Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1849-02-21
FOR THE ePECTAToR.
BEHAVIOR IN CHURCH.


difference OF opinion as 10 the proper conduct Of
persons attending divine worship, beg leave 10
submit a few observations on that subject for ths
consideration of the public, which, if attended to.
VIII doubtless contribute greatly to the qualification
OF ie pastors, and the comfort OF the Congregations
l. Heads OF familles should be careful on enter
Ing the Church 10 have thor children as widely
separated from them and from ono another as nos
siole. AS many as possible should be sent into the
galleries and the others should be stationed as near
as may no 10 the doors.
The convenences resulting from this dispersion
Oh them are numerous In the first place, the pa
rents who have been harrassed during the weeL i'm
attending 10 and regulating their children will he
enabled to make the sabbath day of rest This
is In strict conformity to the scriptures which en-
JOIN abOur during six days, and rest on the seventh
Tbs parents ere thus left fu! leisure to attend
10 lhe services OF the sanctuary, without any die
tracing cares about the behavior of their offspring
or what would be still better and more literal full
hlinent OF the scrlptural precept-o take comfort
able nap! In the next place the children will
be relieved from grievous and oppressive sense Of
restraint imposed by the presence of their parents
n 'eeiihg oil manly independence $50 necessary in
free country will be encouraged and their youth
iul minds Will soon begin to despse the antouated
religious prejudces Of the! fathers and pant for the
Largest liberty" OF thought and action on ecclesi-
astlcal, as we'll as political subjects! What can
be more captivating than 10 see a youth Of twelve
OF fifteen years OF age rejecting with disdain the
hoary superslIons OF the dark ages, and gradually
preparing his mind for tile functions which it is to
perform in this ''age of Reason
Young gentlemen In entering. the Church should
take especial care to have on their highest heeled
lron-shod boots, and they should bring down their
heels with an energetic stamp. In the first place
1t attracts the attention of the Young ladies to any
new piece of finery which perchance they may have
on. II shews, too, that they lave proper sense
OF sef-respect, and spirit of independence and
pride OF which they never lose sight.
Before gong to Church young ladies should take
care 10 invest their persons with all their most ap-
proved ornaments! They of course do this when
going TO the house Of neighbor. and shall thew do
less when going TO the house of God? They should
enter with flourish, and pass along the asles with
graceful swing, which will be most attractive to
the opposite sex This is in strict consistency with
those passages of scripture which require us not to
hide our light under bushel, and not wrap OUT
talent in napkin!
Little boys should be careful to avail themselves
OF every opportunity TO pass out and in taking par
culaf care to slam the doors loudly as possiblei
1t gives relief TO the monotony OF the services
and naturally suggests the idea Of the exits and
entrances which are constantly in progress in the
world, and afford food for much valuable reflection
to the pastor and people! An occasional scuff1s,
ana The interchange of a few pinches. may not DO
Wi'hout ther moral also, as they forcbly illustrate
tne tendency OF the natural heart to sin and sbew
lhe necessity OF renewed spirit 1t is well also;
10 snufle as much as possible if you happen to have
bad cold, as it will shew the infirmity of human
nature, and the necessity Of continually striving
against II, because all the spectators will see that
as o''en as you blow your nose, it wont stay blow
ed Muncing few apples also, will be attended
WIN the haPPlest consequences, by recalling the
or.g'n OIL sln1mans dsobedience, which brought
into the world all our woe
Another very useful exercise, is to drum with
your feet upon the pews As the modern cushions
on .he puips have superseded the old "drum &C.
ceslastc," it is but proper there should be some
substitute! The sound is very much like that ofa
drum, and will therefore excite martial spirit in
the preacher and the audience, and stimulate them
to fercer conflicts with the Arch enemy of man
kind.
In conclusion; would suggest the propriety Of
having an abundant supply Of water in the Church
Tor the use of the juvenile members of the congre-
CATION. As they crowd towards thc,bucket. it will
afford charming illustration of that most encour-
aging invitation to every one that tbirsetb tn come
and partake OF the water of Iifel
HUDIBRAS