great; for notwithstanding Saul would have killed him; Fet when David had him in his power, he spared him, nsomuch that Saul wept, and said, "If a man find his nemy, will he let him go?" And there was loving greeting between them: so he overcame the evil of Saul's heart, by the good that was in his; according to hose holy expressions of the apostle Paul, "Be not vercome with evil, but overcome evil with good." Rom. ii. 21, Words worthy to be writ in letters of goid, nd more worthy to be observed and practised. Fourthly, Solomon, who asked of God wisdom, beng in his own eyes but as a little child, said unto the ord, "Give unto thy servant an understanding heart :" which request God granted him, and gave him also iches and honour. Oh! see the benefit of pleasing God, young men and young women. Fifthly, Josiah, a young prince and king. How zealus was he for God's service and worship! What a vonderful reformation he made in the land, and how vas he lamented at his death, as generally all good zealus men and women are, either old or young. Having touched a little of the young men, let me just little remember the young women also: as for examle, Ruth and Abigail, two discreet young women; the irst very loving, kind, and true to Naomi, her mothern-law: a good pattern for all daughters-in-law; "Enreat me not," said she," to leave thee; for where thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest. I will lodge; and where thou diest, there will I be buried; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God." The Lord abundantly rewarded her for this godly resolution. Boaz had a sense of her virtue and piety, and said, “All the city of my people do know, that thou art a virtuous woman." Which doubtless was a strong motive for him to love her; and that love commonly lasts till death. whereas when money is a motive, it of-) ten happens that many evils attend. Also wise Abigail, her ingenious speech to David, and contrivance to hinder him from shedding blood; which he was coming to do, (thinking he had cause), but pre vented by her wisdom: which, to be sure, was a great motive to him to love her, after Nabal's death, and to take her to wife. She was no proud woman : "For, (said she) let thy handmaid serve to wash the feet of the servants of my Lord." Much might be said, but I design brevity. As there are many good examples in holy scripture, whereby young people might be stirred up to virtue; so also there are examples of the judgments of God on disobedient, impious, vain and ungodly men and women. even young and old. and old. Oh! let our youth consider, I beseech them, wicked, disobedient Absalom, and poor Dinah: also the prince and the Moabitish damsel, whom zealous Phineas slew; for God was angry, and is angry with the wicked every day. The before mentioned good men and women were in the time of the law; and let me add to them, the holy pattern and good example of our great Lord and blessed master, who" Loved righteousness, and hated wickedness, therefore he was highly exalted, and anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows: he had the heathen given him for his inheritance, and the utmost parts of the earth for his possession: and, what is more, all power in heaven and earth." Oh! dear young men and maidens! he is our great pattern, whom we are (and ought) to take for our example; walking in all humility and reverence: "He (saith Christ) that will be my disciple (that is, his scholar) must take up his cross, deny himself, and follow me.". Oh! blessed pattern! Oh! glorious example! let us follow him whilst we have breath in this world; it was always well for them that followed him. What think ye, Oh! young men and maidens! had it not been well for that rich young man, that he had left all, and followed dear Jesus: be ye your own judges; look on your pattern (ie. Christ Jesus) when he was but twelve years old; see what he was doing; forget not that saying which his mother laid up in her heart, "Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" Oh! dear youths! it is good business, I can say so through some good expe rs. ience; let me tell you for your edification, I have served ny master, holy Jesus, and followed him several years according to the best of my understanding, and I have lways found him a good master; his service is sweet, and his work is delightful. I have a great deal more to ay for my Lord and master, but my design is brevity : His yoke is easy, and his burthen is light." He hath aid it, and I have experienced it. Wherefore I am the nore free to invite you to follow him, and be his scholAn eminent servant and scholar of his said, "Be e followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." The postle Paul exhorts Timothy, a young scholar, and his on, in the faith, to be a good example to others; as also is son Titus. We are also told of four young women, vho were prophetesses, and divers others; a more par. icular account of whose exemplary lives and actions are ecorded in the holy scripture for our learning; unto vhich, with the grace of God in the heart, I recommend ll young men and women, and conclude these small okens of my very dear love in Christ, our holy Lord nd master, desiring the above may be as so many patFerns for them to follow. T. CHALKLEY. |