Chapter 2

1676.April 20th. "Ordered by ye Selectmen yt the three Constables doe attend att ye three great doores of ye meeting house every Lord's day att ye end of sermon, boath forenoone and afternoone and to keep ye doors fast and suffer none to goe out before ye whole exercise bee ended, unless itt be such as they conceive have necessary occasion and to take notice of any such as shall presume to goe forth as above said and present their names as ye law directs. Ordered that all ye boys of ye towne are and shall bee appointed to sitt upon ye three paire of staires in ye meeting house on the Lord's day and Wm. Lord is appointed to look to the boyes yt sitt upon ye pulpit staires and for ye other staires Reuben Guppy is to look to and order soe many of ye boyes as may be convenient and if any are unruly to present their names as ye law directs."On Sundays, P.M. when sermon is ended, the people in the galleries come down and march two abreast up one ile and down another until they come before the desk, forpulpit they have none. Before the desk is a long pue where the Elders and Deacons sit, one of them with a money box in his hand, into which the people as they pass, put their offerings, some 1s., some 2s.or a half crown, or 5s., according to their ability and good will, after this they conclude with a psalm.

1676.

April 20th. "Ordered by ye Selectmen yt the three Constables doe attend att ye three great doores of ye meeting house every Lord's day att ye end of sermon, boath forenoone and afternoone and to keep ye doors fast and suffer none to goe out before ye whole exercise bee ended, unless itt be such as they conceive have necessary occasion and to take notice of any such as shall presume to goe forth as above said and present their names as ye law directs. Ordered that all ye boys of ye towne are and shall bee appointed to sitt upon ye three paire of staires in ye meeting house on the Lord's day and Wm. Lord is appointed to look to the boyes yt sitt upon ye pulpit staires and for ye other staires Reuben Guppy is to look to and order soe many of ye boyes as may be convenient and if any are unruly to present their names as ye law directs."

On Sundays, P.M. when sermon is ended, the people in the galleries come down and march two abreast up one ile and down another until they come before the desk, forpulpit they have none. Before the desk is a long pue where the Elders and Deacons sit, one of them with a money box in his hand, into which the people as they pass, put their offerings, some 1s., some 2s.or a half crown, or 5s., according to their ability and good will, after this they conclude with a psalm.

While in 1814 in some parts of Massachusetts and New Hampshire the tithingmen felt obliged to issue an address of warning to the public, in Boston in 1815 Sunday seems to have been well observed. We copy two notices from the "Salem Gazette."

To the Public.Asthe profanation of the Lord's Day is inconsistent with the welfare of society and a gross violation of the laws of the State; therefore we the undersigned, being appointed Tithingmen, give notice to the public, that we are under oath, and it has become our indispensable duty to prosecute all, who wilfully violate the laws with respect to the Lord's Day.And we hereby request all persons, to abstain on the Lord's Day from travelling, from worldly business and amusement, and thus relieve us from the painful necessity of prosecuting for a violation of the laws of the State.[Signed by the Tithingmen of Concord,N.H.Salem,N.H.Bradford, Ms. Andover, Reading, Tewksbury, Beverly, Manchester, Hamilton, Ipswich, and Wilmington.]Aug. 6, 1814.

To the Public.

Asthe profanation of the Lord's Day is inconsistent with the welfare of society and a gross violation of the laws of the State; therefore we the undersigned, being appointed Tithingmen, give notice to the public, that we are under oath, and it has become our indispensable duty to prosecute all, who wilfully violate the laws with respect to the Lord's Day.

And we hereby request all persons, to abstain on the Lord's Day from travelling, from worldly business and amusement, and thus relieve us from the painful necessity of prosecuting for a violation of the laws of the State.

[Signed by the Tithingmen of Concord,N.H.Salem,N.H.Bradford, Ms. Andover, Reading, Tewksbury, Beverly, Manchester, Hamilton, Ipswich, and Wilmington.]

Aug. 6, 1814.

BOSTON JUNE 1.—At the meeting on Monday laſt, the town of Boſton evinced its good ſenſe by voting to poſtpone the choice ofTythingmentill the firſt Monday of March next. We venture to aſſert, that in no diſtrict in the univerſe, of the extent and population of Maſſachuſetts, is the Sabbath more decently andſincerelyobſerved.

Law against keeping barber's shops open on Sunday morning in Salem in 1804:—

SUNDAY LAW IN SALEM—BARBERS' SHOPS 80 YEARS AGO.Correspondence of the Salem Gazette.Boston, Aug. 5.About 1804 your Selectmen ordered that after a given date no barber's shop should be kept open on Sunday morning. There was no appeal from their mandate. The fatal last Sunday arrived; the customers of the esteemed Benj. Blanchard, whose shop was at the upper part of Essex street, opposite the Endicott and Cabot mansions, came as usual to have their hair tied; it was the epoch of queues, and it was necessary to their aspect in church that their back hair should be artistically bound with ribbon and their heads nicely pomatumed, even though, like Bonaparte, they shaved their own beards. This last Sunday it was observable that each gentleman, in his turn, after being barbered, instead of hurrying off as usual, resumed his seat. As the second bell began to ring, the last customer was accomplished, and the whole company rose from their chairs, filed out into Essex street, formed a line in front of Mr. Blanchard's shop, and gave three rousing cheers; then, like Burns's "Twa Dogs, each took off his several way," some to Dr. Barnard's North Church, some to Dr. Hopkins's, Dr. Bolles's, or Dr. Prince's First Church.Salem Gazette, August, 1885.

SUNDAY LAW IN SALEM—BARBERS' SHOPS 80 YEARS AGO.

Correspondence of the Salem Gazette.

Boston, Aug. 5.

About 1804 your Selectmen ordered that after a given date no barber's shop should be kept open on Sunday morning. There was no appeal from their mandate. The fatal last Sunday arrived; the customers of the esteemed Benj. Blanchard, whose shop was at the upper part of Essex street, opposite the Endicott and Cabot mansions, came as usual to have their hair tied; it was the epoch of queues, and it was necessary to their aspect in church that their back hair should be artistically bound with ribbon and their heads nicely pomatumed, even though, like Bonaparte, they shaved their own beards. This last Sunday it was observable that each gentleman, in his turn, after being barbered, instead of hurrying off as usual, resumed his seat. As the second bell began to ring, the last customer was accomplished, and the whole company rose from their chairs, filed out into Essex street, formed a line in front of Mr. Blanchard's shop, and gave three rousing cheers; then, like Burns's "Twa Dogs, each took off his several way," some to Dr. Barnard's North Church, some to Dr. Hopkins's, Dr. Bolles's, or Dr. Prince's First Church.

Salem Gazette, August, 1885.

The Middlesex Sabbath Association meet in November, 1815, but find nothing to do. No Sabbath-breakers reported, probably.

