Newspaper Page Text
. - j-- _ _ . . —>r-v —'■■—■■ r— *
H jam vHk \ j \ hk U| hk
■ ■■■ ■■\ vhf j j y i i
Vol. V.
flsflysc@QSE©gMo©aATr.
Bjr 4n4rewi 4k OrbwaM.
Carner of Randolph and Broad streets, (vp-stairs.)
COLUMBUS, Ga.
——
terms.
THREE HOLLAKS par annum —to 4hm.
Tt eopUa for ‘s s, “ • •*
for fesO •• ,
Two dollir* f<ur*i* month*. “
money i enJSnd.
!■'yii:'.. ■- I’
A DHcVtfrsfe
(Delivered in tke Firm Congregational Church, New Or
loan*, April 99|ill8tfl.)
■V EEV. THEODORS CLAPP.
*
“A‘tin** to weep and a time to Isaeh; a time to mourn
and a time to dance."— Etfuiattes 3; 4.
It is generally admitted that the words “laugh”
and “donee” are used in the text figuratively, to
express the idea of a glad, happy, rejoicing state
of mind. They present a good instance of that
species of trope which the rhetoricians call by 1
the name of metonomy. This is a word derived I
from the Greek language, and signifies the sub
•titution of one term for another, to which it is
associated by some obvious and striking relation.
Consequently, the text contains the proposition
that our Heavenly Father has ordained times for
the devoting of ourselves to innocent and useful
recrealii n. He has, in wisdom and mercy, in*
lerposed intervals of rest and refreshment among
our ordinary cares and engagements —among
the toils and trials, the sorrows and bereave
ments of our earthly pilgrimage.
The impression prevails to some extent in this
city, and to a great extent among those abroad,
who are personallyunacquainted with us, thatthe
members of this church and congregation, togetli
er with their pastor, are the abettors of those
forms of amusement or recreation which are
deemed of an immoral and deleterious tendency
by Christian communities in general. We are
represented as laboring, both by precept and ex
ample, to persuade those around us to lead that
gay, thoughtless, inconsiderate kind of life, which
is entirely at war with the awful realities of re
ligion and a future state. It is thought that your
pastor employs all the resources of his official
station to unsettle in men’s minds the belief ol
their accountability to the bar of God. We
preach, it is believed, by multitudes, an easy,
lax, latitudinarian system of morals and theology
nrncliie*|jhe wgg-gieti.in that maukiud
geucies, revel in the joys of sense, drink without
restraint of pleasure’s guilty cup,- and escape the
punishment doc .to their transgressions, both in
the present world and that beyond the grave.—
Weare accused of denying and eveu ridiculing j
everything like religious seriousness. Yes, mul
titudes really suppose (hat we enter the pulpit
from Sabbath to Sabbath to disprove and dispar
age what arc regarded by orthodox pulpits as
the most solemn doctrines concerning death,
judgment and eternity, which are to be found in
the Inspired Volume.
It is unfortunate that these defamatory rumors
in regard to our church should have been dis
seminated so extensively. I cannot be mistaken
ia respect to the estimation in which we are held
at a distance, touching this subject; tor, within the
last tew years, 1 have received letters from dis.
tinguished gentlemen, who are our friends, anxi.
ously inquiiing as to the truth of the report that
*6 are in favor of horse-races, theatres, Military
P*fades, shooting matches, wrestling rings, fltc.,
on the Lord’s day ? I say it is unlirtun|te that
such % glandsr should be so widely spread; for, al
though utterly unfounded, it will be received as
authentic by hundreds and thousands those
who are ignorant of our reai views and proceed
ings as a church. Such a mode of attack does
its execution with inquiring into the lactsiapper
tabling to the case. In religious matters, per.
haps, all persons are inclined to shape their
belief so as to make it accord with their wishes.
The great majority of Christians in the ibnited
States would look upon the prosperity of our
church and the prevalence of our sentiments as
a tremendous calamity. Os course they are pre
disposed to welcome as true any rumors (fending
to our dishonor and injury. In this state ofthings
we must not expect to ho dealt justly by. With
deep sorrow | have noticed the fact that, If late,
have cease I to re
.jJf Unsound Sfeussion and legitimate re *oning
the maintenance ol their peculiar v pwe.—
“They rather appeal to the fancy, feelin ;s, pas
sions and prejudices ofiheu respective vrtarieg.
