Portland gazette and Maine advertiser., 1817-09-02

verified IN tie revolution m France, aad tie ca
families which beieli that fair, but unhappy an.
infatuated country. Before that event, tie profa
nation u the Sabbath In most Of its lies and par
tcnlarly 10 The metropolis OF Paris was notorious
but the details ofthesc shameful and wicked prac
Hces, 10 which we refer, are too well known "a
/ require repetition. They have employed The
pens o. me ablest writers who have given them
\ without the smallest aggravaiion or colour.
| he prevalence Of similar practices, which
though not carried TO equal height of notoriety
as IN France, may terminate in similar dreadful
consequences 20 our own country. The rapid
progress OF every species Of deprapity and vice,
even IN this section. once so universally celebrated
Tor the purity Gifts moral and religious character
source OF the deepest regret both 10 the patriot
and the christian. The virtue of a country natur-
ally involves its political responsibility and inn
portance. BY many the return OF the sabbath i
hailed, bnt only as day of recreation andsdiver-
non, Of dissipation and pleasure. Others employ
! 4 wholly "a Forming schemes ane devfsing plans
ior the promotion Of their temporal and worldly
Interests aud siews-in idieand frivolous CONVEX
| saiion IN an ostentatous display ofifashion and
parade Many indeed. frequent the temples Of the
Most High, but, alas appearances warrant the
Conclusion, rather for the sake of displaying the
baillapcy OF their equipage, The elegance Of their
person, the taste OF their dress, aud their outward
ana oouhy accomplishments, thas FROM a desire 10
worship him who is spirit in spirit and in truth
ahd 20 mIngle 10 humble and fervent aspirations Of
gratitude and love TO the giver of every good and
| every perfect gift. BY others, il is observed as
cay Tor The reception of visitors, and their tables
are feaded with every luxury aud rarity that
wealth and rishes could precure-whiIe their do
mestlcks in preparing them are precluded from al
tending the service of the sanctuary and may with
ProPriety excaim with the poet,
Zen Sunday shines no sabbah day 10 me-"
In the capital Of one Of our western States the
i heatre has been opened on Sunday, by the per-
mission, and with the consent and sanction of its
mayor! Such giaring impietiee, such open viola
lions OF the laws of beaven,- Will not be permitted
20 pass unpunished by that Being who will not
suffer his sacred laws to be tramped upon with
impunty
We have been recently afflicted by one OF those
seourges with which God reviss the sins, and pun
'shes the wickedness of mankind. Peace and hap
piness has again returned 10 our shores but with
cut the smallest visible change in the morals, and
in the habits OF our citizens. Formerly our condi-
ton as nation, was rapid and unparalleled in its
prosperity. The blessings of heaven were scatter
ed with a liberal hand; we largely partook of its
bountes' These favours were requited with the
blacklist and basest ingratitude. reverse Of
calamties succeeded; the just cbastisement of oul
offences and SINS We should learn wisdom from
past experience. The cloud Of war has ceased to
darken our political horizon years of peace appear
gathering upon us, andthc appearance Of the felds
forebode plentiful and abundant harvest for The
supply of our necessities Bright and hattering as
are our prospects, il by our nsenSiblity and in
gratitude, We persevere in our offences toward our
Almighty benetactor and preserver, we may again
expect rcvisllation Of our subsequent Calamilies
and affections. Our political sky may again dai-i
ken; our sun may no longer emit his etfulgence
and splendor the storm Of war ami of renewed
troubles may again burst upon us with redoubled
violence aud fury.
Religion is the bond which cements society il
is the tie which Unites man to his brother man
The Institution of the sabbath, and of publick
worship, it rightly appreciated and observed, art
admirably calculated TO produce these effects
Viewed in political, well as in moral and
religious light, the blessings flowing from them are
incalculab!e. These results are deserving the at
tenton, both Of the patriot and the christian,
Indeed these characters are inseparahe. for he
who would be false TO his God. would become
traitor to his country. The British Socrates ha>
Justly observed, that when man has once re-
nounced his allegiance 10 bis Creator, he has
nothing TO restrain him from the preparation Of
crimes Religion aud the observance OF the Sab
bath, have occupied the attention, and have been
recommended by the example and practice of the
most ilIustrious heroes, sages, and civilians, who
have been the pride, the ornaments, and the glory
Of the human race. II.