 
 dying the scriptures according to the mode I 
 recommend. Consider it as the labour of life ; 
 for be assured, that should you live to the age 
 of four-score years, you will not have attained 
 perfection in this study. But why should I call 
 it a labour, when it is so delightful a privilege? 
 It is indeed a labour, to that being who loves 
 not the character, and who yields not obedi- 
 ence to the law of God. But is it a labour to 
 that mind which is attuned, by the Spirit's influ- 
 ence, to the beauties of celestial truth ? Will 
 not the soul expand under the developements 
 of God, and of heavenly things ? 
 
 As we learn more and more of the wisdom, 
 the goodness, and the mercy of God, we shall 
 the more ardently desire a conformity to these 
 divine attributes. It is thus we shall grow in 
 grace, and in the knowledge of God, and of our 
 Saviour. In the visible creation, every thing 
 is full of glory. Every thing speaks of the 
 wisdom and the power of God, and invites the 
 soul to ascend to its all-glorious Creator. But 
 in the written word, we have God speaking to 
 us without a medium, and speaking to us as to 
 his children. 
 
 14* 
 
162 ADVICE TO A 
 
 Go, then, my young friend, and diligently 
 listen to the holy oracles. Search the scrip- 
 tures. Peruse them systematically. Make them 
 your daily and nightly companions. And may 
 their celestial influence be so infused into your 
 soul, that you shall progressively lose the 
 image of the earthly, and assume the image of 
 the heavenly inhabitants. 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 163 
 
 LETTER XXV. 
 
 You recollect, my young friend, that when 
 speaking on the subject of prayer, I warned 
 you against a hurried and superficial manner. 
 I would repeat the same caution in respect to 
 reading the word of God. There is a careless, 
 superficial attention to the Bible, which is nei- 
 ther acceptable to God, nor profitable to the 
 soul. 
 
 We should ever approach that sacred book 
 with reverence. Though written by men, re- 
 member that those men " spake, as they were 
 moved by the Holy Spirit." The medium 
 through which it was communicated, detracts 
 not from the divinity of the matter. "When we 
 open the sacred volume, we listen to the voice 
 of God. It is the same voice, though unac- 
 companied by those terrific circumstances, 
 which issued from that awful cloud which cur- 
 tained the summit of Sinai. It is the same 
 voice that was heard in such piteous lamenta- 
 tions from Calvary, when our Immanuel trode 
 for us the wine press of the wrath of God. 
 Should we not, therefore, give a reverential at- 
 tention, when Jehovah speaks ? Should not 
 
>X#i . AJDnCE TO A 
 
 our posture be that of the deepest humility and 
 awe? 
 
 When you take the scriptures in hand, it ia 
 well to let such a reflection pass your mind. It 
 is profitable to pause a moment, and say with- 
 in yourself, what a privilege do I enjoy in the 
 perusal of this sacred page ? Millions of my 
 fellow-beings are shut out from it. They have 
 nothing but the dim and flickering light of na- 
 ture. They are, therefore, degraded and besot- 
 ted by ignorance and sensuality. Whereas, I 
 am favoured with the clear light of revelation. 
 I hold in my hand the mind and will of God 
 concerning me. Are not my obligations, there- 
 fore, proportionably great ? What account can 
 I give at the judgment day, if I neglect or un- 
 dervalue this precious volume? " O Lord, open 
 thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous 
 things out of thy law." Unstop mine ear, that 
 I may listen, and dispose my heart to receive 
 and obey. Spirit of light ! Inspirer of this 
 heavenly book ! be present to dissipate my 
 darkness, and shed over my soul the beams of 
 celestial glory. Let me not fall under the con- 
 demnation of that wicked servant, who knew 
 his master's will, but refused to perform it ; 
 but having, by thy illuminating influence, a 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 165 
 
 perfect understanding of the word, may I, 
 through thy sanctifying grace, be moulded by 
 it, into the likeness and image of God. 
 
 I take it for granted, that the study of the 
 Bible, is to form a part of your daily devo- 
 tions ; and it is upon such a supposition, that 
 I make these remarks. Beware, I entreat you, 
 of the habit of glancing over different parts of 
 the Bible, instead of perusing it in course, and 
 with close and diligent attention. The latter 
 mode, accompanisd with the blessing of God, 
 will form an elevated Christian character. The 
 former, is characteristic of the worldly-minded 
 and superficial professor. Depend upon it, the 
 closer attention you give to the word, the more 
 precious and interesting wi31 it become, and 
 the more rapidly will you grow in knowledge 
 and holiness. The pious David, declared that 
 his luve for the word of God was so ardent, 
 that it was his meditation day and night. I 
 meditate, says he, on all thy precepts. I muse 
 on the work of thy hands. It is this medita- 
 tive spirit, which I would recommend, when 
 you are perusing the scriptures. 
 
