THIS series of Letters recently appeared in the Advocate and Guardian, under the signature of "S. J." Their perusal called forth many expressions of interest, and urgent requests that they might be republished in a more durable form, adapted to general circulation. The Author and Publishers have acceded to these requests, hoping thus to promote the good of being. Those who have just entered "the narrow way that leads to life," will find in this little volume way marks of inestimable value; and those who are farther advanced may also gain new views of truth and duty that will prove "A light to guide them on the road That leads to holiness and God." LETTERS TO A YOUNG CHRISTIAN. LETTER I. Dear, Eugenia,-You are now just starting in the Christian course; you have taken the vows of God upon you, and joined yourself to his people. Henceforth you will be regarded by the world as a Christian, and they will expect you to live accordingly. They have heard you solemnly promise, that, denying all ungodliness and every worldly lust, you will live soberly, godly, and righteously, and take the Lord for your portion. Many eyes will now be upon you; and oh, that you may be enabled to walk worthy of the profession you have made! No doubt this is your desire and purpose; perhaps a few words of counsel from one who has been longer in the way may be acceptable to you. I have been thinking it might be well to point out some of the difficulties and dangers which the young Christian has to meet, and to unfold the nature of genuine Christian experience. I look upon those who are just entering on their religious course with a feeling almost of sadness, because they have so much to learn, and will find so much from without and from within, that may hinder their progress. It seems to me they do not generally receive from the pulpit all the specific instruction which they need. Most preachers are occupied with unfolding in a general way the doctrines and duties of religion, and attempting to awaken the impenitent. After an individual is hopefully converted, and fairly within the fold, he seems to be left to take care of himself. But at this point he needs much instruction. Many questions of conscience arise; doctrines, duties, and Christian experience present three great fields, which he has but just begun to explore. He needs a guide through each. I can never cease to regret the time lost in the earlier part of my Christian life for want of clear ideas on these subjects. I gave myself with sincerity to the service of God, but then I had no one to tell me how much was implied in this surrender, and therefore I endeavored to ascertain by observing the course of others who had taken the same vows. This was my first great mistake. What a fruitful source of error and evil it proved to me! I long to warn every young disciple against taking the example of older professors for their guide. Yet it is so natural, that they almost invariably do it, to a greater or less extent. Another great difficulty with me was, that |