TO THE Church of the Living God. BRETHREN IN CHRIST,-The thoughts which are contained in the pages of this little book, are most affectionately addressed to you. Because, to you the world is looking, with a watchful eye, and asking what your movements are, in the midst of all that which is making such rapid progress around you. Christ is expecting to see His Church more in earnest; more prayerful; more watchful, and waiting for His appearing! Permit us then to ask, dear Brethren, if these are the subjects of your pleadings? That God would arise and have mercy upon Zion? That souls might be savingly awakened ? That His "6 Kingdom" may come;" and that His will may "be done on earth, as it is in Heaven ?" These brief suggestions-intended for the moments of closet devotion-have undergone a recent revision. May the Holy Spirit bless them, by fixing the Reader's ardent thoughts on HIM alone, who "loved the Church, and gave Himself for it." Such is the Author's fervent prayer. "Awake, Thou Spirit, who of old Didst fire the watchmen of the Church's youth, Who faced the foe, unshrinking, bold, Who witnessed day and night th' eternal Truth, Whose voices through the world are ringing still, And bringing hosts to know and do Thy will! "Oh, haste to help, ere we are lost! Send forth evangelists in spirit strong, "And let Thy Word have speedy course, Through ev'ry land the Truth be glorified, Till all the heathen know its force, And gather to Thy Churches far and wide; 1727. |