THE

CHRISTIAN REMEMBRANCER.

то

THE CHRISTIAN REMEMBRANCE OF

JOHN THORNTON, ESQUIRE,

Who,

Adorning the doctrine of GoD his SAVIOUR,
In an almost unexampled degree,
By deeds of piety and benevolence,
Various, liberal, and extensive,
But without ostentation :
And who,

Imparting the means of spiritual instruction,
As well as temporal relief,
To multitudes of the ignorant and the poor,
In every quarter of the world,
By a fortune, though affluent,

Yet unequal to the vast desire of spreading good
Which possessed his mind;
Owned, amidst all,
That himself was a sinner,

Indigent and helpless;

And, resting no hope on what appeared,
To every eye but his own,

A long and astonishing course of excellent usefulness,
Cheerfully acknowledged, to his latest hour,
That, by the Grace of God, he was
Whatever he was,

Of faith, or holiness, or stability;
Thus ascribing his whole title to salvation,
With all the things that accompany it,
In practice, prospect, and experience,
To the favour and mercy of
JEHOVAH,

FATHER, SON, AND SPIRIT,
In and through

THE GREAT REDEEMER;

This Treatise,

For a real though mean memorial
Of mutual and disinterested friendship,
Never to perish,

Is very affectionately inscribed by

THE AUTHOR.

PREFACE.

THIS little Treatise is divided into Three Parts: the first of which relates chiefly to the Word and Work of God in the Redemption of Souls by Jesus Christ; the second, to the inward and practical Experience of this Redemption in the heart of the Believer; and the third, to his outward Conversation and Conduct with others. The addresses to God, at the end of each part, may be read alone, or all together, in their order, as one prayer.

On this wide and great subject, the reflections, which might have been greatly multiplied, are brought into as narrow a compass as possible, being intended rather for hints to carry on the mind to further meditations, than for full or exact meditations themselves. The Treatise, therefore, is printed for the pocket, that the serious Christian may find it a little Remembrancer, with many short errands to his heart, which will neither encumber him to carry nor fatigue him to read.

As the Author humbly believes, that he has had no other view in these reflections, which have employed some of his solitary hours, than the glory of a gracious God, and the edification of believers, he only requests, as one of the greatest favours he