Harvey Newcomb - A Practical Directory for Young Christian Females

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A
PRACTICAL DIRECTORY
FOR
YOUNG CHRISTIAN FEMALES;
BEING A
SERIES OF LETTERS
FROM A
BROTHER TO A YOUNGER SISTER.

BY HARVEY NEWCOMB.

WRITTEN FOR THE MASSACHUSETTS SABBATH SCHOOL SOCIETY, AND
APPROVED BY THE COMMITTEE OF PUBLICATION.

Seventh Edition.

BOSTON:
MASSACHUSETTS SABBATH SCHOOL SOCIETY
Depository, No. 13 Cornhill.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1833, by
CHRISTOPHER C. DEAN,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts.

Stereotyped by
HOBART & ROBBINS;
NEW ENGLAND TYPE AND STEREOTYPE FOUNDRY,
BOSTON.

PREFACE.

The following Letters were truly, as they profess to have been, written
to a younger sister of the author. By the death of her parents, she was
left, in a measure, dependent upon him, at an early age. She had been
the subject of many prayers, and endeared by many ties. His house, as he
humbly trusts, was the place of her second birth. As she was about to
leave his roof, for a residence among strangers, the idea occurred to
him of imbodying his fraternal counsel in such a form that it might be a
friendly monitor to her, in the midst of those dangers and difficulties
which beset the path of inexperienced youth. In prosecuting this design,
it appeared hardly proper to bestow so much time upon the interests of
one individual. Hence the writer concluded to commit these Letters to
the press, with the hope that they might be the means of doing some
good. This work is intended not merely to be read and laid aside; but,
as its title imports, to be kept as a kind of _practical directory_ for
daily living. This edition has been revised with great care, and much
new matter added.

BOSTON, 1851.

CONTENTS.

_Preface_, 5

LETTER I.

_The Christian's Mark_, 17

Introduction, 17
A Great Mistake, 17
The Grace of God a Growing Principle, 18
The Spring that never dries nor freezes, 19
Growth in Grace, 20
The Glory of God, how manifested, 21
The true Standard of Holiness, 21
Paul's desire for Higher Attainments, 22
How Eminent Holiness is attained, 23
Examples of Eminent Persons, 23
Mrs. Edwards, 24
Earnestness in Religion, 25
Religion the great Business of Life, 25

LETTER II.

_Importance of a thorough Knowledge of the Doctrines of
Christianity; Means of obtaining it_, 26

Connection of Doctrine and Practice, 26
Religion compared to a Building, 27
The Holy Spirit operates through the Truth, 28
Genuine and Spurious Religious Affections distinguished, 28
Office of the Truth in Sanctification, 29
Doctrinal Knowledge without Practice, 29

_Directions_, 30

1. Becomes a Little Child, 30
The Starting Point of Error, 31
2. Avoid a Controversial Spirit, 31
An Error of Young Persons, 31
3. Use Helps, 32
Writings of Men, why studied, 32
Bible the Text Book, 32
4. Seek the Aid of the Holy Spirit, 32

LETTER III.

_True Religion a Work of Grace in the Heart, but must be
carried out in the Conduct_, 33

Inconstancy of False Religion, 34
Fruitfulness of True Piety, 34
Fruits of the True and False Professor contrasted, 35
Fruit-bearing the test of Christian Character, 36
The Fruits of the Spirit, 36
Love, as in the Experience of David, 37
Manifested in willing Obedience, 38
Love of the Brethren, 38
Spiritual Joy. Peace, 39
Peace of Mind; its Manifestations, 40
Meekness the Twin Sister of Peace, 41
Long-suffering, Gentleness, 41
Goodness, 42
Faith, a Common Principle of Action, 42
An Operative Principle, 43
Power of Faith. Temperance, 43

LETTER IV.

_Reading and Study of the, Bible_, 44

Search the Scriptures, 45
We must set our Hearts to it, 45

_Directions_, 46

1. Read the Bible in your Closet, 46
2. Preparation of the Heart, 47
3. Seek the Aid of the Holy Spirit, 47
4. Read with Self-application, 47
5. Read the Scriptures regularly, 48
6. Study the Bible systematically, 48
Variety and Harmony of the Bible, 49
Things to be observed, 49
Wisdom of Divine Inspiration, 49
How to remove Difficulties, 50
Commentaries. Tasks, 50
Read in Course, 51
Close Study of the Bible, 51
Constant Subjects of Inquiry, 52
The Bible a History of the Church, 52
Periods of the History of the Church, 52
Take notice what Period you are reading, 53
Inquire what Doctrine or Principle is taught, recognized,
illustrated, or enforced, 53
Note the Promises and Predictions, 53
Take Notes, 53
Read the Gospel to study the Character of Christ, 53
Things to be observed in Sacred History and Biography, 54
Poetic and Didactic Parts of the Bible, 55
The Prophecies, 55

LETTER V.