Sabbath Association.Whereasthe Association in the county of Middlesex, for aiding in carrying into effect the Laws of this Commonwealth against the violation of the Sabbath, met at Concord in November last,—and finding nothing which required further proceedings at that time, thought fit to adjourn. This is to give notice, that the meeting of said Association stands adjourned, to meet at Concord, at the former place of meeting, in Hamilton's Hotel, on the firstWednesdayin February next, at ten o'clock A.M.A general attendance is requested.CHARLES STEARNS,Per Order.Lincoln, January11, 1816.Columbian Centinel.

Sabbath Association.

Whereasthe Association in the county of Middlesex, for aiding in carrying into effect the Laws of this Commonwealth against the violation of the Sabbath, met at Concord in November last,—and finding nothing which required further proceedings at that time, thought fit to adjourn. This is to give notice, that the meeting of said Association stands adjourned, to meet at Concord, at the former place of meeting, in Hamilton's Hotel, on the firstWednesdayin February next, at ten o'clock A.M.

A general attendance is requested.

CHARLES STEARNS,Per Order.

Lincoln, January11, 1816.

Columbian Centinel.

The following notice from the "Columbian Centinel" shows that rapid driving on the Lord's Day was forbidden in Boston as lately as 1817:—

POLICE OFFICE.Boston, July12, 1817.Complaintshaving been made at this office of dangers and disturbances arising from the rapidity with which carriages are driven on the Lord's Day, special persons have been selected to take notice of this indecorous conduct, that the law on the subject may be rigidly enforced. It is forbidden to drive, during Divine Service, or while the inhabitants are going to or returning from their several houses of public worship, any carriage at a greater rate than a walk or moderate foot pace; and masters and mistresses are responsible, if the servants are unable to pay the penalty incurred by them in this offence.NEH. FREEMAN,Superintendent.

POLICE OFFICE.

Boston, July12, 1817.

Complaintshaving been made at this office of dangers and disturbances arising from the rapidity with which carriages are driven on the Lord's Day, special persons have been selected to take notice of this indecorous conduct, that the law on the subject may be rigidly enforced. It is forbidden to drive, during Divine Service, or while the inhabitants are going to or returning from their several houses of public worship, any carriage at a greater rate than a walk or moderate foot pace; and masters and mistresses are responsible, if the servants are unable to pay the penalty incurred by them in this offence.

NEH. FREEMAN,Superintendent.

Making hay on Sunday is here condemned in some very choice lines.

☞ There is much morepietythanpoetryin the following stanzas:—And though the employment condemned, cannot occur for a season at least, themoralinculcated we trust, will have a tendency to prevent other breaches of Holy Time.THE PIOUS FARMER.SHOULD it rain all the week and the Sundays prove fine,Though others make hay, yet I'll not work at mine;For, I don't think, for my part, such sun-shine was given,Us mortals to lure from the path-way to heaven.Some to work on the Sabbath will make a pretence,That taxes are high, and they can't pay their rents;But my rents and my taxes I'll still hope to pay,Though on sun-shiny Sundays I do not make hay.For this shall my heart never call me a sinner,While I still hope in God I shall ne'er want my dinner;To lay up a store, I'd try every fair way,But on Sundays, though sun shines, I will not make hay.Some plead in excuse, that, not waiting for Monday,Great battles are won, though they're fought on a Sunday!At famed Waterloo too,—there's none greater than it,But then, 'tis well known, the lost Tyrant began it.'Tis a custom with me to spend godly that day;But while French go to war, and the English make hay,Though the season proves wet, and hay gets in but slowly,Yet I would not do other than keep the day holy.Far, far be from me, to ape those saving Elves,Who rob God of his due, to grow richer themselves;But be mine the pursuit, which all good men approve,To strive to be rich in the Regions above.If it rain all the Week, then on God I'll recline,And not work on Sunday, although the sun shine:In this Faith deeply rooted, no ills I forbode,That a man's seldom poorer for serving his God.Columbian Centinel, Nov. 27, 1816.

THE PIOUS FARMER.

SHOULD it rain all the week and the Sundays prove fine,Though others make hay, yet I'll not work at mine;For, I don't think, for my part, such sun-shine was given,Us mortals to lure from the path-way to heaven.Some to work on the Sabbath will make a pretence,That taxes are high, and they can't pay their rents;But my rents and my taxes I'll still hope to pay,Though on sun-shiny Sundays I do not make hay.For this shall my heart never call me a sinner,While I still hope in God I shall ne'er want my dinner;To lay up a store, I'd try every fair way,But on Sundays, though sun shines, I will not make hay.Some plead in excuse, that, not waiting for Monday,Great battles are won, though they're fought on a Sunday!At famed Waterloo too,—there's none greater than it,But then, 'tis well known, the lost Tyrant began it.'Tis a custom with me to spend godly that day;But while French go to war, and the English make hay,Though the season proves wet, and hay gets in but slowly,Yet I would not do other than keep the day holy.Far, far be from me, to ape those saving Elves,Who rob God of his due, to grow richer themselves;But be mine the pursuit, which all good men approve,To strive to be rich in the Regions above.If it rain all the Week, then on God I'll recline,And not work on Sunday, although the sun shine:In this Faith deeply rooted, no ills I forbode,That a man's seldom poorer for serving his God.

Some to work on the Sabbath will make a pretence,That taxes are high, and they can't pay their rents;But my rents and my taxes I'll still hope to pay,Though on sun-shiny Sundays I do not make hay.

For this shall my heart never call me a sinner,While I still hope in God I shall ne'er want my dinner;To lay up a store, I'd try every fair way,But on Sundays, though sun shines, I will not make hay.

Some plead in excuse, that, not waiting for Monday,Great battles are won, though they're fought on a Sunday!At famed Waterloo too,—there's none greater than it,But then, 'tis well known, the lost Tyrant began it.

'Tis a custom with me to spend godly that day;But while French go to war, and the English make hay,Though the season proves wet, and hay gets in but slowly,Yet I would not do other than keep the day holy.

Far, far be from me, to ape those saving Elves,Who rob God of his due, to grow richer themselves;But be mine the pursuit, which all good men approve,To strive to be rich in the Regions above.

If it rain all the Week, then on God I'll recline,And not work on Sunday, although the sun shine:In this Faith deeply rooted, no ills I forbode,That a man's seldom poorer for serving his God.

Columbian Centinel, Nov. 27, 1816.

From the "Essex Register," Salem, May 18, 1822, we learn that there had been trouble caused by ill-bred young men congregating at the public corners on Sunday evening, and also that some females had behaved badly at that time.

One of those ill bred and riotous fellows, who have become notorious for their bad conduct of late, at the corners of our streets, was arrested by one of our most vigilant constables, at the corner of North and Essex streets, on Sunday evening last, carried before a magistrate, committed to prison, and bound over for his future good conduct. Our municipal authorities, and all others concerned in bringing this person to punishment, deserve the thanks of their fellow-citizens. The town of Salem, once so distinguished for the purity of its manners and the good order of its society, has been disgraced of late, by outrages upon the peace and quiet of the community, committed by noisy assemblages of young men at the public corners—and evenfemaleshave been seen to exhibit a demeanor in the streets disreputable to the town, and disgraceful in the highest degree to themselves. This conduct should receive not only the discountenance, but the decided reprehension of the respectable part of the community. Every citizen is interested, and is moreover bound to manifest his interest by his acts, in bringing every offender to prompt and condign punishment. The stake which every one has in the good order of the community, is great—it behoves, then, every one to exert himself to re-establish and preserve it.

