Richmond Indiana palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1837-1839, 1838-12-01

a view 10 purchase located lands, Wnlcn. as nave
observed in another place, soil here from one TO
twenty dollars an acre
In a new country, among a population of six /
or seven hundred persons, where but the one-half
were engaged In any regular business, (and there
was not more than this proportion in Houston,
who had a settled occupation, unless drinking and
gambling NAV be considered such,) riots OF all
knt were to be expected.
Some of the disturbances which took place dur
ing my stay at Houston. were of the most revolt
ing description, and one or two rencounters &C
Cured, which were attended with moral conse-
quences, under circumstances of peculiar horror
Some % the scenes which took place in the streets
exceeded description and afforded melancholy
proof, to what point Of degradat. on humau ma
ture may descend But let it be said that there
was considerable portion of the population who
looked upon these things with regret and horror.
This class of the inhabitants had gone to Texas,
from the most connendable motives; and they
sought to maintain III that country, the character
for sobriety, honesty, and industry, which they
left behind them. Such persons were seen dur
ing the week. observe all the proprieties of life
and on the sabbath, by regular attendance at
church, to discharge the her duties Of the chris
tian.
The first sermon that was ever preached in
Houston, attended By some circumstances of
deep interest, at least to myself, and while re-
| late them, hope the reader will excuse the di-
erosion. When it was announced that sermon
| was to be preached, the novelty excited general
attention. All resoiv ed to attend. that they might
at eas! have the satisfaction In after days, of saw
ing their lot to have heard the frs, christian
service that was ever performed in the capt.
tai of Texas. The day arrived, and the citizens
with bat few exceptions, collected beneath the
shade of the timber that grew upon the edge of
town. If there Is a period in n mans life. when
all the light feelings of his nature are lost in
Der, serious contemplation, it is during the inter-
val which succeeds after he has entered the churc.
and before the commencement of the serv ice.
The deep silence which reIgns over the assembly,
and tb, sober faces by which he is surrounded. if
nothing else, will produce the effect. There is u
moral sub!iniity in the breathless silence of a
large multitude which ovcrawes the most ahan-
doned; and drives him back to the best feelings
of his nature. From the effect of such feelings
as have mentioned above, there respectful
decorum, and serious attention visible in the al-
dience who mad assembled in the grove. Nv own
thoughts dwelt upon the christian privileges once
enjoyed, but had not improved; which carried me
back 10 my boyish days, and the friends and ac-
quaintances of youth.
What teacher had wandered into these regions
and was about for the first time to declare the di
vine doctrines of christianity over q spot upor
:, which, since the CONNER qement of time L.
Of truth and religion. While thus unused, the
minis, ter rose from his seat and thFIi. winch nf
human power can conceive or describe, passot
through me as l recognized IN the person before
me- the instructor Of my youth, and the compan
ion of after lite. Nature paid the tribute freely
which she always eXacts when the heart Is tuii.