Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1825-04-07

or with a proper estimate OF It's impor-
lance in the general, there has not been
that close reflection on its beneficial ten
denotes which would ensure labour and
sacrifice for ITS diffusion. Whilst it is
believed To- De true, that our minds have
moi been deeply pervaded with the in
esiImabie value OF the gospel news, 1t
is thought lbat nothing Is wanted, but a
little reelection upon our obligations, the
condition of those VINO are destitute of
this grand means of spiritual good, and
the effects which it has, and always will
produce under the divine blessing, to
excite in our minds a strong desire to
spread it abroad. Gratitude to the Fa-
ther of Mercies for his distinguished ia
yours to us, a sentiment which should
I'll every heart, ought to be with us a
motive to some efforts in this cause
iiave we received so much, and shall
we return nothing. Has God conferred
upon US so many ~favours, and shall we
feel reluctant TO act in the conveyance
| of them TO others: though we have been
informed that il is our duty, and have
been provided With the means of doing
II. 1t were well for us who shall give in
a strict account of all our talents at
Gods bar, TO enquire whether it can be
done with Joy, whilst we feel unwilling
70 put forth our energies in this work.
haye we really felt that the testimonies
OF God are more precious than gold,
yea much fine gold" and are we con-
vinced that they will do more TO promote
human happiness. than any thing, which
merely furnishes the materials of earth
ly comfort; why ti:en are We not found
exerling ourselves in correspondence
with there views. Must it not appear
uuaccountable to the ~unbeliever, that
the Christian should profess to prize so
highly his Bible, and yet, be SO parsimo-
NOUS in his contributiopsto spread it o
yer the earth. The more we reflect up
on this subject, the more we think OF
what our religion will do in the mansions
Of sorrow and vice, and in the regions
of idolatry and death, the more must
We feel that we have done wrong in
withholding active corporation in
i spreading it, and the more strongly must
we determine to redeem the time, and
to make amends for our past neglect, by
our future zeal. What excuse can we
offer for refusal--the want of money
This want is scarcely felt By many OF US
i'll any thing else.
Can no curtailments be made in our
expenditures, and the gain be transfer
red to the treasury of the Lord. Is e.
very thing conducted upon a scale so
nicely accommodated to our necessities,
that there is no room for a further des-
cent in our expenditures in order to a
forming a complete balance between the
:, one, and the other. Is there no extra
ordinary effort that may put into our
hands Bibles to be sent to gladden. the
heart, and to purify the sonls of the per-
fishing. Has Providence marked us out
for more than an ordinary share ofthose
judgments, which deprive us of the
means of usefulness, and cannot we
reach others because our God has been
less gracious to us than to them. 1t is
really thought that nothing is wanting,
but the willing mind; but an ardent love
for our blessed Master, before whom
we must shortly appear. When we think
of this, how can we refrain from char
ity in this cause. II is the cause of our
Lord. 1t is to advance his glory with
whom we are forever to dwell. Ii is to
do his will, and to promote its accom-
plishment amongst u race. Yes! his
will, who has told US that not even a cup
OF cold water given in his name shall be
without its reward. Neither shall this
be without it. We would call upon our
selves, and those associated with us, and
upon all to remember their responsible
lty, and to endeavour to avoid the doom
of s~lothfulness in the service of God, by
more liberal contributions, by more
faithful payments, and by more active
efforts, to send the volume of Gods
grace to every nation, and tongue, and
people. This, we say, brethren, the
time is short, we are Fastening to the
bar of God. Slay we e%ndeaVoul to ga
Their around US. those fruits of piety,
which shall bring to us the plaudit,
"Well done, good and faithful servant,
enter into the JOY ofyour Lord"
--~<s ~ . ~ @u
National Rodd-LYSCHBuRG,