PREFACE. IN presenting to the religious public this little book, the writer has only to say, that he undertook it because he thought that a work of this character was needed and would be welcome. During his active ministry, he had often felt the want of a book on personal religion, different, in some respects, from any which had fallen in his way; and when compelled by ill health to relinquish his pastoral cares, he attempted to beguile some of the languid hours of a weary convalescence by efforts at composing such an one. The result has come very far short of the idea which he had formed in his mind. The book was written at distant and uncertain intervals, upon b journeys and in public houses, and has been now revised for the press in the midst of other cares, which have allowed no time for giving it the completeness he desired. Yet, as it belongs to a class of writings of whose importance he has the highest sense, and the multiplication of which, as well as the increase of a taste for their perusal, he esteems in the highest measure desirable,—he ventures to hope that this slight effort will not be wholly lost; and that it may at least do something towards exciting others to a preparation of more efficient works, which shall nourish the spirit of devotion, and extend the power of practical faith. Cambridge, May 16, 1831. CONTENTS. INTRODUCTION 1 CHAPTER I. The Nature of Religion, and what we are to seek.-Religion described-exemplified in the character of Christ-an arduous attainmentcaution against low views CHAPTER II. Our Power to obtain that which we seek.-The capacity for religion in human nature-education-the natural and the spiritual life-man's ability to do the will of God-false humilitysalvation by grace HAPTER III. 18 The State of Mind in which the Inquirer should sustain himself.-Sense of unworthiness-anxiety of mind-rules to be observed respecting retirement, conversation, public meetings CHAPTER IV. The Means of Religious Improvement 34 I. Reading.-Duty of seeking religious knowledge-its advantages-time to be given to it --the Bible--to be read for instruction in truth-for self-application-selection of other books 47 47 II. Meditation.-Its object-habitual thoughtful- III. Prayer. Its necessity and value-impor- V. The Lord's Supper.-Its object two-fold, pro- fession of faith, and means of improvement- who to partake, and when-an affecting and The Religious Discipline of Life.-The means of religion not to be mistaken for the end- watchfulness, daily duties and trials-discipline of the thoughts, dispositions, passions, appetites -conversation-ordinary deportment-guard to FORMATION OF THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. INTRODUCTION. I AM anxious to bespeak the reader's right attention before he enters on the following pages. They have been written only for those who are sincerely desirous of knowing themselves, and are bent upon forming a religious character. They can be of little interest or value to any other person, or if read with any other view than that of selfimprovement. I venture therefore to entreat every one, into whose hands the book may fall, to peruse it, as it has been written, not for entertainment, but for moral edification; to read it at those seasons when he is seriously disposed, and can reflect upon the |