The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1835-03-11

4 We cheerfully insert the following communica
ton although it does not exactly coincide witt
our views upon the subject of which il treats
If we are not mistaken in our coniectures III,
communication is from the pen of one who in IN,
short period he has been among us has won the con
fidence and esteem of large portion of our mos
respectable citizens, and whose talents benevolence
and philanthropy, we admire and respect. TED.
Mr.. PEcKHAM :-Sn,-The following commu-
nlcation sent to the Herald of the Times. for
publication, and for no other reason than that the
writer of it, subscriber TO that paper and no,
to yours but for some cause best known to him.
self MIR. Atkinson refused it place in his columns
although, he acknowledges, that it agrees e1actly
with his own views. l was somewhat disappointed
as have always considered him fearless champi-
on of truth and morality. But professions are one
thing, and practice another, with some folks and
if you will give this place in your paper YOU will
greatly oblige friend to religion and good order.
In these good times of moral as well as religious
reformation, there seems to be much to gladden. the
heart of the christian, and philanthropist. The ef-
forts already made and still making throughout
christendom to enlighten and evangelize the world,
cannot think, fail to bring about the desired re-
suit, if every professor of christianity adheres strictly
to the preceps of the Gospel, which are so plainly
laid down in the Bible.
But fear there are many-very many religion
lists who merely cry Lord, Lord, without doing the
will of their master, who actually do more mis-
chief in the world, than sceptics and nfdels togeh
er-and indeed are the greatest stumbling blocks in
the sinners path. l allude principally to Sabbath
breakers. The Popish custom of profaning the
Sabbath by ndulging in all kinds of traffic on that
day is happily at this time but little practced in our
land Yet strange to tell ii is permitted to disgrace
this peaceful and otherwise moral community.
" Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy'' is
a commandment which needs no doctor of divinity
to explain it, and how any man who preends to take
the Bible for his guide, can open his shop OH the
Lords day and offer his goods for sale, is to me,
matter of astonishment and regret. | cannot see
how we can be christians by halves, or get to heav
Ell by pursuing crooked course. The Christians
duty is plain-so much so, that he that runs may
read, and the man that would peril his soul for the
paltry sum he might earn on Sunday morning is !
indeed but a sorry christian" If ii is nee
essary for any class of people to sell OH the Sabbath
t is the butchers; but they of their own accord,
nave abandoned it, and set an example that would
make some of their neighbor blush, if they did not
'egard this worlds goods, more than their own souls
salvation. The thoughtless rabble that annoy and
disturb community may in time get tired of it, /
but the mercenary wretch who profits by his iniqu-
ous course will cling to it till public opinion com
pels him to give itup. Besides Sir, there is mean
ness in it which l should suppose honorable man
would despse, they not satisfied with the same
chance that others have but take advantage by en-
on day that is devoted to religion or
est, by ninety mine hundredtis of our citizens.
ook the liberty not long since, to reprove young
gentleman for riding on the Sabbath, and, he told
ne that had better talk to Mr.. - a member
If the meeting, who busily engaged in selling
hoes, contrary both to religion and morality which
aid he, he is undoubtedly doing for gain while
.m merely riding for pleasure. This silenced me
md long break the commandments our
elves, we cannot expect that christianity or even
morality will gain ground. ID.