 The celebrated Dr. Scott, as we learn from 
 his memoirs, was in the habit of reading the 
 Bible on his knees. Whenever a difficult part 
 
166 ADVICE TO A 
 
 of divine truth came under consideration, he 
 would lift his soul to God, for the illuminating 
 influence of the vSpirit. It was by prayer over 
 the word of God, that this eminent suint formed 
 a character that will stand as a bright example 
 to all succeeding Christians. It was in this 
 way, also, that he arrived at such a perfect 
 knowledge of the scriptures, and was enabled 
 to write his celebrated commentary. As you 
 will need some helps in studying the Bible, per- 
 mit me here to recommend this admirable work. 
 I cannot do this better, than by copying a 
 brief notice trom the pen of a clerical friend. 
 "I have never met with a commentator, so ad- 
 mirably adapted to ordinary use, as Dr. Scott. 
 As an interpreter, he is clear, sober, and judi- 
 cious. He never so dwells upon one doctrine, 
 as to keep others out of view, (the grand defect 
 of many expositors,) but gives to each truth 
 that proportion of notice which its relative im- 
 portance seems to demand. The great doctrine 
 of justification by faith alone, the very hinge 
 on which the whole gospel turns, and its all- 
 pervading principle. Dr. Scott very clearly and 
 fully unfolds, where it is specially treated of in 
 holy writ. He never loses sight of it upon any 
 occasion, and uniformly so handles it, as to 
 
YOtJNe CHRtSTlAJf. 161^ 
 
 beat down the pride of the pharisee on the one 
 hand, and expose the rottenness of the antino* 
 mian on the other. But his commentary is not 
 simply doctrinal ; he shows all the varied bear- 
 ings of the truth upon the inner and the outer 
 man. In a word, he is highly experimental 
 and practical throughout. And for this part of 
 his work, he appears peculiarly competento 
 Never, perhapsj were displayed in any unin^ 
 spired composition, such a deep insight into 
 the natural workings of the human heart, and 
 so accurate a knowledge of the exercises of a 
 mind renewed by divine grace ; combined with 
 such an enlarged, and at the same time minute 
 acquaintance with human life, under every va- 
 riety of circumstance. To write this work, 
 demanded such observation of the world, united 
 to such studious habits, as could very rarely 
 indeed be found in the same individual. And 
 the Lord seems to have led this wonderful man 
 through just the path that would qualify him 
 to compose such a book." 
 
 I can add my testimony to the above. Al- 
 though I had frequently heard Dr. Scott under- 
 valued, as not sufficiently critical, J am now 
 convinced that he has been wise in not encum- 
 bering his work with useless criticism, which, 
 
168 ADVICE TO A 
 
 while it might have pleased the few, would have 
 been a great disadvantage to the many. It will 
 be found, I believe, that his opinion on all im- 
 portant points, is the correct one. He is, for 
 general use, undoubtedly the best commentator 
 extant. I must conclude, therefore, by advi- 
 sing you to commence his work with a determi- 
 nation, by the blessing of God, to finish it. Pro- 
 spectively, it may appear a herculean task ; but 
 be assured, it is not. As you advance, you 
 will find each succeeding page, more and more 
 delightful. 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN 
 
 LETTER XXVI. 
 
 I HOPE, my young friend, that you will ac» 
 quire a thorough acquaintance with the histori- 
 cbI scriptures. They are intimately connected 
 witli the prophetical, the doctrinal, and the pre- 
 ceptive parts of the Bible. I have, at times, 
 been made to blush for my ignorance of some 
 fact, which has been alluded to, as a part of Bi- 
 ble history and especially as quoted by the New 
 Testament writers; not because I neglected the 
 Bible, but because I confined my reading to a 
 very limited portion of it. 
 
 It is impossible to understand the prophecies, 
 without a knowledge of the sacred history. It 
 is equally impossible, without this knowledge, 
 to comprehend the beauty and force of the gos 
 pels and the epistles. The more thoroughly 
 you study the Old, the more easily will you 
 comprehend the meaning and beauty of the 
 New Testament. If you will become intimately 
 acquainted with the book of Leviticus, the epis- 
 tle to the Hebrews will possess charms which 
 15 
 
VjfO ADVICE to A 
 
 you .lad never attributed to it. If you have 
 discriminated between the covenant which God 
 made with Abraham, and that which He formed 
 with the people of Israel, at Sinai, you will he 
 prepared to estimate the force of the Apostle's 
 reasoning, in the epistle to the Galatians. 
 There is scarcely any part of the New Testa- 
 ment, which has not some connexion with the 
 Old. In the historical books, you have also 
 an exhibition of the providence of God, and 
 many bright examples of patriarchal Chris»- 
 tianity. You cannot fail, therefore, of being 
 amply rewarded by a diligent perusal of the 
 sacred history. 
 
