Imatges de pàgina
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R. 56. I will exercise temperance in eating and drinking, and will exert all my influence, by my example and conversation, to prevent, especially, the unnecessary use of ardent spirits, and, hereby, to check the great, increasing, and alarming evil of intemperance in the land.

Q. Do I not in some way connive at, or encourage these prevailing vices? Do I restrain my own appetites? or do I inordinately indulge them?

R. 57. I will notice and retrace the providences of God as they take place with a view to religious improvement and self-application.

Q. Do 1 attentively read the book of providence, as it daily unfolds its leaves to my view, and thence derive instruction to my soul?

R. 58. I will consider adversity as a school of righteous discipline, and view the least mercy, as far above my deserts, and the greatest trials and afflictions, as altogether less than my iniquities deserve.

Q. Have I forfeited every mercy, and exposed myself to every judgment by sin? As I stand a monument of Divine forbearance, shall I not patiently submit to all disciplinary afflictions?

R. 59. I will be sincere, just, charitable, candid, kind, and affectionate, or do to others, as I ought to wish others to do to me in a change of circum

stances.

Q. Do I strive daily to obey this golden rule, which is worthy of the approbation and obedience of all?

R. 60. I will treat all persons with due respect, and rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

Q. As a child, am I obedient to my parents? as a citizen, do I respectfully submit to magistrates? as a man, do I feel for all that is human, and extend my sympathy and charity to the stranger and the mourner, the widow and the orphan?

R. 61. I will not render railing for railing; but when treated in an unchristian manner, I will be calm, dispassionate, and conciliatory in return, and will "write injuries in the sand, but kindness in marble."

Q. Do I justify the retaliation of injuries in myself or others? Ought I not in this respect to take the examĬ ple of Christ for my pattern?

R. 62. I will avoid all moroseness and affectation of manner, and singularity in things indiffer

ent.

Q. Do I avoid all such singularity as the effect of pride? and all moroseness as an exhibition of a bad temper?

R. 63. I will be mindful of the business of life, and do it promptly in its season, preserve faithfulness, and adhere to truth.

Q. Am I true in speech, and faithful in promise, and actively engaged in the appropriate duties of life?

R. 64. I will try to make amends for past negligence, by employing most profitably every moment in time to come, and thus redeem my wasted time by a better improvement of my remaining days.

Q. Do I consider how much of my time is wasted; and that the last particles of sand in my glass of life may now be falling?

R. 65. I will ever avoid the vain amusements and pleasures of the world, believing that their tendency is to dissipate the mind, to unfit it for serious reflection, to produce a stronger attachment to this world, which I must soon leave, and to hinder me in my preparation for a future state.

Q. Have I yielded to worldly temptations, and joined in those amusements, which my conscience disapproves? Or have I been constantly mindful of the injunction, Be not conformed to this world.

R. 66. I will never allow myself to laugh at the follies, failings, and infirmities of others, and if any one in my presence should exhibit a fellow

creature for ridicule, and thus attempt to produce merriment at the expense of another, I will manifest disapprobation of such conduct, believing it to be sinful and displeasing to God.

Q. Have I been as tender of the reputation of others as of my own? and have I in this respect observed the golden rule; As ye would that men should do to you, ye also to them likewise?

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R. 67. I will select for reading, such books only as have a tendency to improve the mind and reform the heart, and will ever avoid those, however attractive, from which no solid benefit can be derived.

Q. Have my opportunities for reading been improved to the best advantage? or have I read rather for amusement, than instruction and profit?

R. 68. will not be too communicative or reserved, and not too inquisitive, or too backward in answering proper questions.

Q. Am I loquacious? or reserved and unsocial? Am I impertinent in questions? and do I wish to conceal what others have a right to know?

R. 69. I will avoid familiar intercourse with those, who are vicious, profane, or immoral in their lives and conversation.

Q. Have I carefully observed this resolution under a conviction, that evil communications corrupt good manners?

R. 70. I will endeavour so to conduct, as shall convince the impenitent around me, that I desire the salvation of their souls, and, by warning and entreaty, will seek to lead them in the path of life.

Q. Have I complied with this resolution in my daily deportment, in my life and conversation?

R. 71. I will regard with interest all genuine revivals of religion, believing, that they are produced by the special influences of the Holy Spirit, and that they promote the glory of God, the salvation of souls, and the enlargement of the Redeem

er's kingdom; and I will ever rejoice to hear of them, and will earnestly desire, that they may be multiplied until they shall be spread over the whole earth.

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Q. Have I, in view of this resolution, earnestly desired a revival of religion in this place? Have 1 used all possible exertions to effect one? the prophet say sincerely, O Lord! revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.

R. 72. I will study prudence and economy in all my expenses, that I may be enabled to relieve the wants of the destitute, and contribute towards the benevolent objects of the present day.

Q. What have I given in charity to-day? What is its annual amount? What proportion will my charity bear to my needless expenses?

R. 73. I will avoid an avaricious spirit, as being entirely opposed to the temper of the Gospel, but yet will highly value this world's goods, because they not only promote my own personal happiness, but afford me ability to benefit my fellow creatures, and to advance the cause of the Redeemer.

Q. Is mammon my idol? Why should I eagerly lay hold on the wealth of this world, which I must soon leave behind me? Can it be employed to a nobler purpose, than to advance the virtue and happiness of man, and the kingdom of Christ?

R. 74. I will endeavour to promote the happiness and spiritual good of all, with whom I associate.

Q. Do I daily pray for my friends and kindred, my neighbours and fellow men? Do I seek, in all other possible ways, their conversion and eternal salvation?

R. 75. I will endeavour at all times to realize the immediate presence of God, and to maintain a holy awe of Him, and a constant fear of offending

Q.

Do I think, and feel, and speak, and act, as under the omniscient eye of God? Is it my supreme desire to glorify and serve Him? Is His favour my solace and joy?

R. 76. I will endeavour to model my character and conduct, in all respects, after the Gospel.

Q. Has this been my past endeavour? and is it my aim for the future?

R. 77. I will endeavour to recommend the religion of Christ by a mild and amiable deportment. Q. How far does religion shine forth in my conduct? and is it made to appear desirable and attractive by my example?

R. 78. I will regard, with Christian compassion and charity, the spiritual woes and wants of the great human family.

Q. Do I weep over the dying Heathen? and do I most ardently desire to send them the bread and the water of life?

R. 79. I will view with pleasure the many benevolent Societies, which have been formed to promote the temporal and spiritual good of mankind, and will give them my approbation, my prayers, and my pecuniary assistance, so far as I have ability and opportunity.

Q. Have I done so the year past? If the relief of human sufferings, and the spread of the Gospel depend on me and others like me, will not the poor continue to suffer, and sinners continue to die in ignorance and sin?

R. 80. I will call myself to a most solemn account every night before closing my eyes to sleep, for my thoughts, words, and actions during the day past, and will endeavour to rest in peace with God and myself.

Q. Do I maintain this habit of reflection, and self-, examination?

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