iv. sult of his own experience and personal observation. In Part II. he is indebted for many valuable thoughts to J. A. James' 'Church Member's Guide'-and chapter 3d of Part III. is mostly taken from Dr. Wayland's Elements of Moral Science. It may be asked, "Why add another book to the great number already published ?" To this the author replies:-1. There are many good books already before the public; but it is believed that no author, who is not a Free-will Baptist, would prepare a work so well adapted to the views of the denomination, as one of their own number-their manner of conducting religious meetings, their views of the improvement of gifts, and of church government, being in several respects peculiar to themselves as a people :—And 2. The times have materially changed within a few years, which suggests many new thoughts, not contained in works already issued, of which young and inexperienced Christians should be apprised. Though this little book has been prepared more particularly in reference to the wants of the Free-will Baptist communion, it cannot but be hoped that all members of other denominations who may read it will derive both instruction and benefit therefrom. The author asks this one request of his readers, that on commencing to read this book they will, in their closet of prayer, humbly seek God's blessing upon the perusal. The work is now submitted to the churches, with the ardent prayer that the God in whom the writer hopes for salvation, will make it a blessing to all its readers, and that Christians may better understand their duties in the church and to the world. THE AUTHOR. PART I. EXPERIMENTAL RELIGION. CHAPTER I. THE EVIDENCES OF REGENERATION. REGENERATION, or being born again,' is the work of the Holy Spirit, by which a change of heart is experienced, and a holy disposition is implanted in the soul. This being essential to salvation, John 3:3, is a matter of infinite importance to every man. The change in regeneration consists in restoring the image of God upon the heart; the implanting of a principle in the soul to love God with all the mind, and to render obedience to his will, as the rule of right and the highest good of man. The inspired writers have employed different terms to express this work of grace. It is called "passing from death unto life," 1 John 3:14-" a new creation," 2 Cor. 5:17-represented under the figure of the 'resurrection,' Eph. 2:1; and as "putting off the old man, and putting on the new man,' which "after God is created in righteousness and true holiness," Eph. 4:22, 24" Christ formed in the heart, the hope of glory," Gal. 4:12-a "partaking of the divine nature," 2 Pet. 1:4. It is effected by the word of God, gaining an entrance into the heart, through the influence of the Holy Spirit by faith, so as to subdue the will and reign supremely in the soul. Perhaps no question was ever asked with greater anxiety than this-" Am I a child of God?" No oth er inquiry awakens deeper solicitude of soul. Being a point of infinite moment, it should be settled without delay, and settled on a right foundation. None who have indulged a hope in the pardoning mercy of God, should dare rest, until they obtain clear and full evidence of thorough conversion. This evidence may be obtained by faith and obedience and prayer; for we cannot suppose that God would leave a subject of such vital importance to his children without making the path plain. What, then, are the evidences of regeneration? 1. This work of grace is evinced by true heart-felt penitence. Surely, any person who has had a just sense of the exceeding sinfulness of his sins, though he may now possess the consciousness that they are all removed by the blood of Christ, will say with Job, "I abhor myself." While he recounts his past transgressions, he can exclaim with propriety "My lips with shame my sins confess, Those born of God are not only penitent in view of their sins, but while contemplating the mercy and dying of the adorable Redeemer, their hearts are melted into tenderness before him; and as they gaze upon the cross, the language of their subdued spirits is "Alas! and did my Savior bleed, Was it for crimes that I had done 2. Humility is another sign of regeneration. The truly converted soul looks upon himself with deep selfabasement, especially as he contemplates a holy God. He will love the holy image in his devoted people, and as Paul commanded, "esteem others better than himself." Humility does not consist in degrading one's self; nor in giving to everybody else, whether right or wrong, a preference above ourselves. It is the opposite of attributing to ourselves qualities which do not belong to us, over-rating what we do, or taking an immoderate delight in ourselves. It is a proper sense of our many imperfections, and a cheerful readiness to ascribe all we have and are to Christ. True humility brings the proud ambition of man under proper restrictions; the heart into a state not to indulge in envy or jealousy of others; allays the unhallowed fire of human passions; and makes its possessor modest in dress and appearance, and yielding in conversation. It chooses a good name rather than a great one; commending itself to every man's conscience. In the sight of God, it is of great price among all the virtues that render lovely the Christian character. God will impart grace to the humble; James 4:6. Reader, examine thy heart. Dost thou possess this evidence of true regeneration? Mark its importance in the church, and keep ever before the mind the illustrations Christ gave of it to his disciples in doctrine, and to the world by his life; and let it adorn thy life as a mantle. 3. A tender conscience fearing to sin. Sin looks exceeding sinful to those who have been born again.' For the least transgression, or slightest neglect of known duty, their conscience is 'wounded. An evil or seared conscience is a striking evidence that there is a want of grace in the heart so a tender conscience, fearing to sin, hating sin, is evidence that the spirit of God has touched the heart, renewed and sanctified the soul. The Psalmist could say, "I hate every false way-Ye that love the Lord hate evil ;" and Solomon, "The fear of the Lord is to hate evil." God's people are commanded to “hate the evil, and love the good" -to" abhor that which is evil." As we cannot serve God and mammon, so we cannot love God and sin at the same time. Alas for those who wish to be esteem ed as saints, and reckoned with the followers of Christ, who are in love with the amusements of the ungodly, attend their meetings of recreation, and join with them in sinful mirth ! Christians do not so read their Bible -they did not so receive Christ. All believers will remember that in the days of their "first love," their conscience was tender, and faithfully reproved them for the least sin; and if now, as Israel looked back to Egypt for the onions and leeks,' any are half inclined to join in the folly of the world, let such know either that they have never been truly regenerated, or have fallen away from their first love. O reader, deceive not yourself! God requires the heart-the supreme affections; and if you do not so yield your heart to him as to hate all manner of sin, then indeed you have reason to fear. Examine yourself. 6 4. Love of the Holy Scriptures. Many have a regard for the Bible, who possess no true love of its Author. Some esteem it for its important history, its truthful biography, its splendid poetry, or sublimity of its style. The Christian loves the Bible because it is God's word. It reveals his will, publishes the atonement, tells him how he may live a holy life, and glorify God. He loves it as a light to his feet and a lamp to his path. Its promises bring light and comfort to his soul, while he consults those heavenly pages, and rests upon their truth. It is his guide, and compass, and chart-telling of his Savior's love, and blood, and glory, unfolding to his vision the fields of glory beyond the tomb, the rest that remains for the people of God in heaven. Such being the blessedness and glory which the Scriptures reveal as the inheritance of the saints, how can the Christian but love his Bible, exclaiming with David-"How love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day." Read the 119th Psalm, and you will see that this pious Psalmist made it the end of his piety to know, love, and keep the commands of God. Those Christians who have been eminently pious, have in all ages loved the Bible, and have made it the great book |