that you will enter into the church triumphant in heaven? I must remind you, that in making a public profession of religion, you only stepped on the threshhold of the kingdomyour warfare is but just commenced-your race is yet to be run. Should you now quiet yourself with the idea of security, you would. give fearful evidence that you are yet "in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity." He only that endureth unto the end, shall be saved. He only that is faithful unto death shall receive a crown of life. Let HOLINESS, then, be your aim: Not that degree of it, merely, that will serve as a passport for your character, or that will save you from gloom and despair; but that large measure of it that will beautify your public profession; strengthen your hope of salvation; and qualify you, at what time soever called hence, for the kingdom of glory.

2. Beware of the idea that the comfort and joy of religion cease with the novelty of it. It is true there is a "first love" in religion, which is like "the joy of espousals." And though this, so far as the novelty or first sweetness of

it is concerned, may abate, yet the true and solid affection will remain, and bring forth the fruits of peace and joy. "Joy in the Holy Ghost" is one ingredient in true religion ;—and the faithful Christian will oft times be able to say, "Thy comforts delight my soul." Be assured, therefore, you cannot altogether lose the comforts of religion without a sinful decline in religion itself.

3. Be well established in the fundamental doctrines of Scripture. It is essential to the growth of the young Christian that his foundation be well laid: else he will be the sport of every gust that blows; the dupe of every popular error; the prey of every passionate or fanatical pretender to new discoveries in religion. Do you ask, what are fundamental doctrines? I call those so which teach us the being and perfection of one supreme God, existing in a trinity of persons, as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; the apostacy of mankind from God, and their natural destitution of holiness; the atonement for sin by the sufferings and death of Jesus Christ; regeneration and sanctification by the holy Spirit; the perfect ac

countability of man for the deeds done in the body; the necessity of repentance for sin, in order to forgiveness, and of faith in Jesus Christ, in order to justification before God; the certainty of a future resurrection from the deadjudgment to come; and, in the issue, endless happiness in heaven or misery in hell, according to moral character.

In order to become well established in these and other important doctrines of religion, be diligent in searching the Scriptures; trace out the connection of doctrines with one another; examine them separately; and collect and commit to memory the principal texts which prove them to be true. While I recommend the scriptures, as the only divine authority for the doctrines of our faith, I would urge upon all young Christians carefully to read and study some brief compendium of Scripture doctrine, such as the Westminster Assembly's Shorter Catechism, Cogswell's Theological Class Book, Mitchell's Doctrinal Guide, &c. You should aim to be so well indoctrinated in the principles of religion, as to be able to give a scriptural answer to every one that asketh you the rea

son for your belief; and also to convince by valid proofs from scripture, those who embrace and advocate error. I would not, however, that you should study the Bible for the sake of controversy; rather avoid it as injurious to the spirit of devotion; and pray God that the doctrines of your faith may imprint the image of their Author on your hearts, and produce the precious fruits of righteousness in your life.

While on this topic, I would recommend that you procure for your own use, and often read, a few select books of a lively devotional character: such as Flavel on Keeping the Heart, Edwards on the Affections, Spring's Essays on Christian Character, Baxter's Saint's everlasting Rest and Dying Thoughts, Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, and Doddridges Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul. In these and other kindred works, the doctrines of religion are all wrought into experience and practice; and by frequent reading and meditation they will greatly promote your growth, both in knowledge and in grace.

4. Be very regular and punctual in your seasons of devotion.

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As a general rule, your private devotions should be attended every morning and evening, in some closet or retired place, where you will be free from observation and interruption. Fix your hour, so as will best suit family engagements and the circumstances in which you are placed. If you cannot command so much time in the morning as you could wish, endeavor to secure the more in the evening: But better rise early and sit up late, than omit or hastily perform your devotional exercises. Far better will it be to sacrifice ease and comfort to your dying body, than neglect your undying soul. When alone with God, let not the precious moments run to waste; read a portion of Scripture; meditate on your condition and wants; examine into your spiritual state; call to mind past mercies and sins; think for whom and for what you should pray, and then with filial confidence make known your requests unto God. Having diligently attended to your soul's private business with your maker, retire still and solemn, with the sweet savor of devotion upon your spirit, either to repose under the divine protection at night, or engage in your lawful business for the day.