The record-union., 1891-04-18
RELIGIOUS WORK IN SACRAMENTO.

RELIGIOUS WORK IN SACRAMENTO.
Whatever the differing sentiments of
men concerning creeds and doctrines, it
is conceded that broad religious work in
cities and large communities is mani
festation of human energy that it would
be calamitous to be deprived of. Recent
incidents have called our attention spe-
cifically to the religious work that is car
Tied on in this city and to it's benefcence.
ulation there is in Sacramento more hard,
laborious and persistent religious en-
deavor and self-sacrifice than is to be
found probably in any other Pacific city,
and in that fact the people may take
pride. 1t does not testify that there is
here more or less of viciousness than is
to be found in cities similarly situated,
but it,does prove that there is being car
ried on with praiseworthy perseverance
religious and moral work here that is
productive of great good, and is in
finitely to the credit of the tireless work
ers.
In addition to the twenty-three church
organizations with places of worship,
there are related to most of them helpful
auxiliary associations, that reach out and
lift up the despairing; that seek the
homeless and comfort them, that educate
the children otherwise neglected, and
that bring under the gentler influences of
moral suasion a very large class that
would most likely drift on into the cur
rent of recklessness and crime. Some of
these means to purifying and refining
ends are exerted in social directions and
IN kindergarten work, some in cultiva-
ton of the mind, others in mutual help
fulness in higher resolves, others still in
spiritual concern wholly, few in re-
sistance to the appetite, and some in broad
charity and asylum work
But besides these, there are four large
and heneficent institutions of religion in
the very business heart of the city that
are open nightly, and until late hour
every night, the sole endeavor of which
is to preach undenominationaI religion;
the doctrines of humanity, the gospel Of
sobriety, decency, mercy and of divin-
ity that rises above creeds and dogmas, a
salvation that is all embracing and re-
jects none who seek. The fortitude, per-
severance and untiring energy of these
workers in the field of humanity is
worthy of all praise, and ought to COM
mand the respect of every man, however
far removed from his heart he keeps the
pleadings of these missionaries of good.
We repeat, that in no other city of like
population and similar environment is
there more hearty, persevering and self
sacrificing labor by religious workers
than in Sacramento. That they are in
their several organizations doing infinite
good will not be denied by any who have
taken the trouble to note results We
happen TO know that the downtown mis-
sions especially are exercising an influ-
ence broader, better and more beneficent
generally, than even the laborers in them
realize. Let them be encouraged. There
must be neither sneers not railing against
them. In the name Of the religion of
humanity, let us encourage the song Of
praise to rise in the very midst of the
revels in the sinks and holes of iniquity,
that nightly vomit their products upon
the sidewalks. Let us hold up the hands
OF the men and women who have the
courage to go down into the cutters, night
after night, and find human beings worth
saving, and upon whom the gates of
mercy have not been closed.
Whatever the methods of these people
who come out Of our homes to wrestle
with drink, the devil and vice in every
form, and to face ridicule and sneers;
whatever their beliefs, however they Sc
cure results, let US not forget that the end
they seek is the same as that preached be-
meath gilded spires, and from pulpits of
velvet and marble. Before God the SAL
walton they declare from temptation, vice
and sunken humanity is holyan blessed.
We are proud of the score of churches of
Sacramento, for they are monuments to
the better nature of men; we are not less
proud of the workers who come down
out of cushioned pews, and lift fallen
humanity from the slime and slough of
depravity, temptation and all evil; we
are proud of the reading rooms, helper
societies, religious associations and bands
of missionaries, Protestant, Catholic
Hebrew and all others, that by their
deeds testify that Sacramento is not more,
If not less, irreligious than cities of its
class throughout the land; that it is, de-
spite its plethora of pitfalls, abreast with
the best in the good work of rescuing
human beings.
THEsdispatches say that Phoebe Couz-
ins, the st. Louis woman-lawyer, will
carry her battle with the Board of Lady
Managers of the Worlds Fair into the