The Delaware register, or, Farmers', manufacturers' & mechanics' advocate. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1828-1829, 1829-01-31

tons These have generally regarded the observance of the
day devotional exercise, and would readily en-
force upon Others than they would enforce PRAYER ar
devou medtatons urging the fact, that neither their Lo
his disciples, though often censred by their accusers far
violation of the Sabbath enoned its observance ba
regard subject which every person should be fly
persuaded his mind and others TO act uno
his persuasion Many Christians again differ from these pro
Tossing derive their obligation TO observe the Sabbath from
the fourth commandment of the Jewish Decaogue and bring
the example of the Apostles who appear have held Their
public meetings for worship the first day of the week as
authority for so far changing the Decalogue, substitute
that day for the seventh. The Jewish government was
theocracy which enforced religious observances and toub
the committee would hope that portion of the citizens of
country could willingly introduce system of religious
coercion civil institutions, the example of other nations
should admonsh us to watch carefully against its earliest n
cation.
With these different religious views the committee are Of
opinion that Congress cannot interfere II is the egti
mate province of the Legislature TO determine what religion
is true, or what false Our Government is CIVIL and not
religious institution. Our Constitution recognizes in every
person. the right to choose his religion, and enjoy
freely without mOlesatlon. Whatever may be the religious
sentiments of citizens, and however variant they are alike
entitled to protection from the Government long as they
do not invade the rights of others.
The transportation of the mail the first dav of the week.
believed does interfere with the rights of conscience
The petitioners for its sconnuance appear to be actuaed
from religious zeal, which may be comnendabe if confined
to its proper spheres but they position suited
to an ecclesiastical than civil institution They appear
in many instances, to lay down axiom that the pac-
tice is violation of the law of God Should Congress- in
their legislative capacity, adopt the sentiment would eah-
sh the principle that the Legislature proper tribunal to
determine what the laws Of God 1t would involve le-
gsatve decision religious controversy and on point in
which good citizens may honestly differ opinion without
disturbing the peace of society," endangerinp its liberties
1t this principle is introduced, it will be impossible
define its bounds. Among all the religious prosecutions with
winch almost every page OF modern history stained vic
tim suffered but for the violation of what Government
denomnaed the law of God To prevent similar train Of
evils IN this country the Constitution has wisely withheld from
our government the power of defining the Divine Law It
is right reserved to each cen and while he RESPECTS the
equal rights OF Others he be held amenabe any
human tribunal for his conclusions
Extensive religious combinations to effect political OBJ
ect, in the opinion of the Committee ALWAYS danuerop
This first effort of the kind calls for the establishment of
prncpe which, in the opinion of the Committee would lay
the foundation for dangerous innovations upon the spirit
the CONSTITUTIONS and upon the religious rights of the citizens
II admitted, it may be justly appehended, that the future
measures OF Government will be strongly marked if not
eventually controlled by the same influence All religious
despoism commences by combination and influences and
when that influence begins TO operate upon the political n
utlons OF country the civil power bends under ii and
the catastrophe of other nations furnishes an awful warning
OF the consequence
Under the present regulations of the Post Office Depart
men the rights OF conscience invaded Every agent
enters voluntarily, and presumed conscentously into
the discharge OF his duties, without nemeddng with the
conscience of another Post Offices so regulated as that
but small proportion of the first day of the week requ
red to be occupied in official business In the transportation
m he mail on that days agent employ many hours
nehgous persons enter into the business without violating
helr own conscences imposing any restraints upon Others
Passengers IN the mail stages free during the first
uy oil the week. or to pursue their journeys their own
pleasure While the mail transported on Saturday, the
'e" and the Sabbaarlan may abstain from agency in
carrying IT. from conscientious scrupes While it is transport
ted the first day of the week. another class may abstain
from the religious scrupes The utilization of pove-