BY AUGUSTA M. WICKS. "TIS RELIGION THAT CAN GIVE SWEETEST PLEASURES WHILE WE LIVE; SOLID COMFORT WHEN WE DIE; AFTER DEATH ITS JOYS WILL BE LASTING AS ETERNITY." CHELMSFORD: PRINTED BY MEGGY AND CHALK. LONDON: SEELEY, BURNSIDE, & SEELEY, FLEET-STREET. MDCCCXLVI, PREFACE. THE following "Musings" were written at leisure intervals arising from the study of the Book of Life, and were originally intended for the perusal of only my intimate friends. But at the request of some, I have been induced to give them a wider circulation. I am aware that in so juvenile a production some defects will be found. I solicit, therefore, the kind indulgence of the reader: and this, I am sure, will be readily granted by every right-minded person, when the Poet's words are kept in view "In ev'ry work regard the writer's end, Since none can compass more than they intend, However, conscious as I am of the importance of my subject and of the singleness of heart and purpose with which I have attempted to develope it, I might take a higher stand, and say, with the apostle, "It is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self, though I feel no unfaithfulness in what I here state; for I know nothing by myself, yet am I not hereby justified, but he that judgeth me is the Lord." I cast them forth upon the waters in their plain, unvarnished, unadorned simplicity, in the name of Him who is King of kings and Lord of lords. The truths of Religion need no extraneous help, or flowery language, or labour, to render them comprehensible. My principal aim has been to bring before the christian his many religious and moral duties, and his very great responsibility in consequence of them -to show him that they are not all Israel which are of Israel; and to prove how far he can become an example to others, and a follower of his dear and blessed Redeemer! I have endeavoured throughout to advance those principles which I consider most adapted for us all, and most conducive to our worldly happiness, as also our eternal interests. Some, perhaps, will affirm "that it is of no use to write; that man will remain the slave of his passions, the creature of circumstances; that it is useless to reason, vain to consult rules, imbecile to surrender independence, to follow the guidance of those who assume to be wise, or receive instruction from those who have been taught by years." With equal propriety might they say, "Close the pulpit; silence the press; cease from parental discipline, moral suasion, and the training of education; do what you will, the world will go on as before." This I deem most absurd! If we cannot do every thing, let us do something! If many choose to float down the stream of perdition, it is no reason why others should not be warned, and encouraged to sail in a different channel; and though indeed millions do not hearken to the voice of the Lord, and the Counsels of his servants, we know not how many |