Preface

HP HE first of these occasional Meditations begs leave to remind my readers of their latter end; and would invite them to set, not their houses only, but, which is inexpressibly more needful, their souls, in order; that they may be able, through all the intermediate stages, to look forward upon their approaching exit without any anxious apprehensions; and, when the great change commences, may bid adieu to terrestrial things, with all the calmness of a cheerful resignation, with all the comforts of a well-grounded faith.

The other attempts to sketch out some little traces of the all-sufficiency of our Redeemer for the grand and gracious purposes of everlasting salvation; that a sense of his unutterable dignity, and infinite perfections, may incite us to regard him with sentiments of the most profound veneration; to long for an assured interest in his merits with all the ardency of desire; and to trust in his powerful mediation, with an affiance xxx PREFACE,

not to be shaken by any temptations, not to be

shared with any performances of our own.

I Hatter myself, that the Thoughts conceived among the Tombs may be welcome to the serious and humane mind; because, as there are few who have not consigned the remains of some dear relations, or honoured friends, to those silent repositories; so there are none, but must be sensible, that this is the house appointed for all living; and that they themselves are shortly to remove into the same solemn mansions. And who would not turn aside, for a while, from the most favorite amusements, to view the place where his onceloved companions lie? Who would not sometimes survey those apartments, where he himself is to take up an abode, till time shall be no more?

As to the other little essay, may I not humbly presume, that the very subject itself will recommend the remarks? For, who is not delighted with the prospect of the blooming creation, and even charmed with the delicate attractions of flowers? Who does not covet to assemble them in the garden, or wear them in a nosegay? Since this is a passion so universal, who would not be willing to render it productive of the sublimest improvement? This piece of holy frugality I have ventured to suggest, and endeavoured to exemplify, in the second letter; that, while the hand is cropping the transient beauties of a flower, the attentive mind may be enriching itself with

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solid and lasting good. And I cannot but entertain some pleasing hopes, that the nicest taste may receive and relish religious impressions, when they are conveyed by such lovely monitors; when the instructive lessons are found, not on the leaves of some formidable folio, but stand legible on the fine sarcenet of a narcissus; when they savour not of the lamp and recluse, but come breathing from the fragrant bosom of a jonquil.