In 1819 in New York there were loud complaints of the violation of the Sabbath, as we see by an account taken from the "Salem Gazette."

NEW-YORK, JULY 14.VIOLATION OF THE SABBATH.A few weeks since, a meeting of the citizens was called, to devise some efficient means to suppress the violation of the Sabbath. A committee was appointed to report a plan for that purpose. I wish to inquire what that committee have done, and when another meeting is to be called to receive their report.—The evil still remains, and is certainly accumulating under the most aggravated forms.—Our churches are nearly deserted on the Sabbath, while every place of amusement and pleasurable retreat is thronged. Good authority states the numbers that frequent Brooklyn every Sabbath, at from ten to twenty thousand, and a proportionable number may be computed to visit every other island and place of resort in the vicinity. We have forty-five churches, and a population of one hundred and twenty thousand; admitting one thousand to attend each church, it follows that seventy-five thousand violate that command of the Apostle which requires Christians "not to forsake the assembling of themselves together." Let the citizens organize societies to suppress the violation of the Sabbath and all other vice and immorality.

NEW-YORK, JULY 14.

VIOLATION OF THE SABBATH.

A few weeks since, a meeting of the citizens was called, to devise some efficient means to suppress the violation of the Sabbath. A committee was appointed to report a plan for that purpose. I wish to inquire what that committee have done, and when another meeting is to be called to receive their report.—The evil still remains, and is certainly accumulating under the most aggravated forms.—Our churches are nearly deserted on the Sabbath, while every place of amusement and pleasurable retreat is thronged. Good authority states the numbers that frequent Brooklyn every Sabbath, at from ten to twenty thousand, and a proportionable number may be computed to visit every other island and place of resort in the vicinity. We have forty-five churches, and a population of one hundred and twenty thousand; admitting one thousand to attend each church, it follows that seventy-five thousand violate that command of the Apostle which requires Christians "not to forsake the assembling of themselves together." Let the citizens organize societies to suppress the violation of the Sabbath and all other vice and immorality.

"Sabbath-breakers" had multiplied to such an extent in 1815 that conventions were held in many of the counties in Massachusetts to see what could be done in reference to the evil. We have a report of the Essex convention at Topsfield, Oct. 4, 1815. The Committee say, among other things,—

Although moſt men, even if they have no regard for the Divine Being or the welfare of ſociety, when they know that Sabbath-breaking is offenſive to the great body of the community, will, from regard to themſelves, refrain from it, yet there are ſome abandoned individuals, who are ſo loſt to all proper regard even for themſelves, as well as their Maker, and their fellow-men, that in violation of laws, human and Divine, and in direct oppoſition to the wiſhes of the community, they ſtill continue to travel and labour upon the Sabbath.Such perſons oughtſurelyto be proſecuted, and made to feel that they cannot violate the laws of the Commonwealth, and profane the Sabbath with impunity.If their conduct is ſuffered to continue, others will be emboldened to follow their example; the evil will again increaſe, and eventually become as great as before.But if they find that they cannot profane the Sabbath without being ſubjected to the trouble, ſhame and expenſe of a penal proſecution, this enormous evil, which has ſo long been undermining the beſt intereſts of the community, and drawing down upon us Divine judgments, will be prevented. For paſt experience has fully demonſtrated, that wherever the laws are prudently, and at the ſame time promptly and faithfully executed, the evil will ceaſe.

Such perſons oughtſurelyto be proſecuted, and made to feel that they cannot violate the laws of the Commonwealth, and profane the Sabbath with impunity.

If their conduct is ſuffered to continue, others will be emboldened to follow their example; the evil will again increaſe, and eventually become as great as before.

But if they find that they cannot profane the Sabbath without being ſubjected to the trouble, ſhame and expenſe of a penal proſecution, this enormous evil, which has ſo long been undermining the beſt intereſts of the community, and drawing down upon us Divine judgments, will be prevented. For paſt experience has fully demonſtrated, that wherever the laws are prudently, and at the ſame time promptly and faithfully executed, the evil will ceaſe.

And among the Resolves passed by the Convention we find these,—

III. Reſolved, that we earneſtly recommend to Tythingmen, Civil Officers and the friends of the Sabbath in every town, to proſecute, or cauſe to be proſecuted, without diſtinction and without delay, all, who are travelling without ſufficient reaſon, or in any way wilfully violating the laws reſpecting the Lord's Day.V. Reſolved, that we recommend to all the friends of order, to circulate as extenſively as poſſible, ſuch tracts and pamphlets as are calculated to promote the due obſervance of the Lord's Day.Voted, that the Clerk be requeſted to ſend a copy of the doings of the Convention, to the Editors of the public papers in Boſton, Salem, Newburyport and Haverhill, and that they be requeſted to publiſh the ſame in their reſpective papers.

V. Reſolved, that we recommend to all the friends of order, to circulate as extenſively as poſſible, ſuch tracts and pamphlets as are calculated to promote the due obſervance of the Lord's Day.

Voted, that the Clerk be requeſted to ſend a copy of the doings of the Convention, to the Editors of the public papers in Boſton, Salem, Newburyport and Haverhill, and that they be requeſted to publiſh the ſame in their reſpective papers.

A full account of this convention can be found in the "Salem Gazette," Oct. 31, 1815. It does not appear that there was any disturbance of public worship to complain of, only many people neglected to attend the meetings, or walked or rode for pleasure on the Lord's Day.

In the same month and year the "Worcester Ægis" gave expression to opinions on the question of "Sabbath-breaking" which we think accord more with modern ideas than do those of the Essex convention. The views of the "Ægis" probably represented the average liberal sentiment of that day.

