USA > California > The California pilgrim: a series of lectures > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18
-
21
THE CALIFORNIA PILGRIM.
Mr. Highresolve We made our way back to the city, where
introduced. Mr. Highresolve was introduced to me, and was told concerning my wishes and purposes. He was de- lighted to know me, and with the prospect of my bearing hien company. He was all ready and cager to set off. His affairs had been at once put in complete order. He had no patience with hesitations, doubts, and delays ; and he had no slight need of Mr. Good Counsel to check his impetuosity.
I proceeded to write a message for my father, and to take a hurried leave of such companions and associates as I thought would have any concern about my going, or would heed my words at parting. I told them my purpose and my reasons, and exhorted them to follow me and so escape the coming woe.
I could not get away quietly, however, for the report went into the streets, and reached my father's ofice, that I had got scared about something, and was going to turn my baek on everything and everybody in Doomsend. There was no small stir about the matter, and some began to mock and deride, and others cursed and swore, and said things I should be sorry to repeat, they would give you so bad an opinion of the people I was born among. I did not at- tempt a reply to much they said, and only told them I be- lieved and feared God, and was therefore going away at his bidding ; and if any of them supposed I was foolish or timid in the matter, I could not help it, and they might live to know better.
But there were some that had, when at a distance from me, tried to scoff and jeer, who, when I passed near to them, whispered-" You are right -- it is a wise step-we are glad you have set out-we ought to escape ourselves-perhaps we will." These persons were Mr. Welltaught, Mr. Quitecon-
22
THE CALIFORNIA PILGMIM.
victed, Mr. Mostpersuaded, and several others, whom I need
The Pilgrim not mention now. So we got on our way from gets away. Doomsend, at last, under charge of Mr. Good Counsel, who would not leave us until we were well on our journey, and the worst difficulties were escaped. As we passed by Cheatem Row, in Sharper street, where my fath- er's office was, and were turning the corner into escape Av- enuc, the latest sound we heard distinctly was a shout of vulgar laughter. With a brisk step we soon made our way past certain notorious places in the suburbs, Routing-grove, Prize-fight-ring, Race-horse-lane, Smash-up-hollow, and others, leaving Egg-nogg-town, Sunday-ride-resort, Dog- scramble, and such places, lying around the slough of Mor- tal-corruption, far off to the left.
Mr. Good coun- We had our share of grief, and shed some sel entertains them. natural tears ere we had gone far. But as we went on, Mr. Good Counsel entertained us with his profitable talk of the vanity of worldliness, the loveliness of virtue, and the wonders and glories of redemption. He also instructed us how to increase our faith, and how the just are to walk by faith, and animated us by nar- rating the lives, and citing the examples of those who had exhibited strong confidence, and a most he- roic devotion.
As the sun was setting, we came to his house, and therc were lodged for the night. Within there was no bustle, and running, and brushing up for company's sake, after the company was come ; for the ladies of the household were Good Counsel's always in readiness to welcome the escaped, on house & family. their journey, to their house and cheer. The name of Mr. Good Counsel's wife was Serenity, and her two daughters were called Carefulness and Courtesy ; and it
1
23
THE CALIFORNIA PILGRIM.
was no wonder that Mr. Highresolve and I were quickly in love with all we saw and heard. The sons of Mr. Good Counsel, also, soon wou our regards. They were called Dignity and Devotion. They were about our own age, but they were far more learned, wise, and manly ; because they had been so well nurtured, and had been so much more diligent than we to gain the lore of heaven and the wisdom of the ages ; nor had they ever breathed the tainted atmosphere of Doomsend, or concerned themselves with the pettiness and strifes of covetous and vain-glorious men. They had also been, all their lives, constant attendants at the Church in the neighboring village of Thoroughwork, whose spires were in sight from the chamber windows, tow- ering above the tops of lofty trees. It was there that Mr. Holdfast High dwelt ; who, by his noble and blameless life of toil, led the people into the conviction and love of the truths of the pure gospel he preached.
The 'travelers The rays of the morning glinted the foliage leave Mr. Good Counsel's. of the lofty shade trees as we were setting out from the house of Mr. Good Counsel. We departed with his blessings on us, and many a sweet word from the lips of the whole family, as they stood grouped among the shrub- bery, waving us adieu. We could not help turning to look back very often while we were able to get a view of them ; for we thought we had never seen faces more beautiful.
