The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1867-12-05
The Open or Shut Pew Question

We have received the following com
munication, which we publish with no
alteration except the substitution OF
blanks for the names Of the churches
reflected upon,
use hospitality one to another, without
grndging. IL Peter. 40. .h
DEAR Mr. EDITOR: Ihave observed
with pleasure that you reprove without
fear or favor, though with perfect cour-
tesy, every abuse in the community
that comes under your eye. Ipray you
therefore to listen to my tale of woe,
and also to print it.
| am just breaking up housekeeping
to go away with my husband to a more
kindly winter climate, for the benefit of
bis health and my own. For this rea-
son have relinquiShed my pew in my
own church, trusting that ! should be
made welcome for few Sundays in 9th
er churches Of my own denomination.
and also having desire to hear other
clergymen of note and talent, which one
who is not gad-about can seldom do.
Last Sunday morning we started
my husband, young lady and myself
for church. In old times ] remem-
Der the magic eloquence of the lamentud
DR.. H--s, whose reading of the
Scriptures made my heart beat and sent
penitent tears into my eyes. All the
earth-stains seemed to be washed away
from my soul as his resonant voice, pro-
claiming the gospel, rang like trumpet
through the aisles In memory of
those grand, those beautiful, times, l
said ''Let us go to - Church"
We arrived in good season, and took
our place in the middle aisle with a
crowd of well-dressed people We,
also, were well-dressed, as all your lady
readers will at once admit, for here is a
partial inventory of our apparel-which
| give in spirit half pitiful and half
fun-to strengthen my case, as good
clothes invariably do.
We are in mourning, so my cOmpan-
ions dress was rich black silk, trimmed
with English Grape and bugle gimp,
and round hat with wreath of small
black leaves. My dress was of black
barathea, trimmed with English Grape
at four dollars a yard, and Grape bon
net and veil, both of English Grape,
which is the highest priced of any.
Our gloves-that distinguished mark Of
a gentle w0man--were new and per-
fectly fitting, and our prayer books had
gilded clasps. My husband wore a suit
of superfne black broadcloth, and car
ried in his hand beaver hat of the la
test fashion. We not only looked like
gentlefolks, but we are so, by birth and
connection with some of the best New
York families, even possessing that rare
thing in this democratic land, genoa
logical tree of considerable rank and
many English generations. Pray bear
in mind that | write all this simply, as
the lawyers say, "to make my case"
There we stood in the aisle. Two
pews at the right Of us, containing only
one gentleman ~ each, who regarded
us with supercilious glances. Two
pews at the left of us, occupied by gen
tleman q and lady C) who looked
straight before them. Next in front an
empty pew. Presently one young man
went into this empty pew, which was
very long He sat down right by the
door in nervous haste, closed it with a
Jerk, and turned his back 10 the aisle.
Here we stood, waiting patiently,
through the reading of the first SEN
tence of Scripture, the exhortation Of
the minister, the general confession,
the declaration of absolution, the next
prayer-followed by the prayer OF pray
ers, sour Father who art in Heaven
-(oh! was this His church p and the
singing of The anthem. ..I.I
Here we stood, waiting patiently,
while the long Psalter was read, the
Gloria Patri was sung, aud the singing
of the TIE Deum was commenced.
Then I whispered to my husband, II
am SO tired pray let me go out"
did not wish my young companion to
leave. She had tried to prepare herself
all the week previous to receive the holy
cOmmunioh-refusing to 60 to any
place Of amuSementi and showing by
her loving and most unselfsh conduct
how sincere was her endeavor to walk
humbly with her God, so begged my
husband to stay with her, adding; ~
am not fit to take the communlon--l
am too angry. cannot be in perfect
charity with these Christians. Please
let me 60" =.
He reluctantly consented, and with
heavy heart turned away from the
house of God. tHs3
walked slowly down Fourth Ave
nue. and soon came to ----- Church. !
had snce conversed with its rector, DR..
B., and was delighted with his
CHEEKY, hearty manner, so indicative OF
the noble disinterestedness Of his char
acter, his enthusiastic soul and wise
brain. This morning, believe, was
bis welcome home from abroad to his
pulpit. So I said; ''Well, with his
peonle I can reverentlv keen the day,