Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1823-10-01


tice of daily serious reading of the
Scriptures in. their families, when col
Iected; and, also that they frequently
read them in private in pious DISPOSE
ton of mind, even though it be but a
small portion at time.
In the sacred writings no duty is more
clearly set forth than that of prayer.
Prayer is the aspiration of the heart I'M
TO God: it is one of the first engage
ments of the awakened soul, and we be-
lieve that it becomes the clothing of the
minds of those whose lives are regulat-
ed by the fear and love of their Crea-
tor. If in moments Of serious reflection,
and when communing with our own
hearts, we are sufficiently alive to our
helpless condition, we shall often feel
that we may pour forth our secret sup
plications unto the Lord. And as we be-
lieve that it is one of the greatest privi-
leges Christian can enjoy, thus 10 draw
nigh in spirit unto the Father of mercies,
we earnestly desire that no one may de-
prive himself of so great blessing
But let all on such occasions remember
the awful majesty of Him who fiIleth
Heaven and Earth, and their own I'M
werthiness in his pure and holy sight.
If these considerations ought to possess
the mind in our secret aspirations unto
the Almighty, how incumbent is it upon
those who publickly approach the throne
of Grace, to cherish them in their hearts;
to move only under the influence of that
spirit which enables us to pray aright
Whilst he who would be real and
not a nominal Christian, is duly impress
ed with the necessity of striving to be-
come meek and humble disciple ofJe-
sus-whilst he bears in mind that he is
constantly liable to fall, and that he must
therefore be waiting for the renewal of
his spiritual strength, and at all times be
placing his dependence upon Divine aid
there is safety. But we fear, with re-
spect to some who have run well for ii
time, that either through the friendship
ofmen OF outward prosperity, or through
unwatchfulness, they have gradually fall
en- away from that to which they had
once attained and that others, from SIM
liar causes, are not advancing to that
state of purity and simplicity in which
they would become useful members Of
the Church of Christ Dear Friends,
permit US in Christian love, to remind
you of the ever important injunction of
our Lord" Watch and pray: that We
enter not into temptation; the spirit in
deed is willing, but the flesh is weak"
If you endeavour to prove by your ac-
tons the sincerity of your profession, if
in your intercourse with others you show
that you have an honest and upright
heart, if your lives are ordered in the
fear of the Lord; you may, by your dali
ly walk through life, commend and a.
dorm your own religious principles. But,
if there be want of consistency of con-
duct, it may lead those around you, light
ly to esteem those very principles which
their judgment has at one time APPROX
ed; nay, it may cause the way of truth
TO be evil spoken Of
There are many ways by which our
attachment to religion and virtue may
be made manifest to others. One of
these is the due observance of that day
which is publickly set apart for the per-
formance of divine worship. Our care
for the due attendance of our religious
meetings, both on first days and on 9TH
er days of the week, has been repeat
eddy expressed nor have we at this time
been unmindful Of the primary oblga-
ton. We earnestly entreat every one,
when thus met, to consider the worship
of the Almighty as a solemn act In
der this impression, his demeanour will
bespeak serious thoughtfulness and,
let all remember, that at such times, an
indolent state of mind is offensive in the
sight of Him whom we are met to
serve. But the duties of the dav, TO
which we have adverted, are not con-
fined to the time allotted to assembling
with our brethren. Our spiritual growth
may be advanced by habits of quietness
and retirement, and by suitable reading
in the course Of the day. On the other
hand, great care is necessary that we
do not by Improbable visiting or con-
versation, by travelling on our outwe-;'
avocations, or by otherwise engaging in
them, dissipate those good impressions
with which we may have been merci-
fully favored.
The account of the sufferIngs of our
members in Great Britain and Ireland,
in support of our we'll known testimony
against tithes and all other ecclesiastical
claims, including the cost and charges of
distraint, and few demands for militia
ry purposes, have been brought up in
usual course The amount 10 ,,n,yanIn