On this page
-
Text (1)
-
Untitled Article
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
-
-
Transcript
-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Untitled Article
religious discussion in mixed company ; but there is a S eriousness of deportment , a tone off mind , of manners and of conversation , which at once distinguish the religious man , and which I should wish to see generally
esteemed and practised . I cannot render a more acceptable service to my readers than by extracting a passage on this subject from the chapter before us , and by directing their attention to a chapter on the 4 C Introduction of Religious Conversation in mixed Company . "
" If we really believe that it is the design of Christianity to raise us to a participation of the Divine Nature , the slightest reflection on this elevation of our character would lead us to maintain its dignity in the ordinary intercourse of life . We should not
so much inquire whether we are transgressing any actual prohibition , whether any standing law is pointed against us , as whether we are supporting the dignity of the Christian character ; ' whether we are acting suitably to our profession ; whether more exactness in the common
occurrences of the day , more correctness in our conversation , would not be such evidences of our religion as , by being obvious and intelligible , might not almost insensibly produce important effects .
"The most insignificant people must not undervalue , through indolence or selfishness , their own influence . Most persons have a little circle of which they are a sort of centre . Its smallness may lessen their quantity of good , but does not diminish the duty of using that little influence wisely . Where is the human being so inconsiderable but that he may 10 sonde shape benefit others , either by calling their virtues into exercise , or by setting them an example of virtue himself ?
" But we are humble just in the wrong place . When the exhibition of our talents or splendid qualities is m question , we are not backward in the display . When a little self-denial is to be exercised , when a little good
might be effected by our example , by our discreet management in company , 1 ) V Riving a better turn to conversation , then at once we grow wickedly raociest—* Such an insignificant creature u « I am can do no good . Had I a
Untitled Article
higher rank or brighter talents , then , indeed , my influence migjit foe exerted to somfci purpose . * Thu ? under the mask or diffidence we justify our indolence , and let slip those lesser occasions of promoting ' religion which if we all improved , hxw much might the
condition of society be raised !"— " The hackneyed interrogation , * Wh ; at ! must we be always talking about rfeligion ?* must have the hackneyed answer , Far from it . Talking about religion is not being religious . But we may bring the spirit of religion into company ,
and keep it in perpetual operation , when we do not professedly make it our subject . We may be constantly advancing its interests , we may be giying an example of candour , of moderation , of humility , of forbearance . We may employ our influence by
correcting falsehood , by checking levity , by discouraging calumny , by vindicating misrepresented merit , by countenancing every thing which has a good tendency ,: —in short , by throwing our whole weight , be it great or small , into the right scale . "—Practical Piety , Vol . I . Chap . iv .
The chapter on Prayer is a highly valuable summary of the reasons for the practice of this important duty , and of the answers to the most common objections against it . I will not
injure this dissertation by extracting any part where the whole is so connected together , but will content myself with recommending this and the following chapter to the serious consideration of my readers .
Greatly , indeed , are we indebted to the author of the work before us . It contains rules for the government of the Christian in his conduct towafds God , his ' fellow-creatures and himself . Many may deem the duties inculcated too severe , the observances too strict , the threatenings too urgent , the promises too difficult of attainment : but
let such consider the paramount importance of the object in view ; let them admire and be grateful for the benevolent earnestness of one who , having so far pressed forward toward that standard which she has not
displaced from its divine elevation , endeavours to lend a helping hand to those who desire to advance , and to awaken those who clumber ity a fearful indifference to eternal things . It is
Untitled Article
Female JFriters m Pragtical Divin ity ^ 6 $$
-
-
Citation
-
Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), Oct. 2, 1822, page 595, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2517/page/11/
-