Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1857-07-01


the political, the secular. and the religious.
To one Of these three, judging from appear
ances, are devoted the best and most active
thoughts of mankind; their actions continu-
ally denote that they worship at the shrine
of some favored one of these-their hearts
best idol.
To the political world many people are
slavishly attached; in it they live; and their
most earnest efforts and best thoughts are
devoted to that, to them, most paramount
object. Unkind thoughts and uncharitable
words are dealt out to those who kneel not at
the same shrine with them, nor worship their
sectional idol. Bitterness and ill-will usurp
the places of kindness and friendship in their
bosoms; and their life being changed from its
natural state of charity, is inverted to an
unholy condition of disorder. The conse-
quences they surely reap. No action or
thought goes unrewarded, in this world of
ours. He who endeavors to promote peace
and good will experiences the happy conse-
quences, while he that "soweth to the wind
reaps the whrlwind."
1t is painful to the better feelings of hui
man nature, to witness the bitter recrimina-
tions and unnecessary chickering's in which the
political world too frequently indulge. The
fruit thereof shows the action to be as I'M
righteous as the soul that prompted it was
depraved. Yet, of mankind, their name is
legion who bow to worship at, and offer their
sacrifices on this altar. From day to day
these unpleasant scenes grow more objection
able. Bitter words call forth Others more
bitter; and a step in the wrong, seems to
cause two more, which lead still farther from
the right A party opposed or assailed, is
quite likely to undertake to defend itself by
using the same weapons as are brought
against it. Verify, "a soft answer turneth
away wrath, but greyious words stir up an
ger"
A spirit of humanity yet to be developed
and called forth, may perhaps prove the nat
ural goodness, and shadow forth the final glo-
rious destiny of the human race; but at pres
ent the problem of evil, seems dark one.
The secular world has truly got to be a
great thing in these latter days, comets to
the contrary notwithstanding. The first
question with many is how shall we increase
our worldly possessions and add to our tenn
poral greatness. Active thoughts and earnest
endeavors, that if directed to good object
might be useful, are for the interests of the
secular world. Toilsome labors and unpleas-
ant prvations are undergone to advance
earthly prosperity. Six days of the week
are hardly enough in the eyes of many, to
devote to temporal concerns; and the sew
enth if not used in working for this world is
devoted to dressing therefor. Doubtful, in
deed, if God can be more acceptably wor-
shipped in gaudy apparel; but then, the
acorld can be better pleased. Plain calicoes
and homemade clothes are fading away, and
expensive silks, satins and broad-cloths called
into requisition. A bonnet, to be bonnet,
must cost $40; dresses and ct catera in pro-
portion. The poor must vie with the rich,
owing to the pride Of the world, and because
the world loves display. The unceasing hon.
age paid to the secular world is turning
mankind from their spiritual and eternal in
terests