knowledgment of the truth of our Lord's history; nor even a conviction of the truth and divinity of Christianity. It consists in receiving the doctrines of Christ into the affections and the heart-in other words, perceiving the suitableness of Jesus Christ as the Saviour of sinners, approving of his method of redemption, and trusting in him for everlasting life and salvation.*

Thomas. What is the peculiar experience of a believer on the Son of God?

confidence in

Father. Peace of conscience; God, and delight in his service; with sincere good will to all mankind for his sake, and especial affection to those who appear to be the true disciples of the Saviour.+

If the sentiments of any uninspired Christian can be allowed to strengthen that which I have now advanced on the authority of the Scriptures, you will readily admit the testimony of the eminently pious and learned Dr. Watts. Speaking of the inward witness to Christianity, he says, The weak as well as the strong enjoy this inward evidence in some measure and degree. It is a strong and powerful witness, and ever ready to baffle the most learned sophisms, and the boldest tempta

* Matt. xi. 28. 2 Cor. v. 21. 2 Tim. i. 12. Heb. vii. 25.

tRom. v. 1, 10. Psalms lxxxiv. cxxii. 1 John iii. 14.

tions. It lies so near, and is always at hand, that it is a present shield against every flying arrow from the camp of infidelity. It is such a witness to the truth of the Christian religion, as does not depend on the exact truth of letters and syllables; nor on the critical knowledge of the copies of the Bible, nor on this old manuscript, or on the other new translation. And though there are many and sufficient arguments drawn from criticism, history, and human learning, to prove the sacred authority of the Bible, and such as may give abundant evidences to an honest inquirer, and full satisfaction that it is the word of God; yet this is the chief evidence that the greatest part of Christians can ever attain of the divine original of the Holy Scriptures itself, as well as the doctrines contained in it. This is an universal witness to the truth of the gospel; for it belongs to every Christian."*

Henry. What a glorious religion is Christianity in itself and how wisely adapted to the poor of this world, to be accompanied with that inward witness to its divinity, of which Dr. Watts writes so delightfully! I wish I was in possession of that certain evidence of real religion. It was this kind

* See Dr. Watts's three Sermons on the "Inward Witness to Christianity."

of experience of which my dear mother was accustomed to speak to us; and which made her so patient and resigned during her illness, and so joyful at the approach of death. I well remember many of her pious sayings, which I think I can never forget; and I hope that her affectionate instructions and prayers will be answered, in my life devoted to the Saviour, and in my everlasting salvation.

Father. It affords me no small satisfaction to hear you express a desire for the possession of vital Christian experience. This is the substance, and the only reality of true religion. It is a melancholy pleasure to me, to hear you refer to the pious sayings and conversation of your late dear mother. I pray that you may never forget them. Your mother was a Christian indeed. Her Christianity consisted not only in words, it was the religion of the heart; and it evidenced its divine reality in her cheerful and heavenly temper. But what should hinder your possession of the same inestimable and celestial treasure? There are no exclusions in the Scriptures, nor yet in the heart of God, but to the impenitent, and to unbelievers. If you sincerely seek him by humble prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, her God will be your God, your Sanctifier, and your Comforter. "Whosoever will," says the Scripture, "let him

take the water of life freely."* As you are convinced that the claims of Christianity to be a divine revelation, are established, remember the advice of the great Mr. Locke, and endeavour to make yourself familiarly acquainted with its sublime doctrines, its holy precepts, and its glorious promises.

Miriam. The advice of Mr. Locke is what our dear mother frequently urged upon us; and I always think on it when I see my Bible which she gave to me. But how often do you recommend us to read the Scriptures?

Father. Every day of your life. As our Saviour commands, "Search the Scriptures;" and treasure them up in your hearts, as the apostle Paul exhorts, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom."

Thomas. How much of the Scriptures should you think proper for us to read every day?

Father. That must depend upon circumstances. Some pious men have been accustomed to read five chapters every day, and others fifteen: but it may not be necessary for you to read so much. You ought, however, to read at least one chapter; though I am anxious that you should rather conJohn v. 39.

* Rev. xxii. 17.

Col. iii. 16.

sider well the meaning and design of what you do read, than that you superficially run it over by long lessons. Remember, "It has God for its author, and salvation for its end;" and that it is not to be perused for amusement, nor merely for information, in the manner of a common history. It is to be read studiously, and for spiritual edification. It is to be read for the improvement of the understanding, for the sanctification of the heart, for the regulation of the temper and conduct; to make us wise unto salvation, and to guide us to the heavenly glory.

Henry. Shall we be able to understand the Scriptures without the assistance of a commentary?

Father. There are some parts which you may not fully understand without the help of a commentary, unless you possess extensive general knowledge. Such as its geography, its political and ceremonial institutions, and its predictions: nor is that absolutely needful, either for you or for me. All the parts which are necessary to salvation, may be sufficiently understood without any laboured comments. They are plain even to the meanest capacity, which is prepared to receive them with the "meekness of wisdom." Do not forget, therefore, the Scripture caution, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not to