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OR,

THE CHRISTIAN GRACES

ILLUSTRATED AND ENFORCED,

IN

NINE LECTURES.

BY JOHN HARVEY.

"Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit," John xv. 8.

"We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths;

In feelings, not in figures on a dial.

We should count time by heart-throbs. He most lives
Who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best."

London:

WARD AND CO., PATERNOSTER ROW;

T. KING, CONFERENCE OFFICES, SUTTON STREET, COMMER
CIAL ROAD, EAST.

AND MAY BE HAD OF ALL BOOKSELLERS.

MDCCCLV.

141. 86, 180.

LEEDS:

PRINTED BY JOHN PARROTT,

BRIGGATE.

"A GOOD BOOK IS THE GREATEST BOON A MAN CAN BEQUEATH TO POSTERITY. ESTATES AND EMPIRES ARE NOTHING TO IT."-REV. D. THOMAS.

PREFACE.

THE author of these Lectures is aware that many valuable books have been written in defence of revealed truth by men eminent for piety and profound biblical erudition; and that these books have answered, to a considerable extent, the end for which they were written, he is both free and happy to admit. He nevertheless thinks that the exhibition of christian principles in the lives of professors of religion is an argument so palpable and powerful, that few will be found who can altogether close their eyes against its light, or place themselves entirely beyond its influence.

His object, therefore, in the following pages, is to urge upon the pious of all denominations the necessity and importance of cultivating and exhibiting the graces of the Spirit; thereby furnishing the best proof of their own discipleship, and the most effectual mode of silencing the tongue of infidelity.

The writer makes no pretentions to high literary attainments, neither does he profess to be profoundly skilled in book-making— this being his first attempt; yet he indulges the hope that, while he has endeavoured to speak plainly and pointedly to the many, his utterances may not be altogether unacceptable to the educated few. That he will escape the animadversions of the critic, is more than he can hope; notwithstanding, he thinks that whatever objections may be urged against the book as a mere literary performance, its spirit and aim may tend, in some measure, to soften the asperity of severe criticism."

66

"Whatever curious critics may commend,
Sure that's done best that answers best the end:
And preachers would be gainers on the whole,
To mar a period, and to save a soul."

However feeble this effort may appear, it is put forth under the conviction that every christian, according to the ability God has given him, and the circumstances in which Providence has placed him, should do something to benefit his fellowmen.

"Seek to be useful more than to excel;

Who does his work effectual, does it well."

It has been remarked that one spark helps to light the world, that drops compose the ocean, and units constitute the aggregate of society.

Should this small, unpretending volume shed a ray of light on some dark mind, or convey consolation to some troubled breast, or quicken some lukewarm professor, the writer will then be gratified to know that he has contributed in some degree to the sum of human happiness; while, at the same time, he has mingled his testimony with other authors in favour of the religion of the

cross.

The work is enriched with brief quotations and anecdotes from several christian authors; and the writer trusts that the Young Disciple, the Sabbath School Teacher, the Aged Christian, and the Anxious Inquirer will derive profit from its pages.

After much hesitation, and with considerable diffidence, he prayerfully commits his book to the public, craving the indulgence of his readers, and commending it to the Divine blessing, and the candid and enlightened judgment of his christian brethren.

LEEDS, APRIL 7TH, 1855.

J. H.

CONTENTS.

"THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE, JOY, PEACE, LONG-

SUFFERING, GENTLENESS, GOODNESS, FAITH, MEEK-
NESS, TEMPERANCE."-GALATIANS V. 22, 23.

Its source and chief properties-It is elevating-Satisfying-
Perpetual-Unspeakable, and full of glory-The grounds of chris-
tian joy-What God hath done for them-Their deliverance-

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