riches, honours, and pleasures, ran away with his affections; but the bent of his heart being now changed, he pants only after 'the unsearchable riches of Christ,'-the honour which cometh from God, and those pleasures which are at "his right hand for evermore.' Time was, when his own will was his rule, and the commandments, ordinances, and people of God were all irksome to him; but now, being born from above, and passed from death unto life,' it is the desire of his heart to be guided by the word and Spirit of God. He accounts his commandments no longer grievous, but a light and easy yoke. He says of the ordinances, "It is good for me to be here,' and his delight is in the saints of the earth, and all such as excel in virtue. These things, my dear brother, I am well assured you know by happy experience, and most certain it is that flesh and blood hath not revealed them unto you, for the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. Human nature can rise no higher than its own source, which is earthly, sensual, and devilish;' but the anointing, which you have received of the Holy One, abideth in you, and he shall lead you into all

truth.' 'Nature,' says good Bishop Cowper, 'is stark blind to the things of grace, since these can only be apprehended by Divine illumination, nor can be taught by any other teacher than the Spirit of God.' But, though it has pleased the Lord to shew you, in some measure, the mysteries of his kingdom, yet remember that you are but 'a babe in Christ, and know but in part. Therefore be frequent and earnest in prayer for fresh supplies of knowledge, faith, grace, and strength; and you have all possible encouragements to be so, since "in Christ all fulness dwells, and out of that fulness we receive grace for grace.'

"Learn then to guard against self-dependence, and to live more upon Christ. See that he be made unto you wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Resign yourself to him in all his offices, as a Prophet, Priest, and King: a Prophet, to teach you; a Priest, to make atonement for you; a King, to reign over you, and in you. View him in his pastoral office in the character of the Good Shepherd, 'the Shepherd that gave his life for his sheep.' Consider his watchfulness and tender care for his dear chosen flock, that little flock to whom it is his good pleasure to give the kingdom,'

having redeemed them by his blood out of every tongue, kindred, and people,' having promised them eternal life, and betrothed them unto himself in faithfulness, that they might never perish, and none might pluck them out of his hands.'

"Consider, my dear brother, how that when you, as a poor helpless sheep, were gone astray, this dear Shepherd sought you, and brought you back. Remember how, when wandering further and further from his fold, he made you hear his voice and follow him, 'carrying you as a lamb in his bosom, and gently leading you whilst you were yet young.' O think of this love which passeth knowledge,' and may it fill your heart with praise, and your tongue with thanksgiving. Let it constrain you to live to Him who died for you, and to grow daily more and more in conformity to his blessed image, that so you may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things, and by well-doing put to silence the ignorance of foolish men, who would falsely accuse your good conversation in

Christ.

"But remember that it is not sufficient that you set yourself against outward sins; you must be watchful against heart sins-those sins that

are most woven in you by nature and constitu tion. Therefore try and examine yourself, what manner of spirit you are of; take the psalmist's advice, Commune with your own heart, and in your chamber, and be still.'

6

Fear

not to know the worst of your case at all times, since this is the only way to mend it; whilst self-ignorance and self-conceit have shipwrecked their thousands. Let pride, peevishness, and self-will be brought forth, lamented, mortified; and, instead of these, seek to put on all the tempers and dispositions of the meek and lowly Jesus, with all the sweet and lovely graces of his Spirit. Bear patiently the perverseness and oddities of those who are under the dominion of fallen nature, and therefore objects of pity, not of revenge. Condescend to the lowest offices for the lowest people, when you can thereby render the best service either to their souls or bodies. Become all things to all men,' as far as you can consistently with your holy profession; yet take care that you abuse not your liberty for a cloak to sin; for sin in the least degree allowed or consented to, will damp your comfort, deaden your graces, and hinder your progress in the divine life. See then that you be watchful against the first risings of sin; dally

not with so dangerous an enemy. And though it will plead hard to be spared, give it no quarter; but clothe yourself with the whole armour of God, and fight like a true Christian soldier, in the strength, and under the banners, of the great Captain of your salvation, till Satan be bruised under your feet, and death be swallowed up in victory.

"I shall add one word more, and I have done. Be diligent in your studies. However human learning may prove a snare to such as are 'vainly puffed up in their fleshly minds,' yet in a gracious heart it is very desirable. And if it be your prayer and endeavour, that whatsoever attainments you make in profane literature may be subservient to the nobler end of rendering you instrumental to the good of souls, and useful to the church of Christ, there is no fear of your being hurt by those detestable maxims and principles with which the most admired classical authors abound; but they will rather be the means of discovering to you the blindness and depravity of human nature, and the necessity of seeking that only true wisdom that cometh from above,' and without which all other wisdom will prove in the end to be only refined folly.

"And now, with my sincere prayers, that if