every other feature of his work, and leave it possible for me to turn away from everlasting joys? I found that wherever I turned, and in whatever direction I looked, common sense, reason, and reflection pronounced a solemn amen to every doctrine taught in that fearful and precious book. I found that all the truth to which reason ever assented had been first taught by revelation. After reading a book called "Doddridge's Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul;" also "Baxter's Saint's Everlasting Rest;" after wading through many mistakes concerning the way in which a soul was directed to turn to God, I came to certain conclusions, like the following: Conclusion. If I am ordered to live peaceably with all men, hoping at last to reach the land of peace, it would not hurt me if I tried to obey. I need not blame the Bible if it prohibits all gluttony, sensuality, and improper indulgence of appetite; for greater energies of body and of soul are secured to those who listen and comply. I am not injured when I am told to compassionate the suffering, because those who strive to relieve the afflicted are always made more happy. I need not grow angry at the page of inspiration, if all profanity is forbidden there; for those who violate that precept, only have their dignity lessened in the eye of others, while they reap no profit and receive no gain. If I am told that life is brief, and its termination hastening; that pleasures around us here are very transitory, and that afflictions will meet us, I need not complain, for it is certainly true. These admonitions do not delude me. There is no unkindness in the call, if I am invited to think of a habitation very bright, exceedingly beautiful, where death can never enter, and where the tear-drop was never seen. If I am told to lift my eyes toward a world where want was never known; where the song is always singing; and where the lovely, the splendid company may increase, but never will diminish, I am not unwise, if I ask, "How am I to get there?" If I am told that those who desire this prize are directed to express their wishes for it to One who can hear the lowest whisper, I cannot say there is any great difficulty in such an undertaking. If I am told that this Hearer of requests once became MAN, and that all my ill deserts (I have done wrong so often that I do not know how much of his frown I do merit) he bore in his own body on the tree, that I may escape suffering,-I can never say the offer is not a kind one. If all are invited to apply, I am included in the number. I may conclude that I am sincere in my requests if I am willing to begin a battle now with sin. I will try, and I will ask for help. For ever is a distant journey, and I will try. Boundless joys may be coveted. The struggle shall be commenced to-day, and I will seek for aid. There is a loveliness in doing right. "O Lord, I have sinned against heaven and before thee, and am not worthy to be called thy son." THE END. |