HIS REPENT A.NCE. 119 
the door, T will come in to him, and will sup 
with him, and he with me/' (Rev, iii. 20.) 
Let no one say that there is any encourage- 
ment to superstition in these remarks. That 
which is uppermost in the thoughts, though it 
may not have ripened into good resolutions, 
much less into right practice, is frequently dis- 
played in a manner strong as reality, in those 
solemn hours when the world is shut out, and 
deep sleep falleth upon man. An idea which 
lias been presented to the mind whilst we are 
awake> often assumes, by reflection, and during 
the hoars of sleep, a solemnity and importance 
which it did not before possess. And perhaps 
there are no inward admonitions more affecting, 
or more fruitful of good, than those which relate 
to our children, and to the obligations under 
which we are laid to conduct the young in the 
right way. Happy are they who are wise enough 
to make a good use of that which appears to 
have been sent to them for a good end. 
Adams had begun to read his Bible ; and 
who can tell the power given by the grace of 
God to the study of the revealed Word, with 
prayer? With a clearer view of the parental 
character, and of the condition of his own soul, 
Adams became a religious man. He gained a 
knowledge of the Saviour, who died for him, 
and who called him by His grace. Penitent and 
zealous for his Master's honour, the lately rough 
sailor was softened, and began to inculcate in the 
minds of the young people about him the love 
and fear of God. He prayed for them, and for 
himself. He observed the rules of the Chinch 