Ere long we began descending from a gentle height, and then the home of Mr. Good Counsel was hidden from'us. We journeyed on cheerfully, and at a quick pace, for the song of birds was in the grove, and new glories of field and blossom opened on every side ; and besides, the day's march was to be a long one, and we had need to make all haste to accomplish it ere the night came. We were brisk and joy-
24
THE CALIFORNIA PILGRIM.
ful, and we conversed and sang together as we went, and sped on delightfully.
As it drew towards noon we saw, from the top of a hill we had just gained, a company of men in advance of us, who were, perhaps, travelers like ourselves ; so we strove to overtake them, hoping to learn something from them to They find a loit- our advantage. Coming nearly to them, we
ering company. perceived that they were very dilatory in their march. Some were moping along, and pining at their troubles and discouragements ; some were lingering by the road side, picking up pebbles and specimens, and looking for curiosities ; and others were lying stretched out in the shade, waiting for the heat to abate. As we came up with some of them, Mr. Highresolve saluted them, saying, " Hail, fellow travelers, how fare ye, and what of your journey?"" "We are weary" said one, "and the heat is intense, and we are refreshing ourselves. Come, recline with us." "No," said we both, "we are in great haste ; we must go through to-day ; and if we halt to rest we shall be too late at the city." The curiosity men said there was no need of hurrying; if there was not time to get through to-day there would be to-morrow, and one day on such a journey was of no consequence. Some of those who were moping and limping along, said, " Well, have your own way, then, if you don't like such company as ours ; push on, you'll be older, and wiser, and steadier sometime ; you won't always feel so engaged as you do at present ; you are young in the cause now ; you cannot long retain all this freshness ; decline must follow cestacy." We told them there was the more reason, then, for going on while we felt like it, if their words were true. So we did not stop at all, but kept right on our way.
25
THE CALIFORNIA PILGRIM.
They meet one We had not proceeded very far before we met Mr. Promptitude. a person apparently in haste. He told us his name was Promptitude; that he was going back for the loiterers who set out when he did, but whose spirits flagged, and they got behind; that he and others had already been through to the city ; that he had volunteered to return and help forward those who had fallen in the rear : among whom, he said, were Deacon Drudge, Esquire Slow, Mr. Colderceper, Mr. Ardordamp, Mr. Heavyhead, and Mr. Muchadofits.
"But, courage ! my lads," said he, "heart high! this is the right road; don't stop; the city lies over yonder. I will fetcli the dilatory ones along; don't stay for them, good-bye !" So we shook hands and were soon out of cach other's sight, winding along through a wooded valley.
They come in It was the grey of the evening when we came sight of the city. in sight of the lofty towers and strong bul- warks of the city of Redemption. Our hearts leaped at the sight; for it was a beautiful city to look upon, and there was an air of majesty investing it, as it stood built on the solid heights of the promises, the glorious mountains filling up the back ground, with the light still lingering around their tops far up amid the rose, purple, and gold, of the clouds.
They enter the We reached the gates of the city just in season city. to enter them cro they closed for the night. But, in looking back at that moment, we could see nothing of Mr. Promptitude and the company he was after. We heard, however, in & few days that they were all brought through in safety, and were cared for as well as they could be, under the hand, and by the exertions of Mr. Prompt- tude ; without whose perseverance and activity it is quite 3
26
THE CALIFORNIA PILGRIM.
certain they would have missed the road, at one point, and gone wandering for years ; sinee it required all his energy, foree, and firmness, to prevent them from going off by the side path, Slowandeasy, over to the Paralytie-hills, where many in previous years had got helpless ; and so had been starved, or had been devoured by ravenous beasts. How- beit, we did not see them again ; for the city was large, and they were rarely found in that portion of it where our abode was fixed.
Pilgrim inquires After our arrival, with all haste I began for his mother. inquiring about my mother, and how she had fared, and where she had her home. There was not a citizen ignorant of her, her trials, and her faith. But a sigh followed whatever was said of her, and I was quickly made aware that she was no more among the living of earth. She had passed quietly away, as an angel, moving slowly, on pinions soft as light, and the angels had received her to their joyful abodes.