 In studying the doctrinal parts of the Bible^ 
 you will require much patience and perseve^ 
 ranee, mingled with constant plrayer for hea^ 
 Venly illumination. There is reason to appre- 
 hend, that many young Christians have vague 
 and superficial notions of the doctrines, whilst 
 they exhibit much of the true temper of the 
 gospel. If, however, they neglect to investi- 
 gate and understand the doctrines of scripture, 
 they will be in danger of being led astray, by 
 the seducing influence of heresy. Be well 
 grounded, therefore, in the fundamental doc- 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 171 
 
 trines of the Bible. In making up your opi- 
 nion with respect to any doctrine, avoid a rash 
 and hasty conchision. Be deliberate, and you 
 will escape the imputation of " being carried 
 about with every wind of doctrine." When a 
 truth, which you have thus deliberately embra- 
 ced, is called in question, be not induced by the 
 apparent candour, or the plausible arguments 
 of your opponent, to yield your opinion, until 
 you have given it a thorough investigation. 
 You may still be right, and your opponent 
 wrong. Be not rash in giving up your opinion 
 and adopting Ms. This caution is perhaps 
 necessary to young Christians, who cannot, at 
 their age, be supposed to be thoroughly indoc- 
 trinated. 
 
 There are some truths which you have re- 
 ceived from education. I would advise you to 
 re-examine them, by the word of God, and if 
 they correspond therewith, to hold them fast, 
 as the most precious legacy which your pious 
 parents have bequeathed. It will be insinuated, 
 perhaps, that such opinions are the result of 
 education, and are destitute of any other founda- 
 tion. Be cautious in admitting this. Search 
 the scriptures, and if you find them there, hold 
 
172 ADVICE TO A 
 
 them fast, as a " form of sound words.' ll 
 they are opposed to the Bible, abandon them, 
 however dear, or sanctified by parental affec- 
 tion. But in yielding such opinions, I would 
 still say, be not rash. Investigate closely and 
 candidly, ere you let them go. There is a ten- 
 derness of conscience in young Christians, 
 which Satan sometimes pushes to a painful and 
 distressing embarrassment. This is as much 
 the case in respect to belief, as to external 
 conduct. 
 
 As an illustration of these remarks, there 
 occurs to my recollection, the case of a youth, 
 who, on making a public profession of religion, 
 joined, as a matter of course, the church in 
 which he had been baptized, and to Avhich his 
 parents belonged. For a short time all went 
 happily with him. He enjoyed the communion 
 of the saints, and the ordinances of the gospel. 
 The scene, however, was soon changed. His 
 mind was thrown into great distress, by the 
 insinuations of one, who, by his bold and dog- 
 matical mode of reasoning, led him into doubts 
 on a particular point of doctrine. He was 
 deeply perplexed as to the path of duty. At 
 one time, the adversary would suggest the guilt 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 173 
 
 of remaining a day longer in his present con- 
 nexion. At another, he would insinuate that 
 he had made a false profession, and therefore 
 had committed the sin against the Holy Ghost. 
 In this hour of anguish, he prayed most ear- 
 nestly for direction The thought occurred to 
 him, that he need not be rash in altering his 
 views. As he was comparatively a child, and 
 had much to learn, God would not be dis- 
 pleased, if he took time for investigation. This 
 thought gave him consolation, and he set about 
 a diligent and prayerful examination of his 
 Bible. The result was, a conviction of the 
 truth as he had held it, and a perfectly settled 
 state of mind on that point, even to the present 
 time. 
 
 I hope, therefore, my young friend, that in 
 iTdking up your doctrinal opinions, you will 
 Vddy the word of God closely and prayer 
 r.l^y^ Be careful not to rush into hasty con- 
 j\* sions from isolated passages ; but take a 
 / rmprehensive view of the connexion. Look 
 /.t the Bible in all its grand and magnificent 
 proportions. Be thoroughly indoctrinated, 
 and you will become a growing and stable 
 Christian. There will be a solidity in your 
 15^ 
 
174 ADVICE TO A 
 
 character, which, J ike a foundation that is 
 well adjusted to the superstructure, will be, at 
 once, the evidence, both of permanency and 
 of beauty. 
 
