Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1828-1831, 1830-03-17
that may exist between Jews, sabbatarians. aud o.

that may exist between Jews, Sabbatarians, aud O.
Their denominations.
The good Of society requires the strict Observance
of one day in seven, Paicy and other writer's on
moral philosophy, have shewa, that the resting of
men OF every zenith day; that their winding mp
their labors and concerns onco IN seven days. their
distractions from the affairs Of tho world. improve
their minds and converse with their maker; their or
derby attendance upon tho ordinances ofpublc wor.
ship and instruction, have direct and powerful ton.
dcncy to improve the morals and temporal happiness
The wise and good Ruler Of tho universe made the
appointment, not by mere arbitrary exercise of au
thority, but for our good; and whatever difference of
opinion may exist in respect to the proper day to be
observed, almost all agree, that one day in sovcn
should be devoted to religions exercises. That be-
ing admitted any thing be more reasonable than
the request OF the petitioners that ut least much
the law should be repealed requires the post of
ficcs TO be kept open every day of tho week. Does
not the enactment of that law plainly imply that man.
kind is under no moral obligation To refrain from Sc
cular labour any day Of the week. Is it in d.
rect opposition to the received opinion of almost all
protesting Christians? II is to that part of the law
more particularly, which requires, in terms, n the
postmastcrs throughout the United States TO deliver
letters, packets and papers, every day ofthc week.
to- which tho minority of your committee object, and
which is most offensive to the petitioners. In this
statute Is at once seen. papable encroaclmont on
the rights OF conscience. Ii either drives every man
who feels himself morally bound to observe the sab.
bath in religious manner, from the service of his
country. and equal participation in her fvors SUBJ
lcctS MN 10 inc hard terms OF remaining Office at
the expense of his principles 1t is freely acknow-
ledgcd that the works of necessity and mercy are
not forbidden; and the transportation of the mail
on Sunday, could not be justified that ground,
(which is not admntcd) itcannot be contendcd, that
the keeping open the offices, where mail arrives on
that day, is the work of necessity.
The arguments which have been urged for the
transportation OF the mail, &c. on the Sabbath,
are mainly derived from commercial convenience, and
from alleged arrangement of business and intercourse
This doctrine initiates against the first principles Of
good morals. III these are important ut ALL they are
paramount to the claims of expediency but this plea
makes them subservent TO the pressure of worldly
business and converts them into mere questions of
profit aud loss.
Granting the prayer Of the petitioners cannot in
terfere with the religious feelings consciences of
any portion of the citizens because they ask no ser
vice to be performed, principle to be plofesscd
It is that certain duties be not required on
u certain day. Were it imposing any service or re-
qulrng the profession of any opinions, those whose
religious sentiments different might Justly com.
plain. But he who conscentiously believes that he
IS bound to observe the seventh day Of the week. in
religious manner, have no Just reason to
Complains; because Government takes nothing from
me, in permitting all classes of citizens observe the
hSt day of the week, day of religious rest The
Ease would be quite different did the privilege of
resting on that day, impose any thing any class
OF citizens contrary to their conscience. Therefore,
Resoiued, That it is expedcnt to grant the prayer
of the petitioners VIM. MCRERY.