humble mind, a mind deeply sensible of its own igno rance and weakness, yet frequently and cheerfully lifted up to God for his enlightening and animating Spirit; that, by his blessed influences, our " understandings may be opened to understand the Scriptures,” Luke xxiv. 45. and our "hearts opened to receive them,"Acts xvi. 14.; to understand them in all the fulness of their heavenly meaning, to receive them in all the force of their transforming power: that, reading the threatenings, we may tremble + at the awful word, and acknowledge ourselves justly liable to those terrible judgments; but at the same time believe, that "Christ has delivered us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us," Gal. iii. 13. that, reading the promises, we may confess ourselves unworthy of an interest in such unspeakable blessings; yet rest assured, that "all the promises of God are yea and amen in Christ Jesus," 2 Cor. i. 20.; are our unquestionable portion, through his merits and atonement, and will certainly be fulfilled through his intercession and faithfulness. Reading the precepts, let us rejoice in the belief that our Saviour, obedient unto death, has fulfilled them perfectly for our justification; that our Saviour, exalted unto heaven, has engaged to "put his Spirit within us" for our sanctification; "causing us to walk in his statutes, and to keep his judgments and do them," Ezek. xxxvi. 27. Contemplating the various examples, may we use some of them as admonitory sea-marks to avoid the rocks of sin; use others as a conducting clue to guide our feet into the way of peace; use all as so many incitements to awaken our circumspection or quicken our diligence in "making our calling and election sure."

Then we shall have another proof that the original of these holy books is not from man, but from the Lord Jehovah; a proof which some people may ex

+ See Ezra x. 3.; 2 Chron. xxxiv. 27. where it might not be amiss to compare the temper of true believers, and the behaviour of an illustrious king, with the spirit that runs through his lordship's performance.

plode as imaginary or enthusiastical, but is really of the utmost solidity, and of the last importance; which, though by no means independent on, much less exclusive of, other evidences, is nevertheless to each individual person incomparably more valuable than any, or every other attestation. We shall have the witness in ourselves," 1 John v. 10. We shall experience on our own souls the happy energy of the Scriptures. They will be the instrument of working such a lively faith in Christ, such an ardent love of God, such a cordial benevolence for our fellow-creatures,* as cannot fail to exalt our desires, refine our affections, and dignify our tempers; such as will administer comfort under affliction, and impart an additional relish to prosperity; such as will teach us to order our conversation right amidst all the snares, all the labyrinths of time; and gradually train us up for the pure bliss and consummate enjoyments of eternity.

May this proof, madam, be written on your heart, written in bright and indelible characters, written by the finger of the living God! Then, I am assured, every attempt to stagger your belief, or withdraw your veneration from the Bible, will be like an attempt to shatter the rock in pieces with a bubble, or to pierce the adamant with a feather. This is not only the sincere wish, but, so long as religion and gratitude have any place in my breast, it will also be the earnest prayer of your Ladyship's much obliged, and most obedient humble servant, JAMES HERVEY.

April 22. 1752.

P.S.-I have taken no notice of his lordship's animadversions relating to the genuineness of the gospel

This is what his lordship means, or ought to mean, when he speaks of the proper force of religion; that force which "subdues the mind, and awes the conscience by conviction," p. 182. And I am well assured, whatever he may surmise to the contrary, that this voucher to the real inspiration of the Scriptures, and divine original of Christianity," is not wanting."

history, because this would be entering upon a new field, which I leave open and untouched for some more able defender of that invaluable depositum : not that I apprehend there is any thing very formidable in the attack; but I think it would be serviceable, as I am persuaded it is easy, to shew the weakness and unreasonableness of those arguments which men of superior abilities are obliged to take up with, when they list themselves under the banner of scepticism or infidelity. It would also be a piece of public justice to inquire into the sincerity, probity, and consistency of those writers, who, in some places, lay a mighty stress upon the authority of the New Testament (page 94.), in others, endeavour to sap the very foundation of its credibility, (page 177.)

CONSIDERATIONS

ON THE

PREVAILING CUSTOM OF VISITING ON SUNDAYS.

THE sentiments here offered against the prevailing custom of profaning the Sabbath, will probably be a satisfaction to every serious reader, and be productive of much good; especially as it is in every body's power to reform one, and as then his own conduct will be a tacit reproof to his acquaintance, who may probably, through his example, be induced to weigh these proceedings attentively, and no longer follow a multitude to do evil. It is certainly a matter of importance to inquire, whether Sunday visits are justifiable upon the principles of Scripture and of reason? as the conscientious observation of the

Sabbath has of late years been so much disregarded, and as it is now become the principal day of visiting among persons of all ranks. The chief advocates for the continuance of such a practice should, methinks, defend it publicly, that their arguments may be properly examined, if (in their opinion) such a custom can admit of any rational defence. And those who are sufficiently convinced by what is here advanced, should resolve to discontinue Sunday visits themselves, and discountenance them in others as far as they can, consistent with decency and prudence. That the number of such well disposed persons may be daily increasing, is undoubtedly the hearty wish of every one who is sincerely desirous of promoting the glory of God, and the good of mankind.

Q. Whether it be right for truly religious Persons to visit on Sundays?

The persons here mentioned are the truly serious. As to many people, it matters not whether they are at home or abroad: God is not in all their thoughts; they have no concern for their eternal welfare; they therefore are, in every place, altogether and alike unprofitable.

But when we begin to discern the things that are excellent, when we sincerely desire to "obtain salvation, with eternal glory, by Jesus Christ," then, whether it be proper to fall into the prevailing custom of visiting on Sundays? is the question.

Were our companions religious, and was our conversation edifying, I should make no scruple to give my voice in the affirmative. Every parlour would then be a little sanctuary, would echo back the exhortations, and second the designs of the pulpit; and we might truly say, " It is good for us to be here."

But, alas! where do we find such company? when do we hear such conversation? The general conversation is all impertinence, not so much as seasoned with a spice of religion. "They talk of vanity every

one with his neighbour," Psalm xii. 2. For which reason, I cannot think it safe or expedient, allowable or innocent, habitually to visit on Sundays.

It is inconsistent with the best example. "I was in the spirit on the Lord's day," says St John. I was filled with the communications of the Holy Spirit, giving me clear views of Christ, bright hopes of glory, and shedding abroad the love of God in my heart. But is this compatible with the idle, trifling, insignificant chat, which engrosses our ordinary visits?

Objection I. Will it be said the apostle's was a peculiar case? I answer, It was a peculiarly happy case. And will a prudent Christian relinquish the prospect of such unspeakable happiness, for the most empty and delusive amusements? But, I believe, it was not peculiar to the apostle, rather the common privilege of all believers; written as a pattern for their practice, and to be the plan of their expectations.

It is contrary to the divine prohibition. The negative law relating to the Sabbath is, "not doing thy own ways, not finding thy own pleasure, not speaking thy own words," Isa. lviii. 13. "Not doing thy own ways;" abstaining from secular business, and all worldly pursuits. "Not finding thy own pleasure;" renouncing all those recreations and amusements which may tend to gratify thy taste, not to glorify thy almighty Lord. "Not speaking thy own words;" conversing on spiritual, sublime, and heavenly subjects; not on low, earthly, temporal matters, which, having no reference to the Creator's honour, are therefore called "thy own." However some people may act, or whatever they may think, this is the express and unalterable law established by the God of heaven. Whether it be possible to mingle in modish company, and obey this law, let those judge who are acquainted with the world.

It breaks the divine command. The positive law relating to the Sabbath is, " Remember the Sabbathday, to keep it holy." Remember, take particular