YOlTNG CHRISTIAN. l75 
 
 LETTER XXVII. 
 
 I WOULD not, my young friend, have you 
 Audy the Bible as a critic ; but as a Christian. 
 You should endeavour to derive some spiritual 
 nourishment from every part of scripture. In 
 this, Dr. Scott's commentary is admirably cal- 
 culated to assist you. In studying the histori- 
 cal scriptures, you can occasionally pause and 
 meditate. You can inquire, whether your mind 
 distinctly comprehended the facts recorded, 
 and their practical bearing. In this way, your 
 memory will be strengthened, and your heart, 
 I trust, often affected. 
 
 Before I leave this subject, permit me to say 
 a word or two, on the spirit Avith which you 
 should peruse the sacred volume. It is a spirit 
 of implicit faith, and child-like docility. There 
 are many parts of scripture, which, after the 
 most diligent and careful investigation, will 
 still appear, to shcrt-sighted man, almost inex- 
 plicable. There are many doctrines too pro- 
 found for human comprehension — many mys- 
 terious truths relating to God, to angels, and 
 to heaven. God has given to man a revelation, 
 which embodies the august truths of his eter- 
 
176 ADVICE TO A 
 
 nity, and of his infinite attributes ; which brings 
 into view a spiritual world, and throws down 
 upon us the light of the inconceivable glory ; 
 and such a revelation must necessarily contain 
 things to us mysterious and incomprehensible. 
 It necessarily presents certain truths to be re- 
 ceived on the simple testimony of God; and 
 this is faith. Shall I, therefore, in perusing 
 the Bible, reject one of its doctrines, because 
 it is less intelligible than another? Am I not 
 bound to receive even incomprehensible truths, 
 if I find them there recorded ? Having settled 
 the fact, that the Bible is inspired, I must come- 
 to it, as to an infallible oracle. I must feel, 
 with the apostle, that although there are many 
 things, which, in consequence of my infirmity, 
 I can only view as through a glass darkly , 
 yet, if I am a Christian, the time is near, when 
 I shall see them as clearly as I can behold a 
 friend face to face. Although I must confess, 
 that there are many deep truths which now I 
 know but in part, yet there is a day coming, 
 when I shall know them as fully, as I myself 
 am known. Even the venerable apostle, ranks 
 himself but as a child, in the knowledge of di- 
 vine things. He is content to wait until that 
 
TOUNG CHRISTIAN. 177 
 
 knowledge shall be expanded among the bright 
 intelligences of heaven. 
 
 Were your father, whom you so much love, 
 an astronomer, conversant with the motions of 
 the heavenly bodies ; were he to take you, 
 while a child, to his observatory ; point you to 
 those revolving orbs ; and tell you that he had 
 measured their distances, and calculated their 
 motions : would you believe him ? O yes ; he 
 is your father, who would not deceive you, and 
 you are his confiding child. You could not 
 comprehend the fact ; but you would believe 
 your father ; you would have no doubt of his 
 veracity. Were he again to tell you, that, 
 should your life be continued, you also would, 
 in a few years, be able to make these sublime 
 calculations ; your astonishment w^ould be in- 
 creased. Had not your father said it, you could 
 not have believed it. But still you would con- 
 fide in your beloved parent. 
 
 This is precisely the spirit which you must 
 possess in studying the scriptures. It is your 
 Father who speaks. Sometimes he speaks of 
 high and mysterious things ; but remember that 
 you are bound to confide in His word. When 
 scepticism woVild harass your mind, flee to the 
 word of God, and subject your understanding 
 
178 ADVICE 10 A 
 
 implicitly to its dictates. When troubles assail, 
 betake yourself, instantly, to this fountain of 
 consolation. When doubts of your acceptance 
 come over your mind like a dark and porten- 
 tous cloud, here, in this blessed volume, is the 
 sun of righteousness to chase away the cloud, 
 and restore you to calmness and tranquillity. 
 
 Whilst there is a spirit abroad that would 
 undervalue the plain testimony of revelation, 
 and make it, like the heathen oracles of old, 
 speak an ambiguous and time-serving language, 
 be it your resolution to cling to the precious 
 Bible, and to love even its most self-denying 
 and soul-humbling doctrines. Be not ashamed 
 of those views of truth, which, in the estima- 
 tion of vain and proud man, are peculiar only 
 to vulgar minds. The Bible, you will recol 
 lect, was written equally for the vulgar and the 
 refined. The poor claim it as their most pre- 
 cious legacy. What though there be in it some 
 mysterious and inexplicable doctrines ; is it 
 not the part of faith, to sit meekly at the Sa- 
 viour's feet, and receive implicitly the words 
 which drop from his lips ? 
 
