The Arkansas advocate., 1831-02-16
 RELIGTOUS.
BUT HALF THE RACE

sssit is a habit which has become ln a measure fashionable among q certain class el Christians, ei absenting themselves from public worship i'll the after part of the day on Sunday; the motive which induces them to adopt this course Is such as will either justify or condemn them before
 the dread tribunal of Him who is the searcher Of the inmost recesses of the heart. It Is prac-
 tlce which declares more to the world, than
 perhaps they would be willing to allow. For
 they virtually declare by their manner. that the
 day which was solemnly set apart by the great
 Ruler and Governor of all things ias being holy
 unto the Lord--a day whichls is dedicated to the worship and service of God, which is but enc Tn seven, Is too great task upon them. If they attend public worship once every Sunday 1t is as much as can be expected. But by what rule do you come to this conciusion2 Do you mea- sure your duty to your God by your own con yenence and wishes, or by the unerrng rule in the gospel which requires perfect obedience? Ii from the i0rmer--the universal consent of the Christian Church, as well as that of the sacred
 scriptures is, that your duty is bat half compiet- etl--as far as you have gone in the line of your duty, you have done wei--and who hath hin- dercd you from completing it2 You have run we'll for season, but remember, 0 Christian, that the croWnof eternal glory which is reserv- ed for the righteous, is not for him who runs but half the Iace-but for him who shall continue in the faithful discharge of every christian duty unto the end of life. Remember that you have put on Christ by Baptism, and have been initi- s.ted into the Christian Ghnreh-st that time
 you took upon yourselves the character of fol- lower of Jesus--and most soiemnly promised
 that you would renounce the devil and all his works. the vain ponp and glory of theswor!d. with all the covetous desires of the same. and the sinful desires of the flesh, so that you would not follow nor be led by them. Remember too that this profession of yours was made public both men and angels viewed the Interesting scene, and both men an angels are now looking with scrutiny upon you, expecting to see the wonted fruits Of that profession, showed forth in your daily walk and conversation with the world expecting to see you sslay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us. and torun with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Eisisiscr oi our faith, expecting to see you zealousiy esl- gagged Tn your high and heavenly calling; this they certainly have just trightto expect. 'The slightest deviation from that whichis considered to flow as necessary consequence of your pro- tesslon, $ noticed with more than common ca gerncss. The world is, and will be censorious, and often seeks occasion to vent her spleen.-- Many persons endeayor to excuse themselves from l'aying any attention to the Christian Re llgion, because they can sec faults and foibies among Christians. Thus the sacred cause oi Religion suffers. The Churches of our God will become too little frequented. and her altars too often neglected. Then may Zion truly mourn for her disobedenf. rebeIlious children .-4han f,r inc sake of eyafpule- fnr the eoi-e ot