OF YOUTHFUL PIETY; PRINCIPALLY INTENDED FOR THE INSTRUCTION OF YOUNG PERSONS STANFORD LIBRARIES BY THOMAS EVANS. "Honourable age is not that which standeth in length of time, nor that PHILADELPHIA: FOR SALE AT FRIENDS' BOOK STORE, No. 84 MULBERRY STREET. MF'78 PREFACE. THE following pages have been compiled with a view of exhibiting to young persons the happy effects and peaceful termination of a religious life, in those of their own age. The materials for the narratives have been principally obtained from the different volumes of Piety Promoted, and other authentic memoirs; but as many of the accounts were more detailed than appeared necessary to answer the design of the present work, they have been written anew, and in some instances abridged. For the liberty thus taken, it is hoped the desirable object of embracing as much instructive matter in as small a space as practicable, will be considered a sufficient apology. The frequent vocal reading of the Holy Scriptures and other religious books in families, is a practice which has been productive of good to many. It not only accustoms children to habits of stillness and sobriety, but is often a means of making serious impressions on their minds, which exercise a salutary influence over their characters and conduct through life. There are probably few persons, whose privilege it has been to receive an education in families where this Christian duty has been observed, who cannot recur to some of these seasons of religious retirement, as times of heavenly visitation, wherein their spirits have been contrited before the Lord, and induced to enter into covenant with Him. Those who are duly sensible of the great responsibility which attaches to the parental relation, and who feel a correspondent engagement faithfully to discharge their duty towards their families, cannot neglect the practice of collecting them, either for silent waiting or |