07. An Experiment.

An Experiment

Young Payson made the experiment which most are disposed to make before fully consecrating themselves to Christ, and with this result, as stated by himself: "In the impracticable attempt to reconcile God and the world, I spend my time very unhappily, neither enjoying the comforts of this world nor of religion; but I have at last determined to renounce the false pleasures for which I pay so dear; and this I should have done long ago, but for the advice and example of some whose judgment I respected."

Payson s Review of his past Life and Covenant Engagement. Under date of July 25, 1805, he writes : " Having resolved this day to dedicate myself to my Creator by a written covenant, I took a review of my past life, and of the numerous mercies by which it has been distinguished. Then, with sincerity, I humbly hope, I took the Lord to be my God, and engaged to love and obey him. Relying on the Holy Spirit for assistance, I engaged to take the Holy Scriptures as the rule of my conduct, the Lord Jesus Christ to be my Saviour, and the Spirit of all grace and consolation as my Guide and Sanctifier. The vows of God are upon me."