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12. Am I ready to drop a word against vice, or in favour of religion, without regarding ridicule, not knowing where a blessing may light; or that at least they may know that there has been, if not a prophet, yet a reprover among them?

MEDITATION XC.

A PROPER INSPECTION.

Lying off the French Coast, June 8. 1758. AT all times, men ought to examine their state, and fitness for going into another world; more especially when old age has overtaken us, or the pestilence is in our borders; or when called into the field of battle, or into the dangers of the roaring ocean, Now, as we may be surprised at any time by some event, we should be prepared at all times for every event. And, as one of these situations is at present mine, it is my duty to propose some interesting questions, to try myself thereby.

1. Am I content with salvation from Christ on any terms, that he be my complete Saviour, and that I be nothing at all?

2. If I believe, is my faith dead? or is it a living faith, working by love, and bringing forth the fruits of righteousness?

3. Do I love God? "He that loveth not, knoweth not God, for God is love ;" and love to God and man is the fulfilling of the whole law.

4. Do I love the saints, and esteem the poor Jut pious ones, more than all the pompous sons of

vice?" He that loveth him that begat, loveth him also that is begotten of him."

5. Is it my desire that in all things God may be glorified, though it were by my dishonour and loss?

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6. Do I choose rather to be the proverb and reproach of all the ungodly among whom I dwell, than to advance one word against religion?

7. Do I hate sin in its profits and pleasures in myself and others, because God hates it, and it ruins souls?

8. Do I rejoice more in hope of the glory of God, than in view of possessing all that the world can afford?

9. Is the exercise of religious duties the secret delight of my soul?

10. Do I faithfully strive against all sin, and count the victory over one lust a greater conquest than the taking a city?

11. Am I entirely resigned to the will of God in all things, being not only contented, but comforted with his disposal, though sometimes not what I would wish?

12. Is death often in my mind, judgement and eternity in my meditation? and am I always studying to be mortified to sin, and crucified to the world, that I may live to Christ?

13. Is the word of God the light, life, comfort, food, and inheritance of my soul, into which I daily seek and search?

14. Is sin growing more and more my burden? and are my struggles after perfection more vigorous than before, and more constant?

15. Am I, through grace, ever searching my

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ways, examining mine actions, looking into my heart, and watching over myself?

16. Is my desire of life mostly to serve God, and not to enjoy the pleasures of sense, but to be useful even in the matters of religion?

17. Is communion with God the delight of my soul? and have I more joy in the fore-thoughts of that fruition which the saints expect, than in all present vanities?

18. Have I daily recourse to the fountain of pu rification to be washed from my filth, and to be ac cepted in the Beloved?

19. Do I remember Zion in her affliction, Jerusalem in her calamity, being filled with a zeal for the declarative glory of God?

20. Dare I venture my eternal welfare on his gracious word of promise, that whosoever believes in him shall be saved; and that no sin shall condemn the soul that casts itself on Christ?

21. Do I believe that the love of God is unchangeable, that his gifts and calling are without repentance, and that at all times he is at hand, nor will desert his own in their last moments?

If I could return an affirmative to each of these queries, it would shew me to be in a happy state, at peace with God, and in some measure prepared for the other world, so that I might go with undaunted courage to the day of battle, and fearless tread the field of blood, leaning on Christ alone.

MEDITATION XCI.

ON A GREAT STORM OF THUNDER, LIGHTNING,
AND RAIN.

Lying off France, June 9. 1759.

DARK is the night, but dismal the flash that scatters the darkness. At times the whole heaven seems in a blaze, while material streams of fire twinkle in our astonished eye, and dart across the skies; then tremendous thunder roars, and whole clouds descend in heavy rain, while the noisy wind blows with impetuous force. Now, durst the Atheist yet deny a God? Would not his conscience answer to the flames of fire, his troubled voice agree to the language of the thunder, that there is a Power above that rules events below? When the night is so dark, the lightning so dreadful, the thunders so loud, and the rain so incessant, can any ascribe all to blind chance? Nay, the Atheist himself must confess and tremble.

But, O sad effects of sin! what fills the pious soul with fear, and a secret sense of the power and greatness of God, drives the wicked into sin. They fear, but they swear; they are troubled, but they transgress. How terrible, then, will that day be, when the Judge shall come in flaming fire, to take vengeance on his foes! when flames shall dwell in ether, the skies be kindled, and cities, kingdoms, and continents, be cast into the burning embrace! when thunders bursting from every cloud, around the whole sky, admit of no interval, but with one

continued roar terrify all the nations, till silenced and lost in the sound of the last trumpet, which the dead, hitherto undisturbed, shall hear!

When fire and water in contention, or elements at war, are so terrible, how much more terrible must the God of nature be, when, arrayed in awful majesty, he comes to take vengeance on his enemies? Lest we forget his greatness, nature preaches to us, raging tempests and rending winds turn our remembrancers, flames of fire unfold our lesson before our eyes, and roaring thunders awaken our meditations. As in his temple every one talks of his glory, so in his tent, (for which he has stretched out the heavens), every thing shews forth his power. Fire, rain, vapour, stormy wind, lightning, hail, snow, and thunder, praise him. Then, since in all things I may see God, may my soul ever go out after him, and above all things see him in the face of Jesus, as reconciled, and speaking peace to me!

MEDITATION XCII.

ON BEING INTERRUPTED IN SECRET PRAYER.

Lying off France, June 13. 1759.

NOTHING can still the agitation of my spirit, but the fore-thoughts of perfect and eternal liberty, into which the sons of God shall shortly be delivered. Little needs the world without disturb our retired moments; there is enough within to distract our meditations. But, O thrice happy day! which is approaching on the outstretched wings of the promise, when I shall stand among a numerous

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