TO THE READER.

THIS little piece is the fruit of a few leisure hours which the author had at sea, he being under a solid concern for the present rising generation, that they may flourish and grow in piety and virtue; and that the days of their tranquility may increase, and be lengthened out in this world.

And also, chiefly, that when they go off the stage of life, they may have the enjoyment of the peace of God, and of his dear Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, through the Holy Ghost, with a full assurance of an eternal inheritance and habitation in the glorious kingdom of heaven.

The author hopes that religious and well-inclined parents will join with him in this so necessary and noble a work, of seeking the youth's welfare; and desires, as they may approve this labour of love, that they would be instrumental to disperse or bestow this among, or to, their children and neighbours, the charge being inconsiderable.

And if any are benefitted hereby, it will abundantly satisfy for the labour taken herein. And may the Lord of all bless thee and thine, in all good things, who is worthy to be loved, served, and obeyed, by all mortals, to whom praise only is due for ever.

PERSUADED

то

BEDIENCE, GRATITUDE, AND HONOUR,

то

GOD AND THEIR PARENTS.

NE of the first things pious and good christians generally deavour to instill into their children, in their youth, is, e true knowledge of God; and that he made them, and ⚫ what end.

The Almighty made us all on purpose for his glory, d that we should serve and worship him, as said the ir and twenty elders who stand before the throne of od, and worship him cóntinually, saying, "Holy, holy, ly Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to me. Thou art worthy, Oh! Lord, to receive glory, and nour, and power: for thou hast created all things, and thy pleasure they are, and were created." Rev. iv. 8. 11. Man being a noble (if not the noblest) piece of this sible creation, was doubtless made and created for purpose of his glory.

But sin is of the devil, and did, and (if not repented of) ways will dishonour God, and bring ruin upon both ody and soul.

Therefore, Oh, youth! be prevailed upon, before it be o late, rightly to "Remember thy Creator in thy youth1 days, before the evil day come." And certainly it ill be an evil day to thy soul, when God by his spirit aves striving with thee, and leaves thee to thyself: for hath said, "His spirit shall not always strive with man r that he also is flesh." Gen. vi. 3.

While therefore God by his spirit is striving with thee, d calling thee by his grace to repentance, and to turn

from the evil of thy ways, saying, "Turn ye, turn ye, why will ye die ?" Turn at my reproof, and I will pour out of my spirit upon you, and make myself known unto you." Again, "I stand at the door and knock (here is a holy stroke at the heart) if any man will hear my voice (see the universal and unlimited love of God in Christ to poor mortals) and open the door, I will come in unto him." Rev. iii. 20.

If man will open the door of his heart to his Maker and Saviour, he will come unto, or into his soul. Oh, soul! no guest in the world like this heavenly guest; no companion, no friend in the world, like this great, this choice friend, Almighty God. Oh! "Seek him while he is yet to be found, and call upon him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts (that are evil) and turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him, and (as say the righteous, who seek the glory of God, and the goodness of souls) to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." Isa. lv. 7.

Therefore, "Turn, turn, O turn! why will ye die,” ye curious workmanship of God's holy hands, ye fine and beautiful young men and women?

The youth should also gratefully and obediently remember their careful fathers, and indulgent and tender mothers unto such youths God has promised a reward, the which promise I have seen fulfilled in many thous ands; and God is more and more fulfilling of it every day; and will fulfil it to the end of time.

And how reasonable is it that we should remember with tenderness, our father who begat us, and not diso bey him in his lawful and just commands,, not wittingly or willingly vex or grieve him?

Pray how shall we ever be able to pay or retaliate him for all his care, and the cost and charges he hath been at in bringing us up, till we come to be young men and women? Can we ever do enough for him that hath done so much for us?

Oh! how unhandsome it is, as well as irreligious and unchristian, for young men or women, when their parents are old, and perhaps full of aches and pains, or otherwise