Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1821-09-10
THE EPlSTLE
FROM THE

Held IN LONDON, ny duJouiu"eh'o' "o''' W."
Esd of the Fifth Month, to the Cd OF the
Sixth Month inclusive, 1891, to the Quar-
terIy and Monthly Meetings of Friends IN
Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere.
Dear Friends,
In greatlul acknowledgement to the AL
thor of all our mercles, we inform you, that
He has condescended to grant US the renew
ed evidence of his love, and to afford US a
continuance Of that divine regard which has
been graciousy extended in many to-mer
Yearly Meetings. Under its invIgorat'ng
influence, We offer you our cordial salutatlon
desiring that the gospel of our Lord Jesus
Christ may have free course among you
The blessings which the Christian dispen
sation places within the reach OF The faithful
and obedient, even 10 this life, and the hope
which il affords them in the prospect OF tu-
turity, are strong indictments to religion and
virtue. But, beloved friends, let US never
forget that the gilt of eternal lIfe.will not be
ours, unless we yield to the convictions OF
the Spirit of Chris, in our hearts. surren-
der our wills to its guidance. and, by thus
walking in the light, come to know his blood
to cleanse US from all SIN.
To bear the cross, to be redeemed from
the spirit and friendship OF this world, are
indspensahly necessary in the Christian cha
racter. Be persuaded, then, We enlreat you
10 press after that holiness without which no
man can see The Lord. II this he the prin-
cipal object of oul lives; if, by endeavor'ng
day by day To fulfil the first and great COM
mandment, our affections are turned to God;
then NAV we, in humble trust, commit our
selves as INTO the hands OF faithful Creator.
Then shall we be preserved from an inordl-
nate pursui; of the things OF this lite; we
shall escape the sorro with which those
pierce themselve. thro' who make haste 10
he rich: such as have bu; little outw ard sub
stance may enjoy it with cheeriunss and
con!entment: and it, from circumstances not
within their control, reveraes or disapp ONT
ments occur to any, they will be prepared
20 meet their trials without self condenna'
ton.
live are really concerned TO look INFO our
own hearts, if we do but enough bear IN
remembrance that our inmost thoughts are
b,heid by the all penetrating eye OF God, we
shall be sensible that there ought to be no
relaxation in the grea. duty OF watch'ulness
unto PRAYER. The frequent recurrence OF THIS
conviction will be highly beneficial. 't"lll
lead US to look TO higher power than our
own faculties, to enable US TO work out our
salvation or to aid u promoting the Lora
| work on the earth. At the same time, an
increase ofgratitude, from continued sense
of the Lords unmerited goodness, will AMI
| mate us 10 serve Him in the performance OF
our allotted duties in civil and religious So
ciety; in doing good to Our neighbors, or IN
the concerns of the church. Then will there
be a constan, reference 10 Him who has
qualified Tor the work: we shall, in reality
seek no honor one from another; but, by oul
live. as well as by OUT words, ascrlbe all te
Him to " HON it is due.
Il, is equally the duty Of all our members
to endeavor, in their daily walk through lille
to act consistently with their Christian pro
fession. tits d serious reflection tor US t
make, that our conduct may, in the eyes
our associates, either adorn or dishOnOr TIT
principle which we profess. Our views oil
silent waiting upon God in religious meet
ings, our belief that pure gospel .ninistr.
ought TO be exercised from the immediate in
Huence OF Tue Holy Spirit, our testimony I
the meek and pesceab!e nature OF the rcll
eon of Jesus, and our non-obseryance {
outward ordinances, originate 10 convIc
lion that the dispensatioD OF the Gospel is
, spiritual dispensation. This our religion
profession is loud call upon US for gre;
crcumspec;ion of conduct, and deep inwar
retirement before the Lord And whilst "
are pursuaded that these precious testimt
MES are founded upon the precepts and sP
: rit of the Gospel, we believe, and we d.
sire especially 10 press this sentiment upo
{ our younger friends just setting out in lift
, tba, we are at no time more qualified to he;
them, than when re have the ornament OF
meek and quiet spirit, and ere willing to su
fer for the pane Of Christ.