Transcribed from the [1814] R. Thomas edition ,
THE
MORNING
OF
SPIRITUAL YOUTH
IMPROVED,
IN THE PROSPECT OF
Old Age and its Infirmities;
BEINGA
LITERAL AND SPIRITUAL PARAPHRASE
On the Twelfth Chapter ofEcclesiastes.
In a Series of Letters.
By J. CHURCH, V. D. M.
“Rejoice, O young Man, in thyYouth.”—Solomon.
“The prudent Man foreseeth the Evil, and hidethhimself.”
“—and add to your FaithVirtue.”—Peter.
LONDON:
PRINTED BY R. THOMAS, RED LION STREET,BOROUGH.
p.3PREFACE.
CHRISTIAN READER,
I need make no apology far publishing the followingLetters, as the Subject was first delivered in severalDiscourses, and is now by the particular desire of manyfriends, published to the Church in the form of familiarLetters—appearing in the homely dress of plain speech,they will, doubtless, meet the censure of thecarnal critic, but my mind is fully made up on thatpoint—that which is highly esteemed amongst such men,is abominable in the sight of God.
Being favored with much of the presence of God in preachingthe Sermons, and since then in writing some of theseLetters, I trust every wise, spiritual, andhumble Christian, into whose hands this Work may fall,will be edified, reproved, comforted, andbuilt up on their most holy Faith.—
So prays thy wittingServant
in Christ Jesus,
p.5LETTER I.
TOAMICUS.
Lambeth, 1814.
DEAR FRIEND,
Having waded through many deepwaters of late, and, I hope, learned many interesting lessons inthe School of the Cross, I cannot forbear dropping you a fewthoughts on the great things of God. It is my mercy andyours, that our salvation is the joint work of the adorableTrinity in Unity, originating in eternal love, planned ininfinite wisdom, and executed by almighty power. Thissalvation I have been led to prise, of late, more than ever Idid; and to bless a covenant God that I ever heard its joyfulsound; that I was ever convinced of my need of its blessings;that I ever was enabled to receive it as my own: which glorioussalvation consists in the pardon of sin