Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-01-31

following Report, Tue ingenuity the writer hoevrr h,
nay bs appears almost 10 have exhausted the subject ha
the merit, besides, Of being d.n,s concive
1, oil sterling bullon,' which 6nics hand.
might have besa
--"dswn 10 French wire
And thro' whole paSesshns.r
We Trust, thai, Congress will efoth, for ever
"b' discharged from the further consideration of the
IN SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
JANUARY 90, 1919.
Ordered, that, in addition to the usua, number
1900 copies be printed
M. Johnson, Of Kentucky. made tie foiiotc;ng
Report:
The Committee to whom referred the several
petitions on the subject Of mails on the Sabbath,
REPORT:
That some respite is required from the or6ir ~
Vacations of life is established principle sane.
toned by the usages Of all nations whether Chris
tan or Pagan. One day in seven has also been
determined upon as the proportion of time ard in
conformity with the wishes Of the great majority Of
citizens OF this country, the first day OF the week
commonly called Sunday, has been set apart TO
that object. The principle has received The sane
lion oil the national legislature, 50 tar az 10 admit
suspension of all public business on that day, eK.
cept i'll cases of absolute necessity, ofgreat pub
SIC utility. This principle, the committee would
not wish 20 disturb. II kept Within its legitimate
sphere OF action no injury can result, from its OBJ
servance. 1t should, however be kept in mind
that the proper object Of government is, TO protect
all persons in the enjoyment of their religious as
weli as civil right; aud not to determine for any,
whether they shall esteem one day above another
Of esteem all days alike holy.
We are aware, that variety Of sentiment exists
anong The good citizens of this nation, on the sub
iect of the Sabbath day. and our gov eminent "a de-
signed for the protection Of one. as much for a.
mother. The Jews, who in this country are as
free as Christians, and entitled TO The proec-
ton from the laws, derive their obligation 10 keep
the Sabbath day from the fourth commandment OF
their decaogue, and in conformity with that in.
junction, pay religious homage 20 the seventh day
Of the week, which we call Saturday. One de-
nomination Of Christians among US, justly ceebra-
ted TOY their piety, and certainly good citizens
as any other class, agree with the Jews in the
raj obligation OF the Sabbath, and observe the same
day There are also many Christians among us.
who derive not their obligation to observe the
Sabbath from the decalogues. but regard the Jew
ISL Sabbath as abrogated. from the example Of
the Apostles of Christ, they have chosen the frs,
day OF the week, instead of that day set apart ia
the decalogue, for their religious devotions These
have generally regarded the observance of the day
rs devotional exercise, and would not more reaci-
ly enforce il upon others, than they would enforce
secret prayer or devou medtitations. Urging the
fact, that neither their Lord ror his deciples
though often censured by their accusers for VIC
lation of the Sabbath ever eDjoined its observance,
they regard is as r subject on which every person
should be fully persuaded in his own mind, and
not coerce others 10 act upon his persuasion. Ma
ny Christians again differ from these, protesting to
derive their obligation TO observe the Sabbath
from the fourth commandment of the Jewish de-
dialogue, and bring the example of the Apostles.
who appear to have held their public meetings for
worship On the first day Of the week, as authority
Cor SO far changing the decalogue, to substitute
that day for the seventh. The Jewish govern
ment was theocracy, which enforced religious
observances; ard though the committee would
hope that no portion of the citizens of our country
could willingly introduce a system Of religions CO.
ercion in our civil institutions the example Of other
nations should admonish US TO watch carefully a.
ganst its earliest indication.
With these different religious views, the COM
mittee are Of opinion that Congress cannot inter-
fere. 1t is not the legitimate province Of the le-
gislatnre TO determine what religion is true, or
what false Our government is civil, and not
religious institution. Our Constitution recognises
in every person, the right to choose his own reli-
gion, and TO enjoy it freely, without mo!estation
Whatever may be the religious sentiments Of cjti
zcns, and however variant, they are alike entitled
to protection from the government, so long they
DO not invade the rights of others.
The transportation Of the mail on the first lay Of
the week. is believed, does not Interfere with the
rights of conscience. The petitioners for its dis
continuance appear TO be actuated from religious
zeal, which may be commendable If confined to
its proper sphere; but they assume position bet
ter suited to ecclesiastical than 10 a civil insu
tion They appear, in many instances, to lay il
down as an axiom, that the practice is violation
OF the law OF God. Should Congress, in their le-
gislative capacity, adopt the sentiment, it would
establish the principle, that the Legislature is
proper tribunal TO determine what are the laws Of
God. IL would involve a legislative decision in
religious controversy; and a point 10 which
good citizens may honestly differ in opinion, with
out di-turbif,, tn pc Of 90 iety; or endangering
its liberties. If this principle is introduced,
IL will be impossible to define its bounds. Among
I'll the religious prosecutions with which almost
every page Of modern history is stained, no vic.
tim suffered but for the violation Of what 20.
vernment denomnated the Law Of Col. To PIE.
vent similar train Of evils in this country the
Constitution has wisely withheld from our govern.
nent the power Of defining the Divine Law. IL
is right reserved 10 each citizen; and while he
respects the equal rights Of others, he cannot be
held amenable 10 any human tribunal for his con.
clusions.
Extensive religious combinations. TO effect pc.
Iiiieal object, are, in the opinion Of the Committee,
Glways dangerous. This first effort Of the kind,
calls for the establishment Of principle, which in
tue opinion Of the committee, would lay the foun.
Cation Tor dangerous Innovations Upon the spirit
The Con ttulion, and upon the religious rights Of
the citizens If admitted, il may be Justly appre,i
bended, that the future measures Of rove rnment
will DO strongly marked, il not eventually con.
cs0lled, by ule same influence All religious des.
p1tism commences by combination and influence;
end when that influence begins 10 operate upor
tns political institutions of country the civil po;y-
o. soon bends under IL; and the catastrophe oi
olher nations furnishes an awful warning q Qe
consequence.
Under ;N'n present rrgr'etons ~ 10 ro.. Office