The hydraulic press. (North San Juan, Nev. Co., Cal.) 1858-18??, 1859-01-15
[ Com M unicdted.]
"CHIELS THAT Wilma DING"

"CHIELS THAT Wilma DING"
1t is a very common practice with
many to indulge in forid eulogy and
praise of the present age,-its expansive
civilization, its glorious enlightenment
and astonishing progress,-quite oblivi-
Gus, apparently, Of the distinction be-
tween moral and material advancement,
between science and civilization.
Unfortunately we are yet very far
from the lofty pinnacle of human good
ness and greatness whereon these vision
aries vaingloriously perch, and crow ex-
ultant; and, in all probability, Gas we
have no Methusalahs now not one of
the present generation will remain long
enough in this "vale of tears" to enjoy
their imaginary eminence.
Assuredly, the present is remarkable
epoch, not, however, for colossal in
tellect or great discoveries-not for social
refinement or moral purity, but for gen.
eral intelligence, wonderful improve
ments, great inventive genius and me-
chanical progress.
We exult Ter these acquisitions, and
make them paramount conscious, how
ever, that they are not the highest aims
of humanity, nor the sweet securities of
present happiness or future veal.
And we may e1claim in tones of bit
ter self-reproach-Alas that Religion
alas, that pure Christianity does not
keep pace with the gigantic strides of
commerce and science! Of goodnes we
have shadow, of piety we have SEM
blence, but of evil "isms" a mighty
crop-rank, luxuriant and pernicious-
the sorry product Of sacrifcial morality !!
Verify, the age is prolific Of pious
hypocrisy: hypocrisy that with heaven
" composure whirls to church in it's
private chariot--and damns public
vehicle. Hypocrisy that maps in sump-
tuous pews, and obliterates its weekly
swarm of sins with fearful yawn and a
drowsy"A men; that clasps The Book
with mimic fervor-and excludes it from
the public schools Hypocrisy that
feeds the starving with nutritious tracts,
and stiles the bread-earning cry of the
poor newsboy. Hypocrisy that weeps
Ger the woes of distant barbarians, and
alphabetically views home-misery and
barbarism, crime and degradation, and
the fearfully increasing "Great vice of
Cities the dread maelstrom of fallen
multitudes
Hypocrisy that sends Bibles and
missionaries to Africa and China; rifles
to our own red heather!
Sad opponents, these, of our Christi
anity! Sorry pioneers, indeed, of our
vaunted enlightenment
But should we complain? Have We
not cause to be grateful ?--grateful that
in this mass Of modern mockery there
still remains strong leaven Of ascetic
bigotry, sincerely intent ON oar salvation
even through Legislative coercion?
Let the ''unco Righteous" call us a
base migrate; but really we have no very
elevated opinion of compulsory virtue /;
nor of the prevailing style of Fashiona-
BILE Worship: neither of scafold con-
versions.
Perhaps we are obtuse, and troubled with
lack of Theologic learning;
Or carnal appetites within us yearnng
Have quite befogged our spiritual discerning!
But certes, we have an irrepressible
scorn of the impious Heaven-mockers
who
Mimic fervor, clasp tn palm
In fegned joy DER hymn and psalm,
And draw the hdeousness of sin
With evil passions rife Within
Who-destitute of conscientious quams
Repulse the starving creature craving aims
Yet from the pulpit, brand the sad barbarity
Of fellow-men withholding needed charity
SANS SON.