Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1856-05-29
Sabbath in the Country.

Upon people who have been brought up
in the country, in refined and Christian
village, it seems hardly necessary to urge
the observance of the Sabbath 1t is al
ready sanctiied by too many tender associa-
tions ever to be abandoned. Once in seven
days the ordinary occupations of business
are laid aside. The streets are deserted,
'And all the world lies still''
Suddenly over the hill is heard the sound of
the church bell; g. forth from their dwellings
issue whole families, parents leading their
little children by the hand, and brothers and
sisters liking side by side, and all with
grave steps vending their way to the house
of God. Those from a distance come in
wagons and carr iages. The front of the
village church presents an animated scene.
1t seems as if some unusual event had as
sembled the whole town. And how rever-
emily they enter the place Of Worship
Solemn prayers are offered. Hymns are
sung-joyful or plaintive melodies that long
have charmed the ears of the pious wOr-
shippers:
"Those strains that once did sweet in III, glide
The volume of eternal lie IS read, and then
follows a solemn discourse respecting God,
or Eternity; on the state of the dead, or the
duties of the living. An hour passes, and
the congregation issue from the doors, and
disperse along the road.
There is the great civilizing influence in
our dear country homes, and every Christian
land.
From scenes like this old Scotas granduersprIngs,
That makes her loved 81 home, rcvered abroad"
But for this day our population would be
mere laboring animals. beasts of burden like
the horse and OK But the Sabbath teaches
them that they are not brutes. 1t teaches
every man that he has ii soul 10 live forever.
1t furnishes food fo- thought during the week
thus silently raises the whole life of the
community.
And how hu nanizing is this influence
What kindness and good will it produce be-
tween all classes of society. s.The rich and
the poor meet together" and feel that "the
Lord is the maker of them all.'' 1t treminds
the rich of their common humanity with
those whom, but for this. they might look
down upon. In the poor it awakens self
respect. As they come to church, dressed
with neatness, and sit beside their more
wealthy neighbors, the feeling of inferority
disappears, and they feel that they are kind
red with those whom they regarded with
envy. This intercourse removes their pre-
judices, and softens their manners. Insen-
sibly refinement is impaired to the most
common people by associating with people
of education.
And how the Sabbath supports the hearts
that are heavy and cast down! Blessed day
of rest! of freedom from labor and care!-
How many old men, who have outlived the
ordinary employmentS of life, find their So
lace in coming up the house of God. To
how many poor widows, who have laid their
affections in the grave, does this day bring
the sole relief and happiness of the week.
For all these things we love the Sabbath
day. And although these times Of hustle
and excitement draw away many from its
observance, we would remember to keep it
holy, not only in obedience to the command