Entered according to the act of Congress, in the year 1831, by HENRY C. SLEIGHT, in the Clerk's office of the District Court of the United States, for the Southern District of New-York. STEREOTYPED BY JAMES CONNER. Printed by Sleight & Robinson. CONTENTS. LETTER I.-The Bible a volume of un- LETTER II.-The Bible, and the evidences of its divine origin, have been long before the LETTER III.-An unsettled state of mind in regard to the Bible exceedingly dangerous, LETTER V.-An unsettled state of mind as to the Bible highly displeasing to God, . LETTER VI.-A spirit of skepticism fatal LETTER VIII.-The duty of immediate LETTER IX.-Obstacles to a life of faith RACTER. LETTER I.-Eminent piety suppresses de- structive appetites and passions, and quickens and concentrates all the useful faculties, LETTER II.-Eminent piety gives pleasure to all virtuous beholders, secures the confi- dence of mankind, and the blessing of God, . LETTER III.-Eminent piety, united with learning, gives great power, and is peculiarly demanded at the present period, LETTER IV.-Eminent piety on earth pre- pares for peculiarly eminent service and glory PRIZE LETTERS TO STUDENTS. PART I. IMPORTANCE OF A FIXED BELIEF IN THE DIVINE REVELATION, AND A CORDIAL RECEPTION OF ITS TRUTHS. LETTER I. MY YOUNG FRIENDS, I should need no apology for addressing you, even were there nothing peculiar in your case. Your period of life has always, of itself, awakened deep Christian solicitude. In common with other youth, you are fast forming characters for both time and eternity; and you are assailed by temptation in a thou B sand forms, while perhaps unsuspicious of danger. But there are circumstances which render youth engaged in a course of study, objects of very peculiar interest. You are blessed by Providence with special means of intellectual improvement, and special advantages for usefulness. Should you be spared to go forth into active life, you are to exert a controlling influence. All the great interests of the world are to be affected most seriously by the sentiments you imbibe, the habits you adopt, and the efforts you may put forth. I would have you aspire to true greatness, usefulness, and happiness: and sure I am that the foundation of such a character must be laid in a cordial submission to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let me ask your attention, then, first, to a few thoughts showing THE IMPORTANCE OF A DECIDED BELIEF IN THE DIVINE |