Letters, essays, and poems, on religious subjects ...

Front matter

i

*

LETTERS, "

Introduction

being out of print for years, again be published, and get into extensive circulation and notice.

A book is a medium of reproof the least offensive, and of instruction the most efficacious; it has access to the chamber of retirement, it occupies the leisure hour, arrests the attention, interests the passions, excites reflection, and addresses the judgment, the conscience, and the heart, with an influence and an authority peculiarly its own. Unawed by worldly distinction, unintimi dated by censure, iminflated by applause, with all the native energy of truth, aided by the power of language, it admonishes, , directs, consoles, and becomes a permanent and valuable instructor. If, on the contrary, its principles are corrupt, like the subtle serpent that betrayed our first parent, it secretly, and too often successfully, poisons the mind, vitiates the conduct, and renders the life miserable for ever.

Should it be asked does not the press teem with new publications? It does. But while the Novelist, the Playwright, the Socinian, and the Infidel, have liberty to sow tares in the open field of literature, surely it is not only lawful, but expedient, for the Christian author to scatter grain, which, with the blessing of God, may produce a beneficial harvest to mankind.

The immediate cause of the following work being undertaken, was the unexpected death of a beloved child, the dear companion of many a summer morning's walk. The sun in its annual course, re-visited the oft frequented spot, the flowers appeared once more upon the earth, the lark

INTRODUCTION.

YIl soared on high, the time of the singing of birds was come, all nature was gay and cheerful; but the mind, depressed by the sudden termination of so dear a connection, feared to encounter the scenery of past delight, where every object would have brought to its recollection departed enjoyments, and to " sit still in the house" was more congenial to its feelings and its sorrows.

Sweet babe, but nineteen months didst thou sojourn in this vale of tears ; yet long enough to twine around a heart susceptible of the artless blandishments of infancy, and the attractive influence of parental affection.

Early art thou gone to the " house appointed for all living," and thy beloved, thy dear, thy well recollected name, as yet stands singly on the sepulchral stone ; how soon the remaining blank may be filled with added instances of mortality, and whether a father, a mother, or a brother, will .be the next trophy of the last enemy, is known only to that God with whom are the issues of life and death. May the period be contemplated without dismay, and be met with a hope full of immortality !

To relieve the mind from the almost constant object of its painful attention, to comply with the request of a valued friend, and to gratify a desire of serving the best interests of society, and especially of the rising generation, the following work was begun : — it has been prosecuted and completed amidst alternate hopes and fears :— in its progress, the suffrage of the Christian rather than the critic, has been sought, and truth rather than talent, has been aimed at.

VIII

INTRODUCTION.

It would be repulsive to the Author's feelings, and disrespectful to the numerous Subscribers, were he not to avail himself of the present opportunity of tendering them his sincere acknowledgments for the liberal patronage they have so promptly afforded this first effort of his pen; he has only to regret that its execution is not more equal to his wishes, and more deserving of their fostering care.

With regard to the design of the Publication, the Author can say, if the oak is valuable* he would plant an acorn ; if the rich men's gifts, cast into the treasury, are beneficial, he would offer his mite ; and as " there are many members, but one body, and the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee, nor again, the head to the foot, I have no need of you; and even those members which seem to be more feeble, are necessary;" so he would look for a blessing from him, who " out of the mouth of babes can perfect praise and should he be the instrument of binding up the broken-hearted, of imparting peace to the wounded spirit; of being a guide to the wanderer, or a Barnabas to the afflicted; should he remove but one thorn from the Christian traveller's path, or lessen but by one drop, the bitter draught of human misery, his warmest wish will be accomplished, his most ardent prayer will be answered.

10, Cross-Street, Newixgto>-, April 10, 1810.

Contents

Part tije jftot.

LETTERS TO A YOUNG FRIEND.

LETTER I. Page

The beauty of religion misrepresented by prejudice — the ill consequences of its not forming a part of the system of education — neither acquired or mental talents sufficient to instruct us in the duties of Christianity — formal devotion not acceptable to God — sincerity essential — general dissipation of the higher orders of society — worldly professors condemned — hypocrisy conceals but cannot destroy the beauty of real religion — Christian affection illustrated by a simile —such attachments the source of real happiness • • • • l

Letter II

False religions as well as hypocrites are to be avoided — their danger pointed out — the doctrines of salvation by works and by grace defined — -the writer's confession of his attachment to the latter doctrine • • 6

LETTER IIL

The defence of his sentiments illustrated by various similies — the superiority of the works of God to those of man — sin not entirely subdued in the Christian, but opposed by him — all religious sentiments

