June 30

Read his language, and you will find how much he valued life. This to some may seem strange. To a good man, is it not gain to die? When a voyager is entering the desired haven, is he so glad and grateful for a wind that blows him back again to sea? The fear of death is as much a natural principle as hunger or thirst. Every good man, though always in a state to die, is not in a frame to die. He may not have the light of God's countenance, or the assurance of hope. He may be also influenced by relative considerations. This was the case with Hezekiah. He might have feared for the succession; for he had no offspring at this time: Manasseh was only twelve years old at his death, and therefore could not have been born till three years after his father's recovery. The enemy was also at the gates of the capital. He had also begun a glorious reformation, and wished to see it carried on. Even Paul, though he knew that to depart and to be with Christ was far better, yet was more than willing to abide in the flesh, for the advantage of the Philippians and others.

Secondly, to excite his gratitude. Hence he so vividly recalls all his painful and gloomy feelings in his late danger, that he might be the more affected with the goodness of his deliverer and benefactor—read the whole chapter—Do as he did. Dwell upon every thing that can give a relish, and add an impression to the blessing you have received; and be ye thankful—and employ your tongues, your pens, your lives, in praise of the God of your mercies. Did the heathen upon their recovery hang up tablets of acknowledgments in the house of their gods? Have Papists built churches and altars to their patron saints? And will you do nothing for the Lord your healer? Yet so it often is! The physician is cheerfully rewarded; the attendants are paid for their trouble; friends are thanked for their obliging inquiries—only one Being is overlooked—He who gave the physician his skill; he who rendered the means effectual; he who inspired the inquiring friends with all their tenderness.

Thirdly, to insure a sense of his obligation in future. The Jews soon forgot the works of the Lord, and the wonders he had shown them. And we are very liable to the same evil. But we should say, with David, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits;" and avail ourselves of every assistance that can enable us to recover and preserve the feelings we had at the time when the Lord appeared for us. Thus the Jews established the feast of Purim upon their deliverance from the plot of Haman. Thus Samuel raised a stone after his victory, and called it Ebenezer. Joseph named his sons Ephraim and Manasseh, to remind him of the contrast between his former and present condition. And thus Hezekiah would compose this writing, that he might compare himself with its sentiments, mouths and years after; and that it might be a pledge of his dedication to God; and a witness against him if his love should ever wax cold—

And how was it with him? Can I proceed? So far all is well. He is wise, humble, grateful, resolved. But, alas! how shall we say it? "After this Hezekiah rendered not according to the benefit done him; for his heart was lifted up; therefore wrath came upon him and upon all Judah." Lord, what is man! Who is beyond

the danger of falling while in this world? On what can we safely rely? He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool. And he is not much better that trusts in his own grace. It is not our grace, but his grace that is sufficient for us. Let us therefore be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Let us not insult over others when they err in doctrine or in practice; but tremble for ourselves, and pray, Lord, hold thou me up, and I shall be safe. Blessed is the man that feareth always.

END OF VOL. I.

56-3 5-5-2 9

THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, Princeton, N. J.

BV 4832 .J3 1832 Jay, William, 1769-1853. Evening exercises for the closet

EVENING EXERCISES

FOR THE

CLOSET:

FOR

EVERY DAY IN THE YEAR.

BY WILLIAM JAY.

"Not to know at large of things remote From use, obscure, and subtle, but to know That which before us lies in daily life, Is the prime wisdom. What is more is fume, Empinence, or for remembrance; And renders us, in things that most concerns Unpractised, unprepared, and still to seek."

MILTON.

"Thy word is everlasting truth, How pure is every page: That Holy Book shall guide our youth, And feel, support our age."

WATTS.

"The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD."

VOL. II.

New-York:

PUBLISHED BY DANIEL APPLETON, CLINTON HALL.

