Washington telegraph., 1862-03-05
lFor the Telegraph. ]
Sunday Reading.


@ 1t is a beautiful trait in tie religion
of the Bible, that as it is founded upon
truth, it is supported by simplicity, and
is altogether independent of human gran
deur, altogether at variance with the die
tates of human pride. Iu the history Of
the Pairiarchs, We are presented with a
picture of pure aad uadefled religion in
It's effects upon a people, who, a, yet, knew
little of the refae.uenis Of society, at on ce
striking, impressive and deeply interest,"
ing. W neither ee consider Abraham as
| calling with con ileace on the Most High
in strange land, or Isaac, as walking
abroad to mediate at eventide, or Jacob,
~hen III the language of the Apostle, she
worshipped, leaniug on the top of his
staff ); We are equally impressed with the
beauty of that religion which is thus seen
to fl 'urish, not amongst the most polished,
but the most simple; not the most power
full, but the most ob. dent not the most
learned, but the must faithful of mankind
Thus We are taught to believe, that, how
eser pomp aud splendor may seem to add
TO the effect of religion, or however Iupo
sing the coloring which they throw around
it, yet as its object is to unite man with
his Creator, it cannot be assisted by u
mau power, it needs not the aid of adven
ttious circumstances. Ii is not amidst
the crowd Of assembled III m.lti,udeS, not in
temples made with hauds, that its etf-crs
can only be felt. He who pau>es amid
the labors of the day or cuntemplates
the beauties OF nature at early daw,; or
gneth INTO the fields to mediate or like
jacob, worships, leaning on the head Of
his staff, may DOUBTLESS feel. with its full
force the influence of the spirit of devo-
tion. 1t was thus that the holy men of
old were taught TO trust in that Being,
whose attributes are displayed in al HIS
works; 1t Is thus that pIuus men, in every
age, have learned to bow before HIM, who
hath created the Heavens, and the work
OF whose hngers the stars are aud il is
thus that, iu our own minds, may be in
culcated lessons of pety, and of ever uu-
swervlng obedience that we may be
taught to look upon the evils Of this lite
as necessary Preparations for eternity, aud
every event as subservient to the holy
purposes Of Being, :" whose mercy en-
dureth forever" We may thus, ia youth.
be preserved amid temptations, and in old
aye, be enabled to look back with peace
on our past lives and, with pious and
grateful devotion, worship, like the Pa
triarch, leaning upon the top of his
staff" .. ..
" Never permit yourself to be so en-
gagged, that reference to your Christian
crlli ,g would bring blush os shame upon
your cheek
Hypocrisy itself dnes great honor, or
rather justice, to religion, and tacitly ac-
knowled yes it to be an ornament 10 hu.
man nature. The hypocrite would not be
at so much pains to put on the appearance
of virtue, if he did not know it was the
most proper and effectual means to gain
the love and esteem of mankind. .--Addi.
son. .r .. a .I--l ..L
" A Christian in this world is but gold
in the ore; at death the pure gold is
melted out and separated, and the dross
east away and consumed" .-. ......
/ "Of temporal things which are truly
good perhaps the principal oues we would
wish to enjoy are sound mind and a
healthful body. Health and peace. a
moderate fortune, and few friend+. sun
up all the nndnnb'ed articles of temporal
felicity High happ uess on the earth is
rather a picture which the imagination
f'rns than reality which man is al
lowed 10 possess" s+ ..." j.-'
humility cannot be degraded by hu.
imitation 1t is its very character to sub
nit to snch thin.-s. There is consan
gnihuity between berevolerce ard humi
lity. They are virtues oftbe same stock y
"The mjuries If life. if rightly i'm
proved will be to US as the strokes of 'lle
statuary on the marble. forming us to a
more beautiful shape and making US filter
to adorn the Heavenly temple.
! HEAR THEM GBoAN.-The groans OF