Christianity, respecting the motives of actions, the principle from which they are done, and the degree and extent of them, may be also useful. Morality is not Christianity, though there can be no true Christianity without morality. Moral actions may be done from natural principles, and will certainly centre in self, in some shape or other: but a truly Christian act must proceed from a gracious principle in the heart. A moral man and a true Christian may both give something to the poor; the poor is relieved by each; but the benevolence of the one may proceed from a natural generosity of spirit, while that of the other comes from a sense of Divine favour and bounty already bestowed upon himself. They may both join in the same ordinance, pray to the same Supreme Being, and yet the one continue self-righteous and vainly confident, while the other is humbled, and lives upon divine grace: the principle within makes the difference between them, and they who are only moral would do well to consider the difference.

3. In almost every page there are several passages of Scripture which, taken in connexion, serve to throw a light on each other; so that what in one is obscure, is generally opened by its parallel, which will be found very useful if diligently compared; and serve to show the abundance, the superabundance of light, promises, privileges, and advantages, there are in

the word of GOD, and how they become "profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be thoroughly furnished unto every good work," and, through the Divine blessing upon him, be made "wise unto salvation."

4. Let the reader be careful to distinguish between a state of safety by faith in CHRIST, and a state of assurance arising from sensible comforts in the heart. The best Christians experience great changes in the frame of their minds: sometimes they are lively and comfortable, then they are low and depressed; now they have sensible tokens of divine favour, then again these are withdrawn, and they begin to question the safety of their state before GOD. The enemy often takes advantage of their uncomfortable frames, and grace would have them question the reality of their heart; and the consequence generally is great anxiety and distress. In order to remove this, it is necessary to consider what is the true foundation of hope, and to distinguish between what is durable and what is changeable.

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The work of the Redeemer is a perfect work; nothing can be added to it, and nothing must be taken from it. It is everlasting in its duration and efficacy; upon this the eye of faith should be invariably fixed, and hence comfort and support in every state are to be drawn. CHRIST'S blood is a constant propitiation, his righteousness

is a perfect covering; to these, Reader, have daily recourse for cleansing and recommendation before GOD; by these you may silence all the accusations of Satan, all the clamours of conscience, all the threatenings of the law; for in CHRIST the believer is complete, and here he may safely rest in his dullest and heaviest moments. Happy frames, on the contrary, are bestowed or withheld as it pleases GOD; you may safely pray for them, because great peace is promised to the children of GOD-and, generally speaking, the diligent and watchful are most frequently favoured with them; and when you are blessed with them, be thankful; but beware of depending upon them, for this is the readiest way to have them withdrawn spiritual pride may arise from this quarter, while a feeling sense of weakness and unworthiness keeps the soul humble, and continually dependent upon the Lord JESUS CHRIST alone for pardon, strength, and salvation.

5. In spiritual conflicts it will often happen, when God is about to work some great deliverance from some particular sin, or pressing temptation, that, before deliverance comes, the believer will think he had never been so wicked or oppressed before; his corruptions are permitted to stir up in him, and he is apt to say with Moses respecting the Israelites, that "GOD has not delivered him at all." Reader, beware of such a conclusion; the greatest darkness is generally a

little before sunrise; "the Israelites groaned by reason of their task-masters and heavy burdens," just when GOD was about to deliver them. Man's extremity is God's opportunity; out of darkness he brings forth light; out of unbelief, faith; and out of pride, humility: his design is to bring down thy self-righteousness and vain confidence; to cut the very sinews of an arm of flesh; to convince thee that deliverance is of himself alone; to bring thee to a steady dependence upon his power, that his strength may be perfected in thy weakness, and that he may have all the glory. Then will he appear for thee, and work wonderfully, and in all thy after-conflicts of a spiritual kind follow this advice: build not thy comfort of pardon upon thy victory, but thy victory upon thy pardon and acceptance with God through CHRIST : strive not, thinking that thou shalt only have forgiveness of sin when it is conquered; but seek the pardon of sin first, through faith in CHRIST, and then that it may be manifested to thy heart. 6. In this book are several parts of Scripturehistory evangelized, or applied to spiritual purposes in a Gospel way, which may serve as specimens for the improving of many more to the same end: hereby great advantages will arise to the intelligent reader. "The sword of the LORD and of Gideon;" the command to drive out the Canaanites, and if not their becoming pricks in the eyes of the Israelites; the noble exploits of

the Jews in their wars, and the interposition of Providence in their behalf, afford ample matter of caution and instruction to every serious reader: all may be easily brought home and spiritualized, and will teach him to admire free grace: the tokens of Divine favour will warn him of the power of his enemies; will show him the danger of sin and corruption, and the necessity of keeping close to the Captain of his salvation from day to day.

Lastly, dear Reader, beware of formality in the use of this book: it will be of little service barely to read it over; see that these truths be brought home to thy conscience, and beg of the Almighty that he would be pleased to apply them by his Holy Spirit; then they will be blessed indeed to thy soul: examine your experience as you go along, particularly how you hate and fight against sin; how you maintain communion with GOD through the Spirit; what it is to live by faith in CHRIST JESUS, which are subjects much insisted on in this work, and in the knowledge and experience of which consists the greatest part of a Christian's happiness. See if your graces are lively and vigorous, if they are kept in exercise: the kingdom of heaven is a growing kingdom: the seeds of grace must bring forth fruit.