“Reader, How does the Idea Strike You?”
By Mary W. Howard
This inquiry, significant, because relating to religious (?) festivities, closed an editorial in the Review not long since. Ofttimes I have been near volunteering my opinions relative to this increasing mania, and now that we are asked, somewhat will I speak of the things which I have observed. Long ago a poet sang, “Westward the seat of empire takes its way,” and not less true is it that
Westward still, doth fashion bend its sway;
so that it is notorious to-day, that intelligent men and women of America, in fashionable circles, look across the ocean, to decide the matter of dress; and, as another has said, “the movement of a ribbon in Eugenia’s head gear will set all the ribbons of America to fluttering!” I do not propose to step out of our own dear native land, but only to cast glances Eastward, when I state that, before the festival epidemic (an occasional festival was the order in most churches, however,) had reached the smart rural village in which I reside, I was on a visit to my native town, where I heard, on a Sunday, and from the pulpit, one prayer-meeting and two oyster suppers, announced! A cold shiver ran through my Puritanical notions as I thought—a strange commingling surely—prayer-meetings and oyster suppers! Not that they were so announced,—oh no! they took on the more genteel name of “Benefits;” but, outside the slip of paper from which the minister read, they, in common parlance, took their proper name, and were the events of the week. I express myself with more confidence on this matter, because, for two or three years, it has been a subject of careful consideration to me; and, at times, I could comprehend that the providence of God frequently places some in positions so far in advance of those by whom they are surrounded, regarding some truths, that a just judgment, or even sympathy, cannot be expected. Nevertheless, this identification with a truth whose bearing is important, can give more serene joy, more ecstasy, though they become outcasts, than kings even feel upon their thrones, because truth is mighty and shall prevail. The great angel who kept not his first estate in Heaven, has become an adept in maneuvering, and knows how to throw the gilded bait, so that well-meaning persons, even those who mean to be conscientious, are often drawn from their strict integrity of deportment, and are found among the giddy throng, who move unquestioningly in whatever is fashionable. At such times it is painful to behold persons of moral worth, weight of character, and influence, resort to censurable ways of bringing funds into the net results;—ways that would mantle the cheek and brow with crimson, were they even hinted as a resort to bring means into a personal purse. But I forbear. Truly, “in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird,” says Solomon; and it is by a show of benevolence—contributing to a praise-worthy or charitable object—that many are drawn into voluptuousness, or, in Scripture words, into “eating and drinking with the drunken,” in these last days. Reader, did it ever occur to you that it is not said that these were the drunken? No! the dereliction of which our Saviour speaks, is simply eating and drinking with those who have given themselves to voluptuous living, thus characterizing the excesses of the last days. I believe the words of the great apostle, “The Lord is able to keep us from every evil work, and to preserve us to his heavenly kingdom.” I have need to pray just now, Guard me, Lord from this snare, lest at thy coming I be found drawn at last into this device of “the Prince of the power of the air.” Thoughts might be extended, but, till the proposed enlargement, space is more desired than long-drawn articles.