Friendly counsels for freedmen by J. B. Waterbury - HTML preview

TO SUM UP.

AND now try to think over all the things mentioned in this little book, and bear them in mind, so that every day they will keep you right. For instance, say to yourself, I will be industrious. I wont lie around a mere idler. And when I have work to do, I will be faithful and do it. I wont be an eye-servant, working only when my employer is looking at me.

Next, I will be clean. I will keep my body clean, and my house clean, and my children clean; and this will remind me that I must be clean in my thoughts.

Then I will remember to save my wages, and not spend more than is necessary, and to lay up something for a time of need.

As to rum and other intoxicating liquors, I wont touch them, any more than I would handle a fiery serpent.

I will not steal even a small amount. If the devil says, Take it, I will say, No; it isn’t mine; God has forbidden me to take it.

I will guard my lips from lying. I will always speak the truth. Even if it is against myself, I will still keep to the truth; for I know God abhors the deceitful tongue.

When I hear people taking God’s name in vain, I will say, That is very wicked. Lord, help me to keep from this dreadful sin.

And so also, when I am tempted to impurity, I will say as Joseph in the Bible said, “How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” I will keep from such vice.

I will remember the Sabbath too, and try to keep it holy. I will go to church and prayer-meeting. I wont do any unnecessary work on that holy day.

Try to keep all these good resolutions, and ask God to help you. You need God’s help; and he will give it to you, if you pray for it.

And now learn and say the following beautiful hymns, with which I will close:

JUST AS I AM.

Just as I am—without one plea,

But that thy blood was shed for me,

And that thou bidst me come to thee,

O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am—and waiting not

To rid my soul of one dark blot,

To thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,

O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am—though tossed about

With many a conflict, many a doubt—

Fightings within, and fears without,

O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am—poor, wretched, blind—

Sight, riches, healing of the mind,

Yea, all I need, in thee to find,

O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am—thou wilt receive.

Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;

Because thy promise I believe,

O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am—thy love, I own,

Has broken every barrier down;

Now to be thine, yea, thine alone,

O Lamb of God, I come!

HYMN.

“A charge to keep I have;

A God to glorify;

A never-dying soul to save,

And fit it for the sky.

To serve the present age,

My calling to fulfil:

Oh, may it all my powers engage,

To do my Master’s will.

Arm me with jealous care,

As in thy sight to live;

And Oh, thy servant, Lord, prepare

A strict account to give.

Help me to watch and pray;

And on thyself rely;

Assured if I my trust betray,

I shall for ever die.”