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REMAINS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 REV. RICHARD CECIL, M. A. 
 
 LATE RECTOR OP BISLEV, AND VICAR OF CHOBHAM, SCRKEY ; AND MINISTER 
 
 OP ST. John's chapel, Bedford how, London. 
 TO AVHICH IS PREFIXED, 
 
 A VIEW OF HIS CHARACTER. 
 BY JOSIAH PRATT, B.D.F.A.S. 
 
 FROM THE ELEVENTH LONDON EDITION. 
 
 NEW 
 ROBERT CARTER 
 AND PITTSBURG 
 
 1846. 
 
 YORK: 
 , 58 CANAL STREET, 
 , 56 MARKET STREET. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Introduction, 5 
 
 View of the Character of the Rev. Richard Cecil, ... 7 
 
 REMAINS. 
 
 On the Christian Life and Conflict, 55 
 
 On Subjects connected with the Christian Ministry : — 
 
 On a Minister's qualifying himself for his OfHce, - - 7S 
 On the Assistance which a Minister has reason to expect in 
 
 in the Discharge of his Public Duty, . . . . gO 
 
 On Preaching Christ, ... ... §3 
 
 On a Minister's Familiar Intercourse with his Hearers, . S3 
 
 On a Minister's encouraging Animadversion on Himself, 92 
 
 On Limits, with regard to frequenting Public Exhibitions, 97 
 On the means of promoting a Spirit of Devotion in Congre- 
 
 gatioiw, 99 
 
 On the MaiTiage of Christian Ministers, ... iqi 
 
 On visiting Deatii-Beds, iqq 
 
 Miscellaneous Remarks, ...... no 
 
 On Infidelity and Popery, . 127 
 
 On a Christian's Duty in these Eveatful Times, ... 134 
 
 On Fortifying Youth against Infidel Principles, ... 136 
 
 On the Management of Children, 139 
 
 On Family Worship, - 142 
 
 On the Influence of the Parental Character, .... 145 
 
 Remarks on Authors, 150 
 
 On the Scriptures : — 
 
 Miscellaneous Remarks on the Scriptures, ... 157 
 
 On the Old and New Dispensations, .... 164 
 
 On Typical and Allegorical Explanations of Scripture, - 1C6 
 On the Diversity of Character in Christians, and ou correcting 
 
 the Defects in our Character, ...... 168 
 
iv CONTENTS. 
 
 On the Fallen Nature of Man, ------ 176 
 
 On the Need of Grace, 178 
 
 On the Occasions of Enmity against Christianity, - - 182 
 
 On Religious Retirement, 185- 
 
 On a Spiritual Mind, ... .... 18^ 
 
 On Declension in Religion, 192- 
 On a Christian's associalir>g with Irreligious Persons for their 
 
 good, 196 
 
 On the Christian Sabbath, 197 
 
 On Judging justly, ....... 199 
 
 On the Character of St. Paul, 202 
 
 Miscellanies, .......... 205 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Remarks by Mr. Cecil, communicated to the Editor bjr some 
 
 Friends, - 235 
 
 Some negative rules, given to a Young Minister, - • - 271 
 
 Fragment— A Dying Minister's Farewell, .... 275 
 
 Lines on the Death of a Child at Day-break, .... 282 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 * He that has the happy talent of parlor-preaching," 
 says Dr. Watts/ " has sometimes done more for Christ 
 and souls in the space of a few minutes, tlian by the la- 
 bor of many houis and days in the usual course of 
 preaching in the pulpit." 
 
 On my first intercoui'se with Mr. Cecil, now upwards 
 of fifteen years since, when in the full vigor of liis mind, 
 I was so struck with the wisdom and originality of his 
 remarks, that I considered it my duty to record what 
 seemed to me most likely to be useful to othei's. 
 
 It should be observed that Mr. Cecil is made to speak 
 often of himself: and, to persons who do not consider 
 the circumstances of the case, there may appear much 
 egotism in the quantity of such remarks here put to- 
 gether, and in tlie manner in which his things are said : 
 but this will be treating him with the most flagrant in- 
 justice ; for it must be remembered, that tiie remarks of 
 this nature were chiefly made by him, from time to time, 
 in answer to my particular inquiries into his judgment 
 and habits on certain points of doctrine or practice. 
 
 I have labored in recording those sentiments which I 
 have gathered from him in conversation, to preserve as 
 much as possible liis very expressions ; and they who 
 
 •An humble attempt towards the revival of Religion. — Part I. Sec.4. 
 A 2 
 
vi 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 were familiar with his manner will be able to judge, in 
 general, how far I have succeeded : but I would expli- 
 citly disavow an exact verbal responsibility. For the 
 sentiments I make myself answerable. 
 
 In some instances, I have brought together observa- 
 tions made at different times ; the reader is not, there- 
 fore, to understand that the thoughts here collected on 
 any subject always followed in immediate connexion. 
 
A VIEW 
 
 OF 
 
 THE CHARACTER 
 
 OF THE 
 
 REV. RICHARD CECIL. 
 
 In depicting the personal and MiNisTERfAi, character 
 of my departed friend, while I shall communicate occa- 
 sionally the impressions made by him on my own mind, 
 most of wiiich were recorded at the time they were 
 made, I shall endeavour to render him, as much as pos- 
 sible, the portrayer of his own character, by detailing 
 those descriptions of his views and feelings which I ga- 
 thered from him. 
 
 Naturk, EDUcATiov and grace combine to form and 
 model PERSONAL CHARACTER, of every Chris- 
 tian. God gives to his reasonable creatures such physi- 
 cal and intellectual constitution as he pleases ; education 
 and circumstances hide or unfold, restrain or mature this 
 constitution; and grace, while it regulates and sanctifies 
 the powers of the man, varies its own appearances ac- 
 cording to the varieties of those powers. Audit is by the 
 endless modifications and counteractions of these prin- 
 ciples, that the Personal Character of a Christian is 
 formed. 
 
 It might have been expected from Mr. Cecil's earliest 
 displays of character, that he was formed to be an in- 
 strument of extensive evil or of eminent good. There 
 was a DECISION — a darinq — =an untameableness in the 
 
8 
 
 CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 structure of his mind even when a boy, combined witli 
 a tone of authority and command, and a talent in the ex- 
 ercise of these qualities, to which the minds of his asso- 
 ciates yielded an implicit subjection. Fear of conse- 
 quences never entered into his view. Opposition espe- 
 cially if accompanied by any thing like severity or op- 
 pression, awakened unrelenting resistance. 
 
 Yet this bold and untameable spirit was allied to a no- 
 ble and GENEROUS disposition. There was a magnifi- 
 cence in his mind. While he was scrupulously delicate, 
 perhaps even to some excess, on subjects entrusted to 
 his secrecy, and on affairs in progress; yet he would ne- 
 ver lend himself in his own concerns, or in those of 
 others, to any thing that bordered on artifice and ma- 
 noeuvre : for he had a native and thorough contempt of 
 whatever was mean, little, and equivocating. That 
 " honesty is the best policy" may be a strong, or the pre- 
 vailing motive for uprightness with men of a lower tone 
 of character ; but I question if it at all entered into the 
 calculation with my great friend. His mind was too no- 
 ble, to have recourse to other means, or to aim at other 
 ends, than those which he avowed ; and too intrepid not 
 to avow those which he did entertain, so far as might be 
 required or expedient. 
 
 His temptations were to the sins of the spirit, rather 
 than to those of the flesh; and he possessed, all his life 
 long, a superiority to the pleasures of mere sense not 
 often seen. He was, indeed, temperate in all things — 
 holding his bodily appetites in entire subjection. 
 
 Sy.MPATHY wtTH SUFFERING was an eminent charac- 
 teristic of Mr. Cecil's mind — a sympathy which sprung 
 less from that softness and sensibility which are the or- 
 nament of the female, than from the generosity of his 
 disposition. He would have had all men happy. It 
 gratified his generous nature to ease the burdens of suf- 
 fering man. If any were afflicted by the visitations of 
 God, he taught them to bow with submission, while he 
 pitied and relieved: if the affliction were the natural 
 and evident fruit of crimes, he admonished while he 
 
CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 9 
 
 sympathised; if the sufferings of man or brute arose 
 t'rom the voluntary inflictions of others, lie was indig- 
 nant against the oppressor. 
 
 Such was the intrepid and noble, yet humane mind, 
 which was trained by Divine Grace, under a long course 
 of moral discipline, for eminent usefulness in the Church 
 of God. Mr. Cecil's intellectual endowments will bo 
 spoken of hereafter. At pi'csent, I shall trace the rise 
 and the advances of his Christian character. 
 
 He had early religious impressions. These were first 
 received from Janevvay's "Token for Children," which 
 his mother gave him when was about six years of age. 
 "I was much affected by this book," said he, "and recol- 
 lect that I wept, and got into a corner, where I prayed 
 that I also might have an ' interest in Christ,' like one of 
 the children there mentioned, though I did not know 
 what the expression meant." 
 
 Those impressions of childhood wore away. He fell 
 into the follies and vices of youth ; and by degrees be- 
 gan to listen to infidel principles, till he avowed himself 
 openly an unbeliever. He has alluded frequently in his 
 writings to this criminal part of his history ; but I shall 
 add some paragraphs on this point partly in his own 
 words. 
 
 He was suffered to proceed to awful lengths in infide- 
 lity. The natural daring of his inind allowed him to do 
 nothing by halves. Into whatever society he enlisted 
 himself, he was its leader. He became even an apostle 
 of infidelity — anxious to banish the scruples of more 
 cautious minds, and to carry them all lengths with his 
 own. And he was too successful. In after life he has 
 met more than one of these converts, who have laughed 
 at all his affectionate and earnest attcinpts to pull down 
 the fabric erected too much by his own hands. Yet he 
 was never wholly sincere in his infidelity. — He has left 
 a most impressive and encouraging testimony to the 
 power of Parental Influence in preserving his mind, under 
 the grace of God, from entirely believing his own lie.* 
 
 ♦ See Remains: on the Influence of the Parental Character. 
 
10 
 
 CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 He gave mo a farther instance of the power of con- 
 science in this respect: — 
 
 " When I was sunk in the depths of infidelity, I was 
 afraid to read any author who treated Christianity in a 
 dispassionate, wise and searching manner. He made 
 me uneasy. Conscience would gather strength. 1 found 
 it more difficult to stifle her remonstrances. He would 
 reca! early instructions and impressions, while my happi- 
 ness could only consist with their obliteration." 
 
 Yet he appears to have taken no small pains to rid 
 himself of his scruples; — •'! have read," said he, "all the 
 most acute and learned and serious infidel writers, and 
 have been really surprised at their poverty. The pro- 
 cess of my mind has been such on the subject of revela- 
 tion, that I have often thought Satan has done more for 
 me than for the best of thein; for I have had, and couhl 
 have produced, arguments, that appeared to me far 
 mf)re weighty than any I ever found in them against 
 Revelation." 
 
 He did not proceed in this career of sin without occa- 
 sional checks of conscience. Take the following in- 
 stance ; — 
 
 " My father had a relin;ious servant. 1 frequently 
 cursed* and reviled him. H^ would only smile on me. 
 That went to my heart. I felt t lat he looked on me as 
 a deluded creature. I felt that he thought he had some- 
 thing which 1 knew not how to value, and thnt he was 
 therefore greatly my superior. I felt there was a real 
 dignity in his conduct. It made me appear little even in 
 my own eyes. If he had condescended to argue with 
 me, I could have cat some figure; at least by compar- 
 ison, wretched as it would have been. He drew me 
 once to hear Mr. Whitefield. I was 17 or 18 years old. 
 It had no sort of religious effect on me, nor had th« 
 
 [)reachiug of any man in my unconverted state. My re- 
 igion began in contemplation. Yet I conceived a high 
 reverence for Mr. Whitefield. I no longer thouglU of 
 him as the "Dr. Squintum" we were accustom-d to 
 buffoon at school. I saw a commanding and irresistable. 
 effect, and he made me feel my own insignificance." 
 
CHaUACTEU of MR. CECIL. 
 
 II 
 
 Por ihis daring offender, however, God had mercy in 
 rt'servc ! lie was the child of many tears, instructions, 
 admonitions, and prayers ; and, though now a prodigal, 
 he was to be recovered from his wickedness ! 
 
 While under the control of bad principles, he gave in- 
 to every species of licentiousness — saving that, even 
 then, the native nobleness of his mind made him despise 
 whatever he ihouglit mean and dishonorable. Into this 
 state of slavery he was brought by his sin ; but here the 
 mercy of God taught him some most important lessons, 
 which influenced his views and governed his ministry- 
 through after life, and the same mercy then rescued him 
 from tlie slavery to which he had submitted. The pene- 
 tration and grandeur of his mind, which his natural su- 
 periority to sensual pleasures, made him feel the little- 
 ness of every object which engages the ambition and the 
 desires of the carnal man : insomuch that God had given 
 him, in this unusual way of bringing him to himself, a 
 tliorough disgust of the world before he had gained any 
 hold ofhigher objects and better pleasures. 
 
 It was thus that God prepared him for further com- 
 munications of mercy. And here he felt the advantage 
 of having been connected with sincere Christians. He 
 knew them to be holy, and he felt that they were 
 happy. " It was one of the first things," said he, "which 
 struck my mind in a profligate stale, that, in spite of all 
 the folly and hypocrisy and fanaticism which may be 
 seen among religious professors, there was a mind after 
 Christ, a holiness, a heavenliness, among real Chris- 
 tians." He added on another occasion, " My first con- 
 victions on the subject of religion were confirmed from 
 observing that really religious persons had some solid 
 happiness among them, which I had felt that the vanities 
 of the world could not give. I shall never forget stand- 
 ing by the bed of my sick mother. 'Are not you afraid 
 to die V I asked her ; 'No.' 'No !' 'Why does the un- 
 certainty of another state give you no concern?' 'Be- 
 cause God has said to me. Fear not : when thou passest 
 through the waters I will he with thee; and through tha 
 
12 
 
 CHARACTER OF MR. CECIt. 
 
 rivers they shall not ooerjlow thee.' The remembrance 
 of this scene has oftentimes since drawn an ardent 
 prayer from me, that I might die the death of the righ- 
 teous." 
 
 His mind opened very gi-adually to the truths of the 
 Gospel: and the process through which he was led is a 
 striking evidence of the imminence of his past danger, 
 " My leelings," he said, "when i was first beginning to 
 recover from my infidelity, prove that I had been suffer- 
 ed to go great lengths ; and, to a very awful degree to 
 believe my own lie. My mind revolted from Christi- 
 anity. God did not bring me to himself, by any of the 
 peculiar motives of the Gospel. When I was about 
 twenty years old, I became utterly sick of the vanity, 
 and disgusted with the folly, of the world. I had no 
 thought of Jesus Christ, or of Redemption. The very 
 notion of Jesus Christ or of Redemption repelled me. I 
 could not endure a system so degrading. I thought 
 there might possibly be a Supreme Being ; and if there 
 ■were such a being, he might hear me when I prayed. 
 To worship the Supreme Being seemed somewhat digni- 
 fied. There was something grand and elevating in the 
 idea. But the whole scheme and plan of redemption ap- 
 peared mean, and degrading, and dishonorable to man. 
 The New Testament, in its sentiments and institutions, 
 repelled me; and seemed impossible to be believed, 
 as a religion suitable to man. 
 
 The grace of God triumphed, however over all oppo- 
 sition. The religion which began in this disgust with 
 the world and disaffection to the peculiar doctrines of 
 the Gospel, made rapid advances in his mind. The seed 
 sown in tears by his inestimable mother, though long bu- 
 ried, now burst into life, and shot forth with vigor: and 
 he became a preacher of that truth, which once he la- 
 boured to destroy. Yet grace did not anihilate the na- 
 tural character and qualities of the mind: though it 
 regulated and directed them. The Christian's feelings 
 and experience wei'e modified by the constitution of the 
 man. After a long course of spiritual watchfulness and 
 warfare, he spoke thus of himself; 
 
CHARACTER OF MR. CECIt. 
 
 13 
 
 "There is what Bacon calls a duy light, in which 
 subjects are viewed, without any predilection, or pas- 
 sion, or emotion, but simply as they exist. This is 
 very much my character as a Christian. I have great 
 constitutional resistance. Tell me such a thing is my 
 DUTY — I know it is, but there I stop. Talk to me of 
 HEi,i, — my heart would rise with a sort of daring stub- 
 bornness. There is a constitutional desperation about 
 me, which was the most conspicuous feature in my cha- 
 racter when young, and which has risen up against the 
 gracious measures which God has all my life taken to 
 subdue and break it. I feel I can do little in religion 
 without ENCOURAGEMENT. I am persuadcd and sati;f- 
 fied, tied and bound, by its truth and importance and 
 value ; but I view the subject in a dry mgiit. A strong 
 sense of divine friendship goes a vast way with me. 
 When I fall, God will raise me. When I want, God 
 will provide. When I am in perplexity, God will deli- 
 ver. He cares for me — pities me — bears with me — 
 guides me — loves me !" 
 
 But the energy of Divine Grace was most conspicu- 
 ous, in the control and mastery of this resisting and high 
 spirit of which our friend complained. Nay, if there 
 were any one Christian virtue in which he was more 
 advanced than any other, it appears to me to have 
 been humility — not that humility which debases itself 
 that it may be exalted, and which is offended if its pro- 
 fessions be believed : but the humility which arose from 
 an abiding and growing conviction of his infinite dis- 
 tance from the standard of perfection, and the little 
 comparative use which he had made of his many means 
 and helps in approaching that standard — a humility 
 that expressed itself, therefore, in a teachableness of 
 mind,* a ready acknowledgment of excellence in others, 
 
 * " A friend, who knew him for thirty or forty years, has informed 
 me," says Mr. Wilson, in the sermons preached on occasion of Mr. 
 Cecil's death, " that he was more ready to hear of his faults from per- 
 ions whom he esteemed, than most men. When any failings were 
 pointed out to him, he usually thanked the reprover, and anxiously in- 
 B 
 
14 
 
 CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 and a candor in judging of other persons which arc sel 
 dom equalled ; and which were rare endowments in &. 
 mind that could not but feel its own powers, and its su- 
 periority to that of most other men. But God has a 
 thousand unseen methods of forming and cherishing 
 those graces in his servants, which seems most opposed 
 to their constitution, and least to be expected in their 
 circumstances. 
 
 Mr. Cecil gave me one day the following remarkable 
 illustration of this subject in his own case: — It is a nice 
 question in casuistry: — How far a man may feel compla- 
 cency in the exercise of talent. A hawk exults on his 
 wing; he skims and sails, delighting in the conscious- 
 ness of his powers. I know nothing of this feeling. Dis- 
 satisfaction accompanies me, in the study and in the 
 pulpit. I never made a sermon with which I felt sa- 
 tisfied. I never preached a sermon, with which I felt 
 satisfied. 1 have always present to my mind such a con- 
 ception of what MIGHT be done, and I sometimes hear 
 the thing so done, that what I do falls very far beneath 
 what it seems to me it should be. Some sermons 
 which I have heard have made me sick of my own for a 
 month afterwards. Many ministers have no concep- 
 tion of any thing beyond their own world: they com- 
 pare themselves only with themselves ; and perhaps 
 they must do so; if I could give them my views of their 
 ministry, without changing the men, they would be ruin- 
 ed ; while now they are eminent instruments in God's 
 hands. But some men see too much beyond themselves 
 for their own comfort. Perhaps complacency in the 
 exercise of talent, be it what it may, is hardly to be se- 
 parated, in such a wretched heart as man's, from pride. 
 It seems to me that this dissatisfaction with myself, is 
 the messenger sent to buffet me and keep me down. In 
 other men, the separation between complacency and 
 
 quired for further admoniticns. I have observed myself, that, when he 
 gave advice, which he did with acuteness and decision, he was quite su - 
 perior tothat little vanity wliich is offended if the counsel be not followed." 
 
CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 15 
 
 pride may be possible ; but I scarcely think it is so 
 in me.* 
 
 I have alluded to Mr. Cecil's ready acknowledg- 
 ment OF THE WORTH of OTHERS ; and I must add, that 
 he cultivated that discrimination of excellence, whicli 
 leads a man to discover and esteem it in the midst of 
 imperfections. He had an unfeigned regard to real 
 worth, wherever it was found. The powers of the un- 
 derstanding have often fascinated men of inferior wis- 
 dom, and lessened the odiousness of an immoral state 
 of heart too plainly seen in others; but if the excellencies 
 of the head and the heart must be disjoined, he never 
 failed to value that which is most truly valuable. He 
 would say — " Such a friend of ours is what many men 
 look down on, as a weak man ; but I honor his wisdom 
 and his devoledness. He throws himself out, and all 
 the powers which God has given him, into the service 
 of his Master, in all those ways which seem to him best ; 
 and, though perhaps he and 1 should forever differ on 
 the best way, and though I see in him many peculiari- 
 ties and weaknesses, yet I honor and love the man ; 1 
 revere his simplicity and his piety. He is what God 
 has made him ; and all that he is he puts into action fur 
 God." If Mr. Cecil was at any time severe in his re- 
 marks on others, his severity was chiefly directed 
 against that ignorant vanity and affectation, which push 
 a man forward where great men would retire, and which 
 make him dogmatical where wise men would speak 
 with humility and candor. 
 
 Closely allied with his humility, was that openness to 
 coNvici'ioN, which Mr Cecil possessed in an unusual de- 
 gree. He had dived so deeply into his own heart, and 
 had read man so accurately — his short-sightedness, his 
 
 * Mr. Churton has a remark on Dr. Johnson, somewhat of a similar 
 nature to this of IVlr. C. on himself lie thinks tliat " Johnson's morbid 
 rnelanclioly and constitutional infirmities were intended by Providenee, 
 like St. Paul's thorn in the flesli, to check iiuelleclual cum-eit and ano- 
 gance ; which the consciousness of his extraordinary talents, awake as he 
 was to the voice of praise, might otherwise have f^eiierated in a very cul- 
 pable degree."— Bo5i/)C«'s Ltje of Johnson, 2d Ed . 8vo. vol. iii. p. 064. 
 
16 
 
 CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 scanty span, his pride, and iiis passions — that he was, 
 more than most men, superior to that little feeling which 
 makes us quit the scholar's form. Many men speak of 
 themselves and of all around them as in a state of pu- 
 pilage and childhood, but I never approached a man, on 
 whose mind this conviction had a more real and prac- 
 tical influence. 
 
 DrsiNTERESTEDNF.ss was a pre-eminent characteristic 
 of Mr. Cecil as a Christian. His whole spirit and con- 
 duct spoke one language ; — " Let me and mine be noth- 
 ing, so that thy kingdom may come !" His disinterest- 
 edness was grounded on his conviction of the absolute 
 nothingness of all earthly good, compared with the 
 glory of Christ and the interests of his kingdom. In all 
 pecuniary transactions of a private or public nature, he 
 was governed by this principle ; and made a free and 
 cheerful sacrifice of what he might have lawfully ob- 
 tained, if he thought his receiving it would impede his 
 usefulness. 
 
 On one occassion of this nature, he explained the no- 
 ble principle on which he acted : — " A Christian is called 
 to refrain from some things, which, though actually 
 right, yet will not bear a good appearance to ail men. 
 1 once judged it my duty to refuse a considerable sum 
 of money, which I might lawfully and fairly have re- 
 ceived, because I considered that my account of the 
 matter could not be stated to some, to whom a difTcrent 
 representation would be made. A man who intends to 
 stand immaculate, and, like Samuel, to come forward and 
 say — Whose ox or whose ass have I taken? must count 
 the cost. I knew that my character was worth more 
 to me than this sum of money. By probity, a man 
 honors himself. It is the part of a wise man, to wave 
 the present good for the future increase. A Merchant 
 suffers a large quantity of goods to go out of the king- 
 dom to a foreign land, but he has his object in doing so ; 
 he knows by calculation, that he shall make so much 
 more advantage by them. A Christian is made a wise 
 man by counting the cost. The best picture I know 
 
CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 17 
 
 of the exercise of this virtue, drawn by the hand of 
 man, is that by JohnBunyaninthe characters of Passion 
 and Patience. 
 
 Associated with this disinterestedness of spirit, was a 
 singular practical reliance on providrnce, in all the 
 most minute and seemingly indifferent affairs of liis 
 life. lie was emphatically, to use his own expression, 
 "a pupil of signs" — waiting for and following the lead- 
 ings and openings of divine providence in his affairs. 1 
 once consulted him throughout a very delicate, and per- 
 plexing affair. In one stage of it, he said to me. " you 
 have not done this thing exactly as I should have felt 
 my m.ind led to do it. I feel myself in such cases like 
 a child in the middle of an intricate and perplexed 
 wood. Two considerations weigh with tne : first — If 
 I could see all the involutions, and relations, and bear- 
 ings, and consequences of the affair, then I might feel 
 myself able to move forward: but secondly — I know 
 not one of them, not even the shadow of one, nay, 
 hardly the probability of such and such issues. Then 
 I am driven to simple reliance. I have never found 
 God fail me in such cases. When I am utterly lost 
 and confounded, I look for openings, clear and evident to 
 my own conviction. I have a warrant for all this. 
 Our grand danger with reference to Providence, is, that 
 we should walk as men: — Are ye not carnal and walk 
 as men ?.' 
 
 On another occasion he said, — we make too little of 
 the subject of Providence. My mind is by nature so 
 intrepid and sanguine, and it has so oi'ten led me to anti- 
 cipate God in his guidings, to my severe loss, that per- 
 haps I am now too suspicious and dilatory in following 
 him. However, this is a maxim with me — that, when 
 I am waiting with a simple, childlike spirit for openings 
 and guidings, and imagine I perceive them, God would 
 either prevent the semblance of them from rising up 
 before me, if these were not his leadings in reality, 
 or he would preserve me from deeming them such ; and 
 
18 
 
 CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 therefore I always follow what appears to be my duly 
 without hesitation." 
 
 But the spring of all these Christian virtues, and the 
 master-grace of his mind, was faith. His whole spi- 
 rit and character were a living illustration of that defi- 
 nition of the aposlle — Faith is the substance of things 
 hoped for, the evidence of things unseen! He appeared 
 to me never to be exercised with doubts and fears. 
 His magnanimity entered most strikingly into his reli- 
 gious character. He was convinced and satisfied by all 
 the divine declarations and promises — and he left him- 
 self, with unsuspecting confidence, in God's hands.* 
 
 I quote Mr. Wilson's testimony to the patience of 
 our friend under afflictions. " He was not only, in 
 opposition to all the tendencies of his natural dispositions, 
 resigned, but cheerful under his trials. I have seen him 
 repeatedly at his living in the country, return from his 
 ride racked with pain : pale, emaciated, speechless. I 
 have seen him throw himself all along upon his sofa, on 
 his face, and cover his forehead with his hands ; and 
 there, without an expression of complaint, endure the pa- 
 roxysm of his disorder : and I have been astonished lo 
 observe him rise up in an instant, with his wonted dignity, 
 and enter upon conversation with cheerfulness and vigor. 
 He has often acknowledged to me, that the anguish 
 he felt was like a a dagger plunged into his side, and 
 that through a whole summer he has not had two nights 
 free from tormenting pain. Such were his suflcrings 
 for ten or twelve years previous to his last illness. And 
 yet this was the man, or rather this was the Christian, 
 from whose lips I never heard a murmuring word. 
 
 •Mr. Wilson justly remarks of our fiiend, that " the tletermination 
 and grandeur of his mind displayed his faith to peculiar advantage. 
 This divine principle quite realized and substantiated to him the things 
 which are not seen and eternal. It was absolutely like another sense. 
 The things of time were as nothing. Eveiy thing that came before him 
 was referred to a spiritual standard. His one great object was fixed, 
 and this object engrossed his wliole soul. Here his fool stood immove- 
 able, as on a rock. His hold on the truths of ihe Scriptures was so firm, 
 that he acted on them boldly and unreservedly. He went all lengths, 
 and risked all consequences, on the word and promise of God." 
 
CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 19 
 
 I It is almost needless to add that Mr. Cecil possessed 
 
 I REMARKABLE DECISION OF CHARACTER. When he WCnt 
 
 to Oxford he had made a resolution of restricting him-- 
 self to a quarter of an hour daily, in playing on tlie 
 violin ; on which instrument he greatly excelled, and of 
 which he was extravagantly fond : but he found it imprac- 
 ticable to adhere to his determination; and had so fre- 
 quently to lament the loss of time in this fascinating 
 amusement, that with the noble spirit which characterized 
 him through life, he cut his strings, and never afterward 
 replaced them. He studied for a painter ; and, after he 
 had changed his object, retained a fondness and a taste: 
 for the art : he was once called to visit a sick lady, in 
 whose room there was a painting which so strongly 
 attracted his notice, that he found his attention diverted 
 from the sick person, and absorbed by the painting : 
 from that moment he formed the resolution of mortify- 
 ing a taste, which he found so intrusive, and so obstruc- 
 tive to him in his nobler puisuhs; and determined never 
 afterwards to frequent the exhibition. 
 
 Nor was his intrepid and inflexible firmness less 
 conspicuous, whenever the interests of truth and the 
 honor of Christ were concerned. The world in arms 
 would not have appalled him, while the glory of Christ 
 was in his view. Nor do I believe that he would have 
 hesitated for a moment, after he had given to nature her 
 just tribute of feeling and of tears, to go forth from his 
 t'amily and "join the noble army of martyrs" who ex- 
 pired in the flames in Smilhfield, had the honor of his 
 Master called him to this sacrifice; nor would his knees 
 have trembled, nor his look changed. 
 
 Yet I cannot but add that this firmness never degene- 
 rated into rudeness. He knew and observed all those 
 decencies of life, which render mutual intercourse 
 agreeable ; and he had that ease of manner, among all 
 classes of society, which bespoke perfect self-possession 
 and a thorough knowledge of the world. His address 
 in meeting the manners and habits of thinking of persons 
 of rank, either when they were inquiring into religion 
 or under affliction was perhaps scarcely to be equalled. 
 
20 CHAR\CTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 The associations in our friend's mind were often of a 
 very humorous kind. He had a strong natural turn for 
 associations of this nature, which threw a great vivacity 
 and charm over his familiar conversation — employed as 
 it was, in the main, like every faculty of his mind, for 
 useful ends. He was fully aware, however of the dan- 
 ger of possessing such a faculty, and the temptations to 
 which it exposed him ; prompted and supported as it 
 was by a buoyancy of spirits, which even great and 
 lengthened pain could scarcely subdue. I have looked 
 at him, and listened to him, with astonishment — when, 
 meeting with a few other young men occasionally at his 
 house, we have found him dejected and worn out with 
 pain — stretched on his sofa, and declining to join in our 
 conversation — till he caught an interest in what was 
 passing — when the question of an enquiring or burdened 
 conscience has roused him to an exertion of his great 
 mind — he has risen from his sofa — he has forgot his suf- 
 ferings — and he has left us nothing to do but to admire 
 and treasure up most profound and impressive remarks 
 on the Scripture, on the heart, and on the world. 
 
 The mention of his humor and his vivacity of spirit 
 leads me to remark, that lam not writing a panegyric, 
 but drawing a character. No likeness can be faithful, 
 while the best original is such as he must be in the pre- 
 sent state, if it carry no shades. I have no wish to con- 
 ceal the shades of this extraordinary character. Stern- 
 ness and levity were the two constitutional evils, which 
 most severely exercised him. They geem to have been 
 the necessary result, in an imperfect being, of the union of 
 that masculine and original vigor with humor and an 
 ardent fancy, which met in the structure of his mind. 
 So far, indeed, had grace triumphed over these consti- 
 tutional enemies, that the very opposite features were 
 the most prominent in his character ; and no one could 
 approach him without feeling himself with a most ten- 
 der and SERIOUS mind. I speak of those occasional 
 ebullitions, which tended to remind him, that, though he 
 was invested with a new and triumphant nature, he was 
 yet at home in the body, and subject to the recurrence 
 of his constitutional infirmities. 
 
CHARACTER OF MR. CECll. 
 
 21 
 
 Yet, though Mr. Cecil felt occasionally temptations 
 to levity, through the buoyancy and spring of his ani- 
 mal spirits, his prevailing temper was of a quite oppo- 
 site description. A sensibility of spirit, with his view 
 of human nature and of the world, threw a cast of 
 MELANCHOLY ovcr his mind. He was far more disposed 
 to weep over the guilt and misery of man, than to smile 
 at his follies. "I have," said he, "a salient principle in 
 me. My spirits never sink. Yet I have a strong dash 
 of melancholy. It is a high and exqusite feeling. When 
 1 first awake in the morning, I could often weep with 
 pleasure. The holy calm — the silence — the freshness 
 — thrill through my soul. At such moments I should 
 feel the presence of any person to be intrusion and im- 
 pertinence, and common affairs, to be nauseous. The 
 stillness of an empty house is paradise to me. The 
 man who has never felt thus cannot be made to under- 
 stand what I mean." 
 
 "Hooker's dying thought," he added, is " congenial to 
 my spirit. ' I am going to leave a world disordered, 
 arid church disorganized, for a world and a church 
 where every angel and every rank of angels stand be- 
 fore the throne in the very post God has assigned them.' 
 I am obliged habitually to turn my eye from the wretch- 
 ed disorders of the world and the church, to the beauty, 
 harmony, meekness, and glory of a better world." 
 
 On another occasion, he said — " I have been long in 
 the habit of viewing every thing around me as in a state 
 of ALIENATION. I havc no hold on my dearest comforts. 
 My children must separate from me. One has his lot 
 cast in one place, and another elsewhere. It may be my 
 particular leading, but I have never leaned toward my 
 comforts without finding them give way. A sharp 
 warning has met me — ^' These are aliens, and as an alien 
 live thou among them.' We may use our comforts by 
 the way. We may take up the pitcher to drink, but 
 the moment we begin to admire, God in love will dash it 
 to pieces. But I feel no such alienation from the church. 
 1 am united to Christ, and to all his glorified and living 
 members, by an indissoluble bond. Here iny mind can 
 
22 
 
 CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 centre and sympathize, without suspicion or fear." 
 
 " I feel," he would say " a congeniality with the char- 
 acter of Jeremiah. I seem to understand him. I could 
 approach him, and fee! encouraged to familiarity. It is 
 not so with Elijah or Ezekiel. There is a rigor or se- 
 verity about them, which seem to repel me to a dis- 
 tance, and excite reverence rather than sympathy and 
 love." 
 
 In a very interesting case on which I consulted him, 
 he gave me a striking view of this ieature in his char- 
 acter — " I should have fallen myself into an utterly dif- 
 ferent mode of conducting the affair. But you have 
 not the melancholy in your constitution which I have, 
 and thefore to look for my mode of thinking in you, 
 would be expecting what ought not to be expected. 
 This is a strong alternative in your dispensation. Now 
 I have long been in the habit of viewing every thing of 
 that aspect rather in a melancholy light. You are 
 standing on the justice, the reason, the truth of your 
 cause. I should have heard God saying — ' Son of man, 
 follow me.' It would have led me into a speculative — 
 mystical sort of way. I should have seen in it the 
 flood that is sweeping over the earth — the utter bank- 
 ruptcy of all human affairs. Most men, if they had stood 
 by and compared our conduct, would have commended 
 yours as rational, but condemned mine as enthusiastic — 
 as connecting things together which had no proper 
 connexion ; but this is my way of viewing every alter- 
 ative in my dispensation." 
 
 The heart," said he, " must be divorced from its idols. 
 Age does a great deal in curing the man of his frenzy ; 
 but, if God has a special work for a man, he takes a 
 shorter and sharper course with him. Stand ready for 
 it. I have been in both schools. Bleeding and cauter- 
 izing have done much for me; and age has done much 
 also — Can I any longer taste what I eat or what I 
 drink ?" 
 
 Though the Memoir of Mr. Cecil's life, and the Let- 
 ters which are subjoined, bear ample testimony to the 
 
 TENDERNESS OF HIS RELATIVE AFFECTIONS, yCt I CannOt 
 
CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 23 
 
 but add here what a friend wrote on visiting him, many 
 years before his decease, at a time when he was ex- 
 
 ricting the death of Mrs. Cecil: — "Mrs, Cecil was ill 
 called on Mr. Cecil. I found him in his study, sitting 
 over his Bible in great sorrow. His tears fell so fast, 
 that he could only utter broken sentences. He said, 
 'Christians do well to speak of the grace, love, and 
 goodness of God ; but we must remember that he is a 
 holy and jealous God. Judgment must begin at the 
 house of God. This severe stroke is but a farther call 
 to me to arise and shake myself. My hope is still firm 
 in God. He who sends the stroke, will bear me up un- 
 der it ; and I have no doubt but if I saw the whole of 
 his design, I should say, ' Let her be taken I' Yet, while 
 there is life, I cannot help saying, * Spare her another 
 year, that I may be a little prepared for her loss !' I 
 know I have higher ground of comfort: but I shall 
 deeply feel the taking away of the dying lamp. Her 
 excellence as a wife and a mother, I am obliged to 
 keep out of sight, or I should be overwhelmed. All I 
 can do, is, to go from text to text, as a bird from spray 
 to spray. Our Lord said to his disciples, where is your 
 faith? God has given her to be my comfort these 
 many years, avd shall I not trust him for the future? 
 This is only a farther and more expensive education 
 for the work of the ministry: it is but saying more 
 closely, ' will you pay the price?' If she should die, I 
 shall request all my friends never once to mention her 
 name to me. I can gather no help from what is called 
 friendly condolence. Job's friends understood grief bet- 
 ter, when they sat down and spake not a word." 
 
 Our departed friend was, at once, a public and a re- 
 tired man. While his sacred office, exercised for ma- 
 ny years in a conspicuous sphere brought him much 
 before the world, his turn of mind was retired — he court- 
 ed solitude — he held converse there with God, and his 
 own great spirit mingled with the mighty dead ; he had 
 such a practical knowledge and deep impression of the 
 nothingness of the whole world compared with spiritual 
 and eternal realities, and he had so deeply felt and so 
 
HI 
 
 CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 thoroughly despised its lying pretensions to meet the 
 wants and to satisfy the longings of the immortal soul, 
 that it was no sacrifice to him to turn away from the 
 shows and pursuits of life, and to shut out all the splen- 
 dor and seductions of the world. 
 
 Yet this retired spirit was not unsocial, morose, or 
 repulsive. No one called him from his retirement to 
 ask spiritual counsel, bat he was met with tenderness 
 and urbanity. No congenial mind encountered his, 
 without eliciting sparks both of benevolence and wisdom. 
 Not a child in his family could carry its little com- 
 plaints to him, but he would stop the career of his mind 
 to listen and relieve. 
 
 His study was his favorite retreat. His station ex- 
 posed him to constant interruption, some necessary and 
 others arising from the injudiciousness of those who ap- 
 plied to him. It was not unusual with him to make use 
 of his power of abstraction on these occasions. Time 
 was too valuable to be lavished away on the inconsid- 
 eration of some of those, who thought it necessary to 
 call on him. It was generally his practice, not imme- 
 diately to obey a summons from his study, but when he 
 knew he had to do with persons who would occupy 
 much of his time by a long conversation before the busi- 
 ness was brought forward, rather than hurt their feel- 
 ings he would carry down in his mind the train of 
 thought which he was pursuing in his study, and, while 
 that which was beside the purpose played on his ear, 
 his mind was following the subject on which it had en- 
 tered before. 
 
 Some men are at home in society ; the wide world 
 is their dwelling-place ; they are known and read of all 
 men ; they have a peculiar talent for improving mixed 
 society. But this was not the character of Mr. Cecil. 
 He unfolded himself, indeed, to his friends ; but those 
 friends could not but feel, that, when they broke in on 
 his retirement for any other objects than what were 
 connected with his high calling, they were intruders on 
 inestimable time. I had indeed, the privilege and hap- 
 piness of free access to him at all times, for a consider 
 
CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 25 
 
 able course of years, while I was his assistant in the 
 ministry; but, for the reasons just assigned, though I 
 was a diligent observer of his mind and habits, I feel 
 myself not prepared to speak fully of his more domes- 
 tic and retired cliaractcr. 
 
 " Retirement," he said, " is my grand ordinance. Con- 
 siderations govern me. Death is a mighty considera- 
 tion with me. The utter vanity of every tiling under 
 the sun is another. If a man wishes to influence my 
 mind, he must assign considerations; and if he assigns 
 one or two which will weigh well, I seem impatient to 
 stop him if he is proceeding to assign more. He has 
 given me a consideration, and that suffices. The 
 'Night Thoughts' is a great book with me, notwith- 
 standing its glaring imperfections, it realizes death and 
 vanity. And, because this is the frame and habit of my 
 own mind, my ministry partakes of it : and must par- 
 take of it, if I would preach naturally and from my 
 heart." 
 
 In surveying the personal character of Mr. Cecil, it 
 remains to speak somewhat more fully of his intellectual 
 powers. 
 
 His IMAGINATION was not so much of the playful and 
 elegant, as bold, inventive, striking, and instinctively ju- 
 dicious and discriminating. 
 
 His TASrc in the sister arts of Painting, Poetry, and 
 Music was refined, and his judgment learned. In his 
 younger days he had studied and excelled in painting 
 and music ; and, though he laid them aside that he 
 might devote all his powers to his work, yet the savor 
 ol" thorn so fxr remained, that I have been witness innu- 
 merahli' tiinc^. Iiolli in puMic and private, to the feli- 
 city of his illustrations drawn frDin these suhjecis, and 
 to the superiority that his intimate knowledge of them 
 gave him over most persons with whom they happened 
 to be brought forward. His taste, when young, was 
 for Italian music ; but, in his latter years, he was fond 
 of the German style, or rather the softer Moravian. 
 Anthems, or any pieces wherein the words were reiter- 
 ated, he disliked, for public worship especially, as they 
 c 
 
26 
 
 CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 sacrificed the real spirit of devotion too much to the 
 music. His feelings on this subject were exquisite. 
 "Pure, spiritual, sublime devotion," he would say," should 
 be the soul of public music." He often lamented tlie 
 introduction of any other style of architecture in places 
 of worship, beside that which was so peculiarly appro- 
 priate, and which, because it was so, called up associa- 
 tions best suited to the purposes of meeting. He said 
 most strikingly — " I never enter a Gothic church, with- 
 out feeling myself impressed with something of this idea 
 — " Within these walls has been resounded for centuries, 
 by successive generations, 'Thou art the King of Glory, 
 
 0 Christ I The very damp that trickles down the walls, 
 aud the unsightly green that moulders upon the pillars, 
 are far more pleasing to me from their associations, than 
 the trim, finished, classic, heathen piles of the present 
 fashion." 
 
 His powers of comparison, analogy, and Judomiovt 
 have been rarely equalled. These h^d been exercised 
 so long and with so much energy on all the conditions 
 and relations around him — on the word of God — on his 
 own mind — on the history, opinions, passions, prejudices, 
 and motives of men in every age, and of every charac- 
 ter and station — on moral causes and effects — on every 
 subject that can come within the grasp of a philosopliic 
 mind — that the result was a wf.^do.m so prominent and 
 commanding, that eveiiy man felt himself with a mind 
 of the very first order both in capability and acquire- 
 ment. In some cases, wherein my wishes, perhaps, 
 formed my opinions : and, trying to hide the truth from 
 myself, I have asked his opinion as a confirmation of my 
 own — he has unmasked my heart to itself, by his wise 
 and searching replies. His decisions were more ac- 
 cording to circumstances than in most men; and when 
 he gave them, it would generally bo with a declaration 
 that other circumstances might wholly change the a';- 
 pect of the thing; and he did this in such a manner — if 
 
 1 may judge by my own case — as often to make a man 
 look about him, and bethink himself what a treacherous 
 and blind party he had to transact with in hisjjosom. 
 
CHARCATER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 27 
 
 To those who did not know him intimately, he might 
 sometimes appear to want a quickness of perception. 
 Tht; ap[)earancc of this faculty is often assumed, where 
 God has not given it. Where the mind does decide ra- 
 pidly, its conclusions are generally partial and defective, 
 in proportion to their rapidity. Intuition is not a faculty 
 of the present comlition of being, whatever it may be 
 of that toward which we are advancing. He affected 
 no such quality, yet he possessed more of it than most 
 men. When he did not fully understand what was ad- 
 dressed to him. he said so; and his mind was so fami- 
 liar with the difficulty of discovering the truth through 
 the veils and shades thrown over her by prejudice and 
 self-love, that he did not hastily bring himself to think 
 that he possessed your full meaning. 
 
 His good sense and wisdom led him to avoid all pe- 
 cuLiARiTY AND liccKN riuci lY. Hc was decidcdly ad- 
 verse to every thing of this nature. " When any thing 
 peculiar appears," he would say, " in a religious man's 
 manners, or dress, or furniture, this is supposed by the 
 world to constitute his religion. A clergyman indeed is 
 allowed by common consent, and indeed it is but decent 
 in him, to have every thing about him plain and sub- 
 stantial, ratiier than ornamental and fashionable." 
 
 TuR ruitsoN.VL CHARACTER of Mr. Cccil had a mani- 
 fest influence on his MINISTERIAL. We find him 
 fre(|uently accountiu'^ for tliose views and feelings which 
 prevailed in his ministry, by a reference to his constitu- 
 tion and his early history. 
 
 His sE.\TiMi;NTrf OM THE MINISTERIAL OFFICE arc Scat- 
 tered through his writings, as this was ever present to 
 his mind. Wherever he was, and whatever was his 
 employment, he was always the Christian tninister. He 
 was ever on the watch to do the work of an evangelist ; 
 and to make full proof of his ministry. 
 
 I have collected together his thoughts on this subject 
 in some sections of his "Remains;" and I think it 
 impossible that any young minister should read these 
 thoughts, without imbibing a higher estimation of his 
 
28 
 
 CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 sacred office. More will be found on these points in the 
 following views of his ministerial character gathered 
 from his own lips. 
 
 These views were most striking and sublime. "A 
 minister is a Levite. In general, he has, and he is to have, 
 no inheritance among his brethren. Other men are not 
 Levites. They must recur to means, from which a mi- 
 nister has no right to expect any thing. Their affairs 
 are all the little transactions of this world. But a mi- 
 nister is called and set apart for a high and sublime bu- 
 siness. His transactions are to be between the living 
 and the dead — between heaven and earth ; and he must 
 stand as with wings on his shoulders. He must look, 
 therefore, for every thing in his affairs to be done for 
 him and before his eyes. I am at a loss to conceive 
 how a minister, with right feeling, can plot and contrive 
 for a living. If he is told that there is such a thing for 
 liim if he will make such an application, and that it is 
 to be so obtained and so only, all is well — but not a step 
 farther. It is in vain, however, to put any man on act- 
 ing in this manner, if he be not a Levite in principle and 
 in character. These must be the expressions of a na- 
 ture communicated to him from God — a high principle 
 of faith begetting simplicity. He must be an eagle tow- 
 ering toward heaven on strong pinions. The barn-door 
 hen must continue to scratch her grains out of ihe dung- 
 hill." 
 
 He thought that the life of a minister, with respect to_ 
 worldly affairs, ought to be peculiarly above that of 
 other men. a life of faith. It was his maxim, to lay out 
 no money unnecessarily — and, with this principle, he re- 
 garded his purse as in God's hands, and found it like the 
 barrel of meal and the cruise of oil. He confessed that 
 he could advise this conduct in no case but in that of a 
 Christian minister, who was a wise and prudent, as 
 well as right-hearted manager of his affairs. His habit 
 was, to be the child of simplicity and faith — acting as a 
 servant of God, on those principles which he judged 
 most suitable to his character and station. 
 
 He had exalted ideas of ministerial authority — not the 
 authority which results merely from office, but from 
 
CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 ^9 
 
 office united with personal character — not the claims of 
 priestly arrogance, but the claims of priestly dignity. 
 "I never choose to forget that I am a pkiust, because I 
 would not deprive myself of the right to dictate in my 
 ministerial capacity. I cannot allow a man, therefore, 
 to come to me merely as a friend, on his spiritual affairs, 
 because I should have no authority to say to him, ' Sir, 
 you must do so and so.' 1 cannot suffer my best friends 
 to dictate to me in any thing which concerns my mi- 
 nisterial duties. I have often had to encounter this 
 spirit ; and there would be no end of it, if I did not 
 check and resist it. I plainly tell them that they know 
 nothing of the matter. I ask them if it is decent, that 
 a man immersed in other concerns should pretend to 
 know my affairs and duties, better than myself, who, as 
 they ought to believe, make them the study of my life. 
 I have been disgusted — deeply disgusted — at the man- 
 ner in which some men of flaming religious profession 
 talk of certain preachers. They estimate them just as 
 Garrick would have estimated the worth of players, or 
 as Handel would have arranged an orchestra. ' Such 
 an one is clever — he is a master,' — Clever! — a master! 
 — Worth and character and dignity are of no weight in 
 the scale." 
 
 These views are just and noble ; and they are suited 
 to his own great mind, and the entire hold which his 
 office had on his heart. But — listening with his whole 
 soul to that injunction, Meditate on these things, give 
 thyself wholly to them — it may be doubted whether he 
 did not sometimes challenge to his office more respect 
 than the party concerned could be expected to allow 
 due. 
 
 Mr. Cecil's preparation and training for this ex- 
 alted oi-FicE have been already spoken of in the view 
 of his personal character. This was, as has been seen, 
 of no common kind. 
 
 His aUALIFICATIONS FOR THE DISCHAROE OF THE MI- 
 NISTRY were peculiar. The great natural powers which 
 God had given him, were moulded and matured by the 
 training and discipline through which he was led, and 
 were consecrated by grace to the service of his Mas- 
 c 2 
 
30 
 
 CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 ter. It will not be requisite to recapitulate what has 
 been said on this subject. I shall here speak only of 
 those qualifications which were more appropriate lo 
 him as a public teacher. 
 
 His LEARNING conslstcd more in the knowledge of 
 other men's ideas, than in an accurate acquaintance 
 with the niceties of the languages. Yet he was better 
 acquainted with these, than many who devote a dispro- 
 portionate time to this acquisition. His incessant appli- 
 cation, chiefly by candle-light, when at Oxford, to the 
 study of Greek, of which he was enthusiastically fond, 
 brought in an almost total loss of sight for six months. 
 He had determined to become a perfect master of the 
 niceties of that refined and noble language. The counsel, 
 however, which he received from Dr. Bacon, and which 
 is recorded in his " Remains," under the head of '• Miscel- 
 laneous Remarks on the Christian Ministry," put him on 
 proportioning his attention more according to the future 
 utility of his pursuits than he had been accustomed to. 
 "I was struck with his advice," he said, "I had an un- 
 settled sort of religion, but enough to make me see and 
 choose the truth which he set before me." 
 
 So solid and extensive was Mr. Cecil's real learning, 
 that there were no important points, in morals or reli- 
 gion, on which he had not read the best authors, and 
 made up his mind on the most mature deliberation ; nor 
 could any topic be started in history or philosophy, on 
 subjects of art or of science, with" which he was not 
 found more generally acquainted than other men. But 
 while he could lay these parts of learning under con- 
 tribution to aid him in his one object of impressing truth 
 on man, he was a master in the "learning which is more 
 peculiarly appropriate to his profession. He was so 
 much in the habit of daily reading the Scriptures in the 
 originals, that as he told me, he went to this employ na- 
 turally and insensibly. He limited himself to no stated 
 quantity: but, as his time allowed, he read, one or two, 
 and sometimes five or six chapters daily. 
 
 Mr. Cecil had the power of exciting and preserv- 
 ing ATTENTION abovc most men. All his effort was di- 
 rected, first to engage attention, and then to repay it — 
 to allure curiosity, and then to gratify it. 
 
CHARACTKll OF MR, CECIL. 
 
 31 
 
 Till the attention was i^aincd he felt that nothing 
 could be eflbctcd on the mind. Sometimes he would 
 have recourse to unusual methods, suited indeed to his 
 auditor}-, to awaken and fix their minds. " I was once 
 preaching," he said, "a (Jiiarity Sermon where the con- 
 gregation was very large, and chiefly of the lower or- 
 der. 1 found it impossible by my usual method of 
 preaching, to gain their attention. It was in the after- 
 noon, and my hearers seemed to meet notliing in my 
 preaching, which was capable of rousing them out of 
 the stupefaction of a full diimer. Some lounged, and 
 some turned their backs on me. 'I must iiavk attex- 
 •rio.v,' I said to myself. '1 will be heard' — The case 
 was desperate ; and, in despair, I sought a desperate re- 
 medy. I exclaimed aloud, ' Last Monday moi-ning a 
 man was hanged at Tyburn' — instantly the face of 
 tilings was changed ! All was silence and expectation ! 
 I caught their ear, and retained it through the Sermon." 
 This anecdote leads me to observe that Mr. Cecil had, 
 in an unusual degree, the talent of adapting his ministry 
 to his congregation. While he was, for instance, 
 preaching on the same day at Lothbury, at St. John's 
 morning and afternoon, and at Spitalfields in the even- 
 ing — he found four congregations at these places, in 
 many respects, quite distinct from one another ; and 
 yet he adapted his preaching, with admirable skill, to 
 meet their habits of thinking. 
 
 But when he had gained the attention, he was ever 
 on the watch not to weary it. He seemed to have con- 
 tinually before his eyes the sentiments of our great critic 
 and moralist :* " Tcdiousness is the most fatal of all 
 faults ; negligences or errors are single and local, but te- 
 diousncss pervades the whole; other faults are censured 
 and forgotten; but the power of tcdiousness propagates 
 itself He that is weary the first hour, is more weary 
 the second ; as bodies forced into motion, contrary to 
 their tendency, pass more and more slowly through 
 every successive interval of space." Mr. Cecil would 
 say, « You have a certain quantity of attention to work 
 ♦ Lives of the Poets, Vol. iii. p. 35. 
 
32 
 
 CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 on: make the best use'of it while it lasts. The iron 
 will cool, and then nothing, or worse than nothing is 
 done. If a preacher will leave unsaid all x>ain repeti- 
 tions, and watch against undue length in his entrance 
 and width in his discussion, he may limit a written ser- 
 mon to half an houi-, and one from notes to forty mi- 
 nutes ; and this time he should not allow himself to ex- 
 ceed, except on special occasions." 
 
 His POWER OF iLLusTRATiov was great and versatile. 
 His topics were chiefly taken from Scripture and from 
 life. His manner of illustrating his subjects by Scrip- 
 ture examples, was the most finished 1 ever heard. 
 They were never introduced violently or abruptly ; but 
 his matter was so moulded in prepa,ration for them, by 
 a few well turned sentences, that the illustration seemed 
 to be placed in the Scripture almost for the sake of the 
 doctrine. The general features of the character or his- 
 tory were left in the' back ground, and those only which 
 were appropriate to the matter in hand were brought 
 forward, and were thus presented to the mind. His ta- 
 lent in discriminating the striking features, and connect- 
 ing them with his»matter, was so peculiar, that the his- 
 tories of Abrahaft, of Jacob, of David, and of St. Paul, 
 seemed in his hands, to be evgr new, and to be exhaust- 
 less treasures of illustration. 
 
 The turn both of his mind and of his experience 
 seemed to lead him to this method. What he did, there- 
 fore, with ease and feeling, it was natural should be 
 done frequently ; and, accordingly, I have scarcely ever 
 heard a sermon from him in which there were not re- 
 peated exercises of this peculiar talent ; and in some 
 sermons almost the entire subject has been treated in 
 this manner. 
 
 ' This talent of illustrating his subjects, and particu- 
 larly of seizing incidents for improvement, gave an edge 
 to his wise admonitions in private ; and fixed them deep 
 in the memory. Riding with a friend on a very windy 
 day, the dust was so troublesome, that his companion 
 wished they were at their journey's end, where they 
 might ride in the fields free from dust; and this wish he 
 
CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 33 
 
 repeated more than once while on tlie road. Wlien 
 they reached the fields, the flies so teazed his friend's 
 horse, that he could scarcely keep his seat on the saddle. 
 On his bitterly complaining, "Ah I Sir," said Mr. Cecil, 
 " when you were in the road, the dust was your only 
 trouble, and all your anxiety was to get into the fields ; 
 you forgot that the fly was there I Now this is a true 
 picture of human life ; and you will find it so in all the 
 changes you make in future. We know the trials of our 
 present situation : but the next will have trials, and per- 
 haps worse, though they be of a different kind." 
 
 At another time, the same friend said he should es- 
 teem it as a favor, if he would tell him of any thing 
 which he might in future see in his conduct which he 
 thought improper. " Well, Sir," he said, "many a man 
 iias directed the watchman to call him early in the morn- 
 ing, and has then appeared very anxious for his coming 
 early ; but the watchman has come before he has been 
 ready for him ! 1 have seen many people very desirous 
 of being told their faults ; but I have seen very few who 
 were pleased when they received the information. 
 However, I like to receive an invitation, and I have no 
 reason to suppose you will be displeased till I see it so. 
 I shnll therefore remember that you have asked for it." 
 
 His STYLE, particularly in preaching and in free con- 
 versation, was easy and natural. If he ever labored his 
 expression, it was in search of emphasis, rather than pre- 
 cision — of words which would penetrate the soul, ra- 
 ther than round his period, and float in the ear. He 
 considered that vigorous conceptions would clothe them- 
 selves in the fittest expressions — 
 
 Vcrbaque provisam rem non invita sequentur. 
 