They do not appear to wish to have the < ause of
truth tried upon its merits* Hence ti&BPide&us
efforts to gaiu their points by other alts, influ
ences and impressions, than that power of fair
argumentation fitted to carry conviction to the
bosoms of the just, candid and noble.
k corrupt, immoral pulpit is an engine of evil
of the most tremendous import. A writer allu
ding to the sacred desk in Great Britain during
the reign of Charles 11, exclaims tbus:
“Pulpits their sacred satire learned to spare,
And vice admired to find a flatterer there; .
Encouraged thus, wit’s Titans braved the skies,
And the press groaned with licensed blasphemies.”
If this pulpit actually exerts an influence unfa
vorable to good morals and religion, you should
not tolerate Us existence a single week. If its
tendencies be deleterious let it be demolished at
once and erased from the memory of man. We
are all more or less weak and prejudiced beings.
Now, your pastor is so blind and perverse, that
he believes with all his soul in the superior,
practical efficacy of the system of truth avowed
Mid taught in this church. If this system were
understood and only appreciated by all mankind,
then all tyould be raised to milienial glory and
perfection. But, want of time forbids our pur*
suing this topic any farthor on the present oc
casion.
We all admit that there are some sports prev.
alent in this oity on the Sabbath which are quito
reprehensible. But what have this church and
congregation to do with them ? Wore they orig
A JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE
toi.i vinos. *!,
’• - 3 , ‘ jgg -
lasted by us 1 Have we ever uttered a word or
lifted a finger in the way of promoting them ?
There are similar amusements in the Northern
cities and their suburbs on the Lord's day. Was
it ever suggested that the liberal churbhes there
are the cause of these delinquencies ? Upon
what grounds, I should like to be informed, is
our church selected us the scape.goat to bear all
the sins, follies and moral abominations commit
ted in New Orleans on the first day of the week ?
Look it what are called she respectable scenes
of recreation in our city. Among those who
attend on them you will see ns many; in propor.
tion, coining front the other churches as from
our society.
There is, indeed, one point of difference be
tween this and the other pulpits in the neighbor
hood. They denounce all those amusements
practised by the rrtost genteel and fashionable
circles among us. They say that our great du
ty in this world is by mourning and penitence to
escape the miseries of everlasting perdition in
a future state. According to their representa
tions, we cante into the world under the wrath
and Curse of Almighty God, in consequence of
the primitive transgressions of our first parents.
If in a state of impenitence, we are every mo
ment suspended by the brittle thread of life over
the pit of endless ruin, how, then, can we en
gage, even for one evening, in the gaieties and
splendors of social delight, knowing that before
it shall terminate, we may he summoned to die in
unpreparedness and he consigned to the horrors
of eternal punishment ? If this he a true picture
of our condition in life, then, indeed, we should
abstain from all forms of earthly enjoyment
and pass all our days in sighs, tears and wretch
edness. If I thought there was a solitary person
in New Orleans exposed to endless misery, I
should he perfectly miserable myself. I should
look upon mv very existence as an unspeakable
curse. I should lose my reason and become a
maniac.
But we cherish very different sentiments con
cerning the character and destination of man.
We cannot believe that this beautiful world, with
all its diversified and exquisite adaptations for
the promotion of happiness, is under the curse of
Heaven and intended to he the abode of Jorrow
and degradation only. For what purpose has
the hand of Providence spread around such in
numerable objects of delight hut thut we might
rejoice as tve travel to the grave, and constantly
send up our thanksgiving to the henificent Au
thor of every good ? It were easy to show, did
time permit, that the highest enjoyment of tem
poral blessings is perfectly consistent with the
repentance and holiness inculcated In the gospel.
■-- - -rs wmmn) il>. X. ....
er will he his relish for all theWtural pleasures
of the present existence. x
On this subject we endeavor to follow the
teachings of the Bible. The text goes beyond
the simple affirmation, that we may occasionally
amuse and entertain ourselves during the inter
vals interposed among our graver occupations ;
hut it represents innocent recreation in the light
of an express, positive and sacred duty. It has
been enjoined upon us by the same authority
which has ordained public worship, prayer,
preaching andthe Sabbath. We have no more
right to dispense with the appropriate amuse
ments, than we have to neglect the feeding, cloth
ing and education of our children, payment of
debts, or the observance of the laws of charity
in our intercourse with the world.
