Remarks on the only examination before the sacrament judged necessary by St. Paul An examination founded on the general con- Remarks on the figurative expression in the prayer, beginning "We do not presume," on the Scriptural meaning of the words New Testament," and " New Covenant," used in the prayer of conse PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION. THIS volume of instruction and consolation was intended to be a spiritual assistant in health, and a faithful friend in sickness; and, as there is now a demand for another edition, I have revised it, and endeavoured, by some alterations and additions, to render it less unworthy a further reception. In the preface to the first edition, published in March, 1788, I acknowledged, that in the course of the work I had extracted from different writers such passages, as I thought most conducive to my purpose. I observed likewise, that as my appearance in the pulpit, my attendance on the sick, and life itself, drew near a conclusion, I thought I could not employ some of my time more usefully than in such a publication, which was really much wanted, as there were but few treatises on the subject; and even these did not appear to me sufficiently to answer the ends. I wished therefore to see a design of this nature executed more fully, which I have herein attempted. It is a great satisfaction to me that it has been so well received by the public, and that it has been useful not only to the sick, and to some of their attendants, but particularly to my own son, B and to others of the younger clergy, who have not been much conversant in the important duty of talking on spiritual subjects either with the sick, or others. To be regardless of a future state, and unmindful of a sick bed, is, I fear, a common and fatal mistake; for we are all too apt to put such thoughts far from us. To avoid therefore this dangerous rock, on which so many have split, and shipwrecked their hopes of heaven, I must observe, that there is an habitual and an actual preparation for death and eternity. The habitual preparation is providing "oil for our lamps," or grace for our souls; and is the business of our whole lives in the days of health and vigour. The actual preparation is "the trimming of our lamps," or the exercise of these graces; and this is particularly expected from us in the time of sickness, and at the hour of death. It is much to be wished, that mankind in general were more desirous of the good offices of Ministers, and of others who are seriously disposed, than they too generally appear to be, Some however, especially sinners under conviction, and real Christians, are very thankful for them. Now in order to suggest a few leading circumstances, by which others may be benefited, I have proposed several Helps for selfexamination, by which their consciences may be searched either by themselves, their Ministers, or others; I have suggested various consolations, and I have added suitable Prayers to these Helps for conversation, which may be used at different times, as the occasion shall require. Spiritual conversation, whether with such as are in sickness, or in health, should frequently be varied according to their different disposi tions. The heads of these conversations were most of them originally penned from time to time by way of memorandum after the first visit had been paid; and altered suitable to the person I attended. The discretion of the Minister, or of any other, who converses on spiritual subjects, must supply whatever deficiencies he may here find; for it is impracticable to prescribe helps, or devise any method, which shall answer all the emergencies relative to the sick, or to any other person, with whom we may be required to converse on the state of the soul, and the things which accompany salvation."(Heb. vi. 9.) I am aware of the folly and danger of endcavouring to deceive the sick by a smooth discourse on a false foundation; which was SO much the practice of the Jewish priests, that God declared by the prophet Jeremiah, "they "have healed the hurt of the daughter of my "people slightly, saying, Peace, peace, when "there is no peace." (Jer. vi. 14.) This practice is too prevalent in our days. Some who visit the sick are more solicitous to please than to profit them, and to gain the good word of the by-standers, than to run the risk of incurring their censure, which they probably might do, where they to search the heart deeply, and to be faithful in the discharge of so important a duty. I have therefore addressed myself closely to the conscience in a plain and practical manner; knowing that a declaration of simple and unaffected truth is the best proof of our regard for any one with whom we converse on his spiritual concerns; especially with the sick, or dying. I am very sensible of the imperfections of what is here submitted to the public eye; yet there are none, I hope, so great, but what will be overlooked, when it is considered, that the |