ENPages
cams_benton_b028_f001_008_007
4 1st Ch. [Church] Charlestown (Rev W. I. Bradington Pas. [Pastor] (Den A Dickson Del.
8 Mt [Mount] Vernon Ch. [Church] Boston Bro [Brother] Henry Bass Del.
7 Pius St. Ch. [Church] Bostson {Rev. Joseph B. Felt
2 Salem St. Ch. [Church] Rev E Bercher D. D. Pas. [Pastor] Dr Ephraim Buck Del.
5 Winnisimmet Candy Ch. [Church] Chelsea. Rev. Isacs P. Langworthy Pas. [Pastor] {Bro. [Brother] C. B. Wilder Del
3 First Ch. [Church] Malden A. Rev. A. W. McClure Stated Supply Den. Thomas Sargeant Del
1 Old. South Ch. [Church] Boston Rev. Geo. [George] W. Blagden Pas [Pastor] {Bro. [Brother] Jas. James M. Winston Del
6 Bethesda. Ch. [Church] Charlestown Rev. J. Guernsey, Pas. [Pastor]
Malden Rev. A W McLum
cams_benton_b028_f001_009_001
[upper left corner] Prep. Lec. No 4 ~
[Written in ink, upper right corner] S. [South] Malden Nov. 29 - '48. Sac. [Sacramento] City Jan. 1, '52. [written in pencil] S. [South] Malden Nov. 29.
John 15:4 [centered]
"Abide in me," "and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye" "abide in me."
~ Jesus still continues his discourse on the Evening before the crucifixion, Here he introduces that beautiful anal-ogy of the vine wh. [which] has been so striking a theme of admiration in all ages of t. [the] church
Will not dwell on the points of interest in this analogy – tho. [though] obvious and full of instruction.
cams_benton_b028_f001_009_002
(2) [centered]
Will direct our thoughts particularly to the necessity here taught of a personal at-tachment to Christ; & the means of it ~
I The duty of Personal Attachments 1 is seen – by its necessity to t. [the] hap. [happiness] of Chrns [Christians]. Seen at glance – no C. [Christ] no joy in religion. Love is a joy in itself – the very emotion is full of pleasure. The stronger it is the happier we. ~ 2 The usefulness of Christians demands it. Soul will not act for C. [Christ] – till love of C [Christ] prompts. Duty dragging it irksome, slow, futile. Do naught with clarity till have this. Having full measure of this – shall seek usefulness.
3 The honor of C. [Christ] requires it – as depending on Faithfulness. Soon fall away without this Spirit; Cent long serve a matter we care not fore.
cams_benton_b028_f001_009_003
(3) [centered]
Our Xan [Christian] example. Shall fail to put on Spirit & temper of one we dont [don't] – love much. On our making C. [Christ] our all. If he be what we think him, & ourselves also what we profess C. [Christ] will to us "Chief &" Shall glory only in him. ~ II The means of cultivating this so necessary attachment.
1 Studying the history of Christ. This will engage our minds interest our feelings – lead to thought & investigation – till our souls burn in us – glow with order – long to serve him ~
2 By sympathizing with his plans. Not only good wishes & joy in the advance of cause about us – active sympathy – working kind. This draws out our souls toward – we experience his help – his goodness.
cams_benton_b028_f001_009_004
(4) [centered]
3 Calling up our obligations to him. Obligation to him for every mercy – no gracious econ. – no opportunity of repentance & hope.
Especially for pardon of sin – for hope of glory – – for peace of Conscience – for divine life begun in the soul – for gift of Holy Spirit – for the blessings of salvation & eternal joy ~.
4 By Frequent Communion with him in the various ways appointed.
Private Meditation – by closet prayer – by family unions at the altar of devotion – by conference & social meetings – by the public solemnities of the Sabbath – by the Celebration of his own ordinances. Often draw nigh – behold his face in its brightness & beauty – let our souls be flooded with the effluences of his love, & light, & glory ~
[written in ink in middle of page] Mr. – Bensan – South Malden –