Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1838-11-21
RELIGIOUS MISCELLANY.
THE FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN.

peace which he cOvelS 10 lind again and
10 find which he. proceeds TO perform his
duty anew. The consciousness of being
employed is a source of ~self-approba-
ton which is gained from no other en-
ployment OF a delight in self-examina,ion
which no other character ever knew /; of
inherent, independent, and noble ;
of hope which maketh not ashamed, an
TO the soul sure aud stedfast. In
hem mean time, the promises OF the gospel
pfotter to his acceptance Il crown OF end
rejoicing. All around him is Col;
all before him is heaven. In trills and
conflicts, in adversely and languor, in fear
and sorrow, God is present to sustain, re-
fresh, and deliver him and afer a little
period wtli be more %gloriously present to |
terminate all his cares and 10 change his
sorrows into joy, untning!ed ana everlast-
ing. A great part Of all his business is
% do good TO his fellow-creatures; an
employment sweet, noble and divrne-a
destiny suited to an immortal being, a
commission worthy Of the Infinite Mind !;
a we'll of water sprlngiag up uRto ever
lasting life. This business begins with
the lItlle but emlnently endeareI circle OF
his family; where it extends to the regu-
lation ami provision Of all things necessa-
~ for their support, and comfort, and ed
~ucation, and usefulness, their piety, and
salvation. Thence it reaches the wider
circle of his ~neighbors, where it daily ap.
pears in that cheerful communication of
kind, just, sincere, and faithful offices,
which render lie a blessing; and which,
as a powerful example, charms others 10
60 aud do likewise. From his neignbor-
hood it extends to his country, where it is
employed in honorable and public spirited
efforts and ~fervenl prayer for its welfare
in promoting peace and order, in encour-
aging useful knowledge, and in diffusing.
as far as in him lies, undefled religion.
From his country it spreads also over the
world. in unceaslng application for the
deliverance Of his fellow-men from the
bondage Of corruption, and their transiA-
ton into the glorious liberty of the sons
of God. From this world it makes ex-
cursions also at times into the distant re-
glons OF the universe, on The wings of ar
dent good will !; with delightful Fremont,
tons of that happy period when his own
mind shall be actively and eternally en-.
gagged in producing and communicating
blessings throughout the imnieasurable
kingdo.n of virtue. Like the slothfuI
man, he seeks for daily ease, but ii is the
ease which flows from the efforts of IA dill.
igent mind, and rewards the labors Of ar
industrious life. Like the prodigal, ht
~scatters ~abundantly but he s~catters bless
. ings, not curses, 10 himself and others.
Like the ambitious man, he seeks for hon
ors and Distinction /; but it is for the hon.
or of immortality and the distinction at
tached 10 the sons Of God. Like the az,
f ~aricious man, he continually boards up
bu. it is treasure in the heavens. Lik,
the man Of science, he applies himself ca
gerly to the attainment of knowledge
but it is the knowledge of God, Of Chris
, and of heaven; the knowledge of his du
; ty, Of his soul. and OF his end. Like tn
! accomplished man, he aims at grace an,
r elegance; but it is the elegance of min
| and the ornament of a meek and uui,
spirit, which in the sight of God is {
s great price. Like the man of modera
ton and decency, tie aims at being sal
and comfortable, peaceful and beloved
but it is the peace Of sins forgiven tn
xt comfort of an approving conscience; til
safety which is found in Chris and III
al love Of christians, Of angels, and Of Go:
V, To him it is of Iitle import in what 5,
mt lion Of life he is found, if it be the mo
k useful station for which he is qualife
to If !. be humble he is satisfied because
id is appointed by Him who knows al
in chooses far better than he himself C;
or choose. If more elevated. he onlv b
b. comes more careful to fill the station Wi
t. usefulness and duty. Hence the car
N and fears, the disappoIHtmentS and NOR
IL hcationS, which hlrrass his companion
Fir are moved far from him. Troubles
no must unquestionabiv find. OF defects
OK will undoubtedly be the subject. His d
position 10 perform his duty is imperft
nd anI produces its propersefftcts, thereto
1t in an imperfect degree. Sull, this is
va prevailing, increasing disposition, a
OF gives birth to consequences nuTero
ov great ana desirable. To glorify his NJ.
Ig or, to do good to his fellow-creatures,
or his chief aim. and the principal empl
ment OF his life. To that divine Saw
de, by whose precepts he is instructed,
ne, whose Spirit he is sanctifed. and by VIII
ven inlerceSsion he is received TO eternal {
raj ry, he consecrates all his life and labo
irst and esteems that all unspeakabIy too Ii
ISL to show the grateful sense which he G
this of his obligations to him, and the Gupr,
ate delight which be finds in doing his pl
'ear ure. Thus be passes through life, nc
ma dull ~s,agnation bui in an active, chez
act serenity of soul; not in thoughlless
div ou;Itv nrod;roI;,- H., :, rat;o,oI