And with reference to this topic, at least, the
dictates ol reason coincide with those of scrip
ture. The question is often proposed to me,
“What course do you pursue when you find the
language of Sacred Writ contradictory to the
principles of common sense ?” My reply is, I
have never yet met with an in-tance of the kind.
Every part of the inspired volume, correctly in
terpreted, is undoubtedly harmonious with the
decisions of reason. But if I found a text in the
Bible affirming what was repugnant to my un
derstanding, after the most patient and thorough
investigation of which I was capable, I should
be compelled to repudiate it altogether. For,
once entering upon the ground, that absurdities
may he received as true in tfyir religious depart,
ment, we might proceed* lißm error to error, till
lost iu hopeless doubt andek?pttcism. In this
way I might he ted 00 to deny the truth of all
religion and even the existence of a God. But,
with respect to the subject before us there is no
real difficulty, if one should try to live a month
without food or sleep, what would be the uua.
voidable result? So perpetual, unintermitlcd
labor wuuld, of necessity, destroy health, peace,
happiness and life itself. The law of the text
then, is inscribed upon our physical, intellectual
and moral nature by the fingei of the Almighty.
Think how much is done in this city every
winter to provide our population with sufficient
amusements. We hove halls, parties, splendid
shows, theatrical exhibitions, &c. There is
much no doubt in the entertainments w’hich pre
vail in this gay ’ emporium, offensive to refined
aad Christian taste.'. But leaving this point out
ofriew, I would remark, that the natural recre
ations which the Creator furnishes for our enjoy
ment each passing season, infinitely exceed in
number and value ail those derived from artificial
sources. What, you may inquire, does the In
finite One employ his perfections in bestowing
upon man those shows, pomps, and pageants
which have no higher end in view, than to enflble
him to white away an hour nr two in idle and
fleeting diversions? My friends, worlds can
not tell in what manifold ways our God is
working constantly to promote our personal,
selfish and even sensual gratifications—
If we lived so as to enjoy alt the bounties of hea
ven, we should find a paradise even on earth.—
Let me invite you to reflect upon the meaning of
the words “heauiilul” and “sublime.” They
are applied to all the forms and degrees of plea
sure that flow in upon us from every object with
in the circumference of human knowledge. We
perceive the delicate blending and mysterious
presence of beauty and grandeur in the rich plain,
the fertile valley, the green meadow, the fragrant
flowers, gardens and oichards of spring and sum
mer ; the meandering rivulet, the placid lake,
tho glad waters of the dark blue sea, flee. Dr.
Blair in his essay on taste remarks, that
necessary purposes of existence might have bccß
answered, though our senses of seeing and heatfl
ing had only served to distinguish external obi
jects, without giving us any of those refined anti
delicate sensations of beauty and grandeur, wtim
which we are now so much delighted. But byl
investing all outward things with the robes off
loveliness he has widely enlarged the sphere of]
our pure and innocent delights. God has so ar
ranged the universe that all nature, life and str--
ciety are lull of the means of recreation. The
firmament, suns and stars, days and nights, times
and seasons, winds andewenther, tides and tem
pests, flowers, trees and animals, afford us un
ceasing entertainments by those displays of mag
nificence, by those ever-varying manifestations
in the delicate colors, grateful figures and mo
tions that pervade the system of physical nature.
When night hides the glories of the external
world from our view, m our rooms and amid the
endearing scenes of home we may gratify our
taste by pictures, books, the harmonies of musie,
the interviews of friendship and the charms of
congenial intercourse. There is nothing natu.
rally pleasing which may not he enjoyed in mod
eration, and in strict conformity to the laws of
virtue.
Supposing this doctrine to be true, you may
say, still, there is great difficulty in designating
the particular amusements which may he safely
recommended by Christian parents, guardians,
and instructors. Now, this is a point, which
each one must decide for himself. Here, as
everywhere, the dictates of conscience is the
grand law by which we are to he governed in
our recreations. Every thing we do in life
should square with the doctrinesof pure religion.