WORCESTER, OCT. 25.BREACH OF THE SABBATH.At the late ſeſſion of the S.J. Court at Northampton it was decided that a juſtice of the peace could not iſſue a warrant for a breach of the Sunday laws againſt an offender that is not an inhabitant of the county where the offence is committed, but that he muſt be proſecuted only before a grand jury; and that juſtices of the peace could not iſſue warrants, nor ſheriffs ſerve them, on the Lord's day, for any breaches of thoſe laws. Damages were awarded againſt a juſtice, a tythingman, and a ſheriff, upon the latter principle.Upon this deciſion we congratulate the public. It has taken a formidable weapon from the hands of thoſe petty tyrants, who are labouring to revive the reign of religious perſecution. We truſt we ſhall no longer ſee the Sabbath treſpaſſed upon by theſeofficial harpies, who, inſtead of ſpending the day as they ought, in worſhiping God, confeſſing their own manifold ſins, and praying that they may be endued with a more chriſtian temper, are riding or walking the highway, "ſeeking whom they may devour," and gratifying at once their malice and their avarice, by plundering their fellow-citizens, and filling their own pockets. In ſome towns they have been ſtationed at every turn of the road, ready to dart out upon the traveller, like a ſpider from the corner of his web. We rejoice at every occurrence which checks this perſecuting ſpirit.—Thoſe who know us, know that we reſpect the Sabbath and its holy inſtitutions: for this very reaſon we reprobate conduct which has a direct tendency to bring theſe inſtitutions into contempt. In all ages, theanti-chriſtian ſpiritofchriſtian profeſſorshas done more injury to the cauſe of religion, than the attacks of its declared enemies. Real Chriſtianity cannot flouriſh by perſecution. Exceſſive rigour defeats the very purpoſes it is intended to ſubſerve. In time there will be a re-action, and men will go to the oppoſite extreme—religion and morals will be as much too lax, as they were before too ſtrict.In no part of the world is the ſabbath ſo ſcrupulouſly obſerved as inNew-England. As we keep it, it reſembles more theJewiſh Sabbath, than the Sabbath of all other parts of Chriſtendom. We had much rather ſee this nice punctiliouſneſs, than that indifference which prevails in ſome places. But we think there is ſuch a thing asdrawing the cord too tight—ſo tight that it will be in danger of ſnapping in ſunder! The good habits of our countrymen, and the increaſing regard which is entertained for religion, will be a ſure guaranty of the reſpectful observance of the Sabbath. There are very few men in the community, who dare to outrage public feeling by a wanton violation of the ſolemnity of the day. We have excellent laws to puniſh thoſe who diſturb the devotions of any ſociety or individual. Let theſe laws be put in execution without fear, favour or affection. But for the reſt, let religion take care of itſelf—it needs no aſſiſtance from the feeble arm of the magiſtrate.

WORCESTER, OCT. 25.

BREACH OF THE SABBATH.

At the late ſeſſion of the S.J. Court at Northampton it was decided that a juſtice of the peace could not iſſue a warrant for a breach of the Sunday laws againſt an offender that is not an inhabitant of the county where the offence is committed, but that he muſt be proſecuted only before a grand jury; and that juſtices of the peace could not iſſue warrants, nor ſheriffs ſerve them, on the Lord's day, for any breaches of thoſe laws. Damages were awarded againſt a juſtice, a tythingman, and a ſheriff, upon the latter principle.

Upon this deciſion we congratulate the public. It has taken a formidable weapon from the hands of thoſe petty tyrants, who are labouring to revive the reign of religious perſecution. We truſt we ſhall no longer ſee the Sabbath treſpaſſed upon by theſeofficial harpies, who, inſtead of ſpending the day as they ought, in worſhiping God, confeſſing their own manifold ſins, and praying that they may be endued with a more chriſtian temper, are riding or walking the highway, "ſeeking whom they may devour," and gratifying at once their malice and their avarice, by plundering their fellow-citizens, and filling their own pockets. In ſome towns they have been ſtationed at every turn of the road, ready to dart out upon the traveller, like a ſpider from the corner of his web. We rejoice at every occurrence which checks this perſecuting ſpirit.—Thoſe who know us, know that we reſpect the Sabbath and its holy inſtitutions: for this very reaſon we reprobate conduct which has a direct tendency to bring theſe inſtitutions into contempt. In all ages, theanti-chriſtian ſpiritofchriſtian profeſſorshas done more injury to the cauſe of religion, than the attacks of its declared enemies. Real Chriſtianity cannot flouriſh by perſecution. Exceſſive rigour defeats the very purpoſes it is intended to ſubſerve. In time there will be a re-action, and men will go to the oppoſite extreme—religion and morals will be as much too lax, as they were before too ſtrict.

In no part of the world is the ſabbath ſo ſcrupulouſly obſerved as inNew-England. As we keep it, it reſembles more theJewiſh Sabbath, than the Sabbath of all other parts of Chriſtendom. We had much rather ſee this nice punctiliouſneſs, than that indifference which prevails in ſome places. But we think there is ſuch a thing asdrawing the cord too tight—ſo tight that it will be in danger of ſnapping in ſunder! The good habits of our countrymen, and the increaſing regard which is entertained for religion, will be a ſure guaranty of the reſpectful observance of the Sabbath. There are very few men in the community, who dare to outrage public feeling by a wanton violation of the ſolemnity of the day. We have excellent laws to puniſh thoſe who diſturb the devotions of any ſociety or individual. Let theſe laws be put in execution without fear, favour or affection. But for the reſt, let religion take care of itſelf—it needs no aſſiſtance from the feeble arm of the magiſtrate.

Tythingmen's Notice.Wethe subscribers, Tythingmen of the several towns annexed to our names, having taken the Oath of Office, it becomes our indispensable duty to see the laws of this Commonwealth, "for the due observation of the Lord's Day," faithfully executed; which we are determined to do as far as may be in our power. We, therefore, call on all persons to abstain from the violation of said laws; as they would avoid "the several penalties annexed to the several offences therein described," and save us from the painful necessity of a prosecution, which otherwise must immediately follow.DAVID LANE,}Tithingman of Bedford inbehalf of himself and fiveothers.BENJ. OSGOOD,}Tithingman of Westfordin behalf of himself andfour others.JOHN JACOBS,}Tithingman of Carlisle inbehalf of himself and oneother.SAM'lWHITING,}Tithingman of Bilericain behalf of himself andnine others.May 27th, 1815.

Tythingmen's Notice.

Wethe subscribers, Tythingmen of the several towns annexed to our names, having taken the Oath of Office, it becomes our indispensable duty to see the laws of this Commonwealth, "for the due observation of the Lord's Day," faithfully executed; which we are determined to do as far as may be in our power. We, therefore, call on all persons to abstain from the violation of said laws; as they would avoid "the several penalties annexed to the several offences therein described," and save us from the painful necessity of a prosecution, which otherwise must immediately follow.

DAVID LANE,}Tithingman of Bedford inbehalf of himself and fiveothers.BENJ. OSGOOD,}Tithingman of Westfordin behalf of himself andfour others.JOHN JACOBS,}Tithingman of Carlisle inbehalf of himself and oneother.SAM'lWHITING,}Tithingman of Bilericain behalf of himself andnine others.

Tithingman of Bedford inbehalf of himself and fiveothers.

Tithingman of Westfordin behalf of himself andfour others.

Tithingman of Carlisle inbehalf of himself and oneother.

Tithingman of Bilericain behalf of himself andnine others.

May 27th, 1815.

Lord's Day.Noticeis hereby given, that the Middlesex Convention for suppressing violations of the Laws of the Commonwealth, relative to the Sabbath, stands adjourned to the third Wednesday in May, at Hamilton's Tavern in Concord, at 10 o'clock, A.M.JACOB COGGIN,Sec'y.N. B.—It is particularly requested that all the Clergy, and others in the county, who feel interested in the object would attend.may 13, 1815

Lord's Day.