 Compassed about as we are w<ith infirmities; 
 dependent as we are for the least ray of heaven- 
 ly comfort ; with intellectual pride on the one 
 
YOttfG CHRISTIAN. 179 
 
 hand, and deep-rooted and sinful prejudices on 
 the other ; now wandering from God and duty, 
 and now returning disappointed and dejected ; 
 let us sink into the deepest self-abasement. Let 
 us bow with the spirit of children, to the sim- 
 ple truth as it is in Jesus : lei us implore the 
 Divine Spirit to guide us through this benight- 
 ed desert ; and let us look forward by faith to 
 the period when we shall emerge from our 
 darkness^ into unclouded and eternal day 
 
180 ADVICE TO A 
 
 LETTER XXVIII. 
 
 By this time, my young friend, yon percei^ 3 
 that religion is the business of life ; a momen- 
 tous work, which will task every faculty to the 
 utmost. To make a profession in the visible 
 church, is one thing ; but to evince, by a pro- 
 gressive improvement in knowledge and holi- 
 ness, our connexion with the church invisible, 
 is another. When I look around and behold 
 so many youth gathered within the church, by 
 the sanctifying influence of the numerous and 
 powerful revivals of religion, my soul exults 
 in the prospective glories of our Zion. These, 
 methinks, are the generations who are to urge 
 forward the cause of Christ, and who may be 
 permitted to chant the jubilee of Millenial 
 glory. 
 
 I am anxious, that the rising generation of 
 Christians should assume a more elevated 
 standard of piety and action, than that which 
 has characterized their predecessors ; and that 
 primitive holiness, and magnanimity, and self- 
 denial, should once more appear, as the earnest 
 and pledge of that glorious consumm ition, 
 when holiness shall be inscribed, even ( n the 
 
voUNG CHRISTIAN. 181 
 
 bells of the horses. I confess, however, that 
 I hax-e my misgivings. I have seen some, who 
 but lately gave auspicious promise of this high 
 and noble character, sinking down to the dead 
 level of ordinary professors, taking the hue 
 and character of those around them, and ap- 
 pearing contented with just so much religion 
 as will render them agreeable to all, without 
 incurring the censure of any. How unworthy 
 of a oreat and noble character ! I would never 
 
 D 
 
 lay my hand upon the sacred covenant, or I 
 would lay along with it my heart, my full, free, 
 undivided heart. 
 
 The gospel of Christ admits of no compro- 
 mise. It demands our all. If it required less, 
 it would be unworthy of its great author and 
 finisher. I rejoice that it requires all. This is 
 its glory. When we are brought to yield to 
 its claims, and give up all, then, and not till 
 then, will it throw around us its arms of mercy. 
 And what is our all ? What do we give, when 
 wc give our all ? A polluted soul, that might 
 justly be cast into hell ; a body, the miserable 
 com.panion of that soul, and groaning under 
 the dire effecLS of disobedience and guilt. Our 
 all consists, at last, in nothing more than a pol- 
 luted and guilty nature. 
 10 
 
183 ADVICE TO A 
 
 What a wonder is it, that God will accep 
 such an offering ! What a miracle of mercy 
 that raises us up from our pollution, bathes u 
 in the laver of regeneration, and clothes us in 
 the white linen of the saints ! And do we talk 
 about self-denial ? do we say, how hard to give 
 up all ? I am ashamed to use such language ; 
 ashamed to hear it used. What did Christ give 
 up for us ? Let that question blot out "self- 
 denial," from the Christian's vocabulary. When 
 you think the gospel makes severe requisitions, 
 by requiring all, go up to Mount Calvary, and 
 weep over such suggestions. See the blood of 
 your Immanuel so freely gushing from a heart 
 that never exercised towards you any emotion 
 but love ; love unspeakable — love unsought — 
 and love for the guilty. Go hide your head 
 in shame and penitence, at such a thought. It 
 is a glorious privilege, my young friend, to 
 give up all to Christ. The soul that feels the 
 constraining influenc/j of his love, ^sks not how 
 little may be given, consistently with obtaining 
 the heavenly reward ; asks not for the lowest 
 standard of discipleship ; it burns with an ar- 
 dent desire to devote all, and to aim at perfect 
 "conformity to his death." 
 
 It is melancholy, to behold so many satisfied 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 183 
 
 with a name in the church, and a seat at the 
 sacramental board. This appears to make up 
 the sum of their religion. Others go one step 
 farther, and observe some decent regard to 
 what may be termed the experimental part ot 
 religion ; but aim not at that elevated standard 
 which it is their privilege to attain. They live 
 in doubt, and they often die in darkness. They 
 enjoy neither religious consolations, nor the 
 peace Avhich the world giveth. All this is in 
 consequence of that miserable, half-way, com- 
 promising spirit, which seeks to perform the 
 service, and enjoy the approbation, of two 
 masters. 
 
