| Preface, | [5] |
LETTER I. |
| The Christian's Mark, | [17] |
| Introduction, | [17] |
| A Great Mistake, | [17] |
| The Grace of God a Growing Principle, | [18] |
| The Spring that never dries nor freezes, | [19] |
| Growth in Grace, | [20] |
| The Glory of God, how manifested, | [21] |
| The true Standard of Holiness, | [21] |
| Paul's desire for Higher Attainments, | [22] |
| How Eminent Holiness is attained, | [23] |
| Examples of Eminent Persons, | [23] |
| Mrs. Edwards, | [24] |
| Earnestness in Religion, | [25] |
| Religion the great Business of Life, | [25] |
LETTER II. |
| Importance of a thorough Knowledge of the Doctrines ofChristianity; Means of obtaining it, | [26] |
| Connection of Doctrine and Practice, | [26] |
| Religion compared to a Building, | [27] |
| The Holy Spirit operates through the Truth, | [28] |
| Genuine and Spurious Religious Affections distinguished, | [28] |
| Office of the Truth in Sanctification, | [29] |
| Doctrinal Knowledge without Practice, | [29] |
| Directions, | [30] |
| 1. | Becomes a Little Child, | [30] |
| | The Starting Point of Error, | [31] |
| 2. | Avoid a Controversial Spirit, | [31] |
| | An Error of Young Persons, | [31] |
| 3. | Use Helps, | [32] |
| | Writings of Men, why studied, | [32] |
| | Bible the Text Book, | [32] |
| 4. | Seek the Aid of the Holy Spirit, | [32] |
LETTER III. |
| True Religion a Work of Grace in the Heart, but must becarried out in the Conduct, | [33] |
| Inconstancy of False Religion, | [34] |
| Fruitfulness of True Piety, | [34] |
| Fruits of the True and False Professor contrasted, | [35] |
| Fruit-bearing the test of Christian Character, | [36] |
| The Fruits of the Spirit, | [36] |
| Love, as in the Experience of David, | [37] |
| Manifested in willing Obedience, | [38] |
| Love of the Brethren, | [38] |
| Spiritual Joy. Peace, | [39] |
| Peace of Mind; its Manifestations, | [40] |
| Meekness the Twin Sister of Peace, | [41] |
| Long-suffering, Gentleness, | [41] |
| Goodness, | [42] |
| Faith, a Common Principle of Action, | [42] |
| An Operative Principle, | [43] |
| Power of Faith. Temperance, | [43] |
LETTER IV. |
| Reading and Study of the, Bible, | [44] |
| Search the Scriptures, | [45] |
| We must set our Hearts to it, | [45] |
| Directions, | [46] |
| 1. | Read the Bible in your Closet, | [46] |
| 2. | Preparation of the Heart, | [47] |
| 3. | Seek the Aid of the Holy Spirit, | [47] |
| 4. | Read with Self-application, | [47] |
| 5. | Read the Scriptures regularly, | [48] |
| 6. | Study the Bible systematically, | [48] |
| | Variety and Harmony of the Bible, | [49] |
| | Things to be observed, | [49] |
| | Wisdom of Divine Inspiration, | [49] |
| | How to remove Difficulties, | [50] |
| | Commentaries. Tasks, | [50] |
| | Read in Course, | [51] |
| | Close Study of the Bible, | [51] |
| | Constant Subjects of Inquiry, | [52] |
| | The Bible a History of the Church, | [52] |
| | Periods of the History of the Church, | [52] |
| | Take notice what Period you are reading, | [53] |
| | Inquire what Doctrine or Principle is taught, recognized,illustrated, or enforced, | [53] |
| | Note the Promises and Predictions, | [53] |
| | Take Notes, | [53] |
