THE RETIRED CHRISTIAN. OF SOLITUDE. WHEN I sadly look upon the many years I have already lived, and spent in idleness, or recreations, or the business of this world, and consider how few of them have been employed upon the great concern of another, I cannot but wonder what I have been doing, and how I have spent so great a portion time. of my Surely, then, it is now at length high time to consider the end of my B being sent hither, which was not thus eagerly to look after the comforts and enjoyments of the world, and set up my rest and habitation here, but to fit myself for a life of glory, and to prepare for the eternal enjoyment of my God. How When I take a serious view of my life past, I cannot but wish (instead of luxury and vain delights) it had been all laid out in the sincere practice of piety and devotion. ever, since I have been hitherto careless in the duties of religion, and too shamefully negligent of that happiness above for which I was originally designed, I will now, before it be too late, endeavour, if possible, to retrieve the loss, and try if I can bid adieu to those sensual pleasures and worldly |