Noticeis hereby given, that the Middlesex Convention for suppressing violations of the Laws of the Commonwealth, relative to the Sabbath, stands adjourned to the third Wednesday in May, at Hamilton's Tavern in Concord, at 10 o'clock, A.M.

JACOB COGGIN,Sec'y.

N. B.—It is particularly requested that all the Clergy, and others in the county, who feel interested in the object would attend.

may 13, 1815

The Sabbath. An ecclesiastical council was lately convened at Kingsbury, N. York, to decide a controversy which had originated between the minority and majority of the Baptist Church, in Kingsbury, respecting an observance of the Christian Sabbath. One of the Elders of the Church, Mr. Culver, had written, preached and published a discourse, which, in the opinion of the Council, amounted to a full and complete denial of all Scriptural authority, for observing a day as a Christian Sabbath. The Council, after stating the reasons, which in their opinion, conclusively proved the obligation of the Christian to observe the Sabbath, recommend an union between the parties to this controversy, and if the majority do not comply, the Council deem it their imperious duty, to recognize the minority as the regular Baptist Church.

In a former paper, we alluded to the manner in which the Sabbath was regarded by our ancestors. It appears, that the following special instructions on this subject were given to Gov. Endicott, by the New-England Plantation Company.

"And to the end, the Saboth may bee celebrated in a religious manner, we appoint, that all that inhabite the plantation, both for the general and particular employment, may surcease their labor, every Satterday throughout the year, at three of the clock in the afternoone, and that they spend the rest of the day in catechising and preparation for the Saboth, as the minister shall direct."Salem Observer, Aug. 4, 1827.

Salem Observer, Aug. 4, 1827.

In the "Salem Register" of Oct. 11, 1820, we find the report of the trial of a man charged with the crime of Sabbath-breaking by delivering milk to his customers. The presiding judge (Mitchell) seems to have made a very sensible address to the jury on this occasion. Probably the surest way to bring about speedily the much-dreaded "European Sunday" would be for some person or persons to prosecute such individuals as they happen to know who violate certain obsolete Sunday laws.

Law Intelligence.Commonwealth vs. Glover.This was an appealed case. The justice before whom it was originally tried, imposed a fine on Glover, who appealed to the Common Pleas. It was tried at Dedham on the 21st ult.The complaint was that said Glover had been guilty of the crime of Sabbath breaking, by delivering milk to his customers in Boston on the 25th June last. The evidence to support the complaint was from two gentlemen, Messrs. M'Clure and Vose. They testified, that on the 25th June last they walked out in company at 5, A.M. to see if they could discover any persons delivering milk from carts—that they had not been long in pursuit, before they descried a man, who descended from his vehicle, with a milk vessel, and poured milk from it, which he delivered to a family in their presence.—They approached him—enquired his name, and from whence he came. He answered, from Quincy, and his name was Glover.—They asked if he was in the habit of bringing milk to Boston on the Sabbath. He told them he had been when the weather was very hot. This was the evidence.The complaint being for doing labour on the Sabbath in the county of Norfolk, which was not labour ofnecessityormercy.Churchill, for Defendant, in cross examining the witnesses, enquired why they rose at so early an hour, on the 25th June, and went to walk? They answered that it was partly to exercise, and partly to perform their duty as professors of religion. They said they had made up their minds that the moiety of the fines they expected to receive, they would give to some charitable institution.The defence rested on two points—First, That no crime or act was proved to have been committed in Norfolk county—Secondly, If it should be proved that the act complained of had been committed, it was an act ofnecessityandmercy.Counsellor Churchill entered with much spirit into the cause, and evinced that he had bestowed upon it much thought and labour. He gave an elaborate history of the Sabbatical Institution, and stated the various opinions and laws as to the division of holy time. He said that many families in Boston, both poor and rich, depended on milk to feed their children—that a large proportion of the people had no conveniences for keeping it from Saturday night till Monday morning; that those who had no other way of disposing of their milk, but by delivering it to those who would suffer without it, performed an act embracing bothnecessityandmercy; that those who sat up all night for the purpose of being up before day, to fatten on those who were performing the before-named charitable act, were like the Jews of old, who, when the Saviour of mankind raised the dead and restored the blind to sight, cried out, Crucify him! the Jews were but the M'Clures of the present day.The Judge (Mitchell) charged the jury, that, if they had doubts whether any offence were proved to have been committed, within the county, they must acquit; or, if otherwise, and they were of opinion that it was necessary to deal out milk on the Sabbath in extreme hot weather, they must acquit. He stated that his neighbours bought milk of him, and took it on Sunday as on other days, and thought it no crime. He did not cast up the score, receive the money and rub out the chalks on that day; but apprehended that his conduct was virtually the same as that charged upon the defendant. The defendant pursued his regular course, and in doing so, he saved his property from waste, and relieved many from disappointment and distress. The clergy ride from town to town on the Sabbath, and the physicians ride without molestation. The Sabbath is a day of rest—but in the exercise of its duties, reason is to be regarded. Such worldly concerns as can well be done on other days, ought not to be done on the Sabbath—but if an ox fall into a pit, he must be taken out; that if a clergyman has agreed to exchange with a brother, he may as well ride a few miles on the Sabbath as to make a parade of going on Saturday night.The jury returned a verdict of—NOT GUILTY.

Law Intelligence.

Commonwealth vs. Glover.

This was an appealed case. The justice before whom it was originally tried, imposed a fine on Glover, who appealed to the Common Pleas. It was tried at Dedham on the 21st ult.

The complaint was that said Glover had been guilty of the crime of Sabbath breaking, by delivering milk to his customers in Boston on the 25th June last. The evidence to support the complaint was from two gentlemen, Messrs. M'Clure and Vose. They testified, that on the 25th June last they walked out in company at 5, A.M. to see if they could discover any persons delivering milk from carts—that they had not been long in pursuit, before they descried a man, who descended from his vehicle, with a milk vessel, and poured milk from it, which he delivered to a family in their presence.—They approached him—enquired his name, and from whence he came. He answered, from Quincy, and his name was Glover.—They asked if he was in the habit of bringing milk to Boston on the Sabbath. He told them he had been when the weather was very hot. This was the evidence.

The complaint being for doing labour on the Sabbath in the county of Norfolk, which was not labour ofnecessityormercy.

Churchill, for Defendant, in cross examining the witnesses, enquired why they rose at so early an hour, on the 25th June, and went to walk? They answered that it was partly to exercise, and partly to perform their duty as professors of religion. They said they had made up their minds that the moiety of the fines they expected to receive, they would give to some charitable institution.

The defence rested on two points—First, That no crime or act was proved to have been committed in Norfolk county—Secondly, If it should be proved that the act complained of had been committed, it was an act ofnecessityandmercy.

