But we all with open face, beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image, from glory to glory. 2 Cor. iii. 18. Therefore, let this mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus. Phil. ii. 5. For he has left us an example, that we should follow his steps. 1 Pet. ii. 21.

IF, before we say or do any thing, we would always consider whether it was agreeable to the pattern of Christ, a multitude of sins would be avoided. O Lord, however guilty and miserable I am, yet when I can humble myself before thee as the vilest of sinners, and look up unto thee by faith, depending only upon thy free grace, I enjoy peace. Grant, therefore, O my God, that this beholding of thee may be my constant exercise, and that by this means I may be strengthened cheerfully to follow thy pattern, and be daily more changed into the glorious image of thy love, patience, and humility, and thus be ripening for eternal life.

Lord!

My dear Redeemer and my
I read my duty in thy word;
But in thy life the law appears,
Drawn out in living characters.

Such was thy truth, and such thy zeal,
Such def'rence to thy Father's will,

Such love and meekness so divine,
I would transcribe and make them mine.

Be thou my pattern, make me bear
More of thy gracious image here;
Then God the Judge shall own my name
Among the followers of the Lamb.

He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. Matt. v. 45.

MANY

ANY serious people are very ready to give alms to the pious part of their poor brethren, but are afraid of relieving a common beggar; and it must be owned, that, as riches are a talent from God, they who have them must be discreet in the distribution of them; the religious poor have the best claim, but others ought not to be entirely overlooked; as is plain from the conduct of God himself, for "he maketh the sun to rise on the evil and on the good." Only common healthy beggars are forbidden alms: concerning whom God says," If they will not work, neither should they eat." 2 Thess. iii, 10. It may be said, they will make an ill use of your bounty; but what then? Is not this the very effect of Divine Goodness? Is not this the very goodness that is recommended to us in Scripture, by the imitating of which we may show ourselves to be" the children of our Father which is in Heaven, who sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust?" Shall I withhold a little money or food from my fellow-creature, for fear he should not be good enough to receive it of me? Do I beg of God to deal with me, not according to my merit, but according to his own great goodness; and shall I be so absurd as to withhold my charity from a poor fellow-creature, because he may perhaps not deserve it? Shall I use a measure towards him, which I pray God never to use towards me? Lazarus was a common beggar; and yet he was the care of angels, and carried into Abraham's bosom. "1 was a stranger, and ye took me in," saith our blessed Saviour; but who can perform this duty, that will not relieve persons that are unknown to them? "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."

Lord give me faith which works by love,

And will good works command;

Which makes a neighbour's grief my own,
And lends an helping hand.

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff comfort me. Psalm xxiii. 4. See also Exod. xiv. of the deliverance of the Israelites, and the destruction of the Egyptians in the Red Sea.

To rejoice in the light of God's countenance is certainly most plea sant, but not always so profitable to every one as sometimes to walk in the dark, nay, in the valley of the shadow of death. Some are more humble and cautious while walking in the dark than in the light; and glimpses of grace are then exceedingly precious; but such should consider for their humiliation, that darkness or deadness are commonly the effects of a wrong spirit and careless walk. O Lord, grant that when I am deprived of sensible comforts, I may yet be enabled to rely upon thy bare word, and in death may be refreshed by the light of thy countenance. Amen. Yes; thou hast declared " that the righteous hath hope in his death." Prov. xiv. 32.

Death cannot make our souls afraid,
If God be with us there;

We

may walk thro' our darkest shade,
And never yield to fear.

May I but climb to Pisgah's top,
And view the promis'd land,

My flesh itself shall long to drop,
And pray for the command.
Clasp'd in my heavenly Father's arms,
I shall forget my breath,
And lose my life among the charms
Of so divine a death.

Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father; and attend to know understanding. Prov. iv. 1. We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen. John iii. 11. Beloved, believe not every spirit; but try the spirits whether they are of God. 1 John iv. 1.

READER, whoever thou art that comest to this book for instruction and edification, let the following monitions, the result of long experience and observation, be acceptable unto thee; they are designed for thy spiritual good, will warn thee against errors, and, if complied with, give thee a true relish of gospel peace and redeeming love. Let the life thou now livest in the flesh be by faith in the Son of God." Labour after a constant soul-reviving fellowship with the Father and the Son, through the Holy Spirit. Watch over thy passions, conduct, and conversation, so as that the Spirit of the Lord be not grieved, nor his comfortable influences withdrawn from thy soul. Be ready to every good work as thou hast ability and opportunity; and take special care thy good be not evil spoken of through the manner of thy performing it. Let no external services whatever, either respecting thyself or others, make thec neglect a constant watchfulness over the inward motions of thine own heart. Let the written word of God be thine invariable rule, both in principle and practice. Whatever persuasion advanceth uot the Redeemer's honour, and tendeth not to magnify his grace, work, and salvation, be sure cometh not of him that calleth us. Be very earnest after meekness, humility, patience, self-denial, inward holiness, and all other graces of the Spirit; these carry their own evidence that they are wrought of God, and in their blessed effects will remain with thee for evermore. My son, if thine heart be wise, and experienced in these things, my heart shall rejoice, even mine."

66

Lord, fill my heart with love and joy,
And fill it with thy precious peace;

So will my tongue find sweet employ,

And bless the Lord my righteousness.

Open thou mine eyes, that I may see wonderful things out of thy law. Psalm cxix. 18. Lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death. Psalm xiii. 3. For with thee is the fountain of life; in thy light shall we see light. Psalm xxxvi. 9. Divine answer: I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth in me, should not abide in darkness. John xii. 46. The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind. Psalm cxlvi. 8.

MANY imagine their eyes are opened, and that they have clear notions of religion in their heads; but they see just like Eve after eating the forbidden fruit; their hearts being corrupted, are destitute of Christian simplicity and godly sincerity; for he that does not understand the word of God by the light of the Holy Spirit, through prayer and faith, but only by his natural reason, is certainly blind still (Rev. iii. 17); and one devilish and plausible temptation to error and sin, is enough to break the strongest chain of human reasoning, for it is only "faith that gets the victory." 1 John v. 4.

The souls, enlighten'd from above,
With joy receive the word;

They see what wisdom, pow'r, and love,
Shines in their dying Lord.

The vital favour of his name

Restores their fainting breath;

But unbelief perverts the same

To guilt, despair, and death,

Till God diffuse his graces down,
Like show'rs of heav'nly rain,
In vain Apollos sows the ground;
And Paul may plant in vain.

P