The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1818-04-14


a was on Garth. were III full force AZ that time
aud neither or them has ever been repealed, nor
can they be annulled but by the authority OF
Him who made them. They all therefore to
ha equally regarded as much now as at any for
mer period Of the world.
8. That because no re-establshment Of the
Sabbath is mentioned in the New Testament it
is not binding upon Christians, is an argument as
weak as it is derogatory to the great Lawgiver.
As well might the same argument apply TO all the
other moral laws, which Christ said he came into
the world, not to destroy, bat to fulfil. They
were then " in full force" and there was no need
Of re-enacting them.
6. But For lrhat purpose tcas 1T established /?
Read the command, 8 Remember the sabbath
day to keep il holy. Six days shalt.thou labour
and do all thy work, but the seventh day is the
Sabbath of the Lord thy God, in It thou shalt not
do any work. &c.
So sacred and important was the duty required
by this command, that the breach oft was pun
ished by death and though under the christian
dispensation the violator of it is not subject to
this penalty; yet we should consider that there
is state of retribution, in which judgment VIII
be passed upon all men according to their deeds
in this.
2. And for aghona icas ii made
Not as some say, for the Jews only, for when it
was first instituted, there no particular nation
or class of men, but the Sabbath was made for
mann--for Adam and his posterity--to all who
should come to the knowledge of Gods will.
It has accordingly been observed by Christians IS
well as Jews, by ali who fear God and respect
his authority.
g. The Sabbath was made for man, but " not
ran for the sabbath Man was made before
the sabbath. He YVES made on the sixth and last
day in which the work of creation was accom-
plished. On the seventh day, which He after
wards called the Sabbath. God rested from his
work, and blessed it and sanctifed it.
8. rs God blessed the seventh day as well as
sanctfedit may it not be reasonably expected
that he win bless those who carefully observe IT,
1t has been thought by some pious and observing
men, that even worldly benefits attend those who
pay religious regard to this holy day ana par
ticularly to the public worship of God thereon
but whether this great Giver of all we have and
enjoy. bestows worldly fayours or not, we may
promise ourselves much richer enjoyments !;
"spiritual blessings in heavenly things in Christ
Jesus.n 1t is undoubtedly true that few, if any,
who in other respects devoutly acknowledge
the Son of God as the Redeemer of men profane
the sabbath or keep away from the house of wor-
ship ON that day, where he dispenses to bis attea
dant servants, the riches Of his grace.
From what has been said 1T may be inferred,
That in imitation of the Great Creator we
should employ six days out of seven, TO our work,
to be diligent in secular business, and instead
of being idle or spending ii in an Improbable
or licentious manner, to do Whatsoever cur
hands find to do" for the good Of ourselves and
others.
@ That on the g Sabbath ofthe Lord our God"
we should abstain from all such work, andsfrem
worldly visits and conversation, and from all
pleasures which may be lawful on other days, and
keep it holy. Works of necessity and mercy,
are however allowable, and not only so but it is
our duty to perform them; for this we have the
example of Christ himsel-and God delighteth
not so much in sacrifice, as in showing mercy.
8. As ministers were appointed, under the au-
thority of the great head of the Church to preach
his Gospel, and as the Sabbath (the Lords Day.
is set apart, and was by his Disciples, improved
for the purpose, we should not " forsake the as
sembling of ourselves together,'' but like holy
David (who was glad when it was said unto him
g Let us go up into the House of the Lord'') de-
light TO meet with those who go to the House of
God. to hear has word and celebrate his praise.
neglect of this duty inanfests disregard to
the worship due to God, and is contempt of has
authority.
Let every reader therefore of this short piece,
who may have been inattentive hitherto, serious
w consider these things. Let him paya con-
slant regard to this day of Gcd and instead OF an
unholy employment of his time, enter cheerfully
and devoutly into the sanctuary of the most high,
that by hearing and observing the truth OF his
sacred word, ip the way prescribed ne may
through the sanctifying influences ofthe holy
Spirit and in fulfifinent of the divine promise of
Him who is faithful and true, become prepared
for that eternal Sabbath of rest in heaven where
ne will receive the rewards of his obedience,
from that King of Kings whose throne is surroun-
ded by the blessed Angels who celebrate his
praise, saying Amen, blessing and glory and
wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power
and might be unto our God forever and ever.
Amen. BY A LAYMAN-
The death of the late worthy and benefcent Mr..
EDWARD Co.'s, occasoned vacancies ia the Boards
of as many as four or FIVE Societies in this town.
STEPHEN LoNGFELLow, jr. Esq. has been ap-
pointed in bis stead as Recording Secretary of the
Bible Society of Maine. and CHARLES DAVIES,
ESQ. Recording Secretary OF the Peace Society.
.Militaru-At meeting of the Portland
Artillery Company on Tuesday last 1t. Jo-
.sfAH WHITMAN, was unanimously chosen Cap
tain, and Mr. JOHN LOWELL, Lieutenant.
A letter from Granville, Ohio, says, to pay
three bushels ofwheat for a pair of common thin
shoes, ors rec bushels of corn for pair Of COM