LETTER CCCXXV.
To the Students, &c. under convictions at the colleges of Cambridge and New-haven,—in New-England and Connecticut.
Dear Gentlemen,
WITH unspeakable pleasure have I heard, that there seems to be a general concern among you about the things of God. It was no small grief to me, that I was obliged to say of your college, that "your light was become darkness;" yet are ye now become light in the Lord. I heartily thank God, even the Father of our glorious Redeemer, for sending dear Mr. T among you. What great things may we not now expect to see in New-England, since it has pleased God to work so remarkably among the sons of the prophets? Now we may expect a reformation indeed, since it is beginning at the house of God. A dead ministry will always make a dead people. Whereas, if ministers are warmed with the love of God themselves, they cannot but be instruments of diffusing that love among others. This, this is the best preparation for the work whereunto you are to be called. Learning without piety, will only make you more capable of promoting the kingdom of satan. Henceforward, therefore, I hope you will enter into your studies not to get a parish, nor to be polite preachers, but to be great saints. This, indeed, is the most compendious way to true learning: for an understanding enlightened by the spirit of God, is more susceptible of divine truths, and I am certain will prove most useful to mankind. The more holy you are, the more will God delight to honour you. He loves to make use of instruments, which are like himself. I hope the good old divinity will now be precious to your souls, and you will think it an honour to tread in the steps of your pious forefathers. They were acquainted with their own hearts.—They knew what it was to be tempted themselves, and therefore from their own experience knew how to succour others. O may you follow them, as they followed Christ. Then great, very great will be your reward in heaven. I am sure you can never serve a better Master than Jesus Christ, or be engaged in a higher employ than in calling home souls to him. I trust, dear gentlemen, you will