JONATHAN LEAVITT, 182 BROADWAY—BOSTON, CROCKER & BREWSTER, 47 WASHINGTON STREET—PHILADELPHIA, GRIGG & ELLIOT—BALTIMORE, ARMSTRONG & PLASKITT—RICHMOND, R. J. SMITH—CINCINNATI, A. W. COREY

STEREOTYPED BY JAMES CONNER, NEW-YORK.

1832.

CONTENTS.

JULY.

1. Jacob a dying

2. Anger and Grief united

3. The Fight with Amalek

4. The Tenderness of Christ

5. The Nature of the Promises

6. Moses a Shepherd

7. The Burning Bush

8. The Assassin Assembly

9. Smallness of Comfort

10. Patient Waiting

11. The Recluse

12. The Observer

13. The Glorified Throng

14. Divine Loneliness

15. The true Israelites

16. The Value of Christ

17. Elymas the Sorcerer

Hebrews 11:21.

Mark 3:6.

Exodus 17:8.

Matthew 12:20.

2 Peter 1:4.

Exodus 3:1, 2.

Exodus 3:2.

Zephaniah 3:18.

Job 15:11.

Hebrews 6:15.

John 1:48.

John 1:49.

Revelation 4:4.

Psalms 63:1, 2.

Zephaniah 3:13.

Hebrews 6:19.

Acts 13:6—12.

18. The Visitation

19. The Difference

20. The Contention

21. The Separation

22. Efficacy of Divine Truth

23. The Lord's Vineyard

24. The Father's Love to the Son

25. The needful Exhortation

26. God glorified in Christ

27. Heavenly Treasure

28. The Saviour's Greatness

29. A meek reception of the Word

30. The Water of Life free

31. Amalek destroyed

Acts 15:36.

Acts 15:37, 38.

Acts 15:39.

Acts 15:39—41.

John 17:17.

Isaiah 27:2, 3.

John 3:35.

Acts 11:23.

John 13:31.

Mark 10:21.

Micah 5:4.

James 1:21.

Revelation 21:6.

Exodus 18:14.

AUGUST.

1. The Inhabitant of Maroth

2. Divine Influence and Refreshing

3. The Teaching Prayer

4. The Hill Mizar

5. Redemption finished

6. The Divine Appeal

7. Weanedness to the World

8. The Son of David

9. The Child of Providence

10. The favoured Briton

11. The privileged Christian

12. The great Saviour

13. Jehovah Nissl

14. What God is to his People

15. The Stability of Faith

16. The blessed Exchange

17. Jesus going up to Jerusalem

Micah 1:12.

Isaiah 18:4.

Psalms 12:3.

Psalms 13:6.

John 17:4.

Psalms 131:1.

Psalms 131:2.

Isaiah 11:10.

Psalms 16:6.

Psalms 16:6.

Psalms 16:6.

Isaiah 19:20.

Exodus 17:15.

Genesis 15:1.

Isaiah 7:9.

2 Corinthians 5:1.

Mark 10:32.

18. The sure Anchor

19. John beheaded

20. The Blessed Man

21. Little Children

22. David serving his Generation

23. Moses addressed at the Bush

24. Renovation of Spirit

25. The Revelation of Jesus Christ

26. The Grace of Glory

27. The Duty of Christians

28. The Tree of Righteousness

29. A little Strength

30. Jesus upon his Throne

31. The Royal Priesthood

Hebrews 6:19, 20.

Matthew 14:10.

Psalms 1:1, 2.

John 2:12.

Acts 13:36.

Exodus 3:5, 6.

Psalms 2:10.

1 Peter 1:13.

1 Peter 1:13.

1 Peter 1:13.

Psalms 1:3.

Revelation 3:9.

Zechariah 6:13.

Zechariah 6:13.

SEPTEMBER.

1. Jesus at Nazareth

2. Religious Achievements

3. A Pardoning God

4. David's Distress

5. David's Relief

6. The Incarnation

7. The Glory of the House

8. Israel's Converts

9. The Sufficiency of the Scriptures

10. Jesus exalted

11. Confidence encouraged

12. Preservation

13. Job's Stratagem

14. Views of Death

15. Manasseh

Luke 4:15

Daniel 11:32

Micah 7:18.

