Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1855-11-29
al WRITE UNTO YOU. YOUNG MEN"

A few Sundays ago we listened to an ex-
cellent discourse TO young men, in one Of the
churches in this city. The lamentable abb
sence of that class Of persons from all reli-
gious services on the Sabbath, has been a
subject TO which we have given some atten-
ton for years past, aud we had the curiosity
If it deserves no better name-to look a.
bout, and see how large an audierce the
preacher had of those to whom the discourse
was addressed. The number was exceeding
ly small, though probably as large as will
average in the other churches. And as we
sat there, rejecting upon the dangers which
, threaten our country from this rapidly incre-
asing neglect and abuse of the Sabbath, we
thought some day we would preach one OF our
sermons upon the same subject, believing
that after all we have the ear of more of that
class, perhaps, than all the ministers in the
city put toge,her'
And nov young men-you who never
darken the doors of u church on Sunday Who
syagger through the streets with cigar in
your mouth, who swear little, perhaps a
good deal, who drink some rum, and price
Yourself on being "one OF the b'hoys" Will
you indulge US with word in your eur! In
a period Of years which will seem incredibly
short, when you arrive at your majority, your
class will compose very powerful, and it
may be, a controlling influence in the man
agement of public affairs. Did you ever
think OF that!-and if you did, did you realize
responsibility in the matter! Judging from
the present appearance OF our churches, when
the present generation Of men has passed
away, the pows will be left pretty much to
the female portion OF the race, if, indeed,
they do not imbibe the iniidel spri of the
aye, and leave them to become houses Of
merchandise If not Gens of thieves.
The infidclity so rife here, is not the in
fidelity of the intos.ct, which is becoming
too popular among scholars of a certain
school. but It is not less dangerous. They
who neglect the sabbath ard lis institutions
! here are not those who have thought much.
Theirs is the inidelity Of Indifference and
tho wan. Of ihuughl--tEe intidelity that keeps
away from all chance of correction. which is
! not, and cannot be reached, either by the
argument or the warning of the pulpit; and
| its victims still live their allotted time, then
| crop into dark, hopeless graves AID be !crgot-
ten, while theV spiritual eyes will open upon
a world of which they 'iave never thought
and the joy, OF which they are all unftted to
share.
But there is cause for alarm lying outside
of consequences, of individuals. In nation:
where niidelity, whether it be of the intel
lect or passions. has gained the ascendaucy
and the Sabbath n d tlfe-iRstiiu'ioas of re-
Iigion have fallen into neglect, national ruiz
! has followed Oar institutions are based up
Oh the principles of Christianity, und wher
they have no place in the hearts OF the Peo
pie, the glorious superstructure will crrmb!'
| to dust.
| 1t therefore becomes matter OF vital i'm
por,ancr, in naliona US well as "A persona
r1int OF view, that all, The old and the youn:
alike, stand by the institutions OF Chrstiani
tv, attend on its ministra'ions, contribute t
its supper: aNd open their minds to TIL
reception of its truths. We beg OF youni
men who ever think Of anything, to think o
this, and put themselves in u way of attain
: ing II character which shall give to those VIII
are passing away. an assurance that whe
the burdens anc responsibilities Of suslainin
/ our institutions shall fall upon Their shoulder
they shall be bravely and worthily borne, :
. Nashua Telegraph.