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neutral ground in regard to one's influence, and if a Christian fail to manifest any influence on the Side of his Lord, he in effect gives his influence against it- is it not so? Please read and ponder 2 Peter 1:5-7 Add to your faith virtue, (i.e.) according to just interpretation,) courage, manly energy, or vigour, what do these terms imply, but making manifest the light that is in us, in all our works and ways: notice, too, the two last of the enumerations, 'brotherly kindness; charity' how can these be exercised towards Christians, without knowing and being known of them? Says Foster in that 'masterly production' 'Saturday Evening' "So far as Christians truly exhibit the characteristics of their Lord, in spirit and conduct, a vivid emotion is enkindled in other Christians bosoms, as if the bright Original of all perfections stood dimly revealed. This emotion would hardly be generated by a single instance or in a very few instances of the temper and behaviour that become the gospel; for the divine image, in any single example, is too faint; but in the multitude of instances there may clearly be seem a consciousness, - a harmony - a convergence of evidence, such as leaves no doubt of the truth, that all are copies after the same pattern. The Christian Brotherhood is, therefore, to each individuals, a sensible proof of the reality of his faith; and each embraces all, not merely with affection; but with that [?torn page] the substantiality of its dearest hopes" this insulated extract can not [?torn page] appear to you in its full force, as it would could you read the whole of the interesting and excellent chapter on the family affections of Christianity; or better yet, could you read the whole book, which is well calculated to elevate the thoughts and expand the mind. This subject is an important one, not only in relation to one's usefulness, but in regard to one's Personal Piety and growth in grace, Probably, there are very few if any, growing useful Christians, who are not social Christians, having communing with others, Christians, enjoying the benefit of their watch, examples and prayers. Mr. and Mrs. Sewall and child have gone a journey to see their friends, have been gone three weeks and expect to be gone two more, her sister, and their little girl three years old, and myself, compose the whole family so we he have very quiet and rather lonely times. Ellen Brown has been quite kind & attentive to me. I spent the 4th with her; kept school till eleven. I expect to be at home a week from to day