tranfitory, not to be trusted to, relied on, or boafted in. When this life or this world is ftiled vain, or qualified, as they often are in devotional writings, by other like terms, it fhould be remembered that they are fo ftiled, not abfolutely, but in comparison with another and a better life and world for which we look. The idea which this term vain ought to excite in us, is not any thing inconfiftent with a very important truth which ought to be kept in view, and carefully impreft upon the mind, to wit, that in all ordinary circumftances this life, in this world, is in itself, a very valuable bleffing; and, confidered in its connections with a future ftate of being, is a gift of inexpreffible and even infinite importance. VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH. This and fome fimilar expreffions fignify not only fcenes of death, but other fcenes of urgent danger, or of deep affliction. In like manner, the terms to live, life, &c. denote, fometimes, not merely confcious being; but well-being, joy, happiness. TO UNITE. To combine into one thing; to direct towards one object; to engage in one bu d finefs finefs or purfuit. To unite the heart; to bring all its affections under one influence; to collect all its force and vigor, and turn it on one point. WAYS OF GOD. Sometimes, the conduct of God himself; his proceedings, difpenfations, counfels: fometimes, the laws that he prefcribes, or the means that he appoints, to direct and govern the conduct of his fubjects. A Lift of TERMS and PHRASES interpreted in the foregoing EXPLICATION. Under CHRIST, after the word preferibes, p. xvII. 1. 13. In correfpondence alfo with this mode of fpeaking; to receive the hope of life from Chrift, is to live by or thro' him. To live to, has a different meaning; it fignifies, fometimes, to fhape our conduct in fuch manner as to do honor to; fometimes, perhaps, to be known to live, by him to whom we are said to live. Under DAY. Day of wrath, feason, conjuncture, period, event, in which God, in his providence, manifefts his difpleasure against fin. Under GOD. With God, not perceived or understood by men; not known, manifefted, or discovered to them. Under HELL. Child of hell, incorrigibly or fingularly wicked, an object of God's displeasure, who has treasured up to himself wrath against the day of wrath. DEVIL. Calumniator, perfecutor, adverfary, fatan : figurative principle of evil, as of fickness, infanity, temptation, vice, &c. Angels of the devil, causes or inftruments of evil, of pain, of vice, conceived of as fubordinate to a fuperior principle of evil, and as miniftring to his will: evil men. To have a devil, to be mad, to be difeafed See FOE. TABLE of INITIAL LINES. ye ALL his works that subject are Page. 14 77 All-knowing God thy piercing eye 193 Almighty maker Lord of all 209 Among the princes earthly Gods Another fix days work is done Art thou then with us gracious Lord Awake my foul stretch every nerve Be thou exalted O my God Be this O Lord our bufinefs here Bleft is the man whofe virtuous steps |