Jesus, for such enjoyments as may satisfy the heart. No sooner was Saul, the persecuting lion of Tarsus, changed into the temper of a lamb, than it was said, Behold he prayeth. Those lips which pronounced threatenings against the ransomed flock of Jesus, now, by the grace of God, cry, Lord what wouldest thou have me to do? While a Pharisee, Paul attended the appointed hours of prayer in the Synagogue; but he was a stranger to the power and spirit of prayer until Christ met with him on his journey to Damascus. And the history of his future life sufficiently evinces, that his fellowship was with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. As respiration is an evidence of life, so no greater proof need be sought to prove the reality of the new birth than a praying heart. Neither nature, sin, nor satan could inspire a soul with such holy breathings, amidst such innumerable and powerful oppositions which surround the soul. No, they could be produced only by the power, and by the Spirit of the Lord! Nor is this the outery of conscience for a moment; but, as the lamb incessantly draws the aliment of sustenance from the animal that gave it birth, so the Christian gives himself unto prayer to that Almighty Lord, who in his providence and in his grace holdeth our souls in life. 3. How active is the tender lamb upon the green pasture? What scene more charming than the tender flock, while the sun reflects its cheering rays upon the fertile plain? Such is the young convert in the lively exercise of first love to Jesus the dear object of his soul! The mind newly opened to see the beauties of Immanuel, the lips formed to taste the sweets of mercy, and the glories of an eternal world, what should prevent the soul from triumphing in God its Saviour? For, at this period, it pleaseth God neither to clog the heart with too great a rising of corruption, nor allow the infernal powers violently to assail with temptations; sufficient is it to feel so much guilt and condemnation as to lead the mind to see a need of Jesus and of complete redemption. The deeper sense of sin, and stronger conflict with awful powers of darkness, are usually left to an after stage; when, by age, by strength, and by experience, the man may pass from the denomination of a lamb to a sheep in the fold of Christ. The vivacity of a young convert is expressed by his spiritual conversation in the social circle; by his aptness to spiritualize the beauties of nature and the productions of art; by his competency to apply the variety of promises to his heart; by his diligence in reading and hearing the Gospel; by his cheerfulness in private and in social prayer; and by the charming delight with which he commends the dear object of his affections, Christ Jesus. In these, and in many other ways, the young Christian expresses the warmth of his zeal and the delight of his soul. Happy the days of our espousals to Christ Sweet was the time when first I felt Soon as the morn the light reveal'd,. His praises tun'd my tongue; And when the evening shades prevail'd. His love was all my song!! 4. How insensible is the tender lamb of the enemies which surround it, and the dangers to which it is exposed?! Just so the young Christian. These dangers arise from every source, except it be from his God; all safety there; disappointment, vexation, grief, and danger, are in every thing else. His own heart; the depth of hell; the vanities and evils of the world; these afford an infinite number of the most inveterate foes. Yet, what little experience have young Christians with these, except it be by name? For this reason it is those who are farther advanced in life, and by painful experience have known the severity of conflict, that exercise the greatest tenderness and compassion for the lambs of the flock; and, on this account, having shown you the comparison between the innocent, tender, sportive, defenceless lamb, and a young Christian, I shall offer you, according to promise, a little friendly advice. 1.. Esteem it your high privilege to ascertain the rea lity of your state as a lamb of Christ. Sin is deceitful, and the heart is capable of deceiving itself in the most important concerns. Be not afraid, therefore, to know the worst of yourself. Take time for examination. Be instant in prayer for the light of God to shine upon your heart, and suffer no evidences to satisfy you but such as are recorded for those who are called by the voice of the Shepherd. Early learn to make the necessary distinction, between grace and its fruit, your hope and your comforts,. your faith and your feelings. A mere professor hath nothing but his feelings to live upon, and in an hour-of darkness he falls away; whereas, the believing lambs of Jesus live by faith. Better have one dram of Gospel faith, than to live many years by simple sense, and upon your own feelings, which at best are as variable and uncertain as the wind. Nevertheless, when your comforts flow from establishment on the rock of ages, and you have joy and peace in believing, you may be pronounced happy, and exhorted to testify your gratitude to that dear Shepherd who thus maketh you to lie down in green pastures. Look perpetually by faith to Jesus, the SHEPHERD Who hath bought you with his blood, and who, in mercy, hath called you by his grace. Contemplate his suitableness, his fulness, and his glory; trusting him for all you need. It is his province, as your Shepherd, to go before you, and to prepare food, both temporal and spiritual, for you in the wilderness; and to bear you up amidst the sufferings of your life. He hath promised to feed you as a lamb in a large place. He shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom. What then should hinder you from exclaiming, The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want! Pray that you may form correct views of truth as it is in Christ, and be consistent with your religious profession. Cultivate a warm heart to those with whom you are in Gospel union: at the same time, indulge benevolence and candour to all persons who pro fess to follow Jesus according to the light they have received, though of a different denomination. As an excellent person hath observed, "Young converts are generally great bigots. When we are first converted to God, our brotherly affections too often resemble the narrowness of a river at its first setting out; but as we advance nearer to the great ocean of all good, the channel widens, and our hearts expand, more and more, till death perfectly unites us to the source of unereated love." Equally true is it that young Christians are apt to select those parts of Scripture for their study which relate to the purposes and decrees of Jehovah, which require a more mature judgment, and extensive experience. Therefore, intreat you to take David for your example, whose humility in this instance is worthy your attention. Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty; neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. As the lamb, of all animals, is the most liable to wander, take heed you do not depart from the living God. Often set before you the affecting consequences of Peter following afar off. Few converts but at some period have made Peter's case their own. Be not high-minded, but fear. Lay low at your Shepherd's feet. Dread the thought of living one moment without your Saviour's sensible care. Abide by the companions of the flock, and be not as a lonely lamb without a fold. Perhaps your life may be but short, and death may soon advance to transmit you to an eternal world. Happy, triumphant change! removed from your Shepherd's breast below, to live beneath his glorious smiles above for evermore ! Some, perhaps, who hear this lecture may be conscious that you are not entitled to the character of a young Christian. Whether you disapprove the character or the Gospel in which it is described, is not for me to determine. I would rather hope, you wish it was your own. That the lambs of the flock are inestimably dear to Jesus, the good Shepherd, is not only certain from his charge to Peter to feed them, but from the many promises of his gracious supply and tender affection. May that blessed Shepherd gather you with his arm, and carry you in his. bosom! I shall only add, it is wished that those who are Christians indeed, and of long experience, may, by this discourse, bring to recollection your early experience, and with greater confidence and joy live beneath your Shepherd's care, and incessantly speak his boundless praise! |