| | Read the Gospel to study the Character of Christ, | [53] |
| | Things to be observed in Sacred History and Biography, | [54] |
| | Poetic and Didactic Parts of the Bible, | [55] |
| | The Prophecies, | [55] |
LETTER V. |
| Prayer and Fasting, | [57] |
| Duty of Prayer, | [57] |
| Prayer defined, | [58] |
| Examples, | [59] |
| The Lord's Prayer; its Use, | [59] |
| The Power of Prayer, | [60] |
| The Promises, | [61] |
| The Promises exemplified, | [61] |
| The Arians. Francke. Dr. West, | [63] |
| The Slave liberated by Prayer, | [64] |
| Asking amiss, | [64] |
| We must desire the Things we ask, for the Glory of God, | [65] |
| We must ask,— |
| For Things agreeable to the Will of God, | [65] |
| In Faith, | [66] |
| With Humble Submission, | [67] |
| Practical Hints, | [67] |
| 1. | Maintain a Constant Spirit of Prayer, | [67] |
| 2. | Observe Stated and Regular Seasons of Prayer, | [68] |
| 3. | Observe Special Seasons of Prayer, | [71] |
| | Fasting, | [72] |
| 4. | Preparation of Heart, | [74] |
| 5. | Persevere in Prayer, | [74] |
LETTER VI. |
| Temptation, | [76] |
| Existence of the Devil, | [76] |
| His Character, | [76] |
| 1. | He is Powerful, | [77] |
| | His Power limited, | [77] |
| | Why he is permitted to exercise Power, | [77] |
| 2. | He has much Knowledge, | [78] |
| 3. | He is Wicked, | [78] |
| 4. | He is Crafty, Deceitful, and Treacherous, | [78] |
| 5. | He is a Liar, | [78] |
| 6. | He is Malicious, | [79] |
| The Devices of Satan, | [79] |
| He suits his Temptations to our Circumstances, | [80] |
| Impulses to be tried by the Word of God, | [81] |
| Subtlety of Satan, | [82] |
| Temptations from the World, | [82] |
| From our own Hearts, | [82] |
| The Heart a Castle, | [83] |
| We must set a Watch, | [83] |
| The Double Watch, | [83] |
| Watch unto Prayer, | [83] |
| Watch in Prayer, | [84] |
| Watch on the Mount, | [84] |
| Watch in Despondency, | [84] |
| Watch when Cheerful, | [84] |
| Watch in Prosperity, | [85] |
| Watch in Adversity, | [85] |
| Watch over the Tongue, | [85] |
| Watch when doing Good, | [85] |
| Watch against Besetting Sins, | [85] |
| Watch over the Imagination, | [85] |
LETTER VII. |
| Self-Denial, | [86] |
| Nature and Consequences of Selfishness, | [87] |
| The Selfish Principle surrendered, | [87] |
| Self-Denial defined and applied, | [89] |
| Essential to Christian Character, | [89] |
| Christ's Example, | [89] |
| A Caution, | [90] |
LETTER VIII. |
| Public and Social Worship, and Sabbath Employments, | [90] |
| Duty of Public Worship, | [91] |
| Example of "Holy Men of Old," | [91] |
| Of Christ and the Apostles, | [91] |
| Public Worship an Imperative Duty, | [93] |
| Sin and Danger of neglecting it, | [94] |
| Attend the stated Ministry of your Pastor, | [95] |
| Be Punctual at Church, | [96] |
| Go with Preparation of Heart, | [96] |
| Deportment in the House of God, | [97] |
| Singing. Prayer. Wandering Thoughts, | [97] |
| Take heed how you hear, | [98] |
| Ambassadors. The Check Book, | [98] |
| The Noble Bereans, | [99] |
| Fault-Finding, | [99] |
| Self-Application, | [100] |
| Hearing for Others, | [100] |
| Hear with a Prayerful Frame, | [100] |
| Remember and Practise what you hear, | [100] |
