Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1845-06-05
II T. p o II II
On Me state II Religion sciihin the bounds Of The
PTginia CIassis Of The German Ref. Church.

other wave has been added to the vast ocsan Of
ETERNITY. And, though, when we look back. the
lime appears short since we last, as members oil
oiassis ana brethren in the Lord, grasped each
other by the hand, communicated TO-. and svmna.
thized with each other over our difficulties. our
ulals ana our wants, and mutually rejoiced on
account OF Gods mercies and loving Kindness |
anu on account OF the bright prospects which |
opened up before us in the fWture-yet short as il
may seem, one year has elapsed-one whole vear
has been subtracted from the short period which
we are yet to live and added to the past: we are
one year nearer Judgment and Eternity. How
solemn the reflection! What searchings Of hear,
ought 1t not to occasion What reason for 6del-
ity In the ministerial office, and renewed efforts
and zeal in the great work, in which, we trust.
we are co-workers with God, and 10 which no has
called usl ~
we nave reason to be thankful to the Great
Head OF the Church for his mercful dealings
with us during the past year. We have been
blessed more, Infinitely more than we have de-
served. For which let us ",hank God and take
courage. Let the language Of each and all of
us be, "What shall we render TO God for all his
benefits"
AS ministers the Lord has been with us and
has been merciful. He has blessed us all with
health OF body and soundness of mind. Whilst
some OF our brethren in other sections of the
Church have been called to render an accom-, of
.heir stewardship, we are spared to point sinners
10 the Saviour, to cry to dying men and women.
"Behold! behold the Lamb"'
ny reference TO the reports which have been
handed in, it will be seen that God has oraciousIv
| smiled upon our congregations, and crowned with
success .he eHoits OF the brethren who minister
10 mem In sacred things. Peace and harmony
prevail. Old breaches have been healed. and
oihicui'ies and divisions which threatened the
dhhlhi'a'ioh oil some congregations, and which
caused many TO mourn and weep, who loved our
zion win love that a mother cherishes towards
hnr IL
amlcably settled and adjusted.
In one congregation the spirit Of God has been
poured out IN copious illusions, and on other,
MS influences have been distilled like the dew
upon me mown grass. 1t is in the kingdom of
grace IKE in the kingdom of nature. Sometimes
lie CLOUDS pour forth torrents, and sometimes de-
scend III gentle showers. There is the dreadful
tornado which levels forests, houses and villages
IN lis destructive course, and there is the gently
blowing zephyr. There is the mpetuous torrent
which PUSHES down the mountain side and sweeps
( every thing before it, and there is the rivulet
Gmi;aing silently and slowly along the valley, fer-
liiizlng the soil, and causing the parched GRASS
70 spring up and grow along its course. So God
frequently, 6y the power Of the Holy Ghost sent
| down from Heaven, brings multiudes at once 10
saving knowledge of the truth; but generally.
SINNERS are brought into the kingdom Of Heaven
more gradually, by the genter Influences of the
spirit accompanying the regular and faithful
preaching OF the truth, and fastening that truth
upon their hearts and conscences
There has been larger accession of members
during the past year, than during any previous
classical year. The reports show large additions
10 some congregations of such, as we trust shall
be saved. Vital piety and godIiness are on tbe
increase. Our people becoming better ac-
qualnted with our Church, her history, her doc
irines' her wants, and her future prospects and
destiny. they are becoming more alive to their
duty, to God, the Church and themselves. The
Posed 10 sustain the efforts and operations of the
Church, AMI to contribute to the benev mt insti
tutions OF the day. This appears from the sums
oil money collected for educational and missiona.
purposes, especially for building up and pro-
noting the interests of the Ger Ref. Church in
The Valley of Virginia.
considerable attention has been paid TO Sab !
pain school instruction. The brethren seem 10
nave tne subject much at heart. Many children, |
'nat might otherwise be neglected, and their spi-
.tai interests not attended to, are gathered into
oaooath Schools, those nurseries of piety. and |
are there taught the fear of God which is The he
ginning of wisdom.
Meetings for prayer and praise to God have
Deen held, and all the means Of grace seem TO
nave been faithfully attended TO.
we nave mus glanced at the pleasing side of
me picture. But we. must turn leaf Would
!" 600 that 1t were otherwise Would to God
we MAD all good news, and tidings of Joy to com.
muhicate! But every sweet has its bIter. Our
p1rest and brightest Joys frequently succeed
co ny sorrows. Our moments of happiness are
Teh borrowed by moments of pain and bitterness
ne sunshine of hope is often obscured by clouds
o' distressing doubts and fears. Thus it is I'M
Ger inc sun, thus it will be as long as we taber
nace i'm the flesh
loo many, who profess the name of Christ. |
sui continue in iniquity. Too many, who are in
.ne church. and entitled 10 its privileges, are yet
strangers to personal holiness Thew have a |
name to live, but are dead in trespasses and in
?ln-n the gall of bitterness and in The bonds of
inquiry. Too many are resting their hopes upon
eheN own works-npon their supposed morality, !
Tor salvation and acceptance with God. Thus
they Duild upon foundation of sand, and sooner
or iaier the floods will wear away their sandy
iouhoatlon and one tremendous storm shall beat
upon them, and they and their hopes shall fall, |
forever fall. '
Inc Sabbath, that day which God has COM
mahaed TO be kept holy, and upon which we are
not TO think our own thoughts, nor engage in
woI'o'y transactions, is still too much profaned
ana made day OF sport and pleasure, a day of
paying and receiving visits, and to attend TO the
business and affairs Of the world. This is not
oh'y 'he case In our denomination, but i'm all o. |
'heIs' mo wonder If the curse of God would !
rest upon the nation and the churches. MAY not
tne SIN Oh Sabbalh-bTeaking be one cause why |
uou nds OF iate visited individuals and commu-
mites with Judgments And should we wonder. |
or be at all surprised, that for this. and other
sins, he has yet in store walls of hotter wrath
ana mercer Indignation, to be poured out on our
country? Family religion is also much NEGLECT.
ed. And Notwithstanding God has expressly de.
ciaIed tiat he VIII pour out his fury on families
that call not on his name, there are manv be,ds
OF families, protesting TO be christians, who have
no altar upon which they offer the sacrifices Of
prayer and praise to God-who seem to foroe,
that it is by the blessing of God that thew exist
DIS families, and therefore never thank him for IA