The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1830-01-21
From the New. York Courier a. Enquirer
SABBATH MAILS.


1t must be as gratifying to tho conside
rate friends Of Christianity, as the libera
of all creeds; that individuals, whose NOR
al and religious conduct through life ha.
been without reproach, have not only do
MED their names as prestiges TO the cause
Of certain revolutionists in religion-bui
have, also, arrayed their talents and inilu.
ence in defence of intellectual freedom.
We may rejoice that this annunciatior
Of liberal opinions has been ushered by the
sanction of some of the most respectable
members ofthis community; because, mar
shalled by such example, many persons
will come forward and declare sentiments
which had else, been repeled and silenced
by the specious aspect of system Of mach
nations That has surreptitiously assumed
the hallowed veil Of philanthropy az reli.
gion.
We would not impute to all the partizans
Of the anti mail transportation sect DELHI
crate and definite plan ofusurpaton. Some
without doubt, are actuated by consIdera.
tions which they believe 10 be holy and un-
aduterated.
But if they had examined thoir motives
with that dlstrust which the Scriptures re-
commend; II, before suffering Incorporate
zeal 10 bring repFoach upon religion, they
had said: "let US commune with our own
hearts aud be still"-evcn these, we be-
lieve, would have discovered that the love
Of sway--the appetency for dominion--in
word, ambition; ambition which, howev-
or, latent or sanctlmoniously garbed--is
the momentum Of human efforts. Ambition
is the principle that impes them, and with
force that is increased by its confI emeNt
to the solely unrestranod direction of spi.
ritual supremacy.
Other leaders in this crusade against
liherality, are those Christian Qulxotes
who bostridc dogma, and tilt with text.
Those we must pass by in the melee, as in
vulnerable to reason, and unworthy Of O.
Icrthrow.
I'm the ranks of this association there are,
again, others to whom less venial motives
than misguided zeal or blind tana,icism
may be attributed; those restless spirits
whose atmosphere is excitement, e. whose
appetite is interest; men wko have nought
to lose and a!l 10 gain by cemmotion; free
companions, always rCrum nopdrusn sfudt.
osi in morals and religion; hirclings, who
possessing neither by right Of properly, ure
ever ready to enlist under that banner Of
innovation which may promise the largest
spoil. These we would donounce as the
Cataines Of Christianity; and we are con-
vinced that these men would, withcat com
punction urge on such measures would
DO mere to subvcrt tho stability relig
loud government, than az X. a..rss. .tiaFa
Of sceptics, and fulminstions Of atheists.
Let US point out seine Of the results to
be expected from the non transportation
and Ion delivery Of the mail on the SUB.
bath.
The transmission ofinteligence between
some Of our Atlantic ports, few hours in
anticipation of tho regular course, might
often furnish the means OF advantageous
commercial speculation. Are the adyo.
Gates Of the prohibition prepared to deny
that ;herc are persons who would avail
themselves Of these advantages?
And would the interests of religion and
morality be furthered by throwing open the
temple and inviting the changers ofinoney
and sellers Of doves TO come IN and barter
orthodoxy for gain2
Or, under the pretext ofcompleting their
insufficient system, would its guardians
prevent GN intercourse on the Sabbath
and, reysTting to the exploded codes Of ia.
naticism, interdict the exchange Of such
intelligence as might be vital importance
to the moral interests; perhaps to the death
bed consolation offriend3 and relatives?
Would they drop a portculls between
the relations of father and son-of hus.
band and wifo-of brother and sisIer---that
not even death could raise, until, iorsooth!
time had called up the warder Of their reg
ulotion2
Orifthey should allow exceptions, would
they not invite fraud?
II permitted to look to expodisncy, we
would ask:
Whether the acceders 70 this proposition
are prepared TO submit to the retard Of com
munications between the more remote
parts OF the Union, that would onsus TO an
extent not comprised within a primary
yiaw OF the plan that is proposed.
Would those who acquiesce,ln spirit oi
concession, be content to receive some oil
their letters from New Orleans, for in
stance five, six, or eight days later than
in the present course
Who would adjust and regulate the
chronometry Of orthodoxy? Should our
mensuration of time be according to as,ro.
nomical or nautical usage? Would the
Sabbath commence from midnight-or
should we be obliged to yield also few
hours (only few hours more to that
sect which might come TO US with: "The
evening and the morning were the first
day."
In what degree would not the safety OF
the meals be endangered by their stoppage
in some desoate parts ofthc least popu.
lous districts Of our country'
Who could supervise their security (as
is now enjolned by prudence as well as by
| law) without breaking in on the spirit oi