Let us engage in no amusements upon which
we CAnnot consistently invoke the blessings of
Heaven. Let us in every emergency of life en
deavor to do that which we shall not wish un
done in a dying hour. I lately read, in a news
paper, an account of a hall in one of the New
England States, which was opened by prayer
from the parish minister. Whether the scene
of amusement thus dignified was right or wrong,
the prayer might have been perfectly appropri
ate. But ifthe persons who participated in the
evening’s dance really believed that the recrea
tion was prohibited by a Divine law, it is cer
tain that they derived from it in the event, 110
substantial happiness. Without a clear con
science there is no solid enjoyment,even in a hall
room. The human mind is so organized that,
when wo go against,jjur sense of duty, it thuu.:,
ders and lightens, and pronounces a sentence ol
condemnation which fills
£.ioirot4nigs oraisqtlietudc. Amusements, then,
are not be stolen, connived at and kept out of
sight, as if they were incompatible with true re
ligious seriousness; hut they are openly and
boldly to he employed, so as their paiticipants
look upon them as harmonious with tho decisions
of a sound and enlightened judgment, and the
maxims and principles of pure Christianity. The
violation of conscience in scenes of pleasure tend
most fearfully to darken, enervate, and corrupt
the soul. Let no one, then, indulge in any re
creations which do not receive the support and
and approbation of his moral sense.
Persons sometime have applied to me to furnish
them with a list of amusements, which they might
pursue with the heart-felt conviction that they
were entirely safe, moral and salubrious. But,
I have never even attempted to accommodate
such applicants ; becau-e 1 am not sufficiently
acquainted with one of my fellow beings to he
able to see what kind of recreation would he most
conducive to his welfare. Each one must pro
ceed in this matlcr according to his own best
judgment, holding himself accountable to no one
hut the Creator. I cannot tell the kind ol diet
most suitable to the health of one concerning
whose physical constitution and habits I know
nothing ; so from ignorance I am incapable of
chalking out for any man or woman, ill particu
lar, those diversions most congenial to their I
health, taste, intellectual and moral improve- ‘
ment. My next door neighbor, on one side, goes !
occasionally to the theatre of an evening. He ]
is fond of theatrical exhibitions, and believes
that they tend to refresh and improve him. My
neighbor on the other hand would feel as if he.
were doing wrong, should he go to witness a
dramatic performance. He therefore scrupulous
ly avoids partaking of such an indulgence. In
my judgment, both these gentlemen pursue a
correct course ; because each act in harmony
with his sincere convictions of truth and propri
ety. Ido not condemn either of them. To he
sure, no one has a right to engage in diversions
which tend to the injury of himself or his neigh
bors. But a particular amusement may he ben-,
eticial to one, and highly detrimental to another.
So that each person is permitted to pursue those
recreations which seem most agreeable to his
general health and welfare.
This leads me to observe that the entertain
meets which we select, should harmonize with
our character, condition, and employment iu life.
With reference to every person, there are some
sins to which he is more inclined than to others.
This may be, for example, intemperance. Then
he should shun all those haunts and associates
that might urge him to excess in drinking. We
may he constitutionally and habitually too volat
ile, inconsiderate, and thoughtless, or too much
inclined to gloom, ennui, and depression ofspir
its. In either case, we should endeavor lo ac
commodate the iigher scenes of social pleasure
to the correction and demands of our natural de.
feels and prepensities. Especial caution should
he used to confine ourselves in this department
to those iudulgeuciea which are adapted to our
pecuniary means. Pleasure which cost to muck
arc not only paiuful in the retrospect, hut often
lead to the most disastrous consequences. On
ibis rock many young men have been dashed to
pieces in New Orleans since my residence berc.
Often bavc I seen a noble youth ruined in a
short time by adopting a mode of life whose ex
penses wete altogether too great for his income.
To defray these he Logins to borrow, without
any reasonable prospect of being able to make
the promised re-payment. Or, perhaps he has
recourse to the gambling table, and other im-
are. ta that part
ot the world, almost without exception, amuse
ments are never carried o ft in violation of the
principles of the strictest economy. If this wore
practised universally, nearly alt the evils of ex
cess and profligacy would he banished forever.
Again ; our recreations should he adapted to
the peculiar employments which we follow. In
this city, mechanics, draymen, and other labor
ers. to a gicat extent, after toiling hard from
Monday morning until Saturday night, spend the
first day of the week in riding, hunting, fishing,
drinking, carousing and other vulgar sports. To
say nothing about the. sin of desecrating the
Sabbath, their doings on Lord’s day produce a
greater exhaustion of their physical energies
than all the legitimate labors of the preceding
week. During the prevalence of epidemics, I
have noticed tha. usually a greater number of
persons among this class of our population is
attacked by the yellow fever on Monday than on
VJiy other day of the week. And in healthy sea
sons, not a few destroy their health and lives by
this kind of foolish excess. But when their phys-
constitutions hear up under it, they are still
tremendous sufferers in a moral point of view.—
Others are obliged to work nil day in the count,
iug-room, even when the summer heat is most
intense. They dare not walk or ride out a Sun.
day afternoon—their only leisure time—because
the church to which they belong forbids. But
the Sahhath was ordained for the purpose of re
trailing the body as well as improving the mind.