 Let me entreat you to make a noble surren 
 der in this cause. The world has hitherto been 
 the master, and you must acknowledge, that 
 you have rendered a full and faithful service ; 
 but shall you yield a less free and faithful devo- 
 tion to Christ ? Which is the more worthy of 
 your regard ? Which has the greater claims 
 on your affections ? Which offers the fullest re- 
 ward ? Determine by the grace of God, that 
 you will forsake all and follow Christ ; do not, 
 like Peter, follow him afar off, but, like Mary, 
 sit at his feet ; like the beloved disciple, rest 
 upon his bosom. 
 
184 ADVICE TO A 
 
 You will perceive from my commmiication 
 thus far, that there is work enough to do ; that 
 there is some struggling for the prize ; that the 
 kingdom of heaven is to be taken by violence ; 
 that you are not to sit down and idly imagine 
 that now you have joined the church, there re- 
 maineth no more for you to do ; that you are 
 to be carried along, as it were, by a sort of in- 
 visible influence to heaven, without any extra- 
 ordinary exertions of your own. Determine, 
 that if others act on the principles of the spi- 
 ritual sluggard, you will leave them, and march 
 forward towards the elevation of Christian 
 character, which the Bible plainly marks out 
 as your duty and your privilege. Onward, is 
 the daily watchword of the faithful soldier of 
 the cross. He sleeps not at his post. He hears 
 the first note of alarm, and prepares for the 
 conflict. He loves his king, and obedience is 
 a pleasure, rather than a duty. Many a bright 
 example still shines in your view. A Brainerd, 
 a Martyn, a Graham, and a Newell, have lefl 
 the light of their glorious career still lingering 
 on earth. Plant your feet in their tracks, and 
 if you cannot equal, at least make a near ap- 
 proximation to them. Dread the thought of 
 being any thing less than they were ; and re 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN 185 
 
 member that it is possible even to surpass 
 them. 
 
 O may you aim high, in contending for the 
 prize of your high calling ! May you go from 
 strength to strength, from victory to victory, 
 from one attainment to another, until you shall 
 stand, a glorious example on earth ; until you 
 shall inherit the highest rewards of the blessed 
 in heaven ! 
 
 16* 
 
186 ADVICE TO A 
 
 LETTER XXIX. 
 
 The duties which I have been urging ujion 
 you, as important in forming an elevated stand- 
 ard of piety, are those especially which relate 
 to God, and your own soul. Social obligations, 
 and the relative duties of life, I have not con- 
 sidered. They are not first in importance. 
 Besides, if you give heed to the advice which 
 I have presented in these sheets ; if you per- 
 severe in the path which I have marked out; 
 if you give the diligence in prayer, in self- 
 examination, and the study of the Bible, whicb 
 I have urged ; you will, most certainly, not be 
 a delinquent, in the various social and domes- 
 tic duties of life. 
 
 The course recommended, if faithfully pur- 
 sued, will have a controlling influence upon 
 your intercourse with others. It will put every 
 thing in its proper place, and give every duty 
 its legitimate prominency and attention. It 
 will make you the obedient child, the belovea 
 sister, the diligent scholar, and the amiable 
 and intelligent companion. It will render you 
 
YOUNG CURISTIAX. 187 
 
 in every respect, lovely and interesting. It is 
 under tJiis impression, that I have given to this 
 subject a protracted consideration, and that I 
 have said so Hllle about your general deport- 
 ment. I have endeavoured first to erect tlie 
 .^olid column; the Corintliian capital can be 
 easily superadded. 
 
 I miu-ht have achled somelliin<r more, on the 
 importance of Christian biography, as a means 
 of stimulating the young Christian ; hut I take 
 it for granted, that you are already familiar 
 with most of the popular works of that kind, 
 which are now so much read, and so justly ad- 
 mired. The memoirs of Brainerd, Pierce, 
 Martyn, and Scott; the lives of Mrs. Graham, 
 Ramsay, Newell, and Huntington, cannot he 
 read too often, nor copied too closely. You 
 Avill find it liighiy useful, in your daily retire- 
 ment, to hold converse with some of these ex- 
 alted saints. It will furnish a humbling view 
 of your own comparative sluggislmess ; and 
 arouse you to emulate their noble self-denial 
 and devotion. Next to your Bible, may they 
 be your most intimate and beloved compa 
 nions. 
 
