9. The _ground-work_ of a picture undergoes a _preparation_ before the colours are superinduced. It is washed, or cleared, or boiled in oil, according to the nature of the material. ’Ere we are susceptible of the image of the heavenly, the soul must experience a preparatory work of conviction. Prejudices must be cleared away; enmity slain, &c. 10. To discern and admire the beauty of a picture, a person must have three things—_eyes_, _light_, and _taste_, (or a susceptibility of receiving pleasure from a beautiful object.) The world, spiritually speaking, want all the three. Hence their hatred of God’s children. 11. Some Christians are like paintings in _Mosaic_. They have somewhat almost of every thing, except uniformity and consistency of conduct. But, when their hearts come to be established with grace, they will be more of a-piece; and, when in heaven, they will be all of a-piece. 12. A number of heterogeneous, and seemingly contradictory, ingredients are used by painters in mixing their colours; but they are all useful, expedient, and necessary. So are the various providences of God toward his people. * * * * * The providence of God having called me to a more intimate acquaintance with the Lord’s tried ones than falls to the lot of ministers in general, I have long heard the voices of their complaints and their fears; and amongst the rest has been this—lest they should be nothing but hypocrites after all their profession and experience; while with great grief I have seen many who have no fears upon the subject, but appear to be bold, hardened and presumptuous hypocrites. I determined, by the Lord’s assistance, in as clear and scriptural a manner as I possibly could, to point out the sincere believer, with all his feelings, frames, corruptions, infirmities, and temptations, his falls, recoveries and conflicts, in direct opposition to an hypocrite, in his attainment, confidence, hardness, deceit and pride, that my reader may be able in looking on these pictures to decide to which of these he belongs—that the poor in spirit may be comforted, and the hypocrite may, by divine light, discover himself and be made sincere, is my humble aim.