Transcribed from the 1814 Flanders and Co. Many thanksto Kensington and Chelsea Local Studies for finding this in theirarchives, and allowing it to be transcribed.
A
Religious Tract,
RECOMMENDING
A CHRISTIAN’S DUTY
MOSTRESPECTFULLY,
To the Parishioners
OF
ORTON ON THE HILL &TWYCROSS,
IN THECOUNTY OF LEICESTER.
BY THE REV. JOSEPH PHILLIMORE,
VICAR OF ORTON ON THE HILL.
ATHERSTONE:
PRINTED BY FLANDERS AND CO.
1814.
p.3Religious Tract, &c.
Nothing can be of more moment toyou, than living virtuously on earth, as the salvation of yoursouls in future is one of the objects nearest my heart.
May you practise this friendly admonition contained herein,being assured I wish no harm or evil to any part of the humanrace, but for the love of my Redeemer, and the certain hopes ofmankind zealous in faith and good works being rewarded withperpetual bliss, which the wicked and the negligent in purereligion will not inherit, unless they be reclaimed, and walk innewness of life, like the good and faithful which will producerepentance, and forgiveness from past sins, is the only object ofmy addressing this small tract of religion for your futureprivate and public conduct.
It is almost ten years since my late most invaluable friend,John Randolph, late bishop of London, Bangor, and Oxford, in theyear 1804, conferred on me an everlasting monument of friendship(which had existed unshaken more than thirty years), inpresenting me to the living of Orton on the Hill; and withtributes of gratitude I daily looked upon it my bounden duty tohave prayed for him during his life, and for the benefit of hissurviving widow and family, for their present and futurehappiness; knowing you cannot be displeased at my imitating sucha great example of Christianity, to invite you to pursue theblessed steps of a merciful Redeemer, who came into the world tosave miserable lost sinners.
It was my first inquiry to know your characters andcircumstances individually, and having minutely watched p. 4and observedyour actions, though not extreme to mark what has been doneamiss, I will allow there has been great improvement in generalin religious exercises since my first appearance among you. Some exceptions there are, and I am fearful ever will be; therebeing scarce any flock without some wandering sheep; yet happyshould I be, if both my parishes were more exemplary intemperance, integrity, religion, and chastity, than any others inthe diocese of Lincoln; but remember, those who have beenexceptions, I have gently warned them of their errors and mannerof life, privately at home, as well as in the church, to turnfrom their evil ways, and live; for why should the obstinat