Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1842-04-28
From the Gospel Messenger.
Origin Ofa Church i'm Wesf
New York.
A TRIBUTE TO DEPARTED WORTH.

| Many years since ayoung couple en-
| iigrated from one Of our Atlantic States.
to the borders of one of our great lakes.
und sctilee ut small village on our froD-
tier. They had both been nurtured in
I the bosom OF our beloved church, ac-
customed to the regular and constant
services oftho house of God.
To their great dismay, they found at
the place OF their location. that tho
, LORDS day was considered a leisure
time to be occupied by the inhabitants
according to their own desires, and that
! il was the resort Of the idle, and the
vicious for an extent Of many miles
! Alarmed at their situation, fearful Of the
consequence of ever 'cttaessing this dis
erection ofhalowed time, they immedi-
atcy determined upon the observance Of
the solemn worship of God in their own
family.
/ When but youth Of -, W
had been placed in a somewhat similar
situation in the West Indies. There bn
had been exposed TO the demoralizinS
influence Of dissipated society; whero
no form Of religion was known but such
as nigh be found in the Roman Church.
allowing license that startled him, aud
brought in vivid contrast to his mind
the instruction of bis pious, and revered
parents. and the simple, but sublime
service that from his childhood he had
admired, and loved. Brought up under
the ministry Of a most exemplary Pastor
Il (he Rev. Theodore Dehon, afterwards
Bishop, he had early imbibed revo-
rental regard for our Liturgy, and hs
resolved TO ntcrpose il as barrier to
guard him against the ssductions by
which he was surrounded. BY the bless
ing Of God, it proved an eflectual safe
/ guard aud ever after was thought Of
/ with sentiments of gratitude, as means
/ Of preservation from evil Of the most
| destructive character.
! The practice then adopted was, 20 re-
| tire TO his chamber, and there alone,
to read the service appropriate for each
succeeding Sunday, until at length.
it was deeply fixed in his mind, cngra-
ven on his memory, and made no slight
impression upon his heart Atter re-
turning TO his native country, it was his
delight to expaiiate on the beauty, and
propriateness Of that form Of sound
1vords, from which he had derived SO
great benefit.
( In more responsible station, as the
head of a family, he determined TO re-
vivo the practice Of his youth, and col
/ lectcd his household around him, rem
dercd unto God the homage due unto
Him, on his'holy day.
After short time, an acquaintance
was formed in the neighborhood with a
most estimabe family, educated in the
same faith, who were very desirous of
an opportunity 10 worship God after the
manner they had formerly been accus-
toned to.
They gladly agreed to unite IN the
regular observance Of tho Lords day
with their young friends, and thus be-
gan an Intercourse which time matured
into permanent friendship. Soon this
little gathering was observed, and eici-
ted enquiry as to its object when il
was understood, another family, (al-
though of a different ?ersuasion) ex-
pressed desire to join those who were.
Remembering the Lords day, TO keep
it holy
Z Upon this information being commu-
/ nicatcd, il was deemed advisable TO in-
form the villagers generally, that oil
who felt inclined, would be welcome to
attend the service of the Church The
invitation was well received, aud prompt
ly accepted.
The form of worship was strange 10
most of them /; many were drawn from
u distance by the report Of reading pray
crS several Of whom were surprised to
find so much Of the Bible in tho Book os
Commo" prayer.
+, The number Of attendants increased
with every recurrence ofthe Holy day,
IT was considered expcdient TO assemble
at the School house, in order to accom-
modate all, who from interest, or curl
osiiy were drawn together, aud also thn,
they might feel more at case than at u
private house.
! The gentleman who had set the tx.
ample to his neighbors, now nidrd
WY reading n sermon, and
person well qualified, led in singing 10
the praise and glory ofGod. THIS Prov
ed to be preparatory step To the as-
sclnbling Tor the purpose Of instruction