Counsellor Churchill entered with much spirit into the cause, and evinced that he had bestowed upon it much thought and labour. He gave an elaborate history of the Sabbatical Institution, and stated the various opinions and laws as to the division of holy time. He said that many families in Boston, both poor and rich, depended on milk to feed their children—that a large proportion of the people had no conveniences for keeping it from Saturday night till Monday morning; that those who had no other way of disposing of their milk, but by delivering it to those who would suffer without it, performed an act embracing bothnecessityandmercy; that those who sat up all night for the purpose of being up before day, to fatten on those who were performing the before-named charitable act, were like the Jews of old, who, when the Saviour of mankind raised the dead and restored the blind to sight, cried out, Crucify him! the Jews were but the M'Clures of the present day.

The Judge (Mitchell) charged the jury, that, if they had doubts whether any offence were proved to have been committed, within the county, they must acquit; or, if otherwise, and they were of opinion that it was necessary to deal out milk on the Sabbath in extreme hot weather, they must acquit. He stated that his neighbours bought milk of him, and took it on Sunday as on other days, and thought it no crime. He did not cast up the score, receive the money and rub out the chalks on that day; but apprehended that his conduct was virtually the same as that charged upon the defendant. The defendant pursued his regular course, and in doing so, he saved his property from waste, and relieved many from disappointment and distress. The clergy ride from town to town on the Sabbath, and the physicians ride without molestation. The Sabbath is a day of rest—but in the exercise of its duties, reason is to be regarded. Such worldly concerns as can well be done on other days, ought not to be done on the Sabbath—but if an ox fall into a pit, he must be taken out; that if a clergyman has agreed to exchange with a brother, he may as well ride a few miles on the Sabbath as to make a parade of going on Saturday night.

The jury returned a verdict of—NOT GUILTY.

Observance of the Sabbath.There has been lately, in some of the Boston papers, a discussion of the question, whether the sailing of a steam boat on the Sabbath is not a profanation.

We allude to this subject, at the present time, not for the purpose of taking a side in the controversy, but merely to show in what manner this day was formerly noticed in England, and our own country.

In England, during the reign of James the first, it was lawful for his subjects to indulge in certain sports, such as dancing, archery, leaping, vaulting, may-games, whitsun ales, and morris dances, onSundayafter evening service. But it was not lawful to have bear-baiting, bull-baiting, interludes, and bowling.

In reign of Charles 1st a statute was passed, prohibiting a meeting out of the parish, on the Lord's day, to enjoy these sports. A statute was afterwards passed, prohibiting carriers and drovers from travelling, and butchers from slaughtering or selling on this day. Afterwards all tradesmen, artificers, workmen, laborers, or other persons, were prohibited from exercising their callings on this day, excepting works of necessity and charity, and dressing and selling meat in families, inns, cook-shops, &c. selling milk before nine in the morning, and after four in the afternoon,selling mackerellbefore or after divine service, and excepting also forty watermen, who may ply between Vauxhall and Limehouse.

By a statute of George 2d fish carriages were allowed to pass on Sundays, whether laden or empty. During the reign of this King, the Court decided in favor of a Baker, charged "with baking puddings and pies on the Lord's day for dinner." The court considered the case as falling within the exceptions of works of necessity and charity. "That it was better that one baker and his men should stay at home, than many families and servants." Under George 3d Bakers were prohibited from making, baking or selling, excepting between nine in the morning and one in the afternoon, and the person requiring the baking carried or sent it to the place where it was to be baked. A law was afterwards passed, permitting bakers to work, so far as may be necessary in setting or superintending the sponge, to prepare the dough for the next day's baking.

The provisions of the Colony and Province laws, on this subject, were embodied in our State law of 1792, which prohibits every person from keeping open his shop, ware-house, or work-house, on the Lord's day, & from doing any labor or work, excepting that of necessity and charity, and from attending concerts of music, dancing, &c. It likewise prohibits travelling by drovers, teamsters, &c. visiting taverns, &c. during the time included between the midnight preceding and the sun-setting of the Lord's day. It likewise prohibits games, diversions, recreations on the land or water, on the evening next preceding or succeeding the Lord's day. Under the Colonial government, it was for some time made a question when the Sabbath should be considered as commencing; but in 1645 it became a custom to regard the evening of the last day of the week as the beginning of the Sabbath. Several clergymen however considered Saturday afternoon as the commencement of holy time.

The following extracts from our town records will show in what manner the Sabbath was observed by our pious ancestors.

"1644."Ordered, that twoe be appointed every Lord's day, to walk forth in the time of God's worshippe, to tak notice of such as either lye about the meeting-house, without attending to the word or ordinances, or that lye at home, or in the fields, without giving good account thereof, and to tak the names of such persons, and to present them to the magistrate, whereby they may be accordingly proceeded against.""1677."Whereas, there hath been several complaints of several persons that doe profane the Sabbath, by unseasonable walking abroad even at the time of publique service, &c.—the Selectmen have agreed each of them to take their turns, with the constables to walk abroad on the Lord's day, both forenoon and afternoone, morning and evening, to redress such miscarriages as they shall at any time meet withal."

"1644.

"Ordered, that twoe be appointed every Lord's day, to walk forth in the time of God's worshippe, to tak notice of such as either lye about the meeting-house, without attending to the word or ordinances, or that lye at home, or in the fields, without giving good account thereof, and to tak the names of such persons, and to present them to the magistrate, whereby they may be accordingly proceeded against."

"1677.

"Whereas, there hath been several complaints of several persons that doe profane the Sabbath, by unseasonable walking abroad even at the time of publique service, &c.—the Selectmen have agreed each of them to take their turns, with the constables to walk abroad on the Lord's day, both forenoon and afternoone, morning and evening, to redress such miscarriages as they shall at any time meet withal."

But the following license granted by the selectmen in 1672, shows a much greater liberality than is exhibited in these days.

"1672."Nathaniel Ingerson is allowed to sell beer and syder by the quart, for the tyme whyle the farmers are a building of their meeting-house, andon Lord's daysafterwards."Salem Observer, July 14, 1827.

"1672.

"Nathaniel Ingerson is allowed to sell beer and syder by the quart, for the tyme whyle the farmers are a building of their meeting-house, andon Lord's daysafterwards."

Salem Observer, July 14, 1827.

The interest, which is now felt in the subject of the Sabbath, renders the following article, respecting the curiosity of Le Sage, worthy the attention of the reader. It was extracted from a review of Le Sage, published in Scotland about twelve years ago.

"At the time we are now speaking of the Sabbath was observed at Geneva, with a gloom and austerity of which we, in Scotland can probably form a more correct notion than the inhabitants of any other country in Christendom. Le Sage felt some curiosity to know whether the author of Nature still continued to impose on himself the same law that originally marked the institution of the day of rest. It would have puzzled the first philosopher in Europe to think of any method by which this question could be brought to the decision of experiment: but the ingenuity of our young enquirer soon suggested an experiment.—He measured, with great care, the increase of a plant day after day, in order to discover whether it would cease growing on the Sabbath. The result could not fail to solve the difficulty, and to convince the young man, that though the work of Creation might terminate, the work of Providence is never interrupted."Salem Observer, 1829.

Salem Observer, 1829.

