The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. I., No. 1, August, 1834Various
General
The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. I., No. 1, August, 1834
Various
American literature -- 19th century -- Periodicals
considerable deposit adhering to the body of the tree. These portions,
called "turpentine facings," are carefully separated, and laid in a
cone-like form, until they attain the size of a formidable mound. This
is covered with earth, and when the cool season commences, is ignited;
and the liquid tar, flowing into a reservoir prepared for it, readily
obtains a market among the dealers in naval stores.
Shall I be forgiven for such minuteness of detail? So strongly did this
simple and interesting people excite my affectionate solicitude, that
not even their slightest concerns seemed unworthy of attention. By
merchants of the distant town, who were in habits of traffic with them,
I was afterwards informed that they were distinguished for integrity
and uprightness, and that the simple affirmation of these "Bible and
Liturgy men," as they were styled, possessed the sacredness of an oath.
The lay-reader remarked to me, that he had never known among his
people, a single instance of either intemperance or profanity.
"Our young men have no temptations, and the old set an uniformly sober
example. Still, I cannot but think our freedom from vice is chiefly
owing to a sense of religious obligation, cherished by God's blessing
upon our humble worship."
"Are there no quarrels or strifes among you?"
"For what should we contend? We have no prospect of wealth, nor motive
of ambition. We are too busy to dispute about words. Are not these the
sources of most of the 'wars and fightings' among mankind? Beside, we
are all of one blood. Seldom does any variance arise, which the force
of brotherhood may not quell. Strict obedience is early taught in
families. Children who learn thoroughly the Bible-lesson to obey and
honor their parents, are not apt to be contentious in society, or
irreverent to their Father in Heaven. Laws so simple would be
inefficient in a mixed and turbulent community. Neither could they be
effectual here, without the aid of that gospel which speaketh peace,
and prayer for his assistance, who 'turneth the hearts of the
disobedient to the wisdom of the just.'"
Is it surprising that I should take my leave, with an overflowing
heart, of the pious Patriarch and his posterity?--that I should
earnestly desire another opportunity of visiting their isolated domain?
Soon after this period, a circumstance took place, which they numbered
among the most interesting eras of their history. A small chapel was
erected in the village nearest to their settlement. Though at the
distance of many miles, they anticipated its completion with delight.
At its consecration by the late Bishop Ravenscroft, as many of the
colonists as found it possible to leave home, determined to be present.
Few of the younger ones had ever entered a building set apart solely
for the worship of God; and the days were anxiously counted, until they
should receive permission to tread his courts.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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