stay'. ?(x,I1.3 VIE-DEATH OF KINDRED iMPBOVEDr 2'lK the throne of grace, till I had found some evidences of a new nature in him, and a change of heart fróin sin to repentance and holiness. " Or supposemy departed relative was a true christian, what did I do toward the increase of his faith ? Did I ever allure him to holy conversation ? Did I take occa- Zion now and then to introduce religious discourse ? Did I converse with him ever about'the matters of our com- mon salvation, that as iron sharpens iron, so we might have quickened each others zeal and love, and helped each other onward in our way toheaven ? " Surely I have found myself too guilty, in some of these instances. Forgive my criminal negligence, O my God, and through thy grace, I will apply myself to dou- ble diligence, with regard to my relatives that yet sur- vive : I will enquire, as far as it is proper, into the state of their souls : I will seek the most powerful and the kindest methods, to awaken the thoughtless sinners amongst them ; and I will study, and pray, and ask God what I shall say to make a deep impression upon their hearts: And though I have no office in the church, yet what I have learned there, I will talk over at home : I will preach Christ crucified, and all his gospel to them, as God shall give me proper opportunity. I will con- verse more freely with my pious kindred about the things of God, and learn their inward sentiments of religion and experimental godliness. Thus will I bring holy dis- course into the parlour and the chamber ; and every soul in myhouse shall be a witness of my endeavours tQ promote the eternal welfare of those that are near me." Nowwhen the death of a near relation attains such an end as this, and raises our repentance and holy zeal at this rate, we cannot doubt but that we receive sensible advantage by it. VI. The death of our friends, who were truly religi- ous, inclines us to review their instructions and their vir- tues, and sets them before our eyes, in a fresh and lively manner, to influence our own practice. We are too ready to forget their advice, while they are living and daily present with us, and we take too little notice of those virtues, in which they were eminent. We beheld their humility toward God and men, their conde- scension to their inferiors, their love and hearty friend. s4u
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