HEAR YE CHILDREN --- Psalm 118:13.
"Hear, ye children, the instructions of a father, and attend to know understanding." --- Proverbs 4. 1.
"We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen." --- John 3:11.
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God." --- 1 John 4:1.
Reader, whoever thou art, that comest to this book for instruction and edification, let the following admonitions, the result of long experience and observation, be acceptable unto thee: they are designed for thy spiritual good, will warn thee against errors, and, if complied with, will give thee a true relish of gospel peace and redeeming love.
Let the life thou now livest in the flesh be by faith in the Son of God. Labour after a constant soul-reviving fellowship with the Father and the son, through the Holy Spirit. Watch over thy passions, conduct, and conversation, so as that the Spirit of the Lord be not grieved, nor his comfortable influences withdrawn from thy soul. Be ready to every good work, as thou hast ability and opportunity; and take special care thy good be not evil spoken of through the manner of thy performing it.
Let no external services whatever, either respecting thyself or others, make thee neglect a constant watchfulness over the inward motions of thine own heart. Let the written word of God be thine invariable rule, both in principle and practice. Whatever persuasion advanceth not the Redeemer's honour, and tendeth not to magnify his grace, work, and salvation, be sure cometh not of Him who calleth us.
Be very earnest after meekness, humility, patience, self-denial, inward holiness, and all other graces of the Spirit; these carry their own evidence that they are wrought of God, and in their blessed effects will remain with thee for evermore.
"My son, if thine heart be wise, and experienced in these things, my heart shall rejoice, even mine." --- Proverbs 23:15.
Lord, fill my heart with love and joy,
And fill it with thy precious peace;
So will my tongue find sweet employ,
And bless the Lord my righteousness.