On this page
-
Text (2)
-
Untitled Article
-
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
example , contributes to lead others to know the only true God , and Jesus Christ whom he hath sent ; and , in the practical possession of this faith , to walk in the ways of holiness here , towards eternal life hereafter . It may not be ours to witness personally the majestic streams which are swelling the ocean of divine knowledge ; it may not be ours to direct even the smaller
rivers in their course , to discern their moral grandeur , and behold the way in . which they contribute , on the great scale , to the promotion of human worth , and happiness ; but there are few , indeed , who may not guide the fertilizing rivulet from that fountain which never faileth , from which all may derive the means of blessedness to themselves and others , whose waters are healing to the soul .
It is one of the bright features of the present day , which throw gleams on the distant prospect , that the power of individuals is incalculably increased by the resources for mutual co-operation , themselves so wonderfully augmented by the various means of mutual communication . Leaving out of view the external aid afforded by such co-operation , who has not felt the influence of its encouragement ? The sympathy of those whose views have the same direction , often affords a cheering support to the heart ; it is
animating even where it is not needed to give steadfast perseverance . Whea the aged ambassador of Christ was approaching the great capital of the world , which he was about to enter in chains to be " brought before Csesar , ' * he was met at some distance by brethren from Rome ; and the sacred historian , with the beautiful simplicity which so constantly adorns his writings , records , that when Paul saw them , * ' he thanked God and took courage . * ' I appeal to the heart of every one who has been engaged in labours
of love , whether this is not accordant with the truth of nature . Who is there among us , Who labouring to promote the welfare of others , either in a wider or a narrower sphere , has not felt encouragement and strengthening comfort , when he found that in his work he was not alone ; that others thought it good as well as himself ; that he might expect their aid and cooperation in it ; and at any rate be free from those chilling obstacles which sometimes sink the energies of the soul , and check those efforts which might otherwise turn to a full account >
Many services in the cause of truth and righteousness depend on the individual labourer almost alone : and there he must learn toga on perseveringly and faithfully , doing his best , and resting in no way on human motives , but seeking his encouragements in those views and prospects which Christian faith so richly presents ; aiming to employ his means of usefulness with discretion as well as earnestness , but not sinking under occasional
disappointments of his best efforts , or the occasional perception of error in his previous plans ; taking care to correct , to limit , or to extend , as circumstances direct ; but always going on , with simple aims and chastened desires ; receiving with gratitude every indication of success , but satisfied even when hope is deFerred ; and trusting the Lord of the harvest , when sometimes it appears that the seeds of truth and love are d y ing in the earth .
. but in a variety of instances , the great purposes or human improvement , both temporal and spiritual , cannot go on without the encouragement and co-oporation of others . Every public object must have some individuals who shall make it their peculiar care , and watch over nnd direct it , and keep up its usefulness , and see to its interests ; but even this , though essential , is not enou gh ; there must be aid ( pecuniary or otherwise as the c , ase requires ) from others who , perhaps , may not take the same decree of interest in it , or see its importance in the same strong light , or ( if they dicJ ) have other
Untitled Article
Reasons for mutual Encouragement nnd Co-operation . 259
Untitled Article
T 2
-
-
Citation
-
Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), April 2, 1829, page 259, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2571/page/35/
-