done this in many instances very successfully; but, I think,
it is yet too soon for you to study this part of scripture: some years
hence, perhaps, there may be no objection to your attempting it, and
taking into your hands the best Expositions to assist you in reading
such of the most difficult parts of the New Testament as you cannot now
be supposed to understand.--May heaven direct you in studying this
sacred volume, and render it the means of making you wise unto
salvation!---May you love and reverence, as it deserves, this blessed
and valuable book, which contains the best rule of life, the clearest
declaration of the will and laws of the Deity, the reviving assurance of
favour to true penitants, and the unspeakable joyful tidings of eternal
life and happiness to all the truly virtuous, through Jesus Christ, the
Saviour and Deliverer of the world.

_True Devotion productive of the truest Pleasure_.

1. You see that true devotion is not a melancholy sentiment, that
depresses the spirits and excludes the ideas, of pleasure, which youth
is so fond of: on the contrary, there is nothing so friendly to joy, so
productive of true pleasure, so peculiarly suited to the warmth and
innocence of a youthful heart. Do not, therefore, think it too soon to
turn your mind to God; but offer him, the first fruits of your
understanding and affections: and, be assured, that the more you
increase in love to him, and delight in his laws, the more you will
increase in happiness, in excellence, and honour:--that, in proportion
as you improve in true piety, you will become dear and amiable to your
fellow creatures; contented and peaceable in yourself, and qualified to
enjoy the best blessings of this life, as well as to inherit the
glorious promise of immortality.

2. Thus far I have spoken of the first principles of all religion:
namely, belief in God, worthy notions of his attributes, and suitable
affections towards him--which will naturally excite a sincere desire of
obedience. But, before you can obey his will, you must know what that
will is; you must enquire in what manner he has declared it, and where
you may find those laws, which must be the rule of your actions.

3. The great laws of morality are indeed written in our hearts, and may
be discovered by reason; but our reason is of slow growth, very
unequally dispensed to different persons; liable to error, and confined
within very narrow limits in all. If, therefore, God