_Prayer and Fasting_, 57

Duty of Prayer, 57
Prayer defined, 58
Examples, 59
The Lord's Prayer; its Use, 59
The Power of Prayer, 60
The Promises, 61
The Promises exemplified, 61
The Arians. Francke. Dr. West, 63
The Slave liberated by Prayer, 64
Asking amiss, 64
We must desire the Things we ask, for the Glory of God, 65

_We must ask_,--

For Things agreeable to the Will of God, 65
In Faith, 66
With Humble Submission, 67

_Practical Hints_, 67

1. Maintain a Constant Spirit of Prayer, 67
2. Observe Stated and Regular Seasons of Prayer, 68
3. Observe Special Seasons of Prayer, 71
Fasting, 72
4. Preparation of Heart, 74
5. Persevere in Prayer, 74

LETTER VI.

_Temptation_, 76

Existence of the Devil, 76
His Character, 76
1. He is Powerful, 77
His Power limited, 77
Why he is permitted to exercise Power, 77
2. He has much Knowledge, 78
3. He is Wicked, 78
4. He is Crafty, Deceitful, and Treacherous, 78
5. He is a Liar, 78
6. He is Malicious, 79
The Devices of Satan, 79
He suits his Temptations to our Circumstances, 80
Impulses to be tried by the Word of God, 81
Subtlety of Satan, 82
Temptations from the World, 82
From our own Hearts, 82
The Heart a Castle, 83
We must set a Watch, 83
The Double Watch, 83
Watch _unto_ Prayer, 83
Watch _in_ Prayer, 84
Watch on the Mount, 84
Watch in Despondency, 84
Watch when Cheerful, 84
Watch in Prosperity, 85
Watch in Adversity, 85
Watch over the Tongue, 85
Watch when doing Good, 85
Watch against Besetting Sins, 85
Watch over the Imagination, 85

LETTER VII.

_Self-Denial_, 86

Nature and Consequences of Selfishness, 87
The Selfish Principle surrendered, 87
Self-Denial defined and applied, 89
Essential to Christian Character, 89
Christ's Example, 89
A Caution, 90

LETTER VIII.

_Public and Social Worship, and Sabbath Employments_, 90

Duty of Public Worship, 91
Example of "Holy Men of Old," 91
Of Christ and the Apostles, 91
Public Worship an Imperative Duty, 93
Sin and Danger of neglecting it, 94
Attend the stated Ministry of your Pastor, 95
Be Punctual at Church, 96
Go with Preparation of Heart, 96
Deportment in the House of God, 97
Singing. Prayer. Wandering Thoughts, 97
Take heed how you hear, 98
Ambassadors. The Check Book, 98
The Noble Bereans, 99
Fault-Finding, 99
Self-Application, 100
Hearing for Others, 100
Hear with a Prayerful Frame, 100
Remember and Practise what you hear, 100
Meetings for Social Prayer, 100
Be governed by Principle, 101
Female Prayer Meetings, 101
The Sabbath-school, 102
Three Requisites, 102
Hints on Sabbath-school Instruction, 103
Skill in Teaching, 103
Study the Juvenile Mind, 104
Use Helps, 104
Aim at drawing out the Minds of Children, 104
Catechising, 105
Dependence, 105
Let your own Heart be affected, 105
Personal Application, 105
Earnestly seek God's Blessing, 106
Private Sabbath Duties, 106
Spend much Time in your Closet, 107
Spend none in seeking Ease or Pleasure, 107
Watch over your Thoughts, 107
Set a Guard over your Lips, 108

LETTER IX.

_Meditation_, 108

1. Its Importance, 109
2. Time and Manner of, 109
3. Subjects of Meditation, 111

SUBJECTS PROPOSED AND ARRANGED.