1 Samuel 30:6

1 Samuel 30:6.

John 1:14.

Haggall ii. 7.

Isaiah 14:1.

Isaiah 8:20.

Psalms 110:1.

Isaiah xii. 10.

Job 7:20.

2 Samuel 14:14.

2 Samuel 14:14.

2 Chronicles 33:2

16. Inspired Friendship

17. Christian Holiness

18. Obduracy

19. Beseiting Sin

20. The Father of the Lunatic

21. Gracious Tears

22. Harvest

23. The Gospel Feast

24. The Certain Test

25. Sorrows carried to Christ

26. The Grand Bestowment

27. Death disagreeable to Nature

28. Application to Christ

29. The Outcasts Preserved

30. The Cloud of Witnesses

Zechariah 13:6.

1 Peter 1:15.

Hebrews 3:18.

Hebrews 12:1.

Mark 9:17.

Mark 9:24.

Psalms 68:10.

Isaiah 25:6.

John 6:45.

Matthew 14:12.

John 3:35.

2 Corinthians 5:4.

1 Peter 2:4.

Isaiah 16:4.

Hebrews 12:1.

OCTOBER.

1. The Beatific Sight

2. Christ's Preaching

3. Divine Sustentation

4. The Crabidity Friend

5. Heroin's Persecution

6. The Christian Race

7. Manasseh's Prayer

8. Pre-eminent Advantages

9. The Hard Heart

10. Divine Tuition

11. Morality

12. Christ's Plenitude

13. The Church praying for Peter

14. The Wonderful Deliverance

15. The Glorious Rest

16. The Right Hand

Psalms 17:15.

Luke 4:21, 22.

Hebrews 1:3.

2 Samuel 16:17.

Acts 12:1—3.

Hebrews 12:1, 2.

2 Chronicles 33:13.

Matthew 13:17.

Exodus 3:7.

Isaiah 54:13.

Job 14:10.

John 1:14.

Acts 12:5.

Acts 12:6, 7.

Isaiah 11:10.

Matthew 25:34.

17. Christian Salutations

18. A sanctifying God

19. The Ark received by Obed-

edem

20. The Banished not Expelled

21. Whose I am

22. The Seasonable Messenger

23. The Cheering Assurance

24. Unbelief bewailed

25. The Work of God

26. The Expiation

27. Following with Fear

28. The Heavenly Rest

29. Divine Blessing

30. Obed-edom's Fame

31. An Illumination

Philemon 23-26.

Micah 7:10.

2 Samuel 6:10.

2 Samuel 14:14.

Acts 27:23.

Acts 27:23.

Acts 27:24-28

Mark 9:24.

Micah 7:16.

Hebrews 1:3.

Mark 10:32.

2 Thessalonians 1:6, 7.

1 Chronicles 26:5.

2 Samuel 6:12.

John 9:30.

iv

CONTENTS.

NOVEMBER.

1. The Reality of Conversion 2Chro xxxiii. 13 2. The Perfect Likeness Psalms 17:15. 3. The Influence of Prayer Philemen 22. 4. The Willing Victim John 17:19. 5. The Sanctified Believer John 17:19. 6. The Eternity of God Gen. xxi. 36. 7. The Burdened Soul 2 Corinthians 5:4. 8. Divine Security and Support Deuteronomy 33:27. 9. The Good Shepherd Luke 15:5. 10. The Endearer of Christ 1 Peter 2:7. 11. Christ Precious 1 Peter 2:7. 12. The Perplexed and Inquiring Christian Joh xxiii. 8, 9. 13. The Burden removed Psalm iv. 22. 14. Vital Participation of Christ John 6:53. 15. The Heroism of Faith John 11:15.

