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or meditating, or employed in some useful labor for the common good.

The same kind of exercise is not equally suited to the state and improvement of every spirit; but some are more useful and convenient to one than to another. Different exercises are also expedient for different times and seasons; and some are more salutary for the days of feasting, and some for the days of fasting: we stand in need of some in the seasons of temptation, and of others in the hours of internal peace and rest: some subjects of meditation are fitter for a time of sorrow, and others when we 66 rejoice in the Lord.”

When we expect to receive the Lord's supper, or are about to observe any other special season of devotion, self-examination is an exercise peculiarly important, and timely. Indeed we ought at all times so to prepare our spirits, and so regulate our actions, as if we were shortly to be admitted into "the joy of our Lord." If that blessed event is still deferred, let us humbly acknowledge that we are not yet sufficiently prepared for that great "glory which shall be revealed in us," in God's appointed time and may a contrite sense of such an improper state, quicken us to more faithful vigilance, and a more holy preparation. "Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord, when he cometh, shall find watching. Verily I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath."

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CHAPTER XVIIL

Solitude and Silence.

APPROPRIATE & Convenient part of time to retirement and self-converse, and frequently meditate on the wonderful love of God in the redemption of man. Reject all studies that are merely curious; and read what will penetrate the heart with holy compunction, rather than exercise the brain with useless speculations.

If thou canst refrain from unnecessary conversation and idle visits, and suppress the desire of “hearing and telling some new thing;” thou wilt find not only abundant leisure, but convenient opportunity, for holy and useful meditation. It is the declaration of Seneca, that " as often as he mingled in the company of men, he came out of it less a man than he went in." To the truth of this our own experience, after much free conversation, bears testimony; for it is much easier to be wholly silent, than not to exceed in word; it is much easier to keep concealed at home, than to preserve ourselves from sin abroad: he, therefore, that presseth forward to the perfection of the internal and spiritual life, must, with Jesus, as much as possible, "withdraw himself from the multitude."

No man can safely go abroad, that does not love to stay at home; no man can safely speak, that does not willingly hold his tongue; no man can safely govern, that would not cheerfully become subject;

no man can safely command, that has not truly learned to obey; and no man can safely rejoice, but he that has the testimony of a good conscience.

The joy of the saints has always been full of the fear of God; nor were they less humble, and less watchful over themselves, because of the splendor of their holiness, and their extraordinary measures of grace. But the security of the wicked begins in pride and presumption, and ends in self-delusion. Whatever, therefore, are thy attainments in holiness, do not promise thyself a state of unchangeable elevation in the present life. Those whose character for virtue has stood high in the esteem of men, have been proportionably more exposed to the danger of a severer fall, through self-confidence. Therefore, it is much safer for most men not to be wholly free from temptation, but rather to be often assaulted, lest they grow secure; lest they exalt themselves in the pride of human attainments; nay, lest they become wholly devoted to the honors, pleasures, and comforts of their earthly life.

O that man would less anxiously seek after transitory joy, would less busy himself with the trifling affairs of a perishing world; how pure a conscience might he maintain! O that he could divorce his spirit from all vain solicitude; and, devoting it to the contemplation of God and the truths of salvation, place all his confidence in the divine mercy. In what profound tranquillity and peace would he possess his soul !

No man is worthy of heavenly consolation, unless ne hath been diligently exercised in holy compunc

tion. If thou desirest true compunction, enter into thy closet, and excluding the tumults of the world, according to the advice of the Psalmist, "commune with thy heart and be still," that thou mayst feel regret and horror for sin. Thou wilt find in the closet, that which thou often losest abroad. The closet long continued in, becomes delightful; but, when seldom visited, it is beheld with reluctance, weariness, and disgust. If, in the beginning of thy conversion, thou canst keep close to it, and cultivate the advantages it is capable of yielding, it will be ever after desirable as a beloved friend, and become the seat of true consolation.

In solitude and silence the holy soul advances with speedy steps, and learns the hidden truths of the oracles of God. There she riseth to a more intimate union with her Creator, in proportion as she leaves the darkness, impurity, and tumult of the world. To him who withdraws himself from his friends and acquaintance to seek after God, will God draw near with his holy angels. It is better for a man to lie hid, and attend to the purification of his soul, than, neglecting that "one thing needful," to go abroad and work miracles. Our sensual appetites continually prompt us to range abroad, in search of gratification; but when the hour of wandering is over, what do we bring home, but remorse of conscience, and weariness and dissipation of spirit? A joyful going out is often succeeded by a sad return; and a merry evening brings a sorrowful morning. Thus carnal joy enters delightfully, but ere it departs, bites and kills.

What canst thou see anywhere else, which thou canst not see in thy chosen retirement? Behold the heavens, the earth, and all the elements! for out of these were all things made. What canst thou see there or anywhere, that will "continuè long under the sun?" Thou hopest, perhaps, to subdue desire by enjoyment: but thou wilt find it impossible for "the eye to be satisfied with seeing, or the ear filled with hearing." If all nature could pass in review before thee, what would it be but a vain vision?

Lift up thy eyes, then, to God in the highest heavens, and pray for the forgiveness of thy innumerable sins and negligences. Leave vain pleasures to the enjoyment of vain men, and mind only that which God hath required of thee for thine own eternal good. Make thy door fast behind thee; and invite Jesus, thy beloved, to come unto thee, and enlighten thy darkness with his light. Abide faithfully with him in this retirement, for thou canst not find so much peace in any other place.

CHAPTER XIX.

Compunction of Heart.

Ir thou wouldst make any progress in the Christian life, keep thyself continually in the fear of God. Love not licentious freedom, but restrain all thy senses within strict discipline, and guard thy spirit against intemperate mirth. Give up thy heart to

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