72 LIVES OF THE PURITANS. cerned about his best interests. He did not trouble him- self about religion, or the salvation of Isis soul. But God, who had chosen him to shine as the sun in the firmament of glory for ever, was pleased, at the age of eighteen, to enlighten his mind by the power of his grace, convincing him of sin, and his need of a Saviour. Mr. Baxter's " Saints' Everlasting Rest" was principally the instrument of promoting his conversion to God. The important change soon became manifest to all His time and his talents were now so much employed in the pursuit of future happiness, that he found little leisure, and less delight, in the contemplation of the moon and stars. He now tasted the sweetness of studying the mind of God in his word ; and was most concerned to please and to enjoy him for ever. He pitied those who were curious in their inquiries, about almost every thing except the knowledge of them- selves and Jesus Christ. " What things wereonce gain to him, he now counted loss for Christ. Yea, doubtless, he counted all things but loss for the excellency of the know- ledge of Christ Jesus; and did count than but dung, that he might win Christ." Though be did not look upon human learning as useless, but exceedingly profitable when suitably employed ; yet, when fixed on any thing short of Christ, and not employed to his glory, he considered it as a sword in the hand of a madman. In this state of mind, Mr. Janeway began to think how he could best improve his present attainments, and direct all his future studies in the most proper channel. He was particularly concerned to express his love and thankfulness to God, who had called him out of darkness into his marvel- lous light. He, therefore, addressed many letters to his relations and friends, in which he wrote sojudiciously and profitably upon divine subjects, that they were more like the productions of old age than a person of his years. He could not help announcing to others what he had seen, and heard, and felt. To plead the cause of God, to exalt his dear Redeemer, and to bring sinners to Christ, was the only object he had in view. But his uncommon gravity, his striking majesty, his pathetical expressions, his vehement expostulations, and his close applications, can be seen only in his own words. Before he was arrived at the age of nineteen, writing to his father, who was then in great distress of mind, he thus addressed him :--" The causes of your desponding and melancholy thoughts, give me leave, with submission, to
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