The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1844-12-23
Moral and Religious.
Lords Day Convention.

VI bNlhWWeS was appointed CnhIt1hn lOr organizing
tho Convention. After prayer from Rev. Mr. HAM
LIN, committee was appointed to nominate officers
and to prepare ru os for the Convention. The follow
ing were the officers subsequently chosen:
President Hon. JOHN Quincy ADAMS.
Vice Presidents Hon. w. Hall, lion. T. Freng-
huysen, Rev. DR.. Mott, Bishop Waugh, ]. A. Brown,
Rev. II. V. d. Johns Rev. E. Kingsford.
Secretaries TIarmar Denny, e. w. RidgeIy, c..
a. Davis, Milton Smith,
On linking the Chuir The venerable President made
the following remarks:
"Chrisiain Brethren, tender to you my thanks
for tho great honor you have just conferred upon
by placing in this Chair. In the discharge Of the
duties devolving upon its occupant, mus; throw
myself upon the indulgence Of those who have today
done mo great an honor. Thee others in
this large and intelligent assembly who
Versant with the subject about be considered and
therefore better suited TO the position. Only three
days have alnpsed since was invited to take part in
the deliberations of this body; but unexpected this
action to me, and incompetent ns feel, I shall
refuse to lend my aid in the furherance of the
objects ofthis Convention have always felt the
obligation of the law of God respecting the Sabbath
day. and have tried to shape my course according TO
1
have found great diversity Of opinion, and have
heard many plausible why the Sabbath
should be regarded as other days, in a limited
sense but have given my entire assent TO the
declaration Of the great Teacher that "the Sabbath
made for man, and not for tho Sabbath
The importance of n due observance Of the Sabbath
day cannot be conlroverted and shall ever lend my
assistance in promoting its sanctity. feel it to be
my duty to give the whole Of the faculties Of my
soul to this work, and they shall be given.''
When Mr. Adams had ceased speaking, there was
general ouburst Of npprobatian which continued
for time The Standing business Committee
then reported the following resolutions, which were
read:
I. Resolcei, That gratefully recognize the
wisdom and goodness of Jehovah in the appointment
Of the Sabbath in the sanction which he gave it by
his own example, in his command to men to remem
Der il, ahd keep it holy, and in the blessings which il
has been the means Of comforting upon those who
have kept according to his viii, in all ages Of the
y orld .N,-
2. ResOlrsi, Shat we especially notice the kind
ofthe Lord, in leading the Fathers OF our Coun
iry so extensively acknowledge the sanctty of his
day. and to observe it as day of rest from secular
business, travelling and amusement, and of special
devotonsto the public worship of God and the pro-
motion Of the spiritual good Of men.
3. ResolUed That tho blessings which we are en-
joying from the labors and sacrifices of those who
have gone before us, for which abors and sacrifices
their regard for the Sabbath was an essential means
Of preparing them, ought to lead in tins matter,
eonscienously and perseveringy to initiate all that
was good in their example
1. RESOLVED, That the influence OF the observance
Of the Lords Day, in the establishment of our social
civil and religious Institutions, was such as must
greatly endear to the hearts Of all intelligent and
consistent patriots; and the continuance and legt-
:mae operations Of these institutions will depend in
no small degree upon the manner in which the peo-
pie Of this country shall meet the responsibilities and
discharge the duties Of that sacred day.
8. RESOLVED, That the increasing conviction which
IS manifested in parts Of our country, of the
duty md utility Of remembering the Christian Sab
bath and keeping it holy, and the consequent dimin-
uton Of secular business, and the Increase Of the
numbers who assemble to acknowledge the author of
their blessings, in view tokens for good to
the country and ought to encourage all give to the
observance of this day the sanction Of their habtua
example,
6. Resolued, That witness with grear pleasure
the influence which many editors, only of the re-
hgous, but the secular press of our country, ex-
erng in favor of the Lords Day. and trust that their
in'o's will be duly appreciated by the patriotic or all
classes, and meet generous response from the hearts
Of all the people.
On re-assembling in the afternoon, the resolutions
reported by the Standing Committee, were taken up
and adopted without dissent
The Chairman OF the Standing Committee then Of
fered the following resolution. which was read:
Resolped, That in free country, where general
intelligence and virtue essential the purity and
permanence Of civil institutions, The observance of the
Sabbath is peculiarly necessary in order to secure
that respect for the Laws which is essential to pub
lie tranquility, and that general conviction of moral
sponsbility on which tho safety of property. and
character, and life, and the appropriate enjoyment
and of these blessings depend
This resolution, after debate. was adopted and
then the Convention took till evening.
The proceedings of the Convention on Wednesday
evening and Thursday morning are also given in the
Nai,;,nora Datr;ot ylbfaa addrasses