The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1871-10-31

of riches, and in the habits and amuse
ments Oh social life have been far tot
muchLrelaxedI r; Hence comsthe sins o
covetousness, of wasteful vanity, and o
the robbery Of God in Withholding from
His cause his due share of the worldly
things entrusted to our control. H.as
Nor may We omit. TO renew the warn
ings, more than once before given in the
pastoral letters of your bishops, against
some Of the public amusements and
exhibitions, from the sights and lessons
of which any true morality, to say
nothing of pure religion. ought to make
good men aud women withdraw them
selves, and most scrupulously keep their
children from. e. .r-, l..,.-.,-l nm
The great and destructive sin of In
temperance claims our anxious notice.
That sin is, as all must see and lament,
growing in our land. 1t can be met
only by such distinct pastoral warnings
and examples, and by ouch lessons and
habits OF selfdenial in the home as will
train and keep the people Of Christ,
young and old, faithful to the vows Of
their high vocation.
Wherefore, Christian fathers and
Christian mothers, ask yourselves earn
estly and honestly how necessary for
the nurture and admonition which your
children are receiving at your bands, in
this most worldly age, are the nurture
and admonition OF the Lord" how far
the pleasures and associations encour'
aged and allowed are compatible with
the life of God; how far the books per-
mitted to be read and the ideas cher
ished in the minds of children are lead
ing them to "seek first the Kingdom OF
God and His righteousness; and there.
fore, how far you are discharging, TO-
wards those whom God has given you,
that household priesthood which exalts
your position as parents and commensu-
rately increases your responsibility.
Ifyou are faithful to this solemn
trust, then all the hottest interests OF
society are sure to feel the benefit Of
your fidelity. II you are unfaithful, not
only will your sin be visited on those
who are dearest to you, but worldliness
like flood will sweep away all that
God has made our most precious herl-
tage in His holy church. Of the effect
ofthis in our country it is not necessary
that we should speak. Fearful indica,
tons OF coming judgments are already.
before US. The history OF empires dur.
ing the past year is warning which
need not be expounded, OF that swift
destruction which nations, as we'll as in
dividuals, may bring upon their own
heads from a patient but just Creator.
TO the Divine Redeemer of our souls
your Bishops commend the beloved
flock over which the Chief Shepherd
has set them in authority. Love Him
with fervent love. and with an uncal-
culating devotion. Make proof Of your
gratitude for the unspeakable riches OF
His Gospel. Bring your presents and
come into His courts But remember
also, to worship Him in the beauty Of
practical holiness. We live in days
which call for no stinted liberality, which
demand the sacrifices Of genuine love,
which indicate that God is waiting to
be gracious, if truly His people will
prepare themselves for His visitation
The whole Church OF Christ is giving
tokens Of His reviving presence. Grace,
mercy and peace be multiplied upon
you, and upon all who love the Lord
Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.