Practical thoughts

These forty-six devotional newspaper articles were published in 1834 and 1835. The focus is on practical outward expressions of the Christian faith. Topics covered include prayer, generosity, enjoyment of religion, and heaven. The Introduction from the book is as follows: “The following pages consist of miscellaneous articles published by the lamented author within the year 1834, and the months of January and February, 1835, chiefly in the New York Observer, with the signature 'M. S.,' the finals of his name. They were written after the insidious disease by which God was pleased to transplant him to a higher sphere of labor had so affected his voice as in a great degree to disable him from his stated public ministrations. This discipline was evidently blessed in his rapid sanctification, his obtaining uncommonly clear views of truth and duty, and his ardent desire to do something to rouse Christians to greater attainments in personal holiness, and through their efforts and prayers to bless the world. His mind acted with unwonted vigor; he panted to speak to multitudes for God and eternity, and adopted the only means then remaining to him—his pen. When about two-thirds of the articles were written, he was called suddenly to part with his beloved wife; and the hallowed influence of the affliction is most apparent in the subsequent articles, the last of which, 'Heaven’s Attractions,' with the additional fragment, seemed almost prophetic of the event which was soon to follow.”