Transcribed from the [1814] R. Thomas edition by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org [Picture: Public domain book cover] THE _MORNING_ OF SPIRITUAL YOUTH IMPROVED, IN THE PROSPECT OF Old Age and its Infirmities; BEING A LITERAL AND SPIRITUAL PARAPHRASE _On the Twelfth Chapter of Ecclesiastes_. In a Series of Letters. * * * * * By J. CHURCH, V. D. M. * * * * * “Rejoice, O young Man, in thy Youth.”—_Solomon_. “The prudent Man foreseeth the Evil, and hideth himself.” “—and add to your Faith Virtue.”—_Peter_. * * * * * LONDON: PRINTED BY R. THOMAS, RED LION STREET, BOROUGH. * * * * * _PREFACE_. _CHRISTIAN READER_, _I need make no apology far publishing the following Letters_, _as the Subject was first delivered in several Discourses_, _and is now by the particular desire of many friends_, _published to the Church in the form of familiar Letters—appearing in the homely dress of plain speech_, _they will_, _doubtless_, _meet the censure of the carnal critic_, _but my mind is fully made up on that point—that which is highly esteemed amongst such men_, _is abominable in the sight of God_. _Being favored with much of the presence of God in preaching the Sermons_, _and since then in writing some of these Letters_, _I trust every wise_, _spiritual_, _and humble Christian_, _into whose hands this Work may fall_, _will be edified_, _reproved_, _comforted_, _and built up on their most holy Faith_.— _So prays thy witting Servant_ _in Christ Jesus_, [Picture: Signature of J. Church] _LETTER I_. TO AMICUS. _Lambeth_, 1814. DEAR FRIEND,