Sunday in Salem in 1838.SALEM AND THE SABBATH.On our way to church in the quiet city of Salem recently, a stranger overtook us, and inquired where the Rev. Mr. W—— was to preach that morning? We answered that we were going to his church, and would show him a seat. For which he expressed his thanks and immediately remarked, that he had travelled recently nearly over all our country, and nowhere had he witnessed such entire abandonment of all secular avocations on the Sabbath. It seemed like a different country, and made him feel the significance of the name of that ancient town—Salem, City of Peace.—Christian (Boston) Monitor.

Sunday in Salem in 1838.

SALEM AND THE SABBATH.

On our way to church in the quiet city of Salem recently, a stranger overtook us, and inquired where the Rev. Mr. W—— was to preach that morning? We answered that we were going to his church, and would show him a seat. For which he expressed his thanks and immediately remarked, that he had travelled recently nearly over all our country, and nowhere had he witnessed such entire abandonment of all secular avocations on the Sabbath. It seemed like a different country, and made him feel the significance of the name of that ancient town—Salem, City of Peace.—Christian (Boston) Monitor.

Fifty years ago hardly any one thought of absenting himself or herself from public worship. People went to church as a matter of course, partly from a sense of duty, and partly from habit; and this is still the case to some extent. The majority of thoughtful persons of all religious persuasions are agreed upon one point, and that is, it is desirable to have Sunday set apart as a day of rest and change from the ordinary cares and business of life. From a sanitary point of view this rest is no doubt of the highest importance. All people, moreover, who desire to have quiet for religious worship should at least not be disturbed. Public opinion ought to be protection enough; but unfortunately it might not be, so that laws to such an extent as is necessary for this purpose should be in force. But the idea entertained by certain fanatics, that no one should walk or ride for health and recreation, or even engage in any innocent occupation, on Sunday, is so absurd as not to deserve a moment's consideration.

In 1829 a futile attempt was made to put a stop to the delivery of Sunday mails, one result of which was the holding of a number of public meetings in Salem, the reports of which we take from the papers.

Meetings were also held in Boston and New York.

PUBLIC MEETING.At a very numerous and respectable meeting of the citizens of Salem, "opposed to Legislative interference in respect to the religious observances of Sunday," held at the Town Hall, Dec. 27, 1828,Perley Putnam,Esq., was called to the chair, and Dr.Benjamin Kittredge,appointed Secretary.—The object of the meeting having been stated by the Chairman, it wasVoted, That Messrs. George Cleveland, Leverett Saltonstall, Stephen C. Phillips, John W. Treadwell, Perley Putnam, Nath'l West, jun., Franklin H. Story, John Crowninshield, Jos. G. Waters, Charles A. Andrew, David Pingree, and David A. Neal, be a committee[2]to consider and report at an adjournment of the meeting, what measures it is expedient to take for the purpose of carrying into effect the objects of the meeting.The meeting was then adjourned for one week.[2]The committee appointed consisted of Episcopalians, Unitarians, and Universalists.At the adjourned meeting on Saturday evening Jan. 3, 1829, the Committee reported the following Resolutions, which were unanimously adopted:—Resolved, That the observance of Sunday as a day of religious worship and instruction is eminently adapted to extend the knowledge and influence of truth and virtue, and thus to improve the character and increase the happiness of individuals and of the community.Resolved, That under no circumstances has religion excited such general interest, as when, not rendered odious by legal restraints, it has addressed its claims for support to the understandings and consciences of men.Resolved, That a "system of regulations" for the purpose of enforcing religious observances is opposed to the principles of religious liberty and to our form of civil government; and it is to be feared that any attempts to introduce such regulations will re-act in consequences detrimental to the interests which it may have been intended to promote.Resolved, That neither the precepts of Christianity nor the design of religious observances are incompatible with the prompt and faithful discharge of the various duties which belong to our social and civil relations; and the urgency of such duties may frequently render it of importance to every individual to receive or transmit intelligence with the least possible delay.Resolved, That for the necessary accommodation of the Government and citizens of this widely extended country, an arrangement of the mails, by which letters and packages are forwarded and delivered with the utmost despatch and safety, has been for a great length of time maintained under the vigilant superintendence of the Postmaster General; and such arrangement, while it is productive of innumerable advantages to the Government and to the citizens, is not allowed to interfere with the public religious services on Sunday.[B]Resolved, That any change in the present arrangement of the mails which shall have the effect to subject to increased delay and hazard the communication between distant parts of the country is impolitic; and if authorized by Congress for the sole purpose of enforcing religious observances, will be an exercise of power for the accomplishment of an object not recognized by the Constitution, and contrary to its spirit and the intentions of its framers.Resolved, That if Congress should prohibit the forwarding of mails and the delivery of letters on Sunday, individuals and the Government will be obliged to resort to such temporary arrangements for transmitting intelligence as their respective exigencies may require; and such temporary arrangements, while they will be attended with increased expense, will be productive of far greater inconvenience and disturbance to the religious public, than can justly be complained of under the present system.Resolved, That a committee be appointed, who shall be instructed to prepare a memorial to Congress expressive of the views of this meeting, whenever in their opinion, circumstances shall render it expedient to present such memorial; and such memorial shall be submitted by them for approbation, at a meeting to be called for that purpose.Resolved, That the committee appointed in conformity to the foregoing resolution, shall be authorized to call future meetings, to correspond with citizens of other towns, and generally to take such measures as they may deem expedient for the purpose of carrying into effect the objects of this meeting.The following gentlemen were appointed a committee to perform the duties specified in the two last resolutions, viz. George Cleveland, Dudley L. Pickman, Willard Peele, Perley Putnam, Philip Chase, Stephen White, Gideon Tucker, Nath'l Frothingham, Stephen C. Phillips. The Committee was authorized to fill any vacancies that may occur in their number.Voted, That an attested copy of the proceedings be published in the several newspapers in this town, and in one or more of the newspapers in the city of Washington, and that an attested copy be also forwarded to the Post Master General.The meeting was then dissolved.PERLEY PUTNAM,Chairman.Benj. Kittredge,Secretary.

PUBLIC MEETING.

At a very numerous and respectable meeting of the citizens of Salem, "opposed to Legislative interference in respect to the religious observances of Sunday," held at the Town Hall, Dec. 27, 1828,Perley Putnam,Esq., was called to the chair, and Dr.Benjamin Kittredge,appointed Secretary.—The object of the meeting having been stated by the Chairman, it was

Voted, That Messrs. George Cleveland, Leverett Saltonstall, Stephen C. Phillips, John W. Treadwell, Perley Putnam, Nath'l West, jun., Franklin H. Story, John Crowninshield, Jos. G. Waters, Charles A. Andrew, David Pingree, and David A. Neal, be a committee[2]to consider and report at an adjournment of the meeting, what measures it is expedient to take for the purpose of carrying into effect the objects of the meeting.

The meeting was then adjourned for one week.

[2]The committee appointed consisted of Episcopalians, Unitarians, and Universalists.

