The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1870-01-13
The Sabbath.

lowed associations and holy scenes
such as memory loves to dwell upon,
and which the true Christian alone en-
appreciate. The Ginning Of church
bells, summoning us to the house Of
prayer the melody Of sweet voices,
chanting praises to Him who bends q
gracious ear and the reverential voice
which calls upon Our Farther who art
in Heaven" and points to Christ as the
only hope of eternal life, all reminds US
of the Sabbath of God---the day Of sa-
cred rest-instituted at the creation
and enforced by Divine example.
The Sabbath, viewed 10 its true con-
ception and design, presents moral
beauty and sublimity unequalled Un-
der the auspices Of this day the family,
free from the secular pursuit of life,
are brought together 10 fellowship and
holy communion. The family circle il,
or should be, the centre of the social
world. Within this circle the yirtuous
and tho good seek refuge from the
storms of life, and drink in the pure
stream of unalloyed happiness. II is
here that the parents lavish their fond.
ness upon his household that the pull
ses Of affection are quickened in every
heart, and the clear sunshine Of love
and happiness Eliminates every couu-
tenaace. To such an household tho
periodical return of the Sabbath brings
harmony and peace, aud enables them
to appreciate and comply with the sa-
cred injunction Remember the Sab
bath day to keep it holy"
But unfortunately the Sabbath is not
properly appreciated, even BY many
professed Christains Often are its pri-
yileges prevented by what is termed
fashionable calls" idleness and friyo,
IJus amasemcnts, and even in the most
sensual and lustful Of earth's pleasures.
An intelligent, earnest piety among the
rulers of household cleyates and emo.
bles the whole, produces social warmth,
softens the disposition. and forms d
fount, from which flow streams Of de-
lights aud tender affection. The abb
sepce Of this produces at home aud
abroad a banelul influence, aud tho
youth, through neglect offo of exam
pie, become vicious aud proAigatc,
cause Of grief to their parents aud d
moral contagtion to those around them.
And parents often harvest in their de-
clining age q severe retribution 10 thus
neglecting the minds and morals of
their offspring.
How inestimable the influence which
this sweet communion aud fellowship
exerts upon the younger members Of the
family 1t gives yirtuous formation
to their characters, preserves them from
the sedu aive snares that bestrew the
pathway of life, aud teaches them that
real happiness is euer found 10 the quiet
circle Of home, but neper in the merry
throng of dissipation. And then this
influence is as lasting as it is beneficial.
The Remembrance Of happy home, the
counsels OF pious parents aud the silent
I admonitions Of conscience, will ever be
forced upon the mind Of the voting ud-
ycnturer, even among the guilty exces-
ses of profligacy. The earliest impress
sions are generally the deepest, and the
most difficult to be cffaced and whom
tnesc Impressions have been OF a healthy
character, they will prove an anchor to
the soul
If tho Sabbath fail to eugender era.
cious and heavenly spirit in the domestic
circle, the defect is not 10 the provisions
of the day, but in the vices that control
the mind. Thus sin blurs its bright
ness and beauty, paralyxes those sweet
iuterchanges Of affection, and makes
nome a mire OF slo and degradation. II
the money OF domestic happiness . not
extracted from the 6oauteous dowsrs
lhat oioom In the garden OF home. the
music OF the nres,de circle Is mafred,
.he anec'lons Of cniidhood nipped 10 the
Dud, ana the wise purposes OF Him who
y aiise the founder Of families and Of
sne oaooath thwarted and rendered
futile
If the ordinary pursuits Of life are re-
sponsible, requiring prudence and judg.
ment, as well US knowledge and expe-
''euoe-noch ihore Icspousibie ID " 20