| Meetings for Social Prayer, | [100] |
| Be governed by Principle, | [101] |
| Female Prayer Meetings, | [101] |
| The Sabbath-school, | [102] |
| Three Requisites, | [102] |
| Hints on Sabbath-school Instruction, | [103] |
| Skill in Teaching, | [103] |
| Study the Juvenile Mind, | [104] |
| Use Helps, | [104] |
| Aim at drawing out the Minds of Children, | [104] |
| Catechising, | [105] |
| Dependence, | [105] |
| Let your own Heart be affected, | [105] |
| Personal Application, | [105] |
| Earnestly seek God's Blessing, | [106] |
| Private Sabbath Duties, | [106] |
| Spend much Time in your Closet, | [107] |
| Spend none in seeking Ease or Pleasure, | [107] |
| Watch over your Thoughts, | [107] |
| Set a Guard over your Lips, | [108] |
LETTER IX. |
| Meditation, | [108] |
| 1. | Its Importance, | [109] |
| 2. | Time and Manner of, | [109] |
| 3. | Subjects of Meditation, | [111] |
SUBJECTS PROPOSED AND ARRANGED. |
| I. Character and Attributes of God, | [112] |
| 1. | Self Existence, | [112] |
| 2. | Eternity and Immortality, | [112] |
| 3. | Omnipresence and Omniscience, | [113] |
| 4. | Omnipotence and Independence, | [113] |
| 5. | Benevolence, | [114] |
| 6. | Justice, | [114] |
| 7. | Truth, | [115] |
| 8. | Mercy, | [116] |
| 9. | Wisdom, | [116] |
| II. Doctrines, | [117] |
| 1. | Decrees of God, | [117] |
| 2. | Sovereignty of God, | [118] |
| 3. | Human Depravity, | [118] |
| 4. | Regeneration, | [119] |
| 5. | Condition of Fallen Man, | [119] |
| 6. | Plan of Redemption, | [119] |
| 7. | Justification, | [119] |
| 8. | Adoption, | [120] |
| 9. | Sanctification, | [120] |
| 10. | Death, | [120] |
| 11. | Heaven, | [121] |
| 12. | The Resurrection, | [121] |
| 13. | The Judgment, | [121] |
| 14. | The World of Woe, | [122] |
| III. Character of Christ, | [122] |
| IV. Names and Offices of Christ, | [124] |
| 1. | Saviour, | [124] |
| 2. | Redeemer, | [124] |
| 3. | Prophet, | [124] |
| 4. | Priest, | [124] |
| 5. | King, | [124] |
| 6. | Mediator, | [125] |
| 7. | Advocate, and Intercessor, | [125] |
| 8. | Friend, | [126] |
| 9. | Elder Brother, | [126] |
| 10. | Husband, | [126] |
| V. The Christian Graces, | [126] |
| 1. | Faith, | [126] |
| 2. | Hope, | [126] |
| 3. | Charity or Love, | [127] |
| 4. | Joy, | [127] |
| 5. | Peace, | [127] |
| 6. | Brotherly Kindness, | [127] |
| 7. | Humility, | [127] |
| 8. | Patience, | [127] |
| 9. | Long-suffering, | [128] |
| 10. | A Forgiving Temper, | [128] |
| 11. | Meekness, | [128] |
| 12. | Gentleness, | [128] |
| 13. | Temperance, | [128] |
| 14. | Virtue or Moral Courage, | [128] |
LETTER X. |
| The Preservation of Health, | [129] |
| Connection of Health and Usefulness, | [129] |
| Duty of Preserving Health, | [130] |
| Physiology. Habits, | [131] |
| Influence of Ladies, | [131] |
| Rules for Preserving Health, | [131] |
| 1. | Make Conscience of it, | [131] |
| 2. | Be Cheerful, | [132] |
| 3. | Be Regular in your Habits, | [133] |
| 4. | Exercise, | [134] |
| | Delicate Training of Young Ladies, | [135] |
| 5. | Practise frequent Ablutions, | [135] |
| 6. | Pay Attention to the Quantity and Quality of Food, | [136] |
| | Effects of bad or excessive Diet, | [137] |
| | How to glorify God in Eating and Drinking, | [138] |
