career of infinite progress and spiritual glory which we commenced together here. In this hope, I bid you as your minister farewell. I rejoice that I do not leave you alone, but to the guidance of able hands, and the instruction of faithful lips. God bestow upon your minister, and upon you, the choicest of spiritual blessings! May he lead, support, encourage, cheer, and save you! May the spirit of Christ dwell in you richly with all wisdom; and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, abide among you, and sanctify vou always! ON THE FORMATION OF THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. ADDRESSED TO THOSE WHO ARE SEEKING TO LEAD A RELIGIOUS LIFE. AUTHOR'S PREFACE. In presenting to the religious public this little book,* the writer has only to say, that he undertook it because he thought that a work of this character was needed and would be welcome. During his active ministry, he had often felt the want of a book on personal religion, different, in some respects, from any which had fallen in his way; and when compelled by ill health to relinquish his pastoral cares, he attempted to beguile some of the languid hours of a weary convalescence by efforts at composing such a one. The result has come very far short of the idea which he had formed in his mind. The book was written at distant and uncertain intervals, upon journeys and in public houses, and has been now revised for the press in the midst of other cares, which have allowed no time for giving it the completeness he desired. Yet, as it belongs to a class of writings of whose importance he has the highest sense, and the multiplication of which, as well as the increase of a taste for their perusal, he esteems in the highest measure desirable, — he ventures to hope that this slight effort will not be wholly lost; and that it may at least do something towards exciting others to a preparation of more efficient works, which shall nourish the spirit of devotion, and extend the power of practical faith. CAMBRIDGE, May 16, 1831. * The "Christian Character" was originally published in a small volume. INTRODUCTION, CONTENTS. PAGE. 287 CHAPTER I. The Nature of Religion, and what we are to seek. — Religion described — exemplified in the character of Christ—an arduous attainment-caution against low views,. 289 spiritual life - man's ability to do the will of God - false humility - salvation by grace,.. 297 CHAPTER III. The State of Mind in which the Inquirer should sustain himself. Sense of unworthiness — anxiety of mind-rules to be observed respecting retirement, conversation, public meetings, CHAPTER IV. The Means of Religious Improvement,. I. Reading. — Duty of seeking religious knowledge — its ad vantages - time to be given to it-the Bible-to be read 306 314 PAGE II. Meditation. Its object- habitual thoughtfulness- -sea- sons of meditation - enjoyment to be expected in them- caution three purposes to be answered,....... III. Prayer. Its necessity and value importance of set times method to be observed subjects posture — lan- guage-frequency and brevity - ejaculatory prayer — faith, tion for hearing -- a critical disposition -- reflection on what has been heard — on keeping a record of sermons - weak- ness of memory - a taste for preaching to be preserved,... 357 V. The Lord's Supper. Its object twofold, profession of faith, and means of improvement - who to partake, and |