So I saw her not to give her comfort in view of my changed feelings, new course of life, and my blessed escape from the place of my birth into the city of Redemption. All this grieved me at my heart, for I had longed to look onee more on her face, so full of beauty, and so radaint with love, and to behold yet again the kindling joy of her dark eye, as I had often seen it in the days of my childhood ; those days when she was wont to tell me of the shining ones on high, and how they visited our green earth betimes, and bore the weary spirits of the loved and good away to their rest above, by the banks of the river of life, in the Paradise of God.
I felt assured, however, that it was well with [her who had gone before me to the land of the blest, and the as-
27
THE CALIFORNIA PILGRIM.
surance softened my grief ; and I the more diligently sought to be like her in heart and life, that I might meet her on the blissful shore of the Glad-land.
Some friends I had not been in Redemption many months, make good their escape also.
when, one day, I was overjoyed with tidings of the coming of my two brothers, several kinsmen besides, and a band of my associates in Doomsend; among whom were Mr. Welltaught, Mr. Quiteconvicted, and Mr. Most- persuaded. We weleomed them all most heartily ; for they came as if from the dead. And, indeed, they barely escaped the most imminent danger in the sudden over- throw of Doomsend. They had been but a few minutes gone, when a fiery deluge swept over it, the earth heaved and turned the river of Mortality out of its channel, part of the city sank in a chasm that opened beneath, and the rest became nought but a mass of smouldering ruins.
At length, having seen all my friends settled, and well- to-do in Redemption, and having no more to undertake that was equal to my wishes, I resolved to start on a new pilgrimage, and by an unexplored route, for the blest city of golden streets in the Glad-land. And so it was that I took this road for the sake of examining and reporting upon what I might see and hear in this part of our King's wide dominions.
MORAL.
Conduct is reproductive. Action begets its like. What has occurred tends to recur. Example enforces imitation. Parents reappear in their children. Our educators induce themselves upon us. We do what others have done ; and then begin to do over what ourselves have done. Our yes- terdays make our to-morrows. We go on to be what we have been till new forces strike us from without. These new
28
THE CALIFORNIA PILGRIM.
forces, if powerful, may remodel our conduct. These new forces may be either divine or human. If human, they are most effective wlien visible. Hence the power of example. We mold human character more by our conduct than by our arguments. We cause others to be what we are, rather than what we tell them they ought to be. We influence them to the doing of what we perform, rather than to any thing we otherwise instruct them to do.
In the sphere of morals, say not, " go !" but, " come ! " If you would have improvement, lead it on. If you would get men out of difficulties, keep out. If you would strength- en the right, act righteously. If you would multiply good- ness, be good. If you know the path of rectitude, pursue it, and followers shall not be wanting.
LECTURE II.
Now, I saw in my dream, when Pilgrim had finished the story of his past life, with its many trials ; and how he came to leave the city of Doomsend, in the province of Sin and Misery, and find refuge in the city of Redemption, , in the province of Faith; and how he thenee set out on a pilgrimage to the west ; not being content to remain where there were so many good people, and all was so nice, so casy, and so comfortable for him, and the happy multitudes had little else to do than to take care of themselves, and rejoice in the goodly prospects of their citizens, both for the present and the future-while sighing, now and then, over the darkness of the far-off lands -- that
Divers opinions
arise concerning there were diverse opinions among his fellow-
the pilgrim & his enterprise. travelers about the fitness of the undertaking, as well as about the ability of Pilgrim to get through his enterprise creditably; and the most thought it would break down.
However, there were among the crowd some who were glad to find him out, and to give him their countenance and cheer. Among these were Mr. Goodman True, Mr. Earnest, and Mr. Just ; and it gave Pilgrim no small pleasure to look on their faces, and to reckon them among his fellow travelers to a better land, beyond the golden, even the Glad Land.
30
THE CALIFORNIA PILGRIM.
I saw, after the assembly liad broken up that listened to A groupofyoung Pilgrim's narrative, a knot of youth, linger- men seen-some
mentioned. ing on the larboard quarter, who indulged in many sage remarks, and uttered old saws and truisms, as if they had been the fresh inventions of the hour. Among these were Mr. Forward Smart, with a dress snake colored from tho waist down to the feet; without a waistcoat ; and with a sea green coat on whereof the skirts had pretty much forgotten to grow. He wore, also, a brown glazed cap jauntily, and his chin was covered with down, long exempt from the operation of scissors, and of a whitish yellow, as if cultivated with train oil, for want of better. Mr. High Breeding also was there, treading in patent leather boots ; his hat tied on with ribbon strings; his vest, called white out of respect to the memory of the past, making a half circle around a paste-diamond pin, that hung by the edge of a lace-work garment ; and his rather soiled kids holding a sporting cane to his mouth.
