Cheraw gazette. [volume] (Cheraw, S.C.) 1835-1838, 1837-08-02


poor need relief.
One would almost think that passage
Luke xiv. II, Ii, was not considered as a
part of Gods word-at least, | believe
there is not one passage so generally neg
ec:cd by his own people. | do not think
it unlawful to entertcrtain our friends but
if those words do not teach us that it is in
some respect our duty to give preference
TO the poor, am at loss to understand
them.
| was enabled TO set ont upon the plan |
recommend 10 you, at the time when my
certain income WAS much too scanty Tor
my own provision. and before | had en-
pectatlon orpromlse OF assistance from any
person on earth. Only know that the
Lord would provide me with whatever he
saw ncelul, and trusted that if he kept
me dependant upon himself and des!rous to
live for his service only, he assuredIy would
do 50. I have us yet seen no cause to re-
pent it. live upon his promise for as to
any present ways or means, every thing
here below is so uncertain, that | consider
myself III the same situation, with The birds
of the air, who have neither house nor
barn. To-day have enough for myself
and something TO impart TO them that need;
as 10 iuturty, the Lord must provide; and
for the most part | believe he will. | can
tell YOU, however, that now and then my
heart is pinched unbelief creeps III, and
self would much rather choose a strong
box, or what the world calls a certainty,
than life Of absolute dependence upon the
providence of God. However, in my CON-
posed hours am we'll satisfied. Hitherto
he has graciously taken care Of me, there
fore may my heart trus. in Him and not be
afraid.
Consider, my friend, the Lord has done
well for you likewise. He has settled you
peaceably in good and honourable inter.
est; he has now answered your prayers
in giving you a partner with whom you
may take sweet cousel-one that will help
and strengthen you in your best desires
Beware therefore Of that reasoning which
might lead you to disirust the Lord your
God, or to act IS if you did. You com.
plain that there is too much of an expensive
taste among some persons Of your congre-
gation. Ii you set yourself to dlscou t.
nance THIS, and should at the same time 100
closely shut up your hands, they will be
ready TO charge you with being governed
by the same worldly spirit, though in ano-
ther form. If YOU have been hitherto
tender and bountful to the poor, and should
make 100 gre, and too sudden an altcra.
ton in this resp ct, if he blame should not
fall upon you, 1t most probably would fall
upon your wife, who | believe would be far
from deserving it. Ifthe house which has
been open to the poor in former times,
should be shut againt them now you live in
it, would it not lead the peoples thoughts
back Would it not open the mouths of
those who do not love your ministry to say,
tina, Notwithstanding all your zeal about
doctrines, YOU know how TO take care of
your own interest as well as those whom
you have thought indifferent and lukawarm
in the cause OF the gospel? Would it not?
But torbear. know you need no such
arguments. Yet | consider how many
eyes are upon you. watching for your halt
ing. Now at your first setting out is the
proper time to seek the Lords direction,
that you may from the beginning adopt
such plans as may be most to your own
comfort, the honor of your character as a
minister, the glory of Him who has called
you, and the education Of your people.
1t is easier to begin well than 10 make alter.
ations afterwards. | trust the Lord will
guide and bless you in your deliberations.
And for my own part, | am not in the least
afraid that you will have cause 10 blame me
for.he advice | have given, if YOU should be
to follow it.
i have given you my opinion freely, and
perhaps with an appearance Of more strict
ness than is necessary. But | would apply
our Lords words in another case to this.
" All men cannot receive this saying-he
tha, is able to receive it, let HIM receive
it,"
If the Lord has given you this conf.
dence in lis word, YOU are happy. 1t is
better than tie posses ion Of thousands by
the year.
am, &c,
JOHN NEWTON.
Ertract from the Eighth Ward Temper.