Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-07-28
THE EPISTLE

THE EPISTLE
From the yearly meeting, held in London, by
adiournments; from the 18th of the Fifth
Month, to the Goth Of the same, inclusive,
1925.
Tot1e Quarterly e Monthly Meetings f Friends
in Great Britain, Ireland, and elsewhere,
DEAR FRIENDs,-We have sensibly
felt the loss of some of our dear and
honored friends, whose labors in the
work of the Lord have in former years
been blessed to this meeting; and who
have long been examples to the flock
by the humility and piety oftheir lives.
But through the mercy of the Most
High we have been strengthened in
the humbling persuasion, that, in his
unfailing goodness, He is still continu-
ing to bless US, and that He has con-
descended to be near us in this our an
nual assembly. In the fellowship of
the Gospel, we therefore again salute
you, our endeared brethren and sisters,
wherever situated; desiring that a.
mongst you, and in all the families Of
the earth, the love Of God, through Je-
sus Christ our Lord, may increase and
abound exceedingly.
May our elder brethren and sisters,
who have passed and are passing thro'
many tribulations and conflicts, conti-
nue. in the Lord; in the full belief that
as they persevere unto the end, their
exercises for the salvation Of their own
souls, and for the prosperity Of the
Church, will, through the mediation
of our Redeemer, he rewarded with a
glorious immortality. And we exhort
those who are in the meridian of life,
whose time and talents ought 10 be de-
voted to the service of the Truth, to
exercise sound judgment in the fear
Of the Lord, and to be firm and stead
fast in their respective allotments.-
And as we have rejoiced in the belief
that many in early life have yielded TO
the visitations of heavenly love, we do
very tenderly entreat these to hold fast
that whereunto they have attained; to
wait before the Lord in reverence and
humility for further preparation for
usefulness in his service, and with meek
ness and diffidence, yet with zeal and
fidelity, to pursue the path Of obedience.
And o! that we may all be manifesting
our attachment to the genuine, unchan-
geablc principles of the Gospel. An
adherence to its doctrines has been the
support of our predecessors;-both Of
those who were the instruments in ga
thering US TO be distinct religious So
ciety, and Of their faithful successors
down to the present time. The prin-
ciples embrace faith in that redemp-
ton which comes by Jesus Christ who
ever liveth as our Intercessor with the
Father, and in the immediate teachings
Of the Holy Spirit.
1t is indeed the great duty Of every
one who processes the name of Christ
rightly to estimate these highly impor-
tant truths. 1t ought to be his fire.
quent concern, by watchfulness unto
prayer duty often enjoined; but which
cannot be too deeply impressed, to i'm
itate the example of our blessed Sa-
viour, and to obey his sacred precepts.
If thus concerned he will be anxious by
an honest examination 10 ascertain,
whether, by a daily course Of self-de-
NAL, he is evincing his sense Of the
marvellous love displayed by the COM
ing in the flesh, and as sacrifice for
sin, of the Son Of God, who is "the
light of the world. -(JoHN VIII. 70
We are persuaded, beloved friends,
that if these solemn subjects have their
due place in the mind, you will be-
come fearful lest the love of the world
should dispossess yon Of the love OF
God. In this day of comparative out
ward ease, and of exemption from
great suffering in the support Of our
views of the pure and spiritual nature
of the gospel, it especially behoves us
to be on our guard that We be not gra'
dually drawn aside frem the simplici.
ty Of the Truth as it is in Jesus. 1t is
upon this principle Of simplicity that
our testimony TO plainness in speech,
rests. And, believing as We do, that