 Or, as Milton has admirably said — " True eloquence I 
 find to be none, but the serious and hearty love of truth ; 
 and that, whose mind soever is fully possessed with a 
 fervent desire to know good things, and with the dear- 
 est charity to infuse the knowledge of them to others, 
 WHEN SUCH A MAN WOULD SPEAK, his words, like so ma- 
 ny nimble and airy servitors, trip about liim at command, 
 
34 
 
 CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 and in well ordered files, as he would wish, fall abruptly 
 into their own places." 
 
 His written style has less ease than that of his con- 
 versation or preaching. He excelled rather in strong 
 intuitive sense, than in a train of arguments; and more 
 in the liveliness of his thoughts, than in their arrange- 
 ment. He would put down his thoughts as they arose 
 — often at separate times, and as suggested by the occa- 
 sion — and was not always nice in rejecting obsolete ex- 
 pressions, or antithesis in sense. This occasioned a 
 want of flow and ease in many parts of his writings, 
 ■which was obviated by the warmth of conversation or 
 preaching. ^ 
 
 Impression was the leading feature of his ministry 
 Perhaps the information conveyed by it to the mind 
 was not sufficiently systematic and minute. He had 
 seen so much the evil of spending the preacher's tima 
 in doctrinal statements, that possibly there wns some defi- 
 ciency in this respect in his own practice. When, indeed, 
 he had to introduce religion to his congregations at St. 
 John's or Chobham, on his first entering on those char- 
 ges, he dealt with them as a people needing information 
 on first principles : but my remark applies to the habit 
 and course of his ministry. For, however true it is, 
 that, when a man becomes a serious reader of God's 
 word, he must grow in the knowledge of the truth; 
 yet many will still read the Bible with an indiscriminating 
 mind, unless their minister's statements give them, not 
 only a lucid general view of doctrines, but somewhat of 
 a systematic and connected view ; and not a few — bu- 
 ried in the cares of the world — will derive all theif 
 notions of the system of divine truth from what they 
 hear in public. 
 
 Mr. Cecil wrote and spoke to mankind. He dealt 
 with the business and bosoms of men. An energy of 
 truth prevailed in his ministry, which roused the con- 
 science; and a benevolence reigned in his spirit, which 
 seized the heart ; yet 1 much question whether the pre- 
 vailing effect of his preaching was not determination 
 grounded on conviction and admiration rather than on 
 
CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 35 
 
 EMOTION. When in perfect health and spirits, and mas- 
 ter of his subject, his eloquence was finished and strik- 
 ing: but, though there was often a tenderness which 
 awakened corresponding feelings in the hearer, yet his 
 eloquence wanted that vehement passion which over- 
 powers and carries away the minds of others. 
 
 — si vis me flera, dolendum est 
 Primum ipsi tibi 
 
 This is the great secret for getting hold of the heart. 
 But as not much of the impassioned entered into the 
 composition of his nature, and he was at the same time 
 pre-eminent in genius and judgment, it could not but 
 follow that ADMIRATION sliould alTcct the hearer more 
 frequently than strong feelinc;. A friend has told me 
 that he has often lost the benefit of the truth which Mr. 
 Cecil has uttered, in admiration of the exquisite manner 
 in which it was conveyed. And I have again and again 
 detected this in myself; and found I have been watch- 
 ing eagerly for what would fall next from him, not in the 
 spirit of a new horn babe that desires the sincere milk of 
 the word (hat I might grow thereby, but for the gratifi- 
 cation of a mental voluptuousness. I desire no one will 
 suppose that I impute to him any of the studied artifi- 
 ces of eloquence. No man sought more than he did 
 that his hearers' faith should not stand in the wisdom 
 of men, but in the power o f God. No man more sincere- 
 ly aimed to have his speech and his preaching not with 
 enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of 
 the spirit and of power; yet, moreover, because the 
 preacher xoas wise he still taught the people knowledge ; 
 yea, he gave good heed, and sought out and set in or- 
 nna- the messages of divine mercy. The preacher 
 sotTGiiT TO FIND OUT acceptable words, yet that which 
 loas written was upright, even ivords of truth. He could 
 not but treat his subjects in this exquisite manner, while 
 his taste, his genius, and his nature remained; yet this 
 could not but be sanctified to his Master' honor, while 
 he retained the perfect integrity, the deep conviction, and 
 the singleness of eye which his Master had given him. 
 That it was the farthest possible from trick and artifice 
 
36 
 
 CHARACTER OF MR, CECIL. 
 
 might be seen in his most familiar conversation ; where 
 his manner, when he was fully called out, was exactly 
 what it was in the pulpit. His mind grasped every 
 subject firmly : his imagination clothed it with images 
 — embodied it — gave it lite — called up numberless asso- 
 ciations and illustrations: it was realized: it was pre- 
 sent to him ; his taste and judgment enabled him to 
 seize it in the most striking points of view. 
 
 " His apprehensions of religion," Mr. Wilson most 
 justly observes, " were grand and elevated. His fine 
 powers governed by divine grace, were exactly calcu- 
 lated to seize all the grandeur of the Gospel. The stu- 
 pendous magnitude of the objects which the Bible 
 proposes to man, the incomparable sublimity of eternal 
 pursuits, the astonishing scheme of redemption by an in- 
 carnate Mediator, the native grandeur of a rational and 
 immortal being stamped with the impress of God, the 
 fall of his being into sin, and poverty and meanness, and 
 guilt, his recovery by grace to more than his original 
 dignity in the love and service of his Creator, -filled cll 
 his soul. He seemed often to labor with an imagina- 
 tion occupied with his noble theme. He felt, and he 
 taught, that no other subject was worthy the consi- 
 deration of man. In comparison with it, he led his 
 auditors to condemn and trample on all the petty objects 
 of this lower world. Its meanness, its uncertainty, its 
 deceit, its vanity, its vexation, its nothingness, he set ful- 
 ly in their view. He even made them look down with 
 a generous concern on those who were buried in its in- 
 terests and who forgot, amidst the toys of children, the 
 real business of life. 
 
 Some of his printed sermons are perfect models ot 
 simplicity, vivacity, and effect. That, for instance, on 
 the " Power of Faith." 
 
 His COUNTENANCE, though not modelled altogether 
 after the artificial rules of beauty, beamed in animated 
 conversation and in the pulpit, with the beauty of a 
 great and noble mind. Dignity and benevolence weie 
 strongly portrayed there. The variety of its expression 
 ■was admirable ; nor could any one feel the full force of 
 the soul which he threw into his discourses, if this ex- 
 
CHAUAOTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 37 
 
 prcssion was concealed from liiin by distance or situation. 
 His ACTION was graceliil and forcible: latterly, owing 
 perhaps to bis increasing infirmities and almost uninter- 
 rupted pain, it discovered, 1 think, some constraint and 
 want of ease. 
 
 There was a FAMiLrARiTY and an authority in his 
 manner which to strangers sometimes appeared dogma- 
 tism. His manner was, in truth, like that of no other 
 man. It was altogelhcr original; and because it was 
 original, it sometimes oflended those wiio had no other 
 idea of manner than of that to which they had been ac- 
 customed. Yet even the prejudiced could not hear 
 him with indifference. There was a dignity and com- 
 mand, a decision and energy, a knowledge of the heart 
 and the world, an uprightness of mind and a desire to 
 do good, and all this united witii a tenderness and affec- 
 tion, which few could witness without some favorable 
 impressions. 
 
 His most striking sermons were generally those, 
 which he preached from very short texts, such as — My 
 soul hangefJi on thee — All my fresh springs are in thee 
 — O Lord! teach me my way — As thy day is so shall 
 thy strength he. In these sermons, the whole subject 
 had probably struck him at once; and what comes in 
 this way is generally found to be more natural and for- 
 cible, than what the mind is obliged to excogitate by its 
 own laborious efn:)rts: As the suhjoct grows out of the 
 state of the mind at the time, there is that degree of af- 
 finity between them which occasions the mind to seize 
 it forcibly, and to clothe it with vivid colors. A train 
 of the most natural associations presents itself, as one 
 link draws with it its kindred links. The attention is en- 
 gaged — the mind is concentrated — scripture and life 
 present themselves without effort, in the most natural 
 relations which they bear to the subject that has full 
 possession of the man, and composition becomes easy, 
 and even interesting. 
 
 It was a frequent and very useful method with him, 
 to open and explain his subject in a very brief manner, 
 and then to draw inferences from it ; which inferences 
 
 D 
 
38 
 
 . CUARACTKR OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 formed the great body of the sermon, and were ratlier 
 matters of addhrss to the consciences and hearts of his 
 hearers, than of DIS(:us^ilo^J ; so that the whole subject 
 was a kind of application. This seems to me to have 
 been his most effective manner fit' preaching. Take an 
 instance: Matt, xviii. 20. I. Explain the words. II. 
 Raise from tiiem two or three remarks : Contemplate 
 1. The Glory and Godhead of our Master : 2. The 
 honor which he puts on his house and the assembly of 
 his Saints: 3 .The piivileoe of being one of Cin-ist's 
 servants whom he will meet : 4. The obligations lying 
 on such servants — What manner of servants ought such 
 to he? 
 
 He v.'as remarkably observant of character. When 
 I have asked his opinion of a person, he has frequently 
 surprised me with such a full and accurate delineation 
 of him, as he could have obtained only by a very pa- 
 tient and penetrating observation. The reason of this 
 appeared, when I learnt that it was his custom in his 
 sermon notes, when he wished to describe a particular 
 character, not to put down its chief features as they oc- 
 cured to his mind from the general observations which 
 he had made on men ; but he would put down the in- 
 itial of some person's name, with whom he was well 
 acquainted, and who stood in his mind as the represen- 
 tative of that class of characters. He had nothing to 
 do then, when he came to enlarge on that part of his 
 subject, but strongly to realize to himself the person in 
 question, and he would draw a much more vi'vid pic- 
 ture of a real character than he could otherwise do.* 
 
 Mr. Cecil was not himself led to the knowledge of 
 God through great terrors of conscience: his ministry 
 did not, therefore, so much abound in dehneations of the 
 
 • Lavatsr somcwliere mentions an admirable practice of his own. 
 whicVi carried our friend's principle into constant use in his ministry. 
 He fixed on certain persons in his congregation, whom he considered 
 as repres-niaiives of tlis respective classjs into which his hearers might 
 be properly divided — amounting, as I recollect, to seve.n. In compos- 
 ing his discom-ses, he kept each of these persons steadily in his eye; and 
 labored so to mould his subject as to meet the case of every one— by 
 which incomparable rule he rendered himself intelligible and interesting 
 to all classes of his flock. 
 
CHARACTER Ob" MR, CECIL. 
 
 39 
 
 workings and malignity of sin, as in those topics which 
 ^revv out of his course of experience; noi" (hd lie enter 
 Frequently or largely into the details of the spiritual con- 
 flict. He was himself drawn to (•ot\, and subdued hy 
 a sense of divine mercy and I'ricndship ; he was led, 
 therefore, to detail largely the transactions oi' the believ- 
 ing mind with God, in the exercise oi' dcj)endance and 
 submission. 
 
 He was more aware than most men of the nirficuL- 
 
 TY OF UKINGING DOWN THE I'RUTll TO THE CO.Ml'KEUIO.VSIOM 
 OF THE MASS OF UEAREUS. 
 
 A young minister may leave college with the best the- 
 ory in the world, and he may take with him into a 
 country parish a de:ermination to talk in tin; language 
 of simplicity itself; but the actual capacity to make him- 
 self understood and fell is so far removed from his for- 
 mer habits, that it is only to be acquired by experience. 
 Hear how wisely Mr. Cecil wrote to a young friend 
 about to take orders ; — " I advised him, since he was so 
 near his entrance into the ministry, to lay aside all other 
 studies for the present, but the one 1 should now recom- 
 mend to him. I would have him select some very 
 poor and uninformed persons, and pay them a visit. 
 His object should be to explain to them, and demon- 
 strate the truth of the solar system. He should first of 
 all set himself to inake that system perfectly intelligible 
 to them, and then he should demonstrate it to iheh- lull 
 conviction against all that the followers of Tycho Bralie, 
 or any one else could say against it. He would tell me 
 it was impossible : they would not understand a single 
 term. Impossible to make them astronomers ! And 
 shall it be thought an easy matter to make them undei'- 
 Btaiid redemption?" 
 
 He gave the following account of his habit of pre- 
 paration FOR THE PULPIT : 
 
 "1 generally look into the portions of Scripture ap- 
 pointed by the church to be read in the services of the 
 day. 1 watch, too, for any new light which may be 
 thrown on passages in the course of reading, conversa- 
 tion, or prayer. I seize the occasions furnished by my 
 
40 
 
 CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 own experience— my state of mind — my family occur- 
 rences. Subjects taken up in this manner are always 
 likely to meet the cases and wants of some persons in 
 the congregation. Sometimes, however, I hav6 no text 
 prepared ; and I have found this to arise generally from 
 sloth : I go to work : this is the secret : make it a bus- 
 iness : something will arise where least expected. 
 
 "It is important to begin preparation early. If it is 
 driven off late, accidents may occur which may prevent 
 due attention to the subject. If the latter days of the 
 week are occupied, and the mind driven iffto a corner, 
 the sermon will usually be raw and undigested. Take 
 time to reject what ought to be rejected, and to supply 
 what ought to be supplied. 
 
 " It is a favorite method with me to reduce the text 
 to some point of doctrine. On that topic I enlarge, and 
 then apply it. I like to ask myself—' What are you do- 
 ing? — What is your aim V 
 
 " I will not foretell my own views by first going to 
 commentators. I talk over the subject to myself: I 
 write down all that strikes me : and then I arrange 
 what is written. After my plan is settled, and my mind 
 has exhausted its stores, then I would turn to some of 
 my great Doctors to see if I am in no error : but I find 
 it necessary to reject many good things which the Doc- 
 tors say ; they will tell to no good effect in a sermon. 
 Lvtruth, to be effective, we must draw more from na- 
 ture and less from the writings of men ; we must study 
 the book of Providence, the book oi' nature, the heart of 
 man, and the book of God: we must read the history 
 of the world: we must deal with matters of fact before 
 our eyes." 
 
 In respect to mechanical preparation, Mr. Cecil was 
 in the habit of using eight quarto pages, on which he 
 put down his main and subordinate divisions, with such 
 hints as he thought requisite. These notes, written in 
 an open and legible manner, such as his eye could catch 
 with ease, he put into one of the portable quarto Bibles, 
 of which several editions were printed in the seventeenth 
 century, in a good type, but, in consequence of the close- 
 
CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 41 
 
 ness and excellence of the paper, such as bind up in a 
 very compact size. Of these editions there are some* 
 which are printed page for page with another : and one 
 of these editions Mr. Cecil was in the constant hab;t of 
 using, both in public and in private, from the mechani- 
 cal assistance afforded to him in turning to passages 
 from the recollection of the part of the page in which 
 they occurred. 
 
 It will be interesting to hear Mr. Cecil's own account 
 
 OF HIS MANNKR OF COMMENCING HIS MINISTRY; aS it 00- 
 
 tices mistakes from which he was not only early but 
 most effectually delivered, and his remarks on them may 
 afford a serious caution to others. 
 
 "I set out," he said, " with levity in the pulpit. It was 
 above two years before I could get the victory over it, 
 though I strove under sharp piercings of conscience. 
 My plan was wrong. I had bad counsellors. I thought 
 preaching was only entering the pulpit, and letting off a 
 sermon. I really imagined this was trusting to God, 
 and doing the thing cleverly. I talked whh a wise and 
 pious man on the subject. 'There is nothing,' said he, 
 'like appealing to facts.' We sat down and named 
 names. We found men in my habit disreputable. This 
 first set my mind right. I saw such a man might some- 
 times succeed: but I saw, at the same time, that who- 
 ever would succeed in his general interpretations ot 
 Scripture, and would have his ministry that of a work- 
 man llial ncedeth not to he ashamed — must be a labori- 
 ous man. What can be produced by men who refuse 
 this labor ? — a few raw notions, harmless perhaps in 
 themselves, but false as stated by them. What then 
 should a young minister do ? 
 
 '•His office says, 'Go to your books. Go to retire- 
 ment. Go to prayer.' — 'No!' says the enthusiast, 'Go 
 to preach. Go and be a witness!' — A witness! — ot 
 what? — Me don't know!" 
 
 Thus qualified by nature, education, and grace — en- 
 riched by liis various manly acquisitions— and matured 
 
 * I have compared four of those Bibles, viz. Field's, London, 1648— 
 Haye's, Camb., 1670, and also that of 1677— and Buck's, Camb., with- 
 out date. 
 
 d2 
 
42 
 
 GUARACTKR OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 by experience, lie appeared in the pulpit unquestionably 
 as one of the first preachers — perhaps the very first 
 preacher of his lime. 
 
 He was sincerely attached to the church of 
 ENGLAXD, both by principle and feeling — to her ordeh 
 and DECORUM. He entered into the spirit of those obli- 
 gations, which lay on him as a clergyman ; and, look- 
 ing at general consequences, would never break through 
 the order and discipline of the church, to obtain any 
 particular, local, and temporary ends. 
 
 In the more private exercise of his pastoral office, 
 as a counsellor and friend, he manifested great faith- 
 fulness, tenderness, and wisdom. 
 
 In proof of this I might appeal to what is said in the 
 "Remains," on the the subject of "visiting death-beds." 
 I shall here subjoin a few more illustrations of this part 
 of his character. 
 
 An interview was contrived between him and a no- 
 ble lady, by some of her relations. She began to listen 
 to the affiiirs of religion. Her life had been gay and 
 trifling. She knew that he understood her situation ; 
 and she began to introduce her case by saying that she 
 supposed he thought her a very contemptible and wick- 
 ed creature. "No, Madam, I do not look at you in 
 that view. I consider that you have been a wanderer; 
 pursuing happiness in a mistaken road — an immortal 
 being fluttering through the present short but important 
 scene, without one serious concern for what is to come 
 after it is passed by. And, while others know what is 
 to happen to them, and wait for it, you are totally ig- 
 norant of the subject." — "But, Sir, is it possible to arrive 
 at any certainty with respect to a future condition?" — 
 " Why, what little trifling scenes would occupy your 
 ladyship and myself, if we were confined to this small 
 spot of a carpet that is under our feet ! The world is a 
 little, mean, despicable scene in itself. But we must 
 leave it ; and can you suppose that we are left to step 
 into another state, as into a dark abyss — not knowing 
 what awaits us there ? No — the next step I take from 
 the world is not into a void that no one has explored — 
 
CHARACTER OF MR. CEC(L. 
 
 43 
 
 a fathomless abj'ss — a chaos of clouds and darkness— 
 but I know what it is — I am assured of it." He said to 
 me in reporting this conversation, "I rested on this, and 
 left it to work on lier mind. 1 thought it better to de- 
 fer the subject of this assurance to try her, and I have 
 reason to believe that she feels anxious for our next oc- 
 casion of meeting, that she may hear how we can make 
 out the grounds of our assurance." This is one among 
 many instances of the wise methods in which he accom- 
 modated his instructions to tiie character. 
 
 " Many of my people," he said, " and especially fe- 
 males, talk thus to me — ' I am under continual distress 
 of mind. I can lay hold of no permanent ground of 
 peace. If I seem to get a little, it is soon gone again. 
 I am out at sea, without compass or anchor. My heart 
 sinks. My spirit faints. My knees tremble. All is 
 dark above, and all is horror beneath.' 'And pray 
 what is your mode of life V ' I sit by myself.' ' In this 
 small room, I suppose, and over your fire?' 'A con- 
 siderable part of my time.' ' And what time do you 
 go to bed V ' I cannot retire till two or three o'clock 
 in the morning.' ' And you lie late, I suppose, in the 
 morning V 'Frequently.' ' And pray what else can you 
 expect from this mode of life, than a relaxed and un- 
 strung system; and, of course, a mind enfeebled, anxious, 
 and disordered ? I understand your case. God seems to 
 have qualified me to understand it, by especial dispensa- 
 tions. My natural disposition is gay, volatile, spirited. 
 My nature would never sink. But I have sometimes 
 felt my spirit absorbed in horrible apprehensions, with- 
 out any assignable natural cause. Perhaps it was ne- 
 cessary I should be suffered to feel this, that I might 
 feel for others ; for, certainly, no man can have any 
 adequate sympathy with others, who has never thus 
 suffered himself I can feel for you therefore, while I 
 tell you that I think the affair with you is chiefly physical. 
 I myself have brought on the same feelings by the same 
 means. I have sat in my study till I have persuaded 
 myself that the ceiling was too low to suffer me to rise 
 and stand upright ; and air and exercise alone, could 
 remove the impression from my mind !" 
 
44 
 
 CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 His taking the charge of St. John's Chapei. is the 
 most important event of his Hfe, as it appears to have 
 been the sphf?re for which he was pecuharly raised up 
 and prepared by Providence. 
 
 Tlie circumstances attending his establishment of a 
 serious and devout congregation in this place, mark the 
 strength and simplicity of his mind ; while they may 
 show the necessity under which such men will some- 
 times be brought, of acting for themselves, with perfect 
 independence of the whole body of their brethren. 
 
 These circumstances he related to me as follows: — 
 " Wiien I married, I lived at a small house at Islington, 
 situated in the midst of a garden, for which I paid 14/. 
 a year. My annual income was then only 80/., and, 
 with this, I had to support myself, my wife, and a ser- 
 vant. I was then, indeed, minister of St. John's, but I re- 
 ceived nothing from the place for several of the earlier 
 years. When I was sent thither, I considered thai I 
 was sent to the people of that place and neighborhood. 
 I thought it my duty, therefore, to adopt a system and a 
 style of preaching which should have a tendency to meet 
 their case. All which they had heard before, was dry, 
 frigid, and lifeless. A high, haughty, stalking spirit cha- 
 racterised the place. I was thrown among men of the 
 world, men of business, men of reading, and men of 
 thought. I began, therefore, with principles. 1 preach- 
 ed on the divine authority of the sacred Scriptui-es. I 
 dissected Saurin's Sermons. I took the sinews and sub- 
 stance of some of our most masterly writers. I preach- 
 ed on such texts as — Ifxje believe not Moses and the Pro- 
 phets, neither loill ye believe though one arose from the 
 dead. I set myself to explain terms and phrases. My 
 chief object was under-ground work. But what was 
 the consequence of this ? An outcry was raised against 
 me throughout the religious world. It was said, that, at 
 other places, I continued to speak the truth ; but that, at 
 St. John's, I was sacrificing it to my hearers. Even my 
 brethren, instead of entering into my reasons and plan, 
 lay on their oars. My protectress turned her back on 
 me. I hesitated, at first, to enter on so great a risk : 
 
CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 45 
 
 but, with grandeur of spirit, she told me she would put 
 her fortune on the issue : if any benefit resulted from it, 
 it should be mine, and she would bear me harmless of 
 all loss. She heard me a few times, and then wholly 
 withdrew herself, and even took away her servants. 
 Some of ihem would now and then steal in ; but as they 
 reported that they got ' no food,' the report did but 
 strengthen the prejudices of their mistress. She could 
 not enter into rny motives. I was obliged to regard her 
 as Huss did that of the man who was heaping the fag- 
 gots round him, O sancta simplicitas ! She could not 
 calculate consequences, and was unmoved even when 
 I placed my conduct in its strongest light — 'Can yon 
 attribute any but the purest motives to me? Ought 
 not the very circumstances to which I voluntarily sub- 
 ject myself by adhering to the plan you condemn, to gain 
 me some credit fir my intentions ? Had I preached 
 here in the manner I preached elsewhere, you know 
 that the place would have been crowded by the religi- 
 ous world. I should then have obtained from it an in- 
 come of 200/. or 300/. a year, whereas I now sit down 
 with little or no advantage from it, though I have a fa- 
 mily rising up about me. God sent me hither to preach 
 to this people, and to raise a congregation in this place ; 
 and I am proceeding in tliat system and way, which 
 seems to me best adapted uuiler God to meet tlic states 
 of this people ; and wliile I am doing this, T bring on my- 
 self temporal injury. I can have no possible motive to 
 sacrifice the truth to a few blind Ph irisees, who will 
 never while I live become my friends.' 
 
 " 1 labored under this desertion of mv friends for a 
 long time: it was about seven years, before affu'rs be- 
 gan to wear such an aspect, that my protectress and 
 others allowed that matters had certainly turned out 
 as they could not have foreseen. Several witnesses 
 rose up of undoubted and authentic character, to testify 
 tlie power of the grace of God. One circumstance 
 will place the prejudice which existed against me in a 
 strong light. A converted Jewess, who had been driven 
 from her father's house on account of her sentiments, 
 
46 
 
 CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 and was a woman of great simplicity and devotion, re- 
 fused to accompany a friend to St. John's because, as 
 she said, she could not worship there spii'iiually, and 
 rather choose to spend the afternoon among her friend's 
 books ; in which employment, I doubt not, she worship- 
 ped God in the spirit, and was accepted of him. For 
 my own satisfaction, I wrote down at large the reasons 
 on which I liad formed my conduct, for I was almost 
 driven into my own breast for support and justification. 
 One friend, indeed, stood by me. He saw my plan and 
 entered fully into it ; and said such strong things on the 
 subject as greatly confirmed my own mind. ' The 
 Church of Christ,' said he, ' must sometimes be sacrific- 
 ed for Christ.' A certain brother preached a charity 
 sermon; and in such a style, that he seemed to say to 
 me, 'Were I here, you would see howl would do the 
 thing.' What good he did, I know not ; but some of 
 the evil I know, as several persons forsook the chapel, 
 and assigned his sermon as the reason ; and others ex- 
 pressed themselves alarmed at the idea of Methodism 
 having crept into the place. It was ill-judged and un- 
 kind. He should have entered into my design, or have 
 been silent." 
 
 About the middle of July, 1800, Mr. Cecil entered on 
 the Livings of Bisley and Ciiobham in Surry. A few 
 weeks after this I visited him with our dear and mutual 
 friend Dr. Fearon. 
 
 Here I saw him in a quite different situation from any 
 in which I had seen him before, and was not a little cu- 
 rious to remark the manner in which he would treat a 
 set of plain and homely villagers. Though he was re- 
 peatedly in great anguish during the day which we pass- 
 ed with him, yet his mind, in the intervals, was so vigor- 
 ous and luminous that I have scarcely ever gathered so 
 much from him in an equal time. 
 
 On this occassion, among other things which are re- 
 corded in his " Remains," he stated to us his views and 
 feelings respecting his new charge. " Bisley is a rectory. 
 It is completely out of the world. The farmers in these 
 parts are mostly occupiers of their own land. They 
 
CHAUACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 47 
 
 crowded round me wlien I first came, and were earner 
 to make bargains with me for the tythe. J told them I 
 was ignorant of such matters, but that I would propose 
 a measure which none of them could object to. The 
 farmers of Bislcy should nominate three farmers of 
 Chobham parish ; and whatever those three Chobham 
 farmers should appoint me to receive, that they should 
 pay. This was putting myself into their power indeed, 
 but the one grand point with me was to conciliate 
 their minds, and pave the way for the gospel in these 
 parishes. And so far it answered my purpose. I had 
 desired the three farmers to throw the weight, in dubi- 
 ous cases into the farmer's scale. After we had settled 
 the business, one of the three, to convince the Bisley 
 f irmers that they had acted in the very spirit of my di- 
 rections, proposed to find a person who would immedi- 
 ately give them 50/. a year for their bargain with me. 
 This has given them an idea that we act upon high and 
 holy motives." 
 
 What a noble trait is this of his upright and disinter- 
 ested mind ! One might almost with confidence predict 
 that such an introduction into his parishes was a pre- 
 sage of great usefulness. A minister has no right to 
 w;mton away the support of his family ; but, having 
 secured that, whatever .sacrifices he may make with 
 such holy motives as these, will be abundantly repaid ; 
 probably in the success of his ministry, certainly in his 
 master's approbation and the peace of his own bosom. 
 Those sacrifices of what may be strictly his due, which 
 a nan-ow and worldly man may refuse to make, though 
 he entail discord and feuds on his parish, will be tiifles 
 to the mind of a true Cliristian minister. 
 
 " I hardly think it likely that a man could have been 
 received in a more friendly manner than I have been. 
 About 500 people attended at Chobham, and 300 at 
 Bisley. I find I can do any thing with them while I 
 am serious. A Baptist preacher had been somewhere 
 in the neighborhood before I came. He seems to have 
 been wild and eccentric, and to have planted a prejudice 
 in consequence of this in the people's minds, who appear 
 
48 
 
 CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 to have had no other notion of Methodism than that it 
 ■vvas eccentricity. 
 
 " While I am grave and serious they will allow me 
 to say or do any thing. For instance; a few .Sundays 
 since it rained, so prodigiously hard when I had finished 
 my sermon at Bisley, that 1 saw it vvas impracticable 
 for any body to leave the church. I then told the peo- 
 ple, that as it was likely to continue for some time, we 
 had better employ ourselves as well as we could, and so 
 I would take up the subject again. I did so ; and they 
 listened to me readily for another half-hour, though I 
 had preached to them three-quarters of an hour before 
 I had concluded. All this they bear, and think it no- 
 thing strange ; but one wild brother with one eccentric 
 sermon would do me more mischief than 1 should be 
 able ia many months to cure." 
 
 A very strong instance of personal attachment to him 
 occurred soon after he took Chobham. A stranger was 
 observed to attend church every Sunday, and to leave 
 the village immediately after service was over. Every 
 new face there was a phenomenon, and of course the 
 appearance of this man led to inquiry. He was found 
 to be one of his hearers at St. John's — a poor, work- 
 ing-man, whom the advantages received under his min- 
 istry had so knit to his pastor, that he found himself re- 
 paid for a weekly journey of fifty miles. Mr. C. re- 
 monstrated with him on the inexpediency and impro- 
 priety of thus spending his Sabbath, when the pure 
 word of God might be lieard so much nearer home. 
 
 But we must approach the closing scene of this great 
 man's life and labors. 
 
 No tDuches need to be added to the affecting pic'urc 
 which Mrs. Cecil has drawn of his gradual descent to 
 the grave. I will only subjoin here some remarks on 
 his VIEWS and feelings with respect to that Qospel of 
 which he had been so long an eminent and successful 
 minister. 
 
 His VIEWS of Christianity were modified, as has been 
 seen by his constitution and the circumstances of his 
 life. His dispensation was to meet a particular class of 
 
CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 49 
 
 hearers. He was fitted beyond most men, to assert the 
 reality, dignity, and glory of religion — as contrasted 
 with the vanity, meanness, and glare of the world. This 
 subject he treated like a master. Men of the world 
 felt that they were in the presence of their superior — of 
 one who unmasked their real misery to themselves and 
 pursued them through all the false refuges of vain and 
 carnal minds. 
 
 While this was the principal character of Mr. Cecil's 
 ministry for years, at that place for which he seems to 
 have been specially prepared ; yet he was elsewhere, 
 with equal wisdom, leading experienced Christians for- 
 ward in their way to heaven : and, latterly, the habit of 
 his own mind and the whole system of his ministry 
 were manifestly ripening in those views which are pe- 
 culip.r to the Gospel. 
 
 No man had a more just view of his own ministry 
 than he had ; nor could any one more highly value the 
 excellence which he saw in others, though it was of a 
 different class from his own. "I have been lately se- 
 lecting," he said to me, " some of C — 's letters for publi- 
 cation. With the utmost difficulty, 1 have given some 
 little variety. He begins with Jesus Christ, carries him 
 through, and closes with hiin. If a broken leg or arm 
 turns him aside, he seems impatient to dismiss it as an 
 intrusive subject, and to get back again to his topic. I 
 feel as 1 read his letters — ' Why, you said this in the last 
 sentence! What, over and over again! What, nothing 
 else ! No variety of view ! No illustration !' And yet, I 
 confess, that, when I have walked out and my mind has 
 been a good deal exercised on his letters, I have caught 
 a sympathy — ' It is one thing, without variety or relief; 
 but' this one thing is a talisman !' — I have raised my 
 head — I have trod firmly — my heart has expanded — I 
 have felt wings ! Men must not be viewed indiscrimi- 
 nately. To a certain degree I produce effect in my 
 way, and with my views. The utter ruin and bank- 
 ruptcy of man is so wrought into my experience, that I 
 handle this subject naturally. Other men may use 
 God's more direct means as naturally as I can use his 
 
 E 
 
50 
 
 CHARACTER OF MR. CECIt. 
 
 more indirect and collateral ones. Ever ; man, how- 
 ever, must ra'tlier follow than lead his experience ; 
 though, to a certain degree, if ha finds his habits divert- 
 ing him from Jesus Christ as the grand, prominent, only 
 feature, he must force himself to choose such topics as 
 shall lead his mind to him. I am obliged to subject 
 myself to this discipline. I frequently choose subjec s 
 and enter into my plan, before I discover that the Sa- 
 viour occupies a part too subordinate : I throw them 
 away, and take up others which point more directly 
 and naturally to him." 
 
 In his last illness, he spoke, with great feeling on the 
 same subject : " That Christianity may be very sincere, 
 which is not sublime. Let a man read jMaclaurin's se;-- 
 mon on the Cross of Christ, and enter into the subject 
 with taste and relish, what beggary is the world to him ! 
 The subject is so high and so glorious, that a man must 
 go out of himself,, as it were, to apprehend it. The 
 apostle had such a view when he said I count all things 
 but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jc 
 sus my Lord. I remember the time, even after 1 became 
 really serious in religion, when I could not understand 
 what St. Paul meant — not by setting forth the glory of 
 Christ, but by talking of it in such hyperbolical terms, 
 and always dwelling on the subject : whatever topic he 
 began on, I saw that he could not but glide into the 
 same subject. But I now understand why he did so, 
 and wonder no more ; for there is no other subject, 
 comparatively, worthy our thoughts, and therefore it is 
 that advanced Christians dwell on litde else. I am ful- 
 ly persuaded, that the whole world becomes vain and 
 empty to a man. in proportion as he enters into living 
 views of Jesus Christ." 
 
 His FEELINGS On religion, as they respected his sr/h- 
 mission to the divine will, were admirably expressed by 
 himself : — " We are servants, and we must not choose 
 our station. I am now called to go down very low, 
 but I must not resist. God is saying to me, 'You 
 have not been doing my work in my way : you have 
 been too hasty. Now sit down, and be content to be a 
 
CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 61 
 
 quiet idler: and wait (ill I give you leave again to go on 
 in your labors.' " 
 
 In respect to his pi- hsoval. comfort, he had said — " I 
 have attained satisfaction as to my state, by a conscious- 
 ness of ciiangc in my own breast, mixed with a con- 
 sciousness of integrity. 
 
 Two evidences ai'c satisfactory to me: — 
 
 1. A consciousness of approving God's plan of gov- 
 ernment in the Gospel. 
 
 2. A consciousness, that, in trouble, I run to God as 
 a child." 
 
 These evidences Mr. Cecil illustrated even in his 
 diseased moments before his death. On that afflicting 
 dispensation I shall make no remarks of my own, as I 
 think nothing can be added to what my friend, his suc- 
 cessor, has so well said in the second of his funeral ser- 
 mons, and which is here subjoined. 
 
 '■During the whole period of his last illness, a space 
 of nearly three years, the state of his mind fluctuated 
 with his malady. Every one, who has had opportuni- 
 ties of observing the operation of palsy, knows, that, 
 without destroying, or, properly speaking, perverting, 
 the reasoning powers, it agitates and enervates them. 
 Every object is presented through a discolored medium. 
 False premises are assumed ; and the mind is sometimes 
 more than usually export in drawing inferences accord- 
 ingly. In a word, the whole system is deranged and 
 shattered. An excessive care and irritation and despond- 
 ency are produced under the impression of which the 
 sufferer acts every moment, without being at all aware 
 of the cause. Ills morl)id anxiety is, besides, fixed on 
 some inconsiderable or ideal matter, which he magnifies 
 and distorts ; while he remains incapable of attending to 
 concerns of superior moment, and any attempts to rec- 
 tify his misapprehensions, quicken the irritation, and in- 
 crease the eflccts of the disorder. 
 
 " Under this pec;uliar visitation it pleased God that 
 our late venerable father should labor. The energy, 
 and decision, and grandeur of his natural powers, 
 therefore, gradually gave way, and a morbid feebleness 
 
52 
 
 CHARACTER OF MR. CECIt. 
 
 succeeded. Yet even in this afflicting state, witli his 
 body on one side almost lifeless, his organs of speech im- 
 paired, and his judgment weakcned,'the spiritual dispos- 
 itions of his heart displayed themselves in a remark-able 
 manner. He appeared great in the ruins of nature ; 
 and his eminently religious character manifested itself, 
 to the honor of divine grace, in a manner which surpris- 
 ed all who were acquainted with the ordinary effects of 
 paralytic complaints. The actings of hope were, of 
 course, impeded ; but the habit of grace which had been 
 forming in his mind for thirty or forty years shi.'ne 
 through the cloud. At such a period there was no room 
 for fresh acquisitions. The real character of the man 
 could only appear, when disease allowed it to appear 
 at all according to the grand leading habits of his life. 
 If his habits had been ambitious, or sensual, or covetous, 
 or worldly, these tendencies, if any, would have disi)lay- 
 ed themselves: but as his soul had been long establish- 
 ed in grace, and spiritual religion had been incorporated 
 with all his trains of sentiment and affection, and had 
 become like a second nature, the holy dispositions of his 
 heart acted with remarkable o-onstancy under all the 
 variations of his illness: so that one of his oldest friends 
 observed to me, that if he had to choose the portion of 
 his life, since he first knew him. in which the evidences 
 of a state of salvation were most decisive, he sh >uld, 
 without a moment's hesitation, select the period of li s 
 last distressing malady. 
 
 " Throughout his illness, his whole mind, instead of 
 being fixed on some mean and insignificant concern, was 
 riveted on spiritual objects. Every other topic w^as so 
 uninteresting to him, and even burdensome, that he 
 could with reluctance allow it to be introduced. The 
 value of his soul, the emptiness of the world, the near- 
 ness and solemnity of death, were ever on his lips. 11^3 
 spent his whole time in reading the Scripture, and one 
 or two old divines, particularly Archbishop Leighton. 
 All he said and did was as a man on the brink of an 
 eternal state. 
 
 " His humility, also, evidently ripened as he approach- 
 
CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 53 
 
 ed his end. He was willing to receive advice from 
 every quarter. He listened witii anxiety to any hint 
 that was offered him. His view of his own misery and 
 helplessness as a sinner, and of tlie necessity of being en- 
 tirely indebted to divine grace, and being saved as the 
 greatest monument of its efficacy, was continually on 
 the increase. 
 
 •' His simplicity and fervor in speaking of the Saviour, 
 were also very remarkable. As he drew nearer to 
 death, his one topic was — Jesus Christ. All his anxiety 
 and care were centi-ed in this grand point. His appre- 
 hensions of the work and glory of Christ, of the extent 
 and suitableness of his salvation, and of the unspeakable 
 importance of being spiritually united to him, were more 
 distinct and simple, if possible, than at any period of his 
 life. He spake of him to his family, with the feeling, 
 and interest, and seriousness of the aged and dying be- 
 liever. 
 
 " His faith, also, never failed. I have heard him with 
 faltering and feeble lips, speak of the great foundations 
 of Christianity with the fullest confidence. He said, he 
 never saw so clearly the truth of the doctrines which he 
 had been preaching, as since his illness. His view of 
 the certainty and excellency of God's promises in Christ 
 was unshaken. 
 
 "The interest, likewise, which he took in the success 
 of the Gospel, was prominent, when his disease at all 
 remitted. His own people lay near his heart ; and, 
 when a providence had occurred which he hoped 
 would promote their benefit, he expressed himself with 
 old Simeon, ' Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart 
 in peace.' 
 
 " The principal effect of his distemper was in throw- 
 ing a cloud over his comfort ; yet, in producing this, the 
 spiritual tendency of his mind appeared. His diseased 
 depression operated indeed, but it was in leading him to 
 set a high standard of holiness to bring together eleva- 
 ted marks of regenerntion, and to require decisive evi- 
 dences of a spirit of faith and adoption. The acuteness 
 of his judgment then argued so strongly from these false 
 
54 
 
 CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 premises, that he necessarily excluded himself almost 
 entirely from the consolation of hope. If I may be al- 
 lowed a theological term — liie objective acts of faith ; 
 those that related to the grand objects proposed in the 
 Scriptures on the testimony of God, such as the work 
 of redemption, the person of Christ, and the virtue of his 
 blood, remained the same; nay, were ripened and 
 strengthened as his dissolution approached : but the sub- 
 jective acts of faith, those which respected his own in- 
 terest in these blessings, and which gave life to the exer- 
 cises of hope, rose and sunk with his disease. He was 
 precisely like a man oppressed by a heavy weight : as 
 the load was lightened, he began to move and exert 
 himself in his natural manner : when the burden was 
 increased, he sunk down again under tiie oppression. 
 
 " About a year before his death, when his powers of 
 mind had for a long time been debilitated, but still re- 
 tained some remnants of their former vigor, his religious 
 feelings were at times truly desirable. His intellectual 
 powers were indeed too far weakened for joy ; but there 
 was a resignation, a tranquility, a ripeness of grace, a 
 calm and holy repose on the bosom of the Saviour, that 
 quite alarmed, if 1 may so speak, his anxious fami!j% un- 
 der tlie impression that there appeared nothing left for 
 grace to do, and that he would soon be removed from 
 them, as, a shock of corn cometh in its season. Even 
 when his disease had made still further progress, as of- 
 ten as the slightest alleviation was afforded him, his 
 judgment became more distinct, his morbid depression 
 lessened, and he was moderately composed. It was 
 only a few weeks before his dissolution that such an in- 
 terval was vouchsafed to him. He then spake with 
 great feeling from the Scriptures, in family worship, for 
 about half an hour ; and dwelt on the love, and grace, 
 and power of Christ with particular composure of mind. 
 I had the happiness of visiting him at this season. He 
 was so much relieved from his disease, as to enter with 
 me on general topics relating to religion, and to give me 
 some excellent directions as to my conduct as a minister. 
 In reply to various questions which I put to him, he 
 
CHAUACTKR OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 56 
 
 spake to me to the following purport : ' I know myself 
 to be a wretched, worthless, sinner,' (tlie seriousness and 
 feeling with which he spake I shall never forget,) ' hav- 
 ing nothing in myself but poverty and sin. I know Je- 
 sus Christ to be a glorious and almighty Saviour. ] see 
 the full efficacy of his atonement and grace ; and I cast 
 myself entirely on him, and wait at his footstool. I am 
 aware that my diseased and broken mind makes me in- 
 capable of receiving consolation ; but I submit myself 
 wholly to the merciful and wise dispensations of God.' 
 
 " One or two other interesting testimonies of the spirit- 
 ual and devoted state of his heart may be here mention- 
 ed. A short time before his decease, he requested one 
 of his family to write down for him in a book the fol- 
 lowing sentence; '"None but Christ, none but Christ," 
 said Lambert dying at a stake: the same, in dyin^ cir- 
 cumstances, with his whole heart, saith Richard Cecil.' 
 The name was signed by himself, with his left hand in 
 a manner hardly legible through infirmity." 
 
 Such was Mr. Cecil. I sincerely regret that some 
 masterly observer did not both enjoy and improve op- 
 portunities of delineating a more perfect picture of his 
 great mind. I have, however, faithfully detailed the 
 impressions which his character made on me, during a 
 long course of affectionate admiration of him : nor have 
 I shrunk from intermingling such remarks, as every faith- 
 ful observer must find occasion to make while he is 
 watching the unfoldings of the best and greatest of men. 
 
 Christian Parents, and particular christian moth- 
 ers, may gather from the history and character of our 
 departed friend every possible encourngement to the un- 
 wearied care of their children. While St. Austin, 
 Bishop Hall, Richard Hooker, John Newton, Richard 
 Cecil, and many other great and eminent servants of 
 Christ, have left on record their grateful acknowledg- 
 ments to their pious mothers, as the instruments, under 
 the grace and blessing of God, of winning them to him- 
 self, let no woman of faith and prayer despair respect- 
 ing even her most untoward child. 
 
 Mr. Cecil's mere admirers should feel what a weight 
 
56 
 
 CHARACTER OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 of responsibility his ministry and his character have laid 
 them under. They gave him the ear, but he labored 
 for the heart. They were pleased with the man, but 
 he prayed that they might become displeased with 
 themselves. They would aid him in his schemes, but 
 he was anxious that they should serve his Master. How 
 soon must they meet him at that judgment-seat before 
 which all must appear, to receive according to what 
 they have done in the body whether good or evil ! 
 
 His SINCERE FRIENDS are called to imitate his example 
 — to follow him as he followed Christ — to live above 
 this vain world — to sacrifice every thing to the honor of 
 Christ and the interests of eternity — to bear up under 
 pain and weariness and anxiety, leaning on Almighty 
 strength ; til! they join him in that world where weak- 
 ness shall be felt no more ! 
 
 JOSIAH PRATT. 
 
REMAINS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 REV. RICHARD CECIL, M. A. 
 
 REMARKS MADE BY MR. CECIL, CHIEFLY IN CON- 
 VERSATION WITH THE EDITOR, OR IN DISCUS- 
 SIONS WHEN HE WAS PRESENT. 
 
 " Multa ab co pmdenter disputata, multa etiani breviter et commode dic- 
 ta memoi ia; niandabam, fierique sludebam ejus prudentia doctior."— 
 Cic. de Amicit. i. 
 
 ON THE CHRISTIAN LIFE AND CONFLICT, 
 
 The direct cause of a Christian's spiritual life, is 
 union witli Clirist. All attention to tlie mere circum- 
 stantials of religion, lias a tendency to draw the soul 
 aAvay from this union. Few men, except ministers, are 
 called, by the nature of their station, to enter much into 
 these ciixumstantials : — such, for instance, as the evi- 
 dences of the truth of religion. Ministers feel tliis 
 deadening effect of any considerable or continued atten- 
 tion to externals : much more must private Clu-istians. 
 Tlie liead may be strengthened, till the heart is starved. 
 Some private Christians, however, may be called on, 
 by the nature of those circles in which they move, to be 
 qualiLied to meet and refute the objections which may 
 be urged against religion. Such men as well as min- 
 
56 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIU 
 
 isters, while they are furnishing themselves for tlils 
 pui-pose, must acquiesce in the work wliich God ap- 
 points for them, with prayer and watchfulness. If they 
 cannot always hve and abide close to the ark, and the 
 pot of manna, and the cherubim, and the mercy seat ; 
 yet they are drawing the water and gathering the wood 
 necessary for the service of the camp. But let their 
 hearts still turn toward the place where the Glory re- 
 sideth. 
 
 The Christian's fellowship with God is rather a habit, 
 than a raptm-e. He is a pilgrim, who has the habit of 
 looking forward to the liglit before him : he has the habit 
 of not looking back ; he has the habit of walking stea- 
 dily in the way, whatever be the weather, and whatever 
 the road. These are his habits : and the Lord of the 
 Way is his Guide, Protector, Friend, and Felicity. 
 
 As the Christian's exigencies arise, he has a spiritual 
 habit of turning to God, and saying, with the Church, 
 " Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou 
 feedest, where thou makest thy flocks to rest at noon. 
 I have tried to find rest elsewhere. I have fled to shel- 
 ters, which held out great promise of repose ; but I 
 have now long since learned to turn unto thee : ' Tell 
 me, 0 thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, 
 ivhere thou makest thy flocks to rest at noon.' " 
 
 The Christian A^ill look back, throughout eternity, 
 with interest and dehght, on the steps and means of his 
 conversion. " My father told me this ! My mother 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 .57 
 
 told me that ! Such an event was sanctified to me ! 
 In such a place, God visited my soul ! » These recol- 
 lections will never grow dull and wearisome. 
 
 A VOLUME might be written on the various methods 
 which God has taken, in providence, to lead men first 
 to think of liini. 
 
 The liistory of a man's own fife is, to himself, the 
 most interesting history in the world, next to that of the 
 Scriptures. Every man is aii original and solitary 
 character. None can either understand or feel the 
 book of his own life like himself. Tlie lives of other 
 men are to him dry and vapid, when set beside Ids own. 
 He enters very httle into the spirit of the Old Testa- 
 ment, who does not see Goil e;illiiig on him to turn over 
 the pages of tliis history wlicn !ie says to the Jew, Thou 
 shult remember all the waij which the Lord thy 
 God led thee these forty years. He sees God teach- 
 ing the Jew to look at the records of his deliverance from 
 tlie Red Sea, of the manna showered down on him from 
 heaven, and of tlie Amalekites put to flight before him. 
 Tiiere are stich grand events in the life and experience 
 of every Christian, it may be well for liim to review 
 them often. I have, in some cases, vowed before God, 
 to appropi-iate yearly remembrances of some of tlie sig- 
 nal turns of my life. Having made the vow, I hold it 
 as obligatory : but I would advise others to greater 
 circumspection ; as they may bring a sailing yoke on 
 themselves, which God designed not to put on them. 
 
 True grace is a grov\ing principle. The Christian 
 
58 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 grows in discernment : a cliild may pluy with a ser- 
 pent ; but the man gets as far from it as he can : a child 
 may taste poison ; but the man will not suifer a speck 
 of poison near him. He grows in humility : the blade 
 shoots up boldly, and the young ear keeps 'erect with 
 confidence : but the full corn in the ear inclines itself 
 toward the earlli, not because it is feebler, but because 
 it is matm-ed. He grows in strength : the new wine 
 ferments and frets ; but the old wine acquires a body 
 and a firmness. 
 
 Tenderness of conscience is always to be distin- 
 guished from scrupulousness. Tlie conscience cannot 
 be kept too sensible and tender : but scrupulousness 
 arises from bodily or mental infirmity, and discovers it- 
 self in a multitude of ridic ulous, and superstitious, and 
 painful feelings. 
 
 The head is dull, in discerning the value of God's 
 expedients ; and the heart cold, sluggish, and reluct- 
 ant, in submiUing to them : but the head is lively, in 
 the invention of its own expedients ; and the heart eager 
 and sanguine, in pursuit of them. No wonder, then, 
 that God subjects both the head and the heart to a 
 com-se of continual correction. 
 
 Every man will have his own criterion in forming 
 his judgment of others. I depend very much on the ef- 
 fect of aflliction. I consider how a man comes out of 
 the fui-nace : gold will lie for a month in the fui uace 
 without losing a grain. And while under trial, a child 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 59 
 
 has a habit of turning to his father : he is not like a 
 penitent, who has been whipped into this state : it is 
 natural to him. It is dark, and the child has no where 
 to run, but to his father. 
 
 Defilement is inseparable from the world. A 
 man can no where rest his foot on it without sinking. 
 A strong principle of assimilation combines the world 
 and the heart together. There are, especially, cer- 
 tain occasions, when the current hurries a man away, 
 and he has lost the religious government of himself. 
 Wiien the pilot finds, on making the port of Messina, 
 that tlie ship will not obey the iiehn, he knows that she 
 is got wtliin the influence of that attraction, wliich will 
 bury her iti the whirlpool. We are to avoid the dan- 
 ger, rather than to oppose it. This is a great doctrine 
 of Scripture. An active force against the world is not 
 so much inculcated, as a retreating, declining spirit. 
 Keep thyself unspotted frojn the world. 
 
 There are seasons when a Christian's distinguished 
 character is hidden from man. A Cliristian merchant 
 on 'Change is not called to show any difference in his 
 mere exterior carriage from another merchant. He 
 gives a reasonable answer if he is asked a question. He 
 does not fanatically intrude religion into every sentence 
 he utters. He does not suppose his religion to be in- 
 consistent with the common interchange of civilities. 
 He is affable and courteous. He can ask the news of 
 the day, and take up any public topic of conversation. 
 But is he, therefore, not difl'erent from other men ? He 
 
60 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 is like another merchant in the mere exterior circum- 
 stance, which is least in God's regard ; — ^but, in his 
 taste ! — Jiis views ! — liis science ! — his hopes ! — his hap- 
 piness ! he is as different from those aromid him as 
 light is from darkness. He ivaits for the coming of 
 our Lord Jesus Christ who never passes perhaps 
 through the thoughts of those he talks with, but to be 
 neglected and despised ! 
 
 The Christian is called to be Uke Abraham, in con- 
 duct ; like Paul, in labors ; and Uke John, in spii it 
 Though, as a man of faith, he goes forth not knowing 
 whither, and his principle is hidden from the world, yet 
 he will oblige the woild to acknowledge : " His views, 
 it is true, we do not miderstand. His principles and 
 general conduct are a mystery to us. But a more up- 
 right, noble, generous, disinterested, peaceable, and be- 
 nevolent man, we know not where to find." Tlie world 
 may even count him a madman ; and false bretliren 
 may vilify his character, and calumniate his motives : 
 yet he will bear down evil, by repaying good ; and will 
 silence Ids enemies, by the abundance of his labors. 
 He may be shut out from the world — cast into prison — 
 banished into obscurity — no eye to observe him, no hand 
 to help him — but it is enough for him, if liis Sa\ ioiir 
 will speak to him and smile on him. 
 
 Christians are too little aware what their religion 
 reciuu es from them, \v\\\\ regard to their wishes. When 
 we wish things to be otiien^ise tlian they are, we lose 
 sight of the great practical parts of the Ufe of godUuess. 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 Gl 
 
 We wish, and wish — Avhen, if we have done all that lies 
 on us, we should fall quietly into the hands of God. 
 Such wishing cuts the very sinews of our privileges and 
 consolations. You are leaving me for a time ; and you 
 say you wish you could leave me better, or leave me 
 with some assistance : but, if it is right for you to go, it 
 is right for me to meet what lies on me, without a wish 
 that I had less to meet, or were better able to meet it. 
 
 I COULD vmte down twenty cases, wherein I wished 
 God had done otherwise than he did ; but which I now 
 see, had I had my own will, would have led (o extensive 
 mischief. The hfe of a Christian is a life of paradoxes. 
 He must lay hold on God : he must follow hard after 
 him : he must determine not to let him go. And yet 
 he must learn to let God alone. Quietness before God 
 is one of the most difficult of all Christian graces — to 
 sit where he places us ; to be what he would have us to 
 be, and this as long as he pleases. We are like a 
 player at bowls ; if he has given his bowl too little bias, 
 he cries, " Flee :" if he has given it too much, he cries, 
 "Hub ;" you see him lifting his leg, and bending his body 
 in conformity to the motion he would impart to the 
 bowl. Thus I have felt with regard to my dispensa- 
 tions : I would urge them or restrain them : I would as- 
 similate them to the habit of my mind. But I have 
 smarted for this under severe visitations. It may seem 
 a harsh, but it is a wise and gracious dispensation, to- 
 ward a man, when, the instant he stretches out his hand 
 to order his affairs, God forces him to withdraw it. 
 Concerning what is morally good or evil, we are suffi- 
 
62 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 ciently informed for our dii^ction ; but concerning 
 what is naturally good or evil, we are ignorance itself. 
 Restlessness and self-will are opposed to our duty in 
 these cases. 
 
 Schooling the heart is the grand means of perso- 
 nal religion. To bring motives under faithful examina- 
 tion, is a high state of religious character : with regard 
 to tlie depravity of the heart we live daily in the disbelief 
 of our own creed. We indulge thoughts and feelings, 
 which are founded upon the presumption that all around 
 us are imperfect and coiTupted, but that we are ex- 
 empted. The self-will and ambition and passion of 
 pub ic characters in tlie religious world, all arise from 
 this sort of practical infidelity. And though its ellects 
 are so manifest in tliese men, because they are leaders 
 of parlies, and are set upon a pinnacle so that all who 
 are without the influence of their vortex can see them ; 
 yet every man's own breast has an infallible, dogmatiz- 
 ing, excommunicating, and anathematizing spirit work- 
 ing within. 
 
 Acting from the occasion, without recollection and 
 inquiry, is the death of personal religion. It will not 
 suffice merely to retire to the study or the closet. The 
 mind is sometimes, in private, most iirdently pursuing 
 its particular object ; and, as it then acts from the oc- 
 casion, nothing is further from it than recoUectedness. 
 I have for weeks together, in pursuit of some sciieme 
 acted so entirely from the occasion, that, when I have at 
 length called myself to account, I have seemed like one 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 63 
 
 awakened from a dream. "Am I the man who could 
 tliink and speak so and so? Am I the man who could 
 tVol such a disposition, or discover such conduct?" 
 Tlic faschiation and enchantment of the occasion is 
 \ aiiished ; and I stand like David in similar circum- 
 stances before Nathan. Such cases in experience are, 
 in truth, a moral intoxication ; and the man is only then 
 sober, when he begins to school his heart. 
 
 The servant of God has not only natural sensibilities, 
 by which he feels, in common with other men, the sor- 
 rows of hfe ; but he has moral sensibilities, which are 
 pecuhar to his character. When David was driven 
 from his kingdom, he not only felt depressed as an ex- 
 ile and wanderer ; but he would recollect his own sin 
 as punished in the affliction. Eli had not only to suffer 
 the pangs of a father in the loss.of his sons ; but he would 
 recal in the bitterness of his spirit, his own mismanage- 
 ment, in bringing up these sons. St. Paul had not only 
 to endure the thorn in the flesh ; but he would feel that 
 he can-ied about him propensities tof self-exaltation, 
 which rendered that thorn necessary and salutary. 
 
 Dangerous predicameists are the brinks of tempta- 
 tions. A man often gives evidence to others that he is 
 giddy, though he is not aware of it perhaps himself. 
 Whoever has been in danger himself will guess very 
 shrewdly concerning the dangerous state of such a man. 
 
