PREFACE. the possession. This, together with the juvenile character of some of the teachers, will account for many of the errors and failures which Christians have to deplore in connexion with these endeavours. Happily, the remedy is in their own hands, and available at any moment. Evils of every kind are more readily overcome while in their first stages. A simple remedy may suffice then, but vigorous efforts and the utmost skill may be required merely to check the malady, when it has been allowed to increase in virulence and magnitude. Perhaps the neglect of exercising early discipline, for fear of giving importance to things of minor character, will be found one of the most dangerous experiments in which the church of Christ has indulged. Many bitter proofs of the impolicy of thus acting, are daily furnished in the history of inconsistent professors. Deprecating all precipitancy, and still more any undue severity, it may nevertheless be necessary to be firm and decisive where discretion and the honour of religion dictate. Entertaining these opinions, and to present some memorial of departed worth, the writer has prepared this little work, mainly for private distribution. It may be too desultory in matter, and diffuse in style for critical taste, but the persons for whom it is specially intended will not despise it on these accounts. It professes not to be " a manual" nor a guide" to Sunday-school teachers - these are sufficiently numerous, probably, yet it may stimulate some to renewed efforts who are ready to forego such humble but self-denying labours; while in other cases, it may fan the spark of piety to a flame and prompt to cheerful obedience in religious and moral duties. If any of these objects should be accomplished, especially amongst those with whom he unitedly labours in "the little hill of Zion" more immediately under the writer's eye, he will be amply rewarded for his effort. Sheffield, May 1st, 1844. CONTENTS. PAGE. YOUTHFUL PIETY. PART I. PIETY DESIRABLE FOR THE YOUNG;-IS SUPERIOR TO INTELLECTUAL ATTAINMENTS; —AND THE SOURce of ALL TRUE GREATNESS. PIETY, under all circumstances interesting, derives an additional charm from its existence in the youthful heart. It has a pleasing freshness when associated with the characteristic ingenuousness of youth, which, besides being in unison with the divine will, inspires us with hope that the buds of promise will blossom in the future prosperity of the Church of Christ; and that his peaceful kingdom will be promoted by their example and influence. As "the hope of the Church," they are identified with its prospective movements. On them will soon rest the responsibility of maintaining or impairing its character and excellence: hence their relative position is a matter of anxiety and deep interest to their pastor and the aged disciple of Christ. A |