The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-10-23


myself under the eye Of God, and the whole matter
Of influence and duty, seriously examined away
from the false glare 81 the worlds light In view Of
the opening eternity, numbers would do far differ
ensly from what they do when borne by the popu-
lar tide, and aiming al some shorlived advantage.
But there Is another feature Of this subject, which
demands our notice, which may somewhat change
the aspect, and show why il Is that some can act SO
ineonsisientiy and lose the opportunity Of doing
much for the glory Of God. Men take such view
Of their fayoriie projects as 10 magnify their I'M
porlance, and cause them 10 appear as the only
rigA and safe and desirable ends. This may be from
the position they occupy, the influence Of early edu-
cation, the powerful consideration, iHteresf,
scinterea. Il u.s. as with riches; there Is blind
ing influence coming over the mind; and what Is
strongly desired is thought aloeabL and The feeling
Is, In some cases that the greatest effects are involv.
ed in The pursuing Of the proposed course Il Is not
unrequenily tina, we perceive The effect OF engaging
in the aaaiis Of the world when the conflicting in
teress and opinions OF men employ all the powers,
or The honor Of distinction absoIbs the mind, the re-
lgous feelings chilled, and the estimate Of the
great interests OF the soul is lar lower than before.
II is most serious injury, then, that is done by
allowing the popular voice 10 call so long and loud
" in the ear, as draw away from the love and ser
vice of God. And from this state Of the religious
affections there will Of course, be paralysis OF the
moral powers, and nothing TO good purpose be done
in the work ofturning man from the downward and
dangerous way.
But there need not be, with those who engage In
the arduous and responsible duties Of pnblic life,
giving up Of thar action and influence which ought
IT, be directed to the promotion Of the noblest work
committed TO the hands Of men. BY drawing near
10 the Of all excellence, by communing daily
with the Father Of our spirits, the soul may be so
tempered as TO prepare for the duties Of life, and
enabled TO resist the temptations to depart from the
way Of Righteousness and peace. Indeed there have
been, and sill are some who have borne conspicu-
part in the affairs Of The nation and others who
In humble ways have shown interest in the duties
Of civil lie who have been honored OF ALL and pre-
served their character for ardent consistent piety.
These cases, though admitted TO be rare, yet prove
that man may serve his country and yet enjoy the
favor OF God, and walk in the light of his counte-
nance.
These men whether in our own or other lands,
have been honored and admired by the candid Of
every sect and party even BY their opponents, aer
the excitement Of controversy is all overland such
should every man aim and pray to be-"
These were some of the just and sensible observa-
lions that fell from The modest but rise pastor Of
church situated high in the hills Of the Green Noun
tains The text was for Demas hath forsaken me,
barring loped This present rorld," and am quite
willing TO add the testimony Of my own short expe-
rience to the sober exhoratons Of the preacher that
If the spirit of Christianity influenced the conduct
of parties and the hearts and lives Of public men
more than it does, the country would be more pros
porous, the people more happy, human nature more
honored and God more disposed to exalt us as ma
ton. But corrupt rreligious and ferocious as we
are, we cannot, without reform, justly expect else
than the continued displeasure Of heaven.
HALL THE EDITOR.
Green Mountains, New Engiand. IVY.
Oct. Is, 39. "