Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-05-20
S. B. ROW, EDITOR AND PRopRIE1on.
CLEARFIELD, PA, MAY 20, 1857.
THE TENDENCIES OF THE AGE.

The pecularities of this great, Ssuniversal
Yankee nation of ours, have been prolific
theme, and the conclusion invariably arrived
at is, that we are decidedly and Enthusiastically
a fast people-that the ego ahead" principle
predominates, let i: be directed as it may, Ell
ther for good or fer evil. The term s:fast'' ex-
presses, perhaps, better than any other word,
or any combination of words, the prevailing
sentiment and condition of affairs. Our coun-
try, within comparatively few years, from a
dependent colony has advanced to the first po-
sition among the nations of the earth. a re-
cital of its progress seems more like the rela-
tion of dream or incredible fairy tale, than a
truthful narrative. The Age is, beyond all
doubt, progressive one-not only in the arts,
sciences, manufactures, agriculture, educa-
ton, religion, &C., but also in vice, immorali-
ty, inidelity, brutshness, and all that is de-
grading, filthy, and beneath the dignity of ra-
tonal beings. Murder stalks abroad with un-
abasbed e6rontery over the land, in daylight
as boldly as at ssthe witching hour of night
horse-stealing, counterfeiting, and thieving of
all kinds, prevails to an unexampled extent
and is followed or encouraged by individuals
who desecrate the house of the great Jehovah,
not only with their vile presence, but even
presume to be his disciples and worshippers-
rascality of more Insiduous character is prac-
ticed under cover of law and gluttony and Ia
seriousness are INDUCED in to such fearful
extent that comparatively few are s'above sus-
picion." This, We admit is rather frightful
picture, and may seem at first sight highly
wrought and exaggerated; but look about you
scan the actions of the world closely, and then
tell rs what conclusion you have come to- Do
not, however, think that we embrace all in
this catalogue-we do not say or think so-
We believe there are many, very many, good
wel[meaning, righteous and God-fearing peo-
pie; but at the same time there is high au-
thority for believing that there is greater
number of those who are steeped in the sinks
and slews of iniquity and ungodliness.
In pondering these sad truths, for truths they
are, the rejecting man naturally seeks the pri-
mary cause which produces such dcpIorabe
effects, and with a surprising degree of intui-
tion finds it centred in one word-NoNEY
With some, its accumulation is the great OBJ
ject, and to acquire it they resort to means in-
compatible as we'll as compatible with homes
ty- One deals in spurious notes, bogus coin.
and commits forgeries and direct robberies
another gets it by some species of humbug-
gerry, or by legal stealth; the venal politician
viii shout the loudest for those who pay him
best and instances are known in which the
justice and sacredness of the bench and pull
pit have been prostitnted for esilthy lucre -
With others, possessing it, wealth is employed
as means of accomplishing their aims and
ends-whether they be good or evil-whether
it be to carry out some philanthropic or char
liable design, to crush a brother, or to outrage
and destroy chastity and virtue.
During the last dozen years there has been
manifest increase in the disposition to in
dulge in extravaganza of every species-cost
ly and gaudy dress. superb furniture, magnifi-
cent houses, splendid carriages, fast horses.
&C., and to do all this gold is required Once
launched upon the ocean of fashionable folly
and extravaganza, there is no drawing back
appearances must be kept up, if in the end il
does shipwreck the poor, deluded fellow who
has ventured on this uncertain sea-
Our space will not, however, permit us to
amplify these ideas. We have merely touched
upon them but it might be well enough if all
would reflect upon them, and set about apply
ing corrective to those evil and pernicious
tendencies which are but too well calculated 10
endanger the permaneney of correct morals,
true religion, and our republican institutions.
and build up an aristocracy on their ruins.