Elizabeth-Town gazette. [volume] (Elizabeth-Town, N.J.) 1818-1821, 1820-05-02

Tue OVERCOME Dy trlIlng obstacles ID the
first attempt, and by increasing ones ID
succeeding efforts, we learn how it is with
us 10 the work Of repentance. We often
make early attempts at it; but are pre-
vented from proceeding by the pleasures
aud allurements 9th world, which spreads
its gaudy, but fatal charms too thick 10
our way TO allow us to proceed. 10 more
advanced life we renew our efforts, under
| the vain idea OF finding The task less diff
lcult of performance. | say vain idea ;
for the love Of the world. the vexalions
of business, aud the calls Of avarice, PAM
lpered in the cause of interest, are too
|ready 10 rise up like briars and thorns in
our way, and discourage our undertakings;
from which We TOO willingly desist, 10 the
hope of more convenient opportunity to
prosecute them, when those cares shall
have ceased to perpiex US. Experience
However, always teaches us that. though
Those cares may be done away, yet others,
more difficult TO encounter, will presen
themselves, whenever we attempt to for
sake the crooked paths Of vice; and that
The longer We delay forsaking them, the
Imore numerous and formidable will the
difficulties of our situation appear.
1t will be recollected thai had suffi
Icient resolution finally to ascend, notwith-
standing the multiplied difficulties OF the
Iway. 1t is a rare thing for an old man TO
attempt, aDd still more SO TO accomplish,
The work of repentance, when it has been
deferred through the bloom, the vigour,
and activity of life Yet some such 10
lstances there are; though they are like
the few spots of vegetable life, which are
lscattered. at immense distances from each
other, over Afric's dry and barren wastes,
where no other objects appear to rest and
delight the eye of the wearied traveller
amidst the wide.extended horrors of the
view. But whenever these instances APP
Ipear, through what innumerable difficult
tiles is human nature compelled to struggled
What mighty obstacles is the old nan, in
the business of repentance, obliged 10 sur
mount. The strength of bis attachment to
lthe world, which uniformly increases with
his growing years; the force of long es-
iabiished habits the weakness and infirm-
lity of his decayed mental faculties; and
THE hope of an nnDsualis protracted life.
(which, like ivy, cliugs TO the trunk which
it consumes; all these conspire to discour-
| age him in his attempt. In the progress
Of his work be is obliged to overcome all
his undue attachments, and to subdue all
his ill-founded prejudices; attachments
which have become interviewer with every
fibre of his heart; and prejudices which
have grown with his growth, &strength-
ened with his strengths" been imbittered
by all the virulence of passion, and all the
headlines of hate; and which, now that
1.-THE rage and force Of nature are spent
Ionly gather fresh strength TO lord it over
his imbeciiity, and mock his efforts TO sub
due them. The sting of these considera
ltions, the wounds inflicted IN thus tearing
lasunder the parts which have been hello
together by such a close cohesion for q
succession Of years, he feels but keen al
are his sensations, he knows il is infinite,
lily better TO endure them, than to forfei
rived from an effectuaI perseverance,
i. Prompted by the consideration of thes.
advantages, and assisted by the ever ready
grace Of God, which alone can enable bin
/ effectually TO overcome attachments, tho
strong as the love of life, and to subdu.
i preiudices, though bitter as the malice o
; INTERVALS, he finally effects the work be
gun BY grace he is enabled to brave al
opposition IN the accomplishment of what
} had il been attempted and persevered i
in younger days, the same grace Woul
!, Ihaye enabled him to effect with far create
. lease, aud infinitely less suffering BE-
4 sides, he loses by his delay the pleasure
/ lof enjoying through life the satisfactio
arising from peace Of mind, an unaccusin
0 conscience, and all the joys that flow fror
A 1.-THE early practice Of virtue and piety.
Happy, then, are those who persever
!. in their first attempts at reformation; VIII
: faint not at obstacles, but continue in wei
doing to the end They shall see obstacle
E give way to perseverance, and difficultie
! vanish at the approach Of holy resolution
+ Life shall shed its charms for such grac
/ shall shield them from the assaults Of tn
a enemy aud the goodness and power Q
God is pledged to succour aud defen
! Them, while with mistaken confidenc
they hold the beginning Of their faith
Over such death will have no power bu
/ to introduce them to state of everlasting
: happiness; and eternity no influence bu
20 render that happiness as refined as
, will be lasting. ..
TO THE LOVERS OF GOOD FRUIT.
u Now is the time to examine the root
and the lower part Of the stems Of you
fruit trees, where you will fiad the worm
flll grown. and ready "a turn into tn