The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware register., 1825-08-04
T,yrE EPIsrLE

~
Month. TO the a6th of the same, inclusive,
1905. To the Quarterly and Monthly
Meetings of Friends, in Great Britain, Ire
land, or else where.
Dear Friends,
We have sensibly felt the loss of some of
onr dear and honoured friends, whose labors
in the work of the Lord have in former years
bcen blessed to this meeting: and who have
lono been examples to the flock by the hu-
r,;l;,v and piety of their lives. But through
the mercy Of the Most High, we have been
strengthened in the humbling persuasion,
that. in his unfailing goodness, tie IS still
continuing to bless us, and that he has contle-
scrndetl to be near us in this our annual as
sem1ly. In the fellowship ofthe Gospe we
therefore again salute you, our endeared
brethren and sisters, wherever situated; &C.
string that amongst you, and IN all the faml-
lies Of the earth, the love OF God, through
yesus Christ our Lord, may increase and
abound exceedingly.
Mav onr elder brethren and sisters, who
have passed and are passing through many
+r;bu,ations and conflicts, continue to trust III
the ord. in the full belief that as they per
severe unto the end, exercises for the saliva
ZION of their own souls, and for the prosper
itv Of the church, will through the media
t;on Of our Redcemer, be rewarded with a
glorious immortality. And we exhort those
yho are in the mcredian of life, whose time
and talents ought to be devoted to the SER
vice of the Truth, to exercise sound judg-
mont in the fear OF the Lord, and to be hrm
and stcadfast in their respective allotments.
And as we have reoced III the belief that
many in early life have Welded to the vista
tions of heavenly love, we do very tenderly
cntreat these to hold fast that whereunto
they have attained to wait before the Lord
II reverence and humility for further prep
aration foruscfulness in his service, and with
mcekness an difiilence, yet with zeal and
fidelity, to pursue the path OF obedience.
And @ that we may all be mantestlng our
attachment to the genuine, Interchangeable
principles of the Gospel. An adherence to
lis doctrines has been the support OF our pre-
decessors.-both Of those who were the in
.trnments in gathering Us to be dlstinct
religious scrietv, and of tGeir talthtu! sue
eessors down to the presen. time. The
principles embrace faith in that redemption
which comes Nv Jesus Christ who ever lv-
eth as our intercessor with the Father, and
in the immediate teachings Of the Holy Spir-
it.
Il IS indeed the great duty of every one
who processes the name OF Christ rightly
20 estimate these highly important truths
Il ought to be his frequent concern, by watch
fulness unto prayer, "a dutv often enloined
but which cannot be too deeply impressed,
toinitatl the example OF ourblesscd Saviour
and to obey his sacred preccpts If thus con
cerned. lie will be anxious by an honest ex'
animation to ascertain, whether by daily
course Of self denial, he is evinclng his sense
Of the marvellous love displayed BY tho com
ing ii the aesh, and as sacrifice for SIN, 0
the son of God, who is athc light OF thu
word.' (Jota zHi I'D
We are persuaded, beloved friends, that
these solemn subjects nave their due placesn
the mind, you viii become fearful lcst the low
If the world should disposscss YOU OF the low
of Col In this day of comparative ontwar,
ease. and Of exemption from great suffering
in the support OF 4ur views OF the pure an
spiritual nature Of the gospel, It especiail,
behoyes us to be on our guard that we be 10
GRADUALLY drawn aside from the simplicity @
the Truth as il is in Jesus. 1t u apoa thi
Drincipe Of simplicity that onl tes.lmony +
Dlainness in speech, behaviour and apparel
rests, And. believing as we do, that nothin
ought to be esteemed little that forms pal
Of our Christian duty, we would exhort a
our members to an entire consistency O
these nonts. But we would remind voC
dear friends, that this simplicity include
something more; and that it is also incumbei
upon us 70 consider whether we are not
danger of following the vain fashions OF tll
world in the decorations Of our houses; an
whether, whilst giving to hospitality, we AZ
sufficiently Arefui to observe due noderato
in our manner OF living.
At period when the Christian religion
advocated, and its estimable blessings Al
made known, 70 an extent exceeding that
any former are of the world, it becomes
people who snopenly profess beliefin IL
Immediate guidance of the spirit OF Truth,
be peculiarly watchful and circumspcct
their whole lives and conversation, and
keep themselves loose from the cntangiiy
spares of the world. They will then ftirth
see the importance of guarding, on Que han
against the adoption CT opinions which woa
weaken their faith in the safe guidance
this heavenly Instructor, whilst, on the OF
er, a humblinr ofthe inestinable value
this unmerited gift Of God will lead the
to sneak with reverent caution ofits teac
ings, and to fear lest they should ascribe t
workings, of their own Imagination TO t
revelation Of the Most High.
The consistant Christian will make
compromise Of principle. When persccuti
does not await him, it will be his carni
prayer that, whilst he thankfully enjoys t
temporal blessings dispensed by the all-bou
tcous Giver, he may not 50 fix his heart mp
these fading treasures, AS to be unprepar,
should the day Of trouble oveitake him,