From my heart I pity the narrow soul that can
condemn out-door exercises on the Sabbath cs
icntial to one’s health, as tending to the dishonor
of our Creator and his revealed will. These ab
surd views of Sunday have invested it with a
dark, gloomy and forbidden mien ; made it re.
volting to the joyous spirit of childhood, and sur
rounded it with associations inexpressibly forbid
ding. I delight in the Sabbath. But let it he
celebrated according to the intention of its in
spired founders. In the primitive ages of the
Church, the disciples, when not engaged in pub
.lifi worship on holy timo, indulged in social in-
music, working, visiting, riding, and
yther innocent recreations. Let tho Sabbath,
iiied, he a diiy of rest fitam secular employ
ments ana sinful pleasures, hut also a day of pure,
’refined, exalted joy—a forerunner of that pure,
jsatisfying bliss which we anticipate in the eter
nal kingdom of our Father.
Children should have, if possible, such means
of employment at home as to prevent their wish
ing to go abroad for recreation. It is a great mis
fortune to the young to he members of a domes
tic eirclo where nothing is done in the way of
providing suitable pastime and diversions. These
are almost as necessary as food and raiment.—
In every house it would be well to have an apart
ment so furnished as to afford the requisite
means for all those umusemonts in which a Chris
tian family might with propriety participate. It
should contain books, prints, a cabinet of curios
ities, the works of art, instruments of music, ac
commodations for the games of draughts, chess,
<kc. Let a little theatre be fitted up in it for dra
-1 malic performances. If it is not sinful to read a
good play, there can he no harm in having it
,<bcted on a stage. After the toils of the day let
the children amuse themselves here as they
please. Let tho parents always be present to
extend a guiding, encouraging and helping hand.
In superintending their amusements they would
, he able to learn their distinguishing traits of char
acter ; for when absorbed in diversions children
j commonly discover their peculiar defects and
propensities. Several families might unite at
1 the same time in scenes of this description. In
this way the young would experience their high
est delights at home, where is laid the founda.
tion of that character which must give a color
ing to their destinies, for time and eternity.—
Children should he so treated as to sincerely de
sire the company of their superiors, even in those
entertainments to which they are most strongly
attached. A happy home is a heaven ; a gloomy,
disagreeable home is an emblem of the world of
perdition. There must be, indeed 1 , public as
well as private amusements ; but their manage
ment should always be in tho hands of the most
respectable, intelligent and serious part of the
community. Wesley introduced into the church
pieces of music which before his time were giv.
en up to the exclusive possession of the vicious.
He remarked that the devil should not be per
mitted to monopolize all the best tunes. Upon
a similar principle I would say, let the good as
sume the control of these public entertainments
which are unexceptionable, and elevate and re
fine them. Let those which are of necessity
immoral and pernicious he universally discoun
leuancedfcdriven from society.
Some persons are always ready to engage in those
amusements which are called fashionable in the
place where they happen to reside, without any re
gard to their rectitude or healthfulncss. But we |
should remember that no law is more arbitrary, cruel, ]
dangerous and unreasonable that) that of fashion. It j
does not profess the slightest attention to the dictates
of truth and duty. You may be a man of honor and
fashion, says Dr. i’aley, and live in the habitual vio
lation of every command ot the decalogue. For such
a person is bound to recognize the standard mdy es
tablished by the customs and etiquette of what is con
sidered genteel society. They may do whatever is
done in the higher circles of life, although it be ut
terly abhorent to the principles of morality and reli
gion. A distinguished author says: “ The curse and
blight of temptation never descends ihUre awfully or
more fatally than when it comes amidst the forms of
civility and fashion, and the sounds of rouric and
pleasure.” Fashion is the land of moral death; prof
ligacy and vice, unnatural excitement and wearisome
exhaustion pervade its inhabitants; and its numer
ous paths to disease and depravation are crowded
with pale, devoted and suffering victims.” Fashion,
’tis true, may sometimes be harmonious with our
highest good. Such a state of things, when it ec-
8 & MISCELLANY
B'ust be ascribed not to principle, but to tin; re-
accident, merely..
