Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1844-06-20
REPORT ON THE STATE OF RELIGION IN
THE BOUNDS OF THE VIRGINIA CHASSIS.

Your Committee beg ieave TO report as foRo,cs:
That is truly gratifying &c them, it must be tc
~ prosperous state Of the church within bounds
Never at former period has Church in the Val
Icy mad such cause for gratitude to her Great Head
at the present. Not only is Zion increasing
bers and strength, but what infinitely to b. de-
sired morality and true picy is greatly the
Members Of the church only their duty but for
the most part begin TO perform it, They begin to feel
that it is not enough TO be members Of the Church. and
occasionally attend to the holy ordinances of Gods
House, but also TO discharge the socmp obligations in
the fear OF God under which they laid themselves
they protested the religion of the Saviour
themselves with his Church. They begin find that
cold morality and mere nominal connection will not
satisfy God who requires the affections OF the heart
aud the services Of the ithat the Christian be
pattern OF pety aud set before others example
thy Of imitation.
From the "Parochial Reports' of our brethren we
learn with pleasure that much ricter regard is paid
10 the social prayer meeting than formerly
standing the opposition with which the brethren some
times have met they have in the
strength Of the Lord until the prcudiccs heretofore
listing have nearly been overcome They feel tina,
and are rapidly bringing their people ocel with them
and act with them on this subject.
Sabbath Schools have not only been greatly multiplied
during the Classical but large numbers children
arc brought and placed under course of the most
sautary and profitable Instruction Some schools before
existing have been donblcd both in Teachers and Scho
This delightful auxiliary the preaching OF the
Gospel receiving great deal of pablo attention and
This subject is rapidly gaining favor from the World as
well as from the Church, and many who have made no
profession of religion have thrown under the
influence oi divine truth, by connecting thcmsrlv with
the Sabbath School, either IN the capacity OF Teachers or
Scholars and in this way, they destined to exert an
unboundcd influence in this Valley. May God speed
them.
The other institutions of the Church. such as Mission
airy and Education Societies are gaining favor and
patronage. Indeed considering the weak of many
oil our charges within our bouDds much has been
spirit of enquiry has been awakened and disposition
to contribute 70 the support of these societies is rapidly
increasing. Christians are beginning TO feel and labor
aud make sacrifices for the conversion and salvation of
their pcrishing fellow men.
The subject of domestic Missions" especially is a
Weakening much attention and interest within bounds
and their manifest disposition as possible 10
have all vacant charges regularly supplied with the
means of grace.
IL is also gratifying learn that the cause of Tcnpcr
ancc is gradually and steadily advancing. Even those
who were engaged in the manufacture and traffic of
ardent spirits and of course opposed TO Temperance
cctcs, are now in soac instances become advocates Of
Temperance. In this good the members Of our
Church beginning 10 take active part and NANTES,
disposition TO put stopto the crying evils co
with the too free OF ardent spirits. Ii is there
are exceptions, and too of Them this pleasing
truth There those in the Church who oppose
Temperance Societies with al, their might, and who no
doubt excrting most bcrnicous influence both upon
the bodies and souls of but public opinion is against
them, and by and by they will be Obliged TO take
the side OF temperance stand exposed the
and ridcue of others We hope however, they will see
their error and turn from it.
Ii is with unicigucd gratitude God that your Com
mittce permitted to notice the rapid adv Of
the German Reformed Chuch in this Valley. -Four years
only three ordained Ministers, and this Chassis is
composed of fifteen ordained Ministers all actively en-
ployed in preaching the Gospel of Christ but two;
is sincerely hoped that they will not long continue uncn-
ploycd both for their honor The glory Of God and
the good of the Church which they profess to love
Respectfully submitted
| Dc5- Rockingham papers and Woodstock Sentinel
please insert the above.