Litchfield enquirer., 1832-01-12
RELIGIOUS DUTIES.

Various are the opinions of professors of religion relative to their required duties and it is believed, if every one would con- scientiously discharge his own, without in- reference with those of others, knowing that different situations and circumstances so modify these duties, that what would be imperious in one, would be next to im- possible, and perhaps superfluouS in anoth- CT, there would be more happiness in the world, and more charity and christian fel- lowship in our churches. lrecolIect when child, heard preacher relate an anec- dote to the point, which made strong lnl- pression on my mind. There was poor woman, member of his church, whose lot was cast in the very lowest state ofpover- ty and laborious exertion. Her husband was kind hearted being, but possessed no energy of character, who drilled along in the same track year after year, without even bettering his condition, and could nev- CT imagine how family could De 0ery poor, so long as they neither froze nor starved 10 death. They had numerous progeny, who were always as neat as 1t was possible for their hard-working moth- CT to keep them. That cheerfulness and contentment, which in the husband was the consequence of imbecility of character, in the wife was the result of deep in- ward feeling of the requirements of the re- ligion she professed, and strong desire to obey the inunctions of Him, who was meek and lowiy in heart, and who said, If ye love me keep my commandments. . Nothing could exceed the cheerfulness and patience with which her laborious duties were performed. She appeared half of each Sabbath in her customary seat, and It was always gratifying to witness her hum ble and devout aspect. One day, said the minister, she called at my house, apparent ly more dejected than l had ever seen her
 She had called to tell me her little trials and to ask my counsel and instruction, rel alive to her obligations to her own family and the church. 1t seemed she had beer frequently reproved by the members o the church for non-attendance at their pri- vate and stated meetings. It was utterly impossible for her to do so, knew, and told her so. Every moment of exemption from severe labor was occupied with her needle, while al the same time she gave her children such instruction as her capa- city and conscience dictated.
 Iknow, said I, you have very little time for public worship, but you undoubtedly attend to the daily exercises of your clos ct, and therefore receive all the comfort: of religion. The tears gushed to hel eyes that, sir, she replied, is what dis. tresses me more than any thing else. hardly over find time even for that-wher ! would be alone with my Maker, some duty, which my conscience tells me must not be neglected, will intrude. and find no time to be alone from morning to night
 When go to bed, l try to pray, but my eyelids are SO weighed down with weari- ness, that I have no command of my though and drop asleep. And yet an happy; and while dress my children sweep my house, or do any of my common work, I have such sweet communings witt my Maker, that feel he will accept my poor services. though l have so little time to offer them.
 Patient & guileless Christian. excIaim
 ed, so long as you can feel happy in pray
 ing over your labor, don't be troubled a what others may say to you such prayer are the most acceptable we can offer t' our Creator, because the most sincere ant unostentations. Verify, | said. when sh' was gone, this poor woman has sast Il more than we all for we have offered de votions, or cast into the treasury, from ou