| 7. | Taking Medicine, | [139] |
LETTER XI. |
| Mental Cultivation. Reading, | [141] |
| Object of Education, | [141] |
| Written Exercises, | [142] |
| Discipline. Perseverance, | [143] |
| Reading, | [144] |
| Hints on Reading History, | [144] |
| Biography, | [147] |
| Doctrinal and Miscellaneous Reading, | [148] |
| Newspapers and Periodicals, | [148] |
| Light Reading. English Classics, | [150] |
LETTER XII. |
| Improvement of Time. Present Obligation, | [151] |
| Value of Moments, | [151] |
| How to redeem Time, | [152] |
| Systematic Arrangements, | [153] |
| Motives for being Systematic, | [153] |
| Nature of Obligation, | [154] |
LETTER XIII. |
| Christian Activity, | [156] |
| Female Influence, | [156] |
| May be felt in the Bible Society, | [156] |
| In the Tract Society, | [158] |
| Monthly Tract Distribution, | [158] |
| The Missionary Cause, | [159] |
| Influence in Behalf of the Poor, | [160] |
| A Plea for the Poor, | [161] |
| Example of Christ, | [162] |
| Temperance, | [163] |
| Interest of Females in the Subject, | [163] |
| Conversation, | [164] |
| Influence in bringing People under the Sound of the Gospel, | [164] |
| Influence directly on the Impenitent, | [164] |
| The Duty enjoined, | [164] |
| 1. | By the Example of Christ, | [165] |
| 2. | By Love to God, | [165] |
| 3. | By Love to our Neighbor, | [165] |
| 4. | By the Injunctions of Scripture, | [166] |
| | Facts, | [168] |
| | Wonderful Influence exerted by one Woman, | [169] |
| Cautions, | [172] |
| 1. | Avoid Ostentation, | [172] |
| 2. | Prudence and Discretion, | [172] |
| 3. | Be Resolute and Persevering, | [173] |
| 4. | Be much in Prayer, | [173] |
LETTER XIV. |
| Dress, | [174] |
| Design of Dress, | [174] |
| Things to be observed, | [175] |
| 1. | All you have is the Lord's, | [175] |
| 2. | Your Time is the Lord's, | [176] |
| 3. | Personal Appearance, | [177] |
| | Influence of Christianity, | [177] |
| 4. | Regard to Health, | [178] |
| | Compression of the Chest, | [178] |
| 5. | Do not make too much of it, | [179] |
LETTER XV. |
| Social and Relative Duties, | [180] |
| The Family Relation, | [180] |
| Household Law, | [181] |
| Rules, | [183] |
| 1. | In Relation to the Family, | [183] |
| 2. | To the Church, | [184] |
| 3. | To Society in general, | [186] |
| 4. | Visiting, | [187] |
| 5. | Worldly Society, | [188] |
| 6. | Conversation, | [188] |
| 7. | Discussion of Absent Characters, | [189] |
| 8. | Speaking of one's self, | [191] |
| 9. | A Suspicious Disposition, | [191] |
| 10. | Intimate Friendships, | [192] |
| 11. | Before going into Company, visit your Closet, | [192] |
LETTER XVI. |
| Charity, | [193] |
| General Description of, | [193] |
| Long Suffering, | [194] |
| Kindness, | [194] |
| Envy, | [196] |
| Self-Conceit, | [197] |
| Description of a Self-conceited Person, | [197] |
| Self-conceited Confidence not Independence of Mind, | [198] |
| Unseemliness, | [199] |
| Forwardness, | [199] |
| Impertinence, | [200] |
| Taking the Lead in Conversation, | [200] |
| Fierce Contention for Rights, | [201] |
| Rudeness, Grossness, | [201] |
| Disinterestedness, | [201] |
| Selfishness, | [201] |
| Churlishness, | [203] |
| Good Nature, | [203] |