Mr. Vast Cunning, too, had his place, with his hands thrust down into his pockets, his shoulders shrugged, his hatchet face standing far out on the end of a neck which projected at an angle of forty-five degrees, his hat resting on his ears, his jaws always chewing something, while his whisper in one's ear with his lips close to it, was loud enough to disturb the fore castle watch.
Mr. Cool Philosopher was likewise of the company ; a person with his hair behind his ears, a broad-brimmed hat on, gold bowed spectacles, an egg shaped snuff-box, a broad flat key dangling from his fob, and a face that neither smiled nor scowled, even when a lurch of the ship sent him backward plump against the railing.
S
31
THE CALIFORNIA PILGMIM.
Another char- I saw in my dream, not many days after, that acter fallen in
with. Pilgrim encountered a lofty, opinionated, su- percilious kind of a man ; tall, raw-boned, and crooked ; and walking as if all his loose jointed limbs would -come down into a heap at every step. His hair was dark, his eyes light, round, and big. He had a voice like a stentor, and his manners were gruff enough to supersede comparison.
This man's name was Doughty Doubter; and he was He is bold upon so self-confident and bold as to assault Pilgrim Pilgrim. in the midst of the whole company. At first Pilgrim had like to have been unsettled and thrown from his strong foundation ; but he remembered about the double- minded man, and also the exhortation "Be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord ;" so he was strengthened, and enabled to withstand the words of the great champion of nothing, and what not.
Said Mr. Doubter ; " Well, I dont think much of pil- How Mr. Doubt- grimages, nor see the use of churches, er began his as-
sault. and all that. There is very little difference among people ; they're all alike. I doubt if any of 'em get to the good place they talk about, though I don't know as there is any bad one ; leastwise worse than this we're in."
PIL. So, then, you don't think yourself at all better than the felons in the State prison-since folks are all alike- and you don't believe the Bible which divides the righteous and the wicked into distinet classes !
Dou. Why, I consider myself about as good as any body; and I hav'nt much opinion of those who set them- selves up to be so remarkably good, and call themselves professors, and saints, ete. I've been Law and Police Re- porter to the - newspaper, in the City of Notions, and I've seen human nature, taken by and large, hav'nt I ?
32
TIIE CALIFORNIA PILGRIM.
PIL. But, sir, you do not yet say whether you think yourself better than the felons in prison; and if you have been Police Reporter, as you say, you must have some cor- rect notion of that phase of life witnessed among courts and prisons, and you cannot be in doubt as to your being, or not being on a level with those you have seen in the criminal's dock. Pray, sir, inform us, if you hesitate to think you do not deserve to go to prison.
Dou. Suppose I do, what then ?
PIL. Why, you stop doubting for once, and virtually admit that some men are positively worse than you are ! You assert a difference between them and yourself. Since
Mr Doubter gets you do so, you upset your declaration that all into a corner. men are alike, and you arrogate to yourself a character which others have not. Now if you may do this; why may not others profess to be somewhat more than you, and claim a character you have not, and call themselves christians or believers, and such as you unbelievers ? Sir, you are beside yourself in the too frequent abuse of those who only employ Bible terms and make Bible distinctions.
Dou. As for that, the Bible may be a very good book, Ile goes on a new and contain many, very many good things, tack, and doubts but I have my doubts about some parts of it. It is not the kind of reading I fancy.
PIL. But your fancy may be diseased; and, surely, you will not make your fancy the criterion of all truth. To what do you object, and what are you in doubt about ? Dou. Why, to begin, I don't see the good of praying,
Ile goes into
and I have my doubts about so many meet-
some particulars ings, and so much worshiping, and so on.
PIL. But, then sir, there are those who have no doubts, who, from their own knowledge and positive experience,
33
THE CALIFORNIA PILGRIM.
have asserted the power, excellence, and usefulness of worship and prayer. What can your doubts weigh against the testimony of hundreds in the case? If you, Mr. Doubter, make oath that you saw Mr. E. kill Mr. F. ought it to weigh anything in the case that Mr. G. has doubts Ile is answered about the fact ? Is that the way to set aside
by a supposition. your testimony ? Of course not. Nor can your doubts on worship and prayer weigh anything.
