Morris tribune., 1882-09-21
OUR LITERATURE.

Following are given Il few eXstracts
from the exceedingly interesting and prac
teal sermon preached by Rev. A. j.
Brock, at the NJ. Z. Church, last Sunday
evening:
Text Cor. XIV 80.
There is great power in associations
and contact. We are susceptible creatures,
imblbing characteristics from each other,
until we grow 10 think and act alike, and
some declare to look alike. This is seen
in nations, communities and families
True, much is received through inheri-
lance. but not all. Whole nations and
communities have peculiarities handed
down from generation 10 generation,
through associations.
This moulding influence is recognized
almost instinctive,y in society. We can
almost all remember when we received
the chidings of our parents for our evil
associations. And we bear with US to-
night, perhaps, some of the influence good
or bad, of asso citations long since dead or
forgotten.
We shudder TO think that our children
must 90 out along the dusty highway OF
life, and join the busy throng of workers
where mighty influences are at work,
which make so much for their veal Or
woe, we follow them with OR tears an
prayers, and the advice, beware OF evil
associations"
There are those who seem TO be indie
peudent, who think and act for themselves,
upon whom associations have but little
effect. These form leaders, but are ex-
captions which prove the 1ule,--the
masses are led.
There are mighty results depending on
outside influences, affecting not only the
life that now is, but the life to come
How careful, then, we should be OF the
influences we WELD and that is being
welded upon US.
In the present age we live in world
of communication; not only have we
personal acquaintanceS to mould Us, but
there is vast literary world about us, in
which we move.
In this editors and authors become the
teachers of the people; we become ac-
uuainted with them, though we may not
see their form or hear their voice, yet we
become so intimate as to form an estimate
of their character; we discuss their merits,
select our favorites, read with avidity all
they write. They become oar pers NAL
friends; we 90 to the post Office expecting
our periodical or book, as we go to the
depot expecting friend, and If it does
not come we are disappointed.
These are the personages we INVITE to
our homes, to sit down with us at our fire
sides. to commune with us and our families,
to tell us the news of the great outside
world. to gossip with US, to commend and
criticise
To our susceptible natures, how much
care should be exercised in selecting, and
inviting to our homes, these literary COM
panions. They talk to US, but we do not
10 them we know nothing of them only
as they have mind to tell US; we know
nothing of their daily life. or of their faith
or character, and if we did, often they
would be the last persons we should in
vite to come and join our home circle.
Editors and authors are but men and
women. They leave impression upon
oil thsy speak of. Their object is money
making. A large circulation obtains this,
and to obtain circulation, wit. sarcasm, or
redicule is emplo ted-leveled at any OBJ
ject that may seize the fancy, even the
minister in the sacred desk is not exempt.
And in our day the name with Reverend"
attached to it, when dlsgraced, has pc