 A Jidughty spirit is a symptom of extreme danger — 
 A haughty sjjirif goeth before a fall. 
 
 Fresumptnom carelessness indicates danger. 
 
64 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 "Who fears?" This is to be feared, that you feel 
 no cause of fear. Such was Peter's state : Though all 
 ■men forsake thee, yet will not I. 
 
 Venturing on the borders of clanger is much akin 
 to this. A man goes on pretty well till he ventui-es 
 within the atmosphere of danger : but the atmosphere 
 of danger infatuates him. The ship is got within the 
 influence of the vortex, and will not obey the helm. 
 David was sitting in this atmosphere on the house-top, 
 and was ensnared and fell. 
 
 An accession 'of wealth is a dangerous predicament 
 for a man At first he is stunned, if the accession be 
 sudden : he is very humble and xtry grateful. Tlien 
 he begins to speak a little louder, people think liiin 
 more sensible, and soon he thinks himself so. 
 
 A man is in imminent danger when, m suspected 
 circumstances, he is disposed to equivocate, as Abra- 
 ham did with Pharaoh, and Isaac \vith Abimelecb. 
 
 Stupidity of conscience under chastisement — an ad- 
 vancement to power, when a man begins to relish such 
 power — popularity — self-indulgence — a disposition to 
 gad about, like Dinah — all these are symptoms of spir- 
 itual danger. 
 
 A CHANGE OF CIRCUMSTANCES in our Condition of life 
 is a critical period. No man who has not passed 
 through such a change, can form any adequate notion of 
 its effects upon the mind. Wlien money comes into 
 the pocket of a poor man in small sums, it goes out as 
 it came in, and more follows it in the same way ; and 
 with a certain freedom and indifference, it is applied to 
 its proper uses : but when he begins to receive round 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 66 
 
 sums, tliat may yield him an intei-est, and when this in- 
 terest comes to be added to his principal, and the sweets 
 of augmentation to creep over him, it is quite a new 
 w orld to him. In a rise of circumstances, too, the man 
 becomes, in his own opinion, a wiser man, a greater 
 man ; and pride of station crosses him in his way. Nor 
 is the contrary change less dangerous. Poverty has 
 its trials. That is a fine trait in the Pilgrim's Progress, 
 that Christian stumbled in going down the Hill into the 
 Valley of Humiliation. 
 
 A SOUND head, a-simple heart, and a spii'it dependent 
 on Christ, will sufHce to conduct us in every variety of 
 circumstances. 
 
 I CANNOT look through my past life \\ithout trem- 
 bling. A variation in my circumstances has been at- 
 tended with -dangers and difficulties, little of which I 
 saw at the time compared with what reflection has since 
 shewn me, but which in the review of them make me 
 shudder, and ought to fill me with gratitude. He, who 
 views this subject aright, will put up particular prayer 
 against sudden attacks. 
 
 God will have the Christian thoroughly humbled and 
 dependent. Strong minds think perhaps sometime, 
 that they can effect great things in experience by keep- 
 ing themselves girt up, by the recurrence of habit, by 
 vigorous exertion. This is their unquestionable duty. 
 But God often strips them, lest they should grow confi- 
 dent. He lays them bare — He makes them feel poor, 
 dark, impotent. He seems to say, " Strive with all 
 F 2 
 
66 
 
 REMAINS OK MR. CECIL. 
 
 your vigor, but yet I am he that worketh all in all." 
 
 There is no calling or profession, however ensnaring 
 in many respects to a Christian mind, provided it be not 
 in its-elf simply imlawful, wherein God has not fre- 
 quently raised up faithful witnesses, who have stood 
 forth for examples to others, in hke situations, of the 
 practicability of uniting great eminence in the Christian 
 hfe with the discharge cf the duties of their profession, 
 however diliicult. 
 
 Fear lias the most steady effect on the constitutional 
 temperament of some Chiistians, to keep them in their 
 comse. A strong sease of duty fixes on the minds ot 
 others, and is llie prtvaihng principle of conduct, with- 
 out any dn ect reterence to consequences. On minds of 
 a slu'oboni, refractory, and self-willed temper, fear and 
 duty have in general little eiiect : they brave fear, and 
 a mere sense of duty is a cold and lif eless principle ; 
 but GRATITUDE, Under a strong and subduing sense of 
 niercies, melts them into obedience. 
 
 There is a lai-ge class, who would confound nature 
 and grace. These are chiefly women. They sit at 
 liome, nursing tliemselves over a fire, and then trace up 
 the natural effects of solitude and want of air and ex- 
 ercise into spiritual desertion. There is more pride in 
 this than they are aware of. They are unwilling to al- 
 low so simple and natural a cause of their feelings, and 
 v\ ish to find something in the thing more sublime. 
 
 THERE^are so many things to lower a man's topsails — 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL, (57 
 
 lie is such a dependent, creature — he is to pay such 
 court to his stomach, his food, his sleeji, his exercise — 
 that, in truth, a hero is an idle \vord. Man seems form- 
 ed to be a hero in suffering; — not a liero in action. Men 
 err in notliing more than in their estimate which tliey 
 make of Imman labor. The hero of the world is the 
 man that makes a bustle — the man that makes the road 
 smoke under his chaise-and-four — the man that raises a 
 dust about him — the man that manages or devastates 
 empires ! But what is the real labor of this man — com- 
 pared with that of a silent sufferer ? He lives on his 
 projects. He encounters, perhaps, rough roads— in- 
 commodious inns — bad food — storms and perils — weary 
 days and sleepless nights : — but what are these ! — his 
 project — ^liis point — the thing that has laid hold on his 
 heart — glory — a name — consequence — pleasm-e — 
 wealth — these render the man callous to the pains and 
 efforts of the body ! I have been in both states, and 
 therefore understand them ; and I know that men form 
 this false estimate. Besides — there is something in bus- 
 tle, and stir, and activity, that supports itself. At one 
 period, I preached and read five times on a Sunday, 
 and rode sixteen miles. But what did it cost me ? No- 
 tliing ! Yet most men would have looked on while I 
 was rattling from village to village, with all the dogs 
 barking at my heels, and would have called me a hero : 
 whereas, if they were to look at me now, they would 
 call me an idle, lounging fellow. " He makes a sermon 
 on the Saturday — he gets intoliis study — he walks from 
 eiiil to end — he scribbles on a scrap of paper — he 
 throws it away and scribbles on another — he takes snuff 
 — lie sits down- -scribbles again — walks about." The 
 
68 REMAINS OF MW. CECIL, 
 
 man cannot, see that here is an exhaustion of the spirit, 
 which, at night, will leave me worn to the extremity of 
 endurance. He cannot see the numberless efforts of 
 mind, which are crossed and stifled, and recoil on the 
 spirits ; hke the fruitless efforts of a traveller to get lirm 
 footing among the ashes on the steep sides of 3Iount 
 Etna.* 
 
 Elijah appears to have been a man of what we call 
 a GREAT SPIRIT : jet we never find him rising against 
 the humiliating methods wliich God was sometimes 
 pleased to take with him ; w hether he is to depend for 
 his daily food on the ravens, or is to be nourished by the 
 slender pittance of a perisliing widow. Pride Avould 
 choose for us such means of provision, as have some ap- 
 pearance of our own agency in them ; and stout-heart- 
 edness would lead us to refuse tilings, if we cannot have 
 them in our own way. 
 
 The blessed man is he, who is under education in 
 God's school ; where he endures chastisement, and by 
 chastisement is instructed. The foohsh creature is be- 
 witched, sometimes with the enchantments and sorceries 
 of hfe. He begins to lose the lively sense of that some- 
 thing, which is superior to the glory of the world. His 
 grovelling soul begins to say, " Is not this tine ? Is 
 not that charming ? Is not that noble house worth a 
 wish? Is not that equipage worth a sigh?" He must 
 go to the word of God to know what a thing is worth. 
 He must be taught there to caU things by tiieir proper 
 
 • See the Advenlu.cr, No. cxxvii. J. P. 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 69 
 
 names. If lie liave lost this liabit, when his heart puts 
 the questions he will answer thena hke a fool ; as I have 
 done a thousand times. He will forget that God puts 
 his children into possession of these things, as mere 
 stewards ; and that the possession of them increases 
 their responsibility. He will sit down and plan, and 
 scheme to obtain possession of things, which he for- 
 gets are to be burnt and destroyed. But God dasiies 
 the fond scheme in pieces. He disappoints the project. 
 And, with the chastisement he sends nistruction ; for he 
 knows that the silly creature if left to himself, would 
 begin, like the spidei whose web has been swept away, 
 to spin again. And then the man who sees that Job is 
 blessed — not, when God gives him sons and daughters, 
 and flocks and herds, and power, and honor ; but when 
 God takes all these away — not when the schemes of 
 liis carnal heart are indulged ; but Avhen tliey are cross- 
 ed and disappointed. A stubbori* and rebellious mind 
 in a Christian, nuist be kept low by dark and trying 
 dispensations. Tiie language of God, in his provi- 
 dence, to such an one, is generally of this kind : " I 
 will not wholly hide myself. I will be seen by thee. 
 But thou shalt never meet me, except in a dark night 
 and in a storm." Ministers of sucli a natural spirit are 
 often fitted for eminent usefulness by these means. 
 
 The Christian, in his sufferings, is often tempted to 
 think lihnself forgotten. Bift his affections aie the 
 clearest proof's, that he is an object both of Satan's en- 
 mity, and of God's fatherly discipline. Satan would 
 not iiave man sutler a single trouble all his life long, if 
 he nnght have his way. He would give him the thing 
 
70 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 his heart is set upon. He would work in witli liis am- 
 bition. He would pamper liis lasts and his pride. But 
 God has better things in reserve for liis children : and 
 they must be brought to desire them and seek them ; 
 and this will be tlirough the week and sacrifice of all 
 that the heart holds dear. The Christian prays for 
 fuller manifestations of Christ's power and glory and 
 love to him ; but he is often not aware that this is, in 
 truth, praying to be brought into the furnace ; for in the 
 furnace only it is, that Christ can walk with his friends, 
 and display, in their preservation and deliverance, his 
 own almighty power. Yet, when brought thither,-it is 
 one of the worst parts of the trial, that the Christian 
 often thinks himself, for a time at least, abandoned. 
 Job thought so. But while he looked on himself as an 
 outcast, the infinite Spirit and the wicked Spirit were 
 holding a dialogue on his case ! He Avas more an ob- 
 ject of notice and interest, than the largest armies that 
 were ever assembled, and the mightiest revolutions that 
 ever shook the world, considered merely in their tem- 
 poral interests and consefjuences. Let the Christian be 
 deeply concerned, in all his trials, to honor his IVIaster 
 before such observers ! * 
 
 Affliction has a tendency, especially if long con- 
 tinued, to generate a kind of despondency and ill-tem- 
 per : and spiritual incapacity is closely connected wiih 
 pain and sickness. The-spirit of prayer does not ne- 
 cessarily come with aflliction. If this be not poured 
 oul'upou the man, he will, like a wounded beast, skulk 
 to his den and growl there. 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECiL. 
 
 71 
 
 God lias marked implicitni'.ss and simplicity of 
 FAITH \^itli peculiar approbation. He has done tins 
 tlirouo;liout the Scripture ; and he is doins; it daily in 
 the Christian life. An unsuspecting, unquestioning, 
 unhesitating spii it, he delights to honor. He does not 
 delight in a credulous, weak, and unstable mind. He 
 gives us full evidence, when he calls and leads ; but 
 he expects to find in us — what he himself bestows — an 
 open ear and disposed heart. Though he gives us not 
 the evidence of sense ; yet he gives such evidence us 
 will be heard by an open ear, and foUoned by a dis- 
 posed heart: — Thomas', becfiusc thou hast seen m", 
 thou haat believed : blessed are theij that have not 
 seen, and yet have believed. We are witnesses what 
 an open, ear and a disposed heart will do in men of tlie 
 world. If weahh is in pursuit — if a place presents it- 
 .self before them — if their persons and families and af- 
 fairs are the object — a wliisper, a hint, a probability, a 
 mere chance, is a suUicient ground of action. It is this 
 very state of mind with regard to religion, which God 
 deHghts in and honors. He seems to put forth his hand, 
 and to say — " Put thy hand into mine. Follow all my 
 leadings. Keep thyself attentive to every turn." 
 
 A SOUND heart is an excellent casuist. Men stand 
 doubting what they shall do, while an evil heart is at 
 the bottom. II", with St. Paul, they simply did one 
 thing, the way would be plain. . A miser, or an ambi- 
 tious man, knows his points ; and he has such a sim- 
 plicity in the pursuit of them, that you seldom find him 
 at a loss about the steps which he should take to attain 
 them. He has acquired a sort of instinctive habit in 
 
72 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 Ids pursuit. Simplicity and rectitude would have pre- 
 vented a thousand schisms in the Church ; which have 
 generally risen from menhavins? something else in plan 
 and prospect, and not the one thing. 
 
 What I do ihou knowest not now ; hut thou shall 
 know hereafter— \^ the unwearied language of God, 
 in his providence. He will have credit every step. 
 He will not assign reasons, because he will exercise 
 faith. 
 
 Pride urges men to inquire into the Philosophy of 
 divine truth. They are not contented, for example, 
 with the account which the Bible gives of the origin of 
 evil, and its actual influence on mankind ; but they 
 would supply ^^hat God has left untold. They would 
 explain the fitness and propriety of things. A mathe- 
 matician may summon his scholars round his chair, and 
 from self-evident principles deduce and demmistrate 
 his cmiclusions : he has axioms; but concerning evil 
 we have none. A Christian may say on this subject, 
 as Sir Christopher ^^'ren did concerning the roof of 
 King's Collese ChaiKl— Show me how to fix the first 
 stone, and f will finish the building.-'—" Explain the 
 origin of evil, and I vriU explain every other difficulty 
 respecting evil." We are placed in a disposition and 
 constitution of things, under a righteous Governor. If 
 Ave will not rest satisfied with this, something is wrong 
 in oiu- state of mind. It is a solid satisfaction to every 
 man who has been seduced into foolish inquiries that it 
 is ulteriy im.possible to advance one inch by them. He 
 must come back to rest in God's appointment ; he must 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 73 
 
 come back to sit patiently, meekly, and with docility, 
 at the feet of a teacher. 
 
 Duties are ours : events are God's. This removes an 
 infinite burden from the shoulders of a miserable, temp- 
 ted, dying creature. On this consideration only, can he 
 securely lay down his head and close his eyes. 
 
 The Christian often thinks, and schemes, and talks, 
 like a practical Atheist. His eye is so conversant with 
 second causes, that the great Mover is little regarded. 
 And yet those sentiments and that conduct of others, by 
 which his affairs are influenced, are not formed by 
 chance and at random. They are attracted toward the 
 system of his affairs, or repelled from them, by the 
 highest power. We talk of attraction in the universe ; 
 but there is no such tiling, as we are accustomed to con- 
 sider it. The natural and moral worlds are held to- 
 gether in their respective operations, by an incessant 
 administration. It is the mighty grasp of a controll- 
 ing hand, which keeps every thing in its station. 
 Were this control suspended, there is nothing adequate 
 1o the preservation of harmony and affection between 
 ray mind and that of my dearest friend, for a single 
 hour. 
 
 r 
 
 Lord Chesterfield tells his son, that when he enter- 
 ed into the world and heard the conjectures and notions 
 about public affairs, he was surprised at their folly; 
 because he was in the secret, and knew what was pass- 
 ing in the cabinet. We negociate. We make trea- 
 ties. We make war. We cry for peace. We have 
 
 G 
 
74 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 public liopes and fears. We distrust one minister, and 
 we repose on another. We recal one general or admi- 
 ral, because he has lost the national confidence, and we 
 send out another with a full tide of hopes and expecta- 
 tions. We find sometliing in men and measures, as 
 the sufficient cause of all sufferings or anticipations.— 
 But a religious man enters the cabinet. He sees, in all 
 public fears and difficulties, the pressure of God's hand. 
 So long as this pressm-e continues, he knows that we 
 may move heaven and earth in vain ; every thing is 
 bound up in icy fetters. But, when God removes his 
 band, the waters flow, measures avail, and hopes are 
 accomplished. 
 
 We are too apt to forget our actual dependence on 
 providence, for the circumstances of every instant. 
 The most trivial events may determine our state in the 
 world. Turning up one street instead of another, may 
 bring us into company witli a person whom we should 
 not otherwise have met ; and this may lead to a train of 
 other events, which may determine the happiness or 
 misery of our lives. 
 
 Light may break in upon a man after he has take* 
 a particular step ; but he will not condemn himself for 
 the step taken in a less degree of light : he may here- 
 after see still better than he now does, and have reason 
 to alter his opinion again. It is enough to satisfy us of 
 our duty, if we are conscious at the time we take a 
 step, we have an adequate motive. If we are consci- 
 ous of a wrong motive, or of a rash proceeding, for 
 such steps we must expect to suffer. 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL 
 
 75 
 
 Trouble or difficulty befalling us after any particular 
 step, is not of itself, an argument that the step was 
 wrong. A storm overtook the disciples in the ship ; 
 but this was no proof that they had done wrong to go 
 on board. Esau met Jacob, and occasioned him great 
 fear and anxiety, when lie left Laban ; but this did not 
 prove him to have done wTong in the step which he had 
 taken. Difficulties are no ground of presumption 
 against us, when we did not run into them in following 
 our own will ; yet the Israelites were with difficulty con- 
 vinced that they were in the path of duty, when they 
 found themselves shut in by the Red Sea. Christians, 
 and especially ministers, must expect troubles : it is in 
 this way that God leads them : he conducts them ^ per 
 a7-dua ad astra." They would be in imminent dan- 
 ger if the multitude at all times cried Hosanna ! 
 
 We must remember that we are short-sighted crea- 
 tures. We are like an unskilful chess-player, who 
 lakes the next piece, while a skilful one looks further. 
 He, who sees the end from the beginning, will often 
 appoint us a most inexplicable way to walk in. Joseph 
 was put into the pit and tiie dungeon : but this was the 
 way which led to the tlu-one. 
 
 We often want to know too much and too soon. We 
 want the light of to-morrow, but it will not come till to- 
 morrow. And then a slight turn, perhaps^ will throw 
 such light on our path, that we shall be astonished we 
 saw not our way before. " I can wait," says Lavater. 
 This is a high attainment. We must labor, therefore, 
 to be quiet in that path, from which we cannot recede 
 without danger and evil. 
 
76 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 There is not a nobler sight in the world, than an aged 
 and experienced Ciu-istian, who, having been sifted in 
 the sieve of temptation, stands forth as a confirrtier of 
 the assaulted— testifying, from his own trials, the real- 
 ity of religion ; and meeting, by his warnings and di- 
 rections and consolations, the cases of all who may be 
 tempted to doubt it. 
 
 The Christian expects his reward, not as due to 
 merit ; but as connected, in a constitution of grace, 
 with those acts which grace enables him to perform. 
 The pilgrim, who has been led to the gate of heaven, 
 will not knock there as worthy of being admitted ; but 
 the gate shall open to him, because he is brought thith- 
 er. He, who soirs, even ivith tears, the precious 
 seed of faith, hope, and love, shall doubtless come 
 again with joy, and bring his sheaves with him ; be- 
 cause it is in the very natuie of that seed, to yield, un- 
 der the kindly influence secured to it, a joyful harvest. 
 
 ON SUBJECTS CONNECTED WITH THE CHRISTIAN 
 MINISTRY. 
 
 ON A minister's QUALIFYING HIMSELF FOR HIS OFFICE. 
 
 When a young minister sets out, he should sit doAvn 
 and ask himself how he may best qualify himself 
 
 FOR HIS OFFICE. 
 
 How does a physician quahfy himself? It is not 
 enough that he oli'ers to feel the pulse. He must read. 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 77 
 
 and enquire, and observe, and make experiments, and 
 correct himself again and again. He must lay in a 
 stock of medical knowledge before he begins to feel 
 llie pulse. 
 
 The minister is a physician of a far higher order. 
 He has a vast field before him. He has to study an in- 
 finite variety of constitutions. He is to furnish him- 
 self y\'\t]\ the knowledge of the whole system of reme- 
 dies. He is to be a man of skill and expedient. If 
 one thing fail, he must know how to apply another. 
 Many intricate and perplexed cases will come before 
 him : it will be disgraceful to him not to be prepared 
 for sucIr His patients will put many questions to liim : 
 it will be disgraceful to him not to be prepared to 
 answer them. He is a merchant embarking in exten- 
 sive concerns. A little ready money in the pocket will 
 not answer the demands that will be made upon him. 
 Some of us seem to think it will. But they are grossly 
 deceived. There must be a well furnished account at 
 the banker's. 
 
 But it is not all gold that glitters. A young minis- 
 ter must learn to separate and select his materials. A 
 man wlio talks to himself will find out what suits the 
 heart of man : some things respond : they ring again. 
 Nothing of tliis nature is lost on mankind : it is worth its 
 w eiglit in gold, for the service of a minister. He must 
 remark, too, what it is that puzzles and distracts the 
 mind : all this is to be avoided : it may wear the garb 
 of deep research, and great acumen, and extensive 
 learning ; but it is nothing to the mass of mankind. 
 
 One of the most important considerations in making 
 a sermon, is to disembarrass it as much as possible. 
 G 2 
 
78 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 The sermons of tlie last century were like their large, 
 unwieldy chairs. Men have now a far more true idea 
 of a chair. They consider it as a piece of furniture to 
 sit upon, and they cut away from it every thing that 
 embarrasses and encumbers it. It requires as much re- 
 flection and wisdom to know what is not to be put into 
 a sermon, as what is. 
 
 A young minister should likewise look round him, 
 that he may see what has succeeded and what has not. 
 Truth is to be his companion, but he is to clothe her so 
 as to gain her access. Truth must never bow to fashion 
 or prejudice ; but her garb may be varied. No man was 
 ever eminently successful in his ministry, who did not 
 make truth his friend. Such a man might not see her, 
 indeed, in all her beauty and proportions ; but, certain- 
 ly, he saw and loved her. A young minister should 
 remember that she does not wear the dress of a party. 
 "Wherever she is, she is one and the same, however va- 
 riously men may array her. He, who is ignorant of her 
 prominent and distinguishing features, is like a musi- 
 cian who plays half score : it grates on every well- 
 fonned ear ; as fatal error finds no corresponding vi- 
 bration in the renewed heart. Truth fonns an imme- 
 diate acquaintance witli such a heart, by a certain fit- 
 ness and suitableness to its state and feelings. She is 
 something different from the picture which a Church- 
 man draws of her. A Dissenter misses her perfect 
 figure. A Frenchman distorts her features in one way : 
 and an Englishman in anotlier. Every one makes his 
 own cast and color too essential to her. 
 
 Knowledge, tlien, and truth, are to be the constant 
 aim of a young minister. But where shall he find them ? 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 79 
 
 Let him learn from a fool, if a fool can teach him any- 
 thing. Let him be every where, and always a learner. 
 He should imitate Gainsborough. Gainsboi'ough trans- 
 fused nature into his landscapes, beyond almost any of 
 his contemporaries : because Gainsborough was every 
 where the painter. Every remarkable feature or posi- 
 tion of a tree — every fine stroke of nature — was copied 
 into his pocket-book on the spot ; and, in his next pic- 
 ture, appeared with a life and vivacity and nature, 
 which no strength of memory or imagination could have 
 supplied. 
 
 There is a certain wise way, too, in which he should 
 accustom himself to look do^vn on the pm'suits of all 
 other men. No man of eminence in his profession is 
 destitute of such a partial feeling for his profession ; 
 though his judgment may remonstrate with him thereon, 
 as an unfounded partiality. The minister, however, is 
 REQUIRED so to view all other pursuits. He alone is the 
 man whose aim is eternity. He alone is the man, whose 
 office and profession, in all their parts, are raised into 
 dignity and importance, by their dii-ect reference to 
 eternity. For eternity he schemes, and plans, and 
 labors. 
 
 He should become a philosopher also. He should 
 make experiments on himself and others, in order to 
 find out what will produce effect. He is a fisherman ; 
 and the fisherman must fit himself to his employment. 
 If some fish will bite only by day, lie must fish by day ; 
 if others will bite only by moonlight, he must fish for 
 them by moonlight. He has an engine to work, and it 
 must be his most assiduous endeavour to work his en- 
 gine to the full extent of its powers : and, to find out 
 
80 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 its powers, is the first step toward success and effect. 
 Many men play admirably on tlie organ, if you would 
 allow to them that there is no difference betw een an 
 organ and a harpsicord, but they have utterly mistaken 
 its powers. Combination is the unrivalled excellence 
 of the organ ; and therefore he only can display its 
 powers, who studies the chords and stops in all their 
 infinite variety of resolution and composition, rather 
 than the rapid motion of his fingers only. 
 
 But all the minister's efforts ^\ill be vanity, or w orse 
 than vanity, if he have not imction. Unction must come 
 dowTi from heaven, and spread a savor and relish and 
 feeling over his ministry. And, among all the other 
 means of qualifying himself for his office, the Bible 
 must hold the first place, and the last also must be 
 given to the word of God and prayer. 
 
 ON THE ASSISTANCE WHICH A MINISTER HAS REASON 
 TO EXPECT IN THE DISCHARGE OF HIS PUBLIC DUTY. 
 
 Men have carried their views on this subject to ex- 
 tremes. Enthusiasts have said that learning, and that 
 studying and writing sermons, have injiu-ed the cliurch. 
 The accurate men have said, " Go and hear one of 
 these enthusiasts hold forth !» 
 
 But both classes may be rendered useful. Let each 
 correct its evils, yet do its work in its own way. 
 
 Some men set up exhorbitant notions about accuracy. 
 But exquisite accuracy is totally lost on mankind. The 
 greater part of those who hear, cannot be brought 
 to see the points of the acccurate man. The Scriptures 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 81 
 
 are not viitten in this manner. I sliould advise a 
 young minister to break tlu-ough all such cobwebs, as 
 these unphilosophical men would spin round hini. An 
 humble and modest man is silenced, if he sees one of 
 these critics before him. He should say, " I am God's 
 servant. To my own master I stand or fall. I will labor 
 accoiding to the utmost ability which God giveth, and 
 leave all consequences to him." 
 
 « We are especially taught in the New Testament, to 
 glorify the Spirit of God ; and, in his gracious opera- 
 tions in our ministry, we are nearer the apostohc times 
 than we often think ourselves. But this assistance is 
 to be expected by us, as laborers in the vineyard ; not 
 as rhapsodists. Idle men may be pointed out, who 
 have abused the doctrine of divine assistance ; but 
 what has not been abused ? We must expect a special 
 blessing to accompany the truth : not to supersede 
 labor, but to rest on and accompany labor. 
 
 A minister is to be iii season, and out of season ; 
 and, therefore, every where a minister. He will not 
 employ himself in writing secular histories : he will 
 not bu.sy himself in prosecuting mathematical inquiries. 
 He will labor directly in his high calling : and indi- 
 rectly, in a vast variety of ways, as he may be enabled : 
 aud God may bless that word in private, which may 
 have been long heard in public in vain. 
 
 A minister should satisfy himself in saying, " It mat- 
 ters not what men think of my talents. Am I doing 
 what I can ?" — for there is great encouragement in that 
 commendation of our Lord's, She hath done what she 
 could. It would betray a wrong state of mind to say, 
 " If I had discharged my duty in such and such a way. 
 
82 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 I should have succeeded." This is a carnal spirit. If 
 God bless the simple manner in which you spoke, that 
 will do good ; if not, no manner of speaking could have 
 done it. 
 
 There is such a thing in the religious world as a 
 cold, carnal wisdom : eveiy thing must be nicely 
 weighed in the scales ; every thing must be exactly 
 measui-ed by the rule. I question if this is not worse, 
 in its consequences, than the enthusiasm which it op» 
 poses. Both are evil, and to be .shunned. But I 
 scarcely ever knew a preacher or writer of this class 
 who did much good. 
 
 We are to go forth, expecting the excellency of 
 God's power to accompany us, since we are but earth- 
 en vessels : and if, in the apostolic days, diligence was 
 necessajy, how much more requisite is it now ! 
 
 But to the exercise of this diligence, a sufficiency in 
 all things is promised. What does a minister require ? 
 In all these respects the promise is applicable to him. 
 He needs, for instance, courage and patience : he may, 
 therefore, expect that the Holy Spirit will enable him 
 for the exercise of these graces. 
 
 A minister maj' expect more superintendence, more 
 elevation, than a hearer. It can scarcely be question- 
 ed that he ought to pray for this ; if so, he has a ground 
 in Scriptuie thus to pray. 
 
 I have been cm-ed of expecting the Holy Spirit's in- 
 fluence without due preparation on our part, by observ- 
 ing how men preach who take up that error. I have 
 heard such men talk nonsense by the hour. 
 
 We must combine Luther with St. Paul — "Bene 
 orasse est bene studuisse,'" must be united with St. 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 83 
 
 Paul's Meditate upon these things : give thyself 
 irholly to them, that thy ■profiting may appear to 
 all. One em who says, " I will preach a reputable 
 sermon :" and another errs who says, " I will leave all 
 lo the assistance of the Holy Spirit," while he has ne- 
 glected a diligent preparation. 
 
 ON PREACHING CHRIST. 
 
 We preach Christ crucifi,ed — 1 Cor. i, 23. 
 
 Christ is God's great ordinance. Nothing ever has 
 been done, or will be done to purpose, but so far as he 
 is held forth with simplicity. All the lines must centre 
 in him. I feel this in my own experience, and there- 
 fore I govern my ministry by it : but then this is to be 
 done according to the analogy of faith — not ignor- 
 ant ly, absurdly, and falsely. I doubt not, indeed, but 
 that excess ou this side is less pernicious than excess on 
 the other ; because God will bless his own especial or- 
 dinance, though partially understood and partially ex- 
 lubited. 
 
 There are many weighty reasons for rendering 
 Chi-ist prominent in our ministry : — 
 
 1. Christ cheers the prospect. Every tiling con- 
 nected w ith him has light and gladness thrown round it. 
 I look out of my window : — the scene is scowbng — 
 dark— frigid — forbidding: I shudder — my heart is chill- 
 ed. But let the sun break forth from the cloud — I can 
 feel — I can act — I can spring. 
 
 2. God descending and dwelling with man, is a 
 
84 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 truth SO infinitely grand, that it must absorb nil 
 others. " You are his attendants ! Well ! but tlie king ! 
 There he is ! — the king !" 
 
 3. Out of Christ God is not intelligible, much 
 less amiable. Such men as Clarke and Abernethy talk 
 sublime nonsense. A sick woman said to me — ' Sir ! 
 I have no notion of God. I can form no notion of him. 
 You talk to me about him, but I cannot get a single 
 idea that seems to contain any thing.' — ' But you know 
 how to conceive of Jesus Christ as a man ! God comes 
 down to you in him, full of kindness and condescension.' 
 — ' Ah ! Sir, that gives me something to lay hold on. 
 There I can rest. I understand God in his Son.' But 
 if God is not intelligible out of Ciirist, much less is he 
 amiable, though I ought to feel him so. He is an ob- 
 ject of horror and aversion to me, corrupted as I am ! I 
 fear — I tremble — I resist — I hate — I rebel. 
 
 4. it preacher may pursue his topic, without be- 
 ing led by it to Christ. A man who is accustomed to 
 investigate topics is in danger. He takes up his topic 
 and pursues it. He takes up another and pursues it. 
 At length Jesus Christ becomes his topic, and then he 
 pursues that. If he cannot so feel and think as to bend 
 all subjects naturally and gracefully to Christ, he must 
 seek his remedy in selecting such as Jire more evangeli- 
 cal. 
 
 5. God puts peculiar honor on the preaching of 
 Christ crucified. A philosopher may philosophize his 
 liearers, but the preaching of Christ must convert them. 
 John the Baptist will make his hearers tremble ; but, if 
 the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he, 
 let him exhibit that peculiar feature of his superiority 
 
REMAINS OK MR. CECIL. 
 
 85 
 
 — Jesus Christ. Men may preach Clirist ignorantly — 
 blunderingly — absurdly : yet God will give it efficacy, 
 because he is determined to magnify his own ordinance. 
 
 6. God seeins, in the doctrine, of the cross, to de- 
 sign the desti-uction of mmi's pride. Evfn the mur- 
 derer and the adulterer sometimes become subjects of 
 the grace of the Gospel, because the murderer and adul- 
 terer are more easily conv-inced and humbled : but the 
 man of virtue is seldom reached, because the man of 
 virtue disdains to descend. Remember me, saved a 
 dying malefactor ! — God, I thank Thee, condemned a 
 proud Pharisee ! 
 
 Every minister should therefore enquire, " what is 
 
 FOR ME THE WISEST AVAY OF PREACHING CHRIST TO MEN V 
 
 Some seem to think that in the choice of a wise way, 
 there lurks always a trimming disposition. There are 
 men, doubtless, who will sacrifice to self, even Christ 
 Jesus the Lord: but they, of all men, are farthest 
 from the thing. There is a secret in doing it, which 
 none but an honest man can discover. The knave is 
 not half wise enough. 
 
 We are not to judge one another in these things. 
 Sufficient it is, to us, to know wliat we have to do. 
 There are different ways of doing the same thing, and 
 that with success and acceptance. We see this in the 
 apostles themselves. They not only preached Cin-ist in 
 different ways ; but, what is more, they could not do 
 this like one another. They declare this fact them- 
 selves ; and acknowledge the grace of God in their 
 respective gifts. Our beloved brother Paul writes, 
 says St. Peter, according to the wisdom given unto 
 
 H 
 
86 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 Iiim. But tliere are Peters, in our days, who would 
 say — " Paul is too learned. Away with these things, 
 which are hard to be understood. He should be more 
 sim^jle. I dislike all this reasoning." And there are 
 Pauls, who would say, " Peter is rash and unguarded. 
 He should put a curb on his impetuosity." And there 
 are Johns, who would say, " They should both dis- 
 charge their offices in my soft and winning manner. 
 No good will come of this fii e and noise." Nothing of 
 this sort ! Each hath hit proper cjift of God ; one af- 
 ter this manner, and another after that : and each 
 seems only desirous to occnpy faithfully till his Mas- 
 ter come, leaving liis brethren to stand or fall to their 
 oicn Master. 
 
 Too much dependence is often placed on a system of 
 RATIONAL CONTRIVANCE. An iiigenious man thinks lie 
 can so manage to preach Ciu-ist, that his hearers will 
 say — " Here is nothing of methodism ! This has no- 
 thing to do with that system !" I will venture to say, 
 if this is the sentiment communicated by his ministry, 
 tliat he has not delivered his message. The people do 
 not know what he means, or he has kept back part of 
 God's truth. He has fallen on a carnal contrivance, 
 to avoid a cross, and lie does no good to souls. The 
 WHOLE MESSAGE iTiust be delivered ; and it is better 
 it should be delivered even coarsely, than not at all. 
 We may lay it down as a principle — That if the Gos- 
 be a MEDICINE, and a specific too — as it is — it must be 
 got down SUCH AS IT IS. Any attempt to sophisticate 
 and adulterate will deprive it of its efficacy : and will 
 often recoil on the man who makes the attempt, to his 
 shame and confusion. The Jesuits tried to render 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 87 
 
 Christianity palatable to the Chinese by adulterating it ; 
 but tlie Jesuits were driven with abliorrence from the 
 empire. 
 
 If we have to deal with men of learninsj, let us shew 
 learning so far as lo demonstrate that it bears its testi- 
 mony to the truth. But accomodation in manner must 
 often spring from humility. We must condescend to 
 the capacity of men, and make the truth intelligible to 
 them. 
 
 If this be our manner of preaching Christ, we must 
 make up our minds not to regard the little caviller who 
 will judge us by the standard of his favorite autiior or 
 preacher. We must be cautious, too, since men of 
 God have been and ever will be the butt and scorn of 
 the world, of thinking that we can escape its snares and 
 its censm-es. It is a foolish project — To .woid giving 
 OFFENCE ; but it is our duty to avoid giving unneces- 
 s.-VRV offence. It is necessary offence, if it is given by 
 the truth : but it is unnecessary, if our own spirit occa- 
 sion it. 
 
 I have often thought that St. Paul was raised up pe- 
 culiarly to be an example to others, in laboring to dis- 
 cover the wisest way of exhiljiting the Gospel ; not only 
 that he was to be a great pattern in otl;er points, but 
 designedly raised up for this very thing. How does 
 he labor to make the truth reasonably plain ! How 
 does he strain every nerve and ransack evei y corner of 
 the heart, to make it reasonably palatable ! We 
 need not to be instructed in his particular meaning 
 when he says, I became all things to allmeii, if by 
 any imans I might save some. His history is a com- 
 ment on the declaration. 
 
88 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CKCIL. 
 
 The knowledge of Jesus Christ is a wonderful mys- 
 tery. Some men think they preach Christ gloriously 
 because they name him every two minutes in their 
 sermons. But that is not preaching Christ. To un- 
 derstand, and enter into, and open his various offices 
 and characters — the glories of his person and work — 
 his relation to us, and ours to him, and to God the Fa- 
 ther and God the Spirit through him — this is the 
 knowledge of Christ. The divines of the present day 
 are stunted dwarfs in this knowledge, compared v,i\h 
 the great men of the last age. To know Jesus Christ 
 for ourselves, is to make him a consolation, — delight, 
 
 STRENGTH, — RIGHTEOUSNESS, — COMPANION, — and END. 
 
 This is the aspect in which religion should be pre- 
 sented to mankind : it is suited, above all other, to pro- 
 duce effect ; and effect is our object. We must take 
 human nature as we find human nature. We must 
 take human nature in great cities, as we find human 
 nature in great cities. We may say — "this or that 
 is the aspect w Jiich ought to have most effect : we must 
 illuminate the mind : we must enlist the reason : we 
 must attack the conscience." We may do all this, 
 and yet our comparative want of success in begetting 
 and educating the sons of glory, may demonstrate to us 
 that there is some more effective way ; and that sound 
 sense and philosophy call on us to adopt that way, be- 
 cause it is the most effective. 
 
 Our system of preaching must meet mankind : they 
 must find it possible to live in the bustle of the world, 
 and yet serve God : after being worried and harrassed 
 with its concerns, let them hear cheering truths con- 
 cerning Christ's love and care and pity, which mil ope- 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 89 
 
 rate like an enchantment in dispelling the cares of life, 
 and calming the anxious perturbations of conscience. 
 Bring forward privileges and enforce duties, in their 
 proper places and proportions. 
 
 Let there be no extremes : yet I am arrived at this 
 conviction : — Men, who lean toward the extreme of 
 evangelical privileges in their ministry, do much more 
 to the conversion of their hearers ; than they do, who 
 lean toward the extreme of requirement. And my 
 own experience confirms my observation. I feel my- 
 self repelled, if any thing chills, loads, or urges me. 
 This is my nature, and I see it to be very much the na- 
 ture of other men. But, let me hear. Son of man, 
 thou hast played the harlot with many lovers ; yet 
 return again to me saith the Lord — I am melted and 
 subdued. 
 
 ON A minister's FAMILIAR INTERCOURSE WITH HIS 
 HEARERS. 
 
 What passes, on these occasions, too often savours 
 of this world. We become one among our hearers. 
 They come to church on Sunday ; and we preach : the 
 week comes round again, and its nonsense with it. 
 Now, if a minister were what he should be, the people 
 would feel it. They would not attempt to introduce 
 this silly, diurnal chat ! When we countenance this, 
 it looks as though, " On the Sunday I am ready to do 
 MY business ; and, in the week, you may do YOURS." 
 Tiiis lowers the tone of what I say on the Sabbath. It 
 forms a sad comment on my preaching. 
 
 H 2 
 
90 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 I have ti-aced, I tliiiik, some of the e\il that hes at 
 the root of tliis. We are more concerned to he thought 
 gentlemen, than to be felt as ministers. Now being de- 
 sirous to be thought a man who has kept good company, 
 strikes at the root of that rough work — the bringing of 
 God into his own world. It is hard and rough work to 
 bring God into his own Avorld. To talk of a Creator, 
 and Presei-ver, and Redeemer, is an outrage on the feel- 
 ings of most companies. 
 
 There is important truth in what Mr. Wesley said to 
 his preachers, when rightly understood, however it may 
 have been ridiculed : — " You have no more to do with 
 being gentlemen, than dancing masters." The charac- 
 ter of a minister is far beyond that of a mere gentleman. 
 It takes a higher walk. He will, indeed, study to be 
 a real gentleman : he will be the farthest possible from 
 a rude man : he A\ill not disdain to learn nor to practice 
 the decencies of society : but he will sustain a still 
 higher character. 
 
 It is a snare to a minister when in company, to be 
 drawn out to converse largely on the state of the funds, 
 and on the news of the day. He should know the 
 world, and what is doing in the world, and should give 
 things of this nature their due place and proportion ; 
 but if he can be dra\ni out to give twenty opinions on 
 this or that subject of politics or literature, he is lower- 
 ed in his tone. A man of sense feels something violent 
 in the transition from such conversation to the Bible 
 and to prayer. 
 
 Dinner visits can seldom be rendered really profit- 
 able to the mind. The company are so much occu- 
 pied, that little good is to be done. A minister should 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 91 
 
 shew his sense of the value of time : it is a sad tiling 
 wlien tliose around him begin to yawn. He must be a 
 man of business. It is not sufficiently considered how 
 great the sin of idleness is. We talk, in the pulpit of 
 the value of time, but we act too little on what we say. 
 
 Let a minister who declines associating much with 
 liis hearers, satisfy himself that he lias a good reason 
 for doing so. If reproached for not \isiting them so 
 much as they wish, let him have a just reason to assign. 
 A man who is at work for his family, may have as 
 much love for them as the wife, though she is always 
 with them. 
 
 I fell into a mistake, when a young man, in thinking 
 that I could talk with men of the world on their own 
 ground, and could thus win them over to mine. I was 
 fond of painting, and so talked with them on that sub- 
 ject. This pleased them : but I did not consider that 
 I gave a consequence to their pursuits which does not 
 belong to them ; whereas I ought to have endeavored to 
 raise them above these, that they might engage in 
 higher. I did not see this at the time : but I now see 
 it to have been a great error. A wealthy man builds 
 a tine house, and opens to himself fine prospects : he 
 wants you to see them, for he is sick of them himself. 
 They thus draw you into their schemes. A man has 
 got ten thousand pounds : you congratulate him upon 
 it, and tliat without any intimation of his danger or his 
 responsibility^ Now you may tell him in the pulpit 
 tliat riches are nothing worth ; but you will tell liim 
 this in vain, Avhile you tell him out of it that they are. 
 
 Lord Chesterfield says, a man's character is degrad- 
 ed when HE IS to be had. A minister ought never 
 
 TO BE HAD. 
 
92 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 ON A minister's ENCOURAGING ANIMADVERSION Olf 
 HIMSELF. 
 
 It is a serious inquiry for a minister, how far he 
 
 SHOULD ENCOURAGE ANIMADVERSION ON HIMSELF IN HIS 
 
 HEARERS. He will ciicounter many ignorant and 
 many censorious remarks, but he may gain mucli on 
 the whole. 
 
 He should lay down, to himself a few principles. 
 
 It is better that a minister smart than mistake. 
 It is better that a traveller meet a .surly, impertinent 
 fellow to direct him in his way, than lose his way. A 
 minister is so important in his office, that, whatever 
 others think of it, he shoidd regard this and this only 
 as the transaction for eternity. But a man may be la- 
 boring in the fire : he may be turning the world upside 
 down, and yet be v\Toiig, You say he must read his 
 Bible. True ! but he must use all means. He must 
 build his usefulness on this principle— //* any means. 
 If the wheel hitches, let him, by any means, discover 
 where it hitches. This principle is to be worked con- 
 tinually in his mind. He must labor to keep it up to a 
 fine, keen edge. Let him never beheve that his ^•iew 
 of himself is sufficient. A merchant sailing in quest of 
 gain, is so intent on his object, that he ^^■ill take a hint 
 from any man. If we had all the meaning to which 
 we jireteud in our pursuits, we should feel and act like 
 him. 
 
 A minister must lay it down also as a principle, that 
 he will never snjficienthj understand his own pride 
 and self-love ; and that confidence in his own sense, 
 H-hich cleaves closely to every man. He must con- 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 93 
 
 siller tills as the general malady. Man is blind and 
 obstinate — poor and proud. This silly creature, through 
 ignorance ol'this principle, will not only not hear a vul- 
 gar hearer who animadverts on him ; but he will 
 .scarcely listen to a superior man among his hearers. 
 He attends to such a one, because it would be indecent 
 not to attend. But he finds some excuse for himself 
 in his own bosom. He reverences what is said very 
 little, if at all. He strokes and flatters himself, and 
 makes up the matter very well in his own mind. 
 
 A minister should consider Jioto much more easily 
 a toeak man can 7~ea(l a tri.se //ni//, than a wise 
 man can read himself : and that for tiiis reason — no 
 man can see and hear himself. He is too much formed 
 in his own habits — liis family notions — his closet notions 
 — to detect himself. He, who stands by and sees a 
 game played, has vast advantages over the players. 
 Besides, preachers err systeniatii ally — learnedly — sci- 
 entifically. The simple hearer has an appeal to nature 
 in his heart. He can often feel that his minister is 
 wrong, wheti he is not able to set liiin right. Dr. Man- 
 tjn, no doubt, thought he had preached well, and as 
 became him, before the Lord Mayor : but he felt him- 
 self reproveda nd instructed, when a poor man pulled 
 him by the sleeve, and told him he had understood no - 
 thing of his sermon : there an ajjpeal in th.is poor 
 man's breast to nature : nature could not make any 
 thing of the Doctor's learning. When Apelles took 
 his stand behind his picture, he was a wise man : and 
 he was a wise man too, when he altered t!ie shoe on the 
 hint of tlie cobbler : the cobbler ia his place, was to be 
 heard. 
 
94 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 A minister should consider, too, tliat few will ven- 
 ture to speak to a public man. It is a rare thing to 
 hear a man say — " Upon my word that thing, or your 
 general manner, is deleclive or improper." If a wise 
 man says this, he shows a regard, which the united 
 stock of live hunch-ed flatterers will not equal. I would 
 set down half the blunders of ministers to their not list- 
 ening to animadversion. I have heard it said— lor the 
 men, wlio would animadvert on us, talk, among them- 
 selves, if we refuse to let tliem talk to us — I have heard 
 it said, " Why don't you talk to him ?"— " Why don't 
 you talk to him ! because he will not hear !" 
 
 Let him consider, moreover, that this aversion from 
 reproof is not wise. This is a symptom of the dis- 
 ease. Why should he want this hushing up of the 
 disorder "? This is a mark of a little mind. A great 
 man can afford to lose : a little insignificant fellow is 
 afraid of being snutied out. 
 
 A minister mistakes who should refuse to read any 
 anonymous letters. He may, perhaps, see nothing in 
 them the first time ; but, let him read them again and 
 again. The writer raises his superstructure, probably, 
 on a slight basis ; yet there is generally some sort of 
 occasion. If lie points out but a small error, yet tii.\t 
 is worth detecting. 
 
 In the present habits of men, it is so difficult to get 
 them to tell tlie naked trutii, that a minister should show 
 a dispusition to be corrected : he should show liiniself 
 to be seasible of the want of it. He is not to encoui-age 
 idle people : that could be productive of no possible 
 good. 
 
 These are some of the reasons for a minister's encour- 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 96 
 
 agement in a judicious manner, of animadversion on 
 himself in his hearers. 
 
 Sometimes, however, a man will come who appears 
 to be an impertinent man, independently of what he has 
 to remark — a man who is evidently disposed to be 
 troublesome. Such a man came to me, with — " Sir, 
 you said such a tiling that seemed to lean to the doc- 
 trine of universal redemption. Pray, Sir, may I speak 
 a httle with you on that subject ?" Tlie manner of the 
 mail at i nce marked his character. He seemed to 
 bring witii liiui this kind of sentiment — " I'll go and set 
 that man i-iglit. I'll call that man to account." It was a 
 sort of democratic insolence of mind. Instead of 
 answering him as he expected, I treated him as a child. 
 I turned it into an occasion of preaching a sermon to 
 him: — "Sir, do you come to instruct me, or to be instruct- 
 ed ? Before we enter on a question which has exercised 
 the greatest men, we want a preparedness of mind : we 
 want a deep humility — a teachableness — a spirit of de- 
 pendence — of whicli you seem to me to have but little." 
 
 On the other hand, a man may come, quite as ignor- 
 ant as the other, yet a simple ciiaracler. I have dis- 
 tressed him. Tliough he cannot, perliaps be made to 
 understand what he inquires about — jet a minister 
 should say to himself, " Have I puzzled him ? He is 
 wounded, and he comes for help." 
 
 A minister should iemember that he is not always to 
 act and speak authoritatively. He sits on his friend's 
 chair, and his friend says his things to him with frank- 
 ness. They may want perhaps a little decorum ; but 
 lie sliould receive them in the most friendly and good 
 humoured way in the world. A thing strikes this man 
 
96 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 and that man : he may depend on it, that it has some 
 foundation. 
 
 But there are persons, wliom a minister should more 
 than encourage to animadvert on him. He should em- 
 ploy them. He should explain himself to them. He 
 does not merely want an account of his sermon, but he 
 employs (hem on business. To such sensible persons, 
 he will say—" What serious judgment do you form of 
 my preaching ? Do tell me what sort of a man I am." 
 A minister has to treat with another sort of hearers 
 
 uncandid men, and yet men of capacity : a sort of 
 
 men, wlio are now pleased, and then displeased. Tliey 
 spy a blot every where. He is likely to make a mis- 
 take with regard to such men :— " What signifies the 
 opinion of that man ? That man can never be pleased." 
 True ! that man cannot be pleased ; but it does not fol- 
 low that he tells you no truth. In treating witli such a 
 man he should say— His edge may be too keen for can- 
 dor and sound judgment ; yet if it lays open to me 
 what I could not otherwise see, let me improve by its 
 keenness. What hurt can he do to me ? He may 
 damp or irritate others, by talking thus to them ; but 
 let me learn what is to be learnt from liim." Such a 
 man lifts a minister from his standing, where he settles 
 down too easily and firmly. If I know a man to be of 
 this class, I will distinguish : « This is the man : but 
 that is myself!" If I would write a book to stand the 
 fire, let me find out tlie severest censor. My friend is 
 but half the man : there is a consentaneousness of senti- 
 ment between us : we have fallen in together, till we 
 scarcely know how to ditfer irom each other. Let tiie 
 man come who says—" Here I can discover you to 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL, 
 
 97 
 
 yonrself; and there!" The best hints are obtained 
 from snarling people. Medicaments make the patient 
 smart, but they heal. 
 
 Yet a minister must not take this in the gross. He 
 is not to invite rude men romid his door. If he suffer 
 Ins hearers to treat him irreverently, if he allow Iheni to 
 dispute with him on every occasion, he will bring ruin 
 on the Church. The priest's lips must keep know- 
 ledfje. If a parent allow his children to question every 
 thing, so that nothing is to be settled without a hundred 
 proofs, they will soon despise their teacher, for they 
 will think themselves able to teach him. The minister 
 must have decided superiority and authority, or he will 
 want one of (he principal qualities of his ministry. This 
 is not inconsistent with receiving hints. He may mis- 
 take in some things : but he should mark the complex- 
 ion of his congregation in deciding how far they are to 
 be heard on his mistakes. If the people are heady, 
 f orward, confident in tlieir own sense, they are never 
 to be encouraged. They are gone too far. 
 
 ON THE LIMITS WHICH A MINISTER SHOULD PUT TO 
 THE INDULGENCE OF HIS CURIOSITY WITH RE- 
 GARD TO PUBLIC EXHIBITIONS. 
 
 An extreme is to be avoided. Some persons would 
 condemn even rational curiosily. But the works of the 
 Lord are great ; sought out of all them that have 
 pleasure therein. I would not object, therefore, to 
 visit the museum ; or to go to see the rare natural 
 productions often exhibited. I would enlarge, too, my 
 I 
 
98 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 views of men and tlie world by frequenting the panor- 
 amas of cities. And tliough I would not run after 
 every sight, yet I would use my liberty in selecting. 
 But some are in an opposite extreme. TJiey are found 
 every where. But he who sustains the cliaracter of a 
 scribe of the kingdom of heaven, ought not to be 
 fomid every where. The man who is seeking a heav- 
 enly country, will show the spirit of one whose con- 
 versation is there. 
 
 There is something in religion, when rightly appre- 
 hended, that is mascuhne and grand. It removes those 
 little desires which are " tlie constant hectic of a fool.'' 
 
 Every thing of the drama, and wliatever is so dis- 
 tinctly the course of this ivorld, must be shunned. If 
 a minister take one step into the world, his hearers 
 will take two. Much may be learnt from the senti- 
 ments of men of the world. If a man of this character 
 who heard me preach, should meet me where he would 
 say, " Why, I did not expect to see you here — then 
 he ought not to have seen me there. 
 
 There must be measure and proportion in our atten- 
 tion to arts and sciences. These were the very idols 
 of the heathen world : and what are they, who now 
 follow them with an idolatrous eagerness but like 
 children, who are charmed mlh the sparkling of a 
 rocket, and yet see nothing in the sun ? 
 
 Yet I would not indulge a cj-nical temper. If I go 
 through a gentleman's gallery of pictmes, I would say, 
 " This is an admirable Claude '" but I would take oc- 
 casion to drop a hint of something higher and better, and 
 to niake it felt that 1 fell in with these things rather in- 
 cidentally than purposely. But all tins must be done 
 
REMAINS OF MR, CECIL. 
 
 99 
 
 witli tenderness and liumility . "I tread on the pride 
 of Plato," said Diogenes, as he walked over Plato's 
 carpet : "Yes — and with more pride," said Plato. 
 
 " They pass be.st over the world," said queen Eliza- 
 beth, " who trip over it quickly : for it is but a bog. 
 If we stop, we sink." 
 
 I would not make it my criterion — " Christ would 
 not come hither !" I must take a lower standard in 
 these things. I am a poor creature, and must be con- 
 tented to learn in many places and by many scenes, 
 which Christ need not to have frequented. 
 
 ON THE MEANS OF PROMOTING A SPIRIT OF DEVO- 
 TION IN COIMGREGATIONS. 
 
 Let us ask, " What is man ?" He is a creature of 
 feeling as well as of intellect. We must interest him 
 as we can. It is unphilosopiiical to depend on the mere 
 statement of truth. No doubt tliere is a contrary error : 
 for what is the end of exciting attention, if there is no- 
 thing deserving attention ? 
 
 It is of the first importance to PUT MEANING into 
 every part of the service. In either extreme, of ap- 
 pealing to the understanding or the feelings, there may 
 be no meaning : in a dull and lifeless preacher, there 
 is no meaning ; and in one of a contrary character, 
 there may be nothing worthy of the name. 
 
 There is, besides, TOO little attention, in many 
 churches, TO man as man. I would consult his con- 
 venience in all lawful points. If he could sit easier 
 on cushions, he should have cushions. I would not telJ 
 
100 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 liim to be warm in God's service, while I leave him to 
 sliiver Avitli cold. No doors should creak : no win- 
 dows should rattle. 
 
 Music has an important effect on devotion. Where- 
 ever fantastical music enters, it betrays a corrupt prin- 
 ciple, congregation cannot enter into it ; or if it 
 does, it cannot be a Christian congregation. Where- 
 ever there is an attempt to set off the music in the ser- 
 vice, and the attempt is apparent, it is the first step to- 
 ward carnality. TJiough there is too little life in the 
 style of music adopted among the Moravians, j et the 
 simplicity of Christianity prevades their devotion. 
 
 Order is important. Some persons by coming in 
 when they please, propagate a loose habit of mind. 
 For man is a sympathetic creature ; and what he sees 
 others neglect, he is in danger of growing negligent in 
 himself. If the reader goes through the service as 
 though the great business for which they are assembled 
 is not yet begun, the people will soon feel thus them- 
 selves. 
 
 The ministers should take occasion frequently to im- 
 press on the people the importance of the work in 
 which they are engaged. It is not enough to take it 
 for granted that they feel this. We must take nothing 
 for granted. Man needs to be reminded of every thing, 
 for he soon forgets every thing. 
 
 Monotony must be, above all things, avoided. The 
 mind is vagrant : monotony cannot recal it. There 
 may be continued vehemence, while the attention is not 
 excited ; it is disturbance and noise : there is nothing 
 to lead the mind into a useful train of thouglit or feel- 
 ing. 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 101 
 
 There is an opposite error to vehemence. Men of 
 sense and literature depress devotion by treating things 
 ABSTRACTEDLY. Simplicity, with good sense, is of un- 
 ."^peakable value. Religion must not be rendered ab- 
 straxt and curious. If a curious remark presents itself, 
 reserve it for another place. The hearer gets away 
 from the bustle and business of the week : he comes 
 trembling under his fears : he would mount upward in 
 his spirit : but a cm-ious etymological disquisition chills 
 and repels him. 
 
 In truth, we should be men of business in our congre- 
 gations. We should endeavor both to excite and in- 
 struct our hearers. We should render the sei-vice an 
 interesting affair in all its parts. We should rouse men : 
 we should bind up the broken hearted : we should 
 comfort the feeble minded : we should support the 
 weak : we should bccoyne all things to all men, if by 
 any means ive may save some. 
 
 ON THE MARRIAGE OF CHRISTIAN MINISTERS. 
 
