Elizabeth-Town gazette. [volume] (Elizabeth-Town, N.J.) 1818-1821, 1820-06-06

support ms family. Supper being now
announced, we all entered the cabin,
where the table was spread, and rough
benches placed around ii. A tin cup
filled with rich milk was placed before
each of us, and cakes of Indian meal,
we're smoaking ON the board. The good
man said grace in reverend manner, and
we did ample justice TO The simple and
wholesome fare provided Cor us. Sur
rounded by health, innocence and benev-
olence, who can complain II Satan him
sell had Come here to plan mischief a.
gainst these amiabie people, and were
thus kindly treated, be would have re-
tented.
Alter supper we returned to the fire
underneath the spreading tree, and whirled
away the time in sprightIy and mirthful
conversation; the Yankee girls were very
laxative, the whole family appeared to
be delighted with our company in this
lonely place, where they SO seldom saw
any strangers but their wild neighbors, the
bears and wolves. The hour for retiring
at length arrived. Our host arose and
addressed himself to us, gentlemen said
he, it is the practice Of our family to
give half an hour to religious devotion
every evening, should you think proper
TO join us we will be glad, if not, keep
your seats and excuse us for the present.
Who could have declined such an invita-
lion A Turk would Dot have harmed
them; an Indian no, the bloody savage
would not have chosen this sacred mo-
nent to have rushed upon them with a
murderer's knife. We again entered the
house, where they sung one Of Watts pi-
GUS hymns, after which our host poured
out prayer that seemed 70 flow from the
very bottom of his heart. The evening
service was concluded by another hymn.
after which, it being time to retire to rest,
we we're shown up to the loft, to which
we assembled by ladder. A few biau-
kets and bear skins, had been provided for
us; we resigned ourselves 10 sleep, ia the
consciousness that even such wretches as
we, could no; fail Of recaiving the care Of
the protecting angel, set over to guard this
charming family from the approach OF
guile.
How different the piety of these people
!roai tho intolerance 81 ssaaat;cisHi, tina;
deadly enemy of religion ? Is there man
SO depraved aud wicked, as not to feel in
ward involuntary reverence, on approach
ing the shrine where witt decent humili-
ty, the sinner Offers, on the altar of his
God, the sacrifice Of contrite and CRATE
ful heart but the scorn aud derision which
the fanatic provokes, gives wound to
religion herself, whose cause he thinks to
promote. ] trust that / shall always en-
terrain just sentiment Of whatever tends
to lessen the sslutary influence Of reli-
gion for it is the soul of society. No
nation has ever existed without finding il
indispensable. To thousands it is the
subtle monitor which guides aud governs
in gentle whispers, where the voice of
human law is silent. To millions ii is the
fountain of bliss, Of fortitude, of consola-
tion, Of hope, Of happiness uuspeakable.
What shall / say of the mad and impious
man who thinks to destroy it He is
worse than the traitor, for he wars not a.
gainst a form Of government, but stsbs at
the existence of society itself; he is worse
than the robber or murderer. for he steals
what riches cannot buy, and destroys an
eternal life.