The Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1822-1829, 1826-12-21

lose nothing by being now and then re-
fire she'd in lis recolleelions and 50 far
Us the letter in question goes, II mus
he acknowledged one of the best re-
lreshcrs. l. may be read with equal
advantage by both sexes.
! Mt. Observer.
Letter Of Pope Clement wv. TO a
L0dg.
ROME, Jan. ,, 1749.
TO MADAM .s"T'.
MApAM-Truc religion consists nci-
Observation-Disclosures or inpearing dark
eoloured clothes. The greatest part
Of dcvotees imagine, | know mol for
what reason, that dark colours are more
pleasing To the heavenly spirits, than
bright ones. The angels, however, are
always painted in white or sty-blne. !
do not like a piety, which makes a
show Of itself Modesiy depends not
on the colour of our clothes. A decen-
y of dress and bchaviour are enough to
make us what we OUGHT 10 be.
Observe, moreover, thatiiany woman
BIO guilty Of uttering scandal in compa-
ny; if she be pocvish, and in a rago at
mlnkind, she is generally speaking in
.ark-coloured clothes. Singularity hath
% little to do with tue devotion, that
the gospel orders us to wash our faces
when We fast, that we may not be taken
notice ofby others.
My opinion, therefore, madam, is,
that You change nothing IN the fashion
1nd colour oi your clothes. Let your
heart belong entirely to God. Lei all
your actions be referred TO him. That
Is the capital point
Had il mol been for the ncYotccs,
the world would never have thrown so
much ridicule on devotion. Almost ever
full OF bitter zoal, they are pleased
with themselves alone aud they would
hive every one become slaves 10 their
wnlms; for theirpiefy is often no mort
| thin humour.
Every person Truly pious, is patient,
meek and humbIc--suspects no evil,
not pecyish--hidcs The fanlts of neigh
bou-, i0ughs ruth hose Vho hueh, amt
pecPswiH those arho ,eeep, according To
the advice ofSt. Paul, and is rise mith
sobrjcty; for moderation is necessary
III all thines.
In a word, true devotion is charity :;
and whatever is done without it, Is OF
no use towards salvation. False de-
youts do little less harm 10 Religion,
than those who have none at all. Al
ways ready To take fire at Whatever a.
erecs not with their opinions on humour
their zeal IS restless, mpetuoue,
prosecuting; and they are commonly
Fanatics, or supcrsttlous IlyPoctiics,
or ignorant. Jesus Christ never SPAR.
them in his gospel, 10 teach us 10 MS
trust them.
When you find, madam, there is nci-
Their rancor in your heart, nor hdughl-
ness in your soul, nor singullrity in your
actions that you keep ne commend
ments of God, and OF the Church with
ont allectation, aud without Troubling
your head about mere trilles; you may
then believe tlat you are really IN the
way Of salvation.
Above all things make your SER
wants happy, by keeping from plagnlng
them. Though others, they are still
ourselves, and we ought continually TO
Tighten their yoke. Ever 10 have II
serene countcnance, is the way 10 be
well served. True piety preserves al
all times the same calmness and the same
tranquility, while false devotion is va
rylng every instant.
Maintain your nieces according to
their rank, and require not of them that
TREY should do whatever you do be-
cause you are particularly fond OF NOR
titication.
This subject alone would demand a
whole letler. Young people are often
disguised with piety, because too great
perfection is required OF them and we
soon tire ourselves with works of PEN
ance, when we know not how to be
moderate. A common way Of life
is the most safe, though not the most
perfect. Ii IS an excess to forbid your
sell all visits and diversions. Take
care that Director be not too much
ola mystic, and that his manner of di-
reeiing you end not in making you
rather scrupulous, than "A good chris
tian.
Where is the necessity of plaguing
ones scfso much in order to become
pious Religion teaches what We are
o believe, and what we are 10 do {?
tand there never viii be better Direc-
tor than the gospel. Mingle solitude
with society: t. contract such, acquain-
lance, as may neither throw you into
melancholy, nor lead you into dissipa-
ton.
Vary your reading. There are some
sorts amusing, and may succeed such as
are serious. When ST. Paul lays down
the rules Of decent conversation, be
I I .