At the adjourned meeting on Saturday evening Jan. 3, 1829, the Committee reported the following Resolutions, which were unanimously adopted:—

Resolved, That the observance of Sunday as a day of religious worship and instruction is eminently adapted to extend the knowledge and influence of truth and virtue, and thus to improve the character and increase the happiness of individuals and of the community.

Resolved, That under no circumstances has religion excited such general interest, as when, not rendered odious by legal restraints, it has addressed its claims for support to the understandings and consciences of men.

Resolved, That a "system of regulations" for the purpose of enforcing religious observances is opposed to the principles of religious liberty and to our form of civil government; and it is to be feared that any attempts to introduce such regulations will re-act in consequences detrimental to the interests which it may have been intended to promote.

Resolved, That neither the precepts of Christianity nor the design of religious observances are incompatible with the prompt and faithful discharge of the various duties which belong to our social and civil relations; and the urgency of such duties may frequently render it of importance to every individual to receive or transmit intelligence with the least possible delay.

Resolved, That for the necessary accommodation of the Government and citizens of this widely extended country, an arrangement of the mails, by which letters and packages are forwarded and delivered with the utmost despatch and safety, has been for a great length of time maintained under the vigilant superintendence of the Postmaster General; and such arrangement, while it is productive of innumerable advantages to the Government and to the citizens, is not allowed to interfere with the public religious services on Sunday.[B]

Resolved, That any change in the present arrangement of the mails which shall have the effect to subject to increased delay and hazard the communication between distant parts of the country is impolitic; and if authorized by Congress for the sole purpose of enforcing religious observances, will be an exercise of power for the accomplishment of an object not recognized by the Constitution, and contrary to its spirit and the intentions of its framers.

Resolved, That if Congress should prohibit the forwarding of mails and the delivery of letters on Sunday, individuals and the Government will be obliged to resort to such temporary arrangements for transmitting intelligence as their respective exigencies may require; and such temporary arrangements, while they will be attended with increased expense, will be productive of far greater inconvenience and disturbance to the religious public, than can justly be complained of under the present system.

Resolved, That a committee be appointed, who shall be instructed to prepare a memorial to Congress expressive of the views of this meeting, whenever in their opinion, circumstances shall render it expedient to present such memorial; and such memorial shall be submitted by them for approbation, at a meeting to be called for that purpose.

Resolved, That the committee appointed in conformity to the foregoing resolution, shall be authorized to call future meetings, to correspond with citizens of other towns, and generally to take such measures as they may deem expedient for the purpose of carrying into effect the objects of this meeting.

The following gentlemen were appointed a committee to perform the duties specified in the two last resolutions, viz. George Cleveland, Dudley L. Pickman, Willard Peele, Perley Putnam, Philip Chase, Stephen White, Gideon Tucker, Nath'l Frothingham, Stephen C. Phillips. The Committee was authorized to fill any vacancies that may occur in their number.

Voted, That an attested copy of the proceedings be published in the several newspapers in this town, and in one or more of the newspapers in the city of Washington, and that an attested copy be also forwarded to the Post Master General.

The meeting was then dissolved.

PERLEY PUTNAM,Chairman.

Benj. Kittredge,Secretary.

[B]Extract from Regulations respecting Post Offices.—"At Post Offices where the mail arrives on Sunday, the office is to be kept open for the delivery of letters, &c. for one hour or more after the arrival and assorting of the mail; but in case that would interfere with the hours of public worship, then the office is to be kept open for one hour after the usual time of dissolving the meeting for that purpose."

A very large meeting of citizens of New York, opposed to the proposition to discontinue the mails on Sunday, was held at New York this week. A similar meeting has also been held at Boston.

SABBATH MAILS.Salem,(Mass.) Feb. 9, 1829.To the Hon. Richard M. Johnson, Chairman of the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads, Washington.Sir:—The subscribers, a committee appointed at a meeting of the inhabitants of this town, on the 3d January last, to take such measures as they may deem expedient to oppose any attempts to interfere for religious purposes with the transportation of the Mails and opening the Post Offices on Sunday, have read with pleasure the report of the Committee of the Senate on that subject.Previous to receiving that report, they were about petitioning Congress—and the public sentiment in this place is so universal against an interference for religious reasons, that a very respectable and numerous subscription could readily have been obtained.—But the report from the Senate represented the subject in so powerful a light—demonstrated so clearly the want of power in the government to legislate for the reasons given by the petitioners, and showed so conclusively, that if they had the power, they certainly had not the ability to determine for all the people of the United States, what God's law was—that we have concluded it would not be necessary at the present session of Congress to take any further steps in the business. We have thought, however, that tho' constituting but a small part of the United States, yet it might not be uninteresting to the committee, to know how much in accordance with our views are the sentiments expressed in their report and to assure them for ourselves, and those whom we represent, that we shall at all times consider them engaged in the highest and most momentous acts of legislation, whenever their efforts shall tend to prevent an interference of the religious with the civil power—all union between church and state—all attempts of religious zealots to enforce by law, whattheymay term divine truth.You will please to convey to the gentlemen of the committee, our sense of their proceedings, and for yourself, sir, accept the assurance of our respectful consideration.GEORGE CLEVELAND,GIDEON TUCKER,DUDLEY L. PICKMAN,WILLARD PEELE,PERLEY PUTNAM,NATHANIEL FROTHINGHAM.

SABBATH MAILS.

Salem,(Mass.) Feb. 9, 1829.

To the Hon. Richard M. Johnson, Chairman of the Committee on the Post Office and Post Roads, Washington.

Sir:—The subscribers, a committee appointed at a meeting of the inhabitants of this town, on the 3d January last, to take such measures as they may deem expedient to oppose any attempts to interfere for religious purposes with the transportation of the Mails and opening the Post Offices on Sunday, have read with pleasure the report of the Committee of the Senate on that subject.

Previous to receiving that report, they were about petitioning Congress—and the public sentiment in this place is so universal against an interference for religious reasons, that a very respectable and numerous subscription could readily have been obtained.—But the report from the Senate represented the subject in so powerful a light—demonstrated so clearly the want of power in the government to legislate for the reasons given by the petitioners, and showed so conclusively, that if they had the power, they certainly had not the ability to determine for all the people of the United States, what God's law was—that we have concluded it would not be necessary at the present session of Congress to take any further steps in the business. We have thought, however, that tho' constituting but a small part of the United States, yet it might not be uninteresting to the committee, to know how much in accordance with our views are the sentiments expressed in their report and to assure them for ourselves, and those whom we represent, that we shall at all times consider them engaged in the highest and most momentous acts of legislation, whenever their efforts shall tend to prevent an interference of the religious with the civil power—all union between church and state—all attempts of religious zealots to enforce by law, whattheymay term divine truth.

You will please to convey to the gentlemen of the committee, our sense of their proceedings, and for yourself, sir, accept the assurance of our respectful consideration.

GEORGE CLEVELAND,GIDEON TUCKER,DUDLEY L. PICKMAN,WILLARD PEELE,PERLEY PUTNAM,NATHANIEL FROTHINGHAM.

The following item is from the "Observer" of Jan. 21, 1829:—

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