Translator's Note
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