 It seems to me, that many men do not give sufficient 
 weight to our Lord's observations upon those who 
 made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven s 
 sake, nor to St. Paul's reasoning on the subject of mar- 
 riage. I would only imply, that both our Lord and 
 tlie apostle seem to establish it as a principle, that a 
 single state when it can be chosen and is chosen for the 
 sake of the gospel, is the superior state. This, I fear, 
 is too mucii forgotten ; and those men, who might have 
 received the saying, and have done more service to 
 I 2 
 
102 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 the church of God by receiving it, have given it little or 
 no weight in their deliberations. 
 
 And yet it ought to be considered, that the very 
 character which would best fit men for living in a single 
 state, would abstract them too much from the feelings 
 and wants of their people. I am fully sensible that I 
 should have been hardened against the distresses of my 
 hearers, if I had not been reduced from my natural slo- 
 icism by domestic sufferings. 
 
 The cases, I allow, are extremely few, in which a 
 man may do, on the whole, more service to the church, 
 by imitating St. Paul, than by marrying : yet there are 
 such cases ; and it behooves every minister seriously to 
 consider himself and his situation, before he determines 
 on marriage. He should not regard this state as in- 
 dispensably necessary to him, but should always re- 
 member, that, caeteris paribus, he, who remains sin- 
 gle is most tvorthy of honor. 
 
 But, when it is proper that a minister should marry, 
 and he has determined to do it, how few select such 
 women as suit their high and holy character ! A minis- 
 ter is like a man who has undertaken to traverse the 
 world. He has not only fair and pleasant ground to 
 travel over, but he must encounter deserts and marsh- 
 es and mountains. The traveller wants a firm and 
 steady stay. His wife should be above all things, a 
 woman of faith and prayer— a woman, too, of a sound 
 mind and of a tender heart— and one who will account 
 It her glory to lay herself out in co-operating w ilh her 
 husband by meeting liis wants and soothing his cares. 
 She should be his uufaiUng resource, so far as he ousht 
 to seek this in the creature. Blessed is she, who is thus 
 qualified and thus lives ! 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CLCIL. 
 
 But alter all, the married minister, if he would live 
 devotedly, must move in a determined sphere. What- 
 ever Lis wife may be, yet she is a woman — and if 
 things are to go on well, they must have two separate 
 worlds. There may, indeed, be cases, when a man 
 with something of a soft and feminine cast about his 
 mind, may be united to a woman of a mind so superior 
 and cultivated, that he may choose to make it his plan 
 that they shall move in the same world. In such rare 
 cases it may be done with less inconvenience than in 
 any other. But, even here, the highest end is sacri- 
 ficed to feeling. Every man, whatever be his natural 
 disposition, who would urge his poAvers to the highest 
 end, must be a man of solitary studies. Some uxorious 
 men of considerable minds have moved so mucli in the 
 women's world, that reflection, disquisition, and the en- 
 ergies of thought, have been ruined by the habit of in- 
 dulging the lighter, softer, and more playful qualities. 
 Such a man is indeed the idol of the female world ; but 
 he would rather deserve to be so, if he stood upon his 
 own ground while he attempted to meet their wants, in- 
 stead of descending to mingle among them. 
 
 God has put a difference between the sexes, but edu- 
 cation aud manners have put a still greater. They 
 are designed to move in separate spheres, but occasion- 
 ally to unite together in order to soften and relieve 
 each other. To attempt any subversion of God's de- 
 sign herein, is being wiser than He who made us ; and 
 who has so established this affair that each sex has ils 
 separate and appropriate excellence — only to be at- 
 tained by pursuing it in the order of nature. Thought 
 
104 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 is or oaght to be the characterizing feature of the man, 
 and feeling that of the woman. 
 
 Every man and woman in the world has an appropri- 
 ate mind ; and that in proportion to their strength of 
 thought and feeling. Each has a way of their own — 
 a habit — a system— ^^i world — separated and solitary — 
 in which no person on earth can have communion with 
 them. Job says of God, He knoweth the way that I 
 take ; and, when the Christian finds a want of compe- 
 tency in his bosom friend to understand and meet his 
 way, he turns with an especial nearness and familiarity 
 of confidence to God, who knoweth it in all its connex- 
 ions and associations, its peculiarities and its imperfec- 
 tions. 
 
 I may be thought to speak harshly of the female 
 character ; but whatever persuasion I have of its in- 
 tended distinction from that of man, I esteem a woman, 
 who aims only to be what God designed her to be, as 
 honorable as any man on earth. She stands not in the 
 same order of excellence, but she is equally honorable. 
 
 But women have made themselves, and weak men 
 have contributed to make them, what God never de- 
 signed them to be. Let any thinking man survey the 
 female character as it now stands — often nervous, de- 
 bilitated, and imaginative, and this super-induced 
 chiefly by education and manners — and he will find it 
 impossible that any great vigor of mind can be pre- 
 sen ed, or any high intellectual pursuits cultivated, so 
 far as this character stands in his way. 
 
 " Doing as others do," is the prevalent principle of 
 the present female character, to whatever absurd, pre- 
 posterous, masculine, or even ^Nicked lengths it may 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 105 
 
 lead. Tliis is so far as it avai!.-> with man or woman, 
 the ruin, death, and grave of all that is noble, and vir- 
 tuous, and praise-worthy. 
 
 A studious man, whose time is chiefly spent at home, 
 and eSjDecially a minister, ought not to meet the ima^ 
 ginary wants of his wife. The disorders of an imagin- 
 ative mind are beyond calculation. He is not ^vorthy 
 the name of a husband, who will not with delight nurse 
 his wife, with all possible tenderness and love, through 
 a real visitation, however long ; but he is ruined if he 
 falls upon a woman of a sickly fancy. It is scarcely 
 to be calculated what an influence the spirit of his wife 
 will have on his own, and on all his ministerial affairs. 
 If she comes not up to the full standard, she will so far 
 impede him, derange him, unsanctify him. 
 
 If there is such a thing as good in this world, it is in 
 the ministerial ofKce. The afl'airs of tliis employment 
 are the greatest in the world. In prosecuting these 
 with a right spirit, the minister keeps in motion a vast 
 machine ; and, such are the incalculable consequences 
 of his wife's character to him, that, if she assists him not 
 in urging forward the machine, she will hang as a dead 
 \veight upon its wheels. 
 
 A woman may have a high taste : her natural temper 
 may be peevish and fretful : she may have a delicate 
 and fastidious mind : she may long for every thing she 
 sees. It is not enough that she is, in reality, a pious 
 woman. Her taste, her mind, her manners, must have 
 a decorum and congruity to her husband's office and 
 situation. She must bear to be crossed in her wishes 
 for unsuitable objects : he will say, with firmness, " This 
 shall not be. It is not enough, that it would gratify 
 
>06 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 you : it is wrong. It is not enough that it is not fla- 
 grantly sinful : it is improper, unsuitable to our char- 
 acter and station.* It is not enough tliat money will 
 buy it, and I have got money : it will be a culpable 
 use of our talent. It is not enough that youf friend 
 possesses such a thing : we stand or fall to our own 
 Master." 
 
 ON VISITING DEATH-BEDS. 
 
 I HAVE found it, in many cases, a difficult thing to 
 deal with a Death-Bed. We are called in to death- 
 beds of various kinds : — 
 
 The true pilgrim sends for us to set before him the 
 food on which he has fed througliout the journey. He 
 has a keen appetite. He wants strength and vigor for 
 the last effort ; and, then, all is forever well ! He is 
 gone home, and is at rest ! 
 
 Another man sends for us because it is decent ; or his 
 friends importune him ; or his conscience is alarmed : 
 but he is ignorant of sin and salvation : he is either in- 
 different about both, or he has made up his mind in bis 
 own way : he wants the minister to confirm him in his 
 own views, and smooth over the wound. I have seen 
 such men mad with rage, while I Lave been beating 
 down their refuges of lies, and setting forth to them 
 God's refuge. There is a wise and holy medium to be 
 observed in treating such cases ; — " I am not come to 
 daub you over with unteinpered mortar : I am not 
 
 ♦ Nec, tibi quid liceat, sed quid fecisse decebii, 
 Occuirat. Claudun. J. P. 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 107 
 
 cume to send you to the bar of God with a lie in your 
 right-hand. But neither am I come to mortify you, to 
 put you to unnecessary pain, lo imbitter you, or to ex- 
 asperate you." There is a kindness, affection, tender- 
 ness, meekness, and patience, whicli a man's feelings 
 and conscience will condemn liim wliile he opposes ! I 
 have found it a very effectual method to begin with my- 
 self : it awakens attention, conciliates the mind, and 
 insinuates conviction : — " Whatever others think of 
 themselves, I stand condemned before God : my heart 
 is so desperately ivicked, that, if God had not showed 
 me in liis word a remedy in Jesus Christ, I should be 
 in despair : 1 can Shiy tell you what I am, and what I 
 have found. If you believe yourselves to be what God 
 has told me I am and all men are, then I can tell you 
 where and how to find mercy and eternal life : if you 
 wilinot believe you are this sort of man, I have nothing 
 to offer you. I know of nothing else for man beside 
 that which God has showed me." My descriptions of 
 ray own fallen nature have excited perfect astonish- 
 ment : sometimes my patients have seemed scaicely 
 able to credit me, but I have found that God has fasten- 
 ed, by this means, conviction on the conscience. In 
 some cases, an indirect method of addressing the con- 
 science may apparently be, in truth, the most dii-ect ; 
 but we are to use this method wisely and sparingly. 
 It seems to me to be one of the characteristics of the 
 day, in the religious world, to err on this subject. We 
 have found out a circuitous, way of exhibiting truth. 
 The plain, direct, simple exhibition of it is often aban- 
 doned, even where no circumstances justify and require 
 a more insinuating manner. There is dexterity indeed. 
 
108 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. t 
 
 * i 
 
 and address in this ; but too little of the simple declare 
 ation of the testimony of God, which St. Paul op- 
 poses to excellency of speech or of ivisdojn, and to 
 enticing words of man's wisdom. We have done 
 very little when we have merely persuaded men to 
 think as we do. 
 
 But we have to deal with a worse death-bed charac- 
 ter, than with the man who opposes the truth. Some 
 men assent to every thing, which we propose. They 
 will even anticipate us. And yet we see that they 
 mean nothing. I have often felt when with such per- 
 sons : " I would they could be brought to contradict 
 and oppose ! That would lead to discussion. God 
 might, peradventure, dash the stony heart in pieces. 
 But this heart is like water. The impression dies as 
 fast as it is made." I have sought tor such views a.s 
 might rouse and stir up opposition. I have tried to ir- 
 ritate the torpid mind. But all in vain. I once visited 
 a young clergyman of this character, who was seized 
 with a dangerous illness at a coflee-house in town, whith- 
 er some business had brought him : the first time I saw 
 him, we conversed very closely together ; and, in the 
 prospect of death, he seemed solicitous to prepare for 
 it. But I could make no sort of impression upon him : 
 all I could possibly say met his entire approbation, 
 though I saw his heart felt no interest in it. ■^^'hen I 
 visited liim a second time, the fear of death was gone : 
 and, with it, all solicitude about religion. He was still 
 civil and grateful, but he'tried to parry oft the business 
 on which he knew I came. " I will show you. Sir, 
 some little things with which I have worn away the 
 liours of my confinement and solitude." He brought 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 109 
 
 out a quantity of pretty and tasty drawings. I was at 
 loss how to express, with suitable force and delicacy, 
 the high sense I felt of his indecorum and insipidity, 
 and to leave a deep impression on his conscience — I 
 rose, however, instantly — said my time was expired — • 
 wished him well, and withdrew. 
 
 Sometimes we have a painful part to act with sincere 
 men, who would have been carried top much into the 
 world. I was called in to visit such a man. " I find 
 no comfort," he said. " God veils his face from me. 
 Every tiling round me is dark and uncertain." I did not 
 dare to act the flatterer. I said — " Let us look faith- 
 fully into the state of things. I should have been sur- 
 prised if you had not felt thus. I believe you to be 
 sincere. Your state of feelings evinces your sincerity. 
 Had I found you exulting in God, I should have con- 
 cluded that you were either deceived or a deceiver : 
 for, while God acts in his usual order, how could you 
 expect to feel otherwise on the approach of death, than 
 you do feel? You have driven hard after the world. 
 Your spirit has been absorbed in its cares. Your sen- 
 timent — your conversation have been in the spirit of the 
 Avorld. And have you any reason to expect the res- 
 ponse of conscience, and the clear evidence which await 
 the man who has walked and lived in the closest friend- 
 ship with God! You know that what I say is true." 
 His wife interrupted me, by assuring me that he had 
 been an excellent man. " Silence !" said the dying 
 penitent, " it is all time !" 
 
 Soon after I came to St. John's I was called on to 
 visit a dying lady, whom I saw many times before her 
 death. I found that she had taken God for her portion 
 
 K 
 
no 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 and rest. She approaclied liim witli the penitence of a 
 sinner grateful for liis provision of mercy in Christ. Slie 
 told me she had found religion in her Common Prayer 
 Book. She blessed God that she had "always been 
 kept steady to her church ; and that she had never fol- 
 lowed the people called Methodists, who were seducing 
 so many on all sides." I thought it would be unadvise- 
 able to attempt the removal of prejudices, which, in her 
 dying case, were harmless, and which would soon be 
 removed by the light which would beam in on her glo- 
 rified soul. We had more interesting subjects of con- 
 versation, from which this would have led us away. 
 Some persons may tax her with a want of charity : but, 
 alas ! I fear they are persons, Avho knowing more than 
 she did of the doctrines of the gospel, have so little of 
 its divine charity in their hearts, that, as they cannot 
 allow for her prejudices, neither would they have been 
 the last to stigmatize her as a dead formalist and a 
 pharisee. God knoweth them that are his ; and they 
 are often seen by him, where we see them not. Were 
 a benighted inhabitant of Otaheile to feel the wTetched- 
 ness of his present life, and lift up his soul to the God he 
 worshipped as a Supreme Being for happiness, no doubt 
 God would heai" such a prayer. 
 
 MISCELLANEOUS REMARKS ON THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY. 
 
 Every book really worth a minister's studying he 
 ought, if possible, to have in his own library. I have 
 used large libraries, but I soon left them. Time wa.s 
 frittered away : my mind was unconcentrated. Be- 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CtCIL. 
 
 Ill 
 
 sides, (lie habit which it begets of tui-ning over a multi- 
 tude of books is a pernicious habit. And the usual 
 contents of such libraries are injurious to a spiritujvl 
 man, whose business it is to transact with men's 
 minds. They have a dry, cold, deadening effect. It 
 may suit dead men to walk among the dead ; but send 
 not a living man to be chilled among the ruins of Tad- 
 mor in the wilderness ! 
 
 Christianity is so great and surprising in its nature, 
 that, in preaching it to others, 1 have no encouragement 
 but the belief of a continued divine operation. It is 
 no difhcult thing to change a man's opinions. It is no 
 difficult tiling to attach a man to my person and notions. 
 It is no difficult thing to convert a proud man to spirit- 
 ual pride, or a passionate man to passionate zeal for 
 some religious party. But, to bring a man to love God 
 — to love the law of God, while it condemns him — to 
 loath himself before God — to tread the earth under his 
 feet — to hunger and thirst after God in Christ, and af- 
 ter the mind that was in Christ — with man this is im- 
 possible ! But God has said it shall be done : and 
 bids me go forth and preach, that by me as his instru- 
 ment, he may effect these great ends ; and therefore I 
 go. — Yet I am obUged continually to call my mind 
 back to my principles. I feel angry, perhaps, with a 
 H)an, because he will not let me convert him : in spite 
 of all 1 can say, he will still love the world. 
 
 St. Paul admonishes Timothy to eiulure hardness 
 as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. It sometimes falls 
 to the lot of a minister to endure the hard labor of a 
 nurse, in a greater measure than that of a soldier. He 
 
112 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 has to encgunter the difficuKies of a peculiar situation : 
 he is the parent of a family of children, of various tem- 
 pers, manners, habits, and prejudices : if he does not 
 continually mortify himself, he will bear hardly upon 
 some of his childi-en. — He has, however to endure the 
 hardness of calling his child, his friend, to an account : 
 of being thought a severe, jealous, legal man. If a 
 man will let matters take their chance, he may live 
 smoothly and quietly enough ; but if he will stir among 
 the servants, and sift things to the bottom, he must 
 bear the consequences. He must account himself a 
 Man of Strife. His language must be — " It is not 
 enough that you feed me, or fill my pocket — there is 
 something between me and thee." The most tender 
 and delicate of his flock have tiieir failings. His w arm- 
 est and most zealous supporters break down some 
 where. A sun-sliiny day breeds most reptiles. It is 
 not enough, therefore, that the sun shines out in Lis 
 church. It is not enough that numbers shout applause. 
 
 A minister may be placed in a discouraging situation. 
 He may not suit the popular taste. He may not be 
 able to fall into the lashionable sljle. He may not 
 play well on an instruiaeid. Tliough an etl'ective 
 man, and a man of energy, he may be under a cloud. 
 The door may be shut against him. Yet it is a dan- 
 gerous thing lor such a man to force open the door. 
 He should rather say — " I have a lesson to learn here. 
 If I teach the people nothing, periiaps they may teach 
 me." The work of winter is to be done, as well as 
 the work of summer. 
 
 Tiie hardness which I have to endure is this — Here 
 are a immber of families which show me every kind o/ 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 113 
 
 regard. But 1 see that they are not right. They 
 somehow so combine the tilings which they hear, with 
 the things which they do, that I am . afraid they will 
 at last lie down in sorrow ! Here is my difficulty. I 
 must meet them with gentleness ; but I must detect and 
 uncover the evil. I shall want real kindness and com- 
 mon honesty, if I do not. Ephraim hath gray hairs ; 
 yet he knoweth it not. Ephraim is a cake not turn- 
 ed. But, if I tell him these things, he and I shall be- 
 come two persons. He must, however, be so touched 
 in private ; for he will not be touched in the pulpit. 
 He will say I am not tlie man." 
 
 A MINISTER must keep under his body and bring it 
 into subjection. A Newmarket groom will sweat him- 
 self thin, that he may be fit for his office : Now they do 
 it to obtain a corruptible crown ; but ive, an incor- 
 ruptible I 
 
 is come from college. He has a refined, accu- 
 rate, sensible mind. Some of our friends wished to get 
 him a station at Calcutta. They think him just adapted 
 for that sphere. I differ widely in my view of the mat- 
 ter. A new man, with his college accuracy about 
 him, is not the man for the dissipated and fashionable 
 court at Calcutta. Such a congregation will bid noth- 
 ing for his acuteness and reasoning. — He, who is to 
 talk to them with any eflect, must have seen life and the 
 world. He must be able to treat with them on their 
 own ground. And he must be able to do it with the au- 
 thority of a messenger from God, not with the arts and 
 shifts of human eloquence and reasonings. Dr. Patten 
 said admirably well, in a sermon which I heard him 
 K 2 
 
114 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 preach at Oxford ; " Beware how you suffer the infidel 
 to draw you upon metaphysical ground. If he get you 
 there, lie will have something to say. The evidences 
 and the declarations of God's words are the weapons 
 with which he must be combatted, and before which he 
 must fall." 
 
 London is very peculiar as a ministerial \va\k. Al- 
 most all a minister can do, is by the pulpit and the pen. 
 His hearers are so occupied in the world, that if he visit 
 them, every minute perhaps brings in some interrup- 
 tion. 
 
 It is a serious question — Whether a minister ought 
 to preach at all beyond his experience. — He is to 
 stand forth as a witness — but a witness of tvhat he 
 KNOWS, not of what he has been told. He must preach 
 as he feels. If he feels not as he might and ought, he 
 must pray for such feehngs ; but, till he has them, ouglit 
 he to pretend to them ? Going faster than the experi- 
 ence led, has been Ihe bane of many. Men have preach- 
 ed in certain terms and plu-ases according to the tone 
 given by others, while the thing has never been made 
 out even to their conviction, much less in their experi- 
 ence. 
 
 It is a most important point of duty, in a minister to 
 REDEEM TIME. A young minister has sometimes called 
 an old one out of his study, only to ask him how he 
 did: there is a tone to be observed toward such an idler; 
 an intimation may be given, wliich he will understand, 
 " This is not the house !" In order to redeem time, he 
 must refuse to engage in secular affairs : No ninii tliat 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 115 
 
 warretk' entangleth himself with the affairs of this 
 life, that he may please Him v)ho hath chosen him 
 to be a soldier. He must watch, too, against a dozing 
 away of time : the clock-weight goes down slowly, yet 
 it draws all the works with it. 
 
 Owen remarks, that it is not sufficiently considered 
 how much a minister's personal religion is exposed to 
 danger from the very circumstance of religion being 
 his profession and employment. He must go through 
 the acts of religion : he nmst put on the appearances 
 of rehgion : he must utter the language and display the 
 feelings of religion. It requires double diligence and 
 vigilance to maintain, under such circumstances, the 
 spirit of religion. I have prayed : I have talked : I 
 have preached : but now I should perish, after all, if I 
 did not feed on the bread which I have broken to 
 others. 
 
 A MINISTER must CULTIVATE A TENDER SPIRIT. If 
 
 he does this so as to carry a savour and unction into his 
 work, he will have far more weight than other men. 
 This is the result of a devotional habit. To aftect feel- 
 ing is nauseous and soon detected ; but to feel, is the 
 readiest way to the hearts of others. 
 
 The leading defect in Clirisfian ministers is want of 
 a DEVOTIONAL HABIT. The church of Rome made 
 much of this habit. The contests accompanying and 
 follomng the Reformation, with something of an indis- 
 criminate enmity against some of the good of that 
 church as well as the evil, combined to repress this spirit 
 
116 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 in the Protestant writings ; whereas the mind of Christ 
 seems, in fact, to be the grand end of Christianity in its 
 operation upon man. 
 
 There is a manifest want of spiritual influence on 
 the ministry of the present day. I feel it in my own 
 case, and I see it in that of others. I am afraid that 
 there is too much of a low, managing, contriving, man- 
 ceuvering temper of mind among us. We are laying 
 ourselves out, more than is expedient, to meet one man's 
 taste, and another man's prejudices. The ministry is 
 a grand and lioly aflair, and it sliould find in us a sim- 
 ple habit of spirit, and a holy but humble indifference 
 to all consequences. 
 
 A MAN of the world ■« ill bear to hear me read in the 
 desk that awful passage : Wide is the. gate, and broad 
 is the ivaij that leadcfh to destruction ; and many 
 there he which go in thereat : Because strait is the 
 gate, and narroio is the way ivhich leadeth unio 
 life; and few there be that find it. Nay, he will ap- 
 js ove it : — " The minister is in the desk : he is reading 
 the lesson of the day." But tliis very man — were I to 
 go home with him, and tell him in his parlour that most 
 of those whom he knows and loves are going on in that 
 road to eternal destruction — this very man would brand 
 the sentiment as harsh and uncharitable. Though ut- 
 tered by Clnist himself, it is a declaration as fanatical 
 and uncandid, in the judgment of the world, as could 
 be put together in language. 
 
 Many hearers cannot enter into the reasons of the 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 117 
 
 Cross. They adopt what I think is Butler's grand de- 
 fect on this subject. He speaks of tlie Cross as an ap- 
 pointment of God, and therefore to be submitted to : 
 but God lias said much in his word of the reasons of 
 this appointment: that he might be just, and the jus- 
 tifie.r of him that believeth. 
 
 Several things are required, to enable a minister to 
 attain a proper variety in his manner. He must be in 
 continual practice.: if I were to preach but once a 
 month, I should lose the ability of preaching. He 
 must know that his hearers are attached to him — that 
 they will grant liim indulgences and liberties. He nmst, 
 in some measure, feel himself above his congregation. 
 Tlie presence of a certain brother chills me : because I 
 feel that I can talk on no one subject in the pulpit, m ith 
 which he is not far better acquainted than I am. 
 
 The first duty of a minister, is. To call on his hear- 
 ers to turn to the Lord. " We have much to speak 
 to you upon. We have many duties to urge on you. 
 We have much instmction to give you — but all will be 
 thrown away, till you have turned to the Lord.^'' Let 
 me illustrate this by a familiar comparison. You see 
 your child sinking in the water : his education lies near " 
 your heart : you are anxious to train him up so, that he 
 may occupy well the post assigned to him in hfe. But, 
 v.hen you see him drowning, the first thoughts are — not 
 how you may educate him, but how you may save him. 
 Restore him to life, and then call that life into action. 
 
 A DISINTERESTED regard to truth should be, what it 
 
118 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 veiy seldom is, the most striking character in a Cliris- 
 tian minister. His purpose should be to make prose- 
 lytes to truth, and not to any tiling wliicli may be par- 
 ticular in his views of it. " Read my books," says one. 
 — " No !" says another, " read mine." And thus re- 
 ligion is taken up by piece-meal ; and the mind is di- 
 verted from its true nature by false associations. If the 
 teacher whom this man has chosen for his oracle, dis- 
 grace religion by irreligious conduct, he stumbles. He 
 stumbles, because he has not been fixed upon the sole 
 and immoveable basis of the religion of the Bible. 
 The mind, well instructed in the Scriptures, can bear 
 to see even its spiritual father make shipwreck of the 
 faith and scandalize tlie gospel ; but will remain itself 
 unmoved. The man is in possession of a treasure, 
 which, if others are foolish enough to abandon, yet they 
 cannot detract any thing from the value attached to it 
 in his esteem. 
 
 That a minister may learn how to magnify his of- 
 fice, let him study the cliaracter, the spirit, and the his- 
 tory of St. Paul. His life and death were one magni- 
 fying of his office : mark his object — to win souls ! — to 
 execute the will of God ! As the man rises in his o^n 
 esteem his office sinks ; but as the office rises in his view, 
 the man falls. He must be in constant hostility with 
 himself, if he would magnify his office. He must hold 
 himself in readiness to make sacrifices, when called to 
 do so": he will not barter his office, hke Balaam ; but 
 will rel'use to sell liis service, like Michaiaii. Like Ez- 
 ra and Neheniiah, he will refuse to come down from the 
 great work which he Ixas to do. He may be calumnia- 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CKCIL. 
 
 119 
 
 ted ; l)ut lie will avoid hasty vindications of his charac- 
 ter : it does not appear that Elisha sent after Naaman 
 to vindicate himself from the falsehoods of Gehazi : 
 there appears to me much true dignity in this conduct : 
 I fear I should have wanted patience to act thus. 
 
 Some young ministers have been greatly injured^ by 
 taking up their creed from a sort of second or third rate 
 writers. Toplady, perhaps, has said that he has found 
 his preaching most successful, when it has turned on 
 the grand doctrines of Calvinism. A young man ad- 
 mires Toplady, and adopts the same notion concerning 
 his own ministry. But let him turn to a master on the 
 subject. He will tind such a man as Traill handling 
 the sovereignty of God, and such high points of doctrine 
 M'ith a holy and heavenly sweetness; which, while it 
 renders it almost impossible not to receive his senti- 
 ments, leaves nothing on the mind but a religious savor. 
 
 The grand aim of a minister must be the exhibition 
 OF GOSPEL TRUTH. Statesmen may make the greatest 
 blunders in the world, but that is not his affair. Like 
 a King's messenger, he must not stop to take care of 
 a person fallen down : if he can render any kindness 
 consistently with his duty, he will do it ; if not, he will 
 prefer his oflice. 
 
 Our method of preaching is not that by which Chris- 
 tianity was propagated : yet the genius of Christianity 
 is not changed. There was nothing in the primitive 
 method set or formal. The primitive bishop stood up, 
 and read the gospel, or some other portion of Scrip- 
 
120 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 ture, and pressed on the hearers, ^vith great earnestness 
 and affection, a few plain and forcible truths evidently 
 resulting from that portion of the Divine Word : we 
 take a text, and make an oration. Edification was 
 then the object of both speaker and hearers ; and, while 
 this continues to be the object, no better method can be 
 found. A parable, or history, or passage of Scripture, 
 thus illustrated and enforced, is the best method of in- 
 troducing truth to any people who are ignorant of it, 
 and of setting it home with power on those who know 
 it ; and not formal, doctrinal, argumentative discourses. 
 Truth and simplicity are the soul of an eflScacious 
 ministry. 
 
 The Puritans were still farther removed from the 
 primitive method of preaching : they would jireach fif- 
 teen or sixteen sermons on a text. A primitive bishop 
 would have been shocked with one of our sermons ; 
 and, such is our taste, we should be shocked with his. 
 They brought forward Scripture : we bring forward 
 our statements. They directed all their observations 
 to throw light on Scripture : we quote Scripture to 
 throw light on our observations. More faith and more 
 grace would naake us better preachers ; for out of the 
 abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. Chrys- 
 ostom's was the right method. Leighton's Lectures on 
 Peter approach very near to this method. 
 
 In acting on matter, the art of man is mighty. The 
 steam-engine is a mighty machine. But, in religion, 
 the art of man is mere feebleness. The armor of Saul 
 is armor in the camp of the Israehtes, or in the camp of 
 the PliiUstines — ^but we want the sling and the stone. 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 121 
 
 I honor Metaphysician;?, Logicians, Critics, and Histo- 
 rians — in their places. Look at facts. Men, who lay- 
 out their strength in statements, preach churches emp- 
 ty. Few men have a wisdom so large, as to see that 
 the way which they cannot attain may yet be the best 
 way I dare not tell most academical, logical, frigid 
 men how little I account of their opinion, concerning the 
 true method of preaching to the popular ear. I hear 
 them talk, as utterly incompetent judges. Such men 
 would have said St. Paul was fit only for the tabernacle. 
 \^'hat he would have said they were fit for, I cannot 
 tell. They are often great men — first-rate men — une- 
 qualled men — in their class and sphere : but it is not 
 THEIR sphere to manage tlie world. 
 
 If a minister could work miracles, he would do Uttle 
 more than interest tiie curiosity of men. — " 1 want to 
 eat, and I want to drink, and I doit : I get on with difK- 
 culty enougli, as things are ; and you talk about treat- 
 ing with heaven ! 1 know nothing of the matter, and I 
 want no such thing" — This is the language of man's 
 heart. A future thing ! An indefinitely future 
 thing! No! if a man could even authoritatively de- 
 clare, that the day of judgment would be this day sev- 
 en years, he would have little influence on mankind. 
 Very few would be driven from the play-house — very 
 few from the gaming table — very few from the brothel. 
 The din on 'Change would be very little diminished. 
 I frequently look back on the early periods of my life, 
 and imagine myself treating with such a character as I 
 know I then was. I say to myself, " What now can I 
 
122 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 possibly say that will affect and interest that young fel- 
 of eighteen ?" 
 
 Some Christian ministers fail 'in their effect on their 
 hearers, by not entering as philosophers into the state 
 of human natui'e. They do not consider how low the 
 patient is reduced — that he is to be treated more as a 
 child — that he is to have milk administered to him, in- 
 stead of strong meat. They set themselves to plant 
 principles and prove points, when they should labor to 
 interest the heart. But, after all, men will caiTy their 
 natmal character into their ministry. If a man has a 
 dry, logical, scholastic turn of mind, we shall rarely 
 find him an interesting preacher. One in a thousand 
 may meet him, but not more. 
 
 The Christian will sometimes be brought to walk in 
 a solitary path. God seems to cut away his props, that 
 he may reduce him to himself. His rehgion is to be 
 felt as a personal, particular, appropriate possession. 
 He is to feel, that, as there is but one Jehovah to bless, 
 so there seems to him as though there were but one pen- 
 itent in tlie universe to be blessed by Him. Mary Mag- 
 dalene at the sepulchre was brouglit to this state. She 
 might have said, " I know not where Peter is : he is gone 
 away — perhaps into the world — perliaps to weep over 
 Ids fall. I know not where John is. ^\'hat are the feel- 
 ings and states of my brethren, I know not. I ain left 
 here alone. No one accompanies and strengthens me. 
 But if none other will seek my Lord, yet will I seek 
 him!" There is a commanding energy in rehgious sym- 
 pathy. A minister, for example, while his preacliing 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 123 
 
 seems effective, and life and feeling show themselves 
 aro\uid him,mo\^es on with ease and pleasure. But there 
 is much of the man here. If God change the scene— if 
 discouragements meet him — if he seem to be laid by, in 
 any measiu-e, as an instrument— if the love of his hear- 
 ers to his person and ministry decay — this is a severe 
 trial ; yet most of us need tiiis trial, that we may be re- 
 duced simply to Go l, and may feel that the whole af- 
 fair is between liim and ourselves. A dead hsh will swim 
 with the stream, whatever be its direction : But a living 
 one will not only resist the stream ; but, if it chooses, it 
 can swim against it. The soul that lives from God, will 
 seek God, and follow God — nmre easily and pleasantly, 
 indeed, if tlie stream flow toward the point whither God 
 leads j but still, it will follow God as its sole rest and 
 centre, thougli the stream of men and opinions would 
 Imrry it away from hini. 
 
 Gravity is, doubtless, obligatory on ministers. The 
 apostle connects it av ith simplicity. Yet it must be na- 
 tural — not affected. Some men give every thing in an 
 oracular style : this looks like affectation, and will dis- 
 gust others : they will attribute it to religion : but this 
 is not a sanctified gravity. Other men are always dis- 
 posed to levity : not that a man of original fancy is to 
 be condemned for tliinking in his own way : but the 
 minister must consider that he is a man of a consecrated 
 character : ii' it should not be diiHcult to himself to 
 make transitions from levity to gravity, it will be difli- 
 cult to carry others with him therein. Who has not 
 felt, if God brings him into a trying situation, in which 
 he sees that it is an awful thing to suffer or to die, that 
 
124 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 gravity is then natural ? every thing else is offensive ! 
 That, too, is evil, which lets down the -tone of a com- 
 pany : when a minister loses his gravity, tlie company 
 will take liberties with him. Yet, with a right principle, 
 we must not play the fool. Gravity must be natural 
 and simple. There must be urbanity and tenderness 
 in it. A man must not formalize on every thing. He 
 who formalizes on every thing, is a fool ; and a grave 
 fool is perhaps more injurious than a light fool. 
 
 We are called to build a spiritual house. One work- 
 man is not to busy himself in telling another his duty. 
 We are placed in different circumstances, with various 
 talents : and each is called to do what he can. Two 
 men, equally accepted of God, may be exceedingly 
 distinct in the account which they will gi\ e of tiieir 
 employ. 
 
 A regular clergyman can do no more in the dis- 
 charge of his duty, than our church requires of hini. 
 He may fall far short of her requirements ; but he can- 
 not exceed, by the most devoted life, the duties which 
 he has prescribed. What man on eaith is so pernici- 
 ous a drone as an idle clergyman !— a man, engaged 
 in the most serious profession in the world : who rises 
 to eat, and drink, and lounge, and trifle : and goes to 
 bed ; and then rises again, (o do the same ! Our 
 oflice is the most laborious in the world. The mind 
 must be always on the stretch, to acquire wisdom and 
 grace, and to communicate them to all who come near. 
 It is well, indeed, when a clergyman of genius and 
 learning devotes himself to the publication of classics 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 125 
 
 and works of literature, if lie cannot be prevailed on to 
 turn l)is genius and learnins; to a more important end. 
 Enter into this kind of society, what do you hear? — 
 " Have you seen tiie new edition of Sophocles ?" — 
 " No ! is a new edition of Sophocles undertaken ?" — 
 and this makes up the conversation, and these are the 
 ends of men who, by profession, should win souls ! I 
 received a most useful hint from Dr. Bacon, then Father 
 of the University, when I was at College. I used fre- 
 quently to % isit him at his Living near Oxford : he would 
 say to me, " What are you doing ? What are your 
 studies ?" — " I am reading so and so." — " You are quite 
 wrong. When I was young I could turn any piece of 
 Hebrew into Greek verse with ease. But, when I cajue 
 into this parish, and had to teach ignorant people, I 
 was wholly at a loss : I liad no furniture. They 
 thought me a great man, but that was their ignorance ; 
 for I knew as Jittle as they did, of what it was most im- 
 portant for them to know. Study chiefly what you can 
 tm-n to good account in your future life." And yet this 
 wise man had not just views of serious religion ; he 
 was one of those who are for reforming the parish — 
 making the maids industrious, and the men sober and 
 honest — but when I ventured to ask, " Sir, must not 
 all this be effected by the infusion of a divine principle 
 into the mind ? a union of the soul with the great head 
 of influence ?" — " No more of that — no more of that, I 
 pray !" 
 
 A WISE minister stands between practical Atheism 
 and religious enthusiasm. 
 
 l2 
 
126 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 A SERMON that has more head infused into it than 
 heart, ivill not come home witli efficacy to the hearers. 
 " You must do so and so : such and such consequences 
 will follow if you do not : such and such advantages 
 will result from doing it :" — this is cold, dead and spir- 
 itless, when it stands alone ; or even when it is most 
 prominent. Let the preacher's liead be stored with 
 wisdom ; but, above all, let his heart so feel his subject, 
 that he may infuse life and interest into it, by speaking 
 like one who actually possesses and feels what he says. 
 
 Faith is the master-spring of a minister. " Hell is 
 before me, and thousands of souls shut up there in ever- 
 lasting agonies — Jesus Clunst stands forth to save men 
 from rushing into this bottomless abyss — He sends me 
 to proclaim his ability and his love : I want no fourth 
 idea ! — every fourth idea is contemptible ! every fourth 
 idea is a grand impertinence !" 
 
 The meanness of the earthen vessel, which conveys to 
 others tiie Gospel treasure, takes nothing from the value 
 of the treasure. A dying hand may sign a deed of gift 
 of incalculable value. A shepherd's boy may point out 
 the way to a philosopher. A beggar may be the bear- 
 er of an invaluable present. 
 
 A WRITER of sermons has often no idea ho^V many 
 words he uses, to which the common people affix either 
 no meaning, or a false one. He speaks, perhaps, of 
 " relation to God ;" but the people, who hear him, affix 
 no other idea to the word, than that of father, or broth- 
 er, or relative. The preacher must converse with the 
 people, that he may acquire their words and phrases. 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIt. 
 
 127 
 
 It sometimes pleases God to disqualify ministers for 
 their work, before he takes them to their reward. 
 Where he gives them wisdom to perceive this, and 
 grace to acquiesce in the dispensation — such a close of 
 an honorable life, where the desire to be pubUcly use- 
 ful survives the power, is a loud amen to all former 
 labors. 
 
 ON INFIDELITY AND POPERY. 
 
 Infidel writings are ultimately productive of UAe or 
 no danger to the church of God. Nay we are less at 
 a loss in judging of the wisdom of Providence in peimit- 
 ting them, than we are in judging of many other of its 
 designs. They may shake the simple, humble, spirit- 
 ual mind but they are in the end, the means of enlighten- 
 ing and settling it. 
 
 There ai'e but two sorts of people in the world. Some 
 walk by the light of the Lord, and all others lie in 
 the tcicked one in darkness and in the shadow of 
 death. Where there is not an enlightened, simple, 
 humble, spiritual mind, notions and opinions are of little 
 consequence. The impudent and refuted misrepresen- 
 tations of infidels may turn a dark mind to some other 
 notions and way of thinking ; but it is in the dark still. 
 Till a man sees by the light of the Lord, every change 
 of opinions is only putting a new dress on a dead car- 
 case, and calling it alive. 
 
 The grace of God must give simplicity. Wherever 
 that is, it is a security against dangerous error ; wher- 
 ever it is not, erroneous opinions may perhaps less pre- 
 
128 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 dispose the mind against the trutli of God in its iively 
 power on the soul, tlian true notions destitute of all life 
 and influence do. 
 
 Yet the writings of infidels must be read with caution 
 and fear. There are cold, intellectual, speculative, 
 malignant foes to Christianity. I dare not tamper w ith 
 such, when T am in my right mind. T have received 
 serious injury, for a time, even when my duty has call- 
 ed me to read what they have to say. The daring im- 
 piety of Belsham's answer to Wilberforce ruffled the 
 calm of my spirits. I read it over while at Bath, in the 
 autuiAn of 1798. I waked in pain, about two o'clock 
 in the morning. I tried to cheer myself by an exercise 
 of faith on Jesus Chi ist. I lifted up my heart to liini, as 
 sympathizing witli nie and engaged to support me. 
 Many times have I thus obtained quiet and repose : but 
 now I could lay no hold on him : I had given the ene- 
 my an advantage over me : my habit had imbibed pois- 
 on : my nerves trembled ! my strength was gone ! — 
 " Jesus Christ sympathize with you, and relieve you ! 
 It is all enthusiasm ! It is idolatry ! Jesus Christ has 
 preached his sennons, and done liis duty, and is gone 
 to heaven ! And there he is, as other good men are ! 
 Address your prayers to the Supreme Being !" — I ob- 
 tain relief in such cases, by dismissing from my thoughts 
 all that enemies or friends can say. I will have nothing 
 to do with Belshani or with Wilberforce. I come to 
 Christ himself. I hear what he says. I turn over the 
 gospels. I read his conversations. I dwell especially 
 on his farewell discourse with his disciples in St. John's 
 gospel. If there be meaning in words, and if Clirist 
 were not a deceiver or deceived, the reahty of the 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 129 
 
 Chiistiari's life, in iiim and from him by faith, is written 
 there as witli a sun-beam. 
 
 This temptation besets me (o this day, and I know- 
 not that I have any other which is so particular in its 
 attacks upon me. I am sometimes restless in bed ; and, 
 V hen I find myself so, I generally think that the paren- 
 thesis cannot be so well employed as in prayer. While 
 my mind is thus ascending to Christ and communing 
 with him, it often comes across me — " What a fool art 
 thou, to imagine these mental effusions can be known 
 to any other Being ! what a senseless enthusiast, to im- 
 agine that the man who was nailed to a cross can have 
 any knowledge of these secrets of thy soul !" On one 
 of these occasions it sti-uck me with great and com- 
 manding evidence — " Why might not St. John, in the 
 Isle of Patmos — imprisoned perhaps in a cave — why 
 might not he have said so ? Why might not he have 
 doubted whether Christ the crucified could have knowl- 
 edge of his feelings, when he was in the Spirit on the 
 Lord's day ? He had no doubt communion with Clirist 
 in the Spirit, before he had those palpable evidences 
 of his presence which immediately followed." 
 
 In the permission of certain bold infidel characters 
 and writings, we may discern plain evidences of that 
 awful system of judicial government, with which God 
 has been pleased to rule the world. Where there is a 
 moral indisposition, where men are inclined to be de- 
 ceived, where they are waiting as it were for a leader — 
 there he sends such men and such writings, as harden 
 them in their impiety : while a teachable and humble 
 mind will discern the true character of such men or 
 writings, and escape the danger. 
 
130 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 I can conceive a character much more pernicious in 
 its influence, than the daring and iinpu.lent infidel. A 
 man — in the estimaiion of all the world modest, ami- 
 able, benevolent — who should, with deep concern, la- 
 ment the obligation under which he feels himself to de- 
 part from the religion of Europe, the religion of his 
 country, the religion of his family ; and should profess 
 his unfeigned desire to find this religion true, but that 
 he cannot possibly bring his mind to believe it, and that 
 for such and such reasons : Avlien he should thus intro- 
 duce all the strongest points that can be urged on the 
 subject. 
 
 But God governs the world. It is not in his design 
 to permit such men to arise. The infidel has always had 
 something about him, which has ascertained his obli- 
 quity to the eye, that lias not been dinnned by the 
 moral indisposition of the heart. 
 
 The low and scurrilous writers again.st Revelation 
 carry their own condemnation with tliem. They are 
 like an ill-looking fellow, who comes into a Com-t of 
 Justice to give evidence ; but carries the aspect, on the 
 first glance, of a town bully, ready to swear whatever 
 shall be suggested to him. 
 
 Burke has painted the spirit of democracy to the life. 
 I have fallen in with some democrats, who knew no- 
 thing of me. They have been subjects of great curio- 
 sity, when I could forget the horrid displaj' of sin that 
 was before me. I .saw a malignant eye — a ferocity — 
 an intensity of mind on their point. Viewed in its 
 temper and tendencies. Jacobinism is Devilism — Beli- 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 131 
 
 alism. It takes the yoke of God and man — puts it on 
 the ground — and stamps on it. Every man is called 
 out inio exertion against it. It is an inveterate, malig- 
 nant, blaspheming, atheistical, fierce spirit. It seems 
 a toss up with these men, -n hether Satan himself shall 
 govern the world. Our IVIaster lias commanded us not 
 to cast pem-ls before sir iiie. I am vastly delighted 
 with character — true and original character : but this 
 is an awful and affecting display of it. 
 
 The church has endured a pagan and a papal per- 
 secution. There remains for her an infidel persecu- 
 tion — general, bitter, purifying, cementing. 
 
 It is, perhaps, impossible, in the very nature of 
 things, that such another scheme as Popery could be 
 invented. It is, in truth, the mystery of iniquity ; 
 that it should be able to work itself into the simple, 
 grand, sublime, holy institution of Christianity, and so 
 to interweave its aboininalioiis with the truth, as to oc- 
 cupy the strongest passions of the soul, and to control 
 the strongest understandings ! While Pascal can 
 speak of Popery as he dues, its influence over the mass 
 of the people can excite no surprise. Those two mas- 
 ter principles — That we must believe as the church or- 
 dains — and. That there is no salvation out of this 
 church — oppose, in the ignorance and fear which they 
 beget, an almost insuperable barrier against the truth. 
 
 I HAVE not such expectations of a millennium as 
 many entertain : yet I believe that the figm-es and ex- 
 pressions of prophecy have never received their ac- 
 
132 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 compHshment. They are too grand and ample, to have 
 been fulfilled by any state, which the church haslutlierlo 
 seen. Christianity has yet had no face suitable to its 
 dignity. It has savored hitherto too much of man — of 
 liis institutions — of his prejudices — of his follies — of his 
 sin. It must be drawn out — depicted — exliibited — de- 
 monstrated to the world. Its chief enemies have been 
 the men by whom, under the professions of Hail, Mas- 
 ter ! it has been distorted, abused, and vilified. 
 
 Popery was the master-piece of Satan. I believe 
 him utterly incapable of such another contrivance. It 
 was a systematic and infallible plan, for fonning mana- 
 cles and mulBers for the human mind. It was a well 
 laid design to render Cluistianity contemptible, by the 
 abuse of its principles and its institutions. It was 
 formed to overwhelm — to enchant — to sit as the great 
 whore, making the earth drunk with her fornica- 
 tions. 
 
 The infidel conspiracy approaches nearest to Popeiy. 
 But infidelity is a suicide. It dies by its own maligni- 
 ty. It is known and read of all men. No man was ev- 
 er injured essentially by it, who was fortified with a 
 small portion of tlie genuine spirit of Clu-istianity — its 
 contrition and its docility. Nor is it one in its eiibrts ; 
 its end is one ; but its means are disjointed, various, 
 and often clashing. Popery debases and alloys Chris- 
 tianity ; but infidelity is a I'uiniace, wherein it is purifi- 
 ed and refined. The injuries done to it by Popery, will 
 be repaired by the very attacks of infidelity. 
 
 In the mean time, Clu-istianity wears an enchanting 
 form to all, who can penetrate through the mists thrown 
 around it by its false friends and its avowed foes. The 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CKCIt. 
 
 133 
 
 exiled French Priest raises the pity and indignation of 
 all Christians, while he describes the infernal plots of 
 the infidel conspirators against Christianity, and shews 
 them in successful operation against his chiu-ch.* We 
 seem, for a while, to forget her errors : and we view 
 her, for the moment, only so far as she possesses Chris- 
 tianity in common with ourselves. But when he char- 
 ges the origin of this inlidel conspiracy on the princi- 
 ples asserted by the Waldenses or the church of Gena- 
 va, the enchantment dissolves. We see that he is un- 
 der the influence of a sophism : by which, having im- 
 posed upon himself, he would impose upon others. 
 With him, Christianity and his church mean one and 
 the same thing. A separation from his church is a se- 
 paration from Chi-islianity ; and proceeds on principles 
 which lead necessarily, if pursued to their issues, to 
 every abomination of infidelity. But let him know that 
 tiie church of Geneva protested against the false friend 
 of Christianity ; and that, if the avowed enemy of 
 Cln-istianity had then elevated himself, she would have 
 protested with equal zeal against him. Let him know, 
 that, if his church had listened to the voice of the Re- 
 former, the enemy of Christianity would have wanted 
 ground for footing to his attacks. The Papist falsely 
 charges the Reformer as the father of infidelity : the 
 infidel maliciously confounds Popery and Christianity : 
 but the true Christian is as far from the licentiousness 
 of the infidel, as he is from the corruption of the Papist. 
 
 I am not inchned to view things in a gloomy aspect. 
 Christianity must undergo a renovation. If God has 
 sent his Son, and has declared that he will exalt him on 
 
 • Alluding to Barruel's Memoirs of Jacobinism. J. P. 
 M 
 
134 
 
 REMAINS OF MR, CECIL. 
 
 liis tlu-one — Ihe earth and all tliat it inherits are con- 
 temptible in the view of such a plan ! If (his be God's 
 design — proceed it does, and proceed it will. Chris- 
 tianity is such a holy and spiritual aflair, that perhaps 
 all human institutions are to be destroyed to make way 
 for it. Men may fashiori things as they will ; but, if 
 there is no effusion of the Spirit of God on their institu- 
 tions, tliey will remain barren and lifeless. Many 
 Christians appear to liave forgotten this. 
 
 ON A christian's DUTY IN THESE EAENTFUL TIMES. 
 
 Ours is a period of no common kind. The path of 
 duty to a Christian is now unusually difficult. It seems 
 to me, however, to be comprehended in two words — Be 
 QUIET and USEFUL. The precept is short ; but the ap- 
 jjlication of it requires much grace and Avisdom. Take 
 not a single step out of a quiet obscurity, to which you 
 are not compelled by a sense of utility. 
 
 Two parties have divided the world. 
 
 The JACOBINS are desperadoes: — the earth's torment 
 and plague. Bishop Horsley said well of them, lately 
 from the pulpit — " These are they who have poisoned 
 Watts's Hynms for children. These are they who are 
 making efforts to contaminate every means of access to 
 tlie public mind. And what is their aim ? — What are 
 tlieir pretensions ? — Tliat they will have neitlier Lord 
 nor King over them. But, verily, one is llieii- King : — 
 whose name, in the Hebrew tongue, is Abaddon ; but, 
 in the Greek tongue, he is called Apollyon ; and in 
 plain English — ' The Devil.' My soul, come not thou 
 near the tents of these wicked men ' 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 135 
 
 " But the ANTiJACOBiNS ?" Tiieir project, as a body, 
 leaves God out of the question. The ir proposal is un- 
 holy. I cannot be insensible to the security, order, 
 and liberty, Avith which these kingdoms are favored 
 above all other nations ; but I cannot go forth with 
 tliese men, as one of their party. I cannot throw up 
 my hat, and shout " Huzza !" Wo to the world, if even 
 THEY prevail ! 
 
 The world is a lying, empty pageant ; and these 
 men are ensnared with the show. Mj pait in it, as a 
 Christian, is to act with simplicity as the servant of 
 God. What does God bid me do ? What, in tliis 
 minute of time, which will be gone and carry me with 
 it into eternity — what is my path of duty ? While ene- 
 mies blaspheme, and friends are beguiled, let me stand 
 on imj icatch-towei- with the Propliet, listening what 
 the Lord God shall say to me. In any sciieme of 
 man I dare not be drunken. We, icho are of the day, 
 ■must he sober. Chm'chman or Dissenter, if I am a 
 true Christian, I shall talk thus to my connexions. The 
 sentiment of the multitude is ensnaring : but tiie multi- 
 tude is generally wrong. I must beware of the conta- 
 gion. Not that 1 am to push myself into consequence. 
 The matter is between me and my God — Not one step 
 out of a holy quiet and obscurity, but in order to utility. 
 
 Yet we must be active and bold, whenever duty calls 
 us to be so. My own conduct, Avith respect to the re- 
 ligious world, is too much formed on my feelings. I 
 see it in what I deem a lamentable state ; but I seem 
 to say, " Well ! go on talking, and mistaking, and 
 making a noise: only make not a noise here:" and 
 then I retire into my closet, and shrink within myself. 
 
136 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 But liad I more faith, and simplicity, and love, and self- 
 denial, I might do all I do in my present sphere, but I 
 should throw myself in the midst of them, and entreat 
 and argue and remonstrate . 
 
 But then such a man must give himself up as a sa- 
 crifice. He would be misrepresented and calumniated 
 from many quarters. But he would make up his ac- 
 count for such treatment. How would St. Paul have 
 acted in such a state of the church ? Would he not 
 have displayed that warm spirit, which made liim say, 
 O foolish Galatians ! who hath bewitched you ? and 
 that holy self-denial, which dictated, I will very glad- 
 ly spend and be spent for you, though the more ex- 
 ceedingly I love you, the less I be loved ? 
 
 It is not to be calculated, how much a single man 
 may effect, who throws his whole powers into a 
 thing. Who, for instance can estimate the influence 
 of Voltaire ? He shed an influence of a peculiar sort 
 over Europe. His powers were those of a gay buf- 
 foon — far diflerent from those of Hxime, and others of 
 Lis class — but he threw liimself wholly into them. It is 
 true these men meet the wickedness or the imbecility ot 
 the human mind : but there are many right hearted peo- 
 ple, who hang a long time on the side of pure, silent, 
 .simple rehgion. Let a man who sees tilings as I do, 
 t lirow himself out with all his powers, to rescue and 
 j^uide such persons. 
 
 ON FORTIFYING YOUTH AGAINST INFIDEL PRINCIPLES. 
 
 I NEVER gathered from infidel writers, when, an 
 avowed infidel myself, any solid diflSculties, which were 
 
REMAINS OF MR, CECIL. 
 
 137 
 
 not brought to my mind by a very young child of my 
 own. " Why was sin permitted ?" — " What an insig- 
 nificant world is this to be redeemed by the incarnation 
 and death of the Son of God !" — " Who can believe 
 that so few will be saved ?" — Objections of this kind, 
 in tlie mind of reasoning young persons, prove to me 
 that they are the growtii of fallen nature. 
 
 The nurse of infidelity is sensuality. Youth are sen- 
 sual. The Bible stands in tlieir way. It prohibits the 
 indulgence of the lust of tlie flesh, the Inst of the eye, 
 and the pride of life. But the young mind loves these 
 tilings ; and, thereibre, it hates the Bible which prohi- 
 bits lliem. It is prepared to say, " If any man will 
 bring me arguments against the Bible, I will thank, him : 
 if not, I will invent them." 
 
 As to infidel arguments, there is no weight in them- 
 Tiiey are jejune and refuted. Infidels are not them- 
 selves convinced by them. 
 
 In combating this evil in youth, we must recollect the 
 proverb, that " a man may bring his horse to the water, 
 but cannot make him drink." The minds of the young 
 are pre-occupied. They will not listen. Yet a crisis 
 may come. They will stop and bethink themselves. 
 
 One promising nietliod with them, is, to appeal to 
 FACTS. What sort of men are infidels? They are 
 loose, fierce, overbearing men. There is nothing in 
 them like sober and serious inquiry. They are the 
 w ildest fanatics on earth. Nor have they agreed among 
 themselves on any scheme of truth and felicity. Con- 
 trast with the character of infidels that of real Chris- 
 tians. 
 
 It is advantageous to dwell, with youth, on the need 
 M 2 
 
138 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 AND NECESSITIES OF MAN. " Everj' pang and grief tells 
 a man tliat lie deeds a helper : but infidelity provides 
 none. And what can its schemes do for you in death ?" 
 
 Impress them with a sense of their ignorance. 
 I silence myself many times a day, by a sense of my 
 ow^n ignorance. 
 
 Appeal to their consciences. " X'VHiy is it that 
 you listen to infidelity ? Is not infidelity a low, carnal, 
 wicked game ? Is it not the very picture of the prodi- 
 gal — Father, give me the portion of goods that fall- 
 eth to me ? — The question why infidelity is received, 
 exposes it, and shows it to the light. Why — why will 
 a man be an infidel ? Your children may urge difficul- 
 ties : but tell them that inexplicable difficulties sun-ound 
 you : you are compelled to believe, in ninety-nine cases 
 out of a hundred, whether you will or no ; and shall 
 you not be a believer in the hundredth instance from 
 choice ? 
 
 Draw olt a map of the road of infidelity. It will 
 lead them to such stages, at length as they never could 
 suspect. Is thy servant a dog, that he should do 
 this thing ? 
 
 The spirit and tone of your house mil have great 
 influence on your cliildren. If it is what it ought to be, 
 it will often fasten conviction on their minds, however 
 wicked they may become. I have felt the truth of this 
 in my own case : I said, " My father is right, and I am 
 wrong ! Oh, let me die the death of the righteous, 
 and let my last end he like his .'" The bye-conver- 
 sations in a family are, in this view, of unspeakable im- 
 portance. 
 
 On the whole, arguments addressed to the heart 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 139 
 
 press more forcibly than those addressed to the head. 
 When I was child, and a very wicked one too, one of 
 Dr. Watt's Hyvnns sent me to weep in a corner. The 
 lives in Janeway's Token had the same effect. I felt 
 the influence of faith in suffering Christians. The char- 
 acter of young Samuel came home to me, when nothing 
 else had any hold on my mind. 
 
 ON THE MANAGEMENT OF CHILDREN. 
 
