FIRST EPISTLE OF ST. JOHN.

ST. PAUL'S EPISTLE TO ROMANS, CHAPS. V.—VIII.

FIRST EPISTLE OF ST. PETER.

(With Introductory Thoughts.)

BY

JOSEPH LLOYD BRERETON, M.A.

RECTOR OF LITTLE MASSINGHAM, PREBENDARY OF EXETER.

LONDON:

BICKERS AND SON, 1, LEICESTER SQUARE.

Rect Afire 17, 1577. 250

CONTENTS.

THE INTRODUCTION.

THOUGHTS ON THE TEACHING OF ST. JOHN.

THE EPISTLE OF ST. JOHN

THOUGHTS ON THE TEACHING OF ST. PAUL.

THE HIGHER LIFE.

D

I.

INTRODUCTION.

EPRESS'D, bewilder'd; with a work to do

That might be work of many; yet alone,
Unfriended, unadvised, responsible

For progress or delay, success or loss;
I sought for shade and solitude, if there
Uninterrupted thought might penetrate
Perplexities of conduct, and decide
Choices of action or retreat.

At last

I found a sheltering thicket where the birds
Were sole companions; various in their notes,
Trills, chirps, and cooings; various too in plume,
Funereal some, some quaker-like; some bright
And fresh as bridesmaids; others trick'd and gemm'd
Like wantons; others robed like dowagers
Invited to a palace. Ah! not this

10