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Untitled Article
youth , are often those -which relate to speech and dress * - But as we know that the ground of our dir-sent from the world in these things , is Christian simpncity ; so we know by experience , that they are often flic means of defence against temptation to mingle in the company of
such as , not being- thus subject to holy restraint , ^ . re unsuitable examples for our youth to observe and to follow . And when by the gentle intimations of truth in their ripening understandings , they are entered on a course of solf-derial , they will feel you doubly dear to them , for having- led them on in the way they should go , and will bless the Lord on your behalf .
Thus have we again touched upon some of the most important objects of the constant care of this meeting , and indeed of all those who desire to see our Society builded up as a city that is compact together . *< Jerusalem" saith the Psalmist , is builded as a city that is compact together ; whither the tribes go up , the tribes of the Lord , unto the testimony of Isiael . "
We may now turn from subjects which concern every state in life ; and direct the course of our Christian counsel to trie states , -more in particular . And first , you whoare not intrusted with much of ( he possessions of this life , you are still the objects of our constant care . The Society has long endeavoured to consult your interests , and to place
within your reach whatever is necessary for yocfr welfare , and for that of your offspring . And you are equally the ca > e of Him who provides for the sparrows ; to hi ^ ear your access is as easy as that of any condition amongst men ; and if , by his holy assistance , and by a conformity to his will , yoiu become truly poor in
spirit , your- > is the kingdom of heaven . 13 ut dear frki . ds , suUer us to remind you , that there i * not a passion that can infest the rich , which may not also , in a . degree subversive of your peace , be foster , ed in your minds . You may covet , . ' ? nd give way to pride and an ^ er , and to aH the ' * f oo lish and hurtful lusts , whirh drown men in destruction and
perdition " Therefore do you partake ci the uiiiveif-al necessity of paying strict attention to Christ ' s sacred injunction , "when addresbir . g himself to jiis immediate followers , he c o ed his address with those memorable word- * , 46 What J s ; iy un : o you , I say unto a ] j , "Wauh . "
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As for yo ^ dear friend 5 > who occupy what are termed the middle stations of life , you have every cause to b ' ess the Lo-d for the sphere in which he hath permitted you to move . In you seem § iulfrtted the wish of Agur : " Give me neither poverty nor riches , ( feed . me
with"food convenient for me ); lest 1 be full and dniy thee , and say , Who is the JLord ? or lest 1 be poor and steal , and take the name of my God in vain . " Among your number the Society has often found many of its more useful members , of its more able advocates .
Be content therefore with your stations . Seek net great things for yourselves ; yea , " Mind not high things ; but condescend to men of low estate . " But above all things , " FolioW on to know the Lord ;* ' o-, if you have not known him and served him , fully and faithfully ,
seek him ** with a perfect heart , and with a willing mind , ' * for < c if you seek him , he ivill be found of you ; " and you will remain to be , as many of you have been , supports of the building , tinder the protecting providence of the Lord ; who is the sole and true builder of his spiritual house , the " house of
prayer for all people . And you who are intrusted with much of the good things of this life , you who cannot disclaim the title of affluentwe believe there are among you many good stewards of the temporal things committed to your trust ; yet we desire
that others may duly consider , whether they are so " rich m faith /* as to he "heirs of the kingdom / ' being fruitful in those good wtrrks which are produced by faith . Though friends , you may not have to labour with your hands the cauee of trurh has business of importance for'you to do ; and it rnay
be promoted or obstructed by the right or wrong application of your property . Much responsibility lies on you ; ypuv property is an additional article in the account ; and we-much desire that you may be so awake to a sense of these things , as to be prepared to render up your accounts with joy , and to receive the answer of " Well done . " 'J b e poof
and the rich have their appropriate virtues ; and , at the same time that each is required to be content and to be humble , we believe it may be truly said , that as contentment is a peculiar ornament of the poor , so is humility ot the rich . Your station in life bullet * you , interc than others , to be tried by
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520 Intelligence . —Quaker ' s Yearly Episite .
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Sept. 2, 1808, page 520, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2396/page/64/
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