the sure characteristic of a mean and abandoned mind, wherever it is indulged. Rev. xxi. 8, 27. Chap. xxii. 15. Prov. xx. 9. Let this therefore be your resolution at all times, and in all cases, to speak the truth whatever it costs you. Dare to be true, nothing can need a lie ; You will find a fault honestly confessed will be attended with a much readier pardon, and preserve a much better character, than when excused or denied with a lie, which at best will hide it but for a moment. Prov. xii. 19. Let your Fidelity extend to deeds as well as words. Be punctually faithful and just in every thing you are entrusted with. Diminish not the substance, divulge not the secrets of those you serve, upon any pretence whatsoever. Then, though your skill and parts may fall short of expectation, your faithfulness will procure to you love and esteem. Whatever, therefore, your necessities or temptations may be, never transgress the rules of justice and truth, nor imagine that any degree of skill or dexterity will recommend you in the world without them. D 4. Let the study of the sacred scriptures constantly employ some part of your leisure hours. These are the surest guides to duty and happiness. The mind of the blessed GOD is herein laid open to man, to preserve him from the worst of evils, and to direct him to the highest good, and shew him the thoughts of his heart towards him for ever. Here we are presented with a system of the most refined morality, founded upon the most rational and exalted conceptions of GOD; and enforced by the most awful and interesting sanctions. They are admirably contrived (with GOD's blessing) to heal the conscience; to purify, to comfort, to ennoble the soul; to inspire it with principles of virtue and goodness, and strengthen and confirm it in the practice of it. In a word, they are able to make us wise to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Tim. iii. 15. Loose and immoral writings which swarm. in the present day, however celebrated for wit and politeness, tend to poison the heart, corrupt the fancy, vitiate the affections; and for one useful lesson that can be learned from them, are big with a thousand ills. 5. Let humble, earnest prayer to GOD` for his grace and favour, be as the constant breath of your souls. This is not only ne cessary at the entrance into business, but in all successive seasons of life; because we constantly depend on GoD for the continuance of present blessings, as well as those we hope for in futurity. Morning and evening prayer, are as the key to open the mercies of the day, and shut out the : dangers of the night, and therefore be constant and sincere in the practice of it. Thus having chosen a lawful calling in a religious family, having your minds influenced by the principles of religion, and your resolutions steady (through divine grace) for the practice of it, making the holy scriptures your study and guide, and seeking the blessing of heaven by serious prayer to God; you may comfortably enter upon, and vigorously pursue the duties of your callings. Some assistance for the regular and religious discharge of which, is the design of the following essays. "O that there were such an heart in them that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them. Ye shall observe to do as the Lord your God hath commanded you. You shall not turn aside to the right hand, or to the left. You shall walk in all the ways which the Lord your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days, Deut. v. 29, 33. "Now therefore, fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and truth. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom you will serve. And the people answered and said, GOD forbid that we should forsake the Lord, Joshua xxiv. 14, 16. "What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace and pursue it. Psal. xxxiv. 12, 14. thou not. My son, if sinners entice thee, consent Walk not thou in the way with them, refrain thy foot from their path, &c. Prov. i. 10, 15. "My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee; write them upon the table of thine heart, So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of GoD and man, Prov. iii. 1-4. "Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom; and with all thy getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee. She shall bring thee to honour when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace. A crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. Take fast hold of instruction, let her not go; keep her for she is thy life. Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not into the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established, &c. Prov. iv. 7-27. And thou, Solomon, my son, know thou the GoD of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart, and with a willing mind; for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts. If thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever, 1 Chron. xxviii. 9. "Our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of GoD, we have had our conversation in the world, 2 Cor. i. 2. "Flee also youthful lusts; but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart, 2 Tim. ii. 22. "Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded," Tit. ii. 6. |