Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1828-1831, 1829-02-14
3 IN SENATE OF TUE UNIFIED STATES.


Ordered, that. In addition to the usual number
5000 copi es be printed.
Mr. Johnson Of Kentucky, ,ccde the folto,cng Report:
The committee to whom was referred the severa /
petitions on the subject of mails on the Sabbath
or the LIST day of the week,
REPORT:
That some respite is required from the ordinary vo-
Satioiis OF lfe Is anstabiIshed principle sanctioned
by the usages OF all nations whether Christian Pa
gan. One day in seven has also been determined up
on as the proportion oftime and in conformity with
the wishes OF the great majority fthe citizens ofthis
country, the first day Of the week commonly called
Sunday, has been set apart that object. The prn-
cipie has receivedhe sanction OF the national egis
Iature so tar as TO admit suspension OF all public
business on thatday, except in of absolute
ceSsty, or oil great public utility. This principle,
the committee would not wish to disturb. II kept
within its legitimate sphere of action, no injury can
result from It's observance 1t should, however, be
Kept IN mind, the proper object of government is,
20 protect all persons IN the enjoyment of their rel
ious as well civil rights; and not TO determine for
any, whether they shall esteem one day above unoth-
or, or esteem all days alike holy.
We are aware, that variety of sentiments exis;
among the good citizens of this nation, the sub
1ect OF the Sabbath day. and our government is de-
signed FOR the protection of one much for another.
lhe Jews; who in this country as free as Chris
tians, and entitled to the same protection from the
laws derive their obhgat to keep the Sabbath day
from the fourth commandment of their decaoCue
and in conformity with that injunction, pay religious
homage to the seventh day of the week, which we
call Saturday. One denomination OF Christians a.
rong u.s. justly celebrated for their pety, and Ger
tainy as good citizens any other class, agree with
the Jews in the moral obligation of the Sabbath and
observe thesame day. There are also many Chris
f1aos among us, who derive not their obg alton
70 observe the sabbath from the decalogues, but
gard the Jewish Sabbath as abrogated. From the
example of the Apostles or Christ, they have chosen
the rst day of the week instead ofhat day set apart
IN the decaogue, for their religious devotions. These
have generally regarded the observance Of the day
"a a alaNar
enforce it upon others, than they would enforce
cret prayer or devout meditatous Urging the fact
That neither their Lord his dccipes though often
censured by their accusers Tor violation of the Sab
Oath ever enIoncd Its observance, they regard
subject which every person should be fully
Persuaded IN his mind, and not cocrce
others 20 act upoG mig persuasion. Many Chris
tiens again differ from these protesting 20 de-
rive their obligation to observe the Sabbath from the
fourth commandment OF the Jewish decaloque, and
bring the example of the Apostles, who appear to
have held their public meetings for worship the
first day of the week, authority for far changing
the decalogue substitute Tint day for the Sc
venth. The Jewish government was theocracy.
which enforced religious observancs; and though the
conmittee would hope that portion ofthe citizens
o: our country could willingly introduce system of
Religious coercion Id civil institutions, the exam
pie of other nations should nOnish watch care
fully against it's earliest INDICATION.
With these different religious views, the commit
tee opinion that Congress cannot interfere 1t
70 determine what religion is true, or what fase.--
Our government is civil, and not religion instr
tuon. Our Constitution recognises in every person.
the right to chose his own religion, and to enjoy it
freely, without nolestation. Whatever may be the
religious sentiments oil citizens and however varent
they alike entitled to protection from the govern
nlent, SO long they do not invade the rights Of
theirs.
The transportation Of the mail ON the first day of
the week, it Is believed does not interfere with the
rights of conscience. The petitioners for its discol-
tlnuance appear to be sctuated from religious re a.
Which may be commendable if confined to its proper
sphere; but they position better suited to an
ecclesiastical than to civil institution They ap-
pear, IN many instances, TO lay it down an axiom
that the practice is q violation of the law of God
Should Congress- in their Legislative capacity adopt
the sentiment, it would establish the principle TINT
the Legislature is proper tribunal TO determine what
are the laws OF God II would involve Legislative
decision IN religious controversy; and a point in
which good citizens may honestly differ in opinion,
without disturbing the peace Of society, endanger
ing its liberties If this principle is once introduced
~ win be impossible 10 define its bounds. Amono
al the prosecutions with which almost every page OF
modern history is stained, victim ever suffered but
but for the violation Of what government denonna-
ted the law Of God. To prevent O similar train Of
evils in this country the Constitution has wisely with
held from our government the power Of defining the
Divine Law. 1t right reserved to each citizens
and whlo he respects the equal rights Of others he
cannot be held anenabe to any humEn tribun-
nal for his conclusions.
Extensive religious combinations. 90 effect )lit-
cal object, arc in the opinion Of the Committee al
ways dangerous. This first effort of the kind call.
for the establishment OF principle, which in the opin-
ton Of the committee, would lay tic foundation for
Innovations upon the spirit of the Constitution and
jpOn The gious rights Of The citizens. Ifadm tied
u may be justly appTebended, that the future mea-
sHrcs ofgovernmcnl VIII be strongly marked, if not
eventually controlled, By the same influence. al
religious dospoti-ui commences by combination and
influence aud when that influence begins to operate
upon the political Institutions Of a country, the civil
power soon bends under it, and the catastr1Dh, Of
other nations furnishes awful warning OF the con-
sequence.
Undnr tho prescut regulations Of the Post Oifce
Department the rights Of conscience not invaded.
Every agent enters voluntarily, and il is presumed
.pscieni o,, - - .l.rIauGe of Us Ne tJrdcrf,l
ING shall ne gyen at lie shortost no,ic.. ana NJ fl,
n nost fsoucea pre-. lie also keeps for hire meat
funeral hearse, with good driver and entle L-s
GEORGE HENDREE
opposite 70 he Merchants Coffee House