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Editorial
June 3, 1808
Berkeley And Jefferson Intelligencer
Martinsburg, Berkeley County, Virginia
What is this article about?
A moral reflection on life's uncertainty, urging virtue and religion over worldly pleasures. Contrasts the peaceful death of the virtuous Christian with the remorse of the irreligious, praising religion's transcendent value.
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OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
The MORALIST.
To aid the cause of Virtue and Religion.
Uncertain is the tenure of life. Those who now experience the loss of a companion that but yesterday like them, was vigorous and hopeful; who were called to view the lifeless remains, the solemn mournful procession, and consign to the tomb a partner and a friend; have reason awfully to pause and seriously reflect, that whatever may be their present condition—however health may invigorate their frame—however fortune smile, and worldly pleasures with pleasant aspect promise long enjoyment, tomorrow may behold them, swept as a flower before the hand of death—their youth, their beauty wealth and worldly pleasure, "buried in one common grave"—their spirit where?—Their conduct must determine. An hour may change the scene, and a death bed prove the pleasures of the world to be but glittering vanity; which, disposed before the mirror of truth—without virtue—a chaos of darkness and fearful remorse ensue. Serenity and peace attend the virtuous. Temperate are their pleasures; innocent and exhilirating their amusements; their employments rational and useful.—Gliding on in an even tenor, their lives are contented and comparatively happy; and their end glorious. View the dying Christian! Cheerful and serenely happy he yields his breath, and in his Saviour's arms, his soul reposes in the sure hope of glorious immortality. Vast are the works of the Almighty! Sublimely beautiful the appearance of the Heavens! "Orderly is nature in her course!" and wonderful the structure of the earth! More vast—more beautiful—far more transcendently glorious is true virtue in its operations and effects! More valuable than the "gold of Ophir" is religion; and more to be prized than the plaudits of mercenary millions, is the testimony of an approving conscience.
To aid the cause of Virtue and Religion.
Uncertain is the tenure of life. Those who now experience the loss of a companion that but yesterday like them, was vigorous and hopeful; who were called to view the lifeless remains, the solemn mournful procession, and consign to the tomb a partner and a friend; have reason awfully to pause and seriously reflect, that whatever may be their present condition—however health may invigorate their frame—however fortune smile, and worldly pleasures with pleasant aspect promise long enjoyment, tomorrow may behold them, swept as a flower before the hand of death—their youth, their beauty wealth and worldly pleasure, "buried in one common grave"—their spirit where?—Their conduct must determine. An hour may change the scene, and a death bed prove the pleasures of the world to be but glittering vanity; which, disposed before the mirror of truth—without virtue—a chaos of darkness and fearful remorse ensue. Serenity and peace attend the virtuous. Temperate are their pleasures; innocent and exhilirating their amusements; their employments rational and useful.—Gliding on in an even tenor, their lives are contented and comparatively happy; and their end glorious. View the dying Christian! Cheerful and serenely happy he yields his breath, and in his Saviour's arms, his soul reposes in the sure hope of glorious immortality. Vast are the works of the Almighty! Sublimely beautiful the appearance of the Heavens! "Orderly is nature in her course!" and wonderful the structure of the earth! More vast—more beautiful—far more transcendently glorious is true virtue in its operations and effects! More valuable than the "gold of Ophir" is religion; and more to be prized than the plaudits of mercenary millions, is the testimony of an approving conscience.
What sub-type of article is it?
Moral Or Religious
What keywords are associated?
Virtue
Religion
Mortality
Deathbed
Christian Faith
Conscience
Worldly Vanity
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Reflection On Mortality And The Value Of Virtue And Religion
Stance / Tone
Moral Exhortation Advocating Virtue And Faith
Key Arguments
Life's Tenure Is Uncertain, Prompting Reflection On Mortality.
Worldly Pleasures Are Vain Without Virtue, Leading To Remorse.
The Virtuous Enjoy Serene, Happy Lives And Glorious Ends.
The Dying Christian Faces Death Cheerfully With Hope Of Immortality.
True Virtue And Religion Surpass The Beauty Of Nature And Material Wealth.
An Approving Conscience Is More Valuable Than Worldly Praise.