The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1830-07-21
RELIGION.
BIT ARCHBISHOP FENELox.


II is easy to deceive ourselves and others on
she momentous subject of religion. We may
Aatter ourselves that it is confined TO this or
that opinion; to this or that denomination !;
that it is particular feeling mysterious &C.
stacy--or an indescribable rapture-that il con-
sIsts in an austerty of manners, an unusual So
lemnity of countenance, or an unnatural gravity
Of department, and still! we may be mistaken as
to its true nature and operation 1t is thought
by some to be something outward, foreign from
themselves, some magical dream, which is to
change them into holy, happy beings, without
their cooperation or wishes. That it is an r-
resistible impulse, forcing them along the path
of holiness to everlasting life. With these
views many rest satisfied with themselves, while
they are sensible of want of conformity to the
will of God. They feel no sense of guilt in not
performing what they have been taught was
entirely beyond their ability. They are ready
to reply TO the admonitions of those who are
anxious for their welfare, that if they can do
nothing, they have nothing to do" and hence
they continue in a course of stupidity and ire
lgion.
If religion be dark, mysterious, unintelligi-
bic subject; some undefnable good which only
a few can obtain; a price so high that only a
few can reach it, it is not strange that the ma
jority are content to live without it. The con-
stitution of our nature impels US to acquiesce
in the want of that which we have no ability
to obtain. No man feels condemned fer not
performing impossibilities, or for not possess
ing qualities unattainable. 1t is evident, there
fore, that no greater disservice can be done to
religion, than by surrounding it with obscurity
and fanaticism Let it be understood to be a
plain, practical thing; an attainable good, that
every individual has the means of possessing
that half the exertions and pains which are
requisite to obtain the perishable poss sions OF
earth-wealth, education, pleasure, or fame
would secure the impershable treasures of re-
lgion, and we think that the nuaiber of its vo-
taries would be greatly increased. Let it be
understood that it is not only attainable BY all,
but equally by all, that the means of its acoui.
sitinn are placed within the reach of every son
and daughter of Adam, and it is reasonable TO
believe that many more would be engaged 10
secure it for themselves
From its very nature it is plain that il is thus
free and open to all who will seek for it. In
the understanding it is light in the heart it is
love and gratitude to God in the soul it is ele.
walton, expansion, and enlargement, produced
by the action of the truth, disclosures, and
promises of revelation. In the life it is purity
honesty, integrity, and beneicence humility
affabillty, and charity obedience to the laws
of God, and sincere endeavor to promote the
happiness of man. 1t is practical, unsophistl.
Gated, unaffected goodness, built on the love Of
God and the love of man, the broad foundation
on which rests all the law and the prophets
Love religion as much as you love health, van.
Tty, freedom, pleasure, even your fancy, and
you will ind it. Be as curious to know Him
who made you, and to whom you owe every
thing, as the lowest minded men are 10 satisfy
earthly desires, and you will find God and eter
nal life.