g H greatest evil attending the fashionable umuse
■ wliich prevail in our city consists in their ex
. Bid unseasonableness. In the wintepjthere is
Hnnal round of balls, parties, theatres
- In general they begirt” tit a late lwml>, and are
Hted even io the dawning of the more Finis
Bieri engaged in business arc not permitted to
tfrw three or four hours sleep out of the I
Hfour. ve often heard young men Ray 1
that they had acarcejy tasted .the luxury of a full
night’a i w t hir a monthr Andkiiese #iy persons
were tlugugb <We day absorbed in pur
suits of mercantile or.prbfeseimial life. Very few
constitutions are sufficiently compact to endure with
impunity such an excessive and long-continued
straining of their powers. I have known many fine
young men whose health and vigor were completely
undermined by a single winter’s dissipation in this
city. Upon the altars of that Moloch called Fashion
the most precious sacrifices of youth, bloom and
beauty are offered. One excess leads to others. The
habit of intemperance has often been contraaftd by
having frequent recousse to the stimulating drartght
to remove the exhaustion occasioned by iil-timed and
inordinate devotedness to pleasure. To the inexpe
rienced eye, these young men, when engaged in a
scene of recreation, may appear bright, beautiful and
happy ; but the discerning in these matter* know
that the path of their amusements is in reality the
broad way to folly and extravagance, guilt and de
struction. There is hardly any kind of social enter
ment in New Orleans among our respectable classes,
which may be considered wrong in principle or na
ture. The only evil in this department is that our
diversions in time, mode and degree are often per
mitted to conflict with the higher duties, purposes
and solemn destination of life, and to assail our hon-
auu solemn oesiuiaiiou oi me, aim to wiui um Hon
or, peace, health, conscience or virtue. If our festal
assemblies were to commence at 7 o’clock in the
evening, and last not more than three or lour hours,
all wouid he well. Those engaged in them would
retire pleased and exhilerated, with no unpleasant re
membrances, and better prepared for the relreslunent
of their nightly repoße. But as our entertainments
are actually managed, those who uarticipate in them,
though in pursuit of pleasure, workout a harder task
than that of the poor laborer who drives the dray trom
morning till night, or rolls the barrel and bale along
the levee. What is called amusement, notwithstand
ing the accompaniments ol the viol, splendid dress
es, smiles and gaiety, is nothing more than the sever
est form of bondage—a hard and enervating drudgery.
Beside, the effect of such recreations upon the mind
and moral character is most deleterious. They tend
to enfeeblp the vigor of intellect, to lower the tone
of conscience, to vitiate the whole soul, and inspire
itwith a distaste for the solemn, important duties and
destination of a moral and religious lile. |
Here 1 may be allowed, it is to be presumed, to of
fer a few suggestions to the ladies present concerning
toeir duties with respect to amusements. Not many
years ago a lady from the North, distinguished alike
for moral and intellectual excellence, and a profess
ing Christian, passed a winter in New Orleans. She
moved among our ;nok fashionable people, and parti
cipated in all their gqciat exhibitions gnd pleasures.
As she was leaving us, she spoke to some of her in
timate friends thus ; “ There is much more ol the
good and admirable in your city than I anticipated ;
IjUVU Ullllil I IkUl V 141 J V • 414U11 • U4l V 4 V‘4 V'M )
your character is much misrepresented and traduced
at the North. But there is one evil among you
which I deeply feel and deplore. Your amusements
-re carried on with an excess prejudicial alike to com-
I fort, health, virtue, and all the graver occupations of
life, in the winter they seem to engross your su
preme attention ; to be the objects of your highest
hopes, fears and anxieties. I have done as you have
for the last three mouths, and 1 look back upon them
with compunctious visitings. For all my time has
literally been taken up in morning calls and evening
parties; in unseasonable hours and the consequent
languors of exhaustion; in the cares of the wardrobe
aud the toilet; in the splendors and gaieties ot the
social entertainment. I have hardly had time to read
any thing valuable, to say my prayers, or attend, with
ailvanlage, the solemn scenes of the sanctuary.”—
Woman’s destiny looks above and beyond the pomps
and vanities of fashionable life. Bite was not made
to be a mere fribbler, a doll, a plaything; like the
butterfly, pursuing blindly its rapid path through the
air, intent only upon the immediate sport and en
joyment, till it is suddenly carried against some vio
lent obstruction, dashed to the ground and trodden to
death. She has been born for immortality. She
should spend u portion of the day in the cultivation
of her mind and in the performance of charitable
deeds. She should resemble in character that noble
band of devoted females, the Sisters of Charity ; hab
itually visit some abode of wretchedness ; to smooth
the neglected pillow of sickness; to cheurthe cold
and desolate tenements ofsuflering destitution ; Sup
ply the wants of famishing children and soothe the
anguish that the knows not of or cares not for.