 Great wisdom is requisite in con-ecting the evils of 
 children. A child is bashful perhaps : but, in stimulat- 
 ing this child, we are too apt to forget future conse- 
 quences. " Hold up your head. Don't be vulgar." 
 At length they hold up their heads ; and acquire such 
 airs, that, too late, we discover our error. We forgot 
 that we were giving gold, to purchase dross. We for- 
 got that we were sacrificing modesty and humility, to 
 make them young actors and old tyi ants.* 
 
 * The reader cannot but admire the sentiments, which Bishop Hurd 
 has, on this suLijrct, put into the mouth of Mr. Locke, one of his supposed 
 interlocutors in the Dialogue on Foreign Travels. 
 
 " Bash fulness is not so much the efft ct of an ill education, as the proper 
 gift and provision of wise nature. Every stage of life has its own set of 
 manners, that is suited to it, and best becomes it. Each is beautiful in 
 its season ; and you might as well quarrel with the cliild's rattle, and ad- 
 vance him directly to tlie boy's top and span-farthing, as expect from 
 diffident youth the manly confidence of riper age. 
 
 " Lamentable in the mean time, I am sensible, is the condition of my 
 good lady ; who, especially if she be a miglity, well bred one, is perfectly 
 shocked at the boy's awkwardness, and calls out on the tailor, the danc- 
 ing-master, the player, the travelled tutor, any body and every body, to 
 relieve her from the pain of so disgraceful an object. 
 
 " She should, however, be told, if a proper season and words soft en- 
 ough could be found to convey the information, that the odious tiling 
 
140 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 Christians are imbibing so much of the cast and 
 temper of the age, tliat they seem to be anxiously tutor- 
 ing their children, and preparing them by all manner 
 of means, not for a better world, but for the present. 
 Yet in nothing should the simplicity of faith be more 
 unreservedly exercised, tlian with regard to children. 
 Tiieir appointments and stations, yea, even their pre- 
 sent and eternal happiness or misery, so far as they are 
 influenced by their states and conditions in life, may be 
 decided by the most minute and trivial events, all of 
 which are in God's hand, and not in ours. An unbe- 
 lieving spirit prevades, in this respect, too intimately 
 the Christian world. 
 
 When I meet children to instruct them, I do not suf- 
 fer one grown person to be present. The Moravians 
 pursue a different method. Some of their elder breth- 
 ren even sit among the children, to sanction and en- 
 courage the work. This is well, provided children are 
 to be addressed in the usual manner. But that will ef- 
 fect little good. Nothing is easier than to talk to chil- 
 dren ; but, to talk to them as they ought to be talked 
 to, is the very last effort of ability. A man must have a 
 vigorous imagination. He must have extensive know- 
 ledge, to call in illustrations from the four corners of 
 
 which disturbs her so much, is one of nature's signatures impressed on 
 that age; tliat bashfulness is but the passage from one season of life to 
 another ; and that as the body is then the least graceful, when the limbs 
 are making their last efforts and hastening to their just proportion, so 
 the manners are least easy and disengaged, when the mind, conscious 
 and impatient of its perfections, is stretching all its feculties to their 
 full growth." 
 
 See Bishop Kurd's Moral and Political Dialogues, Ed. 6th. 
 Lond. 1788, vol. 3d, pp. 99, 100, 101. J. P. 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 141 
 
 Ihe earth ; for lie will make little progress, but by illus- 
 tration. It requires great genius, to throw the mind 
 into the habit of children's minds. I aim at this, but I 
 find it the utmost effort of ability. No sermon ever put 
 my mind half so nmch on the stretch. The effort is 
 such, that, were one person present, who was capable 
 of w cighing the propriety of what I said, it would be 
 impossible for me to proceed : the mind must, in such 
 a case, be perfectly at its ease : it must not have to ex- 
 ert itself under cramps and fetters. I am surprised at 
 nothing which Dr. Watts did, but his Hymns for Ciiil- 
 dren. Other men could have written as well as he, in 
 his other works : but how he wrote these hynms, I 
 know not. Stories fix children's attention. Tiie mo- 
 ment I begin to talk in any thing like an abstract man- 
 ner, the attention subsides. The simplest maimer in the 
 M'orld will not make way to children's minds for abstract 
 truths. With stories I find I could rivet their attention 
 for two of three hours. 
 
 Children are very early capable of impression. I 
 imprinted on my daughter tlie idea of faith, at a very 
 early age. She was pi i\ iiig ont' day with a few beads, 
 which seemed to delight iier w oiulerfully. Her wiiole 
 soul was absorbed in her beads. I said — " 3Iy dear, 
 you have some pretty beads there." — " Yes, Paj)a !" — 
 " And you seem to be vastly pleased witli tiiem." — 
 " Yes, Papa !" — "Well now, throw 'em behind tlie fire." 
 The tears started into her eyes. She looked earnestly 
 at me, as thougii she ought to have a reason for such a 
 cruel sacrifice. " Well, my dear, do as you please : 
 but you know 1 never told you to do any thing which I 
 
142 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 did not think would be good for you." She looked at 
 me a few moments longer, and then — summoning up 
 all her fortitude — her breast heaving with the effort — 
 she dashed them into the fire.—" Well," said I ; " there 
 let them lie, you shall hear more about them another 
 time ; but say no more about them now." Some days 
 after, I bought her a box full of larger beads, and toys 
 of the same kind. When I returned home, I opened 
 the treasure and set it before her : she burst into tears 
 with extacy. " Those, my child," said I, " are yours : 
 because you believed me, when I told you it would be 
 better for you to throw those two or three paltry beads 
 behind the fire. Now that has brought you this treasure. 
 But now, my dear, remember, as long as you live, what 
 Faith is. I did all this to teach you the meaning of 
 Faith. You threw your beads away when I bid you, 
 because you had faith in me, that I never advised you 
 but for your good. Put the same confidence in God. 
 Believe every thing that he says in his word. AVhetli- 
 er you understand it or not, have faith in liim that he 
 means your good." 
 
 ON FAMILY WORSHIP. 
 
 Family religion is of unspeakable importance. Its 
 effect will greatly depend on the sincerity of the head 
 of the family, and on his mode of conducting the wor- 
 ship of his household. If his children and servants do 
 not see his prayers exemplified in his tempers and 
 manner they will be disgusted with religion. Tedi- 
 ousness will weary them. Fine language will shoot 
 above them. Formality of connexion or composition in 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 143 
 
 prayer they will not comprehend. Gloominess or aus- 
 terity of devotion will make them dread religion as a 
 hard service. Let them be met with smiles. Let them 
 be met as for the most delightful service, in which they 
 can be engaged. Let them find it short, savory, simple, 
 plain, tender, heavenly. Worship, thus conducted, 
 may be used as an engine of vast power in a family. 
 It diftuses a sympathy through the members. It calls 
 oil' the mind from the deadening eflect of worldly af- 
 fairs. It arrests every member, with a morning and 
 evening sermon, in the midst of all the hurries and 
 cares of life. It says, " There is a God " — " There is 
 a spiritual world !" — " There is a life to come !" It fix- 
 es the idea of responsibility in the mind. It furnishes 
 a tender and judicious father or master with an oppor- 
 tunity of gently glancing at faults, where a direct ad- 
 monition might be inexpedient. It enables him to re- 
 lieve the weight with which subordination or service 
 often sits on the minds of inferiors. 
 
 In my family-worship I am not the reader, but em- 
 ploy one of my children. I make no formal conmient 
 Oil the Scriptui"e ; but, when any striking event or senti- 
 ment arises, I say, " Mark that!" — "See how God 
 judges of that tiling !" Sometimes I ask what they 
 think of the matter, and how such a thing strikes them. 
 I generally receive very strange, and sometimes ridi- 
 culous answers ; but I am pleased with them : atten- 
 tion is all alive, while I am explaining wherein they err, 
 and what is the truth. In this manner I endeavor to 
 impress the spirit and scope of the passage on the fa- 
 mily. 
 
 I particudarly aim at the eradication of a false prin- 
 
144 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 ciple, wonderfully interwoven with the minds of chil- 
 dren and servants — they take their standard from the 
 neighborhood and their acquaintance, and by tliis Ihey 
 judge of every thing. I endeavor to raise them to a 
 persuasion, that God's will in Scripture is the standard ; 
 and that this standard is perpetually in opposition to 
 that corrujjt one around and before them. 
 
 The younger children of the family will soon have 
 discernment enough to perceive that the Bible has a 
 holiness about it, that runs directly contrary to the 
 stream of opinion. And then because this character is 
 so evident, and so inseparable from the Scripture, the 
 heart will distaste and reject it. Yet the standard must 
 be preserved. If a man should lower il, they would 
 soon detect liim ; and he must, after all, raise them up 
 to the right standard again. Much may be efi'ected by 
 manner, as to impressing truth ; but still truth will re- 
 main irksome, till God touch the heart. 
 
 I read the Scriptures to my family in some regular 
 order ; and am pleased to have thus a lesson found for 
 me. I look on the chapter of the day as a lesson sent 
 for that day ; and so I regard it as coming from God 
 for the use of tliat day, and not of my own seeking. 
 
 I find it easy to keep up the attentio)i of a congrega- 
 tion, in comparison of that of my family. I have found 
 the attention best gained by bringing the truths of Scrip- 
 ture into comparison with the facts which are before 
 our eyes. It puts more stimuli into family expositions. 
 I never found a fact lost, or the current news of the day 
 fail of arresting the attention. " How does the Bible 
 account for that fact ? — That man murdered his father 
 — This or that thing happened in our house to-day — 
 What does the Scripture say of such things?" 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL> 
 
 145 
 
 it is difficult lo fix and quiet your family. The ser- 
 vants are eager to be gone, to do something in hand. 
 There has been some disagreement, perhaps, between 
 them and their mistress, Wc must seize opportuni- 
 ties. We must not drive hard at such times as these. 
 Regularity, however, must be enforced. If a certain 
 hour is not fixed and adhered to, the family will inevit- 
 ably be found in confusion. 
 
 Religion should be prudently brought before the fa- 
 mily. The old Dissenters wearied their families. Ja- 
 cob reasoned well with Esau, about the tenderness of 
 his children, and his flocks and herds. Something gen- 
 tle, quiet, moderate, should be our aim. There should 
 be no scolding : it should be mild and pleasant. 
 
 I avoid absolute uniformity : the mind revolts at it; 
 though I would shun eccentricity, for that is still worse. 
 At one time I would say something on what is read: 
 but, at another time, nothing. I make it as natural 
 as possible, " 1 am a religious man : you are my chil- 
 dren and my servants : it is natural that we should 
 do so and so." 
 
 Nothing of superstition should attach to family duty. 
 It is not absolutely and in all cases indispensable. If 
 unavoidably interrupted, we omit it : it is well. If I 
 were peremptorily ordered, as the Jews were, to bring 
 a lamb, I nuist be absolute. But this service is my li- 
 berty, not my task. I do not, however, mean in any de- 
 gree to relax the proper obligation. 
 
 Children and servants should see us acting on the 
 Psalmist's declaration, I will speak of thy testimony 
 before Kings . If a great man happen to be present, 
 let them see that I deem him nothing before the word 
 of God ! N 
 
146 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CKCIl.. 
 
 ON THE INFLUENCE OF THE PARENTAL CHARACTCH?. 
 
 The influence of the parental character on cliiUlren 
 is not to be calculated. Ev ery tliin;; around lias an in- 
 fluence on us. Indeed, the influence of things is so 
 great, that, by familiarity with them, they insensibly 
 urge us on principles and feelings which we before ab- 
 horred. I knew a man who took in a democratical 
 paper, only to laugh at it. But at length, he had read 
 the same things again and again, so often, that he began 
 to think there must be some truth in them, and that men 
 and measures were really such as they were so often 
 said to be. A drop of water seems to have no influence 
 on the stone ; but will, in the end, wear its way through. 
 If there be therefore such a mighty influence in every 
 thing around us, the parental influence must be great 
 indeed. 
 
 Consistency is the great character, hi good j)arents, 
 wliich impresses children. They may witness much 
 temper ; but if they see their Father " keep the even 
 tenor of liis way," his imperfections will be understood 
 and allowed for as reason opens. The child will see 
 and reflect on his parent's hitention : and this will have 
 great influence on his mind. This influence may, in- 
 deed, be afterwards counteracted : but that only proves 
 that contrary currents may arise, and carry the child 
 another way. Old Adam may be too strong for young 
 Melancthon. 
 
 The implantation of principles is of unspeakable im- 
 portance, especially when culled from time to time out 
 of the Bible. The child feels his parent's autliority 
 supported by the Bible, and the authority of the Bible 
 
nK:MAINS OF MR. CECIL. 147 
 
 STipportecl by Iiis parent's weiglit. and influence. Here 
 are data — iixed data. A man can very seldom get rid 
 of these principles. Tliey stand in liis way. He wish- 
 es to forget them, perliaps ; but it is impossible. 
 
 Where parental influence does not convert, it ham- 
 pers. It hangs on the wheels of evil. I had a pious 
 niotlier, who dropped things in my way. I could nev- 
 er rid myself of them. I was a professed infidel : but 
 tiien I hked to be an infidel in company, rather than 
 w hen alone. I was wretched when by myself. These 
 principles, and maxims, and data spoiled my jollity. 
 With my companions I could sometimes stifle them: 
 like embers we kept one another warm. Besides, I 
 was here a sort of hero. I had beguiled several of my 
 associates into my own opinions, and had to maintain a 
 character before them. But I could not divest myself 
 of my better principles. I went with one of my com- 
 panions to see " The Minor." He could laugh heart- 
 ily at mother Cole — I could not. He saw in her the 
 picture of all who talked about religion — I knew better. 
 The ridicule on regeneration was high sport to him — to 
 me, it w as none : it could not move my features. He 
 knew no diflerence between regeneration and transub- 
 stantiation — 1 did. I knew tliere was such a tiling. I 
 was afraid and ashamed to laugh at it. Parental influ- 
 ence thus cleaves to a man : it harrasses him — it tlu'ows 
 itself continually in his way. 
 
 1 find in myself another evidence of the greatness of 
 parental influence. I detect myself to this day, in lay- 
 ing down maxims in my family, which I took up at 
 tliree or four years of age, before I could possibly know 
 the reason of the thing. 
 
148 
 
 REMA1T4S OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 It is of Incalculable importance to obtain a hold on 
 the conscience. Children have a conscience ; and it is 
 not seared, though it is evil. Bringing the eternal 
 world into their view— planning and acting with that 
 world before us— this gains at length, such a hold on 
 them, that, with all the infidel poison whicii they may 
 afterward imbibe, there are few children who, at night 
 — in their chamber — in the dark — in a storm of thunder 
 
 will not feel. They cannot cheat like other men. 
 
 They recollect that ETERNm', which stands in their way. 
 It rises up before them, like the ghost of Banquo to 
 Macbeth. It goatls them : it thunders in their ears. 
 After all, they are obliged to compound the matter \riih 
 conscience, if they cannot be prevailed on to return to 
 God without delay :— " I must be religious, one time or 
 other. That is clear. I cannot get rid of this thing. 
 Well ! I will begin at such a time. I will finish such a 
 scheme, and then !" 
 
 Tlie opinions — the spirit — the conversation — the man- 
 ners of the parent, influence the child. Wiiatever sort 
 of man he is, such in a great degree, will be the child ; 
 unless constitution or accident give him another turn. 
 If the parent is a fantastic man — if he is a genealogist, 
 knows nothing but who married such an one, and who 
 married such an one — if he is a sensualist, a low wretch 
 — his children will u.sually catch these tastes. If he is 
 a hterary man— his very girls will talk learnedly. If he 
 is a griping, hard, miserly man — such will be his chil- 
 dren. This I speak of as generally the case. It 
 may happen, that the parent's disposition may have no 
 ground to work on in that of the child. It may happen, 
 that the child may be driven into disgust : the miser. 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CEClt. 
 
 149 
 
 for instance, often implants disgust, and his son be- 
 comes a spendtlmft. 
 
 After all, in some cases, perhaps, every thing seems 
 to have been done and exhibited by the pious parent in 
 vain. Yet he casts his bread npon the waters. And, 
 perhaps, after he has been in bis grave twenty years, 
 his son remembers what his father told him. 
 
 Besides, parental influence must be great because 
 God has said that it shall be so. The parent is not to 
 stand reasoning and calculating. God has said that 
 his character shall have influence. 
 
 And this appointment of Providence becomes often 
 the punishment of a wicked man. Such a man is a 
 complete selfist. I am weary of hearing such men 
 talk about their " family " — and their " family " — they 
 " nmst provide for their family." Their family has no 
 place in their real regard. They push for them- 
 selves. But God says — " No ! You think your chil- 
 dren shall be so and so. But they shall be rods for 
 your own backs. They shall be your curse. They 
 shall rise up against you." The most common of all 
 human complaints is — Parents groaning under the vices 
 of their children ! This is all the effect of parental in- 
 fluence. 
 
 In the exercise of this influence there ate two leading 
 dangers to be avoided. 
 
 Excess of SEVERITY is one danger. My mother, on 
 the contrary, would talk to me, and weep as she talked. 
 1 flung out of the house with an oath — but wept too 
 when I got into tlie street. Sympathy is the powerful 
 engine of a mother. I was desperate — I would go on 
 board of a privateei-. But there are soft moments to 
 
150 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 such desperadoes. God does not, at once, abandon 
 them to themselves. There are times when the man 
 says — " I should be glad to return, but I should not 
 like to meet that face !" if he has been treated with se- 
 verity. 
 
 Yet excess of laxity is another danger. The case 
 of Eli affords a serious warning on this subject. Instead 
 of his mild expostulation on the flagrant wickedness of 
 his sons — Nay, my sons, it is no good report that I 
 hear — he ought to have exercised his authority as a 
 parent and magistrate in punishing and restraining their 
 crimes. 
 
 REMARKS ON AUTHORS. 
 
 When I look at the mind of Lord Bacon — it seems 
 vast, original, penetrating, analogical, beyond all com- 
 petition. When I look at his character — it is wavering, 
 shuffling, mean. In the closing scene, and in that only, 
 he appeals in true dignity, as a man of profound con- 
 trition. 
 
 Baxter surpasses, perhaps, all others, in the grand, 
 impressive, and persuasive style. But he is not to be 
 named w ith Owen as to furnishing the student's mind. 
 He is, however, multifarious, complex, practical. 
 
 Clarke has, above all other men, the faculty of low- 
 ering the life and spiritual sense of Scripture to such 
 perfection, as to leave it like drj^ bones, divested of ev- 
 ery particle of marrow or oil. South is nearer Die 
 truth. He tells more of it ; but he tells it w ith the 
 tongue of a viper, for he was most bitterly set against 
 
REMAINS Ol" MR. CKCIL. 
 
 151 
 
 the puiilans. But tlieie is a spirit and life about him. 
 He must and will be heard. And now and then, he 
 darts on us with an unexpected and incomparable 
 stroke. 
 
 The modern German writers, and the whole school 
 formed after them, systematically and intentionally con- 
 found vice and virtue, and argue for the passions 
 against the morals and institutions of society. There 
 never was a more dangerous book written, than one 
 that JVIrs. Wolstoncraft left imperfect, but which 
 Godwin published after her death. Her " Wrongs of 
 Women" is an artful apology for adultery : she labors 
 to interest the feelings in favor of an adulteress, by 
 making her crime the consequence of the barbarous 
 treatment of a despicable husband, while she is painted 
 all softness and sensibility. Nothing like this was ever 
 attempted before the raodej-n school. 
 
 " Some men," says Dr. Patten to me, " are always 
 crying tire! fire!" To be sure — where there is dan- 
 ger there ought to be aiiectionate earnestness. Who 
 would remonstrate, coldly and with indifference, with a 
 man about to precipitate liimself from Dover Cliff, and 
 not rather snatch him forcibly from destruction ? Truth, 
 in its living influence on the heart, will show itself in 
 consecratedness and holy zeal. When teachers of re- 
 ligion are destitute of these qualities, the world readily 
 infers that religion itself is a farce. Let us do the world 
 justice. It has very seldom found a considerate, ac- 
 coimnodatiiig, and gentle, but withal earnest, heavenly, 
 aad enlightened teacher. When it has found such. 
 
152 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECTl, 
 
 truth has received a very general attention. Such a 
 man was Hervey, and his works have met their reward. 
 
 Homer approaches nearest of all the heathen poets 
 to the grandeur of Hebrew poetry. With the theolo- 
 gical hght of S cripture, he would have wonderfully re- 
 sembled it. 
 
 Hooker is incomparable in strength and sanctity. 
 His first books are wonderful. I do not so perfectly 
 meet him, as he advances toward the close. 
 
 Loskiel's "Account of the Moravian Missions among 
 the North American Indians" has taught me two things. 
 I have found in it a striking illustration of the unlforiri- 
 ity with which the grace of God operates on men. 
 Crantz, in his "Account of the Missions in Greenland," 
 liad shown the grace of God working on a man-fish : 
 on a stupid — sottish — senseless creature — scarcely a 
 remove from the fish on which he Kved. Loskiel shows 
 the same grace working on a man-devil : a fierce — 
 bloodj'— revengeful warrior — dancing liis infernal war- 
 dance with the mind of a furj'. Divine grace brings 
 these men to the same point. It quickens, stimulates, 
 and elevates the GreenJander : it raises him to a sort 
 of new life : it seems almost to bestow on him new 
 senses : it opens his eye, and bends his ear, and rouses 
 the heart : and what it adds — it sanctifies. The same 
 grace tames the high spirit of the Indian : it reduces 
 him to the meekness, and docility, and simpUcity of a 
 child. The evidence arising to Christianity from these 
 facts is, perhaps, seldom sufficient, by itself, to co»- 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 153 
 
 vince Ike gainsnyer : but, to a man who already be- 
 liev es, it greatly strengtliens the reasons of liis belief. I 
 have seen also in these books, that the fish-boat, and the 
 oil, and the toniahawk,and the cap of feathers excepted 
 ■ — a Christianrmlnister haa to deal with just the same 
 sort of creatures, as the Greenlander and the Indian 
 atnorty civilized nations. 
 
 Owen- stands at the head of his class of divines. His 
 scholars will be more profound and enlarged, and better 
 furnished, than those of most other witers. His work 
 on the Spirit has been my treasure-house and one of 
 niy first rate books. Such writers as Riccaltoun 
 rather disqualify than prepare a minister for the imme- 
 diate business of the pidpit. Original and profound 
 thinkers enlarge his views, and bring into exercise the 
 powers and energies of his own mind, and should there- 
 fore be his daily companions. Their matter must, how- 
 ever, be ground down before it will be fit lor the pul- 
 pit. Such writers as Owen, who, though less original 
 have united detail with wisdom, are copious in proper 
 topics, and in matter better prepared for immediate 
 use, and in furniture ready finished, as it were, for the 
 mind. 
 
 Paley is an imsound casuist, and is likely to do great 
 injury to morals : His extenuation of the crimes com- 
 mitted by an intoxicated man for instance, is fallacious 
 and dangerous. Multiply the crhne of intoxication into 
 the consequences that follow from it, and you have the 
 sum total of the guilt of a drunken man. 
 
154 
 
 Rutherford's Letters is one of niy classics. ^^ ere 
 truth the beam, I have no doubt, tliat if Homer and Vir- 
 gil and Horace, and all that the world has a;;reed to 
 idolize, were weighed against that book, they would 
 be lighter than vanity. He is a real original. There 
 ai-e in his letters some inexpressibly forcible and arrest- 
 ing remonstrances with unconverted men. 
 
 I SHOULD not recommend a young minister to pay 
 much deference to the Scotch DiviNjiS. The Erskines, 
 who were the best of tliem, are dry, and labored, and 
 proUx, and wearisome. He may find incomparable 
 matter in them, but he should beware of forming his 
 taste and manner after their model. I want a more 
 kind hearted and liberal sort of divinity. He had 
 much better take up Bishop Hall. There is a set of 
 excellent, but wrong-headed men, who w ould reform 
 the London preachers on a more elaborate plan. They 
 are not philosophers who talk thus. If Owen himself 
 were to rise from the grave, unless it were for the in- 
 fluence of the great name wliicli he would bring w itii 
 him, he might close his days w ith a sniail congregation, 
 in some little meeting-house. 
 
 Shakspeare had a low and licentious ta.ste. \'\'hen 
 he chose to imagine a virtuous and exalted character, 
 he would completely throw his mind into it, and give 
 the perfect picture of such a character. But he is at 
 home in Falstaft". No high, grand, virtuous, religious 
 aim beams forth in hini. A man, whose heart and taste 
 are modelled on the Bible, nauseates him in the mass, 
 while he is enraptured and astonished by the flashes of 
 of liis pre-eminent genius. 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 155 
 
 "Have you read my Key to tlie Romans ?" — said 
 Dr. Taylor, of Norwich, to Mr. Newton. " I have 
 turned it over." — You have turned it over ! And is 
 this the treatment a book must meet with, which has 
 cost me many years of hard study ? Must I be told, at 
 last, that you have ' turned it over,' and then tlirown it 
 aside? You ought to have read it carefully and weighed 
 deliberately what comes forward on so serious a sub- 
 ject." — " Hold ! You have cut me out full employment, 
 if my life were to be as long as Methuselah's. I have 
 somewhat else to do in the sliort day allotted me, than to 
 read whatever any one may tliink. it his duty to write. 
 Wlien I read, I wish to read to good purpose ; and 
 there are some books, \^ hich contradict on the very face 
 of them wliat appear to me to be first principles. You 
 surely will not say I am bound to read such bqpks. If 
 a man tells me he has a very elaborate argument to 
 prove that two and two make five, I have something 
 else to do than to attend to this argument. If I find 
 (he first m outhful of meat which I take from a fine look- 
 ing joint on my table is tainted, I need not eat through 
 it to be convinced I ought to send it away." 
 
 I NEVER read any sermons so much like White- 
 field's manner of preaching as Latimer's — You see a 
 simple mind uttering all its feelings ; and putting forth 
 every thing as it comes, without any reference to books 
 or men, wilh a nahiete seldom equalled. 
 
 I admired \\'itsils's " Economy of the Covenants," 
 but not so mucii as many persons. — There is too much 
 system. I used to study commentators and systems ; 
 
156 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 but I am come almost wliolly, at length, to the Bible. 
 Commentators are excellent in general, wliere there are 
 but few difficulties : but they leave the harder knot still 
 untied. I find in the Bible, the more I read, a grand 
 peculiarity, that seems to say to all who attempt to sys- 
 tematize it, " I am not of your kind. I am not amen- 
 able to your methods of thinking. I am untractable in 
 your hands. I stand alone. The great and wise shall 
 never exhaust my treasures. — By figures and parables 
 I will come down to the feeUngs and imderstandiiigs 
 of the ignorant. Leave me as I am, but study me in- 
 cessantly." Calvin's Institutes are, to be sure^ great 
 and admirable, and so are his commentaries ; but after 
 all, if we must have commentators — as we certainly 
 must — Pool is incomparable, and I had almost said 
 abundant of himself. 
 
 Young is, of all other men, one of the most striking 
 examples of the disunion of piety from truth. If we 
 read his most true, impassioned, and impressive esti- 
 mate of the world and of religion, we shall think it im- 
 possible that he was uninfluenced by his subject. • It is, 
 however, a melancholy fact, that he was hunting after 
 preferment at eighty years old ; and felt and spoke like 
 a disappointed man. The truth was pictured on his 
 mind in most vivid colors. He felt it, while he was 
 writing. He felt himself on a retired spot : and he saw 
 death, the mighty hunter, pursuing the unthinking 
 world. He saw redemption — its necessity and its gran- 
 deur ; and while he looked on it, he spoke as a man 
 would speak whose mind and heart aie deeply enga- 
 ged. Notwithstanding all tliis, the view did not reach 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 157 
 
 his heart. Had I preaclied in his pulpit with the fer- 
 vor and interest that his " Niglit Tlioughts" discover, 
 he would have been terrified. He told a friend of mine 
 who went to liim under religious fears, that he must 
 
 GO MORE INTO THE WORLD !" 
 
 ON THE SCRIPTURES. 
 MlSCELLANEOfS REMARKS ON THE SCRIPTURES. 
 
 I AM an entire disciple of Butler. He calls his book 
 "Analogy ;" but the great subject, from beginning to 
 end, is human ignorance. Berkeley has done much to 
 reduce man to a right view of his attainments in real 
 knowledge ; but he goes too far : he requires a demon- 
 stration of self-evident truths : he requires me to de- 
 monstrate that that table is before me. Bcattie ha.s 
 well replied to this error, in his " Immutability of 
 Truth ;" though it pleased Mr. Hume to call that book, 
 — " Philosophy for the Ladies." 
 
 Metaphysicians seem born to puzzle and confound 
 mankind. I am surprised to hear men talk of their 
 having demonstrated such and such points. Even An- 
 drew Baxter, one of the best of these metaphysicians, 
 though he reasons and speculates well, has not demon- 
 strated to my mind one single point by his reasonings. 
 They know nothing at all on the subject of moral anil 
 religious truth, beyond what God has revealed. I am 
 so deeply convinced of this, that I can sit by and smile 
 at the fancies of these men; and especially when they 
 fancy they have found out demonstrations. Wliy there 
 o 
 
158 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 are demonslrators, who will cairy the world before them; 
 till another man rises, who demonstrates the very oppos- 
 ite, and then, of com-se, the world follows him ! 
 
 We are mere mites creeping on the earth, and oft( n- 
 times conceited mites too. If any superior being will 
 condescend to visit us and teach us, something may be 
 known. " Has God spoken to man ?" This is the most 
 important question that can be asked. All ministers 
 should examine this matter to the foundation. Many 
 are culpably negligent herein. But when this has been 
 done, let there be no more questionings and surmises. 
 My son is not, perhaps, convinced that I a^n entitled to 
 be liis teacher. Let us try. If he finds that he knows 
 more than I do — well : if he finds that he knows nothing 
 and submits — I am not to renew this conv iction in his 
 mind every time he chooses to require me to do so. 
 
 If any honest and benevolent man felt scruples in his 
 breast concerning Revelation, he would hide them there ; 
 and would not move wretched men from the only sup- 
 port which they can have in tliis world. I am thorough- 
 ly convinced of the want of real integrity and benevol- 
 ence in all infidels. And I am as thoroughly convinced 
 of the want of real belief of the Scriptures in most of 
 those who profess to believe them. 
 
 Metaphysicians can unsettle things, but they can 
 erect nothing. Tiiey can pull down a church, but they 
 cannot build a hovel. The Hutchinsonians have said 
 the best things about the metaphysicians. I am no 
 Hutchinsonian ; yet I see that they have data, and that 
 there is something worth proving in what they assert. 
 
 Principle is to be distinguished from prejudice. 
 
REMAINS OF MU. CECIL 
 
 159 
 
 The man wl\o slioukl endeavor to weaken my belief of 
 the tnith of the Bible, and of the fair deduction from 
 it of the leading doctrines of religion, under the notion 
 of theii' being prejudices, should be regarded by me as 
 an assassin. He stabs me in my dearest liopes : he 
 robs me of my solid happiness ; and he has no equiva- 
 lent to ofler. Tliis species of evidence of the trutli and 
 value of Scriptui-e is within the reach of all men. It is 
 my strongest. It assures me as fully as a voice could 
 from heaven, that my principles are not prejudices. I 
 see in the Bible my heart and the world painted to tlie 
 life ; and I see just that provision made, which is com- 
 petent to the highest ends and effects on this heart and 
 this world. 
 
 The Bible resembles an extensive and higlily culti- 
 vated garden, where there is a vast variety and pro- 
 fusion of fruits and flowers : some of which are more 
 essential or more splendid than others ; but there is not 
 a blade suffered to grow in it, which has not its use and 
 l)eauty in the system. Salvation for sinners, is the 
 grand truth presented every where, and in all points of 
 light ; but the pure in heart sees a thousand traits of 
 the divine character, of himself, and of the world — some 
 striking and bold, others cast as it were into the shade, 
 and designed to be searched for and examined — some 
 direct, others by way of intimation or inference. 
 
 He, who reads the Scripture, only in the translation, 
 is meanly prepared as a public teacher. The habit of 
 reading the Scriptures in the original throws a new 
 light and sense over numberless passages. The origi- 
 
160 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 nal has, indeed, been obtruded so frequentlj', and some- 
 times so absurdly, on the hearers, that their confidence 
 in the translation has been shaken. The judicious line 
 of conduct herein, is — To think with the wise, and talk 
 with the vulgar — to attain, as I'ar us possible and by all 
 means, the true sense and force of every passage ; and, 
 wherever that differs from the received translation, work 
 it in imperceptibly, that the hearers may be instructed 
 while they receive no prejudice against that forju in 
 Avhich they enjoy the Scriptures. 
 
 No man will preach the Gospel so freely as the 
 Scriptures j^reach it, unless he will submit to talk like 
 an Antinouiian, in the estimation of a great body of 
 Christians ; nor will any man preach it so practically 
 as the Scriptures, unless he will submit to be called, 
 by as large a body, an Arminian. Many think that 
 they find a middle path : which is, in fact, neither one 
 thing nor another ; .since it is not the incomprehensible, 
 but grand plan of the Bible. It is soine« hat of human 
 contrivance. It savors of human poverty and little- 
 ness. 
 
 Were the Scriptures required to supplj" a direct 
 answer to every question which even a sincere inquirer 
 might ask, it would be impracticable. They form, 
 even now, a large volume. The method of instruction 
 adopted in them is, therefore, this : — The rule is given : 
 the doctrine is stated : examples are brought forward — 
 cases in point, which illustrate the rule and the doc- 
 trine : and this is found sufficient for every upright 
 and humble mind. 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 161 
 
 The simple and unprejudiced study of tlic Bible is 
 the death of religious extravagance. — Many read it 
 under a particular bias of tlie mind. They read books, 
 written by others, under the same views. Their preach- 
 ing and conversation run in the same channel. If tliey 
 could awaken themselves from this state, and come to 
 read the whole Scripture for every thing which they 
 could find there, they would start as from a dream — 
 amazed at the humble, meek, forbearing, holy, heaven- 
 ly character of tiie simple religion of the Scriptures, to 
 which, in a greater or less degree, their eyes had been 
 blinded. 
 
 The right way of interpreting Scripture, is, to take 
 it as we find it, without any attempt to force it into any 
 particular system. Whatever may be fairly inferred 
 from Scripture, we need not fear to insist on. Many 
 passages speak the language of what is called Calvin- 
 ism, and that in almost the strongest terms : I woidd 
 not have a man clip and curtail these passages, to bring 
 them down to some system : let him go with them in 
 their free and full sense ; for otherwise, if he do not ab- 
 solutely pervert them, he will attenuate their energy. 
 But, let him look at as many more, which speak tiie 
 language of Arminianism, and let him go all the way 
 with these also. God has been pleased thus to state 
 and to leave the thing ; and all our attempts to distort 
 it, one way or the other, are puny and contemptible. 
 
 A MAN may find much amusement in the Bible — va- 
 riety of prudential instruction — abundance of sublimity 
 and poetry : but, if he stops tliere, he stops short of its 
 o2 
 
162 
 
 REMAINS OF MU. CECIL, 
 
 great end ; for, the testimony of Jesus is the spirit 
 of prophecy. The grand secret in the study of llie 
 Scriptures, is, to discover Jesus Christ tlierein, the v;ay, 
 the truth, and the life. 
 
 In reading the Scriptures, we are apt to tliink God 
 farther removed from us, tlian from the persons to whom 
 he sjjake therein : tlie knowledge of God will rectify 
 this error ; as if God could be farther from us than from 
 them. In reading the Old Testament especially, we 
 are apt to think that the things spoken there, in the pro- 
 phet Hosea, for instance, have little relation to us : the 
 knovvledge taught by Christian experience will rectify 
 this error : as if religion were not always tlie same sort 
 of transaction between God and the soul. 
 
 There are two different ways of treating the truths 
 of the Gospel — the scientific and the siin'LE. It was 
 seriously given me in charge, when I first entered into 
 the ministry, by a female who attended my church, that 
 I should study Baxter's "Catholic Tiieology." I did 
 so : but the best idea that I acquired from this labor 
 was, that the most sagacious and subtle men can make 
 out little beyond the plain, obvious, and broad state- 
 ment of truth ill the Scriptures. I should think it a 
 very proper and suitable punishment for a conceited 
 and pragmatical dogmatist, to oblige him to digest that 
 book. Another great truth, indeed, we may gatlier 
 from it ; and that is, that the intemperate men, on either 
 .side, are very little aware of the consequences, which 
 may be legitimately drawn from their principles. — 
 Even Dr. Owen has erred. I would not compare him 
 
RKMAINS OF MR. CKCIL. 
 
 163 
 
 in <liis respect, with Baxter ; for he has handled his 
 points with far greater wisdom and simplicity : yet he 
 errs ex ahnndanti. He attempts to make out things 
 with more accuracy, and clearness, and system, than 
 the Bible will warrant. The Bible scorns to be treated 
 scientifically. After all your accurate statements, it 
 Mill leave you aground. The Bible does not come 
 round, and ask our opinion of its contents. It pro- 
 ])oses to us a constitution of grace, which we are to re- 
 ceive, though we do not wholly comprehend it. Num- 
 berless questions may be started on the various parts of 
 this constitution. Much of it I cannot understand, even 
 of what respects myself ; but I am called to act on it. 
 And this is agreeable to analogy. My child Avill ask 
 me questions on the fitness or unfitness of what I enjoin ; 
 but I silence him : "You are not yet able to comprehend 
 this : your business is, to beheve me and obey me."' 
 But the schoolmen will not be satisfied with this view of 
 things : ^et they can make nothing out satisfactorily. 
 They have their de re, and their de nomine ; but no- 
 thing is gained by these attempts at clearness and nice 
 distinctions. These very accurate men, who think they 
 adjust every thing with precision, cannot agi-ee among 
 one another,and do little else than puzzle plainer minds. 
 
 \Vh.\tever definitions men have given of religion, I 
 can find none so accm'ately descriptive of it as this — 
 that it is such a belief of the Bible as maintains a li\ing 
 influence on the heart. — Men may speculate, criticise, 
 admire, dispute about, doubt, or believe the Bible : but 
 tlie KKLiGiois MAN is sucli bccause he so believes it, 
 as to carry a practical sense of its truths on his mind. 
 
164 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 The fears of the general class of Christians are con- 
 cerned about the superstructure of religion ; but those 
 of speculative minds chiefly relate to the foundation. 
 The less thinking man doubts w liether he is on tlie foun- 
 dation : he whose mind is of a more intellectual turn 
 doubts concerning the foundation itself. I have met 
 with many of these speculative cases. Attacks of tiiis 
 nature are generally sudden. A suspicion will, by sur- 
 prise, damp the heart; and, for a time, will paint the 
 Bible as a fable. I have found it useful on such occa- 
 sions, to glance over the whole thread of Scripture. 
 The whole presented in such a view, brings back the 
 mind to its proper tone : the indehble characters of 
 simplicity and truth impress with irresistible effect that 
 heart, which can discern tliem as having once felt them. 
 
 ON THE OLD AND NEW DISPENSATIONS. 
 
 The Old and New Testaments contain but one 
 scheme of religion. Neither part of this scheme can be 
 •understood without the otiier ; and, therefore, great er- 
 rors have arisen from separating them. They are like 
 the rolls on which they were anciently written, before 
 books of the present form were invented. It is but one 
 subject and one system, from beginning to end; but 
 the view which we obtain of it grows clearer and clear- 
 er, as we unwind the roll that contains it. 
 
 There is one grand and striking feature of distinc- 
 tion between the spirit of the Old Testament dispensa- 
 tion and that of the New. 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 165 
 
 The Old Dispensation was a dispensation of limits 
 wayniarks, forms and fashions : every thing was weigli- 
 ed and measured: if a man did but gather sticks on 
 the Sabbath, he was to be stoned without mercy ; if a 
 Jew brought an offering, it was of no avail if not pre- 
 sented at the door of the tabernacle : the manner, the 
 time, the circumstances were all minutely instituted ; 
 and no devotion or piety of spirit could exempt a mau 
 from the yoke of all these observances, for God had ap- 
 pointed these as the way in which he chose that a de- 
 vout Jew should express his state of mind. 
 
 But the New Dispensation changed the whole system. 
 Religion was now to become more peculiarly a spiritual 
 transaction between God and the soul ; and indepen- 
 dent, in a higher measure than ever before, of all posi- 
 tive institutions. Its few, simple institutions had no 
 further object, than the preservation of the unity, order, 
 soundness, and purity of the church — in regard to doc- 
 trine, government, and discipline. 
 
 Nor had these appointments that character of unac- 
 commodating inflexibility, which marked the institu- 
 tions of the Old Dispensation. All nations, men of all 
 habits and manners, are to drink life from the benefi- 
 cent stream as it flows. It is to throw down no ob- 
 structions, that are not absolutely incompatible witii its 
 progress. But it is appointed to pervade every place 
 which it visits. Some, it enters without obstruction, 
 and passes directly through. In some, it meets with 
 mounds and obstacles ; yet rises till it finds an entrance. 
 Others are so fenced and fortified, that it winds round 
 them and flows forward : continuing to do so, till it, at 
 length, finds some method of insinuating itself. 
 
166 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. Cr.CIL. 
 
 And thus llie dispensation of grace in llie cliurcli ac- 
 commodates itself to the various tempers and habits 
 whicli it finds in diiierent ages^ nations, and bodies of 
 men : it leav es in existence numberless opinions and pre- 
 judices, if they are not inconsistent with its main de- 
 sign, and mingles and insinuates itself among them. 
 It has not limited Christianity to any one form of church 
 polity, ordained and perfected in all its parts by divine 
 authority : but Christians are left to act herein accord- 
 ing to circumstances, and to the exercise of sound dis- 
 cretion under those circumstances. 
 
 ON TYPICAL AND ALLEGORICAL EXPLANATIONS OF 
 SCRIPTURE. 
 
 It might be expected, that, when God had deter- 
 mined to send his Son into the world, there would be a 
 train and concatenation of circumstances preparatory 
 to his coming — that the historj', which declared that lie 
 was to come, should exhibit many persons and things, 
 which would form a grand preparation for the event, 
 though not so many as an absurd fancy might imagine. 
 
 There is a certain class of persons who wish to rid 
 themselves of the types. Sikes insists that even the 
 brazen serpent is called in by our Lord by way of illus- 
 tration only, and not as a designed type. Robinson, 
 of Cambridge, when he began to verge toward Socin- 
 ianisni, began to ridicule the types ; and to find matter 
 of sport in the pomegranates and the bells of the high 
 priest's garment. At all events, the subject should 
 not be treated with levity and irreverence : it deserves 
 serious reflection. 
 
 With respect to the expediency of employhig the 
 
 9 
 
arniTO or loi. ctcit. 
 
 lypfs mocli in tfie pulpit, that is another qoestion. I 
 seldom employ them. I am jealous for truth and its 
 sanctions. Tlte Old Dispensation was a trpical dis- 
 pensation : but the New is a dispensalio^ anrolled- 
 When speaking of the typical dispensation, we most 
 admre a master, «te St. PanL Bat to os, modesty 
 beeonies a doty in treating such subjects m oar minis- 
 try. Remember, * Thit u nom other but the house 
 of God I and thU u the gate ofhearen ! How dread- 
 ful if I lead thousands with nonsense !— if I kwe the op- 
 portunity of impresong soUd truths I waste ther 
 precious time I" 
 
 A minister should say to himself: « I wonU labor to 
 eat off occasions of objecting to the truth. I would la- 
 bor to grapple with men's conscieaces. I would shew 
 them that there is no strange twist in our view of reli- 
 gioB- I omst avoid, as mnch as posable, having mj 
 judgment caDed in qnestioo: many watch for this, and 
 will avail themselves of any advantage. Some wbo 
 hear me, are dios continually seeking excuses for sot 
 listening to the warnings and imitatioos of Oewotd: 
 they arc endeavoring to get out of ov reach; Ym. I 
 would hold them last by such passages as, « Wh^ 
 shall a man give in exchange for his soul!' 
 
 3Iany men labor to make the Bible TsTm BiMe. 
 Thisisooewayofgettingitsyokeofftheirnecks. The 
 VEASiKG, however of the Bible is the KMe. If I preach 
 then o. imp^ r^fcteoBwas, for instance, why shodd 
 I preach from, the skies pour dourn righteousness, 
 and then a n a then wti re men for not believing the d«^ 
 trine, when it is not declared in the passage, and then 
 are hundreds <rf^ places so expressly to the point? 
 
108 
 
 REMAINS OF MU, CECIL. 
 
 Most of tlie folly on this subject of allegorical interpre- 
 lation, has arisen from a want of holy awe on the mind. 
 An evil fashion may lead some men into it ; and, so far, 
 the case is somewhat extenuated. We should ever re- 
 member, however, that it is a very different thing to al- 
 legorize the New Dispensation from allegorizing the 
 Old : the New is a dispensation of substance and re- 
 alities. 
 
 When a careless young man, I remember to have felt 
 alarms in iny conscience from some preachers ; while 
 others, from this method of treating their subjects, let 
 me off easily. I heard the man as a weak allegorizer : 
 I despised him as a foolish preacher : till I met with 
 some plain, simple, solid man, who seized and urged 
 the obvious meaning. I shall, therefore, carry to my 
 grave a deep conviction of the danger of entering far 
 into typical and allegorical interpretations. 
 
 Accommodation of Scripture, if sober, will give va- 
 riety. The apostles do this so far as to show that it may 
 have its use and advantage. It should, however, never 
 be taken as a ground-work, but employed only in the 
 M ay of allusion. 1 may use the passage, there is a 
 friend that sticketh closer than a brother, by way of 
 allusion to Christ ; but I cannot employ it as the ground- 
 work of a discourse on him. 
 
 ON THE DIVERSITY OF CHARACTER IN CHRISTIANS, 
 AND ON CORRECTING THE DEFECTS IN OUR 
 CHARACTER. 
 
 In DISCOVERING AND COUNTERACTING THE DE- 
 FECTS OF OUR o\yN CHARACTER, it is of cliief import- 
 ance that we really intend to ascertain the truth. 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 169 
 
 The iNTENTfON is extremely defective in us all. The 
 man who thinks he has such honest intention, yet has 
 it very imperfectly. He says — " Touch me : but touch 
 me like a gentleman. Do not intrude on the delicacies 
 of society." The real meaning of which is, that he has 
 no intention of hearing the truth from you. A man, who 
 has a wound to be healed, comes to the surgeon with 
 such an intention to get it healed, that if he suspected 
 his skill or his fidelity he would seek another. 
 
 Intention, or a man's really desiring to know the 
 truth concerning himself, would produce attention. 
 He would soon find, that there is little close business in 
 a man, who does not withdraw from the world. 
 
 He will begin with self-suspicion. " Perhaps I am 
 such or such a man. I see defects in all my friends, 
 and I must be a madman not to suppose that I also 
 liave mine. I see defects in my iriends, which they 
 not only do not themselves see, but they will not suffer 
 others to show these defects to them. 1 must, there- 
 fore, take it for granted that I am a more foolish and 
 pragmatical fellow than I can conceive." 
 
 If he begin thus, then he will be willing to proceed a 
 step further : " Let me try if I cannot reach these de- 
 fects." I have found out myself by seeing my picture 
 in another man. I would choose men of my own con- 
 stitution : other men would give me no proper picture 
 of myself. In such men, I can see actions to be ridi- 
 culous or absurd, when I could not have seen them to be 
 so in myself. We may learn some features of our por- 
 trait from enemies : an enemy gives a hard feature pro- 
 bably, but it is often a truer likeness than can be obtain- 
 ed from a friend. What with your friend's tenderness for 
 P 
 
170 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 you, and your own tenderness for yourself, you cannot 
 get at the true feature. We should, moreover, encour- 
 age our friends. You cannot, in one case in ten, go to a 
 man on a business of this nature, without offending him. 
 He will allege such and such excuses for the defect, and 
 fritter it away to nothing. This shows the hypocrisy— 
 the falsehood-the self-love-and the flattery of the heart. 
 This endeavor to conceal or palliate defects, instead of 
 a desire to discover them, grows up with us from infancy. 
 There is something so deceitful in sin! A man is 
 brought to believe his own lie ! He is so accustomed to 
 hide himself from himself, that he is surprised when an- 
 other detects and unmasks him. Hazael verily believed 
 himself incapable of becoming what tlie prophet foretold. 
 
 Many motives lu-ge us to attempt a rectification of 
 our defects. Consider the importance of character : he 
 who says he cares not what men think of him, he is on 
 a very low form in the school of experience and wisdom : 
 character and money effect almost every thing. It 
 should be considered, too, how much we have smarted 
 for want of attending to our defects : nineteen out of 
 twenty of our smarting times, arise from this cause. 
 
 In counteracting our defects, however, we should be 
 cautious not to blunder by imitation of others. There 
 are such men in the world as saint-errants. One of 
 these men takes up the History of Ignatius Loyola ; and 
 notliing seems worthy of his endeavor,but to be just such 
 a man in all the extravagancies of iiis charar'er and 
 conduct. We should search till we find where our 
 character fails, and then amend it— not attempt to be- 
 come another man. 
 
 A WISE man, who is seriously concerned to learii the 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 171 
 
 truth respecting liimself, will not spurn it even from a 
 fool. The great men who kept fools in their retinue, 
 learnt more truth from them than from their compan- 
 ions. A real self-observer will ask whether there is 
 any truth in what the fool says of him. Nay, a truth, 
 that may be uttered in envy or anger, will not lose its 
 weight with him. The man, Avho is determined to find 
 happiness, must bear to have it even beaten into him. 
 No man ever found it by chance, or " yawned it into 
 being witli a wish." When I was young, my mother had 
 a servant whose conduct I thought truly wise. A man 
 was hired to brew ; and this servant was to watch his 
 method, in order to learn his art. In the course of the 
 process, sometiiing was done wliich she did not under- 
 stand. Slie asked him, and he abused her with the vil- 
 est epithets for her ignorance and stupidity. My mother 
 asked her when she related it, how she bore such abuse. 
 " I would be called," said she, " worse names a thous- 
 and times, for the sake of the information which I got 
 out of him." 
 
 If a man would seriously set himself to this work, he 
 must retire from the crowd. He nmst not live in a bus- 
 tle. If he is always driving through the business of the 
 day, he will be so in harness as not to observe the road 
 he is going. 
 
 He must place perfect standards before iiis eyes. 
 Every man has his favorite notions ; and, therefore, no 
 man is a proper standaj-d. The perfect standard is 
 only to be found in Scripture. Elijah meets Ahab, and 
 holds up the perfect standard before his eyes, till he 
 shrinks into himself* I have found great benefit in 
 • I Kings xviii. 17, etc. 
 
172 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 being sickened and disgusted with the false standards 
 of men. I turn, with stronger convictions,, to the per- 
 fect standard of God's word. 
 
 He should also commune tvith his own heart upon 
 his bed—'' How did I fall, at such or such a time, into 
 my peculiar humors ! Had any other man done so, I 
 should have lost my patience with him." 
 
 Above all, he must make his defects matter of con- 
 stant prayer — Search me, 0 God, andknoiv my heart: 
 try me, and know my thoughts : and see if there he 
 any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way ever- 
 lasting. 
 
 Men are to be estimated, as Johnson says, by the 
 MASS OF CHARACTER. A block of tin may have a grain 
 of silver, but still it is tin ; and a block of silver may 
 liave an alloy of tin, but still it is silver. The mass of 
 Elijah's character was excellence ; yet he was not with- 
 out alloy. The mass of Jehu's character was base ; 
 yet he had a portion of zeal which was directed by 
 God to great ends. Bad men are made the same use 
 of as scaifolds : they are employed as means to erect a 
 building, and then are taken down and destroyed. 
 
 We must make great allowance for constitution. I 
 could name a man, who, though a good man, is more 
 unguarded in his tongue than many immoral persons : 
 .shall I condemn him ? he breaks down here, and almost 
 here only. On the other hand, many are so mild and 
 gentle, as to make one wonder how such a character 
 could be formed without true grace entering into its 
 composition. 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 173 
 
 God has given to every man a peculiar constitution. 
 No man is to say, " I am such or .such a man, and I can 
 be no other — such or such is my way, and I am what 
 God made me." This is true, in a sound sense : but 
 in an unsound sense, it has led men foolishly and wick- 
 edly to charge their eccentricities and even their crimes 
 on God. It is every man's duty to understand his own 
 constitution ; and to apply to it the rein or the spur, as 
 it may need. All men cannot do, nor ought they to do, 
 all things in the same way, nor even the same things. 
 But there are common points of duty, on which all men 
 of all habits are to meet. The free horse is to be 
 checked, perhaps, up-hill, and the sluggish one to be 
 urged ; but the same spirit, which would have exhaust- 
 ed itself before, shows itself probably in resistance 
 down-hill, when he feels the breeching press upon him 
 behind — but he must be whipped out of his resistance. 
 
 There is a large class of Christians, who want dis- 
 crimination in religion. They are sound and excellent 
 men, but they are not men of deep experience. They 
 are not men of Owen's, Gilpin's, Rutherford's, Adams's, 
 or Brainerd's school. They have a general, but not a 
 minute acquaintance, with the combat between sin and 
 grace in the heart. I have learnt not to bring deeply 
 experimental subjects before such persons. They can- 
 not understand them, but are hkely to be distressed by 
 them. This difference between persons of genuine piety 
 arises from constitution — or from the manner in which 
 the grace of God first met them — or from the nature 
 and degree of temptation through which God has led 
 them. A inind finely constituted, or of strong passions 
 p 2 
 
174 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 — a mind roused in its sins, rather than one drawn in- 
 sensibly — a mind trained in a severe school for liigh ser- 
 vices — is generally the subject of this deeply interior 
 acquaintance with religion. 
 
 There is a great diversity of character among real 
 Christians. Education, constitution, and circumstances 
 will fully explain this diversity. 
 
 He has seen but little of life, who does not discern 
 every where the effects of education on men's opinioas 
 and habits of thinking. Two children bring out of the 
 nursery that, which displays itself throughout their lives. 
 And who is the man that can rise above his dispensa- 
 tion, and can say, " You have been teaching me non- 
 sense ?" 
 
 As to CONSTITUTION — look at Martin Luther : wn may 
 see the man every day : his eyes, and nose, and mouth 
 attest his character. Look at Melancthon : he is like 
 a snail with his couple of horns : he puts out Ids horns 
 and feels — and feels — and feels. No education could 
 have rendered these two men alike. Their diflerence 
 began in the womb. Luther dashes in saying liis 
 things : Melancthon must go round about — he must 
 consider what the Greek says, and what the Syriac 
 says. Some men are born minute men — lexicograph- 
 ers — of a German character : they will hunt through 
 libraries to rectify a syllable. Other men are born 
 keen as a razor : they have a sharp, severe, strong acu- 
 men : they cut every thing to pieces : their minds are 
 like a case of instruments ; touch which you will, it 
 wounds : they crucify a modest man. Such men should 
 aim at a right knowledge of character. If they attain- 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 175 
 
 ed this, tliey would find out the sin that easily besets 
 them. The greater the capacity of such men, the great- 
 er their cruelty. They ought to blunt their instru- 
 ments. They ought to keep them in a case. Other 
 men are ambitious — fond of power ; pride and power 
 give a velocity to their motions. Others are born with 
 a quiet, retiring mind. Some are naturally fierce, and 
 otliers naturally mild and placable. Men often take to 
 themselves great credit for what they owe entirely to 
 nature. Tf we would judge rightly, we should see that 
 narrowness or expansion of mind, niggardliness or 
 generosity, delicacy or boldness, have less of merit or 
 demerit than we commonly assign to them. 
 
 Circumstances, also, are not sufficiently taken into 
 the account, when we estimate character. For example 
 — we generally censiu-e the Reformers and Puritans 
 as dogmatical, morose, systematic men. But, it is 
 vflsier to walk on a road, than to form that road. Oth- 
 er men labored, and zve have entered into their la- 
 bors. In a fine day, I can walk abroad ; but, in a 
 rough and stormy day, I should find it another thing to 
 turn coachman and dare all weathers. These men had 
 to bear the bui-den and heat of the day : they had to 
 fight against hard times : they had to stand up against 
 learning and power. Their times were not like ours : 
 a man may now think what he will, and nobody cares 
 what he thinks. A man of that school was, of course, 
 stitl", rigid, unyielding. Tuckney was such a man : 
 Winchcot wasforsmoothingthings,and walking abroad. 
 We see circumstances operating in many other ways. 
 A minister unmarried, and the same man married, are 
 
176 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 very different men. A minister in a small parish, and 
 Uie same man in a large sphere where liis sides are spur- 
 red and goaded, are very different men. A minister 
 on tenter liooks — harrassed — schooled, and the same 
 man nursed — cherished — put into a hot-house, are very 
 different men. Some of us are hot house plants. We 
 grow tall : not better — not stronger. Talents are among 
 the circumstances which form the diversity of character. 
 A man of talents feels his omi powers, and throws him- 
 self into that line which he can pursue witli most suc- 
 cess. Saurin felt that he could flourish — lighten — thun- 
 der — enchant, like a magician. Every one should se- 
 riously consider, how far liis talents and turn of mind 
 and circumstances drive him out of the right road. It 
 is an easy thing for a man of vigor to bring a quiet one 
 before his bar : and it is easy for this quiet man to con- 
 demn the other : yet both may be really pious men — 
 serving God \\ith their best powers. Every man has 
 Ids peculiar gift of God ; one after this manner, and 
 the other after that. 
 