_I. Character and Attributes of God_, 112

1. Self Existence, 112
2. Eternity and Immortality, 112
3. Omnipresence and Omniscience, 113
4. Omnipotence and Independence, 113
5. Benevolence, 114
6. Justice, 114
7. Truth, 115
8. Mercy, 116
9. Wisdom, 116

_II. Doctrines_, 117

1. Decrees of God, 117
2. Sovereignty of God, 118
3. Human Depravity, 118
4. Regeneration, 119
5. Condition of Fallen Man, 119
6. Plan of Redemption, 119
7. Justification, 119
8. Adoption, 120
9. Sanctification, 120
10. Death, 120
11. Heaven, 121
12. The Resurrection, 121
13. The Judgment, 121
14. The World of Woe, 122

_III. Character of Christ_, 122

_IV. Names and Offices of Christ_, 124

1. Saviour, 124
2. Redeemer, 124
3. Prophet, 124
4. Priest, 124
5. King, 124
6. Mediator, 125
7. Advocate, and Intercessor, 125
8. Friend, 126
9. Elder Brother, 126
10. Husband, 126

_V. The Christian Graces_, 126

1. Faith, 126
2. Hope, 126
3. Charity or Love, 127
4. Joy, 127
5. Peace, 127
6. Brotherly Kindness, 127
7. Humility, 127
8. Patience, 127
9. Long-suffering, 128
10. A Forgiving Temper, 128
11. Meekness, 128
12. Gentleness, 128
13. Temperance, 128
14. Virtue or Moral Courage, 128

LETTER X.

_The Preservation of Health_, 129

Connection of Health and Usefulness, 129
Duty of Preserving Health, 130
Physiology. Habits, 131
Influence of Ladies, 131

_Rules for Preserving Health_, 131

1. Make Conscience of it, 131
2. Be Cheerful, 132
3. Be Regular in your Habits, 133
4. Exercise, 134
Delicate Training of Young Ladies, 135
5. Practise frequent Ablutions, 135
6. Pay Attention to the Quantity and Quality of Food, 136
Effects of bad or excessive Diet, 137
How to glorify God in Eating and Drinking, 138
7. Taking Medicine, 139

LETTER XI.

_Mental Cultivation. Reading_, 141

Object of Education, 141
Written Exercises, 142
Discipline. Perseverance, 143
Reading, 144
Hints on Reading History, 144
Biography, 147
Doctrinal and Miscellaneous Reading, 148
Newspapers and Periodicals, 148
Light Reading. English Classics, 150

LETTER XII.

_Improvement of Time. Present Obligation_, 151

Value of Moments, 151
How to redeem Time, 152
Systematic Arrangements, 153
Motives for being Systematic, 153
Nature of Obligation, 154

LETTER XIII.

_Christian Activity_, 156

Female Influence, 156
May be felt in the Bible Society, 156
In the Tract Society, 158
Monthly Tract Distribution, 158
The Missionary Cause, 159
Influence in Behalf of the Poor, 160
A Plea for the Poor, 161
Example of Christ, 162
Temperance, 163
Interest of Females in the Subject, 163
Conversation, 164
Influence in bringing People under the Sound of the Gospel, 164
Influence directly on the Impenitent, 164

_The Duty enjoined_, 164

1. By the Example of Christ, 165
2. By Love to God, 165
3. By Love to our Neighbor, 165
4. By the Injunctions of Scripture, 166
Facts, 168
Wonderful Influence exerted by one Woman, 169

_Cautions_, 172

1. Avoid Ostentation, 172
2. Prudence and Discretion, 172
3. Be Resolute and Persevering, 173
4. Be much in Prayer, 173

LETTER XIV.

_Dress_, 174

Design of Dress, 174
Things to be observed, 175
1. All you have is the Lord's, 175
2. Your Time is the Lord's, 176
3. Personal Appearance, 177
Influence of Christianity, 177
4. Regard to Health, 178
Compression of the Chest, 178
5. Do not make too much of it, 179

LETTER XV.

_Social and Relative Duties_, 180

The Family Relation, 180
Household Law, 181

_Rules_, 183

1. In Relation to the Family, 183
2. To the Church, 184
3. To Society in general, 186
4. Visiting, 187
5. Worldly Society, 188
6. Conversation, 188
7. Discussion of Absent Characters, 189
8. Speaking of one's self, 191
9. A Suspicious Disposition, 191
10. Intimate Friendships, 192
11. Before going into Company, visit your Closet, 192

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