 But ah . how small a number of such cha- 
 
J 88 ADVICE TO A 
 
 racters have ever lived to grace this fallen 
 world! "Like angel visiters, they have been 
 few and far between." They have shot athwart 
 our world, to evidence to scoffers and infidels, 
 the genuine beauty of Christianity, and to ex- 
 hibit for the imitation of their brethren, that 
 high and noble character to which human na- 
 ture, degraded as it is, can, by the spirit and 
 grace of God, be elevated. When I read of 
 their self-denial ; their entire consecration of 
 all to the service of Christ; their agonizing 
 prayers, which were offered less for themselves 
 than for the perishing souls around them; their 
 enlarged benevolence, which was satisfied with 
 nothing short of blessing a world; when I con- 
 sider their patience in sufl'ering; their cheer- 
 fulness under repeated and severe afflictions; 
 their composure and triumph in death ; I view 
 them as possessing a character, which nought 
 but a superhuman power can confer ; far, 
 very far, transcending the brightest models of 
 Grecian or of Roman virtue. They scarcely 
 seem to belong to our species ; and, if fancy 
 were permitted to decide, we should almosi 
 say, that in them the glory and brightness of 
 some seraph was displayed. 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 189 
 
 But still, my young friend, " they were bone 
 of our bone, and flesh of our flesh." They pos- 
 sessed, in common with us, the same sickly, sin- 
 ful nature. They made no pretensions to su- 
 periority. Nay, they considered their own 
 characters* as vile, in the eyes of Him who 
 *' cannot look upon sin." If they possessed 
 an elevation of character above us, they seem- 
 ed not to know it. They were, while shining 
 out with angel virtue, all meekness and humi- 
 lity. These are the characters, which, though 
 undervalued by the world, make their silent pro- 
 gress through life, indilferent to the honours 
 and the pleasures, which inferior and sordid 
 minds are struggling to obtain. These are the 
 characters, which, while they v/alk on the 
 earth, converse with the skies — hold commu- 
 nion — intimate, deep, delightful communion, 
 with Heaven. Their souls daily disentangling 
 themselves from the bonds of sensuality, sever- 
 ing their wV ling aflections from the dross and 
 corruption of earth, rise to a similitude with 
 God ; and ere they leave their earthly abode, 
 appear to imbibe a purity and a perfection, 
 which are a sort of earnest of their quick tran- 
 sition to glory. 
 
190 ADVICE TO A 
 
 But my pen is unable to render a just tri- 
 bute to characters so bright and magnificent. 
 The simple narrative will speak a stronger 
 eulogy 
 
 These are the characters which I wish yon 
 to copy. They are the only happy characters. 
 There is a delightful, and yet pitiable contrast, 
 between them and that cold-hearted, half-de- 
 voted, earthly-minded race of professors, who, 
 I verily believe, are among the most miserable 
 beings on earth. They are a disgrace to the 
 Christian church ; a standing scandal upon re- 
 ligion ; a grief to the pious ; a laughing- 
 stock to the world. Over their worldly-mind- 
 edness, their niggardly charities, their hollow 
 professions, thousands stumble into perdition. 
 Avoid this character, as you regard the peace 
 of your own soul, the prosperity of the church, 
 the advancement of Christ's Kingdom, and 
 your final salvation. 
 
 Remember that there is a day coming, when 
 the precious will be separated from the vile ; 
 when the master shall walk through the Chris- 
 tian church, and "shall gather the wheat into 
 his garner, and burn up the chaff with un- 
 quenchable fire." Be not, my young friend, 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 191 
 
 satisfied with grovelling views, or low attain- 
 ments. Aim high, even at perfection ; for 
 you know that a greater than man hath sa'd, 
 **be ye perfect, as your Father in heaven is 
 perfect." 
 
192 ADVICE TO A 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 4 CANNOT believe, my young friend, that the 
 serious cautions, solemn warnings, and earnest 
 appeals, which I have made, are to be entirely 
 lost. I flatter myself, that when the hand 
 which penned, and the heart which prompted 
 them, are silent in the grave ; she, for whose 
 instruction they were given, will exhibit all 
 that maturity of knowledge, all that purity of 
 character, all that holy elevation of purpose 
 and of action, which together constitute the 
 fulness of Christian perfection. But if, after 
 all, you should make a compromise with the 
 world, and be willing to settle down upon that 
 low and unworthy standard, too common 
 among our churches ; if a few years should 
 find you foremost in pleasure and in fashion, 
 and undistinguished from the noisy, vain, and 
 trilling crowd ; methinks your conscience will 
 have been rapidly seared, and your heart ijuick 
 ly steeled to a sense of your duty. 
 