Woman istnost'en angel.” not in the splendor of high
life, in the circle of fashion, weaving the graceful
dance, attracting crowds ot admirers, brilliant in na
tive or artificial beauty, and blushing at her own
praises; but when site goes out on an errand of be
nevolence to cheer the widowed heart—the helpless
orphan—to watch over the sick and whisper words
of consolation to the friendless and forlorn.” What
eloquent and impressive sentiments.
You may think that the subject which I have se
lected this morning is beneath the dignity of this sa
cred place, day and occasion. Bui, is not that a
department of life entitled to the notice <>l the public,
where men by the violation of correct principles may
involve themselves in temporal and irreparable ruin.
Dr. Palcy some where remarks that it is not the out
ward magnificence of any situation that most fully de
velopes the workings of human nature. The cottage
witnesses the same passions as the throne. The
gravest theatre of business d4ies not display a keener
contrast of human interests aud feelings than the
lighter scenes of amusement, either among the rich
and great or the poor and ignorant. Last summer I
heard an intelligent Presbyterian clergyman re
mark, that of all the youug men with whom he asso
ciated when a youth in the place where he was born,
only two were now flourishing and happy. The re
mainder were either in their graves or lost in the
abyss of profligacy. We were, said he, the sons of
wealthy planters, and imagined that human life was
intended tube a mere gala day, to be passed in the
soft vicisitudes of pleasure and repose. Our inten
tions were good aud our aspirations noble; but hav
ing no moral guides aud lights, like children scatter
ing sparks among gunpowder, we were sporting with
tiie most dangerous elements, when we vainly im
agined ourselves to be treading the path of honor,
saietyand delight. As soon is 1 was married, I sold
my lands and plantations, and settled In a free State,
where I might be able to bring up my foms in the way
in which they should go—the way of regular labor
enlivened by intervals of suitable rest and innocent
recreation. A generation of the young men exempted
from the demands of a business life, must almost ol
necessity be lost in the vortex of indolence aud dis
sipated habits.
True religion is the only thing which can give to
the young that calm, dignified, subdued and rational
style of joy requisite to euable them to mingle in
scopes of amusement wJH entire ss f ety The best
definition 'the religious sentiment which’ f have
ever Seen lathe following from the pen of MhsS Har
riet Martinesu : ‘'Religion consists in a sbplrenVeah
sorbing love of Infinite Beauty.” This phrase Com
prehends every thing lovely,both physical and moraj.
Now, since moral beauty is Jtpclly more attractive
thin the natural and material, the yeeth possessed of
the principle just mention*! tMH be id dangerxjf tn
dulging in immoral recreations.Mbagfne an assem
bly of such convened for ah weflWjfltyteftaiftfttent;
Can there be ah holier os- more interesting spectacle
on earth ? There sea profusion of all that moat cap
tivates the aensaat-souttgand gas hearts overNvhiCh
the rSMogit of earfhYdm'vicissitudes
come—hr ight buoyant minds to’ whose vistoneilj*
fields of humaq. lile are spread out in a perspective
ot unmingled beauty—-ears opened to the tdeldOfSa
of aoupd.and eyes radiant with pleasure—so sick
ness, no linebreaking sorrow, nd blightingdisap
pointment; and no forbidding olgeeta
mar that scene of indiscribable loveliness. There ia
the company of tile select and favored few—the
young and gay, the elastic apd happy only. Oif ‘hid
(adding world is under certain sircurtistancea sb in
effably beautiful; what forms of elegance and gran
deur may we not anticipate in that nrt.bler state af
existence which awaits us beyond the grave?
