Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1852-01-27
THE SABBATH AND YOUNG MEN.

The value of the Sabbath to young men, cam
not be estimated; as means of intellectual cul-
ture, it is invaluable. The stirring themes OF
pulpi discussion wake up thought, and excite
the mind to investigation. The appetite thus
created is fed in the Bible class and Sabbath
School, and in private reading. The Sabbaths
of year are equivalent to two months school,
ing; and no science can afford better mental all
ment than religious truth. The intellectual ad-
vancement made under its influence is healthful
and symmetrical But all this is lost to the
Young man who disregards the claims of the ho-
ly Sabbath and spends its sacred hours in seek
inc his own pleasure. While the Sabbath-keep-
inc Young man takes ffty-two steps forward in
intellectual improvem ent, the Sabbaih-breaker
takes fifty-two strides backward towards mont
al dekascment. Nothing elcyating and ennobllng
will be found in the social intercourse OF Sab
bath-breakers it all tends downward. But the
intellectual are nothing in COMPARISON win the
social and moral advantages of the 'SaDDath 10
young man. Let us suppose the case OF one
who comes from the country to the CITY TO ac-
quire a knowledge of business; let him conscl,
entiously regard the holy Sabbath. HIS regard
for the Sabbath will ead~hm to the house OF
God. Here, all the associations which clustered
around the home of his childhood, will be cali ed
up by the similarity of the scene. The same
truths fall on his ear-the same atmosphere sur
rounds him. He is drawn into the Sabbath
school or Bible class; there he meets with asso-
ciates WHO surround him with genial influence.
At length he is introduced into religious fami-
lies as visitor; thus network of sacred and
salutary influences surround him, to secure him
against the snares and temptations Of city life.
But on the other hand, let him disregard the
Sabbath. The moment he sets his foot on
Gods holy day, his moral principle is gone; his
sef-respect is diminished, and one great barrier
in the way of his downward course to ruin is re-
moved. He must find some recreation on this,
his only leisure day. He sallies forth in search
Of amusement. He meets with others in pursuit
of the same object, who,i u o secure it, have made
similar havoc of conscience and principle; and
among them are not wanting adopts in wicked
ness. Having broken over one restraint, others
readily give way before him. and he falls an easy
prey to the destroyer. 1t would be the next
thing to miracle, if he should be rescued from
ruin.
But this process is not confined TO the city.
Show us the young man any where, who disre-
CARDS the holy Sabbath, and we will show you
the young man who is in the high road to ruin.
All the good influences liz any community, cluster
around the Sabbath; and all the evil influences
concentrate among Sabbath-breakers. Pause
then, young man, before you presume to tram
pie on Gods holy day; for, in so doing you
tread under foot heavens richest blessings, and
invite all the enemies Of the human soul to COM
bine for your destruction. Turn away thy foot
from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on
Gods holy day.