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should search it out, that you may be the better able to seek its removal. This examination, however, will not be likely to succeed, unless at the same time we inquire also of God. Like Job,* we must say unto God, Show me wherefore thou contendest with me. He can bring many things to our recollection which would otherwise escape us. He can throw light upon every circumstance, and easily discover the root of bitterness, which has sprung up, and troubled and defiled us.

Secondly, However cold and dull you may find yourself in secret prayer, yet persevere in it. None but those who have been tried in the ways of God, can form an idea of the numerous difficulties which the Christian meets with in drawing near to the mercy-seat. Satan is ever at his elbow, watching for an opportunity to gain some advantage over him. When we are in a languid state, he often whispers in our ears, "It is of no use to pray now, defer it till you are in a better frame." Sometimes you find, no doubt, such sluggishness in your heart, that you can hardly persuade yourself to begin: And sometimes you are ready to think that God has shut out your prayer, because he does not appear to favor you as in times past; but be assured of this, that to omit prayer is to leave the plain path of duty, and to forsake your own mercies. If but one sentence in fifty comes in a lively manner from the heart; if you can do nothing but complain to God that you know not how to pray; if you can only prostrate yourself before him, and wish to pray; or even wish that you had a desire to pray; it is better to keep on in this manner, than not attempt to pray at all. If Satan can prevail with you to leave off there is no knowing whither he may lead you; thereJob x, 2.

fore keep on: And remember, for your encouragement, what is written in the Psalms, God will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.* Remember also that grace is free, and our success depends on the intercession of Christ.

Thirdly, Select such portions of God's word as are adapted to your case; and read them over and over, and make them the subjects of frequent meditation. Many professing people make a sort of lottery-book of the Bible; they open it at random, and think the first passage they cast their eyes on to be designed of God for them. But this is really tempting God. No man in his senses, who is laboring under any bodily complaint, will presume to think that the first medicine he casts his eyes on in a druggist's shop, must at all events be proper for him. And why we should presume to approach the Bible in such a manner, I know not. All the prescriptions contained in that blessed volume are intended for those who are willing to make use of them; and are suited to their various situations, and their different degrees of grace. The language of the Holy Spirit is, Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.† I take it for granted that you have no reserve. You are willing to take God as your God; and that too upon his own plan. wish sin to be subdued, and to have your heart devoted to God. Then freely take whatever you find in the Scripture suited to your case, and doubt not that God designed you should do so. Consider particularly the 42d, 43d, 51st, 77th, 85th, 103d, 130th, and 139th Psalms; also Isaiah, chapter the 41st; Jeremiah the 31st; Micah the 7th; and Hebrews the 12th. These are mentioned as specimens only. The word of God contains a bound† Rev. xxii. 17.

*Psalm cii. 17.

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less store, which the more it is used, the more abundant satisfaction it will yield.

Fourthly, Have recourse to some prudent and experienced friend or minister for conversation and prayer. In days of old it was the custom of those who feared the Lord to speak often one to another: And the Lord hearkened, and heard it: And a book of remembrance was written before him, for them that feared the Lord and that thought upon his name. Close, serious conversation frequently proves a greater blessing than many are aware. I know indeed, that in the present day it is difficult to determine where we may freely unbosom ourselves. The conversation of many professors has so little of God in it, that to him who is mourning the absence of Christ it appears disgusting. But if you have a friend or minister at hand, of an affable disposition, and who lives near to God, esteem him as an invaluable treasure. Converse with him freely, and get lim to pray with and for you. He may be instrumental in discovering to you the secret windings of sin, and the operations of grace, or in rekindling in your breast earnest desires after Jesus, and closer conformity to his blessed image.

Fifthly, Set apart some extraordinary seasons for reading and prayer. The propriety of this, in times of distress, is, with respect to nations and churches, generally seen: And it is equally proper for individuals. Half a day's business, or half a night's sleep, is no sacrifice to make for this purpose. Our blessed Lord, under the pressure of spiritual concerns, continued all night in prayer to God.* It would be well if our dull

* Luke vi. 12.

souls could imitate him in this. But what we do in this way, ought not to be done at random. We should beforehand fix upon some orderly method. Prayer should be accompanied with the reading of select portions of the Bible, and other books suited to the occasion. Owen On indwelling Sin, or On the 130th Psalm, Polhill's Precious Faith, or Romaine's Life of Faith will furnish you with much that is very suitable and excellent. I mention these, not to the exclusion of other valuable treatises, but because they are in most people's hands. An intermixture of reading and prayer, in such a manner as your prudence may suggest, will be likely to render these seasons useful and pleasant.

Lastly, Though, in the use of these means, you will probably meet with your moments of discouragement, and find in yourself much to contend with; yet do not cast away your confidence, but wait and hope for, and expect the Divine blessing. The Lord whom you seek, does not despise the day of small things. He may see it fit to try, for a time, your faith and your patience. But if you forsake him, to whom will you go? Where can you obtain that which your soul desires? Remember that though Jesus Christ at first rebuked the woman of Canaan, who cried after him; yet afterwards he granted her all she asked.* Remember also the parable of the unjust judge and the importunate widow.† Jesus has a compassionate heart. You have no reason to doubt his willingness to help you. In so doing, you dishonor him, and distress Therefore wait on the Lord: Be of good courage and he shall strengthen thine heart: Wait, I say, on the Lord.

self.

your

IMLAH.

* Matt. xv. 21, &c.

† Luke xviii. 1, &c.

ON APOSTASY.

THERE is reason to believe that the gospel is making considerable progress in this country, and that the number of professors and of church members has been increasing for several years, and still continues to increase We rejoice at it; yet we rejoice with trembling, for we are apprehensive that many build their religion on a very slight and sandy foundation. We are the more confirmed in this suspicion by the frequent backslidings and apostasies of persons who promised fair, and ran well for a time. It is true, the Church can produce distinguished Christians, who may vie with the saints of the first ages; yet we cannot help suspecting the piety of numbers, notwithstanding all their talk about Christ and his gospel, because we cannot discover that spirituality of mind and beautiful consistency of conduct which, we think the gospel requires, and the grace of the Holy Spirit invariably produces.

The final perseverance of the saints is unequivocally declared in Scripture; we therefore conclude, that an apostate was never truly converted to God. Amidst all his, perhaps splendid, attainments and acquisitions, "the one thing needful" was wanting.

I suspect that the radical defect and error of the apostate lies here; he never perceived the intrinsic excellency of holiness, nor the native deformity of sin. He may believe in the divinity, messiahship, and atonement of Christ, and in the necessity of the work of the Spirit, and yet be blind to that, wherein the work of the Spirit eminently consists; viz. The conforming a sinner to the moral image of the Lord Jesus; which is in fact, the grand design of the gospel.

VOL. III.

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