Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1854-09-06

FAsuIoNABLE RELIGION. In high aristocratic quar-
tiers, hypocrisy has its vantage ground. In the bes
society,", religion is popular, and devotional exercis
essential contrasts to opera nights and ball
room festivities. pew in church is an clement OF
responsibility akin to a rcsplendent equipage
service of plate. Unique cruciform churches are
absolute necessities to arStocratc devotion and to
this end human ingenuity is tortured to achieve a
medieval atrocty of diabolical uglincss and mracu-
lous inconvenience. Close upon the conservation of
this offspring of nightmare, comes public auction,
where the right to worship God in conspicuous
situation, is knocked down to the highest bidder at
so much per cubic foot. The election of pastor is
a work of great responsibility and accompanied with
intense excitement. The congregational meeting is
called. Two or three deluded Individuals suggest
the propriety of choosing a man OF eminent piety,
which meets with no favor and the mover is pro
nounccd {. old fogy." The sense of the meeting
meetings often utterly devoid of that artclc)
approves of an eloquent satrist, who has reputa.
ton for saying exceeding uncharitable things in
very quiet way, about sister denominations. Under
the guardianship of this shepherd, the church COM
mences operations. A trial of the organ is the next
imperative demand, and by the aid of the fgurentcs
of the opera, concert leads of the attack upon the
strong hold of Satan.
tits not impossible in view of the advancing enlight-
eminent of the age, that We may yet chronicle the
entire disappearance of installation services, and in
their place dilate upon the graceful Waiting of Miss
AT the Rev. Mrs Inauguration ball. Here
follows weeks Of animated discussion with regard to
pew furniture. Knots of jewelled dowagers meet in
the aisles veStibules to interchange views in
pec to what color of velvet for prayer book binding
the light streaming through the stained glass win
dow, would enhance its effect On the Sabbath
morning. flashing carriages roll up before the church
door and set down their loads of richly dressed la
dies. 1t to be impossible for young lady
to get into pew without performing the Jenny Lind
trot and as pew backs are usually high and angular
they do not exactly accommodate themselves to the
sklul execution of that terpsichorean accomplish
ment, insomuch that foot coming in contact with
the cushioned STOOL frequently facilitates the forward
movement without materially adding to its grace
The congregation once seated, the overture is per-
formed the organ introducing all the popular airs
from the katydid of Julien to the latest gem of Eth
opian Minstresy to the sounding dispasons of MOI
art or Beethoven. A favorable opportunity is now
offered for close observation of every ones millinery
and mantua making before the service begins. After
short sermon, the audience as it up, rolls off
to discuss epicurean delicaces and sparkling wine,
satisfied that it is highly reputable to make out
ward show of piety on Sunday to shade the SOM
bre hue Of week day selfshness
We believe we speak reverently when we say,
that such religion as this works out a thou
sand fold more baleful than the blatant infidelity
which these kid glove clergy eloquently rebuke.
fashionable life is at best sham, but when it
ries its corrupng hypocrisy into the sacred things
OF life, If becomes malevolent demon, tritiing with
realities that stretch into the unknown hereafter
And it is the imperative duty of all who can, to tear
from its face the painted mask with which it hides
world in its true lght-a cold calculating hend,
working disastrousy in all our social SYSTEM blast
ing with its foul breath the holy affections that grow
green in the home of the heart sowing the seeds
of harvest that will be gathered for the burning.
Philadelphia Register