The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1825-08-10


ant truths. IT ought 10 be his fire inenl
concern, by watchfulness unto prayer,
"a duty often enjoined, but which cannot
be too deeply impressed } 10 imitare The
example of our blessed Saviour, and to
obey his sacred precepts. IF thus con-
cerned he will be anxious by an honest
examination to ascertain. whether, by
daily course of seli-denial, he is
evincing bis sense of The marvellous
love displayed by the coming ia the
flesh, and as a sacrifice for sin, of The
Son of God, who is " the light of the
worid"-( JOHN VII. r..
We are persuaded, beloved friends,
that if these solemn subjects have their
due place in the mind, you will become
fearful lest the love Of the world should
dispossess you of the love of God In
this day of comparative outward ease,
aud of exemption from great suffering in
the support of cur views Of the pure
and spiritual nature of the gospel, i, es.
peciaIly behoyes US to be on our guard
that we be not gradually drawn aside
from the simplicity of truth as it is in
Jesus. 1t is upon this principle of sim
plicity that our testimony TO plainness
in speech, behaviour and apparel rests.
And, believing as we do, that bothing
ought to be esteemed little, that forms
part of our Christian duty, we would
exhort all our members to an entire
consistency on these points. But we
would remind you, dear friends, that this
simplicity includes something more and
that ii is also incumbent upon US to con-
slder, whether we are MOI in danger OF
following the vain fashions of the world
in the decoration of our houses; and
whether, whilst given 10 hospitality, we
are sufficiently careful to observe due
moderation in our manner ofliying.
Ata period when the Christian re-
ligion IS advocated, and its inestimable
blessings are made known, TO an extent
ding that in any former age of the
world, it becomes a people who so
openly profess belief in the immed-
ate guidance of the spirit OF truth. 10
be particularly watchful and circum
spect in their whole lives and conversa-
ton, and 10 keep themselves loose from
the entanglIng snares OF the world.
They will see the importance of guard
ing, on one hand, against the adoption OF
opinions which would weaken their
faith in the guidance Of this heavenly
instructor; whilst on the other hand, a
humbling conviction of the ineslmabIe
value of this unmeriled gift Of God will
lead them 10 speak with reverent eau
ton of its teachings and TO fear lest
they should ascribe the workings of
their own imagination to the revelation
of the Most High.
The consistent Christian will make
no compromise of principle When per-
secuiion does not await him, il will be
his earnest prayer that, whilst be thank
fully enjoys the temporal blessings dis
pensed by The alI-bounteous Glver, he
may not so fix his heart upon these fad
ing treasures, as TO be unprepared
should the day of trouble overtake HIM,
10 stand with uprightoess, and 10 adorn
his profession by patiently enduring af-
Fiction. Whilst, upon well grounded
conviction, he is satisfied that he ought
TO BE- aiming at "a perfect standard, he
will be solicitoua that no part of his de-
meanor, that none of his transactions
! among men, may tend TO diminish the
excellence of that standard in the view
of those with whom he associates.
He that is concerned to support the
character of follower of Christ-anG
who amongst us would disclaim this
character Fought TO be earnest in his
endeavor that accessions of wealth do not
in any way disqualify him for the dis
charge Of every duty. Those who,
whilst honestly and diligently endeav-
oring to provide for their families, have
TO encounter many difficulties, have a
strong Claim on the sympathy of their
| friends, yet they need not fear, as they
continue 10 place their whole trust in
our Heavenly Father, but that he will
care for them IN such way as he sees
meet. But if any, whether of the more
affluent, or Of those who cannot be
ranked in this class, are deviating from
safe and regular methods Of business, II
they are carried away by uncertain and
hazardous, though plausible schemes
for getting rich, il they yield TO desire
rapidly to enlarge their possessions
such are inimminent danger. They can
not justly expect the blessing Of the
Most High on such pursuits their spiF.
llual eye becomes dim; and they do
not perceive with clearness Of light,
which would enable them TO. perfect
holiness in the fear Of God And we
believe thatif there were due atien-
lion to this light, there would be larger
| proportion of our members qualified to
Oil the stations Of Elders and Ovevseers
| anon ,-st ps When tho dntios Of tbosa