Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1829-01-26
IN SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
JANUARY l9, 1899.

IN SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES.
JANuARY l9, 1899.
Mr.. Johnson Of, Kentucky, made the follow
ing report.
The Committee to whom was referred the
several petitions on the subject Of mails on
the sabbath, or the first day Of the week,
REPORT:
That some respite is required from the or
binary vocatious of life, is an established prin-
cipie, sane tioned by the usages OF all nations,
whether Christian or Pagan. One day in seven
has also been determined upon as the proper
ton Of time; and in conformity with the wish
=. of the grea, majority Of citizens Of this coun-
try, the frs, day Of the week, commonly CALI
ed Sunday, has been Sc, apart TO that object
The principle has received The sanction of the
n atioual legislature, so far a, to admit suspen-
sion Of all public business on tina, day, except
in cases Of absolute necessity, or OF great pub
lie utility. This principle, the committee would
no, wish to disturb. II kept within is .lesiti'
mate sphere Of action, no injury can result from,
IT'S observance. Ii should, however, be kept
in mind, tina, the proper object Of government
is, TO protect all persons in the enjoyment OF
th.ir rel gious, as we'll as civil rights; and not
to determine for any, whether they shall esteem
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 subject Of the Sabbath Gay, and our
government is designed for the protection Of
one, as much as for another. The Jews, who,
in this country are as free as christians, and en-
titled to the same protection from the laws, de-
rive heir obligaii to keep the Saba h day
from the 4,h commandment Of their decalogue,
and in conformity with that injunction, pay re.
lipous homage 20 thr seventh day OF the week,
which we call Saturday. One denomination OF
Christians among US, Justly celebrated for their
piety, and Certainly as good citizens as any o.
Their class, agree with the Jews in the moral
obligation OF the Sabbath, and observe the same
day. There are also many christians among
US. who derive not their obligation 10 observe
the Sabbath from the deealogues, but regard
The Jewish Sabbath as abrogated. From the
example Of the Apostles Of Christ, they have
chosen the FIRST day Of the week, instead OF that
day set apart in the deca!ogue, Tor their reli-
gious devotions. These have generally regard
ed The observance Of the day as devotional ex-
srcise, and would not more readily enforce II
upon others, than they would enforce secret
prayer or devout media,ions. Urging the fact,
that neither their Lord nor his disciples, though
often censured by their accusers for a violation
of the Sabbath, ever enjoined its observance,
they regard it as a subject on which every per-
son should be fully pc rsuaded in his own mind
and not eoerce others 10 act upon his persua-
sion. Many christians again differ from these,
protesting to derive their obligation TO observe
The Sabbath from the fourth commandment Of
the Jewish decalogue, and bring the example
ofthe Apostles, who appeared to have held
their public meetings for worship on the FIRST
day Of the week, as authority loi so far chang
ing the decalogue, as TO substitute that day Tor
the seventh. The Jewish government was a
theoc, acy which enforced religious observan-
ces: and though the committee would hope that
no norton Of the citizens of our country could
willingly introduce system Of religions coer>
ciop in our civil Institutions, the example oil o.
Their nations should admonish US to watch care.
fully agains, its earliest indication.
with these different religious views, the
committee are Of opinion that Congress cannot
interfere. Ii is not the legitimate province OF
the legislature to determine what religion is
true. or what false Our government is civil
. & not a.religious Institution. Our Constitution
recognizes in every person the right to choose
his own religion, and to enjoy il freely, without
moles,ation. Whatever may be the religious
sentiments Of citizens, and however variant,
they are alike entitled 20 protection from the
government, so long as they do not invade the
rights Of Others.
The transportation Of the mail on the first
day Of the werk, it is believed, does not inter-
fere with the rights Of conscience. The petit
,iouers for its d;scontinuauce appear TO be &C
,ua,ed FROM a religious zeal, which may be
commendable il confined to its proper sphere;
but they assume position better suited TO an
ecclesiastical than to civil Institution. They
appear, in many ins, snces, to lay il down as an
axiom, that The practice is a violation Of The law
of God. Shopld Congress in their Legislative
capacity, adopt the sentiment il would estab'
fish The principle, that The Legislature is pro.
Der tribunal to determine what are the laws Of
God. 1t would involve a Legislative. decision
in a religious controversy; and on q point in
which good citizens may honestly differ in opin.
ion, wiihou; disturbing the peace OF society, or
endangeriug its liberties. If this principle is
once Introduced, it viii b. impossible 10 define
its bounds. Among all the religious persecu-
lions with which almost every page OF modern
history is stained, no victim ever suffered, but
for the violation Of what government denomi-
ns.ed the law of God. To prevent similar
rain Of evils in this country, the Constitution
e.. L.