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Literary
November 22, 1816
The Rhode Island American, And General Advertiser
Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island
What is this article about?
The essay describes the 'sober Christian' who demonstrates genuine conversion through the Holy Spirit's work, evidenced by virtuous habits, devout temper, humility, charity, repentance, and faith, rather than ecstatic feelings or precise dates.
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FROM THE CLERGYMAN'S ALMANACK.
THE SOBER CHRISTIAN.
Such a Christian is as fully convinced, that
He only, who made the heart, can new make
it, as the enthusiast. He is as fully persuaded,
that his natural dispositions must be changed
through the operations of the Holy Spirit, as
the fanatick.--If he does not presume, in his
own case, to fix the exact chronology of his
conversion, he is not the less certain as to its
effects: If he cannot enumerate dates, and re-
capitulate high excitements and the fervour of
feelings, he can, and does produce such evi-
dence of his improvement, as virtuous habits,
a devout temper, a humble and charitable spir-
it, repentance towards God, and faith in our
Lord Jesus Christ. This gives an evidence
less equivocal, as existing more in the heart,
than on the lips; and more in the life, than in
the discourse. Surely, if a plant be flourish-
ing, the branches green, and the fruit fair and
abundant, we may venture to pronounce them
to be indications of health and vigour, though
we cannot ascertain the moment when the seed
was sown, or the manner in which it sprung up.
THE SOBER CHRISTIAN.
Such a Christian is as fully convinced, that
He only, who made the heart, can new make
it, as the enthusiast. He is as fully persuaded,
that his natural dispositions must be changed
through the operations of the Holy Spirit, as
the fanatick.--If he does not presume, in his
own case, to fix the exact chronology of his
conversion, he is not the less certain as to its
effects: If he cannot enumerate dates, and re-
capitulate high excitements and the fervour of
feelings, he can, and does produce such evi-
dence of his improvement, as virtuous habits,
a devout temper, a humble and charitable spir-
it, repentance towards God, and faith in our
Lord Jesus Christ. This gives an evidence
less equivocal, as existing more in the heart,
than on the lips; and more in the life, than in
the discourse. Surely, if a plant be flourish-
ing, the branches green, and the fruit fair and
abundant, we may venture to pronounce them
to be indications of health and vigour, though
we cannot ascertain the moment when the seed
was sown, or the manner in which it sprung up.
What sub-type of article is it?
Essay
What themes does it cover?
Religious
Moral Virtue
What keywords are associated?
Sober Christian
Conversion Evidence
Holy Spirit
Virtuous Habits
True Faith
What entities or persons were involved?
From The Clergyman's Almanack.
Literary Details
Title
The Sober Christian.
Author
From The Clergyman's Almanack.
Key Lines
Such A Christian Is As Fully Convinced, That He Only, Who Made The Heart, Can New Make It, As The Enthusiast.
He Is As Fully Persuaded, That His Natural Dispositions Must Be Changed Through The Operations Of The Holy Spirit, As The Fanatick.
This Gives An Evidence Less Equivocal, As Existing More In The Heart, Than On The Lips; And More In The Life, Than In The Discourse.
Surely, If A Plant Be Flourishing, The Branches Green, And The Fruit Fair And Abundant, We May Venture To Pronounce Them To Be Indications Of Health And Vigour, Though We Cannot Ascertain The Moment When The Seed Was Sown, Or The Manner In Which It Sprung Up.