The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1829-09-30

transgress the law of the Lord, incite YOU To
J seek after death unto sin and a new birth
unto righteousness and ever remember, that
It is ny ialth and repentance, by prayer and
obedience, that the work of sanctiication is to
be carried forward.
lie that is concerned to live as becomes a
consistent Christian, "a character to which we
all ought to aspire,) will often mediate upon
the precepts and example of our blessed Lord
ana saviour ;-precepts which, as they regu-
iate inc Vie OF man, increase his happiness and
useiuines, prepare him TO meet with patience
the trials incident to humanity, and to look
J forward to participation in those Joys which
snail De hereafter revealed. And as we are en-
abled to follow, though at distance, the great
and perfect pattern set before us in the Gospel,
| the heart becomes expanded in love to God and
man and all those passions and dispositions are
Kept IN subsection, the unrestrained indulgence
OF which destroys the peace and harmony of
civil and religious society.
The humble endeavor to observe the precepts
OF the Gospel leads to purity of heart and con-
duet; 1T induces strict integrity in all our trans
actions; and gives rise to the exercise of that
meekness and charity which shine forth in the
conduct OF the true and practical believer in
the Christian religion. If we seek first the
kingdom of God and his righteousness, we shall
be instructed by the example of pious men. but
not blind to their infirmities helped by their
religious conversation, but not disposed 10 en-.
ter into it hastily or specifically five are
concerned Alright for the cultivation and cleans
ing of our heats, impressed with the impor.
lance OF our own stewardship unto God, and
6aiy sensible OF our own sins and great need of
forgiveness from Him, we shall become very
cautious now we converse on the failngs of
others, and anxious not to violate that charity
which is enjoined upon all ;(o) that love which
is the true badge of discipleship.
A real hunger and thirst after Righteousness
will lead US gladly to embrace all opportunities
OF meeting together for the public worship of
Almighty God. We shall then feel it to be-
one OF our greatest privileges thus to draw
near unto Him, and to unite in waiting upon
and worshipping Him in spirit and in truth.
we shall rejoice to seek after the influence of
his love and power, and to pour out our souls
In secret supplication fer the continuance of
his blessing and preservation. At this time we
have, IN an especial manner, felt the advan-
tage OF being constant in availing ourselves Of
those opportunities which are afforded us, in
the course of the week, of coming before Hin
occasions when we are called upon to withdraw
from the cares and perplexities of life, and to
seek the Lor! and his strength.
Nor VIII our approaches to the throne of
grace be confined to the attendance ofreligious
meetings Impressed with the benefit and the
need OF a daily supply of heavenly help, we
shall be often seeking for the renewal of our
spiritual strength; and in our private retire.
mems, as well as IN select opportunities in our
iahiiIieS' Ior TINS purpose, as also for reading
the HOLY Scriptures and the writings of pious
authors, We shall seek 10 be imbued with
deep sense of the power and presence of the
Almighty. Discouragements OF various kinds
may prevail and abound in the course of our
pilgrimage; but how obvious are the dancer
ana folly OF relaxing TO "press toward the
mark foT the prize of the high calling of God
IN Christ Jesus i"(p) And such are his con-
descension and goodness, that he at times per.
mlts those, who put their whole trust in Him.
consollng!ly to feel that there are no joys like
unto the joys of his salvation.(q)
The great Importance of cultivating true pic.
ty and virtue, is what we are at this time cor
cerned earnestly to press upon every one. If
this become, as it ought to be, the main object
of our lives, the fruit of the spirit will be anna
rent. But we are constantly to bear in mind
that this is not the place of our rest The war
fare must be maintained; we can at no period
put OH the armor with safety; we have an I'M
wearled enemy to contend with, whose temp
tatlons are diversified subtle, and insIdious
the path of life is an arduous one bat, thanks
be unto Him who is omnipotent, his grace is
all-sufficient. AS he is daily sought unto, he
strengthened our souls and increaseth our
confidence in Him; and, if we faint not, but
persevere unto the end, he will give the
victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ.(r)
Unto Him." then, % that is able to do ex-
ceeding abundantly above all that we ask or
think, according to the power that worketh in
US, unto Him be glory in the Church, by Christ
Jesus, throughout all ages, world without end.
Amen."(s)
Signed in and on behalf of the Meeting, by
JOSIAH FORSTER,
Clerk to the Meeting this year.