| Jealousy, | [204] |
| Fault Finding, | [205] |
| Telling others their Faults, | [206] |
| Christian Watch not Espionage, | [206] |
| Effects of Ruminating upon the Faults of Others, | [206] |
| Sours the Temper and leads to Misanthropy, | [206] |
| Charitable Joy, | [206] |
| Censoriousness, a Mark of an Impenitent Heart, | [207] |
| Apostates, before their Fall, noted far Censoriousness, | [208] |
| Humble Christians not Censorious, | [209] |
| Duty of Rejoicing in the Goodness of Others, | [210] |
| Charity, positively, | [211] |
| Charity beareth all Things, | [211] |
| Believeth all Things, | [212] |
| Endureth all Things, | [212] |
LETTER XVII. |
| Harmony of Christian Character, | [214] |
| Harmony of Sounds, Colors, and Proportions, delights the Senses, | [214] |
| Harmonious Development of the Christian Graces, | [215] |
| Effects of the Disproportionate Development of Character, | [217] |
| How Young Christiana fall into this Error, | [218] |
LETTER XVIII. |
| Marriage, | [220] |
| Marriage Desirable, | [220] |
| Marriage not Indispensable, | [221] |
| Qualifications Indispensable in a Companion for Life, | [222] |
| 1. | Piety, | [222] |
| 2. | An Amiable Disposition, | [224] |
| 3. | A Well-cultivated Mind, | [224] |
| 4. | Congeniality of Sentiment and of Feeling, | [225] |
| 5. | Energy of Character, | [225] |
| 6. | Suitableness of Age, | [226] |
| Qualifications Desirable, | [226] |
| 1. | A Sound Body, | [226] |
| 2. | Refinement of Manners, | [226] |
| 3. | A Sound Judgment, | [227] |
| 4. | Prudence, | [227] |
| 5. | Similarity of Religious Sentiment and Profession, | [227] |
| | Treatment of Gentlemen, | [228] |
| | A Peculiar Affection necessary, | [229] |
| | Social Intercourse with Gentlemen, | [229] |
| | General Remarks, | [230] |
LETTER XIX. |
| Submission—Contentment—Dependence, | [233] |
| The Hand of God in all Things, | [233] |
| Comforting Considerations, | [235] |
| Supply of Temporal Wants, | [236] |
| Duty of Contentment, | [237] |
LETTER XX. |
| Self-Examination, | [238] |
| Danger of Neglecting it, | [238] |
| Assurance Attainable, | [239] |
| Witness of the Spirit, | [239] |
| Objects, | [241] |
| 1. | To discover Sin, | [241] |
| Questions for Saturday Evening, | [243] |
| " for Sabbath Evening, | [244] |
| Questions for every Evening,—(several sets,) | [245] |
| (1.) When Time is limited, | [245] |
| (2.) For Ordinary Occasions, | [246] |
| (3.) Dr. Doddridge's Questions, | [247] |
| (4.) When you have more Time than usual, | [248] |
| 2. | To ascertain why Prayer is not answered, | [251] |
| 3. | As to the Cause of Afflictions, | [253] |
| 4. | Whether we are Christians, | [253] |
| Am I a Christian?—Questions, | [255] |
| (1.) As to Views of Sin, | [255] |
| (2.) Of the Government of God, | [256] |
| (3.) Faith in Christ, | [257] |
| (4.) Love to God, | [258] |
| (5.) Christian Character in General, | [260] |
| 5. | Preparation for the Lord's Table, | [262] |
| Questions, | [262] |
| Conclusion, | [264] |
APPENDIX. |
| | A Course of Reading, | [267] |
| I. | Sacred History, | [267] |
| | Profane History, | [267] |
| II. | Christian Doctrine, | [268] |
| III. | Biography, | [268] |
| IV. | Miscellaneous, | [268] |