INTRODUCTION
(Written about 1874)
FOR the past few months I have been continually asked by young converts where to get a book in which they might find advice that would be helpful to them. I felt the need of some good advice when I first became a Christian, and know the value of words fitly spoken then.
Some weeks ago I had sent to me a copy of this book, which seemed just the thing needed at this time.
I have known the author, Dr. Robert Boyd, for many years, as a dear father in Israel. I have read his work carefully, and recommend it to all young Christians for prayerful meditation.
D. L. Moody
CHAPTERS
01. A GOOD BEGINNING
High honor - what kind? - the godly deacon - a laborer, not a loiterer - not feelings, but CHRIST
02. MAKING A PUBLIC CONFESSION
Joining the church - excuses - mistaken views - false humility - thirteen praying sailors - fear of man - what denomination? - an evangelical ministry
03. SPIRITUAL GROWTH
No growth without life - Christless professors - growing life - gradual growth - prayer and Bible study - a high Example
04. DUTIES IN THE CHURCH
The Lord’s table - attendance at church services - what people miss - love of the brethren - how to re prove offences - sharing in church support - a pleas ant interview
05. DUTIES TO THE PASTOR
High esteem - love and confidence - co-operation - pray for him - Charles G. Finney's testimony - "Touch not Mine anointed!" - how to help him - a fearless preacher
06. DUTIES IN THE SUNDAY SCHOOL
Robert Raikes' efforts - the want of teachers - the power of love - attractive, spiritual instruction - the conversion of children - punctual attendance - how Tom Dempster was changed
07. DUTIES IN THE WORLD
Created unto good works - testing our love to CHRIST - the value of personal effort - personal conversation - skill and wisdom needed - the minister's visit - immediate trust in CHRIST
08. FOES TO GRACE
Watching against temptation - religious festivals and bazaars - fashionable parties - dancing - an incident from a pastor's experience - "A fourth pleasure" - the theatre - the discomfited clergyman
09. HELPS AND HINDRANCES IN DAILY LIFE
Personal responsibility to GOD - study of GOD's Word - good books - the abiding presence of the HOLY SPIRIT - tenderness of conscience - godless marriage - business cares - "He died wickedly rich!"
10. THE SPIRITUAL MIND
Proof of a renewed heart - ensures happiness - the best preservative against temptation - new vigor to every duty - the best support amid sorrows and afflictions
11. HINDRANCES AND HELPS TO SPIRITUAL MINDEDNESS
The indulgence of known sin - covetousness - the merchant's "sacrifice" - a terrible deathbed - conversation about heavenly things - prayer and praise
12. CONSECRATION
Struggle and trial - what consecration means - in CHRIST, not in our resolutions - CHRIST's purpose hearty and complete - body, soul, all our powers - the principle plain
13. HOW TO MAKE A SUCCESS OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
Begin right - confess CHRIST openly before men - study the Word - pray without ceasing - go to work for CHRIST -give largely - keep pushing on
14. HOW TO USE THE BIBLE
15. HINTS ON TRUE CHRISTIAN LIVING