Grass Valley telegraph., 1853-10-20
THE LATE CHURCH DEDTCATTON.

Divine Service. 1t is now with feeling of
gratified pleasure, that we make short sum
mary of the services on this interesting occa-
sion. Notwithstanding the capacious size of
the Church. for a mountain town, it was filled
with highly respectable and intelligent
congregation. 1t must have been a PLEASING
sight to the Ministers present, among whom
was the Rev. Mr.. Dryden of the Methodist
Episcopal Church.
1t might be we'll to remark here. that tho
presence of Ministers of different denomino
tions, clearly demonstrates the Christian sin
cerity of those who are among us to lead and
give Instructions in ''holy things''
1t shows the absence of that feelino which
existed in the time of John Adams who upon
an occasion being asked to contribute some
thing on behalf Of foreign missions. replied
So have nothing to give for this purpose.
but there are in this vicinity. six ministers.
not one of which will preach in each Others
pulpt. Now, will give as much as any
other person for the purpose Of civilizing and
christianizing these clergymen."
This might have been method used bv the
Hon. gentleman to get rid of sundry little an
noyances, but be this as it may, it is not an
plicable, so far as we can learn, to the Minis
ters of the different Orthodox Churcher. in
California. But we have promised ourselves
a brief review of the very appropriate dedi-
catory Sermon on this occasion. and we
cbeerfully give it.
In his exordium Mr.. Benton alluded in q
happy manner to the auspices under which
the Congregation had assembled, commencing
in these words:
"The night-shadows that fingered so long
are gone. This joyful day at length has come.
Hope wearied and long deferred at last
is realized. Prayers and tears have been
kept as choice memorials before God. He
has not forgotten to be gracious We stand
here and now amid the fairest testimo-
mails OF his love. Under favor of his provi-
dence, and consequent upon the exertions of
benevolent and public spirited men among us
. we look upon the present scene. We are
met with religious rites to hallow these walls.
to set apart this ediice for sacred services
and to make this place 'House of PRAYER;
unto the Lord Jehovah. With no show of
WIN ~ pun II VI C6IGuOUY. WlJQ no
costly display, we are come to make this con-
secration."
Speaking Of church influence upon comnu-
nifty, he says: t.-
" [ shall endeavor to give proper direc-
tIon to your thnn@hts l9v u sing f.. a1Er..nn
we ptCNostLoa, t&e q Chr5StjQ2 House of
tF6Tsb19 9s t5a test ssc7t3t2, and brightest
~ 4''e}tf q o92V coaa5nunjfy Or peoBie
f
a1 Is }le 0esg SECURITY ct any peQIle or
V i lcnz5 t2seet Z. "a Gg its3 lT5aiO-
.5nl Gorc1nmeut
\ Chris5sn House Of Worship Is moi a
mere thing OF convenience. & mere place of
spiritual al.d grateful 4....-er. tons: but is a
herald and symbol of truth-that truth which
is mighty and shall prevail" It represents
ideas-it proclaims virtues-it heeds no con-
tradictions.. It always stands up in rebuke
of oppression. 1t speaks of God ruling in
equity; Justice and Judgment are the habi-
tation' Of whose throne; whose law is "holy
Just, and good :" whose sway is merciful and
mild; none Of whose acts are irrespective of
the well-being of his subjects; whose com
mands spring from no sinister purposes who
binds none in chains which themselves have
not forged; who eXacts nought beyond the
limits Of duty and the kindliest obligation !;
and whose beneyolence embraces within it's
all-clrcling bounds every creature of his
hand. 1t is a symbol of that all-pervading
presence which breaths its balm over the
realms of liberty and law changing the ster-
lie waste into fruitfulness, and clothing the
barren desert with beauty-while it blights
with cOntagiOn the fields of rebbery-and
turns the domain Of the oppressor to a scene
OF desOlatlOn. Whose would riot OH the gains
OF oppression and extend the sway of his law
less tyrannies, must shun the place where
God is worshipped, and fly the land whose
every wind sweeps by the towers, spires, and
dOmes of Christian temples.
Secondly: 1t tends to secure them AGAINST
+ Political Corruption, and Intestine Dis0r-
der.
1t demonstrates that there exists in the bo-
som of the community a hearty respect for
the pure character and rightful authority of
God; that the persons are not few who stand
in awe OF One, whose spotless radience shines
so far, and so resplended. as to cast into
shadow the innocence and purity of all infe-
riors-whn casteth down imaginatons-wh
abhors all crooked paths-who unravels the
plots Of dark intrigue and who discovers
the seats of foul corruption; and that by theil
affection for his House of Prayer they have
secured the guardianship of his flaming pres
ence-the protection of his shield-and the
vindication of his arm.
1t indicates the prevalence Of true religious
principle; of character that is not transient
OF worth that is not venal. 1t evinces the
working of that excellence before whose mai
esty the craven spirit can but bow down; il
the presence Of which cunning is overawed
fraud is rebuked iniquity stops her mouth