The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1823-07-09
From the New.York Advocate.

From the New.York Advocate.
Cosfiy Churekes.--ln some late Philsdel-
phia papers wo read the description oi seve'
raj splendid churches which have been built,
and some which sre now completing. These
descriptions occupied o considerable space 10
tho newspapers. We had turrets, modern
C;u,hic, srcbitrsves, pillars with Ionic caps
and bases, puipi,s and pews OF rich SATIN ~ooo
end mahogany, brilliant Iustres and eenoe,a'
bras, communion table with . gorgeous DIS
play of massy plate, pews selling Tor S5o'ooo'
church building 100000, ministers salary
$4,000 and pcrquisites, and all oste8'a'ioo,
wealth and vaoi,y.
When that bold and chivalrous minister,
Paul, preached 10 the Athenians, he collected
The people around him on the areopagus and
beneath the arch Of heaven, aod. from foek
he denounced pagsnisn md maintained the
snsjesiy Of tho "unkDowD God. When
3-t greater preacher iectu'ed tho moltitude'
he did il In q o,anner equally simple aod d.
vested Of os,entstioo.
How arc tho times ebaoged Can we wor.
ship God with sn humble and conttHe heart
when tbs eye Is dazzIed with tho splendot OF
wealth and tho glare Of luxury and beauty
Can that heart be divested OF ell worldly con.
side, a,ions and commune pioosly with our
Crest0r amidst tho rustiing OF silk, the blSze
of light, end tho tinsei and drspe'y ot fsshion
True, il msy 10 said, that the temple OF Solo.
mon was anrivalcd in spendor, but il was by
the express command Of God; it Wa. The
FIRST temple dedicated to his worship, II was
raised al,er the MOST costly edlfice, had been
already erected 90 heather dehics, and II was
due to the sovereign arcbiiec, OF the universe
that hi, temple should be without parallel or
comparison. But since the ferociy OF con-
rtc,ing nations has lain waste that splendid
edifice, since The sacrifices have been super
cedcd by o,her peace and free will offerings,
sinco the temples and allars Of hea,heus have
been pros,ra,ed, since worshippers 6f tho troc
God have increased like the sands al the des-
srt, il bs, beeo considered unneces ssary 10 toad
tho churches with ornaments or to lavish
those mean, for useless parade which should
30 devoted to acts OF charity, more acceptable
10 the divinity than al! This ilnselied hne'y.
Religion now is becoming fashion and
no, duty going TO church, no, 10 return
our grateful ihanks to tho father of merciss,
but to see and be sseu.
Some Sab5aths ago, tall Thin dandy, ~ith
n light neckcioth, and a head OF huge bushy
frizl,ed hair, after surveying mo from head
Ia foot with a small quizzing glass, drnwied
out, "Prsy, sir, can you tell me which Is the
fashionable churehi" &c Wha, sec, DO you
mean, sir 4" says 1. "I'm no, particular, "
said he, A." 40 that il is fashionable church, o
young preacher, and n numbsS al pret,y girls
Iherc."--This aatomatum wss not singuIar
II, stroilod in at dinner, aod drawing of his
white gloves; throwing down his hat, and a
moss rose on the tsbe, took his seat. Well,
si," said I, "havs you been edited with The
Sermon, and have you prayed devou,iy" "O'
yes, I've been much entertained" said he !
spicndid church; so elegant; so many fash.
ionabis people there; ladies dressed SO hue.
I had richly bound prsyer book the organ
was delightful" But tho text" said l,
" what was il Z" "'Pon my soul can't say |;
xery clever discourse only thirty minutes
nevec yAwoed once (; 6ae young p'eacher."
This is going to church among fashions
Sles. There should be nothing OF ornament
or attraction in a ciIrch, bcyoud the sacred
puroosos for which u was erected, II these
6svs no attractions, 10 fictitious objects
should be raised 10 sway the inclination.
Con,tas, these costly bulldogs Win the
aimpls viilsge church compare the young
anu t1SnIOOaU'c p'edCHc's ""h "S oSN~S ~
ann. with tho country curatc,
Passing rich with forty pounds year.
,sod show ~ tho difference; (; tell us whether
ihe e,nsua,,ons Of pious and humble heart
ssre 20, as acceptable at tho Throne OF Grace,
when ascending from the altar Of 9 village
church, as from tho marble aisles ct costly
and splendid building
When Viewing the Interior Of one OF these
rich churches, We bove often thought, tha, II
some of the sick, lame, and blind, similar 10
shoso cured by Christ, wero to ente' durine
service, they would hnd no more stten'ion
show0 them than was exhibited TO poor Li2a
rus, who found his way 10 Abrahsm', bosom
without that charity which should hsve been
extended 60 him. "-M 1i;a are eqaai," il!
not in sight of men, certainly 10 tho esuns-
MON Of God.
pIOCn nADTJIHAI STETCHEC