CONTENTS. The divine life, wherein it consists Religion better understood by actions, than by words Divine love exemplified in our Blessed Saviour The excellency and advantage of religion The advantages of divine love. The worth of the object to be regarded с He that loveth God, finds sweetness in all his dispensa- tions The duties of religion are delightful to him The excellency of universal charity and love The pleasure and sweetness of a humble temper Despondent thoughts, which may arise in such as are The unreasonableness of such fears age 28 29 We must use our utmost endeavours, and then rely on God's assistance We must conscientiously form the outward actions of We must endeavour to perform internal acts of devotion Consideration, a great instrument of religion We must often meditate on God's goodness and love And meditate, often, on the joys of heaven Humility ariseth from the consideration of our failings Mental prayer, very profitable Religion is advanced by the same means with which it The frequent use of the Holy Sacrament, an extraordi- II. The indispensable Duty of loving our Enemies.- On Luke vi. 27. But I say unto you which hear, III. The Necessity and Advantage of early Afflictions. On Lam. iii. 27, 28. It is good for a man that he 90 114 IV. That there are but a small number saved.-On Luke xiii. 23. Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, &c. 131 V. The Duty and Pleasure of Praise and Thanksgiving. the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works VI. On the Nativity of our Saviour.-From Psalm ii. 11. Rejoice with trembling. Wherein, of the use- VIII. A Preparation for the Holy Sacrament-On Joshua iii. 5. Sanctify yourselves: for to-morrow the Lord will do wonders among you. (This is IX. On the Importance and Difficulty of the Minis- THE LIFE OF GOD IN THE SOUL OF MAN. My dear FRIEND, The occasion of this discourse. THIS designation doth give you a title to all the endeavours whereby I can serve your interests; and your pious inclinations do so happily conspire with my duty, that I shall not need to step out of my road to gratify you; but I may at once perform an office of friendship, and discharge an exercise of my function, since the advancing of virtue and holiness (which I hope you make your greatest study) is the peculiar business of my employment. This therefore is the most proper instance wherein I can vent my affection, and express my gratitude towards you; and I shall not any longer delay the performance of the promise I made you to this purpose. For though I know you are provided with better helps of this nature than any I can offer you; nor are you like to meet with any thing here which you knew not before; yet I am hopeful, that what cometh from one whom you are pleased to honour with your friendship, and which is more particularly designed for your use, will be kindly accepted by you; and God's providence perhaps may so direct my thoughts, that something or other may prove useful to you. Nor shall I doubt your pardon, if, for moulding my discourse into the better frame, I B |