The Grand Haven news. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1858-18??, 1862-06-18
tcoNcLuDED.l

The people OF Grand Haven, IN one
particular at least, have set tho world an
example well worthy of imitation. Tho
We arc constrained to acknowledge the
progressive nature of the age in which we
live, and must, in fact, assent to the APP
plicability of the term "fast" TO many of
its prominent men, and women too, yet
we can but deprccate the mobility of the
present generation in relation TO conscience
and religion. Half century ago minis
tiers were settled by their respective con-
gregations; and to think of unsettling
one who had even grown gray and some
what superanuated in administration of
the good word in the midst of attentive
and reverential hearers was thought in
imical TO the interests of the church; but
TO give utterance TO such sentiment in
relation to pastor, unsolicited on his part
unless really justifiable grounds for a
charge was manfest-was treason to re-
ligion itself, and highly displeasing to its
author, moro especially when popularity
was the great incentive that prompted the
proposed exchange Of an aged and faith
full servant of lis master, upon whose
reverend head sat gracefully the frosts of
age, and whose sage counscls had for
many year proved safe guide for all
who sought wisdom ut his hands, for q
young and inexperienced tyro of moro
modern school divinity, whose eloquence
that pleasos the car and tickles the fancy,
usurps the plain, simple, but practical
teachings of our Savior and his coadjutors.
Sharp's rifles wero not then considered
more potent than bibles. The low, petty
subterluges of political stump orators were
not then considered superior to the heav-
cnly teachings that fell from the lips of
Him "that spako as never man spake,"
and to use the pulpit rs rostrum from
which to advocate the principles Of any
political party, and that too upon day
set apart for the highest and noblest of
purposes, would then not only have been
considered akin to that offence against
the Supreme Ruler Of the universe which
knows no forgiveness, but would justly
have sujectcd the offender to the bitterost
excavations of an insulted assembly.
Then the faithful preacher for scores of
years in succession administered at the call
of his Lord and Master on the day Of his
appointment, to a jealous people who
were wont 10 wend their way from their
own rugged hills aud peaceful plains, at
the invitation of the old church bell, to
the house dedicated TO the services of re-
ligion alone TO listen of God and eternity.
On looking at that age of puritan sim
plicity and godIy sincerity, and then at
the present age of duplicity and worldly
religious practice we are constrained to
exclaim-O Temporal! 0 mores!
But, rs before intimated, the good cit
liens Of Grand Haven have manifested
stability in religious matters worthy of
commentator and imitation.
Rev. VIM, M. FERRY, since the first set
Element Of the place, has officiated in
things divine to its inhabitants, no pecu-
mary reward having been solicited or &C
cepted by him from his congregation
What has been freely received has been
as freely granted. And the old school
room, where classic walls have so oft echo
ed the text, "Take heed how We hear"
has embraced within its precincts, on each
returning Sabbath, for score of years,
tho aged who tottered thither leaning
TREMENDOUSLY upon his staff, the middle
aged, in the strength and vigor of man
hoods prime, the youth and the little
child, bending reverently in alteration of
the great Creator. But alas how the
changes of earth leave their footprints
even upon the, chosen worshipping places
OF the Most High. Soon the old school
house with all its haIowed remombrances
will be closed to the entrance of the hum
bic worshippcr, and he be invited to sit
IN more spacious and beautiful house,
recently erected by the liberality of our
citizens, aud now on the eve of its COM
pletion. But amid all these changes, let
not the cherished mementoes of the past
be forgotten. But word on our early
political and judicial history.
The County Of Ottawa was formerly
attached 70 the county of Kent for ju-