 ON THE FALLEN NATURE OF MAN. 
 
 I SEEM to acquire little new knowledge on any sub- 
 ject, compared to that which I acquire conrerning man. 
 This subject is inexhaustible. I have lately read Col- 
 quhoun's Treatise on the " Police of the ^letropolis," 
 and Barruell's " Memoirs of Jacobinism." When we 
 preachers draw pictures of human nature in the pulpit, 
 we are told that we calumniate it. Calumniate it ! — 
 Let such censm-ers read these writers, and confess that 
 we are novices in painting the vices of the heart. All 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 177 
 
 of US live to make discoveries of the evils of the heart- 
 not of its virtues. All our new knowledge of human 
 nature is occuiiied with its evil. 
 
 Bartholomew fair is one of the most perfect exhibi- 
 tions of unrestrained human nature in the whole world. 
 The monkey, the tiger, the wolf, the liog, and the goat, 
 are not only to be found in their own, but in human form ; 
 with all their savageness, brutality, and filthiness. It 
 displays human nature in its most degraded, ridiculous 
 and absurd conditions. The tiger may be seen in a 
 quiescent state, if we pass through Dyot street: he 
 couches there : he blinks. But, at Bartholomew fair, 
 he is rampant— vigorous— fierce. Passing through a 
 fair in a country town, I witnessed a most instructive 
 scene. Two withered, weatherbeaten wretches were 
 standing at the door of a show cart, and receiving two- 
 pences from sweet, innocent, ruddy counlrj- girls, who 
 paid their money, and dropped their curtsies ; while 
 these wretches smiled at their simplicity, and clapped 
 them on the back as they entered the door. What a 
 picture this of Satan ! He sets off his shows, and draws in 
 heedless creatures, and takes from them every thing 
 they have good about them ! There was a fellow dress- 
 ed out as a zany, with a hump back and a hump belly, 
 a lengthened nose, and a lengthened chin. To what a 
 depth of degradation must human nature be sunk, to 
 seek such resources ! I derived more instruction from 
 this scene, than I could have done from many elaborate 
 theological treatises. 
 
 View man on whatever side we can — in his sensuali- 
 
178 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 ties, or in his ferocilies — in the sins of his flesh, or in the 
 sins of his spirit : catch him when and where you will — 
 his condition is deplorable. While he is sunk, in the mass 
 himself, he has no perception of his state : but when he 
 begins to emerge, he looks down with amazement. He 
 sees but little, however, of its abomination ; because he 
 has still an affinity with the evil. 
 
 Human nature is like the sea, which gains by tlie 
 flow of the tide in one place, what it has lost by the ebl) 
 in anotlier. A man may acquiesce in the metliod 
 which God takes to mortily his pride ; but he is in dan- 
 ger of growing proud of the mortification : and so in 
 other cases. 
 
 ON THE NEED OF GRACE. 
 
 There is something so remarkable in the genius and 
 spirit of the Gospel, that it is not to be miderstood by 
 any force of speculation and investigation. Baxter at- 
 tempted this method, and found it vain. The state of 
 the heart lias the chief influence, in the search after 
 truth. Humility, contrition, simplicity, sanclily — these 
 are the handmaids of the understanding in the investi- 
 gation of reUgion. 
 
 How is it that some men labor in divine things niglit 
 and day, but labor in vain ? Hom' is it that men can 
 turn over the Bible from end to end to support en-ors 
 and heresies — absurdities and blasphemies? They 
 take not the spirit with the word. A spiritual under- 
 standing must be given — a gracious perception — a 
 right taste. 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 179 
 
 "A VERY extraordinary thing," said one, " if I, who 
 Iiave read tlic Bible over and over in the original lan- 
 guages — have studied it day and night — and have writ- 
 ten criticisms and comments on it : a very extraordin- 
 ary tiling that I should not be able to discover that 
 meaning in the Scrip'.ures, which is said to be so plain 
 that a vay-faring man though a fool shall not err 
 in discovering it !" And so it is extraordinary till we 
 open this Bible ; and there we see the fact explained. 
 The man wiio approaches the word of God in his wis- 
 dom, shall not find what the fool shall discover under 
 the teaching of divine wisdom : For it is ivrittcn, I 
 will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring 
 to nothing the understanding of the prudent — and 
 God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to 
 confound the wise. 
 
 God, in his providence, seems to make little account 
 of the measures and contrivances of men, in accomplish- 
 iag his designs. He will do the work, and his hand will 
 be seen in the doing of it. We are obliged to wait for 
 the tide. When that flows, and the wind sets in fair, 
 let us hoist the sails. When the tide has left a ship on 
 the beach, an army may attempt to move it in vain ; 
 but when she has floated by the water, a small force 
 moves her. We must wait for openings in Providence. 
 In this light I view the darkness of the heathen world. 
 Let us follow every apparent leading of Providence, 
 in oui- endeavors to communicate Ught to the heathen ; 
 but, still, the opening and the whole work must be of 
 God. Thousands, indeed, hear the Gospel, who are no 
 more impressed by it than though they were heathens. 
 
180 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 The minds of some men will stand, as it were, a regu- 
 lar blockade, and yet yield to a side blow — sit unchang- 
 ed under a searching ministry, and yet fall beneath a 
 casual word. I know such cases. We might account, 
 indeed, for them, in some measure, as philosophers. 
 The mind, which plants itself against and repells the 
 formal and avowed attacks of the preacher, may be sur- 
 prised by a hint addressed, perhaps, to another : yet, af- 
 ter all, the whole work is of God. We may make very 
 little, therefore, of the vehicle. The gospel — the wants 
 of men— the indisposition of the heart—and the mighty 
 power of God — are always and universally the same. 
 By whatever vehicle God conveys that mighty energy, 
 which disposes man to find the relief of his wants in tiie 
 Gospel, HE is still the worker. It is a divine opera- 
 tion of God's Holy Spirit. If God would raise up 
 heathen princes with the spirit of Peter the Great, or 
 Kouli Khan, and send them forth under the powerful 
 influence of Christianity to proselyte their subjects, we 
 might expect the end to be accomplished : but this is a 
 scheme suited to our littleness, and not to Him, whose 
 thoughts are not as our thoughts, and whose ways 
 are not as our ways. 
 
 A LADY proposed to me a case, which seemed to her 
 to decide against those views of religion called evangel- 
 ical. She knew a most amiable girl who was respect- 
 ful and attentive to her parents, and engaging and love- 
 ly to all connected with her : who had, however, no ob- 
 jection to seeing a play ; and had certainly nothing of 
 that, which she knew I should call religion : but she ask- 
 ed if I could believe that God would condemn such a 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 181 
 
 cliaracter to everlasting misery. Many persons view 
 tilings in tliis way. They set themselves up to dictate 
 to God what should be done, on points wliicli he only can 
 determine. If these persons are ever cured of this evil, 
 it must probably be in some such way as that by which 
 it pleased God to teach Job. Job could assert his inte- 
 grity and his character against the arguments of his 
 friends ; but, when God asked. Where v)ast thou when 
 I laid the foundations of the earth ? Job prostrates 
 his soul with this declaration — I have heard of thee 
 with the hearing of the ear, but now mine eye seeth 
 thee. \\ herefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust 
 and ashes. 
 
 Every thinking man will look round him, when he 
 reflects on his situation in this world ; and will ask, 
 " What will meet my case ? What is it that I want ? 
 What will satisfy me ? I look at the rich — and I see 
 Ahab, in the midst of all liis riches, sick at heart for a 
 garden of herbs ! I see Dives, after all his wealth, lift- 
 ing up his eyes in hell, and begging for a drop of water 
 to cool the rage of his sufferings ! I see the rich fool 
 summoned away, in the very moment when he was ex- 
 uhing in his hoards ! If I look at the wise — I see Solo- 
 mon, with all his wisdom, acting like a fool ; and I 
 know, that, if I possessed all his wisdom, were I left to 
 myself I sliould act as he did. I see Ahithophel, with 
 all his policy, hanging himself for vexation ! If I turn 
 to men of pleasure — I see that the very sum of all 
 pleasure is, that it is Satan's bed into which he casts 
 his slaves ! I see Esau selhiig his birth-right for a mess 
 of pottage ! I see Solomon, after all his enjoyments, 
 ft 
 
182 
 
 REMAJNS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 leaving his name a scandal to tlie church to the latest 
 age ! If I think of honor — take a walk in Westmin- 
 s(er Abbey — there is an end of all inquiry. Tiiere I 
 v. a.]k among tlie mighty dead ! There is the winding 
 up of human glory ! And what remaiius of the greatest 
 men of my country ? — A boasting epitaph ! None of 
 tliese things, then can satisfy me ! I must meet death 
 — I must meet judgment — I must meet God — I must 
 meet eternity !" 
 
 ON THE OCCASIONS OF ENMITY AGAINST CHRISTIANITY. 
 
 The cajzse of enmity against real Ciiristianity is in 
 the heart. The angel Gabriel might exhibit the truth, 
 but the heart would rise in enmity. To suppo.se that 
 there is any ^vay of preaching the cross so as not to of- 
 fend the world, is to know nothing of the subject. 
 
 There are many occasions, however, of calling forth 
 this enmity. Any man, who should bleed me, would 
 put me to pain ; but he would greatly aggravate my 
 pain, if he rudely tore my skin. Occasions may ren- 
 der the reception of that truth morally impossible, which, 
 under the most favorable circumstances, is received 
 with difficulty. 
 
 Ignorance, in ministers, is an occasion of exciting 
 enmity against Christianity. A man may betray ig- 
 norance on almost every subject, except the way of 
 salvation. But if othei s see him to be a fool ofl" liis 
 own ground, they will think a fool on that ground. It 
 is a great en-or to rail against human learning, so as to 
 imply an undervaluing of knowledge. A man may 
 have little of what is called learning, but he must have 
 knowledge. Bunyan was such a man. 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 183 
 
 Religious profession was, at Hrst a conflict — a sac- 
 rifice: now it is become a trade. The world sees 
 this spirit pervade m^iny men : and it is a great occa- 
 sion of enmity. Men of learning and character have 
 confirmed this impression : tliey have brouglit out this 
 mischief, and exhibited it to the world. Let any m;!ii 
 look into Warburton's " Doctrine of Grace," and he 
 may sil down and wonder that God should suffer such 
 occasions of enmity to arise. 
 
 Fanatical times furnish another occasion. The 
 days of Cromwell, for instance. The great enemy of 
 godliness will never want instruments to make the best 
 of such subjects of ridicule. As long as such a book 
 as Butler's Hudibras is in the world, it will supply oc- 
 casions of enmity against real religion. 
 
 An UNHOLY, INSOLENT PROFESSUR OF RELIGION OCCa- 
 
 sions enmity. He scorns and insults mankind. His 
 spirit is such as to give thein occasion of contemning 
 the truth which he professes. The Avorld will allow 
 some men to call it to account : they ^vill feel a weight 
 of character in a holy and just man. 
 
 Eccentricity, in religious men, is another occasion 
 of enmity. Ask an eccentric man, a question : he will 
 stare in your face, and look very spiritual. I knew 
 one of these men who called out to a farmer as he was 
 passing, "Farmer I what do you know of Jesus Christ?" 
 Much spiritual pride lurks under this conduct. There 
 is want of breeding and good sense. The world is led 
 to form wrong associations by such characters : "Reli- 
 gion makes a man a fool, or mad : therefore I will not 
 become religious." 
 
 Injudicious preaching increases the offence of the 
 
184 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 cross. Strange interpretations of Scripture — ludicrous 
 comparisons — silly stories — talking without thinking : 
 these are occasions of enmity. 
 
 The LOOSE AND INDISCREET CONDUCT of profcssing 
 Christians, particularly of ministers, is another occasion. 
 The world looks at ministers out of the pulpit, to know 
 what they mean when in it. 
 
 An OSTENTATIOUS SPIRIT in a professor of religion 
 does great injury — that giving out that he is some 
 great one. Even a child will often detect this spirit, 
 when we think no one discovers it. 
 
 Tiie MANNER OF CONDUCTING THE DEVOTIONAL PART 
 
 OF PUBLIC SERVICE is sometimcs offensive. It is as 
 much as to say, "we mean nothing by this service* 
 Have patience, and you shall hear me." 
 
 Slighting the offence of irregxjl.arity has done 
 much harm. It was a wise reply of a Spanish minister 
 to his king : " Omit this affair : it is but a ceremony !" 
 " A ceremony ! Why the King is a ceremony !" 
 
 Good men have given occasion of offence by main- 
 taining SUSPICIOUS CONNEXIONS. There is a wide dif- 
 ference between my not harrassing and exposing a 
 doubtful character, and my endorsing and authenticat- 
 ing him. 
 
 Contempt of men's prejudices of education will of- 
 fend. It was not thus with St. Paul : I am made all 
 things to all men, that I might by all means save 
 some. 
 
 A WANT OF THE SPIRIT OF THE CROSS IN ITS PROFES- 
 SORS increases the offence of the cross — that humility, 
 patience, and love to souls, which animated Clirist when 
 • Exodus xii. 26. 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 185 
 
 he ofiered liimself on the cross for the sins of the world. 
 
 These are some of the stumbling-blocks in the way 
 of the world. And wo unto the world, says our Lord, 
 because of offences ! for it must needs be that of- 
 fences come, but wo unto him by whom the offence 
 Cometh ! Every man, who is zealous for the dilJusion 
 of true religion, .should keep his eye on all occasions of 
 oflence, since religion, of itself and in its own native 
 beauty, has to encounter the natural enmity of the de- 
 generate heart. 
 
 ON RELIGIOUS RETIREMENT. 
 
 It is difficult to speak on the subject of Religious 
 Retirement. I am fully persuaded that most religious 
 tradesmen are defective in this duty, those especially 
 in this great city. I tell every one of them so with 
 whom I am intimately acquainted, and they all contest 
 the point with me. 
 
 Yet there are some considerations, which, in my own 
 private judgment concerning the thing, lead me to 
 think that the religion of a great city is to be viewed in 
 an aspect of its own. I say not this to those men whom 
 I see endangered by the spirit of such a place. Give 
 them an inch and they will take an ell. But 1 learn 
 from it to aim at possibilities, and not to bend the bow 
 till it breaks. 
 
 I say every where and to all—" You must hold in- 
 tercourse with God, or your soul will die. You must 
 walk with God, or Satan will walk with you. You 
 must grow in grace, or you will lose it : and you 
 q2 
 
186 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 cannot do this, but by appropriating to this object a 
 due portion of your time, and diligently employing 
 suitable means." But, having said this, I leave it. I 
 cannot limit and define to such men the exact way in 
 which they must apply these principles, but the princi- 
 ples themselves I insist on. What I ought to do my- 
 self under my circumstances, I know : and what I 
 ought to do were I in trade, I seem now to know : but 
 what I really should do were I in trade, I know not : 
 and, because I know it not, I am afraid, in telling anoth- 
 er man precisely how he ought to apply this principle, 
 that I should act hypocritically and pharisaically. 
 Stated seasons of retirement ought to be appointed and 
 religiously observed ; but the time and the measure of 
 this retirement must be left to a man's own judgment 
 and conscience. 
 
 I am restrained from dogmatizing on the subject, by 
 reflecting on the sort of religion which seems in fact to 
 be best suited to human nature itself, and especially to 
 human nature harrassed, worried, loaded, and urged as 
 it is in this great city. 
 
 But I am restrained also by another consideration. — 
 Difference of character seems to stamp a holy variety 
 on the operation of religious principle. Some men live 
 in a spirit of prayer, who are scarcely able to fix them- 
 selves steadily to the solemn act of prayer.— Our char- 
 acters are so much our own, that if a man were to come 
 into my family in order to form himself on my model, 
 and to imitate me for a month, it might seriously injure 
 him. I have a favorite walk of twenty steps in my 
 study and chamber : that walk is my oratory : but, if 
 another man were obliged to walk as he prayed, it is 
 very probable he could not pray at all. 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 187 
 
 In defining tlie operation of religious principle, I am 
 afraid of becoming an Albert Durer. Albert Durer 
 gave rules for forming the perfect figui e of a man. He 
 marked and defined all the relations and proportions. 
 Albert Durer's man became the model of perfection in 
 every Academy in Europe : and now every Academy 
 in Europe has abandoned it, because no such figure 
 was e\er found in nature. I am afraid of reducing the 
 variety which, to a certain degree, may be of God' s own 
 forming, to my notion of perfection. " You must main- 
 tain and cultivate a spirit of devotion" — I say to all : 
 " but be ye judges, as conscientious men, of the parti- 
 cular means suited to your circumstances." 
 
 The SPIRIT of devotion should be our great aim. 
 We are, indeed, buried in sense, and cannot possibly 
 attain or improve this spirit, but by proper means : yet 
 these means are to be adapted and varied to character 
 and situation. 
 
 " I MUST walk with God. In some way or other, 
 whatever be my character or profession, I must acquire 
 the holy habit of connecting every thing that passes in 
 my house and affairs, with God. If sickness or heaUh 
 visit my family, my eye must see and my heart must 
 acknowledge the hand of God therein. Whether my 
 afiairs move on smoothly or ruggedly, God must be ac- 
 knowledged in them. If 1 go out of my house or come 
 into it, I must go out and come in as under the eye of 
 God. If I am occupied in business all day long, I must 
 still have the glory of God in my view. If I have any 
 afl'air to transact with another, I must pray that God 
 would be with us in that affair, lest we should blunder, 
 and injure and ruin each other." 
 
188 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 This is the language of a real Christian. But instead 
 of such a spirit as this among the great body of trades- 
 men professing themselves religious — what do we see 
 but a driving, impetuous pursuit of the world ! — and, in 
 this pursuit, not seldom — mean, low, suspicious, yea, 
 immoral practices ! 
 
 Yet I once went to a friend for the express purpose 
 of calling him out into the world. I said to him — " It 
 is your duty to accept the loan of ten thousand pounds, 
 and to push yourself forward into an ampler sphere." 
 But he was a rare character : and his case was rare. 
 His employers had said, " We are ashamed you should 
 remain so long a servant in our house, with the whole 
 weight of affairs on you. We wish you to enter as a 
 principal with us, and will advance you ten thousand 
 pounds. It is the custom of the city — it is your due — 
 we are dissatisfied to see you in your present sphere." 
 I assured him that it appeared to me to be his duty to 
 accede to the proposal. But I did not prevail. He said 
 — "Sir, I have often heard from you that it is no easy 
 thing to get to heaven. I have often heard from you 
 that it is no easy thing to master the world. I have ev- 
 ery thing I wish. More would encumber me — increase 
 my difiticulties — and endanger me." 
 
 SoLiTTDE shows us what we should be : Society 
 shows us what we are. Yet, in the theory, solitude 
 shows us our true character better than society. A man 
 in his closet will find nature putting herself forth in act- 
 ings, which the presence of others would restrain him 
 from bringing into real effect. She schemes and she 
 wishes, here, without reserve. She is pure nature. An 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 189 
 
 enlightened and vigilant self-observer is surprised and 
 alarmed. He puis himself on his guard. He goes 
 forth armed into the v\orld. But society shows him that 
 nature is practically evil. The circumstances of the 
 day as they arise carry him away. If he could ab- 
 stract liimself, and follow the actings of his own mind 
 with an impartial eye, lie could not believe himself to 
 be the man who had entered into the world with such 
 holy resolutions. 
 
 Recollection is the life of religion. Tlie Ciiristian 
 wants to know no new thing, but to have his heart el- 
 evated more above the world by secluding himself from 
 it as much as his duties will allow, that religion may 
 effect this its great end by bringing its sublime hopes 
 and prospects into more steady action on the mind. 
 
 I KNOW not how it is, that some Christians can make 
 so little of recollection and retirement. I find the spirit 
 of the world a strong assimilating principle. I find it 
 liurrying my mind away in its vortex, and sinking me 
 among the dregs and filth of carnal nature. Even my 
 ministerial employments would degenerate into a mere 
 following of my trade and crjing of my wares. I am 
 obliged to withdraw myself regularly, and to say to my 
 heart, " What are you doing ? — Where are you V" 
 
 ON A SPIRITUAL MIND. 
 
 Dr. Owen says, if a man of a carnal mind is brought 
 into a large company, he will have much to do : if into 
 a company of Christians, he will feel little interest : if in- 
 
190 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 to a smaller company engaged in religious exercises, he 
 will feel still less : but if taken into a closet and forced 
 to meditate on God and eternity, this will be insupport- 
 able ! 
 
 The spiritual man is born, as it were, into a new 
 world. He has a new taste. He savors the things 
 of the Spirit. He turns to God, as the needle to the 
 pole. 
 
 This is a subject of which many can understand but 
 little. They want spiritual taste. Nay, they account 
 it enthusiasm. Bishop Horseley will go all the way 
 Avith Christians into theii- principles : but he thinks the 
 feelings and desires of a spiritual mind enthusiastical. 
 
 There are various CHARACTERISTICS of a 
 spiritual mind. 
 
 Self Loathing is a characteristic of such a mind. 
 The axe is laid to the root of a vain-glorious spirit. 
 
 It maintains, too, a walk and converse with God. 
 Enoch walked v;ith God. There is a transaction be- 
 tween God and the spiritual mind : if the man feels 
 dead and heartless, that is matter of complaint to God. 
 He looks to God for wisdom for the day — for the hour 
 — for the business in hand. 
 
 A spiritual mind refers its affairs to God ! " Let 
 God's will be obeyed by me in this affair. His way 
 may differ from that which I should choose ! but let it 
 be so : Surely, I have behaved and quieted myself as 
 a child that is weaned of his mother : my soul is 
 even as a weaned child." 
 
 A spiritual mind has somelliing of the nature of the 
 sensitive plant. " I shall smart if I touch this or that " 
 There is a lioly shrinking away from evil. 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 191 
 
 A spiritual mind enjoys, at times, the influx of a 
 HOLY JOY AND SATISFACTION, wliich surpi iscs evcn itself 
 When bereaved of creature comforts, it can sometimes 
 find such a repose in Christ and his promises, that the 
 man can say, « Well ! it is enough : let God take from 
 me what else he pleases !" 
 
 A spiritual mind is a mortified mind. The church 
 of Rome talks much of mortification, but her mortifica- 
 tion is not radical and spiritual. Simon Stylites will 
 willingly mortify himself on his pillar, if he can bring 
 people around Jiim to pray to him, to pray for tliem! 
 But the spiritual mind must mortify itself in whatever 
 would retard its ascent toward heaven ; it must rise on 
 the wings of faith, and hope, and love. 
 
 A spiritual mind is an ingenuous mind. There is a 
 sort of hypocrisy in us all. We are not quite stripped 
 oi all disguise. One man wraps round him a covering 
 oi one kind, and another of another. They, who think 
 they do not this, yet do it though they know it not. 
 
 Vet this spiytual mind is a sublime mind. It has a 
 vast and extended view. It has seen the glory and 
 beauty of Christ and cannot therefore admire the cjoodly 
 iniUlings of the temple : as Christ, says Fenelon, had 
 seen his Father's house, and could not therefore be 
 taken with the glory of the earthly structure ! 
 
 I would urge young persons, when they are staggered 
 by the conversation of people of the world, to dwell on 
 file characteristics of a spiritual mind. " If you cannot 
 answer their arguments, yet mark their spirit : and 
 mark what a contrary spirit that is which you are call- 
 ed to cultivate." 
 
 There are vanous MEANS of maintaining and pro- 
 
192 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 moting a spiritual mind. Beware of saying concern- 
 ing this or that evil. Is it fiot a little one ? Much de- 
 pends on mortifying the body. There are silent 
 marches which the flesh will steal on us: — the temper 
 is too apt to rise : the tongue will let itself loose : the 
 imagination, if liberty is given to it, will hurry U5 away. 
 Vain company will injure the mind: carnal professors 
 of religion especially will lower its tone : we catch a 
 contagion from sucli men. Misemployment of time is 
 injurious to the mind : when reflecting, in illness, on my 
 past years, T have looked back with self reproach on 
 days spent in my study : I was wading through history, 
 and poetry, and monthly journals ; but I ^\ as in my 
 study ! Another man's trifling is notorious to all observ- 
 ers : but what am I doing ? — Nothing, perhaps, that 
 has a reference to the spiiitual good of my congrega- 
 tion ! I do not speak against a chastised attention to 
 literature, but the abuse of it. Avoid all idleness : e.r- 
 ercise thyself unto godliness ; plan for God. Be- 
 ware of temptation : the mind, which has dwelt on sin- 
 ful objects, \\ '\\\ be in darkness for days. Associate 
 M ith spiritually-minded men : the very sight of a good 
 man, though he says nothing, will refresh the soul. Con- 
 template Christ: be nmch in retirement and prayer : 
 study the honor and glory of your IMaster. 
 
 ON DECLENSION IN UELIGION. 
 
 A Christian may decline far in religion, without be- 
 ing suspected. He may maintain appearances. Every 
 thing seems to others to go on well. He suspects liim- 
 self ; for it requires great labor to maintain appear- 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 193 
 
 ances : especially in a minister. Discerning hearers 
 will, however, often detect such declensions. He talks 
 ov er his old matters. He says his things, but in a cold 
 and unfeeling manner. He is sound, indeed, in doc- 
 trine ; perhaps more sound than before ; for there is a 
 great tendency to soundness of doctrine, when appear- 
 ances are to be kept up in a declining state of the heart. 
 
 'Where a man has real grace, it may be part of a 
 dispensation toward him that he is suffered to decline. 
 He walked carelessly. He was left to decline, that he 
 might be brought to feel his need of vigilance. If he is 
 indulging a besetting sin, it may please God to expose 
 him, especially if he is a high spirited man, that he may 
 liang down his head as long as he lives. He acted thus 
 toward David and Hezekiah. But this is pidling down 
 in order to build up again. 
 
 The CAUSES of a decline in religion should be 
 remarked. 
 
 The world has always nmch to do in religious declen- 
 sion. A minister is tempted, perhaps, to sacrifice ev- 
 ery thing to a name. If any appetite is suffered to 
 prevail, it will stupify the mind : religion is an abstract 
 and elevated aff air : The way of life above is to the 
 wise, to depart Jrom hell beneath. Keeping on good 
 
 TERMS WITH THOSE WHO RESPECT US, is a SUarC. A SPE- 
 CULATIVE TURN OF MIND is a snarc : it leads to that evil 
 heart of unbelief, which departs from the living 
 God. Vain confidence thinks himself in no danger : 
 he knows the truth : he can dispute for the truth : 
 " What should we fear ?" Why, that we have no fear. 
 Trifling with conscience is a snare : no man in- 
 dulges himself in any thing which his conscience tells 
 
194 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL, ^ 
 
 liim ought not to be clone, but it will at length wear 
 away his spirituality of mind. 
 
 The SYMPTOMS of a religious decline are many : 
 When a minister begins to depart from God, and to 
 lose a spiritual mind, he becomes fond sometimes of 
 GENTEEL COMPANY, who Can entertain him, and who 
 know how to respect his character ! This genteel spirit 
 is suspicious : it is associated vvith^piljfie and delicacy, 
 and a love of ease : in short it is the spirit of the world. 
 It is the reverse of condescending to mean things : it is 
 Uie reverse of the spirit of our Master. 
 
 It is a symptom of decline, when a man will xjnne- 
 
 CESSARILY EXPOSE THE IMPERFECTIONS OF THE RELIGIOUS 
 
 WORLD. " Such a man," he will say, " is fond of pray- 
 ing ; but he is fond of money." This is the very op- 
 posite spirit to that of St. Paul, who speaks even weejj- 
 ing of those who mind earthly things. 
 
 A VIOLENT sectarian SPIRIT is a sign of religious de- 
 clension. Honest men stand firm for the vitals of reli- 
 gion. If the mind were right, the circumstantials of 
 religion would not be made matters of fierce contention. 
 The spirit of St. Paul was of another kind. If meat 
 make my brother to offend, I will eat no meat while 
 the world standeth, lest I make my brother to off end 
 — One believeth that he may eat all things : another, 
 who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not hitn, that eat- 
 eth, despise him that eateth not ; and let not him, 
 which eateth not, judge him that eateth. 
 
 Aversion from reproof marks a state of religious 
 decline. The man cannot bear to have his state de- 
 picted, even in the pulpit. He calls the preaciang. 
 
HKMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 195 
 
 y.\h\ch searches and detects liiin, Armir.ian and legal. 
 Hast t/io'/ fonnd me, 0 mhie enemy ? Why should 
 lie quarrel with tiie truth ? If that truth is delivered in 
 its just proportions, his quarrel is with God ! 
 
 Stupidity under chastisement proves a man to be 
 under declension. He is not disposed to ask. Where- 
 fore clout thou contend with me ? He is kicking 
 against the pricks. He is stricken, but has not 
 grieved. He is chastised, as a bullock unaccustom- 
 ed to the yoke. 
 
 Such a man, too, has often a high mind. He is un- 
 humbled — boasting — stout-hearted. He is ready to 
 censure every one but himself. 
 
 Unnecessary occupation is another evidence of de- 
 clension. Some men are unavoidably much engaged 
 in the world : To such men God will give especial 
 grace, if they seek it ; and they shall maintain a spirit 
 of devotion even in the bustle and occupation of their 
 affairs. But some men will be rich, and therefore yii// 
 into temptation and a snare ; they will have shops in 
 dirt'erent parts of the town : they say they do not feel 
 tliis all'ect their religious state ; but I cannot believe 
 them : a man is declined from God before he enters on 
 such schemes : a spiritual and devout man will gener- 
 ally find the business in which he is already engaged a 
 sutKcient snare. 
 
 In short, the symptoms may be this or that, but the 
 disease is a dead palsy. Ephraim ! — he hath mixed 
 himself among the people : Ephraim is a cake not 
 turned. Strangers have devoured his strength, and 
 he knoweth it not : yea, gray hairs are here ancf 
 there upon him, yet he knoweth it not, 
 
196 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 ON A christian's ASSOCIATING AVITH IRRELIG lOUS PER- 
 SONS FOR THEIR GOOD. 
 
 Christ is an example to us of entering into mixed 
 society. But our imitation of him herein must admit of 
 restrictions. A feeble man must avoid danger. If any 
 one could go into society as Christ did, then let him 
 go : let him attend marriage-feasts and Pharisees' 
 houses. 
 
 Much depends on a Christian's observing his call — 
 the openings which Providence may make before him. 
 It is not enough to say that he frequents public com- 
 pany in order to retard the progress of evil. 
 
 But, when in company of people of the world, we 
 should treat them kindly and tenderly — witli feeling 
 and compassion. They should be assisted, if they are 
 incUned to receive assistance. But if a Christian falls 
 into the society of a mere worldlmg, it must be like 
 the meeting of two persons in a rain — they will part as 
 soon as possible. If a man loves such company, it is 
 an evil symptom. 
 
 It is a Christian's duty to maintain a kind intercourse, 
 if practicable, with liis relatives. And he must duly 
 APPRECIATE THEIR STATE : if not religious, they cannot 
 see and feel and taste his enjoyments : they accommo- 
 date themselves to him, and he accommodates himself 
 to them. It is much a matter of accommodation on 
 both sides. 
 
 Avoid disgusting such friends unnecessarily. 
 A precise man, for instance, must be humored. Your 
 friends set down your religion, perhaps, as a case of 
 humor. 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 197 
 
 Cultivate good sense. If your friends perceive 
 you weak in any part of your views and conduct, they 
 will tliink you weak in your religion. 
 
 Avoid vain jangling. Tiiere is a disposition iu 
 such friends to avoid important and pinching truth. If 
 you WILL converse with them on the subject of religion, 
 they will often endeavor to draw you on. to such points 
 as predestination. They will ask you what you think 
 of the salvation of infants and of the heathen. All this 
 is meant to throw out the great question. 
 
 Seize favorable occasions — not only the " moll'ta 
 tempora fa)idi y" but when public characters and pub- 
 lic events furnish occasions of profitable retlec(ion. 
 Bring before your friends the extreme childishness 
 OF A siNFL'L STATE. Trcat woildly amusements as pue- 
 rile things. People of the world are sick at heart of 
 their very pleasures 
 
 ON THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH. 
 
 It belongs to our very relation to God, to set apart 
 a portion of our time for his service: but, as it might 
 have been difficult for conscience to determine what 
 that portion should be, God has prescribed it : and tlie 
 ground of the observance remains the same, whether 
 the remembrance of God's resting from his work, or 
 any other reason, be assigned as the more immediate 
 cause. 
 
 The Jewish Sabbath was partly of political institu- 
 tion, and partly of moral obligation. So far as it was 
 a political appointment, designed to preserve the Jews 
 distinct from other nations, it is abrogated : so far as it 
 was of moral obligation, it remains in force. 
 
 R 2 
 
198 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 Our Lord evidently designed to relax the strictness 
 of the observance. Christianity is not a hedge placed 
 round a peculiar people. A slave might enter into the 
 spirit of Christianity, though obliged to work as a slave 
 on the sabbath : he might be in the Spirit on the 
 Lord's day, though in the mines of Patmos. 
 
 Difficulties often arise in respect to the observance of 
 the Sabbath. I tell conscientious persons, " If you 
 have the spirit of Christianity, and are in an employ- 
 ment contrary to Christianity, you will labor to escape 
 from it, and God will open your way." If such a man's 
 heart be right, he will not throw himself out of his em- 
 ployment the first day he suspects himself to be wrong, 
 but he will pray and wait till his way shall be opened 
 before him. 
 
 Christ came not to abolish the Sabbath, but to explain 
 and enforce it, as he did the rest of the law. Its ob- 
 servance was no where positively enjoined by him, be- 
 cause Cliristianity was to be practicable, and was to go 
 into all nations : and it goes thither stripped of its pre- 
 cise and various circumstances. I was in the spirit 
 on the Lord's day, seems to be the soul of the Ciiristi- 
 an Sabbath. 
 
 In this view of the day, a thousand frivolous questions 
 concerning its observance would be answered. " A^'liat 
 can I do ?" says one : I answer, " Do what true serv- 
 ants of God will do. Bend not to what is -.^Tong. Be 
 in the spirit. God will help you." 
 
 In short, we are going to spend a Sabbath in eternity. 
 The Christian will acquire as much of the Sabbath spirit 
 as he can. And in proportion to a man's real piety in 
 every age of the church, he will be found to have been 
 a diligent observer of the Sabbath day. 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 199 
 
 ON JUDGING JUSTLY. 
 
 A PERFi CTLY just and sound mind is a rare and in- 
 valuable (yift. But it is still much more unusual to see 
 such a mind unbiassed in all its actings. God has given 
 this soundness of mind but to few ; and a very small 
 number of those few escape the bias of some predilec- 
 tion, perhap.s habitually operating ; and none are at all 
 times and perfectly free. I once saw this subject forci- 
 bly illustrated. A watchmaker told me that a gentle- 
 man liad put an exquisite watch into his hands, that 
 went irregularly. It was as perfect a piece of work as 
 w as ever made. He took it to pieces and put it togeth- 
 er again twenty times. No manner of defect was to be 
 discovered, and yet the Avatch went intolerably. At 
 last it struck him, that, possibly, the balance-wheel 
 might have been near a magnet. On applying a needle 
 to it, he found his suspicions true. Here was all the 
 mischief. The steel work in the other parts of the 
 watch had a perpetual influence on its motions ; and 
 the watch went as well as possible with a new wheel. 
 If the soundest mind be magnetized by any predilec- 
 tion, it must act irregularly. 
 
 Prejudice is often the result of such strong associa- 
 tions, that it acts involuntarily, in spite of conviction 
 and resolution. The first step toward its eradication, 
 is the persevering habit of presenting it to the mind in 
 its true colors. 
 
 If a man will look at most of his prejudices, he will 
 find that they arise from his field of view being neces- 
 
200 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 sarily narrow like the eye of the fly. He can have bat 
 little better nolions of the whole scheme of things, as 
 has been well said, than a fly on the pavement of St. 
 Paul's cathedral can have of the whole structure. He 
 is offended, therefore, by inequalities which are lost in 
 the grand design. This persuasion will fortify him 
 against many injurious and troublesome prejudices. 
 
 Just judgment depends on the simplicity and the 
 strength of the mind. The eye which conveys a per- 
 fect idea of the scene to the mind, must be unclouded 
 and strong. If the mental eye be not single, the judg- 
 ment will be warped by some little, mean and selfish in- 
 terests ; and, if it be not capable of a wide and distant 
 range, the decision will be partial and imperfect. For 
 example : a man, with either of these failings, will be 
 likely to bhnd his eyes from the conviction, that would 
 dart on him, when he places a son or a friend in any 
 sphere of influence, because he is his son or his friend ; 
 when a single or a strong eye would show him that the 
 interests of religion and truth required him to prefer 
 some other person. The mind must be raised above 
 the petty interests and aff'airs of life, and pursue su- 
 premely the glory of God and the church. 
 
 Some minds are so diseased, that they can see an af- 
 fair only in that light, in which passion or predilection 
 first presented it, or as it appears on the siu-face. The 
 essence, the truth of the thing, which must give char- 
 acter to the whole, and on which all just decision must 
 depend, may lie beneath the surface, and may be a nice 
 afl'air. But such minds cannot enter into it. It is as 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 201 
 
 though I sliould try to convince such pei'sons — allowing 
 nie tliat the pineal gland is the seat of the soul — that, 
 however fair and perfect the form, the man wanted the 
 essence of his being, in wanting that apparently insig- 
 nificant part of his body. Such men would say, " here 
 is a striking and perfect form — all parts are harmonious 
 — life animates the frame — the machine plays admirably 
 — what lias this little insignificant member to do with 
 it?" And yet this is tiie essential and characterizing 
 part of tlie man. 
 
 Every man has a peculiar turn of mind, which gives 
 a coloring and tinge to his thoughts. I have particular- 
 ly detected this in myself with respect to public af- 
 fairs. I liave sucli an immediate view of God acting 
 in them, that all the great men, who make such a noise 
 and bustle on the scene, seem to me like so many 
 mere puppets. God is moving them all, to effect his 
 own designs. They cannot advance a step, whither he 
 does not lead : nor stand a moment where he does not 
 place them. Now this is a view of tilings, whicli it is 
 my privilege to take as a Christian. But the evil lies 
 liere. 1 dwell so much on the view of the matter, to 
 which the turn of my mind leads me, that I forget 
 sometimes the natural tendencies of things. God uses 
 all tilings, but not so as to destroy their natural tenden- 
 cies. They are good or evil, according to their own na- 
 ture ; not according to tlie use wliich he makes of them. 
 
 The mind has a constant tendency to conform itself 
 to the sentiments and cast of thinking with which it is 
 chiefly conversant, either among books or men. If the 
 
202 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 influence remain undetected, it grows soon into an in- 
 veterate habit of obliquity. Even if it be detected, it 
 is the mcst difScult thing in the world to bring back 
 the mind to the standard, especially if there be any thing 
 in its constitution which assimilates itself to the error. 
 I was once much in the habit of reading the mystical 
 writers: a book of Dr. Owen's clearly convinced me 
 that they erred : yet I found ray mind ever inclining to- 
 ward them, and winding round like the biassed bowl. 
 I saw clearly the absurdity of the notions in their view 
 of them, and yet T was ever talking of " self-annihila- 
 tion," &c., and am not even now rid of the thing. 
 
 ON THE CHARACTER OF ST. PALL. 
 
 I DELIGHT to contemplate St. Paul as an appointed 
 pattern. Men might have questioned the propriety of 
 urging on them the example of Christ — they might have 
 said that we are necessarily in dissimilar ci'-cumstances. 
 But St. Paul stands up in like case with ourselves — a 
 model of ministerial virtues. 
 
 We consider him, perhaps, in point of character more 
 the immediate subject of extraordinary inspiration, than 
 he was in reality. And this mistake affects om- view of 
 him in two different ways. 
 
 We suppose, at one time, that his virtues were so 
 much the effect of extraordinary communications, that 
 he is no proper model for us : whereas he was no farth- 
 er fitted to his circumstances than every Christian has 
 warrant to expect to be, so far as his circumstances are 
 similar. 
 
 At another time, perhaps, though we acknowledge 
 
REMAINS OF MU. CKCIL. 
 
 203 
 
 mid te\ti liis disliiiguislied character, yet our view of 
 liis virtues is exalted beyond due measure. We should 
 remember, that, as he was fitted for his circumstances ; 
 so he was, in a great degree, made by them. Many 
 men are, doubtless, executing their appointed task in 
 retirement and silence, who would unfold a character 
 beyond all expectation, if Providence were to lead them 
 into a scene where the world rose up in arms, and they 
 were sent forth into it under a clear conviction of an es- 
 pecial mission. The history of the church seems to 
 show us that the etlects of grace, ordinary or extraordi- 
 nary, have been the same in all ages. 
 
 In speaking of St. Paul, it has been usual to magnify 
 his learning, among the many other great qualities which 
 he possessed. That point seems never to have been sa- 
 tisfactorily made out. He was an educated Pharisee ; 
 but, farther than this, I think we cannot go. His quo- 
 tations from the Greek Poets, are not evidences of even 
 a school boy's learning in our day : for we forget, when 
 we talk of them, that he was a Roman quoting Greek. 
 Nor do I see any thing more in his famous speech in 
 tiie Areopagus, so often produced as evidence on this 
 subject, than the line of argument to which a strong 
 and energetic mind would lead him. If we talk of his 
 talents, indeed, he rises almost beyond admiration : but 
 they were talents of a certain order ; and the very dis- 
 play which we have of them seems a strong corrobor- 
 ative proof, that he is not to be considered as a pro- 
 foundly learned man of his day. For instance, had he 
 studied Aristotle, it would have been almost impossible 
 but he must have caught some influence, which we 
 
204 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 should have seen in his writings. But there is notliing 
 like the dry, logical, metaphysical character of that 
 school : which yet had then given the law to the seats 
 of science and philosophy. Instead of this, we see 
 every where the copious, diffusive, declaiming, discurs- 
 ive ; but sublime, and wise, and effective mind. 
 
 There is a true apostolicism in the character of St. 
 Paul. It is a combination of zeal and lote. 
 
 The zeal of some men is of a haughty, unbending, fe- 
 rocious character. They have the letter of truth, but 
 they mount the pulpit like prize-fighters. It is with 
 them a perpetual scold. This spirit is a reproacli to the 
 gospel. It is not the spirit of Jesus Christ. He seems 
 to have labored to win men. 
 
 But there is an opposite extreme. The love of some 
 men is all milk and mildness ! There is so much deli- 
 cacy, and so much fastidiousness ! Tliey touch with 
 so much tenderness ! — and if the patient shrinks they 
 will touch no more 1 The times are too flagrant for such 
 a disposition. The Gospel is sometimes preached in this 
 •way, till all the people agree with the preacher. He 
 gives no offence, and he does no good ! 
 
 But St. Paul united and blended love and zeal. He 
 must win souls : but he will labor to do this by all pos- 
 sible lawful contrivances. I am made all things to 
 all men, that I might by all means save some. Zeal, 
 alone, may degenerate into ferociousness and brutality ; 
 and love, alone, into fastidiousness and delicacy : but 
 the apostle combined both qualities : and, more per- 
 fectly than other men, realized the union of {\\t fortiter 
 in re with the suaviter in modo. 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 205 
 
 MISCELLANIES. 
 The Moravians seem to have very nearly hit oti 
 Christianity. They appear to have found out what sort 
 of a thing it is — its quietness — meekness — patience — 
 spirituality — heavenliness — and order. But they want 
 fire. A very superior woman among them once said to 
 me — that there wanted another body, the character of 
 which should be combined from the Moravians and 
 the Methodists. The Moravians have failed in making 
 too little of preaching ; as the Methodists have done, in 
 making too much of it. 
 
 The grandest operations, both in nature and in 
 grace, are the most silent and imperceptible. The 
 shallow brook babbles in its passage, and is heard by 
 every one : but the coming on of the seasons is silent 
 and unseen. The storm rages and alarms ; but its fury 
 is soon exhausted, and its etiects are partial and soon 
 remedied : but the dew, though gentle and unheard, is 
 immense in quantity, and the very Ufe of large por- 
 tions of the earth. And these are pictures of the ope- 
 rations of grace, in the church and in the soul. 
 
 Atheism is a characteristic of our duty. On the sen- 
 timents, manners, pursuits, amusements, and dealings 
 of the great body of mankind, there is written in broad 
 characters — without God in the world ! 
 
 T HAVE often had occasion to observe, that a warm 
 blundering man does more for the world than a frigid 
 wise man. A man, who gets into a habit of inquiring 
 
206 
 
 REMAINS OF Mr. CECIL. 
 
 about proprieties an J Mpediencies and occasions, of ten 
 spends his life witliouSfeloing any tiling to purpose. The 
 state of the world is such, and so much depends on ac- 
 tion, that every thing seems to say loudly to every man, 
 " Do something " — " do it " — " do it." 
 
 Providence is a greater mystery than religion. The 
 slate of the world is more humiliating to our reason, 
 than the doctrines of the Gospel. A reflecting Chris- 
 tian sees more to excite his astonishment and to exercise 
 his faith in the state of things between Temple Bar and 
 St. Paul's, than in what he reads from Genesis to Re- 
 velation. See the description of the working of God's 
 Providence, in the account of the cherubims in the first 
 and tenth chapters of Ezekiel. 
 
 The scheme and machinery of redemption may be 
 illustrated by the water-w orks at Marly. We consider 
 a part of that complicated machinerj-, and we cannot 
 calculate on the eifects ; but we see that they are pro- 
 duced. We cannot explain to a philosopher the system 
 of redemption, and the mode of conducting and com- 
 municating its benefits to the human soul ; but we know 
 that it yields the water of life — civiUzation, to a barba- 
 rian — direction to a wanderer — support, to those that 
 are ready to perish. 
 
 It is manifest that God designed to promote inter- 
 course and commerce among men, by giving to each 
 climate its appropriate productions. It is in itself, not 
 only innocent, but laudable. All trade, however, which 
 is founded in embellishment, is founded in depravity. 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 207 
 
 So also is that spirit of trade, which pushes men on dan- 
 gerous competitions. Many tradesmen, professedly 
 religious, seem to look on their trade as a vast engine, 
 which will be worked to no good effect, if it be not 
 worked with the whole vigor of the soul. This is an 
 intoxicating and ruinous mistake. So far as they live 
 under the power of religion, they will pursue their trade 
 for sustenance and provision ; but not even that, with 
 unseasonable attention and with eagerness : much less 
 wiU religion suffer them to bury themselves in it, when 
 ilTobjects are something beyond these : and, least of 
 all, will it leave them to deceive themselves with certain 
 commercial maxims, so far removed from simplicity and 
 integrity that I have been often shocked beyond meas- 
 ure, at hearing them countenanced and adopted by some 
 religious professors. 
 
 Every man should aim to do one thing well. If he 
 dissipates his attention on several objects he may have 
 excellent talents intrusted to him, but they will be in- 
 trusted to no good end. Concentrated on his proper 
 object, they might have a vast energy ; but; '<fissipated 
 on several, they will have none. Let other objects be 
 pursued, indeed ; but only so far as they may subserve 
 (he main purpose. By neglecting this rule, 1 have seen 
 frivolity, and futility written on minds of great power ; 
 and, by regarding it I have seen very limited minds 
 acting in the first rank of their professsion — I. have seen 
 a large capital and a great stock dissipated, and the 
 man reduced to beggary ; and I have seen a small 
 capital and stock improved to great riches. 
 
208 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 To effect any purpose, in study, the mind must be 
 concentrated. If any other subject plays on the fancy, 
 than that which ought to be exclusively before it, the 
 mind is divided ; and both are neutrahzed, so as to 
 lose their effect. Just as when I learnt two systems of 
 short-hand. I was famiUar with Gurney's method, and 
 wrote it with ease ; but, when I took it into my head 
 to learn Byrom's, tliey destroyed each other, and I could 
 write neither. 
 
 There should be something obvious, determinOTl, 
 and positive, in a man's reasons for taking a journey ; 
 especially if he be a minister. Such events and conse- 
 quences may be connected with it in every step, (hat 
 he ought, in no case, to be more simply dependant on 
 the great Appointer of means and occasions. Several 
 journies which 1 thought myself called on to take, I have 
 since had reason to think I should not have taken. Ne- 
 gative, and even doubtful reasons, may justify him in 
 choosing the safer side of stajing at home; but there 
 ought to be something more in the reasons which put 
 him out of his way, to meet the unknown consequences 
 of a voluntary change of station. Let there always be a 
 " because" to meet the " \\\iy ?" 
 
 I SOMETIMES see, as I sit in my pew at Si. John's 
 during the service, an idle fellow saunter into the 
 chapel. He gapes about him for a few minutes ; finds 
 nothing to interest and arrest him.; seems scarcely to 
 understand what is going forward ; and, after a lounge 
 or two, goes out again. I look at him, and think, " Thou 
 art a wonderful creature ! a perfect miracle ! What a 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 209 
 
 machine is that body ! — curiously, — fearfully. — won- 
 derfully framed ! An intricate — delicate — but harmo- 
 nious and perfect structure ! And^ then, to ascend to 
 thy soul ! — its nature ! — its capacities ! — its actual 
 state ! — its designation ! — its eternal condition ! 1 am 
 lost in amazement ! — while he seems to have no more 
 consciousness of all this than the brutes that perish !" 
 
 Sin, pursued to its tendencies, would pull God from 
 throne. Though I have a deep conviction of its exceed- 
 ing sinfulness, I live not a week without seeing some 
 exhibition of its malignity which draws from me — 
 " Well ! who could have imagined this !" Sin would 
 subjugate heaven, earth, and hell to itself. It would 
 make the universe the minion of its lusts, and all beings 
 bow down and worship. 
 
 It is one of the most awful points of view in which 
 we can consider God, that, as a righteous governor of 
 the world, concerned to vindicate his own glory, he has 
 laid himself under a kind of holy necessity to purify the 
 unclean, or to sink him into perdition. 
 
 It is one of the curses of error, that the man, who is 
 the subject of it, if he has had the opportunity of being 
 better informed, cannot possibly do light, so far as he is 
 under it. He has brouglit himself into an utter inca- 
 pacity of acting virtuously ; since it is vicious to obey 
 an ill-informed conscience, if that conscience might 
 have been better informed ; and certainly vicious to 
 disobey conscience, whether it be well or ill informed. 
 82 
 
210 
 
 REMAINS OF MB. CECIL 
 
 The approaches of sin are like the conduct of Jael. 
 It brings hiiller in a lordly dish. It bids high for 
 the soul. But when it has fascinated and lulled the 
 victim, the nail and the hammer are behind. 
 
 I HAVE met with one case in my ministry, very fre- 
 quent and very distressing. A man says to me, " I ap- 
 prove all you say. I see things to be just as you state 
 them. I see a necessity, a propriety, a beauty in the 
 religion of Christ. I see it to be interesting and import- 
 ant. But I do noi feel it. I cannot feel it. I have no 
 spirit of prayer. ]My heart belies my head : its affec- 
 tions refuse to follow my convictions." If this com- 
 plaint be ingenuous, it is an evidence of grace ; and I 
 say, " Wait for God, and he will appear." But, too 
 often, it is not ingenuous : the heart is actually indis- 
 posed : some tyrant holds it in bondage. The com- 
 plaint is a mockery — because there is no sincerity of 
 endeavor to obtain the object of which it pretends to 
 lament the want — tliere is no sincere desire and pray- 
 er for the quickening and breathing of God's Holy 
 Spirit on the torpid soul. 
 
 The man who labors to jjlease his neighbor for his 
 good to edification, has the mind that teas in Christ. 
 It is a sinner trying to help a sinner. How different 
 the face of things if this spirit prevailed ! — If Dissent- 
 ers were like Henry, and Watts, and Doddridge : and 
 churchmen like Leighton ! The man who comes pro- 
 minently forward in any way may expect to be found 
 fault with : one will call him harsh, and another a trim- 
 mer. A hard man may be reverenced, but men w ill 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 211 
 
 like him best at a distance : he is an iron man : he is 
 not like Jesus Christ : Christ might have driven Tiiomas 
 from liis presence for his unreasonable incredulity — but 
 not so ! It is as tliough he had said, " I will come 
 down to thy weakness : if thou canst not believe with- 
 out thrusting thy hand into my side, then thrust in tliy 
 hand." Even a feeble, but kind and tender man, will 
 efi'ect more than a genius, who is rough or artilicial. 
 There is danger, doubtless, of humoring others, and 
 against this we must be on our guard. It is a kind and 
 accommodating spirit at which we must aim. When 
 the two goats met on the bridge which was too narrow 
 to allow them either to pass each other, or to return, the 
 goat which lay down that the other might walk over 
 him, was a finer gentleman than Lord Chesterfield. 
 
 To expect disease wherever he goes, and to lay him- 
 self out in the appHcation of remedies, is that habit of 
 mind which is best suited to a Chrisnan while he passes 
 through the world, if he would be most efl'ectually 
 useful. 
 
 The Papists and Puritans erred in opposite extremes, 
 in their treatment of mankind. The Papists, almost 
 to a man, considered the mass of men as mere animals, 
 and to be led by the senses. Even Fenelon fell into 
 this way of thinking. Some few fine spirits were to be 
 found, which were capable of other treatment : but the 
 herd they thought capable of nothing but seeing and 
 hearing. The Puritans, on the contrary, treated man 
 as though he had nothing of the animal about him. 
 There was among them a total excision of all amuse- 
 
212 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECI* 
 
 ment and recreation. Every thing was fffort. Every 
 thing was severe. I liave heard a man of this school 
 preach on the distinction between justifying and saving 
 faith. He tried to make his hearers enter into tliese 
 niceties ; whereas, failh in its bold and leading features, 
 should have been presented to them, if any effect was 
 expected. The bulk of mankind are capable of much 
 more than the Papist allows, but are incapable of that 
 which the Puritan supposes. They should be treated 
 in opposition to both, as rational and feehng creatures 
 but upon a bold and palpable ground. 
 
 I HAVE seen such sin in the church, that I have been 
 often brought by it to a sickly state of mind. But, 
 when I have turned to the world, I have seen sin work- 
 ing there in such measures and forms, that I have turn- 
 ed back again to the church with more wisdom of mind 
 and more affection to it — taiuted as it is. I see sin, 
 however, no where put on such an odious appearance as 
 in the church. It mixes itself with the most holy things, 
 and debases them, and turns them to its own purposes. 
 It builds its nest in the very pinnacles of the temple. 
 The history of tlie primitive ages of the church has also 
 checked the disgust which would arise from seeing the 
 in)pure state of things before our eyes. Folly and 
 wickedness sported themselves even then in almost all 
 possible forms. I turn, in such states of mind, to two 
 portraits in my study — John Bradford and Aph. Leigh- 
 ton. These never fail, in surh cases, to .speak forcibly 
 to my heart, that, in the midst of all, there is pure re 
 ligion, and to tell me what that reUgion is. 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 213 
 
 The joy of religion is an exorcist to tlie minJ. It ex- 
 pels the demons of carnal mirlh and madness. 
 
 The union of Christians to Christ, their common 
 head ; and, by means of the influence which they derive 
 from him, one to another, may be illustrated by the 
 loadstone. It not only attracts the particles of iron to 
 itself, by the magnetic virtue ; but by this vu tue, it 
 unites them one among another. 
 
 Some considerable defect is always visible, in the 
 greatest men, to a discerning eye. We idolize the 
 best characters, because we see them partially. Let us 
 acknowledge excellence, and ascribe the glory where it 
 is due, while we honor the possessor : but let us remem- 
 ber that God has, by leaving his greatest servants to 
 the natural operation of human frailty in some point or 
 other of their character written on the face of the Chris- 
 tian Church, Cease ye from man ! He does, by per- 
 fection in character, as he did by the body of Moses — 
 he hides it, that it may not be idolized. Our affections, 
 our prejudices, or our ignorance, cover the creature 
 with a dazzling veil : but he lifts it up ; and seems to 
 say, " see the creature you admire 
 
 A MAN, who thinks himself to have attained Christian 
 perfection, in the sense in which it has been insisted on 
 by some persons, either deceives himself, by calling sin, 
 infirmity — or Satan leaves him undisturbed in false se- 
 curity — or the demon of pride overcomes the demon of 
 lust. 
 
214 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 The trials of the tempted Cliiistian are often sent 
 for the use of others, and are made the riches of all 
 around him. 
 
 If I were not penetrated with a conviction of thr truth 
 of the Bible, and the reality of my own experience, I 
 should be confounded on all sides — from within, and 
 from without — in the world, and in the church. 
 
 If a good man cannot prevent evil, lie will hang 
 heavy on its wings, and retard its progress. 
 
 We are too much disposed to look at the outside of 
 things. The face of every affair chiefly affects us. 
 Were God to draw aside the veil, and to shew us but 
 a httle of the reality, and the relations of the most ap- 
 parently mysterious and complicated dispensations, we 
 should acquiesce with reverence and admiration. A 
 minister, for example, may be taken away in the begin- 
 ning of a promising career, or in the midst of great use- 
 fulness. If we cannot perceive any direct reason for 
 this Providence, we stand amazed. But, if we could 
 look forward into the farther life of such men, we should 
 probably see that they were taken away in mercy to 
 themselves — to the church — or to the world. 
 
 I HAVE seen too much of life, to have any thing to do 
 in the troubled waters of my friends, by way of giving 
 advice ; unless they will allow me to remain in secret. 
 This especially applies to some Christians of more sin- 
 cerity than prudence. An opinion given on ditiicult and 
 controverted cases, in confidence of its being used only 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 215 
 
 as a private principle of action, has been quoted as au- 
 thority in defence of the conduct founded on it. 
 
