Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1841-11-18
For tho Herald Of the Times


The picturesque and enchanting scenery OF
Newport, presents glowing theme for the Po-
OTIS pcn and is irang Int with charms for the full
development of his magical genius; delight
ful scene for the pencil of the Painter--a pro.
ftable field for the admrcr Of nature to con-
template--and a pleasing subject for the hsto-
rian. And st0ical indeed must that heart be,
that can gaze upon its exceeding lovelness,
unaffected with senations of delight Abstract
ly considered, who will hesitate in prnnounc-
in, it the Paradise of America :" But can it
with equal propriety be termed Paradise! "a
place Of superior felicity aud dolghtD when
viewod in connection with its moral and re-
ligious state F! Alas the response Of every
christians heart will be, nay, il cannot.--And
the phianthrophst will acknowledge, that al
though its scenery is radiant with beauty of
exquisite brightness this beauty is marred,
this brightness shaded, If not obscnred, by
some dark spots; and ono of deeper shade, and
darkening aspect, is the dosecration of the
Holy Sabbath.
Ii is not my design to prove the sanctity of
the Sabbath, and that proper observance of
the divine commando" Remember the Sab
bath day to keep it holy" is obligatory upon
all this point is acocded by every enlightened
and intelligent community. But why, ask,
has Sabbath breaking, with its concomitant
evils, been permitted to disgrace this portion Of
fair New England? Have not those, who
from lions tower proclaim the truths of the
glorious gospel, been faithful in raising their
warning voice, aud with the pathetic cloquonCe
Of the ancient Prophet, pronounced the curses
attending those who violate the Holy Sabbath
and in melting strains, presented the promis-
ed blessings OF the Almighty upon such as
faithfully observe and keep the same Me-
thinks thoy have.--Or have parents been
sardless of the deep responsibility connected
with The office Of training immortal spirits Tor
eternity and by precept aud example, en-
couraged the sin of Sabbath breaking Alas !
I fear in many cases, it is even so And what
apology can such, as are gully oi,his great sin,
offer TO cxtenuatc their crime Can they in
that dread day, when Christ with clouds shall
come To Judge the nations Of the earth, shield
themselves beneath the broad plea of igno-
rancc' All no. But happy indeed, thrice
happy, would il be for such, could this be their
excuse in that cvcntful day /? But here tho
glorious light of the gospel has shed its lu
minous rays in all the glory of noon day
spcndor and by its light, directed the mind
to virtue aud to God "Ys knew your duty,
but did il not
How exceedingly interesting To contemplate
that community, or that character, who strictly
observes the duty of Keeping the Sabbath
Who can read The description of n primitive
New England Sabbath without emotions OF
pleasure, and associate ideas Of n vIrtuOus aud
happy people And was not this trait promi-
nent in tho character of him whose loss wc de-
plore, (our Iamnnird II l,RRIsoN,) and whose
grave is still moi,tonod with u nations tears /:
Yea it shono III him conspicuous through
= life. And who can contemplate this trait of
moral excellence, without coniossing that IL
gave new lusirc aud dignity IN that bright and
noble spirit Behold hIm, when ulsi entered
upon the arduous aud responsible duties CON
nected with hIs elevation 10 the Presidential
chair, bending beneath the weight of ars aud
accumulated cares, vending his way 10 The
house Of God, there to return thanks Tor mor-
eics past, and Join ia llie ra,lonal aud delight
fil worship of the Most IL gh. Mark his de-
cision when interrupted in his private dcro-
lions on that holy day by some political friends
-" Gentlemen shall be most happy To see
YOU ut all times, erccpt on Sundays Ilusiri-
ous example oh that this sentiment so rE-
prossivo of devotion to the Holy Sabbath, could
be reiterated from one quarter of thcso United
States 10 the qthcr, Dntll the heart of every
Statesman and citizen would ,ibrntc in inson,
aud produce corresponding .u'oton Then
The happy days would soUn dawn upon ",
when uvory community would be- u church.
guipg and Sabbath heopiHs community, aud
this lovely Island, whose charms pre- NOR,
shad,d With the datkning inGu,noe NJ Sabbath.
bfcsliug, shinc forth with rSpl.ndont beauty,
proving ~ uo,ult e.monsirsfon, that u ie, M.
aI,d, ~ fffoait e 7v,ricc. Lars.