Delaware journal. [volume] (Wilmington [Del.]) 1827-1832, 1829-02-06
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Transportation Of the Maa on Sundsy.
SENATE.

January ~
Mr.. Johnson, Of Kentucky, made the following
The Committee TO whom referred the several pe,
tons the subject Of ills the Sabbath or the first
day Of the week, REPORT =
That some respite is required from the ordinary
vocatlons OF lite is an established principle SANCTION
ed by the usages of all nations whether Christian
Pagan. One day in seven has also been determined
upon as the proportion of lime and in conformity
with the wishes Of the great majority Of citizens
Of this country, the first day Of the week, common
y called Sunday has been set apart to that object
The principle has received the sanction of the Ma
onal Legislature, so far us to admit suspension of
all public business that dHv, except in cases of
absolute necessity, or Of great public utility This
principle the Committee would not wish to disturb
II kept within its legitimate sphare Of action no in
Jury can result from its observance. 1t should
| however, be kept in mind, that the proper object
OF government is to protect all persons in the ENJOY
ment OF their religious, as well as civil rights and
not TO determine, for aay. whether they shall es-
teen one day above another, or esteem all days
alike holy.
| We are aware that variety of sentiment exists
among the good citizens of this nation, on the sub
ject OF the Sabbath day and our government is de-
signed for the protection ofone, as much as for ano-
Their. The Jews, who, in this country. are as free
as Christians and entitled to the same protection
rom the laws, derive t'elr Obligation to keep the
Sabbath day from the fourth commandment of their
Decaiogue; and in conformity with that injunction
pay religious homage to the seventh day of. the
week, which we call Saturday. One denomination
OF Christians among US, Justly celebrated for theil
pety, and certainly as good citizens as any Other
class, agree with the Jews in the moral obligation
OF the Sabbath, and observe the same dav. There
are also many Christians among us, who derive no
their Obligation to observe the Sabbath from the
decaiogue,but regard the Jewish Sabbath as abroga
ted. From the example of the Apostles Of Christ
they have chosen the first day of the week, inseat
OF that day set apart in the Decalogue, for their re
i ,glous devotlons. These have generally regarded
the observance of the day as devotional exercise
y and would not more readily enforce it upon others
i than they would enforce secret PRAYER or devon
S. medltations urging the fact that neither their LORI
nor his disciples though often censured by their nc
cusers Tor violation of the Sabbath ever eniojne
its observance, they regard it as subject on whc
4 every person should be fully persuaded in his owl
IL min and not coerce others to act upon his persua
N SION. Many Christians again differ from these nro
tossing to derive their obligation to observe th
" oaonalh from the fourth commandment of the Jew
- ISM Decalogue. and bring the example of the Amos
m les VINO appear 10 have held their public meetinp
Il Tor worship On the first day Of the week az autho
rly tor SO far changing the Decaloguc, as to subst
Z. tne that day for the seventh. The Jewish cover,
ment was theocracy, which enforced religious oil
Il servances ; and though the Committee would hon
mat no portion of the citizens Of our country couI
II. Willingly Introduce system of religious coercio
our ciVii institutions, the example ofoher natior