 Many kilties are involved on the very nature of reli- 
 gion, concerning which there is perhaps not one express 
 precept to be found in the Scriptures. Private, family, 
 or public devotions, are no wiiere enjoined, as to the 
 time, or frequency, or manner of performing them. Yet 
 tliey are so strongly implied in the very nature of reli- 
 gion, and they are supposed so necessarily to flow from 
 the divine principle of spiritual life in the soul, that those 
 men greatly err, who think themselves not obliged by 
 their religion to the most diligent use of them that cir- 
 cumstances will allow. And, surely, we may trace here 
 the footsteps of divine wisdom. If it had been said, 
 " Thou .shalt do this or that, at such and such times," 
 this would have brouglit a yoke on the neck of the Chris- 
 tian ; and, even when absolutely unavoidable circum- 
 stances prevented him from complying with the injunc- 
 tion, would have left sin on his conscience. While the 
 way in which the duty is enforced leaves him a Chris- 
 tian liberty that is abundantly guarded against all licen- 
 tiousness. He sees the duty implied and exemplified in 
 a thousand instances throughout the Scripture. The 
 same principle is applicable to certain pursuits, which 
 occupy the men of the world ; the general unlawfulness 
 of which is fully implied, though they neither are nor 
 could have been forbidden by name.* 
 
 Nothing seems important to me but so far as it is 
 
 ♦ See this idea illustrated with regard to Articles of Faith in Jones's 
 " Short View of the Argument between the Church of England and 
 Dissenters," in the " Scholar Armed." Vol. ii. p. 59. J. P. 
 
216 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 connected with morals. The end — the cui bono ? — 
 enters into my view of every tiling. Even the highest 
 acts of the intellect become criminal trifling, when they 
 occupy much of the time of a moral creature, and es- 
 pecially of a minister. If tlie mind cannot feel and 
 treat mathematics and music and every thing else as a 
 trifle, it has been seduced and enslaved. Brainerd, and 
 Grimshaw, and Fletcher, were men. Most of us are 
 dwarfs. 
 
 In imitating examples, there are two rules to be re- 
 garded : we must not stretch ours beyond our measure ; 
 nor must we despise that in another, which is unsuita- 
 ble to ourselves. 
 
 A PIECE has been written to prove that the Gospel is 
 preached to sinners, only in the lowest state of misery 
 and imbecility. Some men get hold of an opinion, and 
 push it so far that it meets and contradicts other opinions, 
 fairly deducible from Scripture. And it is no uncom- 
 mon thing with them to suppose, that nobody else holds 
 tiie same opinion ; when, if they look into the minds of 
 other men, they would tind themselves deceived. We 
 preach the Gospel to sinners in the lowest condition ; 
 and the only reason I do not preach it to devils, is, 
 that I find no gospel provided for devils. As to the 
 Roman Catholic notion of a grace of congruity, in tlieir 
 .sense of it, I utterly discUiim it. Some of the best of 
 them tauglit tliat God prepared the heart for himself in 
 various unseen ways. And who can deny this ? but 
 this is far difl'erent from the notion, that some minds 
 have a natural congruity or suitableness to the Gospel 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 217 
 
 The fallow-ground of the heart may be broken up, 
 ploughed, and prepared by unseen and most circuitous 
 means. I have gone from hearing a man preach in- 
 comparable nonsense who knew spiritual religion, to 
 hearing a man of a carnal mind and habits who knew 
 nothing of spiritual religion preach incomparable sense, 
 and I thought the carnal preacher much most likely to 
 call men to some feeling of religion. 
 
 The imagination is the grand organ, whereby truth 
 can make successful approaches to the mind. Some 
 preachers deal much witii the passions : they attack 
 the hopes and fears of men. But this is a very differ- 
 ent tiling from the right use of the imagination, as the 
 medium of impressing truth. Jesus Christ has left per- 
 fect patterns of this way of managing men. — But it is a 
 distinct talent, and a talent committed to very few. 
 It is an easy tiling to move the passions : a rude, blunt, 
 illiterate attack may do this. But, to form one new 
 figure for the conveyance of truth to the mind, is a difli- 
 cult thing. The world is under no small obligation to 
 the man who forms such a figure. The French strain 
 this point so far that the effort is continually seen. To 
 be effective — there must be about it a naivete — an ease 
 — a self-evidence. The figures of the French writers 
 vanish from the mind, like tlie flourish of a musical 
 band. Tiie figures of Jesus Christ sink into the mind, 
 and leave there the indelible impress of the truth which 
 they convey. 
 
 The religious world has a great momentum. Money 
 and power in almost any quantity, are brought forth 
 
 T 
 
218 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 into action, when any fair object is set before it. It is 
 a pendulum that swings with prodigious force. But it 
 wants a regulator. If there is no regulating force on 
 it of sufficient power, its motions will be so violent and 
 eccentric, that it will tear the machine to pieces. And, 
 therefore, when I have any influence in its designs and 
 schemes, I cannot help watching them with extreme 
 jealousy, to throw in every directing and regulating 
 power wliich can be obtained from anj"^ quarter. 
 
 Nothing can be proposed so wild m so absurd, as 
 not to find a party — and often a very large party — 
 ready to espouse it. It is a sad reflection on human 
 nature, but it is too true. Every day's experience and 
 history confirm it. It would have argued gross ignor- 
 ance of mankind to expect even Swedenborgianism to 
 be rejected at once by the common sense of men. He, 
 who laid the snare, knew that if a few characters of 
 some learning and respectability could be brought to 
 espouse it, there would be soon a silly multitude ready 
 to follow. 
 
 The religious world has many features, which are 
 distressing to a holy man. He sees in it much proposal 
 and ostentation, covering much sui-face. But Ciiris- 
 tianity is deep and substantial. A man is soon enlisted ; 
 but he is not soon made a soldier. He is easily put 
 into the ranks, to make a show there ; but he is not so 
 easily brouglit to do the duties of the ranks. We are 
 too much like an army of Asiatics ; they count well, and 
 cut a good figure ; but when they come into action, one 
 has no flint, another has no cartridge — the arms of one 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 219 
 
 aie rusty, and anotlier has not learnt to handle them. 
 This was not the comiilaint equally at all times. It be- 
 longs too peculiarly to the present day. The fault lies 
 in the muster. We are like Falstali". He took the 
 king's money to press good men and true, but got to- 
 gether such ragamufKns that he was ashamed to muster 
 them. What is the consequence ? People groan un- 
 der tlieir connections. Respectable persons tell me 
 such stories of their servants who profess religion, as to 
 shame and distress me. High pretensions to spirituali- 
 ty ! Warm zeal for certain sentiments ! Priding them- 
 selves in Mr. Such-a-one's ministry ! But what be- 
 comes of their duties ? — Oh these are " beggarly ele- 
 ments " indeed ! Sucii persons are alive to religious 
 TALK ; but, if you speak to them on religious tempers, 
 the subject grows irksome. 
 
 Admiration and feeling are very distinct from eacli 
 otiier. Some music and oratory enchant and astonish, 
 but they speak not to the heart. I have been over- 
 whelmed by Handel's music : the Dettingen Te Deuui 
 is perhaps, the greatest composition in the world: yet 
 1 never, in my life, heard Handel, but I could thuik of 
 something else at the same time. Tlierc is a lund of 
 music tliat will not allow this. Dr. Worgan has so 
 touched the organ at St. John's, that I have been turning 
 backward and forward over the Prayer Book for the 
 first lesson in Isaiah, and wondered that I could not find 
 Isaiah there ! The musician and the orator fall short of 
 tlie full power of their science, if the hearer is left in 
 possession of himself. 
 
220 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 The churcli of England is not fitted in its present 
 stale, for a general church. Its secularity must be 
 purged away. We shall hasten that day when Chris- 
 tians shall be of one heart and one mind, if we incul- 
 cate the spirit of charity in our respective circles. I 
 have aimed much at this point, and shall push it farther. 
 The rest must be left to Providence. He only can, by 
 unknown means, heal the schisms of the church, and 
 unite it together as one external body : and that this 
 will be done as some think, by persecution, appears 
 highly probable. I see no other means adequate to 
 the end. 
 
 Hypocrisy is folly. It is much easier, safer, and 
 pleasanter, to be the thing w hich a man aims to appear, 
 than to keep up the appearance of being what he is 
 not. When a Christian is truly such he acts from a na- 
 ture — a new nature — and all the actings of that nature 
 have the ease and pleasantness of nature in them. 
 
 Humiliation is the spirit of our dispensation — not a 
 creeping, servile, canting humility : but an entire self- 
 renunciation. The Mystics often talk admirably on 
 the subject. Pride is the most universal and inveter- 
 ate of all vices. Every man is a proud man, though 
 all are not equally proud. No sin harrasses the Chris- 
 tian so much, nor accompanies him so unweariedly. Its 
 forms of exhibiting itself are infinitely varied, and none 
 are more common than the aflectation of humility. The 
 assumption of the garb of humility, in all its shades is 
 generally but an expression of a proud mind. Pride is 
 the master-sin of the spirit ; and the grace of God, in 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 221 
 
 the whole tenor of our dispensation, is directed against it. 
 
 I EXTEND the circle of real religion very widely. — 
 Many men fear God, and love God, and have a sincere 
 desire to serve him, vviiose views of religious truth are 
 very imperfect, and in some points perhaps utterly false. 
 But I doubt not that many such persons have a state of 
 heart acceptable before God. 
 
 Man is a creature of extremes. The middle path is 
 generally the wise patii ; but there are few wise enough 
 to find it. Because Papists have made too much of 
 some things, Protestants have made too little of them. 
 The Papists treat man as all sense ; and, therefore, 
 some Protestants Avould treat him as all spirit. Because 
 one party has exalted the virgin Mary to a divinity, the 
 other can scarcely think of that most highly favored 
 among ivomen with common respect. The Papist puts 
 the Apocrypha into his canon — the Protestant will J 
 scarcely regard it as an ancient record. The Popish ' ^ 
 heresy of human merit in justification, drove Luther 
 on the other side into most unwarrantable and unscrip- 
 tural statements of that doctrine. The Papists consid- 
 er grace as inseparable from the participation of the 
 sacraments — the Protestants too often lose sight of 
 them as instituted means of conveying grace. 
 
 The language of irreligion in the heart, is, "Give — 
 give — now — now — wliatever the flesh and the eye lust 
 after, and wliatever gratifies the pride of life. Give it 
 now — for, as to any reversion, I will not sacrifice a single 
 hist for it ; or, if I must have a religion, it shall be any 
 T 2 
 
222 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 thing rather than that demeaning system which makes 
 every thing a mere boon." 
 
 Inste.^d of attempting any logical and metaphysical 
 explanation of justification by the imputed righteous- 
 ness of Christ, all which attempts have human infirmity 
 stamped upon them, I would look at the subject in the 
 great and impressive light in which scripture places it 
 before me. It teaches me to regard the intervention of 
 Christ for me, as the sole ground of all expectation to- 
 ward God. In consideration of his sufferings, my guilt 
 is remitted, and I am restored, to that which I had lost 
 by sin. Let us add to this, that the sufferings of Christ 
 were in our stead, and we shall see the point of view 
 in which Scripture sets him forth as the deserver and 
 procurer to us of all pardon and grace. The thing is 
 declared — not explained. Let us not therefore dark- 
 en a subject which is held forth in a prominent light, 
 by our idle endeavors to make it better understood. 
 
 Regeneration and conversion may be distinguish- 
 ed from each other, though they cannot be separated. 
 They may be distinguished ; as a man's being disposed 
 to go in a certain road, and his actually going in that 
 road, may be distinguished : for regeneration is God's 
 disposing the heart to himself; but conversion is the 
 actual turning of the heart to God. 
 
 There is an immeasurable distance between the 
 genuine and the spurious Christian. The genuine Chris- 
 tian may be weak, wild, eccentric, fanatical, faulty ; 
 but he is right-hearted : you find tlie root of the mat- 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 223 
 
 ter in him. The spurious Christian is the most danger- 
 ous of men, and one of the most difficult to deal with. 
 You see what lie is, but you hnd it almost impossible 
 to keep clear of him. He will seek your acquaintance, 
 in order to authenticate his own character — to indorse 
 his own reputation. But avoid him. His errors and 
 vices will be assigned to the church, by an indiscrimin- 
 ating world. There is less danger in associating with 
 worldly people by profession, and more tenderness to be 
 exercised toward them. St. Paul teaches us the dis- 
 tinction, 1 Cor. V. 9 — 11. 
 
 I FEEL disposed to treat carnal men and carnal min- 
 isters with tenderness, not to show them that 1 am a 
 spiritually proud man. Let them see that you have 
 some secret in possession, which keeps you quiet, hum- 
 ble, patient, holy, meek, and affectionate, in a turbulent 
 and passionate world. 
 
 The character of Balaam is not uncommon in the 
 churchi I have been amazed to see religious profess- 
 ors, whose ungodly character has been known and read 
 of all men, who have nevertheless entertained a good 
 opinion of themselves. I have accounted for it, by sup- 
 posing that they build entirely on the distinction of their 
 views of truth from those of other men. They " know 
 the points : they see the distinctions : and, moreover, 
 they approve what they know, and desire to die the 
 death of the righteous and be where they are — and, 
 certainly, they must be the men of God's council, and 
 the men who stand on his side against the world !" 
 
224 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 I HAVE long adopted an expedient^ wliicli I have 
 found of singular serv ice. I have a shelf in my study, 
 for tried authors ; and one in my mind, for tried prin- 
 ciples and characters. 
 
 When an author has stood a thorough examination, 
 and will bear to be taken as a guide, I put him on the 
 shelf ! 
 
 When I have more fully made up my mind on a prin- 
 ciple, I put it on the shelf I A hundred subtle objec- 
 tions may be brought against this principle : I may 
 meet with some of them, perhaps ; but my principle is 
 on the shelf ! Generally, I may be able to recal the 
 reasons which weighed with me to put it there : but if 
 not, I am not to be sent out to sea again. Time was, 
 when I saw through and detected all tiie subtleties that 
 could be brought against it. I have past evidence of 
 having been fully convinced ; and there on the shelf it 
 shall lie ! 
 
 When I have turned a character over and over on 
 all sides, and seen it tlirough and through in all situa- 
 tions, I put it on the shelf. There may be conduct in 
 the person which may stumble others : there may be 
 great inconsistencies : there may be strange and unac- 
 countable turns — but I have put that character on the 
 shelf : difficulties will all be cleared up : every thing 
 will come round again. I should be much chagrined, 
 indeed, to be obliged to take a character down which 
 I had once put up ; but that has never been the case 
 with me yet ; and the best guard against it, is — not to 
 be too hasty in putting them there. 
 
 Influence, whether derived from money, talents o»- 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 226 
 
 connexions, is power : there is no person so insignificant, 
 but he has much of this power : the little Israelite maid, 
 in Naaman's family, is an instance : some, indeed sup- 
 pose that they have more power than they really have ; 
 but we generally think we have less than we in reality 
 have. Whoever neglects or misapplies this power, is 
 an unprofitable servant ; unbelief, timidity, and delica- 
 cy often cramp its exertion ; but it is our duty to call 
 ourselves out to the exertion of this power, as Mordecai 
 called out Esther (ch. iv.:) it is our duty to watch 
 against every thing that might hinder or pervert our 
 influence : for mere regard to reputation will often carry 
 many into error : who would not follow Aaron in wor- 
 shipping the golden calf? Even men of feeble public 
 talents may acquire much influence by kindness and 
 consistency of character : ministers are defective in 
 resting their personal influence too much on their pub- 
 lic ministry : time will give weight to a man's character ; 
 and it is one advantage to a man to be cast early into 
 his situation, that he may earn a character. 
 
 The instances of artifice which occur in scripture 
 are not to be imitated but avoided : if Abraham, or 
 Isaac, or Jacob equivocate in order to obtain their ends, 
 this is no warrant to me to do so : David's falsehood 
 concerning Goliath's sword argued distrust of God. If 
 any part of the truth which I am bound to communicate 
 be concealed, this is sinful artifice : the Jesuits in Chi- 
 na, in. order to remove the offence of the cross, declared 
 that it was a falsehood invented by the Jews that Christ 
 was crucified ; but they were expelled from the em- 
 pire : and tliis was designed, perhaps, to be held np as 
 
226 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 a warning to all missionaries, that no good end is to be 
 carried by artifice. 
 
 But ADDRESS is of a different nature. There is no 
 falsehood, deception, or equivocation in address. St. 
 Paul, for instance, employed lawful address, and not ar- 
 tifice, when he set the Sadducees and Pharisees at va- 
 riance : he employed a lawful argument to interest tlie 
 Pharisees in his favor : this was great address, but it 
 jiad nothing of criminal artifice. In Joshua's ambushes 
 for the men of Ai there was nothing sinful : it was a law- 
 ful stratagem of war : it would have been unlawful to 
 tell the men of Ai there was no ambush : but they knew 
 that they came out of their city liable to such ambushes. 
 Christ's conduct at Emmaus, and that of the angels of 
 Sodom, were meant as trials of the regard of tliose with 
 whom they were conversing. 
 
 Precipitation is acting without sufficient grounds 
 of action. Youth is the pecuUar season of precipita- 
 tion: tiie young man's motto is "onward!" There is 
 no such effectual cme of this evil^ as experience : when 
 a man is made to feel the effects of his precipitation, 
 both in body and mind : and God alone can thus bring 
 a man acquainted- with himself. Tliere is a self-blind- 
 ness in precipitation : a precipitate man is, at the time, 
 a blind man : That be far from thee ! said St. Peter : 
 this shall not happen to thee. As the Lord liveth, 
 said David, the man that hath done this thiny shall 
 surely die ! 
 
 There is great criminality in precipitation. A man 
 under its influence is continually tempted to take God's 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 227 
 
 work out of his liands. It is not a state of dependance. 
 It betrays want of patience witli respect to God : and 
 want of faith : Z shall one day perish by the hand of 
 Saul. It discovers a want of charity : in a rash mo- 
 ment we may do an injury to our neighbor^ wliich we 
 can never repair. 
 
 There are few, who do not feel that they are suffer- 
 ing through life the effects of their own precipitation. 
 He, tlien, that trnsteth his mvn heart, is a fool. In 
 precipitate moments we should learn to say, " I am not 
 now the man to give an opinion, or to take a single 
 step !" 
 
 Method, as Mrs. More says, is the very hinge of 
 business : and there is no method without punctuality. 
 Punctuality is important, because it subserves the peace 
 and good temper of a family : the want of it not only 
 infringes on necessary duty, but sometimes excludes tliis 
 duty. Punctuality is important as it gains time : it is 
 like packing things in a box : a good packer will get 
 in half as much more as a bad one. The calmness of 
 mind which it produces, is another advantage of punc- 
 tuality : a disorderly man is always in a hurry : he has 
 no time to speak with you, because he is going else- 
 where ; and when he gets there, he is too late for his 
 business, or lie must hurry away to another before he 
 can finish it. It was a wise maxim of the Duke of New- 
 castle — " I do one thing at a time." Punctuality gives 
 weight to character. Such a man has made an ap- 
 pointment : then I know he will keep it. And this 
 generates punctuality in you : for like other virtues, it 
 propagates itself: servants and children must be punc- 
 
22S 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 tual, wliere their leader is so. Appointments, indeed, 
 become debts : I owe you punctuality, if 1 have made 
 an appointment with you ; and have no right to throw 
 away your time if I do my own. 
 
 It is a difficult question in casuistry — Hoivfar a man 
 is bound to betray confidence for the general good. 
 Let it be considered what consequences would follow 
 from a .man's disclosing all the evil he knows. The 
 w^orld would become a nest of scorpions. He must of- 
 ten mistake, and of course calumniate. Such is liis in- 
 capacity to determine what is really evil in his neigh- 
 bor, and such are the mischiefs frequently arising from 
 the disclosure of even what should be in truth evil, that 
 he seems rather called on to be silent, till circumstances 
 render it a case of duty to remain silent no longer. But 
 if this be his general rule, it will be his duty to ob- 
 serve silence much oftener in cases of confidence. 
 Professional men — a minister — a lawyer — a medical 
 man — have an official secrecy imposed on them. If this 
 were not the case — a distrest conscience could never 
 unburt hen itself to its confessor. Incalculable injuries 
 to health and property must be sustained, for want of 
 proper advisers. This applies in a very high sense to a 
 minister, considered as a confessor — a director of the 
 conscience. An alarmed conscience will unfold its 
 most interior recesses before him. It is said Dr. Owen 
 advised a man, who, under religious convictions con- 
 fessed to him a murder which he had perpetrated some 
 years before, to surrender himself up to justice. The 
 man did so, and was executed. I think Dr. Owen er- 
 red in his advice. I thought myself right, in urging on 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 229 
 
 persons who have opened their hearts to me, deep hu- 
 miliation before God for crimes committed in an un- 
 converted state : but, as it liad pleased Him to give a 
 thorough hatred of those crimes to the mind, and a con- 
 sequent self-loathing and humiliation, and yet to allow 
 in his providence that they should have remained un- 
 discovered, I judged that the matter might be safely 
 left with him. Yet there may be cases in which general 
 consequences require that confidence should be betray- 
 ed. Such cases usually relate to evil in progress. 
 To j)revent or counteract such evil, it may be necessary 
 to disclose what has been entrusted in confidence. Yet 
 the party should be honestly warned, if ifs purposes 
 are not changed, what duty your conscience will re- 
 quire. 
 
 I HAVE felt twice in my life very extraordinary im- 
 pressions after sermons, and that from men least cal- 
 culated to afl'ect me. A man of great powers, but so 
 dissipated on every thing that he knew nothing — a friv- 
 olous, futile babbler, whom I was ready almost to de- 
 spise — surprised and chained me so, in my own church 
 at Lewes, that 1 was thunder-struck : I think it was 
 concerning the dove not finding rest for the sole of her 
 foot : he felt the subject strongly himself ; and in spite 
 of all my prejudices against him, and my real knowl- 
 edge of his character, he made me feel it as I have scarce- 
 ly ever done before or since. In the other instance, I 
 had to do with a very different character : he was a sim- 
 ple, but weak man : it pleased God, however, to shoot 
 an arrow by his hand into my heart : I had been some 
 time in a dry, fruitless frame, and was persuading my- 
 
230 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECfL. 
 
 self that all was going on well : he said one day, at 
 Lewes, with an indiscribable simplicity, that " men 
 might cheer tliemselves in the morning, and they might 
 pass on tolerably well perhaps without God at noon ; 
 but the cool of the day was coming, when God would 
 come down to talk Avith them." It was a message from 
 God to me : 1 felt as though God had descended into the 
 cliurch, and was about to call me to my account ! In 
 the former instance, I was more surprised and astonish- 
 ed than aiiected religiously ; but, in this, I was unspeak- 
 ably moved. 
 
 Constitutional bias is a suspicious interpreter of 
 PROVIDENTIAL LEADINGS. A man's besetting sin lies in 
 that to which his nature is most inclined ; and, there- 
 fore, to walk wisely and holily, he should be very jeal- 
 ous of such supposed leadings in Providence as draw 
 with his constitutional propensity. He is never safe, 
 unless he is in the act of collaring his nature as a rebel, 
 and forcing it into submission. A sanguine man sees 
 a sign and token in every thing : in every ordinary oc- 
 currence, his imagination hears a call : his pious fancy 
 is the source and food of an eager, disquieted, and rest- 
 less habit of mind. An enterprising man has great fa- 
 cility in finding God in whatever seems to open to hon- 
 or, or influence, or power. But he has lost the right 
 estimate of things : if God seem to draw with an en- 
 terprising mind, the man should stand and tremble. 
 Providence may really lead some retired and humble 
 men into situations which the ambitious man would 
 covet : but, even in that case, it is not to be regarded 
 as an evidence of favor, so much as an increase of trisJ 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 2.31 
 
 and responsibility : but he can never open before an 
 enterprising and ambitious character, unless in judg;- 
 ment, or in such imminence of trial as should call the 
 man to self-suspicion and humility. A pleasurable 
 man easily discerns God's hand iu every ll)in<^, which 
 seems to put his favorite indulgences witiiiri his power : 
 such a thing was a great providence ! and he is vastly 
 grateful ! while he sees not that he is led away to brok- 
 en cisterns. An idle man has a constant tendency to 
 torpidity. He has adopted the Indian maxim — that it 
 is better to walk than to run, and better to stand than 
 to walk, and better to sit than to stand, and better to 
 lie than to sit. He hugs himself into the notion, that 
 God calls him to be quiet : — that he is not made for 
 bustling and noise ! — that such and such a thing plainly 
 show him he ought to retire and sit still ! A busy man 
 is never at rest : he sees himself called so often into ac- 
 tion, that he digs too much to suffer any thing to grow, 
 and waters so profusely that he drowns. The danger 
 in all these cases is, lest a man should bless himself m 
 his SNARES ! 
 
 Adam well observes : — " A poor country parson, 
 fighting against the devil in his parish, has nobler ideas 
 than Alexander had." Men of the world know nothing of 
 true glory : they know nothing of the grandeur of that 
 sentiment — Thou, O God art the thing I long for ! 
 You may, perhaps, find this sentiment in the corner of 
 some monastery, where a poor ignorant creature is 
 mumbUng over his prayers : or, it may even be found to 
 exist vvitli the nonsense and fanaticism of a Swedenbor 
 gian ; but, wherever it is, it is true dignity. 
 
232 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 Look at the bravery of the world ! Go into the 
 Park. Who is the object of admiration there ? — The 
 captain swelling and strutting at the head of his corps ! 
 And what is there at the court ? — " Make way ! Make 
 way "' And who is this ? A bit of clay with a ribbon 
 tied round it ! Now it makes nothing against the com- 
 parative emptiness and littleness of these things, that I 
 or any man should be ensnared by them, and play the 
 fool with the rest of the species. Truth is truth, and 
 dignity is dignity in spite of the en-ors and follies of any 
 man living. 
 
 But this is the outside. What are the greatest minds, 
 and the noblest projects of the world, compared with a 
 Christian ! Take Mr. Pitt for instance ; and contrast 
 him with the most insignificant old woman in the cliurch 
 of Christ ! If the Bible be not true you have no stan- 
 dard : all your reasonings, and science, and philosophy, 
 and metaphysics^ are gross absurdity and folly. But if 
 the Bible be true, Mr. Pitt, great and noble as he is, 
 yet, considered as a mere politician, even Mr. Pitt has 
 a little, contracted, mean mind ! — a driveller ! — an earth 
 worm ! Compared with his projects and schemes, the 
 old woman, who rises at two o'clock in the morning, 
 lights her farthing candle, stands all day over her wash- 
 tub, at night puts on her red cloak, steals out to some 
 place of worship, hears the truths of the gospel mangled 
 perhaps with ignorant yet honest zeal, but draws in good 
 into an honest and prepared heart — why, this woman is a 
 heroine — a noble mind — compared with the greatest 
 of men, considered as a mere man of this world ! 
 
 Bishop Wilkins has said admirably, Tiiat nothing in 
 man is great, but, so far as it is connected mth God. 
 
REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 233 
 
 The only wise thing recorded of Xerxes, is his reflec- 
 tion on the sight of liis army— That not one of tliat im- 
 mense multitude would survive a hundred years : it 
 seems to have been a momentary gleam of true light 
 and feeling. 
 
 v2 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 REMARKS BY MR. CECIL, COMMUNICATED TO THE 
 EDITOR BY SOME FRIENDS. 
 
 A HIDING-PLACE implies secrecy. He who can say 
 unto God, Tlrni art my hiding-place, may go abroad 
 about his affairs, and may pass through a tliousand dan- 
 gers, and yet, at tlie same time, have such a hiding- 
 place, in the favor and protection of God, that, when 
 he seems to be exposed on every side, still he is secured 
 and hidden from every evil. 
 
 A GREAT man, however high his office and talents, is 
 dependent on little things. Jonah was exceeding glad 
 of his gourd. However splendid and towering, man 
 is crushed beneath the moth, if God does not uphold 
 him : so that while we are admiring the great man as 
 he is called, and however he may be disposed to admire 
 himself, and to speak great svselling words of vanity, 
 facts will show that he is a poor, dependent creature, 
 who cannot Uve a moment without God. If the Holy 
 Spirit opens his eyes, he will perceive that he cannot 
 stand alone ; but he can only support himself and climb, 
 like the ivy, by clasping one stronger than himself. 
 
 Dreams are common to sleeping. No man begins to 
 slumber in religion, but he falls into some golden dream. 
 
236 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 It is a device of Satan to seduce men into a drowsy 
 state, and then to beguile them with some dream. — 
 Wlien the duties of rehgion become irksome, then lie 
 presents some novelty which allures and deceives us : 
 whereas, had we been in life and vigor, we should have 
 detected the deceit. 
 
 There are no greater objects of pity in the world, 
 than men who are admired by all around for their nice 
 discernment and fine taste in every thing of a worldly 
 nature, but have no taste for the riches that endure for- 
 ever — no love for God or his word — no love for Clirist or 
 their souls. In such a state, however admired or re- 
 spected, they cannot see the kingdom of God. 
 
 A SPIRITUAL man is a character that rises far above all 
 worldly wisdom and science. He is described by our 
 Lord as born of the Spirit. Spiritual senses are giv- 
 en to him. He has a spiritual taste that rejects what- 
 ever is injurious, and gladly receives whatever is salu- 
 tary to the spiritual life : he desires the sincere milk of 
 the word, that he may grow thereby. He has a spir- 
 itual SIGHT : he looks not at the things ivhich are 
 seen, but at the things which are not seen. He 
 smells a sweet savor in the things of God. His name 
 is as ointment poured forth. He has a quick feel- 
 ing. And he has a spiritual ear ; My sheep hear my 
 voice. He lives in a world of his own : he is tried by 
 spiritual conflicts, and supported by spiritual comforts. 
 If the things of God do not afford him consolation, he 
 droops, and nothing in this w orld can lift up his head : 
 he will say to every other object,il/i*era6/e comforters 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 237 
 
 are ye all ! He is pursuing a spiritual end, and wliile 
 others boast and are puffed up witii their great attain- 
 ments, he is liumbled in the dust, and cives all dorv 
 to God. ^ 
 
 Theue are critical circumstances, under which a man 
 who is in general on his guard, is called to redouble his 
 Christian vigilance. If he is about to encounter im- 
 minent danger, for instance, he will take care to secure 
 himself by every possible means. A house may be well 
 guarded and secured, but, if there is any fear and ex- 
 pectation of thieves, every place will be doubly barred 
 and watched. Good care may be taken, in the gener- 
 al habits of a family, to guard against fire ; but if it be 
 known that a spark has fallen among any combustibles, 
 every possible search is made to discover it and to pre- 
 vent its ravages. Thus should every servant of Christ 
 redouble his guard in critical circumstances. He should 
 remember, that, while awful providences seem to be 
 threatening us, and wliile we are surrounded with dan- 
 gers on every side, and while the enemy of our souls is 
 ijoiny about as a roaring lion seeking wliont he may 
 devour, it ill becomes us to trifle. Let us stir up our- 
 selves, and attend to our Master's admonition. Let 
 your loins be girded about, and your lights burn- 
 ing, and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for 
 their Lord. 
 
 If St. Paul had not been an entire character, he 
 would not have spoken so ingenuously of himself as he 
 does in the 7th to the Romans. He would have acted 
 as many others have done : he would have put the best 
 
238 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 aspect on things. He would not have opened the chatn- 
 bers of hnagery ; and have shewed, while all the 
 chvirch was admiring himj what was passing within. 
 Here Avere real simplicity and humility — nothing of 
 that Pharisee which he once was. The Pliarisee is be- 
 come a Publican: the reality is coming forward ; and 
 he seems to say, " Is any man groaning under a body 
 of sin and death ? — on searcliing his heart, does he 
 find that therein divelleth no good thing ? — -This is my 
 case also ; and if I have any thing wherein to glory, it 
 is in Christ and not in myself." 
 
 Charity should teach us to exercise hope and love 
 toward all men — hope toward those who are without, 
 and love toward those who are within, the walls of the 
 city of God. Of those without, we are apt to despair 
 too soon, and to say. There is no hope ; when we 
 should labor to allure them into the church of God, and 
 to impress them with a sense of its glory and its privi- 
 leges. Toward those within the walls, we sometimes 
 iiiil ill the exercise of love : we are too much influenced 
 in our feelings toward (hem by a dilference of educa- 
 tion, taste, or disposition ; while the great question 
 ought to be, " Are they really fellow-citizens with the 
 saints, and of the houseliold of God?" — and ii so, 
 whatever their defects may be, we ought to honor and 
 love them as the temples of the Holy Ghost. 
 
 When Christians are delivered from trouble, tliey 
 are apt soon to forget it ; and to lose sight of the holy 
 resolutions formed while under affliction : the strong 
 impressions soon decay. Whereas if we were enabled 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 239 
 
 to glory in tribulation — if our conscience were made 
 tender — if more reality were put into our prayers — we 
 should take heed how we give way to an evil heart of 
 unbelief: we should remember, too, how our troubles 
 were brought on us, and the benefits which we received 
 while they continued : we should watch that we might 
 not estimate them falsely : and at all times, we should 
 bear it in our mind, that it is not suflfering which hurts 
 us, but sin. 
 
 Some men will follow Christ on certain conditions — 
 if he will not lead them through rough roads — if he will 
 not enjoin them any painful tasks — if the sun and wind 
 do not annoy them — if he will remit a part of his plan 
 and order. But the true Christian, who has the spirit 
 of Jesus, will say, as Ruth said to Naomi, " Whither 
 thou goest, I will go .'" whatever difficulties and dan- 
 gers may be in the way. 
 
 It is our happiness, as Christians, that, however we 
 may change our place, we shall never change our ob- 
 ject. Wiiatever we lose, we shall not lose that which 
 w e esteem better than life. God has made to us tiiis 
 gracious promise — I will dwell in them, and tvalk in 
 them. And though we may endure nmch affliction, 
 and pass through many deep waters, yet this is our 
 honor and comfort, the Lord is ivith us ! and then — 
 wliat is difliculty ? — what is tribulation ? — what is 
 death? — Death to a Christian is but an entrance into 
 the city of God ! it is but joining a more blessed com- 
 pany, and singing in a more exalted strain, than he can 
 do in this world. 
 
240 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 The way of every man is declarative of the end of 
 that man. 
 
 How difficult is it to show those who are in the house 
 of mourning, tliat God is teaching them, that, if they 
 had not leaned so much on their creature-supports, they 
 had not been so broken ! Still they are crying, 0 Ab- 
 salom, rmj son, my son ! Why is it that we are shock- 
 ed to see tlie world faUing to pieces around us, when 
 we shall leave it ourselves to-morrow — perhaps to-day? 
 We forget tliat it is the design of God to dash every 
 thing to pieces. It is by these trials that we begin to 
 learn we have been walking by sense rather than by 
 faith — and looking at our children and our possessions 
 as though we were never to lose them. 
 
 It is by faith that we are relieved under the diffi- 
 culties of SENSE. Sense revolts, when it views our 
 great high Priest on the cross — Faith glories in this ob- 
 ject ! Sense talks like the Jews : He saved others : 
 himself he cannot save : if he be now the King of 
 Israel, let him come doivn from the cross, and tee 
 will believe him. — Faith lays hold on him as the Sa- 
 viour of tlie world, and cries, Lord ! remember me 
 ivhen thou earnest into thij kingdom! Sense envies 
 the prosperous worldling, and calls him happy — Faith 
 goes into the sanctuary, to see what his end will be. 
 When the waves run high, Sense clamors : Faitli says, 
 " Speak but the word, and the winds and waves shall 
 obey thee." When we feel our earthly house of this 
 tabernacle taking down. Sense sinks : but Faith says. 
 We know, that, if our earthly house of this taberna- 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 241 
 
 c7e be dissolved ice have a building of God, a house 
 not made ivith hands, eternal in the heavens. 
 
 Wisdom pre[>ares for tire worst ; but folly leaves 
 the worst for that day when it comes, 
 
 Abraham teaches us the right way of conversing with 
 God : And Abraham fell on Ids face, and God talked 
 tvith him ! When we plead with him our faces should 
 be in the dust : we should not then speak lightly of 
 him, nor complain 5 nor will there be any more boast- 
 ing. We shall abase ourselves and exalt God ! 
 
 The Christian's secret inlercourse with God will, 
 make itself manifest to the world. We may not see the 
 husbandman cast the seed into the ground, yet when 
 the corn grov/s and ripens we know that it was sown. 
 The mere professor, who may be found every where 
 but in his secret chamber, may think that with care he 
 shall pass for a good Cin istian : but he mistakes, for the 
 spirit WILL discover itself, of what sort it is. He, who 
 would walk safely and honorably, must walk closely 
 with God in secret. 
 
 A VARIETY of circumstances render the sinner's tirst 
 approaches to Christ difficult. They, who find an easy 
 access, will find an easy departure when troubles arise. 
 
 The most likely method we can take to hasten the 
 removal of what we love, is, to value it too much— to 
 think on it with endless anxiety — to live on its favor 
 with solicitude. It shall soon either become a thoru ia 
 our side, or be taken away. 
 
242 
 
 RKMAms OF MR, CKCIt, 
 
 Be ye not iineqnally yoked. If a believer marries 
 an unbeliever, tlie miseries wliicli ensue are endless. 
 Were they determined in kindness, to grant all they 
 could to each other : yet they live as in two separate 
 worlds. There is a great gulf between them, which 
 cannot be passed without the grace of God ; on whicli, 
 while all should hope and pray for it, none should pre- 
 sume. Tliey cannot taste the same pleasures, nor share 
 the same sorrows, nor pursue the same objects, nor walk 
 in the same path. What hope, then, can there be of 
 comfort ? Every Christian finds the corruptions of his 
 own heart, the snares of the world, and tiie devices of 
 Satan, together with innumerable secret anxieties, quite 
 enough to struggle with, in his journey to heaven, with- 
 out adding another to his difficulties. 
 
 In studying the word of God, digest it under these 
 two heads : either as removing obstructions, which keep 
 God and thee asunder ; or as supplying some uniting 
 power to bring God and thee together. 
 
 Perhaps it is a greater energy of Divine Power, 
 which keeps the Christian from day to day, from year 
 to year — praying, hoping, running, believing — against 
 all hinderances — which maintains him as a living mar- 
 tyr — than that which bears him up for an hour in sacri- 
 ficing himself at the stake. 
 
 By the course of his providence God will assert the 
 liberty of his council. 
 
 Let me ask, every day, what reference it has to the 
 
APPENDIX, 243 
 
 day of judgment ; and cultivate a disposition to he re- 
 minded of that day. 
 
 rNDULGE not a gloomy contempt of of any tiling m Iiicli 
 IS m itself good : only let it keep its place. 
 
 God has called us to meet his best gift to man -his 
 only-begotten Son-not in a splendid court, but in a 
 manger !-in the wilderness !— in Gethsemane !— before 
 the high priest, when they spat in his face and buffeted 
 liim, and smote him !-at the cross !-and at the sepul- 
 chre ! Thus it is that he corrects the pride and ambi- 
 tion of the human heart ! 
 
 There is in sin, not only an infinite mischief done 
 to the man, but it is accompanied by an infatuation that 
 surpasses all description. When the heart declmes 
 from God, and loses communion with Christ, the man 
 resembles one in a consumption, who is on the brink of 
 file grave and yet talks of a speedy recovery ! A 
 death will come on the spirit, which will be perceived 
 and felt by all aronnd : yet, when the most allectionate 
 friends of such a man attempt to expostulate, they ot- 
 ten find him not only insensible, but obstinate and stout- 
 hearted. He who, like Samson, the champion of Isra- 
 el, lays his head on the lap of temptation, will rarely 
 rise again as he lay down : he may say, I will go out, 
 as at other times before, and shake myself: but he 
 ivists not that the Lord is departed from him !~ 
 Strangers have devoured his strength, and he know- 
 eth it not ! 
 
 The whole life of Christ was one continued express- 
 
244 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 ion of the same desire, — " Let me lay aside my glory 
 — let me expire on the cross — so that thy kingdom may 
 rome !" And the blood of every martyr, whoever suffer- 
 ed in the cause of God, cried, " Let thy kingdom come !" 
 
 Growth in grace manifests itself by a simplicity — 
 that is, a greater naturalness of character. There will 
 be more usefulness, and less noise ; more tenderness 
 of conscience, and less scrupulosity : there will be more 
 peace, more humility : when the full corn is in the ear, 
 it bends down because it is full. 
 
 The history of all the great characters of the Bible 
 is summed up in this one sentence : — they acquainted 
 themselves with God, and acquiesced in his will in all 
 things. 
 
 God's way of answering the Christian's prayer for an 
 increase of patience, experience, hope, and lo\ e — usual- 
 ly is to put him into the furnace of tribulation. St. 
 James therefore says. Count it all joy irhfn ye fall 
 into divets te?nptatio?is. People of the woild count 
 if all joy when tliey are in ease and ailluence ; but a 
 Clu'istian is taught to count it all joy when he is tried 
 as gold in the tire. 
 
 In Christ we see the most perfect exhibition of every 
 grace, to which we, as his followers, are called. Let 
 there be but in us that poverty of spirit — that disposi- 
 tion to bear with provocations, and to forgive injuries — 
 that obedience to God and acquiescence in his will — 
 that perseverance in doing good — that love which over- 
 cometh all difficulties^that meekness, humility, pa- 
 
APPENDIX. 245 
 
 Hence, compassion, and gentleness which were found 
 in Cluist ; and if any man should be so ignorant and 
 debased as to imagine that this is not true dignity of 
 CHARACTER, let It be remembered that this was the 
 mind irhlch ivas also in Christ Jesus. 
 
 Looking back is more than we can sustain \vitliout 
 going back. ! 
 
 W HEN the multitudes followed our Lord on a parti- 
 cular occasion, although he wished for retirement, and 
 Jiad gone purposely to seek it, yet he gave up his de- 
 sign and attended to them. Mark tlie condescension 
 and tenderness of such conduct, in opposition to a sour, 
 monastic, morose temper. We are too fond of our own 
 will. We want to be doing what we fancy mighty 
 tilings ; but the great point is, to do small things, when 
 called to them, in a right spirit. 
 
 The world will allow of a vehemence approaching 
 to ecstasy, on almost any occasion but that which, above 
 all others, will justify it. 
 
 A Christian will find his parenthesis for prayer, 
 even through his busiest hours. 
 
 We treat sensible and present things as realities, and 
 future and eternal things as fables ; whereas the re- 
 ^el•se should be our habit. 
 
 An Enthusiast will court trouble, and that for it- 
 self : but a Christian, while he does not court it, yet 
 rejoices in it : not for its own sake, but because he 
 knows that tribulation, worktlh patience, and pa- 
 ae 
 
246 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 tience experience, and experience hope — a hope that 
 maketh not ashamed. While patience is the fruit of 
 his conflicts and trials, he gains experience by them : 
 he acquires the knowledge which a traveller obtains in 
 performing a long journey : he is in possession of a 
 bundle of choice maxims and observations, gathered 
 with much pains : he is taught by them to know hi? 
 own heart : he is brought acquainted with the faithful- 
 ness and mercy of God, in holding him up in the deep 
 waters, and accompanying him through the fire of afflic- 
 tion. And this experience produces hope — a hope that 
 he is savingly united to Christ — a hope that he is in the 
 church of God — a hope of the glory of God — a hope 
 that maketh not ashamed, keeping us steady at an- 
 chor through every storm, and when every other sup- 
 port fails. 
 
 There are but two states in the world which may be 
 pronounced happy —either that of the man who re- 
 joices in the light of God's countenance, or that of him 
 who mourns after it. 
 
 Let the warm-hearted Christian be careful of re- 
 ceiving a wrong bias in religion. When a ball is in 
 motion, almost any thing presented to it obliquely will 
 turn it wholly out of its course. Beware, therefore, of 
 a wrong direction in Christianity. Fix your attention 
 ever on such examples as St. John and St. Paul, and 
 hear how they speak : If any man love not the Lord 
 Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema, Marantha ! 
 
 God denies a Christian nothing, but with a design to 
 give him something better. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 247 
 
 Cod (eacl'.es some of" his best lessons in the school of 
 aniictioii. It is said that St. Paul's Epistle to the 
 Ephesiaiis has quite the spirit and air of a prison. That 
 scliool must be truly excellent, which produces such ex- 
 perience and wisdom. 
 
 We cannot build too confidently on the merits of 
 Christ, as our only Iwpe ; nor can we think too much 
 of Iht mind thai was in Christ, as our great example. 
 
 AciiRisTrAN does not rflorxj in tribulation, as he 
 does in tlie cross of Clirist. The Cross of Christ is the 
 OBJECT in which he glories : but he glories in tribulation 
 as an appointed means and instrument in the h.and of 
 God, of accomplisliing his own pleasure and promoting 
 our real good. 
 
 Never was there a man of deep piety, who has not 
 been brought into extremities— who has not been put 
 into the fire — who lias not been taught to say. Though 
 he slay me, yet ivill I trust in him f 
 
 A Christian's steps are not only safe, but steady : — 
 He that believeth shall not make haste. When dan- 
 cer approaches, he shall not be thrown into confusion 
 from his alarm, so as ti be ready to say, " Whither 
 shall I run ?" but, finding himself on safe ground, he 
 shall be quiet. Being built on the sure foundation and 
 established in Christ, he shall not make haste in his 
 EXPECTATIONS : he shall not make haste with respect to 
 the promises, as tliough they were long in their accom- 
 plishment, knowing that all the promises of God are 
 Yeat and, in Christ, Amen ! In affliction, he sliall 
 
248 
 
 REMAINS OF SIR. CECIl. 
 
 not make Iiaste in ranning to broken cisterns ,- as Asa 
 did, when in his disease, he sought not to the Lord, 
 but to the physicians : lie »liall not be alarmed, or 
 driven about, as one who lias not a strong-hold to enter ; 
 bat shall say, None of these thimjs move me I neither 
 count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might 
 finish my course with joy I With respect to his 
 CHARACTER, the Christian shall not make haste : if a 
 cloud come over his reputation, and Dten will suspect 
 his integrity without grounds, he will commit himself to 
 God, and wait his opportunity, and not make rasb 
 haste to justify and clear his character. 
 
 When a man can say, " My God I" if he can add 
 no more, that is sufficient : for my God is all-wise in 
 appointing, and almighty to uphold and to deliver. 
 My God is a Father to me in Christ : yea, he is a Father 
 who hid his face from Christ for my good. If, then, I 
 am in darkness, let me remember that God never had 
 a Son that was not sometimes in the dark ; for even 
 Christ, his only begotten Son, cried out. My God ! Mif 
 God ! why hast thou forsaken me ? 
 
 Few Christians, if any, sufficiently honor Christ, as. 
 governing their concerns. They do not say, " Now, 
 while I am praying on earth, my Saviour is working 
 for me in heaven. He is saying to one, 'Do this !' — 
 and to another, ' Do that !' — and all for my good !" 
 While Jeremiah was, doubtless, crying to God out of 
 the dungeon, Ebed-melech was interceding for liim 
 with the king, and they were preparing the means oi 
 his deliverance. See Jer. xxiviiL 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 249 
 
 Let llie restless, comforlless state of a backslider, 
 distinguish him from an apostate. 
 
 If you have set out in the M ays of God, do not stum- 
 ble at present difliculties. Go forward. Look not 
 behind. 
 
 Something must be left as a test of the loyalty of 
 the heart— in Paradise, the Tree : in Israel, a Canaan- 
 ite ; in us. Temptation. 
 
 Religious joy, is a holy, a delicate deposite. It is a 
 pledge of something greater, and must not be tiiought 
 lightly of: for, let it be withdrawn only for a Utile, ami 
 notwithstanding the experience we may have had of it, 
 w e shall find no living creature can restore it unto us, 
 and we can only, with David, cry, Restore unto me, 
 O Lord, the joy of thy salvation. 
 
 A CHRISTIAN should beware of that temptation, Wliy 
 should I waif for the Lord any loittjcr ? lie should 
 rt inember, if it is a time of extremity, tiiat is the very 
 reason why he should wait. If his way is so hedged 
 up that he cannot go forward, he should say, " Now is 
 the time for me to stand still, and wait till God opens 
 niy way." When my spirit was overwhelmed within 
 me, tlien thou knewest my path. 
 
 Human nature is always puting forth its fears and un- 
 belief, in anxious questions concerning to-morrow, or 
 some threatening calamity : but Christ says to every 
 Christian ''Let not your heart be troubled, neither 
 let it be afraid : I go to pi epare a place for you ; 
 
250 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CEClt. 
 
 and I will protect and guide you throughout the jour- 
 ney tliither." 
 
 God ivith US is the traveller's security. Jacob was 
 destitute : he had a long and dreary journey ; but God 
 said. Behold I am ivith thee, and will keep thee in all 
 places whither thou goest. 
 
 God calls not for thousands of rams nor ten thous- 
 ands of rivers of oil : he calls not his creatures to 
 live in sackcloth and ashes, nor sets them to perforin 
 long pilgrimages, nor to inflict pains on their bodies. 
 No ! the rigors of superstition are from man. The 
 voice of God is, " Be happy, here and forever ! Fly 
 tliat which will make you miserable every where! 
 Come unto me, all that labor and are heavy laden, 
 and I will give you rest.'' 
 
 The voice of Ciu ist is. My Son, give me thy heart ! 
 and to him, who obeys, he w ill say, " Go in peace ! go 
 into the grave ! go to judgment ! go into eternity ! go 
 in peace !" 
 
 A CHRISTIAN must stand in a posture to recei\ e every 
 message which God shall send. He must be so pre- 
 pared, as to be like one who is called to set oft' on a 
 sudden journey, and has nothing to do but to set out at 
 a moment's notice : or like a merchant who has goods 
 to send abroad, and has tiiem all i>acked up and in 
 readiness for the first sail. 
 
 How many people go out of their sphere under good 
 pretences! 
 
APPENDIX. 251 
 
 A PERSON who objects to tell a friend of his faults, 
 because lie has faults of his own, acts as a surgeon 
 would who should refuse to dress another person's wound 
 because he had a dangerous one himself. 
 
 When the most insignificant person tells us we are 
 wrong, we ought to listen. Let us believe it possible 
 we may be wrong, when any one supposes we are ; and 
 enter into the true littleness which consists in receiving 
 coiTection like a child. 
 
 No man rejects a ministtr of God who faithfully per- 
 forms his othce, till he has rejected God. 
 
 The plainest declarations of God's favor and the 
 strongest encouragements, are generally manifested in 
 the darkest night of trial. Who could be more desti- 
 tute than Jacob, when he lay down in the desert with a 
 stone for his pillow ? See also Acts xxvii. 20 — 24. 2 
 Cor. i. 3, 4, 5. 
 
 The pride of Israel testifieth to his face ; and 
 they do not return to the Lord their God. This is 
 the worst symptom in a sinner — when he is too proud to 
 go to God. Whatever be our condition, if there is con- 
 trition of spirit under it, there is hope of that man. 
 There is no room for despair, to whatever lengths a 
 man may have gone in sin, if he can smite on his breast, 
 and say, " O Lord ! though my sins testify against me, 
 yet thou art a God of compassion. Do thou it, for thy 
 name's sake." 
 
 A CHRISTIAN should never attempt to try his state 
 
252 
 
 REMAIBTS OF Mr. CECIt. 
 
 while under a temptation : he might as ^vell attempt to 
 examine the face of the moon while she is under an 
 eclipse. But, when he finds corrupt nature setting in 
 with a temptation — and wlio has not felt this ? — let h'lrn 
 remember liis Great Physician. This is the glory of 
 the Son of God, that no case, either of the body or of 
 the soul, was ever found too hard for him ! Blessed be 
 God, that we have in him a hiding-place — a covert 
 from the storm — a refuge from all our enemies .' 
 
 The great care of the man who is content with the 
 form of godliness without the power, is, that every 
 thing should be right without ; while the true Christian 
 is most careful that every tiling should be right w ithin. 
 It would be nothing to him to be applauded by the 
 whole world, if he had not tlie approbation of God and 
 his own conscience. Real religion is, therefore, a li\ iug 
 principle. Any one may make a show, and be called 
 a Christian, and unite himself to a sect, and be admir- 
 ed, — but, for a man to enter into the sanctuary ; to hold 
 secret communion with God ; to retire into his closet, 
 and transact all his affairs with an unseen Saviour ; to 
 walk with God like Enoch, and yet to smite on his 
 breast with the Publican, having no confidence in the 
 tlesh, and triumphing only in Christ Jesus, — these are 
 the life and acts of a new creature ' 
 
 O Lord! let me have any thing buf thy frown, 
 and ANY THING, U'ith thy smile I* 
 
 * " Give wliat thou canst, without Thee we are poor ! 
 And with Thee rich, take what thou wilt away." 
 
 CowpER, Task. V. J. P. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 253 
 
 Whatever, below Goil, is the object of our love, 
 •will, at some lime or other, be the matter of our sorrow. 
 
 Take care, Christian ! whatever you meet Avith in 
 your way, that you forget not your father ! When 
 Ihe proud and wealthy rush by in triumph, while you 
 are poor and in sorrow, hear the voice of your Father 
 .saying, " My son ! had I loved them, I should have cor- 
 rected them too. I give them up to the ways of their 
 own hearts : but lo my children, if I give .sorrow, it is 
 (hat I may lead them to a crown of glory that fadetli 
 not away ! 
 
 It is by faith (hat we contemplate unseen things. 
 To the eye of a clown, a planet appears but a twinkhng 
 star : but if he looked through a telescope, and were 
 able to calculate, he would perceive that it was a great 
 world, and would be astonished at its distance and 
 magnitude. While the gay and the busy are moving 
 on their little mole-hills full of anxiety, faith thus reache.s 
 beyond the world : it views death as at hand : it looks 
 at heaven, and catches a glimpse of its glory : it looks 
 at hell, and sees the torments of the condemned : it 
 looks at judgment, and reali zes that awful day : it looks 
 at eternity, and says, Our light affliction, which i.s 
 but for a moment, worketh for us a far more ex- 
 ceediiifj and eternal n-eicjht of glory : tvhile we look 
 not at the things which are seen, but at the things 
 which are not seen ; for the things which are seen 
 are temporal, but the things which are not seen 
 are eternal. 
 
 Where there is a real character, a man will not sit 
 
254 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIt . 
 
 down in the Clirislian conflict, and say, " If I must can y 
 about witli mc this body of death, I must submit. I 
 must bear these enemies as quietly as I can." No ! he 
 will say, as St. Paul seems to say, " I will be on no 
 terms with sin ! I will raise an outcry against the cor- 
 rupt nature ! I will triumph in my Physician ! His 
 grace is sufficient for me : I will wait for a cure, and 
 wait for it in tiie appointed way. I see light, and hope, 
 and liberty ; and I thank God, that, if I am a sinner, 
 yet I am a saved sinner !" 
 
 God halh set the day of prosperity and the day 
 of adversity, the one over ayainst the other— &s the 
 clouds are gathered, for rain, by the shining of the sun : 
 and, if for a moment they are blown aside, we must ex- 
 pect their return. Where, in our sky, should we look 
 for clouds ?— where it is brightest : where our expec- 
 tations are highest. Our sharpest sorrows rise out of 
 our sweetest comforts. Rachel said. Give me chil- 
 dren, or else I die ! and in obtaining what she esteem- 
 ed her highest comfort— what she would have at any 
 rate — was hidden the cause of her sharpest grief. God 
 gave her children ; and, in bearing her second child, 
 if came to pass, as her soul was departing, (for she 
 died,) that she called his name Ben-oni — the son of 
 my sorrow. 
 
 Who is the most miserable man on earth? — and 
 whither shall we go to seek him ? Not to the tavern ! 
 not to the theatre ! not even to a brothel ! — but to tiie 
 church ! That man who has sat Sabbath after Sab- 
 bath under the awakening and affecting calls of the 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 gospel, and lias hardened Iiis heart against tliese calls 
 — HE is the man wiiose condition is the most desperate 
 of all others. Woe unto thee, Chorazin ! woe unto 
 thee, Bethsnida ! — and thou, Capernanin, which art 
 exalted to heaven, shall be thrust down to hell. 
 
 Give every kind of knowledge its due attention and 
 respect : but what science is to be compared to the 
 knowledge of Christ crucified ? Had a traveller lost his 
 way in some desert, wliere he had wandered till he was 
 fainting with hunger and thirst, for what would he Hrst 
 ask ? — for music ? — paintings ? — No ! — he would ask 
 for bread — for water ! Any thing else olTered him 
 w ould be a mocking of his misery. 
 
 What an oppressive burden is taken off a Chris- 
 tian's shoulders, by his privilege of leaving all conse- 
 quences, while in the path of duty to God ! He has 
 done with — " how shall 1 bear this trouble — " How 
 siiall / remove this dilHculty ?" — " How shall I get 
 through this deep water ?" — but leaves himself in the 
 hands of God. 
 
 \^\'e may form some idea of the joys of heaven, by 
 Die innocent pleasures wiiich God grants on earth. 
 Here is a fine situation, with wonderful prospects —ev- 
 ery tiling to deligiit the senses : yet all this we find in 
 a world which is under a curse ! what then may we 
 not expect in a heavenly world, where God exercises 
 all his power for our blessedness ? 
 
