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Life of Dr. Morrison.
JAN.
The following account was written by himself on his application for admission into Hoxton Academy in the year 1802.
"In the early part of my life, having enjoyed the inestimable privilege of godly parents (a blessing for which I desire ever to be thankful), I was habituated to a constant and regular attendance on the preached gospel. My father was ever careful to keep up the worship of God in our family, and educated me in the principles of the Christian religion. When farther advanced in life, I attended the public catechising of the Rev. John Hutton, from whose instructions I received much advantage. By these means, (under the good hand of God,) my conscience was somewhat informed and enlight- ened; and I was kept from running to that excess of riot to which many persons in an unregenerate state do, though as yet I lived without Christ, without God, and without hope in the world. I was a stranger to the plague of my own heart; and, notwithstanding that I often felt remorse, and the upbraidings of conscience, yet I flattered myself, that somehow I should have peace, though I walked in the ways of my own heart.'
"It was, perhaps, about five years ago, that I was much awakened to a sense of sin, though I cannot recollect any particular circumstance which led to it, unless it were, that at that time I grew somewhat loose and pro- fane; and more than once being drawn aside by wicked company, (even at that early time of life,) I became intoxicated. Reflection upon my conduct became a source of much uneasiness to me, and I was brought to a serious concern about my soul. I felt the dread of eternal damnation. The fear of death compassed me about, and I was led to cry mightily to God, that he would pardon my sin; that he would grant me an interest in the Saviour; and that he would renew me in the spirit of my mind. Sin became a burden. It was then that I experienced a change of life, and, I trust, a change of heart too. I broke off from my former careless companions, and gave myself to reading, to meditation, and to prayer. It pleased God to reveal his Son, in me, and at that time I experienced much of the kindness of youth, and the love of espousals;' and though the first flash of affection wore off, I trust my love to, and knowledge of, the Saviour have increased. Since that time (soon after which I joined in communion with the church under the Rey. John Hutton, my present pastor, and likewise became a member of a praying society), the Lord has been gradually pleased to humble and prove me; and, though I have often experienced much joy and peace in believing, I have likewise experienced much opposition from the working of indwelling sin- 'the flesh lusting against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh; and these. being contrary the one to the other, I could not do the things that I would.' I have gradually discovered more of the holiness, spirituality, and extent of the divine law; and more of my own vileness and unworthiness in the sight of God; and the freeness and richness of sovereign grace. I have sinned as I could; it is by the grace of God, I am what I am.'" Vol. I., pp. 4, 5.
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