Dou. Have it as you will --- my doubts are for myself. Let others do as they like.
PIL. But, have you no sense of duty ? Do you feel under no obligation yourself to worship and pray? Arc you excused ?
Dou. No. I dont know as I feel any such thing. Why should I ?
He is taught his PIL. Because the claim of God is just and
responsibilities. you ought to acknowledge it, and fulfil its de -. mands. God's being, character, and position are such as lay you under heavy responsibilities. You believe, of course, in the holiness, excellence, and benevo'ence of God.
Dou. Well, I don't know that I do. I think there may be some doubt of that. There are many things difficult to account for.
PIL. Do you believe there is any God ?
Dou. Well, yes; I rather think there is. I have no reason for any doubts on that, particularly.
PIL. What kind of a God then is he ? Are you not in He is closely constant terror-are you not amazed -- do you questioned. not tremble-do not shuddering and anguish fill your heart, in the thought that the Omnipotent may be hateful, malignant, and loving evit ; since you have doubts, as you say, about his truth, rectitude, and goodness ?
34
THE CALIFORNIA PILGRIM.
Why, sir, what can you mean ? Fearfulness, darkness, and terrors must gird you round ! What abomination may not an evil Deity commit ; what wrong may he not in- flict even on you ; and where is your redress ?
Dou. You carry the thing too far. I don't mean to He declines ta- say that he is not good and just ; I only doubt king the conse- quences of his about it.
own doubts of doctrines
PIL. I know what you said. But in such a case, to doubt, even, is dreadful. It leaves you in a cruel suspense. . It must be tormenting to think there is such an Infinite God, and yet that that God may be the enemy of all truth, virtue, holiness, and love ; and may punish you even for doing that which is right and good.
Dou. Well, if you please, I am willing to allow that he He admits a few must be a pure and good Being; otherwise, things when he can't help it. we could not think of him as invested with any attractions.
PIL. You admit, then, that God is all-great and all- good, and most lovely in character ! And yet, you feel no obligation to love him, and you deny the reasonableness of worshiping him, and praying to him.
Dou. Yes, I have my doubts in the matter.
PIL. Let us test this feeling of yours. You know His feelings are Daniel Webster. I have overheard you say- tested again. ing he was the greatest man of the day ; that he ought to be respected, admired, and honored by all his countrymen. You were formerly, as I have heard you say, a friend, a partizan, an admirer of General Jackson. You yielded him deference, respect and love. Moreover, when you were well aware that General Jackson knew that a friend of yours wanted a certain office, still, you signed a petition praying General Jackson that the office might be
.
35
THE CALIFORNIA PILGRIM.
given him. Thus you esteemed it your privilege and duty
He is plied with to do homage to the greatness of Mr. Web- more questions. ster, and to magnify and pray to Gen. Jack-
son. Now, why was all this ? How could you do so ?
Dou. Easily enough. It is ours to be just to our fel- low men, to exalt and honor greatness, and to pay respect to men in power, and to revere the good.
PIL. Ah, say you so ? I agree with you. Now, on the the same principle that you do homage to human greatness, you are bound to worship that which is Divine. And, if it be proper to petition a human ruler for a favor, why not a Divine ? If you see no impropriety, and feel no hesitation, in rendering respect, deference, and honor to finite greatness and mortal power ; how can you doubt the propriety, or the usefulness of rendering the same in the very highest forms to Infinite Greatness and Immortal Power ? Especially, when, as you allow, the Infinite and Immortal One is All- perfect, Supremely Excellent, Lovely and Good ?
Dou. Ah! there now, you've got to preaching. I He is hard pres- did'nt know you was a preacher. I never sed and gets off
as best he can. let anybody lecture me. Good night, Mr. Pilgrim !
So I saw in my dream, that Mr. Doughty Doubter went away from Pilgrim, and never troubled him thereafter ;- although the Pilgrim much desired an opportunity to correct Mr. Doubter's notions about pilgrimages, and other things, he was continually doubting the utility of, and finding fault with. But Pilgrim was not through encountering men of strange notions, when this man left him, on his way to California to be a judge, or aught else his assurance might prompt him to seek to become.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.