West-Jersey pioneer., 1866-03-17
For the West Jersey Pioneer
Things I Like to See in Church.

! like to see people go to sleep during SER
mon time, because it always evinces an easy,
| quiet conscience, as well as the partaking of a
good hearty breakfast before coming to the
church. Besides, it evinces ones confidence
in the minister, showing that in the estimation
of the slumberer, he doesn't need any watch
ing during the pulpit exercises.
like very much to see ladies congregating
in the vestibule of the church, and in the va
rious passages leading to it, and spend consld-
cradle time in visiting, conversation, hand
shaking, ETC.. while the rest of the congrega-
ton are trying their best to get out. 1t tdemen-
strates high type of social equality, and an
affectionate interest each in the others welfare;
besides, it gently intimates to those who are
anxious to return to their home, they should do
SO with that slowness and solemness which best
comports with the sanctity of the place and
the holy character of the day. delight to see
gentlemen ~ stand or sit in the house
of the Lord with their hats or caps on,
this proves their independence of legitimate
claims to American citizenship, and, likewise,
shows a commendable zeal to keep the organ
of generation warm and comfortable. rejoice
to see another class of individuals come into
the sanctuary with their mouths filled with to-
bacco, the juice of which they magnanimously
squirt upon the floor, altar, pews, stoves, with
an abundance perfectly refreshings to witness.
Such acts beautifully exemplify the entire
readiness to christen any and every place with
a generous baptism of discolored saliva. l
especially delight to see young folks sit on the
front seats of the gallery, and during divine
service, laugh and whisper so loudly as to be
heard all over the congregation. Such con-
duct stamps the singers as above the petty
courtesies which some old fashioned purtanic
sort of people entertain for the churchin which
the Most High is worshipped, and for the cler-
gyman selected by them to lead their devo-
tions. Such proceedings also serve as a kind
of guide board to point to the species ofmora'
culture and parental Instructions they have re-
ceived at home. like to see those parts ofthe
church, formerly designed in olden times for the
feeble, aged, invalids, and officers of the church,
filed with young and influential sinners who
prize it as a convenient place to see and be
seen. l like to see indulgent parents relieve
the pastor of his tumbler and pass it to their
children, it bespeaks charity, and when re-
turned to its proper place, is more highly ap-
preciated.
1t is very gratifying to see the attendants
whose names are not on the church record,
contributing more to the support of the church
than those whose names are recorded and have
more especially the prayers and affection ofal
Gods people-it betokens good principles.
| like to see lady or gentleman who enter
tains different view of the subject of religion,
ridiculing or speaking disrespectfully OF any
form of worshipping God, not in accordance
with their particular views. 1t isalso pleasing
and encouraging for an individual to be ridi-
culed during their prayer, speaking, or prais-
ing, whether by a member of the same church
or not. All these things mark high degree
of refinement. A.
DennisuiAe, Cape Nay Co., N. j.