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

that forms part of our christian DIN.
ty, 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 il is also incumbent un'
on us TO consider, whether we are not
in danger of following the vain fash.
ions of the world in the decoratisn Of
our houses; and whether, whilst given
to hospitality, we are sufficiently care.
full to observe due moderation in Our
manner Of living.
At period when the Christian reli.
gion is advocated, and its inestimabIe
blessings are made known, to an extent
exceeding that in any former age of
the world, it becomes people who SO
openly profess a belief in the immedi.
ate guidance of the spiri, Of truth, to
be peculiarly watchful and circum.
spect in their whole lives and CONVEX.
sation, and to keep themselves loose
from the entangling snares of the
world. They will then further see the
importance Of guarding, on one hand,
against the adoption Of opinions which
would weaken their faith in the safe
guidance Of this heavenly Instructor;
whilst, on the other, humbling con.
viction of the inestimable value OF this
unmerited gift Of God will lead them
to speak with rcverent caution of its
teachings, and to fear lest they should
ascribe to the workings oil their own
imagination the revelation ofthe Most
High.
The consistent Christian will make
no compromise of principle. When
persecution does not await him, it will
be his earnest prayer that, whilst he
thankfully enjoys the temporal bless
ings dispensed by the all-bounteous
Giver, he may not SO fix his heart up
on these fading treasures, as to be un.
prepared, should the day of trouble o.
vertake him, to stand with uprightness,
and to adorn his profession by patient.
ly enduring affection. Whilst, upona
well grounded conviction, he is salts
fed that he ought to be aiming alta
perfect standard, he will be solicitous
that no part Of his demeanor, 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, and
who amongst US would disclaim this
character?-ought to be, earnest in his
endeavor that accessiohs of wealth do
not in any way disqualify him for the
discharge of every duty. Those who,
whilst honestly and diligently endea.
voring to provide for their families,
have to encounter many difficulties,
have strong claim on the sympathy
of their friends, yet they need not fear,
as they continue to 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 oil
the more affluent, or Of those who
cannot be ranked in this class, are de-
WAITING from safe and regular methods
of business, if they are carried awayby
uncertain and hazardous, though plau-
sibIe schemes, for getting rich, if they
yield to desire rapidly to enlarge their
possessions-such are in imminent
danger. They cannot Justly expect
the blessing of the Most High on such
pursuits; their spiritual 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 that il there
were a due attention to this light, there
would be larger proportion OF our
members qualified to fill the stations
Of Elders and Overseers amongst U.S.
When the duties of these Offices are
faithfully discharged, it greatly tends
to the edi6cation of the body in love
How beautiful and how safe would be
our condition, if we were all endea'or-
ing, each in his proper allotment, to
walk in humility and dcvotedness oil
heart before the Lord
The practice of frequent retirement
in spirit greatly assists US on our way
to the kingdom Of heaven. If an I'M
partial review Of our conduct then
takes place, and if the sincere and Sc
crer petition is raised for Almighty
help, we are led from an undue attach
ment to the things of this life, and our
hopes and dependence are increasingly
placed upon our Holy Redeemer. The
sacred truths of the Bible are often at
such times brought to remembrance
with consolation and strength. 1t Is
one among the many evidences OF the
divine authority of Holy Scripture
that, in the various ages Of the Chris
tian church, its invaluable contents
have produced in true believers an har'
monizing sense m their blessed effects
If, in humility, and in reliance upon
the spirit which gave them forth, We