The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1828-08-06
MISCELLANEOUS.
INFLUENCE OF CHRISTIANITY,
DOME sTIC AND PRIVATE.

to suppose that it is something which exists
odt of the boundaries of human feeling and
the human mind. 1t is not an indefnable
something living independently our hearts
and thoughts. The religion of Christ, as
generally adopted, is nothing more thar
the opinions and practices, which are unit
ed with the Christian name by those who
assume it. The religion of Christ, in reali-
ty, is just so much of those opinions and
practises as can be authorized by the writ
ten laws and the manifest spirit of Chris
tianity, and is produced by them. These
opinions and practises constitute the effects
of Christianity in and upon the world. The
public influences of this religion flow, there
fore, from the private, because the former
are the aggregate Of the latter. Still they
may be separately considered, for in some
points of view the spheres of their action
, are distinct.
The influence of Christianity over private
morals and domestic life, | shall consider
as principally derived from three of its char
acteristics from its strict morality; from
its peaceful and gentle spirit; and from it's
sublime faith.
With regard to the morality of the gos-
pei, it is difficult to make any selection from
among its various influences, because it en-
tiers so broadly and generally into the rela-
tons of life. The golden rule alone, as it
has been termed, of doing to others as we
would that others should do to us, has been
of great efficacy in the dealings between
man and man. 1t touches at once the self
love of man, and no sooner touches it, than,
by happy alchymy, it transmutes that
very self-love into benevolence and Justice.
But Christian morality is not satisfied
with commanding the outward actions it
extends its dominons to the thoughts and
he is not true believer nor a true subject,
who does not acknowledge its sway in the
deepest and innermost chambers of his
breast. Motives and intentions must be
pure and holy, as we'll the conduct. They
must be regulated as carefully.
Thus standard is set up, much higher in
it's nature and acquisitions than any which
the world before Christ had seen. Many
have looked up to it many have fashioned
themselves by it; and many have conse-
quently exceeded the mark to which any of
the heather had attained. 1t would be do
ing injustice to the multitudes of Christians,
to allow them but an equality in virtue with
the very best of the heather. Their oppor-
tunities have been greater, it must be al
lowed but it is of those very opportunities
that | speak of Christian opportunities
of opportunities which have not been alto
gether neglected; which have been improv-
ed by many; and which, in this fact and
circumstance of their improvement, consti-
tute the superiority of the new earth over
that which has passed away.
Blessed has been the influence of the
strict morality of the gospel on the condi-
ton of domestic life. 1t sanctions the sin
gleness and the purity Of the marriage
state, and declares that wandering thoughts
are sins against its holiness. 1t makes q
civil contract a sacred one. 1t infuses ar
herb of health into the fountain of the ten
derest relations. 1t calls on parents tc
bring up their children in those principle:
Of religion, and that regard for duty, which
they themselves respect, and know to BIZ
most conducive to happiness. 1t gives tt
man and his affections home if there il
any thing on earth, indeed, which may share
that name with heaven.
To sum up all in one word, the morality
Of the gospel is perfect, irreproachable
comprehending all human connexions, ant
conducive to the highest happiness in all
and it is, moreover, enforced by the Who'll,
weight Of the sanctions of the gospel. Gu
religion watches over our virtue, with al
its angels, as over its most precious charge
and such guardianship cannot be, nor ha
it been vain.
And quite as characteristic of Christian
ty as the strictness and purity of its mora
code, is its gentle spirit. 1t is peculiarly
religion of benevolence, brotherly love, char
ity, forgiveness, peace. 1t would have me
treat each other as brethren. 1t teache
them to help each others infirmities, t
forgive each others tresspasses, to guar
each others rights, to redress each other
wrongs, to relieve each others wants an
distresses, to strengthen each others vi
tues, to heal each others sicknesses both
body and mind.
This spirit has been imbibed, these le
sons have been practised, by many or
whom the gospel tidings have reached. Ii
dividuals have been found, who have sacr
feed every selfish inclination on the alt
of benevolence. But this is not all, n,
near ALL A few instances Of this kir
would not be enough to prove any remark
BILE change in the state Of the world. III
mild influences Of Christianity are to be o
served all abroad in house after house,
heart after heart. Men who love pea,
and promote it, are not SO generally despi
ed as they once used to be, The quiet u
obtrusive virtues are more respected al
loved and men begin to think that enmi
and revenge are no virtues. This has cor
to pass gradually and slowly. The gosr
has been read for ages to fierce. audience