| Preface, | 5 |
| LETTER I.Table of Contents |
| 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.Table of Contents |
| 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.Table of Contents |
| 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.Table of Contents |
| 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.Table of Contents |
| 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.Table of Contents |
| 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.Table of Contents |
| 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.Table of Contents |
| 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.Table of Contents |
| 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.Table of Contents |
| 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.Table of Contents |
| 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.Table of Contents |
| 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.Table of Contents |
| 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.Table of Contents |
| 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.Table of Contents |
| 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 |
| LETTER XVI.Table of Contents |
| Charity, | 193 |
| General Description of, | 193 |
| Long Suffering, | 194 |
| Kindness, | 194 |
| Envy, | 196 |
| Self-Conceit, | 197 |
| Description of a Self-conceited Person, | 197 |
| Self-conceited Confidence not Independence of Mind, | 198 |
| Unseemliness, | 199 |
| Forwardness, | 199 |
| Impertinence, | 200 |
| Taking the Lead in Conversation, | 200 |
| Fierce Contention for Rights, | 201 |
| Rudeness, Grossness, | 201 |
| Disinterestedness, | 201 |
| Selfishness, | 201 |
| Churlishness, | 203 |
| Good Nature, | 203 |
| Jealousy, | 204 |
| Fault Finding, | 205 |
| Telling others their Faults, | 206 |
| Christian Watch not Espionage, | 206 |
| Effects of Ruminating upon the Faults of Others, | 206 |
| Sours the Temper and leads to Misanthropy, | 206 |
| Charitable Joy, | 206 |