Yes, it all men were controlled by the love of
finite Beauty ; holiness to Jehovah would be inscribed,
not only over the doors of our temples, but also those
ofotir stores, banks, offices, private dwellings, sa
loons—upon all our plains, places and enterprises of
ease, pleasure, profit, aggrandizement or beneficence.
Each day would be passed by all in the enjoyment
of a divine, substantial peace; in a calm, heartfelt
and conscientious discharge of the duties devolving
upon them, and in a delightful preparation for the
higher transactions and purer joys of the World im
mortal. Amen.- -iV. O. Picayune.
CALIFORNIA;
San Francisco, March 7,1849.
My Dear C.— i wrote you a few days since
on our arrival and improve the detention Os the
vessel for Mazatlan, to giVeyob some items of
matters and things in this delectable Country.
In the first place, so far as one cart lento, the
gold stories are all true. The cofisequcnce it
that labor, rents, provisions, ssc., are enor
mous! j high. Town property for efish is bfi;
yond any thing ever heard of in anew country;
and lots are selling in this place at from five to
twenty thousand dollars— rent from five him.
dred to one thousand dollars per month. Car.
peeler’s wages eight to ten dollars per day.
The steamer California is deserted by fevery
soul except the captain and chief mate, and
there is no probability of her leaving under two
or three months. This is speculation on my
part, for therfc is fid saying when she will get
either fuel or crew.
1-IUUvI IUV( WI V. IV’ * a
Fifty to one hundred dollars per day is noth
ing extraordinary for Miners to make. There
is however some danger from Indians and our
own countrymen, prowling about Tile uomn 1
committing murder and theft. Gold is very
abundant and goods extravagantly high, and *n
immense population coming forward who all
resort to the mines and return merely to throw
away the proceeds of their labor. In fact I cati
hardly give an idea of the state of the country.
Those who ha*ve been here a year, with com
mon industry and prudence, are worth from
twenty thousand to two hundred thousand dollais.
1 have not been able to procure board in the
place, and in company with Mr. Frazer and
young Ducros, have pitched our tent a quarter
of a mile from town. Wages of servants $l5O
to S2OO per rrioiith, and in the cchirse oftwo or
three weeks, when it will he seasonable Weath
er to go to the mines, none will he had tit any
price. Yoti iriay judge what a state of things
exist when common laborers can go to the
mines and return in a month or sit dreeks with
from one to three thousand dollars in gold.
it is yet two early for the mass to stirl to the
mines, the weather having been very inclement;
We intend to go up to the mines and see the
country, and have formed a party for that pur.
P°se. The great difficulty is ih preurihg ton
veyance. The price of passage to Siiiter’s Fort
is $25 each, and $5 per cwt. for baggage and
provisions. We have an idea <>f Btiyittg a while
boat; the price is S7OO. From SutteFs Fort
to the Stanislaus the transportation is difficult
and expensive, as a team of two oxen and wagon
earn SIOO per day !
Gold is selling at sl4 an ounce, but is takeh
in trade at sl6. it is worth in Valparaiso
sl6, and would flett id the States sl7, ail ex
penses paid.
MazatlaA, April 9; 1649.
C*mJt*!.—The Peruvian bark Fanny,
Capt. de Brot, arrived here on the.7tb direct
fr'dm San Francisco, whence she sailed on the
29ih uit.
A short time brfotwthe Fanliy left, orte csf the
boat’s erevv belonging to the United StafeS flag
ship Ohio ran 4wy with boat and all. iThey
were pursued, captured and brought
Shortly after the crew being called to perforin
sorrte duty, they refusod to turn out or obey the
orders of the officers ; in consequence Os which
about thirty of the leaders werb confined in
irons—a court-martial was Being held on board
the .Ohio, and it was the opinion that Com.
Jonel Would hung a number oi the conspirators.
There were much disaffection iti the navy. All
of the officers of the sloop of war St. .Miry’s had
been tried by a court martial save ’two.
The Uoitod States propeller Massachusetts
arrived at San Francisco, the country is in a
very insecure state. A great want o£an^ffec.
live military force, aiid the extension of the
laws of the United States over the territory.
In relation to the mines, there is nnquestioij.
ably an abundant supply, oi gold, and it is con
tinually discovered In new place*. The go’d
region is now believed to extend dfewn a* low
as Lower California.
The steamer will be detained beta a mouth,
and perhaps six weeks, for a supply of goW.
At present town lots are worth ib San Fran*
cisco SSOOO to $20,000 each
tN-O.DeIUL.