Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1866-11-13
sTAUNToN, VA, TUESDAY NOVEMBER 49, 1866.
For the Spectator.
Church Extension.

Mr.. EDIToR.-Permit me, through your pa.
per, to lay before your readers plan for the
| Improvement of society, and of Church Exten
| sion. A plan that may appear novel to some,
but | hope they will carefully consider the rea-
sons which support it.
First, would have church organization
and, if possible, church building wherever
other institutions as are valuable in a communi-
ty. This would give importance to the locality,
and every one naturally feels pride in knowing
his vicinity to be a noble one. It would also
promote the growth of schools, ct cetesu, and
every one would like to prosper in his particu-
lar business. Let each one take care of him.
self. Again it is fact, not generally known
that people do get tired riding six OF seven, or
even three or four miles to church every Sun
day, unless the tabernacles of God are as amia-
bic and lovely in their eyes as they were to
David Of old The whole Of the family cannot
always co. and the children frequently have to
remain at home. And how much more valu-
able to the child is the instruction received at
the Sabbath School than the example Of piety
and christian instruction at home. Some will
object that church Of the same denomination
should not establish itself in the territory al
ready occupied by another. That the field it
has undertaken to cultivate should be left free
for the untrammeled operation ofits schemes of
doing good. But that is not our plan, we
would, with our enlarged views and feelings of
benevolence, place achurch as near as possible
to every mans door. We wish to make religion
attractive, pleasant and convenient to all. IF
at such a point as have mentioned, to wit a
blacksmith shop, store, &C., there should be
one or more churches of other denominations
the more the better, | would say, By all means
make special effort to establish another By
that means we may make some proselytes, and
is not that more desirable than to draw them
from the world? ~
Then, there is the strife, contention and bick-
ering that would naturally be engendered in
man S imperfect and corrupt state, which would
give spice and animation to society. | am a.
ware that some would say, that it is better to
concentrate the efforts and influence of one
church in neighborhood than to divide, and
therefore weaken it's forces. But we say, di-
vide, divide to the very last mite of effort and
influence; we would have any Of the members
or officers of a church, who may choose to do
so, to keep their connection with one organlzaT
ton and do all they can for as many others as
they can reach. What is that but the promo
ton of religion?
It will be asked, how can such churches be
supplied with preaching? The answer is easy.
Let them subscribe largely this will go far to-
wards inducing minister to settle down among
them, as it will give him the prospect OF making
his family comfortable while ne may devote all
his time and energy to the work Of his high
commission. And, after he has been settled
few years, he will become so poor that he can
not move SO there will be permanent minis
try. While they are without a pastor they will
have it in their power to compliment number
of ministers by inviting them to preach for them.
Some will say religion has nothing to do with
all this.
We say, ostensibly it has Again, there are
some who grieve and weep over the havoc thus
made. But we cannot stop to ask why they are
so grieved we have our wishes to CRAFTY, and
our ends to accomplish. So with kind feelings
to all, and much respects for yourself, Mr.. Edi
tor, am, sir, your ob't serv't,
GENERAL GOOD