6

implies its mortification.' After showing very forcibly the dangers which may follow, from the mere cultivation of the intellect, it is added, Whatever has a manifest tendency to exalt the dignity of the human. understanding, to the disparagement of practical religious knowledge, or to make the one entirely independent of the other, we deprecate and withstand, as inconsistent with that true philosophy, and we may add that genuine philanthropy, whose chief aim and lesson is to cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and that the soul may be fit to partake, in his means of grace, and his promises of glory. We are persuaded by experience, as well as certified by the word of God, that, as with the truly religious man every fresh accession of knowledge, of what kind soever, teaches a lesson of humility, and adds to the materials of piety and thankfulness; so with the unbeliever and the profane,-each step which is taken in the paths of science is one step further from God, inasmuch as it ministers to pride and self-sufficiency, and exalts understanding above conscience and the testimony of the Spirit.'

MEDICAL AND LEGAL STUDENTS, in pursuing their professional studies, are exposed to many temptations, which may materially affect and injure their higher pursuits of religious knowledge. Each profession has had, and still has, eminent and well instructed Christians; but in the course of the lectures which medical men attend, not to speak of materialism, is there not a leaying of God out of His own world, and an introducing of another deity, under the terms nature, and course of nature? It is to be feared that the Christian student will find many of his fellow-students, in both professions, to be professed infidels, and many without any religion! Seductions will be presented on every side, either to give up his religion, or wholly to neglect it. Be aware of such dangers. Be

cautious in the choice of your companions; do not willingly and unnecessarily join yourself to the wicked. Be not easily drawn into argument with those who only want to display their own infidelity. It is our duty to give a solid answer to a real inquirer, for the truth's sake; it is not our duty to attempt to meet every cavil of the captious. Simply confess your Saviour by your testimony and conduct, and your character will in the result be the best evidence of your principles.

It is well to be acquainted with these dangers, that we may watch against them. Humility and the fear of the Lord, a praying spirit and a single eye, will keep a man in the right path. The Lord will watch over those who confide in Him, and His Spirit will guide them unto all truth.

I cannot close this chapter better than in the devout words of Ambrose Serle, from his Hora Solitaræ, a work full of fine devotional feeling: O thou believer! pray to be emptied more and more of thyself, of thy carnal will, and of all unsanctified knowledge, that thou mayest be filled with Jesus, and with that wisdom which leadeth to the contemplation of God, and to the everlasting enjoyment of him. Neither much nor little human knowledge will hurt thee, if it be thus subordinate in thy soul to that which is divine. Learning is a useful servant, but must never be the master. Let it follow thee to Christ, and not lead thee from him. If thou art rightly taught, thou wilt see the shallowness of all human erudition, and how little that deserves the name of science which mortals are proud to know. Thou wilt learn the most difficult and abstruse subject in the world, which no man ever could learn without divine instruction; even thine own IGNORANCE-a branch of knowledge which men abhor to be acquainted with, but which, after all, is the summit of their attainments upon earth. . . . . Be watchful over every earthly furniture of the mind; because in this corrupt state it will naturally bear a close attachment to envy

and pride. When thou art sweetly taught of God, thou wilt see aright in what rank thou art to place all human attainments.... One lesson from Christ will make thy heart burn far more than all the pompous knowledge, or rather splendid ignorance of the schools; he will instruct thee, not only by lessons of wisdom, but also by lessons of love. He has promised to be with his people always, and to the end of the world; and therefore he will ever be with thee, guiding thee by his counsel till he hath brought thee to glory.'

CHAPTER IX.

PRACTICAL RULES FOR STUDY.

In all our conduct it is important to keep a vigilant eye upon that which God mainly regards, the heart, or the motives which influence our minds. This is especially important in study. Time may be wasted or lost in reading, nay in reading valuable works, if the motives which influence us be carnal, if the end be unworthy.

We are apt to aim at wrong ends. The general principle, Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, should regulate also our studies. No Christian can have studied much without experiencing the temptations which are connected with it, to deviate from this principle. Could we more simply aim at the right end in acquiring knowledge, how often would it rectify, and improve, and elevate our studies! We might not gain so much the increase of that knowledge which increases sorrow (Eccles. i. 18.); we might not

have a name among men, but we should gain that better wisdom which comes from above.

A few practical rules, some of which have indeed in substance been expressed in the preceding parts of this work, may direct the reader's mind to those points, which call for most attention, and may most materially assist him in his progress.

1. Ever REMEMBER the vast IMPORTANCE OF A RIGHT STATE OF MIND, in order to profitable study. Look at the case of the Corinthians. The Apostle would not teach them the more difficult doctrines of religion, because their minds were worldly and carnal. He fed them with milk and not with meat, because they could not bear the meat. A carnal mind, in real converts, will thus prevent them from receiving the whole truth. The grand impediments to the acquisition of truth are those which relate to the state of the mind, such as the pride of learning, the desire of victory, the love of ease and preferment in this world, ranging ourselves under human authority and popular opinion, joining one side, and the like. And the great help to its acquisition is a pure and holy, a teachable, meek, and humble mind, a mind open to the Scriptures, and ready to bow wholly to the whole will of God. Thus has God made the extensive range of divine truth, in all its parts, the test and the reward of a simple and upright mind. Such a mind readily embraces it, while on the other hand a proud and worldly mind pollutes or rejects it. The ambitious desire an occasion of finding fault with views which they dislike, and God, who designs to discriminate men's character by His own truth, lets them have occasion of stumbling in abundance, and they stumble, perhaps forever. But those very offences on which they stumble, lead the upright to a more close waiting on God, till they attain the truth. As the best food is unpleasant to a disordered stomach, and hurts the health, and the brightest light is painful to weak and diseased eyes,

and injures the sight, so if our minds be carnal and impure, the purest truths will only irritate and offend our bad passions. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Let a man have real sanctification, which, Archbishop Usher says, is nothing less than for a man to be brought to an entire resignation of his will to the will of God, and to live in the offering up of his soul continually in the flames of love as a whole burnt offering to Christ,' and he has the best preparation for profitable study. We would then recommend the student often to examine his motives for studying, and the state of his mind.*

* Questions for Self-Examination, chiefly extracted from an old

Writer.

What is my great design in giving myself to study, and what is my daily view and purpose in pursuing it?

Have I entirely given up myself to our Lord Jesus Christ, to serve him unreservedly and supremely?

Do I every day seek direction and blessing from God in all my studies?

In laboring after knowledge in human sciences, do I always make the service of Christ my supreme design?

Do I pursue my studies daily as one that must give account of my time and of all my advantages?

How many hours have I this day spent in study, or for the pursuit of knowledge, allowing for the great maxim, that to pray well is to study well?

Do I pursue practical divinity as well as the knowledge of doctrines and controversies?

Am I solicitous that my soul may grow in grace by every increasing degree of Christian knowledge?

Do I choose my company by their seriousness, as well as by their ingenuity and learning?

Do I take constant care to avoid all company which may be dangerous to my morals or to my studies?

Have I been in any company where I have received good myself, or done good to others?

Have I indulged myself in any thing so as to put my mind out of frame for evening worship?

Have I suffered any thing to carry away my heart from God, so as to make me neglect devotion, or perform it in a slight or careless manner?

Do I watch against all evil appetites and passions, and endeavor to subdue them early, that I may learn by my own experience, and teach others by my own example?

Am I ever seeking the spiritual good of all around me ?