Preface

I inscribe this volume to every young man who by tha prompting of his own mind, or by the pei-suasion of others, shall be induced to peruse it. To every such youth, I say, with all seriousness and eai-nestness, ponder well its title. —” The Young MarCs Friend and Guide through Life to Immortality r Do you desire a Mend? I offer myself: and I believe you will find me to be such in these pages. Do you need a guide through life, with all its duties, temptations, and perplexities? I am willing to perform for you this service: and I dare pledge the truth, power, and love of God, that if, by his grace sought by faith in Christ and fervent prayer, you follow the directions here laid down, you will rise to respectability, usefulness, and comfort, in this world, and to everlasting happiness in the next.

Eternal and Almighty God — thou source of light, love, and

purity, who didst send forth thy seraphim with a coal from off

thine altar, to purify the prophet’s lips; and thine Holy Spirit

like cloven tongues of flame upon the heads of apostles; and

who art still willing to grant wisdom to all that seek it through

Vlll PREFACE.

the meditation of our Lord Jesus Christ, send down thy blessing upon the youth of our age and nation; and grant in thy great mercy that many of them may by this volume be guided in safety through the dangers of this sinful world; and led, by patient continuance in well-doing, to glory, honor, and immortality in the world to come. Amen.