←1727
←1727
Take an example from the interesting memoir of Rev. J. Escreet—‘Mr. E. was excited to labour as much as possible to prepare his young parishioners for the ordinance to which they were invited. He employed such time and labour in explaining the institution, expounding suitable passages of Scripture, and impressing upon their minds the spirit, temper, and disposition which they should cultivate. He addressed to them a series of discourses on the subject, pointing out from 1Sam. 1.28, the blessedness of an early devotion to God; from Josh. 24.15, the duty of choosing God’s service; from 1Peter 5.8, the importance of resisting our great adversary; and from Heb. 6.2, the grounds and utility of the institution by the effect produced on the minds of the confirmed, and on the minds of others.’ Again: ‘Mr. Escreet earnestly called on his young people to seriously consider the nature of the ordinance, and to carefully examine themselves; to sit down and count the cost; to remember their obligations to Almighty God, that they must either serve him, their rightful Lord and Master, or join themselves to his enemies; and that therefore it was their true interest, as well as their bound duty, to devote themselves entirely to God’s service; and to pour out their souls in fervent prayers, that he would accept the sacrifice, and receive and keep them for his own.’