The Delaware register, or, Farmers', manufacturers' & mechanics' advocate. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1828-1829, 1829-02-07

from which they have been received the number and
responsibility of the signatures as well as the intrinsic I'M
porance of the question involved, require from the Commit
lee and the Legislature the most deliberate and respectful
consideration II believe that the history Of legislation
this country affords instance, which stronger express
has been made If regard be had TO the numbers the
wealth, or the intelligence of the petitioners
They present subject entirely clear of difficulty, but
one in which they feel deep interest, and which, in their
opinion intimately the moral character of the
try.
1t rs not considered to be the duty of the Committee nor
does comport with inclination into the
origin of the Sabbath, the sancty which belongs to it,
In all Christian countries, it considered not only day
OF rest from secular employment but that should be
apart for religious observances So intimately nerw
with the doctrines of Christianity that forms important
part of the creed of every Christian denominations They
agree IN the principle though some of them differ the
day.
The Committee believe that proper observance of the
Sabbath calculated TO elevate the moral condition of
y In accordance with the recorded example of the
OF the UNIVERSE and enforced by Scripture pecepts
should be distracted from ordinary business and de-
voted to moral and religious exercises Wherever these d
ties have been regarded in the true spirit of Christianity,
moral influence has imposed autary restraints upon the cen-
ous propenstes of has made them better citizens
and better IN all the relations OF society," both public
and private.
The institution of the Sabbath respected in various opera
ons OF our Government In the halls of Legislation the
Courts of JUSTICE and the Executive departments except I'M
der peculiar emergencies business suspended BY legal
provision but by force of public opinion Restraints imposed
the conscences of individuals human laws sanctioned
by penalties, have always failed produce reorma
ton They have generally, If not always made worse
instead of better Under such of power Chstani
y degeneraes into instrument of oppression and all
its beauty and moral excellence. ourshes most unaded
by The secular arm.
The Committee, therefore, citizens and Legislators
would be ready epe any attempt bring the
of under legislative control this country disposi
ton to do SO never proceed from the pure principles
Christianity
The standard of moral obligation should remain in the
Scriptures and all acts which do interfere with the rights
of Others should between the individual his conscience
and his God.
The Federal Government formed for civil and not re-
hgIous purposes The functions which belong to il will ba
been discharged within the sphere of opeaton in reg
ting the civil concerns of the nation very properly n
hibted from establishing religious test or in any naune
interfering with the rights of conscience.
But has been deemed necessary and proper on MANY o
caslons, to require an oath for The due of civil
trust, to elicit the truth etdense lands have been re-
served for religious purposes and Ministers of Religion have
been employed Chaplans o Congress- and to act in SINH
lar capacity the Army and Navy Ia thus recognizing bv
Official acts, the duties and obligations of Religion the Ma
uona Government has acted in conformity to public opinion
and as was believed, within the legitimate boundaries of its
powers.
The Committee entertain doubt that the numerous nett
Toners for the dscontnuance of the Sabbath Mail and the
delivery of letters &C. from the Post Offices have generally
acted from pure motives, and with reference to what tbey
consider the best interest of the country
They do not ask Congress to impose certain duties on any
portion OF citizens which may interfere with their religious
opinions but 10 relieve from the performance of such duties
The transportation of the Mail is great Governmental
OPERATION and the petitioners believe should be suspended
on The Sabbath and the Post Offices closed respect to
the day, well the business of the Legislative Judicial
and Executive branches of the Government They did not
probably, consider that greater difficulty could arise in de-
signaling The first day of the week the Christian Sabbath
Tor this purpose than had been incurred the instances re-
erred to 1t IS not considered by the Committee, that the