Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1824-09-15


convinced, that if this were our primary in
dividual concern, there would be more firm
ness of Christian character amongst us-more
decided attachment to that which we believe
to be the law of our God--more of sepa-
ration from the world and its various allure
ments-greater devotedness of heart to the
service OF Him whom we acknowledge as the
author of all our blessings. May we, then
pursue the path of Christian obedience, and
be animated in the Remembrance of that Di-
vine assurance, elf thine eye be single, thy
whole body shall be full of light"
Our progress in the way to the kingdom of
Heaven is greatly aided by maintaining an
habitual quetude Of mind, whatever be our
circumstances in life !; not by disuse of the
talents entrusted to us, nor by state of men,
tai Incidence, but by having our thoughts
brought into captivity TO the obedience of
Christ, the only sure refuge and resting place
of the righteous. Be engaged, then, dear
friends, by patience and watchfulness unto
prayer, earnestly to seek, after settlement
upon this rock, stability in the truth from
which you may not be shaken. .t
And we are, at this time, anxiously yet af-
fectionately concerned to warn all our beloved
temptations of the present day. SpeGulations
of any kind which may seem to hold out the
prospect of rapid accumulation of wealth
greatly endanger that tranquility of mind to
which we have alluded. They often involve
in perplexities, which disqualify for exercis-
ing patient dependence upon Him from
whom cometh our strength. They are very
apt to lead US into acts unbecomng the char
acter of upright men, and in some cases their
effects are deplorably felt by innocent suffer
ers. They expose to the danger of violating
our religious testimonies 20 the simplicity Of
the gospel Of Christ they often arise from
the love of money, and encourage that eager
pursuit after riches, which is inconsistent with
the character of a people who believe in the
necessity of being redeemed from the spirit Of
this world.
We are aware that many of our dear
friends may at the present time, in seeking
for a fair means of gaining livelihood, and
in the regular conducting their outward con-
Germs, be subjected to peculiar difficulties. In
the competition of trade, they may be tempt
ed to do that which endangers their own
peace of mind, and disturbs the harmony of
society. We would tenderly counsel all
these, whilst they cherish a disposition to
honest industry, to let their wants be few; to
keep TO habits of moderation and economy,
but at the same time abhorring covetousness (;
and above all, so to live and so to act, that
they may be able to place humble reliance
on the blessing and care Of the Almighty, and
to follow the exhortaton of the apostle" In
every thing, by prayer and application, with
thanksgiving, let your requests be made
1a{o EnI X,1 hot n
Christian example in others, who are not sub
jected to the same difficulties, may strength
en- them in these good resolutions.
In contemplating the temptations incident
to human life, our thoughts are again turned
TO the responsible situation of parents and
others who have the care of children. Much
depends, under the divine blessing, upon the
early formation Of character. We, therefore,
earnestly recommend to all who have the
charge of youth TO embrace the first opportu-
mites to instil into their tender and suscepti-
BILE minds correct principles of piety and vir-
tue in reverent fear to speak to them of Him
who made, and of Him who died for them
and TO turn their attention 10 the discoverie!
of the Spirit of truth. 1t is of great impor
lance that every endeavour should be used
in love, to check the evil propensities Of thei
nature, to control their will, to induce habit
ual reverence for God, and for the solemn
truths Of the gospel, and to lay the foundation
Of that humble faith in the redemption through
Christ, and in the teachings of the Holy Spirit
which we believe to be the basis Of the Chris
tan edifice.
Calmness and frmness on such occasions
and indeed in the daily occurrences of life
precept enforced by consistent example-ar
we'll calculated to command respect, and +
give the most beneficial effect both to restrain
and counsel. When true parental love, regu
lated by the love Of Christ abiding in tn
heart, is thus exercised, it often produce
obedience and corresponding love in the child
In this parental love watchful care is main
tanned with regard to his associates; and thi
dangerous avenue to evil is sedulousIy guard
ed. On the same principle the attentive pa
rent will exercise diligent care that tn
minds of his offspring are not contaminated b
the perusal of such books as would induce
disregard for the rendering visitations of d
vine love, or dsrelish either for the truth
of Holy Scripture, for the society of good mer
or for the narratives Of those, who, throug
the power of redeeming love, have been pre-
pared to enter into eternal rest. Thus "
may see that which is of the world leadet
unto the world, whilst that which is Of Go
leadeth unto God.
Although we do not fad it to be our plac
now to allude severally to those Christian du
ties which annually claim our attention, W
have not been unmndful of their Importance
Amongst other TESTIMONIES which we believ
ourselves called upon to bear to the purity c
the Christian dispensation, is that against tn
payment of tithes and all other eccleslastica
demands. The amount Of the sufferings of on
friends in Great Britain and Ireland, on tn
meeting, including the charges ofProsecutio
and distraint, and few demands OF militar
nature, is upwards Of Gl3,9OO.
Whilst our attention has been more espe
cially turned to the religious welfare of gu
own society, we have observed with pleasure
in our usual exchanges OF epistles with our dea
friends of Ireland, and Of the various yearl
meetings on the American continent, that the
also are Interested for the prosperity Of truth