16. The Sufferer the Succourer Hebrews 2:18. 17. Confession of Christ Matthew 10:28. 18. Divine Applause Matthew 10:32. 19. Future Glory 1 Peter 5:1. 20. The Final Exclusion Matthew 25:41. 21. The Devout Traveller Ruth 1:21. 22. The Gospel Feast Matthew 22:4. 23. The Practical Christian John 3:21. 24. The Trial of Uprightness John 3:21. 25. Divine Influence proved John 3:21. 26. Full Satisfaction Psalms 17:15. 27. Conscious Relief Joh xxiii. 10. 28. The Twofold Benediction Ephesians 1:3. 29. Christian Partnership Philemen 17. 30. The Birth of Noah Genesis 5:29.

DECEMBER.

1. The Saviour's Glory John i. xiv. 2. Tabernacle Services Numbers 7:1-9. 3. The Experience of Christ Hebrews 5:8. 4. The Precious Trial Joh xxiii. 10. 5. Jeremiah in the Dungeon Jeremiah 38:6 6. The Kind Ethiopian Jeremiah 38:11 13 7. Kindness rewarded Jeremiah 39:15 16. 8. The Simple Acknowledgment John 9:25. 9. The Sufferings of Christ Isaiah 53:11. 10. The Effects of Christ's Death Isaiah 53:11. 11. The Saviour's Satisfaction Isaiah 53:11. 12. Man's Ignorance and Inability Jeremiah 10:23. 13. The Offering of the Princes Numbers 7:10. 14. The Author of Salvation Hebrews 5:9 15. The Minstrel 2 Kings 3:15.

16. The Mediator Jeremiah 30:21. 17. Paul Preserved Acts 9:23-25. 18. The New Disciple Acts 9:26, 27. 19. Divine Condescension 2 Chronicles 6:18. 20. The Caution 1 Kings 20:11. 21. Acceptable Prayer 1 Timothy 2:8. 22. Safety in Danger 2 Kings 6:15-17. 23. The Mediator Jeremiah 30:21. 24. The Love of Jesus Ephesians 5:2. 25. The Saviour's Birth Micah 5:2. 26. The Character of Christ Luke 2:25. 27. The Improvement of the Blessing Luke 2:25. 28. The Elder Brother Hebrews 2:17. 29. The Presentation of Jacob Genesis 47:7. 30. The Question of Pharaoh Genesis 47:8. 31. The Representation of Life Genesis 47:8.

EVENING EXERCISES

FOR THE CLOSET.

JULY 1.—“By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.”—Hebrews 11:21.

“PRECIOUS in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” No wonder therefore that he graciously appoints the time, the place, and the manner of it; that he honours it with his special presence; and calls upon us to make it the subject of our contemplation: “Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace.” For this purpose he has often mentioned it in his word, and has sometimes recorded it with circumstances the most striking and improving. Let us convey ourselves into Egypt, find out Goshen, inquire for the house of Jacob, and enter his chamber of sickness. It will be found none other than the house of God, and the gate of heaven. He is “a dying:” and observe how he dies.

First; he “leans upon the top of his staff.” Thus he looks like a pilgrim. Had he recourse to this action to aid such an impression? The Jews were to eat the passover with their staves in their hand: and we should observe every ordinance, form every connexion, enjoy every advantage, as those who have heard the voice, Arise and depart hence, for this is not your rest. Abraham wished to preserve the recollection of this, and therefore he “sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God:” and it was thus “they confessed themselves to be strangers and pilgrims upon earth.” Give me, says the dying traveller, my staff—Was this staff the same he spoke of when he was returning from Haran; “With my staff I passed over Jordan, and now I am become two bands?” If so, and the thing is very probable, how many feelings would this companion of all his journeys revive! For after a length of time even inanimate things draw from us a strange kind of regard, and affect us, if not by themselves, yet by their associations.—But it was an instance of his bodily decline and infirmity. He whose constitution had enabled him to bear such travels and fatigues is now reduced to the weakness of infancy and dependence; and leans upon the top of his staff. “The glory of young men is their strength:” but let them remember their Creator in the days of their youth; for the evil days will come when they shall say, we have no pleasure in them; when they that look out of the windows shall be darkened, and the strong men shall bow

1\*