The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1821-1823, 1821-11-21

If the fair influence of piety is thus
favourable to mans actual being, sure
| ly as the internal character is discern
ed, it must have influence equally pow
erful, and beneficial, on the estimation
with which it is regarded by all around.
1t is found, therefore, that the truly
pious are always honourably esteemed.
The sneers of fools against such char
acters cannot be taken as the opinion
even of the world at large, till folly
shall be proved true wisdom. Nay,
there is scarcely mind so base as not
secretly TO approve and honour the
man of consistent seriousness, even
while the tongue. of buffoonery OF of
SANDER aims to cover him with infamy.
Bad as the world is, it has sense enough
to pay just tribute to this sterling ex-
celleRce it has feeling enough to ven
crate the truth of the principle, al
though it may affect to disdain it, or may
actually make itself merry with mere
preienders.
A youth at first setting out in life will
find many persons totally deficient as to
religious conduct. Such will aim to de-
teriorate his behaviour TO their own
base standard and they take the read
lest way to do this, when they try to
rob him Of those principles on which
his conduct is founded.
But he will also find some whose en-
deavours will be to strengthen his in
ternal principles, and keep his conduct
steady. Let him compare the charac-
tiers and estimation of the two parties,
and then judge. Honour, esteem, sue
cess, and safety, are all on the side of
Pious principle. A slight glance at life
will show how true is that statement
which says, g He that walketh with
wise men shall be wise, but compan-
ion of fools shall be destroyed
This double influence on the charac-
ter, internally and externally, may be
traced in variety of instances; and
which way soever the ranfi6cation
leads US; it is always to some beneficial
result. The grand principle of relig-
ion is referring all our conduct, and
our motives therein, to God. 1t is easy
to see how every principle is hereby ex-
alted, from a floating notion, to an eter-
nal truth from a possible preference,
to an absolute excellence from con-
venient rule, to necessary axiom.
The source from which piety draws
its rules, even of common life, is d.
vinely wise and infallibly true. The
instruction of heaven must be valuable
the Judgment of the final Judge must set
tie the importance of principles, beyond
controversy. The kindness which has
interfered to give rules and motives
hath done it in rich abundance, with
vast variety, suited to every occurrence;
yet with an evidence, ciearness and
simplicity, which levels itself to every
capacity, and ensures efficiency, exact
ly in proportion as they are cordially
esteemed, and diligently regarded
The youth who is in search of sound
principles of action may in his Bible
find those which have the stamp of
heaven on their authenticity which
have been proved by the consent of all
ages to be good; which have success
fully guided many safely through intri-
cate and dangerous paths; and which
still remain as true, as applicable, and
as efcacious, as ever. Does he ask,
/" Wherewiih shall young man cleanse
his way p the answer is ready" By
taking heed thereto according to thy
word.''
An accurate map of the road will
give traveller confidence, will tend
much to his cheerfulness and his safety.
Religion supplies this, drawn in a man
ner most perfect-with every deviating
path, and every dangerous place, mi
nutely marked; with the true, straight
road to honour and immortality describ-
ed, and every advantageous station on
the way accurately pointed out, To
be at a certainty on these particulars, is
of vast advantage. The pious charac-
ter feels his ground firm, and treads
even in darkness with courage. How
much this consciousness must conduce
to the vigour and consistency of his
character, it is easy to perceive.
Principles drawn from such source.
are not only sound, and authorised, but
they are all-important and safe, and en-
nobling in their influence. Those who
draw their maxims from the common
customs Of the world, draw from
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