The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1840-05-23

he is. daily and hont!y receiving from the |
hand Of. his heavenly Benefactor; let him
and feel the obligation under
which he IS laid, to be thankful, hdmble'
obedient, kind, gentle. and commund1ea'
tive, and propensities to avarice are check
ed in the bud. The softer sympathies OF
na,ore. touched by renewing grace, have
now full play ana free vent. The hard
incrusta,ion of selfshness which encircied
and shut up the heart, is broken down
and removed. The icy coldness which
chilled and arrested the social affections is
dissolved, and the streams Of ssnsibiity
and kindliness begin 10 flow. With a
consciousness Of dependence upon: God,
and obligation for his mercy, is also blen-
ded an impressive sense Of the brevity
and precariousness Of this life, and The
unutterable importance ofthe life TO come.
The interests Of time shrinks TO point,
while the interests Of eternity assume an
aspect of commanding prominence, and
fill the whole field of vision. The tenden.
cy of such views and principles to damp
the fire Of secular ambition, and diminish
the power and teaciops grasp Of avarice,
lis too evident 10 require specific proof.
Nor is their positive influence, in exciting
and promoting a spirit of kindness and
liberality, less conspicuous. The inspir.
ed writer Of the epistle to the Hebrews,
puts fortitude, and charity, in the order
which at once shows their relative impor-
lance, and their intimate connexion.-
J" Let us 60 forth, therefore, to him. mtChrist)
without the camp, bearing his reProach.
For here have we no continuing city, but
we seek one to come. Byilim, therefore,
let us offer the sacrifice Of praise to God
continually, giving thanks unto his name.
But to do good, and to communicate, for
get not, for with such sacrifices God is
we'll pleased" The tribute Of devuut
gratitude does notsupercede the offering
Of charity; both are required by the same
authority, both are consecrated, on the
same altar. The religion Of Christ fur.
nishes motives to Violence which could
not possibly be supplied by the systems
Of pagan superstition. "How," said Lac
tantius, ",could they abs.aiu from blood
who worshipped such bloody gods as Mars
and Bellona! How shall they abstain from
robbery and fraud, who are acquainted
with the thefts of Mercury, and are taught
that to deceive is not fraud, but cunning!
How shall they bride their lusts, who
adore Jupiter, Hercules, Bacchua, and
Apollo, whose adulteries and impieties
are acted sung 10 theatres, ihat they might
be known to all.". The Christian has, in
The holiness and love OF God, in the con-
descension, purity, and perfection of his
Lord and Master, consummate patterns of
every moral and divine excellence, set be.
fore him for imitation. II, for the sake Of
distinct application, we instance the mu'
nifcence which hprompss us to relieve the
poor, the necessftons, aud the afflicted,
What motive so powerful 10 enforce it, as
hat which the Apostle urges in his ad.
,sszT SE
lress 70 the Corinthians. - Forge know
he grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that
hough he was:rich, yetfor your sakes he
,ecame poor, that ye, through Ills power
y, might be rich, Indeed, the con-
,exion OF a. grateful feeling towards God,
with bountiful spirit towards our fellow
men, has been. recognised in all the prin-
:iples, ana embodied in s1l.ihe institutions
,ft revealed religion. In the days Of the /
Prophets, every sacred festival was :graced
tnd-houored by charity: When the thank,
iul offering had teeni presented to God,
portions were sent TO- those who were in
Rant and penury.1 Nehe.t viii. 10; Esth. :
x.tI9. This practice seems TO have been !
and improved upon IN the Chris
ian church. The commemoration Of the {
Redeemer's death was an interesting and
Joyous occasion, frequently celebrated,
and never without charity to the needy, |
as aninseparable accompaniment, "Those I