FROM VARIOUS SHEAVES: BEING THOUGHTS FOR THE CLOSET. SECOND EDITION. Behold, that I have not laboured for myself only, but for all them "Watching without prayer were but an impious homage to ourselves. LONDON: E. T. WHITFIELD, 2, ESSEX STREET, STRAND. MANCHESTER : JOHNSON AND RAWSON; YARMOUTH: W. D. BURTON, BOOKSELLER, KING STREET. MDCCCLXII. 100. u. 112. ADVERTISEMENT TO THE SECOND EDITION. The first edition of this book has been exhausted for some years, and I should not have ventured on publishing a second, had not repeated applications for copies induced me to think that it might be acceptable. Selections from "Christian Aspects of Faith and Duty," and the "Lectures" of the Rev. J. Foster, have taken the place of some extracts which appeared to me less suitable. The addition of a few passages from other Anthors, also eminent for their practical piety, the annexation of an index, and a slight alteration in the arrangement of the subjects, may, perhaps, be regarded as improvements. YARMOUTH, December 10th, 1861. S. L. PREFACE. THERE are some, who, in early life, when the heart is tender and the affections are pliant, have been led to fix their thoughts and hopes on God so firmly, that they pass uninjured through the temptations and trials of their lot. Placing themselves habitually under His guidance in child-like faith, they know nothing of the scepticism which sees Him in the great, but not in the small events of life; in the cataract, but not in the drop of dew. They are truly the elect of God. He is their buckler and shield of defence. They need no help, but that of His works and word, for a knowledge of Him or of themselves. But there are many of us differently constituted, or more culpably dependent on our own strength, who in the midst of occupations either of a frivolous or useful kind, have given but hasty glances at our own hearts, and have entered into most imperfect communion with God. A consciousness of some hidden evil, affecting our happiness, is not met by an earnest resolution to examine it, |