The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1852-06-22


| same he used to know. The same man OF
God lifts up his voice i'm prayer and praise,
who, ere the remembrance of the returned wan
derer, has been shepherd of that christian flock.
He is man of sensibity, and he weeps. as
the past, with its various associations, gather
upon him. Ere he is aware, his mind has trav-
eled to his new home, to the little church that
stands in the primeval forest--ble..dcd with the
voice OF the missionary. he thinks to hear the
far-off howl of the wild beast. or the fierce yell
of the Indian. Perhaps scated by his side is
one OF that picturesque race-wrappcd in his
blanket he looks around with wondering awe
the spirit Of the place is upon him-and be
| feels around him that invisible Presence that
| shadows alike all the nations Of the earth.
There is romance in the picture, to which
the fancy Of the returned emigrant clings with
, an all-absorbing charm. He longs for re-
turn. Again no bids adieu to the "fatherland'
which he no moro expects to see. Nor does
hc return tn his western home alone. The sto-
ry of the uncqualled country, and of his pros
porous experience therein, has induced others
to follow his footsteps. Spectators, inspired
by the love Of gain, and men of disappointed
ambition, seek here to repair their fortunes
Men Of other nations, and of other climes be-
yond the sea, embued with insuperable ener-
gies, penetrate to these prairie wilds, and unite
their destinies with the proud destines of the
advancing west. AS consequence, a society
is formed, unique, but far from unurtured or
unspriied. The training received by the in
fant mind is not wasted. The knowledge
once thoroughly infused, is never forgotten-
and that one of the most humble who halls
from New England, or who elsewhere has re-
ccived the rhdimcnts of education, has that
within him which the stirring wildness, and the
unshorn grandeur of his new home, will form
into brighter, far more energetic character,
than would have been found bv a continuance
among the comparatively unchanging features
of his native scenery and native collective char
ac'er. From constant activity of mind and
body, the former has become enobled and ex-
panded; while the latter, healthy and invigora-
ted possesses tho power of wonderful endu-
rance.
What then is tho character of preachers and
teachers that this western society demands:-
II is u mistake that this heterogenial, but inqui-
ring, quick minded people, will go Of. and
far out of their way to listen to preac.'rs
whose ordinary education and talent were
thought not sufficient for enlightened New
England. Preachers will do for the Eastern
States, when the same will not be listened {,
with patience by those, who, though log house
shelters their heads, have not tastes so una
preciative and vandalic as they have the cr' Il
of possessing. One talented man, thoroughly
educated I'D well informed, will accomplish
more good than half score of such as are Of
ten sent to the "beniehted west"
1t is common for weak minds to assume a
meek appearance, like the person described
by Robert Hall, and referred to by Gillian,
who appeared TO 60 about apolocsing TO every
body for tho unpardonable presumption Of
being in the world. Wherc is the minister of
talent but whose cntrgy aud zeal flashes in
l.. o,.I -, facas ;tn Da,,l nf
old, he siirs up tho hearts Of the multitude, till
hey are cothed upon with somewhat of his
own fervor and devotion of spirit.
have listened to but three sermons, by
different st. Paul pr achers, since cane to
Minnesota They cvinced study, talent, and
the true spirit Of ofchristanity. One was preach
ed at Sauk Rapids, by an episcopal clergyman,
who walked from St. Paul hither, lie gave us
a good Sermon and left favorable impressions
upon our minds of his future usefulness. 1t
we shall have scattered through our country, as
good missionaries as have been already sent TO
st. Paul, we will have no reason to add our
complaints with those Of the West generally.
As of preachers. ST. of teachers, the very best
are needed. If "philosopher cannot answer
the question of "a little child" how can one,
who if questioned. give the literal meaning Of
the word 'philosophy!" A proper teacher
must have been learning from childhood-but,
ah how many are sent to the West, so totally
unqualified, from the very beginning to the end
unqualified, as to cast reproach upon one of
the noblcst Of professions! But in this day of
inventions. improvements and Of wondrous
progress, no doubt of the uprising Wost will
claim her share Of all the available good which
the old states can confer. Within her confines
is the "hum of mighty workings"
Adieu. Yours truly,
MARY MINNIE LEE.