Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1841-04-03
FoR THs AMERICAN.
A Walk 10 an Old Church,

amidst the lovely scenes Of nature, that began TO
be charmed with my walk. for my pleasure was in.
creased by the thought Of arriving 1t the Old Church;
and. indeed, il was the fact that Il terminated at
such building, that determined me to choose the
way that was pursuing. The name Of church.
and, especially, I'D, be an old one, has the same in
fuence, by association, as scenery has IN leading
my thoughts TO the home Of my youth, RS imagna.
ton at brings into distinct vsionthc venerable,
rude gothic structure, justonc hundred years older
than myself which is situate half mile from tho
city, and called in former days, by the elderly
people, the Old Swedes' Church. It's remote site
was doubtless chosen, in order to accommodate the
numerous families who lived in Christians Neck,
on the opposite side 6f the creek. The building
itself is Of massive strength, which the tooth Of
time hssmade but little Impression, and il seems as
iit were imperishsbe by the ordinary causes which
produce decay and ruin. II stands in lonely and
solem grandeur, the only relic Of long past time,
ond peculiarly fitted to awaken historical inquiry
whi.eit itapresses the seul with those sacred sem
,iments and feelings which are intimately connected
with the eternal future. Il formerly had thick
stone wall on the North Of the enclosure, within
which were scattered several huge trees, whilc Its
Eastern boundary was lined with q row Of 'rsjes.
tic sycamores, with wide spreading walnut tree in
the centre, which, with ps.ble hedge. enclosed a
lane headed by q gate. The county people drove
into this lane, and fastened their horses, and thus
while engaged in divine worship their minds were
at case account Of the safety ef the snimals and
their benevolent feelings were grafed with the
comfort which they enjoying in the ample
shade.
IN ibis respect it is to be feared tbst The present
generation fall behind their old fashioned ancestors
caring too much for their own convenience. and for
show. and too little for the noble .teeds that minis
ter to their and profit, which may melt in the
sun OF shver in tho cold so that they can be COM
Portable, and psmPer their pride end vxn,,y. The
fact is, that there is ret the interest felt for the
comfort Of the horses around the church in for.
mer days. SelGshness seems to grow with luxury,
and cruelty with avarice and selfworshir, and man.
worship to have usurped the throne Of God, and of
reason, TO which independence Of character, bene-
violence and raorsi worth too frequently sscrif
ced, without scarcely restraint, or a struggle.
Various causes confirmed my interest in the time
worn eafce. Itwss frequent resort with little
companions, where We would knock aud crack the
blg walnut. It's grew. yard is the resting place of
tho last Of many Of my maternal relatives, and fre.
quently heard my mother dwell on the name Of the
Rev. Gerelus. the last minister to The Chusch, from
Sweden, who returned to his native land some ffiy
or more years sgo. But the old sexton, one Of the
scy, was particularly instrumental in Strengthening
my attachment 70 h; for he took fancy mo- and
would frequently have Inc along with him, when
child, when he went to prepare II for worship. A
more fsihfs officer IN that station never was and
though can never forget bis kindness to mo, -ss.l
when was able to discern characiet, I discovered
that his religion was az in his Office. 70. he not
little profane, and il is hardly necessary 10 prove
that habitusl profanity and religious feelings
persecty inconsistent. God has expressly said ,ha,
he will no, hold him gul.ess ,ha, takelh his name
in vain,
Want cf reverence df ttod not cnly shows the
sbsenceof pious spirit, hut removes the strongest
restrain. from .he depraved heart, anil yields to The
indulgence Of the worst principles and passions
which dwell there. What evil feelings will not
man cherish, and what wicked actions will he not
do who hes NO fear Of G cd before his eyes! There
is no foundation in such man for confidence, The
forms Of society s.ld the rod Of the law, and The
mesnest selfishness may constrain him TO put on
the sembanoe Of virtue, but its principles being abb
sent, there is no barrier which efIectusy resist
his lswless SPIRIT and there is, therefore, no security
in his hands, for reputation. property or he. A
man mus, be well schoolcd in vicious feelings, lie.
fore he can arrive at ,ha. pitch of depraviy where
dehbers.c and habiual profanity sits to defy God,
and to dcspise. and lrhe with sacred things. We
would nrss, soLemny warn those who are in pro-
sress, who only taking tlre initiate lessons in
the vulgar and wicked vocabulary Of profane swear
ing, to pause before they farther nsul, God. and
cas-, OF all regard to his presence, and find them
selves lost TO virtue ruined in character the sport
of every evil passion and lust and miserable wrecks
Of moral being 6ling themselves for that vengeance
which they have 50 often invoked their own and
others heads,
Dutch Peter (he always went by tina, name) was
the very essence Of ignorance, rs well {" highly
profsne. never did hear. and I'll venture the as
seriion ,ha, no human being heard from him
one whole idea. Knows and links, and veil and 80.
with numerous impious. stereo,yped expressions
was nearly the amount Of his vocabulary. Blu, poo,
Peter was superst,iousiy attached TO the Church