Memoirs of Mrs. Hawkes, late of Islington. By Catharine Cecil [pp. 239-271]

Memoirs of Mrs. Hawkes.
"Wherever God gives faith he will try it; and whoever becomes a follower of
Christ, must deny himself, and take up his cross-must make great sacrificessuch as right hands, and right eyes: must expect opposition, persecution, morti.fieation, cruel scoffings,-not only from the world, but from nearest and dearest
friends. A man's sharpest and bitterest foes are'those of his own household'
You must set your face like a flint against threatenings, and against allurements.
"But I would warn you of another danger arising from a quarter you may
least expect-namedy, from THE RELIGIOUS WORLD ITSELF. There are stumbling-blocks even in the church; there are many professors, who, when they see
a person setting out in religion, will advise, one this course, and one that. One
sort says,'religion is in its best estate among us.' Another sort says,' among
ts8;'-and the young convert, having a tender conscience, desirous of being
right, is often greatly perplexed; for he finds that in the religious world there is
a party spirit. Instead of obtaining the milk of the word, he has to distinguish
between bones of doctrine; till at last he begins to doubt if there be any true
spirit of religion at all.
"Do not form too high expectations from the professing world. Do not be
in haste to form connexions-to make acquaintances-to place confidence-to
turn to every professor and say, lead me.
"Do not enter into the list of religious gossips; who may not only puzzle
you about lard points of doctrine, but may lead you to waste your time to no purpose, in going from house to house, talking, instead of getting into the spirit of
unity. There are too many of this sort; whose chief religion lies in going
from church to church to hear, and from house to house to prate; but who are
too seldom in their closets, too seldom in close converse with God. Retired
Christianity is the truest. It is easy to fill the head with notions; but to sit still
like Mary, at Christ's feet, and be a learner, is far better. Always be afraid
of a specious religion.
" However high the cost may be of becoming a pilgrim, do not be disheartened. Remember, greater is He that is for you, than hlie that is against you.
The Gospel requires nothing which it does not give you strength to perform.
You must either wear Christ's yoke, or the devil's yoke; and it need not be told
you which is the easiest. Godliness is great riches even in this world; and
what shall you share in the next? If you be heartily on God's side, he will
be on yours.
"Ques. But suppose I should be in the number of such as shall'seek to enter
in, and not be able?'
". ns. Observe, there is a material difference between one that only seeks to
enter in-and one that strives to enter in. It is said,' strive to enter in at the
strait gate; for many shall seek, and not be able.' Here striving is distinguished from seeking. Do not be a listless uncertain seeker: but strive determinately-constantly-earnestly. Be like the merchant, whose head and heart
are always on his merchandise. He watches wind and weather-seizes every
favourable turn in business. He is all energy-all pursuit- nothing can divert
him from his point. They that thus strive to enter in at the strait gate, taking
God's way and help, shall never fail.
"But the Christian must -wait as well as pursue. He must exercise faith and
patience as well as diligence. The husbandman waiteth long for the harvest.
You must have patience with yourself. You must have patience with God.
There is nothing which young Christians are more apt to fall into than impatience. If they do not immediately see an answer to their prayers, they say,
'The Lord does not hear-he does not regard.' Whereas, you must fix your
faith in the promise and word of God; which declares, he dloes hear, whatever
appearances may be. He may not answer your prayers in your time, but he
will answer them in the best time. Do not judge from your frames and feelings; but by the word of God, which says,' I will hear them that call upon
me.'-' Faithful is he that hath promised.'
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