cessity of the Holy Spirit's influence for effecting that change of heart, without which the profession of the Christian faith will profit us nothing. Yet, as the mere establishment of such a doctrine in a systematic manner, would answer no good purpose, I have endeavoured to exhibit the happy fruits which the Spirit produces. As the Holy Spirit is promised to help our infirmities, and God deals with us as rational and accountable creatures, I have pointed out at large the means which are to be used, in cultivating the graces and virtues of personal piety. If any should think I have been too copious and minute in this part of the work, let me request them seriously to consider its vast impor tance. I need make no apology for introducing a considerable number of quotations from ancient and modern writers. I grant that, if any sentiment found in this book be contrary to the language of revelation, no props of human authority can sustain it. But if the principles here taught are consistent with the Scriptures, it will not be thought a fault to borrrow from some of our best authors a few striking passages, which express my meaning better than I could express it myself. This work is presented to the public, with the humble hope of assisting the Christian reader in the exercises and duties of pure religion; and the fruits of righteousness are so valuable, that the smallest success in promoting their growth yields the highest satisfaction. THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT. CHAPTER I. ON THE INFLUENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. Gal. v. 22, 23. THE Scriptures draw the characters of the righteous and wicked in the most exact lines and glowing colours. The men of the world, and the children of God, are painted to the life. Here we see the disguises of flattery removed, and the stains of slander wiped away. In these pictures no feature is distorted, defective, or overcharged. In Gal. v. 16-23, the apostle presents a striking contrast between the old and the new man, or the propensities of corrupt nature, and the tendency of divine grace. "This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit a gainst the flesh; and these are contrary the one to the other, so that ye cannot do the |