REVIEWERS' REMARKS, ON THE FIRST EDITION. THIS is a very useful and pleasing "Pocket Companion" for serious Christians of all denominations. It contains many "precious promises" of scripture, arranged under distinct heads; and not promises only, but other encouraging passages, with admonitions, and exhortations also; arranged with more judgment than we have often seen, and wholly without note or comment: we can therefore cordially recommend it to our readers. Evan. Mag, Dec, 1820, PREFACE. IT is believed and acknowledged that very many passages of the holy scriptures, apply exclusively, to the experience of the truly pious and devoted christian: for such the Second Part is principally intended, with a view to promote their encouragement and consolation. For although it has pleased our heavenly Father to manifest his unmerited love, by the gracious influence of his holy spirit, and sometimes in an especial manner, and with most unquestionable evidences thereof, in the secret of the mind of his believing and obedient children; yet it appears from the earliest period in the christian church, that the disciples of our Lord have been the subjects of much persecution, tribulation, temptation and fearful doubting, through the instigation and various insinuations of the great enemy of our souls, and the weakness and deceitfulness of human nature. And as the holy scriptures are : mercifully afforded us, as a means of instruction and comfort, the Compiler has been encouraged to hope that this little Selection may become a profitable companion to many, and prove a source of consolation under those trials-and conflicts which have been and still continue to be the lot of the righteous and also be found a help to those who are actuated by the spirit of christian sympathy and benevolence, to visit the abodes of affliction and misery, by reviving in the hearing of suffering humanity, the declarations of the loving kindness of a gracious Creator towards the workmanship of his holy hand, who sees meet to afflict for purposes of his own glory, and our good; "For "he does not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men." Those thus employed, may remember for their encouragement, "Whosoever shall give to drink unto one of "these little ones, a cup of cold water only, in "the name of a disciple, verily I say unto yon, "he shall in no wise lose his reward." that FIRST PART. OF God's free grace and invitation; and of the nature and necessity of regeneration....23 THE awakened and penitent sinner's confes- sion; or evidences of convicting grace, by which we may compare our experience, and PROPHETICAL and historical allusions, to the atoning sacrifice of Christ for sin, also of Him, as the author, and finisher of our faith, unto whom believers are encouraged to look, as their only foundation and means of sanctifi- cation, justification and redemption.......45 ENCOURAGEMENT to the righteous to confide |