American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1822-11-05
yoR TIE WATERMAN.
TO OUR CHRISTIAN READERS.

oil the community In times equally propitlous toi
the PRONUNCIATION of the gospel and the advance
ment OF the Redeemer's cause, cast your eyes around
you and contrast the present with the former sua-
ton Of the church. Half century back, churches
were reared in our country, under circumstances
much more embarrassing-h filled with worshipers
possessing zeal and pety, directed by teachers with
the best Of minds, and most exemplary characters.
All then were harmony--charity prevailed-reli.
II ion prospered-because God had the supremacy in
their hearts.
| But, why this changer The reason is obvious
Pride-luxuiy-an inattenton to the precepts OF
heaven, engross I'm great measure) the attention
OF all.-Then the pastors aud people were satisfied
with a competency-and in obedience to the dly {
commands, earnestly sought the prosperity oil Zion
The heart OF every christian must melt with pity
when beholdlng the desolation of Gods heritage,
Scarce do you pass part of our country, but you
behold some temple devoted to the living God,
lmouldering into uin Should moi this evidence Of
divine wrath, excite the zeal and attention OF every
child of God, for united suppicaon at the throne
OF grace, Tor the outpouring Of his holy spirit upon
this parched wilderness?
My christian friends these chaslsements of the
Lord, come not by chance. His eyes are over all
the works Of his hands, and though he has conceal
ed his face for time, great mercy will he return
The people and pastors are united by the most
solemn ties OF love and affection, intimately inter
woven in all the transactions OF their lives hese
ties should not be broken by light and trivial causes
No individual interest and sinister motives should
ever yield TO the prosperity OF the church.
1t is the duty of pastors to correct the errors OF
the people, and the duty of the people to dsclaim
the errors OF their teachers mater in What shape
or form they may appear
Eli reproved not his sons for the vileness Of thei
lives; tor which they we're foreve; cut off from th
priesthood Of the Lord 1t is true both priest and
people feel their pride wounded, when reproved 10
wrong: but, the true christian will deem it kind
mess The promises held forth to christians, are
truly encouraging: and although neglected and LET
o rove in this wilderness world, yet they will no.
be utterly iursaken
Is it altogether the faui; Of the people, that God
has forsaken so many of his churches, and lett his
people TO wander alone? No, we fear-though we
would speak with respect-The ministers OF holy
hlngs are awfully culpable. Cast your eyes to our
populous cities, and there see these men from whom
we should expect meekness and humility rolling in
splendid coaches not satisfied with an humble dwel
ling comfortably furnished, but to CRAFTY their
worldly appetltes, must possess retired retreat |
ornamented and furnished with all the splcndor of
an eastern prince.
We tear not the judgment Of man, so long as we |
have an approving conscience for the assertions WE
may make. Salvation is of the Lord and so long |
40 VIC ilNC COHStTalHCu 10 raise Ou ndnuS M |
voices against this Of pride and luxury How
many plous and humble families under the greatest
pressure are paying their yearly ptance to support
these men IN their pride and plodlgality! Yes, II
myself have Witnessed the demand, wnen the tear |
OF compassion was drawn from my eyes.
But does the evil rest there:-No; turn your at |
ten!inn to our theological semnares--Thos bless |
lngs OF heaven IT rightly improved-intented as |
nurseries OF pety and instruction to young gentle
men lin the gospel ministry. Do they not abuse |
those inestimable privlleges-for which they will |
be awtully accountable before higher tribunal /
Yes, they neglect the scattered flock oil the Iowly
Jesus. No sooner is their course OF education com
pieed than they are studlously engaged in seeking
sltuations-where they may ba,k in the sunshine OF
ease and atfiuence. Some few imp. rssed with the
Importance and nature OF their calling, seek thos+
abodes oil wre chedntas and want, where they ma. |
have opportunity Of administering consolation to
the needy and distressed. But too many we have
reason to believe are negecting the salvation 4
theT own souls and those of niherS-while they arr
wrapped IN The fashionable habit OF The times spend
ing and wasting the best OF their days in the com
pany OF the volatile and thoughtless Yes mark
their cou' Sc lew indeed make The pious and hum-l
ole the companlons OF Their liVes-and often through
these diseased instruments Of weakness and lolly l
are brought to exclaim . fool that am! Chris
tlans, to what conclusion a. we brought: .
God IS spirit, and willsbe worshipped in
spirit and in truth l. we meet in the field or the
closet and in sincerity of heart call upon his name
We shall lee Give answer OF peace. LET us have
patience and wall for the salvation of the Lord: he
has sworn, and will gather in his elect from the
corners Of the earth-and those mnisterng servants
ct us pity and pray tor them; for although hpyI
1egtect as, the Lord will not leave US destitute
we earnestly hope these servants of God will {
pardon us, II one untruth has escaped our pen Ill
S the duty Of all to seek Acknowledgements as the /
word OF God Is the only iterion we would affec h
lcnately recommend to their serious attention. that
PORTION contained in Jer. xiii, 1. Zech. XII, I6 ia