X

CONTENTS.

should be tried at the ordeal of scripture — Two quotations from St. Paul's epistles, in favour of salvation by grace

Letter IV

This doctrine further confirmed by the liturgy, articles, prayers, and homilies of the Church of England — and connected with the glory of God, and with good works — a sketch of the character of its opponents

Letter V

Traits in the conduct of its advocates — their benevolence, zeal, and activity commended — the abuse of the doctrine no ground of exception to its validity — the malevolence and folly of such an objection — hypocrites discountenanced by the Church, as well as by the world — the native dignity of real religion asserted -

Letter VI

Religion not productive of melancholy — the Christian renounces worldly pleasures for more satisfying enjoyments — happiness connected with true piety — the superiority of the Christian's hope to the worldling's — Christians though subject to affliction, are benefited by them, and supported under them — instanced by Paul and Silas, and by the martyrs

Letter VII

Christianity has its enemies, and persecution must be expected — God ? s wisdom displayed in causing even his foes to advance his glory — neither worldly pleasures, wealth, or titles can ensure happiness — the danger of mispending time — the wordling's enjoyment derived from the creature, the Christians from God — the value of time — a criterion whereby the lawfulness of amusements may be ascertained

CONTENTS,

XI

Letter VIII

r

The reproach of the world and the esteem of worldly friends must be hazarded, would we be the disciples of Christ — the danger of listening to their suggestions — courage essential to the Christian character — the bantering of the world an honour — battles must be fought, but victory is certain - the love of Christ • •

Letter IX

Reflections on death and judgment, an antidote to the fear of man — the necessity of an immediate avowal of attachment to the Saviour — an interest in Christ the one thing needful — the happiness of the believer in life and in death — persecution endured for Christ an evidence of an interest in his salvation — decision of character necessary — renovation of heart essential to the enjoyment of heaven — the love of the world and of God incompatible

Letter X

The Christian has an earnest of future felicity in his present enjoyments — the variation of his experience described — the superiority of the joys to which he is hastening to those he now experiences — he has nevertheless much to be grateful for — the certainty of his hope — his entrance to glory compared to a ship entering into port, and to a traveller reaching home — consolation to the Christian under his present trials • •

Letter XI

Death will terminate the Christian's sorrows — neither death or judgment a source of alarm to him — description of the last day, and of the happiness of heaven — godliness profitable in all conditions — encouragement to youth to seek the Saviour • » • * •

XII

CONTENTS.

Letter XII

The enemies of Christ's people would hereafter exchange situations with them, but it cannot be— Jesus's love an ample recompense for the slights endured for his sake— the smiles and frowns of the world both dangerous to the Christian — God being the protector of his people they pass safely through the wilderness, as Israel did of old — their deliverance from Pharaoh's malice urged as an encouragement to trust in God— persecution, though suppressed by wholesome laws, still exists and is manifested in various ways, especially to young converts — conduct to be observed in such circumstances

Letter XIII

The dearest relative rather to be parted with than Christ — the uncertainty of life — sudden death a blessing to the Christian — the folly of opposing the gospel — the death bed of a Christian described

Letter XIV

The depravity of human nature manifested by children, and also by the aversion of' those of rnaturer years to God and to his ways — reason, rather than revelation, being taken for a guide attributed to pride — the irrationality of such conduct — humility essential to the reception of divine instruction — the excellency of the Bible

Letter XV

The misery of the despisers of the gospel, and the happiness of those who cordially receive it — the necessity and advantage of prayer — a desire to love Christ an indubitable evidence of love to him — it may be subject to doubts, owing to innate corruption, but there is no cause for fear, salvation resting not on

CONTENTS. XIII

Page

human merit but on God's faithfulness — a quotation from Hervey's Letters • * • • • 8-

Letter XVI

The grace of faith not always in exercise — this circumstance overruled for the Christian's benefit — we should look rather to Christ than to our frames and feelings — holiness ever a consequence of receiving the Saviour — the doctrine of regeneration or the new birth, proved by the scriptures, and by christian experience — conflicts and temptations, evidences of God's love, and productive of growth in grace 86

Letter XVII

Need of Christ denotes a work of grace begun in the soul — afflictions and trials to be expected in the Christian course — patience should be exercised under them — they are marks of adoption into the family of heaven — they are light contrasted with the sufferings of the Saviour, and with those of his immediate followers — regularity in reading the scriptures, and in closet devotion recommended • 90

Letter XVIII

The advantage of cultivating an habitual spirit of prayer — anecdote of a Scotch divine — the love and union of the Saviour to his people illustrated by metaphors from scriptures — encouragement to seek his favour — his claims asserted — the advantage of devoting the period of youth to his service 95

Letter XIX

The felicity of communion with God — the company of a friend delightful, but far excelled by converse with God — the difference stated— no way of approach to God but through Christ — our obligations to the Saviour — conviction of sin essential to our receiving b2

XIV CONTENTS.

