Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1836-06-23

these, mostly, who speer at religion
But there is still another class, who, from
education, or from some strongly rooted
prejudice, seem TO believe that nearly all
professors Of religion, and especially
ministers, are hypocritos and impostors;
and even If some one is pointed out to
them whose life is unexceptionable, they
will tell you that he is an enthusiast, or
u monomaniac. 1t would be well for
society if the unlounded prejudices ol
such could be made to give way TO right
considerations, and proper idea Of the
nature and groundwork Of religion.
4 Every individual should reflect that on
the responsibilities Of religion, more than
upon judicial authority, or executive ter
rors, depends the stability or firmness Of
all social or civil communities; and that
any and every attempt TO sap the foun-
dation of IFS superstructure is mining the
nations tower of strength. 1t matters
not if there are imposters in the world
this Is but natural consequence Of
mans tendencies to wrong, and is a
strong argumen! for endeavoring TO build
up pure religion, instead Of striving TO
! tear down the bulwarks Of morality
There are imposters in every thing; men
! who will assume false character for
oase or gain, and will think lightly Of
taking upon themselves the garb of sane
tity, the better to conceal their vileness
and sinister designs. Bu. no sensible
man, on proper reflection, will let this
weaken his confidence in religion, or
cause him TO sneer at u profession, which,
of all others, is one Of the most honorable
the most responsible, and the most
useful.
/ Without the refuge which VIC are ai-
forded by religion, when in aflliction, in
want, in trouble, or in distress, how
would we be lost to every reflection that
could bring comfort or throw over the
mind single ray of light. When those
we have long loved and fondly cherished,
die, where do we turn for consolation, or
to whom do we 60 for the words Of hope
When death, with his strange and
shrinking terrors, approaches our couch
of pain, where then is our strong arm
our place Of reluge-our tower OF
strength! Shame! that man with the
lights Of holy religion-a pure gospel
-beaming all around him, should shut
his eyes and grope in wilful blindness
among the low pleasures Of sensuality,
and sneer at the noon day sun, because,
forsooth, its light is occasionally OBJ
scured by few passing clouds that are
but the sickly exhalation of vice and
corruption. Baltimore .hhasnsam.
SOCIAL INTERCOURSE. In nothing is
reform more needed than in the pres
ent system Of social intercourse. 1t is
humiliating to reflect upon the utter sill
Illness Of much Of what is called by the
name of conversation, and which passes
as very interesting in mixed companies.
This wasting Of time in idle words is
much of it to be laid TO the charge of
woman. Instead Of entering into the
useful train of reflections which are start
ed by the sensible remark Of a person Of
cultivated mind and correct observations
she too frequently turns away TO listen TO
the light compliment or open hattery Of
some rifling fop, whose knowledge of
the world extends thus far--that he
knows he can win good opinion by flat
terry, aad whose dignity Of character will
not prevent his STOPPING to adulation
which he does not think deserved.
We do not pretend to say, nor would
we wish to be understood as intimating
any want Of capacity in woman, but feel
assured that with her lies the remedy for
the evil noticed. II she were more ready
to encourage the attentions and to join
in the conversation Of men Of sense, in
stead of meeting them with Indifference,
and encouraging mere witlings TO fiut.'
ter about her with unmeaning and de-
grading attention, very great and salu-
tary change in society would soon be ef-
fected; and this change never will occur
until woman lays. the foundation of it.
In indulging in such remarks We are
well convinced that by many they will
be considered as bearing too strongly up
on the sex, and by others as uncalled for
and unjust. Many may think that the
fault noticed is chargeable upon the 9th
er sex, and will not hesitate TO say, that
If men would treat women as though they
possessed minds and reflection as well as
themselves, and not insult them, as they
too frequently do, by the light frothy
nonsense current in mixed companies,
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