 However ill men may treat us, we should never 
 give them a handle to say that we misbehaved our- 
 
256 
 
 REMAINS OF MR, CECIL. 
 
 selves. Were I to meet my most bitter adversary, 
 and know tliat he was come with the most malicious 
 iiitenlions, I should endeavour to be so on my guard, 
 that he could not lay his finger, with trutli, on any ])art 
 of my conduct. 
 
 The motive determines the quality of actions. One 
 man may do a penurious act, because he knows he shall 
 be put to difficulties if he does not : and anotlier may 
 do the same from mere avarice. Tlie king of Edom 
 offered up his son on the wall, and his abominable 
 cruelty excited just indignation : but Abraham, having 
 in intention offered up his son, is held forth to all gener- 
 ations for this act as the father of the faithful. 
 
 It is always a sign of poverty of mind, where men are 
 ever aiming to appear great: for they who are really 
 great, never seem to know it. 
 
 Wh.\t the world calls the best company is such as a 
 pious mechanic would not condescend to keep : he 
 would ratlier say, T//r/i awai/ inhie ayes from behold- 
 in y va)iity. 
 
 One way of reading tlie Bible with advantage is, to 
 pay it great homage : so that, when we come to any 
 part which we cannot connect witii other passages, we 
 nuist conclude that this arises from our ignorance, but 
 that the seeming contrarieties are in themselves quite 
 reconcilable. 
 
 Young Christians on setting out in life, often mistake 
 greatly in not sufficiently attributing events to the ini- 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 257 
 
 mediate providence of God. They are not reluc tant, 
 at the end, to acknowledge tliat their way lias been di- 
 rected : but tliey do not enough mark it as they go on. 
 There is a habit of saying, " Such a thing may turn 
 UP," as if it depended on chance ; whereas nothing will 
 turn up, but what was ordered long before. One cause 
 of this evil is, that the divinity of our day deals too much 
 in common-place : certain fundamental truths are set 
 fortli : and if a man professes these truths, too little ac- 
 count is made of the faith, dependance, and other graces 
 of a Christian. When a man becomes a Christian he is 
 written upon, as it were, " to be provided for !" — and 
 lie ought, therefore, to notice, as he goes on, liow Provi- 
 dence does provide for him. 
 
 Men mistake in nothing so much, as when they re- 
 sist their dispensation ; for, while God shuttetli up a 
 man, there can be no opening. Resistance does but 
 make the dispensation harder to be borne. Job says. 
 He teareth liimself in his anijer : hut sliall the rock 
 be removed because of thee ? The man is, as it were, 
 in a labyrinth : and the hand, which brought him in, 
 must be the hand to conduct him out. 
 
 We require the same hand to protect us in apparent 
 safely, as in the most imminent and palpable danger. 
 One of the most wicked men in my neighborhood was 
 riding near a precipice, and fell over : his horse was 
 killed, but he escaped without injury : instead of thank- 
 ing God for his deliverance, he refused to acknowledge 
 the hand of God therein : but attributed his escape to 
 chance. Tiie same man was afterward riding on a very 
 w 2 
 
258 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL 
 
 smooth road : liis horse suddenly tripped and fell, and 
 threw his rider over his head, and killed him on the spot, 
 while the horse escaped unhurt. 
 
 If a man is dead in sin, our attempting to correct his 
 false notions is like laying a dead man straight, who be- 
 fore was 1 J ing crooked. The man is dead, and will re- 
 main so ; though, before, he was lying crooked, and is 
 now lying straight. It matters little what right notions 
 we may have, while we are dead in sin ; for we shall 
 never act up to them, till God awakens our hearts. 
 
 To have too much forethought, is the part of a 
 WRETCH ; to have too little, is tiie part of a fool. 
 
 Self-will is so ardent and active, that it will break 
 a world to pieces, to make a stool to sit on. 
 
 We are too little acquainted ^A ith the sacred charac- 
 ter of God. A certain man sold a possession, and 
 brought a certain part of the price. We should 
 have thought this a generous act : but God saw that 
 there wanted a right estimation of his character. Many 
 sins are suffered to pass, to be punished hereafter : but 
 God sometimes breaks out, and strikes an offender dead 
 in vindication of his own glory. 
 
 Remember always to mix good sense with good 
 tilings, or tliey will become disgusting. 
 
 Things are not to be done by the effort of the mo- 
 ment, but by the preparation of past moments. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 259 
 
 If there is any person (o wliom you feel dislike that 
 is the person of whom you ought never (o speak. 
 
 Irritability urges us to take a step as much too 
 soon, as sloth does too late. 
 
 When we read the Bible we must always remember, 
 that like the holy waters seen by Ezekiel, (xlvii.) it is in 
 some places, up to the ankles ; in others, up to the 
 knees ; in others, up to the loins ; and in some a 
 river too deep to be fathomed, and that cannot be pass- 
 ed over. There is light enough to guide the humble 
 and teachable to heaven, and obscurity enough to con- 
 lound the unbeliever. 
 
 True religion as revealed in the scriptiu-es may be 
 compared to a plum on the tree, covered w ith its bloom. 
 Men gather the pluin, and handle it, and turn and twist 
 it about, till it is deprived of all its native bloom and 
 beauty : the fairest hand would as much rob the plum 
 of its bloom, as any other. Now all that little party- 
 spirit, which so much prevails among men, and wliich 
 leads them to say, lam of Paul and I of ApoUos—is, 
 but handling the plum till it loses its bloom. 
 
 There are but two classes of the wise ; — the men 
 who serve God because they have found hiin : and the 
 men who seek him, because they have found him not. 
 All others may say. Is there not a lie in my right 
 hand ? 
 
 Philosophy is a proud, sullen detecter of the poverty 
 and misery of man. It may turn him from the world 
 
260 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 witli a pi-n:i;l, sturdy conlempt : hut il cannot come 
 forward, mid say, " Here are rest — grace — peace — 
 strength — consolation !" 
 
 We hear much of a decent pride — a becoming pride 
 — a NOBLE pride — a laudable pride ! Can that be de- 
 cent, of wliich we ought to be ashamed?— Can that be 
 BECOMING, of which God has set forth the deformity ? 
 — Can that be noble, which God resists, and is deter- 
 mined to debase? — Can that be laudable, which God 
 calls abominable? 
 
 Many things are spoken of, in the Scriptui-es, as 
 good : but there is not one thing emphatically called 
 GOOD, which does not relate to Cluist or his coming. 
 
 Say the strongest tilings you can, witli candor and 
 kindness, to a man's face ; and make the best excuse 
 you can for him, with truth and justice, behind his back. 
 
 Many people labor to make the narrow way wider. 
 They may dig a path into the broad way ; but the way 
 to life nmst remain a narrow way to the end. 
 
 All extremes are error. The reverse of error is not 
 truth, but error. Truth lies between tiiese extremes. 
 
 I HAVE no doubt, but that there are perl?)ns of every 
 description, under e\ ery possible circumstance, in ev- 
 ery lawful calhng, among Cliristians, wlio will go to 
 heaven— tiiat all the \\orld may see, that neitlier their 
 circumstances nor calling ]nevented their being among 
 the number of the blessed. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 261 
 
 Gon lias given us four books : — tlie Rook of Grace ; 
 tlie Book of Nature ; the Book of the Workl ; and tlie 
 Book of Providence. Every occurrence is a leaf in one 
 of these books : it does not become us to be negligent 
 in the use of any of them. 
 
 Eloquence is vehement simplicity. 
 
 God is omniscient as well as omnipotent ; and om- 
 niscience may see reason to withhold what omnipotence 
 could bestow. 
 
 Attend to the presence of God : this will dignify 
 a small congregation, and annihilate a large one. 
 
 Having some business to transact with a gentleman 
 in the city, I called one day at his counting house : he 
 begged I would call again, as I li^d so much more time 
 to spare than he had, who was a man of business. — 
 "An hour is nothing to you," said he — "An hour nothing 
 to a clergyman !" said I : "you seem little to understand 
 the nature of our profession. One hour of a clergy- 
 man's time rightly employed. Sir, is worth more to him 
 than all the gains of your merchandize." 
 
 If a man has a quarrelsome temper, let him alone. 
 The world will soon find him employment. lie will 
 soon meet with some one stronger than himself, who 
 will repay him better than you can. A man may fight 
 duels all his life, if he is disposed to quarrel. 
 
 One day I got off ray horse to kill a rat, Avliich 1 
 found on the road only half killed. I am shocked at 
 
262 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 tlie tliouglitless cruelty of many people, yet I did a thing 
 .soon after, that has given me considerable uneasiness, 
 and for wliich I reproach myself bitterly. As I was 
 riding homeward, I saw a wagon standing at a door, 
 with three horses : the two foremost were eating tlieir 
 corn from bags at their noses ; but I observ ed the tliird 
 had dropped his on the ground, and could not stoop to 
 get any food. However I rode on, in absence, without 
 assisting him. But when I had got nearly home, I re- 
 membered what I had observed in my absence of mind, 
 and felt extremely hurt at my neglect ; and would have 
 ridden back had I not thought the wagoner might have 
 come out of the house and relieved the horse. A man 
 could not have had a better demand for getting oft' his 
 horse, than for such an act of humanity. It is by ab- 
 sence of mind tliat we omit many duties. 
 
 A WICKED man is a candidate for nothing but hell ! 
 However he may live, if his conscience were awake, he 
 would turn pale at this question : What shall I do m 
 the end thereof? 
 
 There is a great defect in Gray's Elegy. You can- 
 not read it witliout feeling a melancholy : there is no 
 sunshine — no hope after death : it shows the dark side 
 only of mortality. But a man refined as be was, and 
 speculating on the bankruptcy of human nature, if be 
 brought not evangelical views into the estimate, coild 
 describe human nature only as hopeless and forlorn : 
 whereas, what he felt a subject of melancholy, is with 
 me included in the calculation. I know it must be so, 
 4nd, according to my views, should be disappointed if 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 263 
 
 it were not so — Mij kbigdom, said our Lord, is not of 
 this world. 
 
 Revelation never staggers me. There niaj^ be a 
 tertiu'm quid, though we are not yet in possession of it, 
 wliich would put an end to all our present doubts and 
 questions. I was one day riding with a friend : we 
 were discussing a subject, and I expressed myself sur- 
 prised that such a measure was not adopted. " If I 
 were to tell you one thing," said he, it would make all 
 clear." I gave him credit that there did exist some- 
 thing, which would entirely dispel my objections. Now 
 if this be the case in many instances, between man and 
 man, is it an unreasonable conclusion, that all the unac- 
 countable points, wliich we may observe in the provi- 
 dence and government of God, should be all perfection 
 in the Divine mind ? Take the growth of a seed — I 
 cannot pos.sibly say what first produces progress of 
 growth in the grain. Take voluntary motion — I can- 
 not possibly say where action begins and thouglit ends. 
 Tlie proportion between a fly's mind and a man's is no 
 adequate illustration of the state of man with respect to 
 God ; because there is some proportion between the 
 minds or faculties of two finite creatures, but there can 
 be none between finite man and the infinite God. 
 
 One little preacher will endeavor to prove, with a 
 great deal of warmth, the truth of Calviiiistic principles : 
 and another little preacher will clearly demonstrate the 
 truth of the Arminian scheme. Good sense will go be- 
 tween tiiem, and say, " There are certain things writ- 
 ten on these subjects — Thus saith the Lord good 
 
264 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 sense will hesitate to push what is said to all its ap- 
 parent conclusions, {or— It is written again. Here 
 ends all dogmatism with a wise man. 
 
 A MOUSE that had lived all his life in a chest, says 
 the fable, chanced one day to creep up to the edge, and, 
 peeping out, exclaimed with wonder — " I did not think 
 the world was so large." 
 
 The first step to knowledge, is to know that we are 
 ignorant. It is a great point to know our place : for 
 want of tliis, a man in private life, instead of attend- 
 ing to the affairs in his " chest," is ever peeping out, 
 and then he becomes a philosopher ! he must then 
 know every thing, and presumptuously pry into the 
 deep and secret councils of God — not considering that 
 man is finite, and has no faculties to comprehend and 
 judge of the great scheme of things. We can form no 
 otiier idea of tlie dispensations of God, nor can have 
 any knowledge of spiritual things, except what God 
 has taugiit us in his word ; and, where he stop.s, we 
 must stop. He has not told us why he permitted the 
 angels to fall — why he created Adam— why he suffered 
 sin to enter into the world — why Christ came in tiie 
 latter ages — when he will come to judgment — what 
 A\ ill be tlie doom of the Heathen nations — nor wlij' our 
 state throughout eteniitjf \\as made to depend on such a 
 moment as man's life : all tliese are secrets of his coun- 
 cil. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations 
 of the earth ? God urges it on us again and again, 
 that sin has entered — and that we must flee from the 
 wrath to come. Christ, in the days of liis flesh, never 
 gratified curiosity : lie answered every inquiry accord- 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 265 
 
 ing to the spirit of the inquirer, not according to the 
 letter of the inquiry : if any man came in humility for 
 instruction, he always instructed ; but, when any came 
 to gratify a vain curiosity, he answered, as when one 
 said. Lord, are there few that be saved ? — strive to 
 ENTER IN AT THE STRAIT GATE ! — or, as when another 
 inquired. Lord, and what shall this man do !— What 
 is that to thee ? Follow thou me ! 
 
 We are too ready to say in trouble. All these things 
 are against me ! but a Christian should say, " This or 
 that may seem against me ; but tliere is mercy for me : 
 there is a Saviour : there is God's word : and there are 
 his ordinances." He should be more careful to enu- 
 merate what is FOR him, than what is against him. He 
 should look over the list of his spiritual and temporal 
 mercies, as well as that of his sorrows ; and remember 
 that what things are against him are so on account of 
 his sin. Om- pilgrimage is but short :— let us make 
 use of our helps and means. God has given us a guide, 
 and a support to lean on : when the clouds gather, we 
 have only to look to Jesus. We are not to expect the 
 joys of heaven while on earth : — let us be content that 
 there is a highway for us to walk in, and a leader to 
 conduct us in that way. 
 
 It is a Christian's business, as much as possible, con- 
 sistently with his duty, to lessen his cares and occupa- 
 tions in the world. It is very common to hear Cliris- 
 tians complain what a liinderance business is, while 
 they are, perhaps, at the very time, too anxious to in- 
 crease it ! There is some fallacy, too, in the complaint : 
 
 X 
 
266 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 for, where there is a principle of grace, it will prevail 
 even in a multitude of engagements. There is much 
 dilference between seeking busy situations, and being 
 FOUND in them. 
 
 What we call " taking steps in life," are most seri- 
 ous occurrences ; — especially if there be, in the motive, 
 any mixture of ambilion. Wherefore gaddest thou 
 about to change thy ivay ? 
 
 The dispensation of grace to some, is little more than 
 a continual combat with corruptions : so that, instead 
 of advancing, a man seems to be but just able to pre- 
 serve himself from sinking. A boat, with the tide full 
 against it, does well if it can keep from driving back, 
 and must have strong force indeed to get forward. We 
 must estimate grace by the opposition which it meets 
 with. 
 
 How blessed is the Christian, in the midst of his 
 greatest troubles ! It is true we cannot say he is perfect 
 in holiness — tiiat he has never any doubts — that liis 
 peace of mind is never interrupted — that he never mis- 
 takes providence : but, after all, his is a blessed condi- 
 tion ; for he is supported under his trials, and instructed 
 by the discipline : and, as to his fears, the evil under the 
 apprehension of wliich he is ready to sink, frequently 
 does not come — or it does not continue — or it is turned 
 into a blessing. 
 
 One of the greatest impositions of Satan on the mind, 
 is that of quieting a man in the pursuit or possession of 
 what is lawful. So that if it is not murder, or adultery. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 267 
 
 or theft, which he is committing, all is well ! Because 
 a man's bed is his own, he may idle away in it his ines- 
 timable time ! Because his business is lawful, a man 
 may intoxicate his mind with the pursuit of it '. 
 
 The very heart and root of sin, is an independent 
 spirit. We erect (he idol self ; and not only wish oth- 
 ers to worship, but worship it ourselves. 
 
 We must take care when we draw parallel cases, not 
 to take such as are not or cannot be made parallel. For 
 instance — we may ask, before we act, " What Avould 
 Jesus Christ do in tliis case ? or what would St. Paul ?" 
 but we cannot be guided by this rule in every thing, 
 because Christ's mission was peculiar : it was an un- 
 paralleled event : it was for three years only : and like 
 a great fire, he was always burning — always intent on 
 one point. St. Paul also was in peculiar circumstances: 
 he was sent on an especial errand. In every thing 
 which is in any degree sinful, we should turn to these 
 examples ; but, in tlie conduct peculiar to our station, 
 our application of these examples must be governed by 
 circumstances. 
 
 Many inexperienced Christians are apt to look for 
 wrong kinds of evidences, and so distress themselves 
 about their state. The questions which we should put 
 to ourselves, in seeking the best evidences, are — " Do I 
 hate sin ! — Is it my grand fear ? — Is it my grief, that, 
 while I have a good hope of pardon, I yet should make 
 such ill returns ? Have I brokenness of spirit ?" — God- 
 liness is analogous to the principle of gravitation, in that 
 it reduces every thing to its proper centre. 
 
268 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 The difference between what is called fate, and pp / 
 DESTINATION, is Something like tliat of a house withan i 
 a governor, and a liouse, with a governor. The Fw 
 talist says, " Every thing must, of necessity, be as it '*< 
 — as a stone must fall to the ground, fire must ascen 4 
 &c. The Predestinarian says, that every thing is di 
 termined by a wise Governor, who inspects, orders, 
 and superintends the whole macliine ; so that a sparrow 
 does not fall to the ground, or a hair of the head perish, 
 without permission. 
 
 We are so accustomed to see sin within and with- 
 out us, that we seldom deeply feel it, or are so shocked 
 at it, as we siiould be were it less frequent. If an in- 
 habitant of the court were to walk through some of the 
 filthy streets and alleys of the metropoUs, how would he 
 be disgusted and terrified ! while the poor wretches, 
 who live in them, think nothing of the matter. Thus a 
 clearer view of sin and of tlie holiness of God, made the 
 prophet cry out. Wo is me ! for I am undone ; he- 
 cause I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in 
 the midst of a people of unclean lips : for mine eyes 
 have seeji the King, the Lord of Hosts. 
 
 It is much easier to settle a point, than to act on it, 
 
 I once said to myself, in the foolishness ofray lieart, 
 *' What sort of sermon must that have been which was 
 preached by St. Peter, when tlu-ee thousand souls were 
 converted at once ?" — What sort of sermon ! — such as 
 other sermons. There is nothing to be found in it ex- 
 traordinary. The effect was not produced by St. Pe- 
 ter's eloquence : but by the mighty power of God, pre- 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 269 
 
 sent with liis word. It is in vain to attend one minis 
 ter after another, and to liear sermon after sermon, un 
 less we pray that the Holy Spirit accompany his word. 
 Neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he 
 that ivatereth ; but God that giveth the increase. 
 
 That humility which courts notice^ is not first-rate. 
 It may be sincere, but it is sullied. Do not sound a 
 trumpet, nor say, " Come and see how humble I am !" 
 
 We should be careful never to discourage any one 
 who is searching after God. If a man begins in earnest 
 to feel after him if haply he may find him, let us be- 
 ware how we may stop him, by rashly telling him he 
 is not seeking in the right way. This would be like 
 setting fire to the first round of the ladder, by which one 
 was attempting to escape. We must wait for a fit 
 season to communicate light. Had any one told me, 
 when I first began to think religiously, that I was not 
 seeking God in the right way, I might have been dis- 
 couraged from seeking him at all. I was much indebt- 
 ed to my mother, for her truly wise and judicious 
 conduct toward me when I first turned from my vanity 
 and sin. 
 
 We should always record our thoughts in affliction 
 — set up way-marks — set up our Bethels — erect our 
 Ebenezers ; that we may recur to them in healtli ; for 
 then we are in other circumstances, and can never re- 
 cover our sick-bed views. 
 
 A contemplative life has more the appearance of a 
 life of piety than any other : but it is the divine plan to 
 x2 
 
270 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 bring faith into activity and exercise. We choose 
 that sort of walk which we like best : if we love quiet, 
 we are for sedentary piety ; but the design of God is to 
 root us out of every tiling, and bring us into more use- 
 ful stations. 
 
 A wretched prisoner, chained to the floor for a 
 length of time, would deem it a high privilege to be 
 allowed to walk across the room. Anotlier, confined 
 to lie on his back till it had become sore, would tliink 
 it a great favor if he might be permitted to turn on his 
 side for a few minutes. In a course of habitual pain, 
 I am thankful for five minutes' freedom from suffering : 
 how forgetful have I been of fifty years of tolerable 
 ease ! How unmindful are we of what we call com- 
 mon mercies ! 
 
 In order to read the Bible with profit, we must be- 
 gin by denying ourselves every step of the way : for, 
 every step of the way, it will be found to oppose our 
 corrupt nature. 
 
 Christians resemble travellers in a stage-coach. 
 We are full of our plans and schemes, but the coach is 
 moving rapidly forward : it passes one mile-stone, and 
 then another ; and no regard is paid to the plots and 
 plans of the passengers. 
 
 A Christian has advanced but a little way in reli- 
 gion when he has overcome the love of the world : for 
 he has still more powerful and importunate enemies : 
 self — evil tempers — pride — undue affections — a stub- 
 born will it is by the subduing of these adversaries. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 271 
 
 that we must chiefly judge of our growth in grace. 
 
 A FRIEND called on me when I was ill, to settle some 
 business. My head was too much confused by my in- 
 disposition to understand fully what he said ; but I had 
 such unlimited confidence in him, that I did whatever he 
 bid me, in the fullest assurance that it was right. How 
 simply I can trust in man, and how little in God ! 
 How unreasonable is a pure act of faith in one like 
 ourselves, if we cannot repose the same faith in God ! 
 
 Some negative rules, given to a Young Minister go- 
 ing into a situation of peculiar difficulty. 
 
 As I know you have received much good advice, I 
 would suggest to you a few hints of a negative kind ; 
 with a view of admonishing you to be careful, while you 
 are doing your work, not by any mistakes of your own 
 to hinder your success — 
 
 I. By forgetting that your success with others is 
 very much connected with your personal character. 
 
 Herod heard John gladly, and he did many things; 
 because he knew the preacher to be a just and holy 
 man. Words uttered from the heart find their way to 
 the heart, by a holy sympathy. Character is power : — 
 " A good man seen, though silent, counsel gives." 
 
 If you would make deep impression on others, you 
 must use all means to have them first formed on your 
 own mind. Avoid, at the same time, all appearances 
 of evil — as a covetous or worldly, a vain or assuming, 
 careless or indevout deportment. Never suffer jesting 
 
272 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 with sacred persons or things. Satan will employ such 
 antidotes as these, to counteract the operation of that 
 which is effective and gracious in a minister's character. 
 
 II. By placing your dependence on any means, 
 qualities, or circumstances, however excellent in 
 themselves. 
 
 Tlie direct way to render a thing weak, is to lean on 
 it as strong. God is a jealous God ; and will utter- 
 ly abolish idols as a means of success. He designs to 
 demonstrate that men and creatures are what he makes 
 them, and that only. This also should be your en- 
 couragement : — looking, in the diligent and humble use 
 of means, to that Spirit of life and power without 
 whose influence all your endeavors will be to no pur- 
 pose, you have reason to expect help suited and ade- 
 quate to all your difficulties. 
 
 III. By unnecessarily appearing in dangerous or 
 improper situations. 
 
 It is one thing to be humble and condescending : it 
 is another to render yourself common, cheap, and con- 
 temptible. The men of the world know when a minis- 
 ter is out of his place — when they can oppress him by 
 numbers or circumstances — when they can make him 
 laugh, while liis office frowns. Well wnll it be for him, 
 if he is only rendered absurd in his future pubhc admo- 
 nitions, by his former compliances ; well if, being found 
 like St. Peter on dangerous ground, he is not seduced, 
 virtually at least, to deny his blaster. 
 
 IV. By suspicious appearances in his family. 
 As the head of your household you are responsible 
 
 for its appearances. Its pride, sloth, and disorder will 
 be yours. You are accountable for your wife's conduct 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 273 
 
 dress, and manners, as well as those of your children, 
 whose education must be peculiarly exemplary. Your 
 family is to be a picture of what you wish other families 
 lo be : and, without the most determined resolution, in 
 reliance on God, to finish this picture cost what it 
 WILL, your recommending family religion to others will 
 but create a smile. Your unfriendly hearers will recol- 
 lect enough of Scripture to tell you that you ought, like 
 the primitive Bishop, to be one, that ruleth well his 
 own house, having his children in subjection with all 
 gravity : for if a man know not how to rule his own 
 house, how shall he take care of the church of God ? 
 
 V By meddling beyond your sphere in tem- 
 porals. 
 
 Your aim and conversation, like your sacred call, 
 are to be altogether heavenly. As a man of God, you 
 have no concern with politics and parties and schemes 
 of interest, but you are to live above them. There is a 
 sublime spirit in a devoted minister, which, as one 
 says of Christianity itself, pays no more regard to these 
 tilings, than to the battles of rooks, the industry of ants, 
 or the policy of bees. 
 
 VI. By venturing off general and acknowledged 
 ground in spirituals. 
 
 By giving strong meat instead oimilk, to those who 
 are yet but babes— by giving heed to fables, which 
 minister -questions rather than godly edifying; 
 anmsing the mind, but not affecting the heart : often 
 disturbing and bewildering, seldom convincing ; fre- 
 quently raising a smile, never drawing a tear. 
 
 VII. By maintaining acknowledged truth in your 
 own spirit. 
 
274 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 Both food and medicines are injurious, if administer- 
 ed scalding hot. The spirit of a teacher often affects 
 more than his matter. Benevolence is a universal lan- 
 guage ; and it will apologize for a multitude of defects 
 in the man who speaks it ; while neitlier talents nor 
 truth will apologize for pride, illiberality, or bitterness. 
 Avoid, therefore, irritating occasions and persons, par- 
 ticularly disputes and disputants, by which a minister 
 often loses his temper and his character. 
 
 VIII. By being too sharp-sighted, too quick-ear- 
 ed, or too ready-tongued. 
 
 Some evils are irremediable : they are best neither 
 seen nor heard : by seeing and hearing things which 
 you cannot remove, you will create implacable adver- 
 saries ; who, being guilty aggressors, never forgive. 
 Avoid SPEAKING meanly or harslily of any one : not on- 
 ly because this is forbidden to Christians, but because 
 it is to declare war as by a thousand heralds. 
 
 IX. By the temptations arising from the female 
 sex. 
 
 I need not mention what havoc Satan has made in 
 the church, by this means, from the fall to this day. 
 Vour safety, when in danger from this quarter, lies in 
 flight — to parley is to fall. Take the tirst hint from 
 conscience, or from friends. 
 
 In line. Watch thou in all things : endure afflic- 
 tions : do the work of an evangelist : make full 
 jiroof of thy ministry : and then, whether those around 
 you acknowledge your real character or not now, they 
 shall one day know that there hath been a prophet 
 among them ! 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 275 
 
 FRAGMENT. 
 
 A Dying Minister's Farewell. 
 When a Christian minister feels the springs of life 
 giving A\ ay ; — his faculties decaying — his voice failing 
 — }iis spirit sinking — tiiough he may not have it in his 
 power to say, as the apostle did to his friends, I know 
 that ye all, among whom I have preached the king- 
 dom of God, shall see my face no more — yet he should 
 stand ready to part with his flock, and every sermon 
 should be felt by him as if it were his last. 
 
 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I 
 am jmre from the bluod of all men : for I have not 
 shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of god. 
 And what have I declared that counsel of God to be ? — 
 All the curious distinctions of the schools ? — All the pe- 
 culiarities insisted on so strongly by different sects ? — 
 No such thing! I have followed the great apostle in 
 testifying repentance toward God and faith to- 
 ward our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 There has been a slander brought against religion — 
 that we are not agreed, as to the truths we set before 
 men. I say, it is false ! We are agreed. All, who 
 know and think any thing of real religion, are agreed, 
 that the substance of the matter is contained in repent- 
 ance toward God, and faith toward our Lord 
 Jesus Christ. 
 
 If a man, like the prodigal, feels that he has left his 
 father's house — turned his back on God — and is be- 
 come a fool and a madman for so doing — and that there 
 is no hope but in his returning again : if such a change 
 of mind is wrought in him by the Holy Spirit, as he 
 
276 
 
 REMAINS OF MR. CECIL. 
 
 wrought in David, wlien he cried. Wash me thoroiicjhj 
 from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin : it', 
 liiie Peter, he goes forth weeping bitterly — feeUng tliat 
 fiehas acted foohshly and wickedly, and that his only 
 hope is in the mercy of God through the Saviour — then 
 the man enters so far into the spirit of religion — repen- 
 tance toward God. 
 
 But does he rest in this ? Nay, he knows that if he 
 could offer thousands of rams, and ten thousands of 
 rivers of oil, he could make no satisfaction for the sin 
 of his soul. He looks to the atonement ! —to Hi?n, 
 whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation 
 through faith in his blood. 
 
 Repentance toward God must be accompanied by 
 faith tovxird our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 He came unto his own, and his own received him 
 not. But as many as received him, to them gave he 
 power to become the sons of God, even to them that 
 believe on his natne : which were born not of blood, 
 nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, 
 but of God. These men ai-e enabled to say with St. 
 Paul, " / count all things but loss for the excellency 
 of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord. I have 
 no refuge but in him — no other hope — no other plea. 
 All my confidence before God is grounded on this — that 
 He suffered, the just for the unjust, that he might 
 bring us to God.'" 
 
 If a minister testifies these things — if he speaks plain- 
 ly and simply these grand essential truths of God's 
 word — though he die before another Sabbath return, 
 HE MAY REST IN PEACE — leaving the issue in God's hand. 
 
 The ground of a minister's own solid satisfaction can- 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 277 
 
 not be POPULARITY : for even to Simon Magus all gave 
 heed, from the least to the greatest, saying. This 
 man is the great power of God ! — neitlier can he 
 ground his satisfaction on the exercise of strong and en- 
 larged TALENTS : for even Balaam was a man of extra- 
 ordinary endowments — nor can it be on his success : — 
 for many, saith our Lord, shall come to me, and say, 
 Have we not done many wonderful works in thy 
 name, and in thy name cast out devils ? Then ivill 
 I profess unto them, I never kneiv you ! As though 
 he had said, " I deny not tlie works, but ye are evil 
 men !" 
 
 But a minister's satisfaction must be grounded on 
 the faithful discharge of his ollice in the delivery of 
 HIS MESSAGE. A PHncc scnds a special messenger to 
 his rebellious subjects, with offers of pardon : in ex- 
 amining his conduct, he will not inquire whether tliey 
 received and approved him or not : the question will 
 be — " Did you deliver my message ? did you deliver it 
 as one that believed it yourself? as one in earnest?" 
 If a man sliould come and tell you, with a cheerful coun- 
 tenance and careless air, that your house was on lire, 
 and tiiat you and your children would be burnt in the 
 flames if you did not make haste to escape, you would 
 not believe liim. You would say, " He does not believe 
 it himself, or he would not be so unfeeling as to speak 
 of it in such a manner." 
 
 If a minister delivers liis message, then no scorn, no 
 reproach that may be cast upon him, can take away his 
 rest — he has done his duty. When the king sent out 
 his servants to invite men to his feast, they excused 
 themselves on various pretences : but the servant might 
 
 Y 
 
278 
 
 REMAINS Of MR. CECIL. 
 
 say, " No mailer ! — I have declared the message — I 
 may rest in having done my part, though no success 
 seems to attend my pressing invitations." 
 
 I would lodge, therefore, my appeal in your con- 
 sciences — / take YOU to record— I appeal to con- 
 science : for there is a conscience in man ; and, in se- 
 rious moments it will speak out. It wrung from Jos- 
 eph's brethren that confession, We are verily guilty 
 concerning our brother ! It forced Balaam himself to 
 cry out. Let me die the death of the righteous ! and 
 let my last end be like his ! It tormented the traitor 
 Judas into that self-accusation, I /^«t•e sinnedin that 1 
 have betrayed the innocent blood! 
 
 When a young person has been talked to by his pa- 
 rents — when they have represented to him the misery 
 and ruin of a wicked course, and of bad habits — he 
 might affect to brave it out at the time ; but he has 
 gone afterward weeping through the streets — because 
 
 CONSCIENCE WOULD SPE.\K. 
 
 But when tlie Spirit of God softens a man's heart — 
 w hen he is made to feel ivhat an evil and bitter 
 th 'ng it is to sin against God — then a faithful min- 
 ister's appeal to that man is like that of St. Paul to the 
 Tliessalonians : Ye are witnesses, and God also, how 
 holily, and justly, and unblameably we behaved 
 ourselves among you that believe. As you know 
 how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged ev- 
 ery one of you (as a father doth his children), that 
 ye it ould walk worthy of God, who hath called you 
 unto his kingdom and glory. For this cause also 
 thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye 
 received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 279 
 
 received it not as the tvord of men, but, fas it is in 
 truth J the word of God, which eJfectnaUy worketh 
 also in you that believe. 1 Tliess. ii. 10 — 13. 
 
 It is most affecting to see to what miserable shifts 
 men will have recourse, in order to evade the truth. 
 
 " It is IRRATIONAL," says one, " to insist so much on 
 certain peculiarities of doctrine !" — But whose reason 
 shall be the judge ? — For the preaching of the cross 
 is to them that perish foolishness : but. It is written 
 I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will 
 bring to nothing the understanding of the jjrudent. 
 
 "It is UNNECESSARY," sa) s another — But has God 
 commanded ; and do we pronounce his commands 
 unnecessary ? 
 
 " It is disreputable" — Did Christ regard reputa- 
 tion ? — Nay, he made himself of no reputation. 
 
 " It is a NARROW way — Ah ! there, indeed, you pro- 
 nounce truly ! The way of heaven is a narrow way ! 
 But what says the judge ? Wide is the gate, and 
 broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and 
 many there be which go in thereat ; because strait 
 is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth 
 unto life, and few there be that find it. 
 
 Oh how distres.sing is it to observe manj% to whom 
 Ave cannot but fear, the Gospel which they hear preach- 
 ed from Sunday to Sunday, is but the savor of death ! 
 If God has made a difference in any of us, let us not 
 forget to whom we are indebted. 
 
 Brethren ! you are my witnesses. I take you to re- 
 cord, that you have had the whole counsel of God de- 
 clared unto you ; that all cmious and metaphysical in- 
 quiries, all critical and conjectmal points, have been 
 
280 
 
 REMAINS OF MR CECIL. 
 
 carefully avoided for your sake. I have attempted to 
 clear my ministry of all disputable subjects^ in order to 
 set before you tlie plain fact of the death and resurrec- 
 tion of Jesus Christ, and of salvation through him. 
 
 But consider ! YOU also must give an account ! I 
 must give an account whether I plainly and simply de- 
 clared the truth, as one wlio felt its importance, and 
 was iu earnest. You must give an account, whether 
 you have gone away from this place, as if you had 
 heard nothing to the purpose, and immediately dissipat- 
 ed your thoughts with some trifling subject — some mere 
 secular concern ; — or, whether what you heard brought 
 you to your knees before God, beseeching him to seal 
 and impress his truth upon your hearts. 
 
 Oh consider the satisfaction you will find, in really 
 embracing all the counsel of God. Consider how 
 soon the time will come, in whicli it must be your ONLY 
 SATISFACTION, that you have embraced it ! Let it be 
 youi- prayer, as you go hence — "O God, give me grace 
 to repent with that repentance which is unto life ! — 
 Make me serious ! Teach me what I must do to be 
 saved ! Help me to believe the record which thou hast 
 given of thy Son. Give me faith to receive the atone- 
 ment — to set to my seal that there is none other name 
 under heaven given among men whereby v}e must be 
 saved, but the name of Jesus Christ." 
 
 Come to your Saviour witii humility as a sinner : 
 come with gratitude and love. " For ye are not 
 come unto the mount that might be touched, and that 
 burned with fire, nor unto blackness and darkness and 
 tempest and the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of 
 words when, " so terrible was the sight, that Moses 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 281 
 
 said, I exceedingly fear and quake. But ye are come 
 unto mount Sion ; and unto the city of the living God 
 — (he heavenly Jerusalem ; and to an inumerable com- 
 pany of angels ; and to the general assembly and 
 church of the first-born, which are written in heaven ; 
 and to God, the Judge of all ; and to the spirits of just 
 men made perfect ; and to Jesus the Mediator of the 
 new covenant ; and to the blood of sprinkling, that 
 speaketh better things than that of Abel. See, then, 
 that ye refuse not him that speaketh ! — but, receiving a 
 kingdom which cannot be moved, let us hold fast 
 grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably, with 
 reverence and godly fear." Heb. xii. 18 — 28. 
 
LINES 
 
 ON 
 
 THE DEATH OF A CHILD AT 
 
 DAY-BREAK 
 
 BY THE REV. MR. CECIL 
 
 " Let me go, for the day ircafee^A."'— Genesis, xxxii. 36 
 Cease here longer to detain me, 
 
 Kindest motlier, drowned in wo, 
 Now thy kind caresses pain me ; 
 Morn advances — let me go. 
 
 See yon orient streak appearing ! 
 
 Harbinger of endless day; 
 Hark ! a voice the darkness cheering. 
 
 Calls my new-born soul away ! 
 
 Lately launched a trembling stranger, 
 On this world's wide boisterous flood, 
 
 Pierc'd with sorrows, toss'd with danger, 
 Gladly I return to God. 
 
 Now my cries shall cease to grieve thee, 
 
 Now my trembling heart find rest'; 
 Kinder arms than thine receive me, 
 
 Softer pillow than thy breast. 
 
 Weep not o'er these eyes that languish. 
 Upward turning toward their home ; 
 
 Raptur'd they'll forget all anguish. 
 While they wait to see thee come. 
 
 There, my mother, pleasures centre — 
 
 — Weeping, parting, care or wo 
 Ne'er our Father's house shall enter— 
 
 — Morn advances — let me go. 
 
LINES BY MR. CECIL. 
 
 As through this cahn and holy dawn, 
 Silent glides my parting breath, 
 
 To an Everlasting Morning 
 
 Gently close my eyes in death. 
 Blessings, endless, richest blessings, 
 
 Pour their streams upon thy heart ! 
 (Though no language yet possessing) 
 
 Breathes-my spirit ere v/e part. 
 Yet to leave thee sorrowing rends me,— 
 
 Now again this voice I hear ; 
 Rise !— may every grace attend thee. 
 Rise, and seek to meet me there ! 
 
 THE END. 
 
4 
 
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 be the expression of a heart warmed by piety, and susceptible of the teuderest emo 
 tious. He displays a happy tact, in developing, in the mo*t pleasing manner, the cir 
 eumstances of a scriptural incident or character, and of deriving from it practical 
 lessons."— Pre»6yterian. 
 
 MCCRIE ON ESTHER. 
 
 Lectures on the Book of Esther. By the Eev. Thomas McCrie, D.D., 
 author of " Life of John Knox," &c. 
 
 A TREATISE ON PRAYER; 
 Designed to assist in the devout discharge of that duty. By the Eey 
 Edward Bickersteth. 
 
 MICHAEL KEMP, 
 The Happy Farmer's Lad. A Tale of Rustic Life, illustrative of the 
 Scnptural Blessings and Temporal Advantages of Early Biety. By 
 Anne ^V^>odrooffe. Second Edition. 
 
 " Thoroughly and intensely have we read this book, • because,' as Talbot said ol 
 Boswell's Life of Johnson, ' we couldn't help iu* We were ^truck with the ingenu 
 ous disposition and firm principles of Michael, and we wished to see how they w o^Ic 
 bear hlra thiough trying scenes. So much for the intcrebl which the story excites 
 the other merits of the book are not inferior." — Baptist Advocate. 
 
 COMFORT IN AFFLICTION. 
 
 A Series of Meditations. By the Rev. James Buchanan, one of the Min 
 isters of ihe High Church,'Edinburgh. From the ninth Edinl). Ediri..!i 
 LIGHTS «c SHADOWS OF SCOTTISH LIFE 
 
 By Professor Wilson. 18mo. 
 
 MEMOIR OF MARY LUNDIE DUNCAN 
 
 Second American Edition. 18mo. 
 PRACTICAL REFLECTIONS. 
 
 On the Second Advent. By the Eev. Hush AVliite, A.M. 18mo 
 6 
 
R OARTKR S PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 PERSUASIVES -TO EARLY PIETY. 
 
 By the Rev. J. G. PiKC. 
 DODDRIDGE'S RISE AND PROGRESS. 
 
 Rise and Progress of Rolitri.m in the Soul. Illustrated in n Course of Se- 
 rioua and Practical Addresses, suited to persons of every character and 
 circumstance, with a Devout Meditation or Praver subjoined to each 
 chapter. By Philip Doddridge, D.D. 
 
 THE COTTAGE FIRESIDE; 
 
 Or, the Parish Schoolmaster. By the Rev. Ho.iry Duncan, D.D. 
 •' This is II reprint of a Scotch work, by a clergyman of high standing, who does 
 not now for the first time appear as an author. The narrative is constructed with 
 great beauty, and is designed at once to illustrate and remedy some of the principal 
 evils connected with domestic education. Tlio work may very properly occupy \he 
 attention both of parents and children ; .Tnd it will be read with plc;^,^ure by all who 
 can relish the simple and beautiful in thought and expression." — Argus. 
 
 THE CHRISTIAN CONTEMPLATED, 
 
 In a Course of Lectures delivered in ihe Argvle Chapel, Bath. Bv Rev. 
 William Jay. New Edition. 
 
 "It has all the peculiur marks of Jay's mind ; perspicuity of iirratijrement, simpli- 
 city and occasional elegance of diclioti, decp-tonRd piety and co(tiousnftss of senti- 
 ment. In recommending such a book we are conscious of doing: a service to the 
 cause of piety, by promoting the spiritual-mindcdncss, and contii^tent, symmetrical 
 cinductof every Christian who prayerfully peruses it" — Baptist Advocate. 
 
 WORKS OF REV. HENRY SCOUQAU. 
 
 Containing the Life of God in the Soul, &c. 
 
 DEW OF ISRAEL, 
 
 Kni the Lily of God ; or, a Glimpse of the Kin<fdiim of Grace. By F. 
 W. Krummacher, D.D. Second American, from the second London 
 Edition. 
 
 CHRISTIAN FRAGMENTS; 
 
 Or, Remarks on the Nature, Trecepts, and Comforts of Religion. Dy 
 John Burns, M.D., F.R.S., Regius Professor of Surgery in the Univer- 
 sity of Glasgow, &c. &c. 
 
 "The different pieces constitute so many distinct, though sometimes brief, disquisi- 
 tions upon scriptur.ll topics, nnd oro designed to promote the spiritual-mindedness of 
 the reader. They were written niuier the pressure of deep affliction, nad in view o. 
 an approaching judgment. They display sound thought, evangelical sentiment, cor- 
 rect doctrine, and an elevated tone of Christian feeling." — Advocate. 
 
 CHRISTIAN FATHER AT HOME; 
 
 Or, a Manual of Parental Instrnrtion. By W. C. Brownlee, D.D. 
 A GLIMPSE INTO 
 THE WORLD TO COME, 
 In a Waking Dream. By the late George B. Phillips. With Extracts, 
 illustrative of his Spiritual Progress ; and a Brief Memoir, by Mrs. 
 Duncan, author of " Memoir of Mrs. Mary Lundie Duncan," &c. 
 "Thii is altogether an extraordinary production. The small portion of it which 
 fives it its title, is a strain of fervent pious imaginings, based however upon the ora- 
 cles of God. One cannot easily read it without gaining a more deep and solid im 
 pression of the other world.'' 
 J 
 
R. CARTER'S PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 INFANT PIETY. 
 
 A Book for LilUe Children. By Baptist W. Noel, M.A. 
 Id this volume one of the finett bpirits in the established church of England fivei 
 us a simple record of the pious lives and happy deaths of several little children on 
 both sides of the Atlantic. The work is well adapted to accomplish the benevolent 
 design of its author, by leading litrlc children to remember their Creator."— ./(Itajiy 
 Evening Journal 
 
 A MEMOIR OF JOHN HUSS. 
 
 Translated from the German. 
 "To many who arc familiar with the life of Martin Luther, that of John Huss, who 
 preceded hiin. ami prepared the German mind for his more extended labours, is com- 
 paratively little known. The true character of Romanism is displayed in the treat- 
 ment of each, but some of the darkest shades arc seen in the case of Huss." — Baptist 
 Advocate. 
 
 HELEN OF THE GLEN. 
 
 A Tale of the Scottish Covenanters. By Robert PoUok, A.M. 
 
 THE PERSECUTED FAMILY. 
 
 By Pollok. 
 RALPH GEMMELL. 
 
 By Pollok. 
 JESSY ALLAN, 
 
 The Lame Girl. By Grace Kennedy, author o£ " Anna Ross," &c. 
 "It is an affecting tale, and strikinely illustrates the power of religion, and ha full 
 adequacy to human wants in every emergency." — Christian Mirror. 
 
 SINNER'S FRIEND. 
 
 From the eighty-seventh London Edition, completing upwards of half a 
 
 This U^tte Jfork has been translated into sixteen* different langvoffes. 
 
 "It is designed by its direct appeals, to arrest the attention of the most carelesa 
 reader, and to pour into his ear some word of truth before be can become fatigued 
 with reading."— PrcstylcriiiJi. 
 
 "It is fitted to be an admirable auxiliary to ministers in the discharge of their 
 duty." — Albany Daily Advertiser. 
 
 DECAPOLIS; 
 
 Or, the Individual Obligations of Christians to save Souls from Death. An 
 Essay. By David Evcrard Ford. Fifth American, from the sixth 
 London Edition. 
 
 "This book is an exhortation to Christians, and Christian ministers, to exercise 
 greater faithfulness in saving souls from eternal death. We have read it with much 
 pleasure, and we hope with sonte profit. Tlie book is most beautifully got up ; and 
 we could wish that it might be read and pondered by every one who indulges a hopo 
 that he is a Christian." — JV. Y. Evangelist. 
 
 SHORTER CAXECHISM. 
 
 Anecdotes Illustrative of the Shorter Catechism. By John Whitccross. 
 New Edition. 
 
 "This will relieve the catechism of a difficulty which many have f»It in respect to it 
 — ^that it is too abstract to be comprehended by the mind of a child ; here every truth 
 is seen in its practical relations, aud becomes associated in the mind with some inter- 
 •stin;; fact which is fitted at onco to make it plain to tlie understanding, to lodge it in 
 the memory, and to impress it upon the lieart," — Daily Advertiser, 
 
R. CARTKH'S PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 MEMOIR OF JOHN D. LOCKWOOD. 
 
 Being Reminiscences of a Son by his Father. 
 "A gifted mind aud cultivated powers, hallowed and controlled by a sweet and 
 trustful pioty ; tlie simplicity orcUildhood mingled with the seriousness and discre- 
 tion of mature age,— we are sure no one could watch his brief career, terminating in 
 a death, though sudden, not unprepared for, witliout deep interest. We have read 
 it with unmingled pleasure and profit " — N, Y. Evangelist. 
 
 PERFECT PEACE. 
 
 Letters Memorial of Jolm Warren Howell, Esq,, of Bath, M. R. C. S. 
 By the Rev. David Pilcairn. With an Introduction by tlie Rev. John 
 Stevenson, author of " Clirist on the Cross," " The Lord our Sliepherd 
 &c. 
 
 PROFESSION IS NOX PRINCIPLE; 
 
 Or the Name of Christian is not Christianity. By Grace Kennedy, authoi 
 of " Jessy Allan," " Anna Ross," &c. 
 
 GOSPEU PROMISES. 
 
 Being a Short View of the Great and Precious Promises of the Gospel. 
 By the Rev. Joseph AUeine, author of " An Alarm to the Unconvert- 
 ed," &c. 
 
 UIFE IN EARNEST. 
 
 Six Lectures on Cliristian Activity and Ardour. By the Rev. Jame 
 Hamilton, author of " Harp on the Willows," &c. 
 
 MY GRANDMAMMA GILBERT. 
 
 By Old Hum|>hrey. 
 
 MY GRANDFATHER GREGORY. 
 
 By Old Humphrvey. 
 
 MEMOIR OF HANNAH SINCLAIR. 
 
 By the late Rev. Legh Richmond. From the nineteenth London Edition. 
 
 TRUE HAPPINESS; 
 Or, the Excellence and Power of Early Religion, By J. G. Pike, author 
 of " Persuasives to Early Piety," &c. Second Edition. 
 
 CHARLIE SEYMOUR; 
 
 Or. the Good Aunt and the Bad Aunt. By iVliss Catharine Sinclair, au- 
 thor of " Modern Accompii>hments," &c. Third Edition. 
 
 LIVE WHILE YOU LIVE. 
 
 By the Rev. Thomas Griffith, A.M., Minister of Ram's Episcopal Church, 
 Homerton. 
 
 CROOK IN THE. LOT; 
 
 Or, a Display of the Sovereignty and Wisdom of God in the Afflictions of 
 Men, and the Christian's Deportment under them. By the Rev. Thomas 
 Boston. 
 
 A TRIBUTE OF PARENTAL AFFECTION 
 
 To the Memory of my beloved and only Daughter, Hannah Jerram, with 
 a Short Account of the last Illness and Death of her elder Brother, 
 Charies Stranger Jerram. By the Rev. Charles Jerram, A. M. 
 Vicar of Cobham, Surrey. From the fifth London Edition. 
 
K.CARTER S PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 THE LORD'S SUPPER. 
 
 Bickersteth's Treatise on tlie Lord's Supper. With an Introduction, 
 Notes, and an Essay. By G. T. Bedell, D.D. Fifth Edition. 
 
 COMMUNICANT'S COMPANION. 
 
 By the Eev. Matthew Henry. Wiih an Introductory Essay, by the Her. 
 John Brown of Edinburgh. 
 
 BAXTER'S CAUL. 
 
 Now or Never, &c. With an Introductory Essay, by Dr. Chalmen. 
 RELIGION AND ETERNAL LIFE; 
 
 Or, Irreligion and Eternal Death. By J. G. Pike. 
 THE FARMER'S DAUGHTER. 
 A Tale. By Mrs. Cameron. 
 LIFE OF REV. JOHN NEWTON. 
 
 Written by himself, and continued to his Death. By the Rev. Rich. Cecil. 
 THE HARP ON THE WILLOWS. 
 
 Remembering Zion, Farewell to E^pt, The Church in the House, The 
 Dew of Hermon, and the Destination of the Jews. By the Rev Ja*. 
 Hamilton, of London. From tlie forty-fifth London Edition 
 
 SABBATH MUSINGS. 
 
 By Caroline Fry. 
 HERVEY'S MEDITATIONS 
 
 AND CO;<TEMPLATIONS. 
 New Edition. 
 
 THE HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION 
 
 IN EUROPE. 
 Willi a Chronology. 
 MY SCHOOL-BOY DAYS. 
 
 SORROWING, YET REJOICING. 
 
 Or a Narrative of Successive Bei-eavemenLs in a Clergyman's Family. 
 DIVINE ORIGIN OF CHRISTIANITY. 
 By J.G. PiUe. author of " True Happiness." &c., &c. 
 A WORLD WITHOUT SOULS. 
 By J. W. Cunningham, A.M., Vicar of Harrow. 
 THE WORLD'S RELIGION. 
 As contrasted with genuine Christianity, by Lady Colquhoun. 
 ADVICE TO A YOUNG CHRISTIAN, 
 On the inportance of aiming at an elevated standard of piety. By a Village 
 Pastor, witli an Introduction by Rev. Dr. Alexander, of Princeton, N. J 
 
 CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE. 
 
 By the Author of " Christian Retirement." 
 
 10 
 
R. CARTER'S PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 WORKS BY THE REV. JOHN A. CLARK, D.D. 
 
 Late Rector of St. Andrew's Church, Philadtlpkia. 
 
 His works are all characterized hy guod thoughts expressed in a graceful and ap- 
 propriate manner, by preat seriousness and uuction, and an earnest desire to promote 
 th« spiritual interests of his fellow-men."— Daify Advertiser. 
 
 A WALK ABOUX ZION. 
 
 Revised and Enlarged. Fifth Edition. 12mo. Two steel Engiavings 
 
 XHE PASTOR'S XESXIMONY. 
 Revised and Corrected. Fifth Edition. 12nio. Two steel Engravings 
 XHE YOUNG DISCIPLE; 
 
 Or, a Memoir of Anzonetta R. Peters. Fourth Edition. 12mo. 
 GATHERED FRAGMENXS. 
 
 Fourth Edition. 12mo. Two steel Ens^'avings. 
 Containing.— The M'Ellea Family.— The Paralytic— The Withered Branch Re- 
 vived.— The Baptism.— Little Ann. — The Meeting of the Travellers.— Mary May- 
 wood.— A Family in Eternity.— One whoso Record is on Higli, (fee. Sec. 
 
 GLEANINGS BY THE WAY. 
 
 Or, Travels in the Country. 1 vol. 12mo. 
 AWAKE, THOU SLEEPER! 
 
 A Series of Awnkening Discourses. 12mo. 
 "Few American clergymen have contributed more hy their efforts from the pulpit 
 and through the press, to promote the cause of evangeliciil truth and piety, than the la- 
 mented author of this volume. Happily, thouijh deatJ, he yet speaks in a tone of im- 
 pressive and earnest adnmuition ; and the present vulunie particularly, is a witnesr 
 to the f delity and zeal with which he discharged his ministerial duties. The subjects 
 of whicn it treats are of the deepest moment; and the manner in which he treats 
 tfaera is worthy of the tenderuess and fidelity of an ambassador of Christ. The work 
 is admirably adapted to promote a revival of religion." 
 
 COMPLEXE WORKS OF BISHOP BUXLER. 
 
 Containing Analogy of Natural and Revealed Religion, Dissertations, Ser- 
 mons, Correspondence with Dr. Clarke, &c. &c. To which is prefixed 
 an Account of the Character and Writings of the Author. By Dr. Ha- 
 lifiix, Bishop of Gloucester. 1 vol. 8vo. Splendid Edition, on pica 
 type and fine paper. 
 
 BUXLER'S ANALOGY. Large type. 8vo. 
 
 BUXLER'S SERMONS. 8vo. 
 
 BAXXER'S SAINXS' RESX. Large type. 
 
 DICK ON ACXS. 
 
 Lectures on the Acts of the Apostles. By the late John Dick, D.D., 
 Professor of Theology of the United Secession Church, Glasgow, authoi 
 of " Lectures on Theology," iStc. From second Glasgow Edition. Svo. 
 "The style of the author is peculiarly adapted to a work of this description. It 
 is uncommonly perspicuous, terse, nervous and culm. His ideas are the production 
 of a highly-cultivated mind, originally endowed witli strong common sense. In 
 many respects he has the characteristics of Andrew Fuller, with more of the polish of 
 the school."— Baplial Advocate. 
 
 MEMOIR OF MRS. ISABELLA GRAHAM- 
 
 u 
 
R. CARTKR'S PUBLICATIONS. 
 
 JAY'S MORNING EXERCISES 
 
 For the Closet, for Every Day in the Year. New Edition. l'2ino. 
 JAY'S EVENING EXERCISES 
 For the Closet, for Every Day in the Year. New Edition. 12mo. Uni- 
 form with the Morning Exercises. 
 
 DAVID'S PSAUMS. 48mo. gilt. 
 
 Do. do. With Brown's Notes. 18mo. 
 
 THE INQUIRER DIRECTED 
 
 To an Experimental and Practical View of the Work of the Holy Spirit 
 By Eev. Octavius Winslow. 1 vol. 12mo. 
 
 CHRISX OUR LAW. 
 
 By Miss Caroline Fry. Author of " The Listener," " Christ our Exam- 
 ple," &c. 1 vol. I2mo. Second Edition. 
 
 LIFE, WALK AND TRIUMPH OF FAITH. 
 
 By the Rev. W. Romuine, A.M. 12mo. New Edition. Muslin 
 KEY TO THE SHORTER CATECHISM, 
 
 Containing Catechetical Exercises, a Paraphrase, and a new Series of 
 Proofs on each Question. New Edition. 18mo. 
 
 SORROWING YET REJOICING. 32mo. gilt edge. 
 CONTEST AND ARMOUR. 
 
 By Dr. Abercrombie. 32mo. extra cloth, gilt edge 
 
 GIFT FOR MOURNERS. 
 By Flavel and Cecil. 32mo. extra cloth, gilt edge. 
 CECIL'S REMAINS. 
 Remains of the Rev. Richard Cecil, M.A. To which is prefixed a View 
 of his Character. By Joiepli Pratt, B.D., F.A.S. From the eleventh 
 London Edition. 1 vol. 12nio. 
 
 ALLEINE'S LIFE AND LETTERS. 12mo 
 HERVEY'S MEDITATIONS. 2 vols. 18mo. 
 MEMOIR OF DR. NISBET. 
 
 By Dr. Miller, of Princeton. 12mo. 
 
 HILL AND VALLEY. By Miss Sinclair. 12mo 
 
 SIR ROLAND ASHTON; 
 
 a 2talc of tf)e Kimcs. 
 
 By Lady Catheri.-je Lo.vg. 2 vols. 12mo. 
 
 CHRIST ON THE CROSS. 
 
 Bv Stevenson. 1 vol. 12mo. 
 
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