The Sierra citizen., 1854-09-30
sunday-A Reminiscence.
By THERESE.
"The sound of the church going bell

Had the venerable Selkirk, when he
penned the above lines among the peaks
of Fernandez, been gifted with future
sight seeing, he might have looked
through the long vista of years and be-
held with his mental vision, far off vallies
and barren rocks among California noun
tains, that
"Ne'er sighed at the sound of knell,
Or smiled when sabbath appeared"
Here, though surrounded by most-I
might say all, the blessings of civilization,
We live on, totally regardless of the day
of rest wholly removed from its sacred
duties and holy influence.
In very truth, the Lord seems not to
recognize the people Of this portion Of his
moral ~ vineyard, but has abandoned
them to follow after the wicked devices
and desires of their own hearts. No
good shepherd presides over a con-
gregation committed to his care. No
morning and evening orizons ascend to the
Most High. No joyous songs are waited
to Heaven, breathing thanks to the great
First Cause, for permitting us to enjoy in
this beautiful world so much happiness.
I remember the first time / attended
church here. Twas a long time ago
Wooden benches served for seats, and a
wooden table, without paint or covering,
for the sacred desk The minister was
much after the fashion of the table and
benches, corresponding with them perfect
ly. No one would have accused him Of
possessing either talents or energy; two
essential qualities in public speaker.
l was much amused during service to
see little child running about devouring
most Justify huge piece of gingerbread,
baked l am firm to believe by its anxious
ma expressly for the occasion.
The tunes we sang were confusion Of
lone-metrc, short-mctre and common.
metre, all blended so harmoniously (?) to-
gether, that the most acute ear could
never have distinguished "Greenland's icy
mountains" from the Doxology
After service cole, tion was taken up
for 1.-The minister in charge" and also to
assist in pecuniary way the worthy
stranger "from afar," who in his pilgrim
age to us-ward, had suffered innumerable
hair breadth escapes by mountain sleeps
and foaming rivers, but more particularly
from being thrown sundry times from the
back Of a caprcious mule, to the no smal,
injury Of his body corporate.
In consequence Of all these unparalleled
sufferinss, the strange brother was al
most ready to "sink," besides being will
ing and anxious to exhibit a never failing
sign of distress, viz: turn his pockets wrong
side out to show that he possessed mary
red"
Now paying the charges had formed
no portion of my morning thoughts, and ]
was nota little embarrassed in being unable
to contribute my mite. My heart like fat
Johnny's was burthened with benevolence,
so thought l could do no less than invite
"the minister in charge" ond the worthy
stranger "from afar" home with tide to
dine.
Imagine for moment the imposing
appearance l made perambulating the
streets, fortified on each side by hungry
divine. They partook of what l set be.
fore them, with zeal and energy worthy
of their calling, and left, have always
believed, deeply impressed with the idea
of having found very estimable and
praiseworthy "Sister."