Pare

Christ — an evidence of his love alone can satisfy a soul possessed of his grace - 100

Letter XX

Self-righteous characters the objects of pity — - their danger — the imperfection of the holiest duties exhibited — the Christian does not attain perfection on earth — holiness an evidence of grace, but not meritorious before God — to trust in good works manifests ignorance of the human character, and of the demands of God's law — its spirituality explained — -justification alone by the merits of Christ — t! e privilege of Christian friendship — caution necessary in the choice of friends 105

LETTER XXL

The advantage of youthful piety — the prevalence of example — indelicacy in dress censured — anecdotes upon the subject — modern fashions should not be sanctioned by women professing godliness — the influence of a sister, and the importance of the relation to younger relatives 111

Letter XXII

The brevity of human life a reason for instant attention to soul concerns — thoughts of judgment and eternity well calculated to counteract worldly influence — the rugeedness of the Christian's path should hasten his steps towards the heavenly country — he is not to be unsocial, but to invite others to join him in his pilgrimage —Christianity inspires benevolence — encouragement to zeal in the cause of God — Talents given should be employed tor God — the irresistible influence of a holy life US

Letter XXIII

The zeal of God's enemies should stimulate his people to exertion — arguments tor Christum intrepidity

CONTEXTS. XV

Page

— the folly of trifling away time — sudden death not uncommon — the instability of human possessions and enjoyments 120

Letter XXIV

Various mementos of "death displayed to view — the Christian only can meet the last enemy with a smile — the advantages of death to a Christian — the fear of death should be overcome — consolations derived from the Lord's past goodness in providence, &c. — quotation from Flavel 125

Letter XXV

The fear of death evidences little faith — past support an evidence of future deliverance — anecdote of a martyr — knowledge without zeal prejudicial — such characters prejudice the cause of vital godliness — the loveliness of piety in youth — its influence in life and in death — the wish of the writer for his correspondent 130

XVI

CONTENTS.

Part The Second. Select Letters Of Friexdship

LETTER L

Page

Account of an excursion to Winchester and Southampton 135

LETTER BE.

On Christian experience 141

LETTER III.

On Christian experience » 143

LETTER TV.

The faithfulness of God 145

LETTER V.

The variation of the Christian's religious feelings — the benefits of sanctified affliction, and consolations offered under it 148

LETTER VI.

On the bereavement of friends — how to rightly improve such dispensations — the salvation of infants asserted 151

LETTER VIE On the wrong estimate we are apt to make of Christian character « • • 153

LETTER VIII.

On communion with God — the uncertain tenure of human enjoyments, and the danger of fixing our affections upon them 155

CONTENTS.

XVII

LETTER IX.

Page

Description of a gentleman's villa — reflections on the transient enjoyment of its possessor— and on a birth-day » 157

LETTER X.

On the removal of relatives by death — -consolation to the Christian under such a trial — verses by the iate Mr. Ryland, of Northampton • 160

LETTER XL

Encouragement to those who are weak in faith 162

LETTER XII.

The advantage of communion with the Saviour — the danger of uninterrupted prosperity — and the benefits of affliction ........... 164

LETTER XIII.

On friendship — the advantage of seeking an early interest in the blessings of salvation 165

LETTER XIV.

Resistance to sin ever the consequence of the reception of grace • • 167

LETTER XV.

The advantages of prayer in seasons of affliction • • • • 168

LETTER XVL Inconstancy lamented — prayer the best antidote • • • • 170

LETTERS XVIi: XVIII. XIX. and XX.

Affectionate counsel to a younger brother on his entering a religious course 171 to 185

LETTER XXI.

To a brother on his marriage 186

LETTER XXII.

To a friend on a painful family bereavement 183

XVIII CONTENTS.

Part The Third. Essays

Pa§e

The Great Assize 191

The Inward Conflict 193

On Trusting in God 199

On Hearing the Word 202

On Time 205

On dark Dispensations of Providence 208

On Prayer Meetings 212

Ebenezer 216

On the Impropriety of Dancing being taught at Religious Seminaries of Education • 222

A Parent's Reflections ■- 234

On Prayer 237