The Nevada journal., 1854-07-21
For the Journal
OBSERVANCE OF THE SABRsTH.

better observance of the Sabbath here in Ne
vada. To prove the beneficial effects of sueb
an object, have but to cite the reform and
genial influence produced in our sister cities. Of
which some has wallowed deep in crime and
immortality.
Sonora, once place of my residence for q
year and halt, was considered to be almost
past redemption, and has been noted as the
most crlme-ridden town in California. It was
something very unusual for a Sabbath to pass
in that place, without one or more persons being
shot or stabbed and as many more found dead
from the effects of intemperance. Professions
of Bull and Bear, fighters paraded through the
principal streets headed by band of Mexican
Musicians, and followed by the noisy and ex-
cited rabbe. Some fivo or six Dance Houses
were in constant operation from which issued
dlscordant notes of the Harp, Spanish Guitar,
Violin and the Bachanalian chorus of some in
ebriate was added to complete the rest
Houses of Prostitution stood on the principal
streets with open doors, through which could
be seen group Of Syrens dressed in all the ex-
travagance that gold could give, while all
around them every thing was arranged in the
most gorgeous style possible. Added to this
were four large Gambling Houses capable of
receiving as many as chose to enter. These
were filled to overhowing both night and day
All manner of vice and intemperance was in-
dulged in, nor could the authorities effectually
oppose it. About one year since seed was
planted there, right among thorns. It was
the seed of principle and morality Messrs
Page, Bacon & Co., established branch
Banking House there. They at first made
their intentions known to do no business on the
Sabbath Day. At that time there were four
other Banking and Express Houses and they
predicted the ruin of Messrs p, B. & Co. But
they needed not the tattlng tongue nor their
ingenious predictions. The fascinating, gilt
tering gold could not open their doors on the
Sabbath. Filthy lucre could not purchase
principle They triumphed in their independ-
ence and gloried in their ultimate success.--
They carried out their fest determination, and
prospered For proof see public print giving
the statistics of their semi-monthly shipments.
Miners have repeatedly called on them pro-
posing to bring in their Dust on Sunday, but
their answer was call on the morrow. This
Sabbath is not ours to thus desecrate, Their
firm but wholesome principles soon won the
esteem of many, and touched chord that had
lain dormant for years. The gentle rebuke
was needed. 1t caused reflection and with it
caused a remembrance ofthose gentle teachings
when in ruddy youth when Mother, (Oh.
that dear name) taught the infantile mind and
took the tiny hand and kindly led the way to
Sabbath School Such scenes are never to be
wholly erased from memory. There were
principles then inculcated that will ever remain
as bright spot to an existence. Though here
in California, mid turmoil excitement and
strife and though we at times forget our better
precepts, still, when we will pause and reflect,
our youth and youths teachings are wildly
before us.
Gold cannot forever chain US to objects of
earth. Gold cannot still the painful throbbings
of the heart, nor the anguish of the soul, nor
quiet guilty conscience Gold cannot pur-
chase permanent happiness, it cannot stop pain
nor cannot add one moment to the life of any
one Then why do we so covet? Why do !
many sell both soul and body for Gold Why
do some toll day. night aud Sunday, scarcely
allowing themselves time for sleep? We may
strive to quell our better thoughts and corrupt
our motives for the purpose Of gaining wealth;
but day will certainly arrive when we shall
behold the sad error. Could but our pillows
reveal oar means and our secret thoughts where
reflection comes, methinks that vast amount
of hypocrisy would be unmasked that would
even astonish each possessor
'Tis strange that people do not possess
more moral courage and more independence of
action Why the majority of mankind tea n
to act even as principle dictates, because the
tcerld will say something! Are we like field
of grain that can be swayed to and fro by eve
ry passing breeze? Supposing our forefathcrs
had consulted their mother country as to the
propriety of framing our Constitution and
fighting for i7 Where would our nationality
be dated from Where would have been the
land of the free and the home of the brave p
Would the date of American independence
ever been formed in the annals of history? Nay.
Our forefathers acted from priuciple and indie
pendence! There was that in their souls that
told them they were right, and by their indie
pendence and concert of action those princi-
pies were carried out. Now it is weN knorn
that a large portion of our citizens are in favor
of observing the Sabbath in a becoming man
ner' and as becomes an enlightened and civil
llzed community. But there are those again
taat are opposed to it, and why ? Oh because
I it viii ruin the city Traders will immediate
ly settle outside the city limits and there build
up town that shah rival and ruin Nevada
That reminds me of remark once made, where
the subject of conversation was the cutting OF