[It will be well for young persons to bear in mind the two points which we have just adverted to ; namely, their own liability to err, and the proneness of their seniors to judge them harshly. To obviate both these evils, the greatest cir- cumspection is necessary : nor can I give any better rule to the young than to exchange places with their seniors; and to consider, on every particular occasion, what judgment they themselves would form in a change of circumstances. I know, indeed, and they also should know, that " God alone can give them a right judgment in any thingV But multitudes deceive themselves, whilst in praying to God for direction, they are yet following blindly the way of their own hearts. To obtain a right direction, the mind must be divested of every undue bias : and this will be effected by nothing better than the plan which I have just suggested.
It is highly desirable, also, that young persons be on their guard against raising matters of trifling consideration into an undue importance, and laying a stress on them, as though they were of vital interest to the soul. This is too much the habit of youth and inexperience; and it affords but too just an occasion for their seniors to complain of them, as ignorant, and wilful, and pertinacious, and absurd.
Let it be remembered then, that if piety spread the sails, wisdom should be at the helm ; and that the determination of all, and of young persons in particular, should be in unison with that of David : " I will behave myself wisely before thee in a perfect way c." Every thing that is extravagant should be avoided. Times and circumstances should be taken into the account. The manner of doing every thing should also be an object of attention. In a word, it should never be forgotten, that we are in the midst of enemies, who will be glad to cast blame upon us ; and that our wisdom is, so to conduct ourselves, that " they who are on the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of usd."]
But, with the Apostle, let us prosecute the same idea, II. In a way of encouragement —
Young people are condemned for not keeping their religion to themselves. But they are not to put their light under a bushel : on the contrary, they are, as much as they ever will be at any future period of their lives, bound to " let their light so shine before men, that all who behold it may be constrained to
t> 2 Tim. ii. 7. c Ps. ci. 2.
d Tit. ii. 8. See also 1 Pet. iii. 16.