 But I am persuaded better things of you, 
 though I thus speak. Still, I know more, than 
 you can at present, of the deceitfulness of the 
 "heart, the subtle insinuations of Satan, and the 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 193 
 
 powerful attractions which the world presents 
 to a warm, youthful imagination. Secluded as 
 you now are, you can form but a faint concep- 
 tion, of the power of worldly seductions. Per- 
 haps you are ready to conclude, that your heart 
 is impregnable to all their assaults. This, be 
 assured, is a great mistake. Think not that 
 your mountain stands strong. If you indulge 
 this thought, you will most assuredly fall ; you 
 will be obliged to weep over the disgrace which 
 you will have brought upon religion ; you will, 
 perhaps, be constrained to bewail the ruin of 
 some soul, who may have been emboldened in 
 sin, through your carelessness or inadvertency. 
 You have a dangerous road to travel. You 
 cannot be too vigilant ; you cannot offer too 
 many prayers for guidance and protection. 
 Your armour cannot be too bright, nor your 
 eye too circumspect. 
 
 Remember what I have already said, that de- 
 clension begins at the closet. Watch there, 
 for its first appearance. There, be ready to 
 discover and to correct it. Prayer is your 
 strong hold. In every encounter with your 
 adversaries, draw upon the strength of heaven. 
 In every dark, distressful hour, cast an eye up- 
 ward to God. When the world displays its 
 17 
 
194 ADVICE TO A *ii&*t> 
 
 fascinations, and woos you away to its arms, 
 God, and God alone, is the "strength of your 
 heart." When afflictions come, and the soul 
 is made sad and desolate, where then shall you 
 look, but to Him who heareth the mourner's 
 cry ? Prayer has ever been powerful and effi- 
 cient. It has wiped away the tear of the peni- 
 tent, and lighted up the gleam of hope. It has' 
 broken the stout sinews of rebellion, and trans- 
 formed the lion to the lamb. 
 
 In the work of self-examination, be close 
 and thorough ; be habitual and persevering. 
 Let a nice discrimination run through your in- 
 vestigations. Remember your aim. It is high ; 
 it is the elevated character. Deal faithfully 
 then with your own soul. Arraign it at a diur- 
 nal tribunal, and judge it, severely judge it, 
 from the law of God. Anticipate the great 
 and final account. It will then not burst upon 
 you unprepared. You will go calmly forward 
 to the bar of God, and unhesitatingly open 
 your bosom, conscious of forgiveness, to his 
 keen inspection. 
 
 Let the word of God dwell in your heart. 
 Study its sacred pages with prayerful diligence, 
 and bow to its doctrines with implicit faith. 
 
YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 195 
 
 Be it the man of your counsel ; the guide of 
 your beUef; the foundation of your hope. 
 
 In short, take to yourself the whole armour 
 of God ; the shield of faith, by wliich you may 
 quench the fiery darts of Satan ; the helmet 
 of salvation, to adorn and defend your head ; 
 the breast-plate of righteousness, to cover your 
 bosom from the shafts of calumny or of envy ; 
 the sword of the Spirit, whose keen edge will 
 make you resolute and fearless in the attack, 
 powerful and irresistible in the defence. TIuis 
 arrayed, look upward, and press onward. God 
 is your strength ; and when He nerves the 
 arm, though it be the arm of the weakest be- 
 liever, that arm is irresistible. Lay not aside 
 j^our weapons, while one foe within is unsub- 
 dued, or one enemy without unconquered. 
 But life is short. The time is at hand, when 
 you shall have a full and free discharge. The 
 crown of glory glitters in prospect. After a few 
 more days of fidelity to your King, that crown 
 shall be placed upon your brow. 
 
 When death comes, he will prove your last 
 enemy. As he falls b'"ieath your triumphant 
 struggle, you shall haw the notes of victory, 
 bursting from ten ti^OvX'* \nd angels m vour 
 dying ear. Then youi' .\ork is doi^s. Ihen 
 
19(5 ADVICE TO A YOUNG CHRISTIAN. 
 
 your warfare is over. On yonder heavenly 
 plains, you shall receive a golden harp, and 
 learn celestial music. You shall sound that 
 name by which you conquered ; and in your 
 eternal song, chant the praise of, Him^ who 
 sitteth upon the throne, and of the Lamb for- 
 ever. The trials of life will be remembered 
 no more, or if remembered, will serve as new 
 themes of praise and thanksgiving. 
 
 What a consummation ! Who would not 
 struggle a few short days, to inherit so rich a 
 reward — to wear forever so bright a diadem?