The Evangelical Spectator Volume 2 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1830 edition. Excerpt: ... THE CONTRAST. M One doth his righteousness proclaim; The other owns his guilt and shame."--DR. WATTS. The disciples of Christ are distinguished from the men of the world, by their principles and by their habits. In their figure, in their social dispositions, and in their efforts to raise their families to distinction, they may bear some resemblance to them; but in their subjection to the authority of Hod, in theconsecration of their affections to the Lord Jesus Christ, in their attention to the ordinances of religion, and in their anxiety to promote the moral and spiritual improvement of others, they appear to belong to a very different order of human beings. These peculiarities of their character always excite astonishment, and sometimes reproach; for, in whateve&cpuntry they live, or rank in society they move, they art men to be wondered at; their existence being a phenditienon which cannot be accounted for, without invoking the aid of that sarcastic spirit which ascribes it to the charm of fanaticism. And yet those who openly calumniate them, often secretly respect them; and after pouring contempt on what they call the absurdities of their faith, not unfrequentlv covet, in their dying moments, the hope of immortality which it inspires. The intimacy which had subsisted between Mr. Stanley and Mr. Neville during their residence in the city, and which was to have increased on his settlement in the village of, gradually subsided, till at length it was entirely broken off. This was owing to the influence of Dr. Barry, the Rector'the adjoining parish, who was so incensed aga'injfiglJriMtesque, and his fajtatical admirers, that heT less in his activity to rescue every one from their society, over whom he had any influence;...