Oroville, Cal., Religionists.
The Mercury of that town it is presumed is the organ of the prevailing public sentiment. In a recent issue the editor gives a racy report of a dance: “It was gotten up to raise money to pay up the church debt, and it partook rather of the religious sort than otherwise.” “A ring-cake cut into many pieces offered an opportunity to enter into a harmless kind of gambling, and was soon disposed of.” “A post-office, presided over by Miss W. and Miss G., raised quite a revenue.” “All the principal citizens of Oroville were there and entered into the dance with a relish.” “We never saw a company enjoy themselves more.” “Oroville is not much of a church-going place. Religious matters do not trouble them much, and as a natural result they are all united, live harmoniously and peaceably, and float down the stream of time without ever thinking of, or attempting to blacken the characters of their fellow-beings. To build good school-houses, to employ good teachers, to cultivate the friendship of the worthy, and to live in peace with God and man seems to be about the average desire of an Orovillean. Hence we never put spies on the track of our ministers when they go below, nor do we send far and near for witnesses to testify against them.” The above are specimens of the report, and give some idea of the status of the church in that town. That the gospel should be preached there none will question; and that proper measures should be used to obtain material support, all will admit. But if the alternative is to lower the standard and bring the church into conformity with the world, or abandon the field, let the latter alternative be chosen. A church that creeps in the dirt can never command respect. It is a thousand-fold worse than none.—Cal. Christian Advocate.