A glance at the pages of this little work will show that it is
more elementary than the other writings of its honoured author. The
reason is that is specially designed for young disciples who have
but recently chosen the better part, and consequently need nothing
so much as just to sit at the feet of Jesus and hear His word. Every
minister of a congregation in which young people have been brought
to the Lord, will remember the keen feeling of anxiety that swept
over his heart as he contemplated their entrance on the duties and
responsibilities of a public Christian confession. The supreme
question at such a time is: How shall these young converts be built
up in the knowledge of the truth? How shall they be best taught the
real nature of the new life they have received, the dangers by which
it is beset, and the directions in which its energy may safely go
forth?
The desire to give a fitting answer to these questions has
given rise to many excellent manuals. In connection with every time
of revival, especially, new books for this circle of readers always
make their appearance. As Mr. Murray indicates in the Preface, it
was in the midst of such a happy period that the following chapters
were written. The volume came under my notice whilst I was recently
traveling in Holland. A brief inspection showed me that it was one
of the most simple, comprehensive, and suggestive of its class. It
is now translated into English from the latest Dutch edition, that
the many thousands who have profited by Mr. Murray's other admirable
works may have a suitable book to give or recommend to those who are
setting their faces towards an earnest and fruitful Christian life.
That it will be very helpful to this end I cannot doubt:
especially if the directions the author himself has given are
faithfully adhered to. It will be noticed that the chapters are
comparatively short; but every one of them has a considerable number
of Biblical references. Let no reader be content to read what is
written here without turning up and examining the texts marked This
practice, if persistently carried out, cannot fail to yield much
recompense. There are just as many chapters in the book as Sabbaths
in the year. What an additional blessing it would bring, if the
members of a family who have had access to the book during the week,
were to hear a chapter read aloud every Sabbath evening, and were
encouraged to quote the texts in each that my have struck them most.
I have only to add that the volume is now translated and
issued with Mr. Murray's cordial sanction. It has been to me a very
pleasant task to put t into an English dress for my younger brethren
throughout the country. Beyond this point, of course, my
responsibility does not go. Should the book prove useful in guiding
the feet of those who have come to the Lord yet further into the way
of peace and holiness, it will be, both for author and translator,
the answer to many a fervent prayer.
J.P.L.
Abbroath, September 1891
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