, 1844-02-14

yation Of The Sabbath, and that this con-
veniion proclaimed, not only the sen.i.
ments above adopted by the chairman,
but this other, hat s'the interests Of cons
merce, and all the channels through
which it flows, throughout our country,
90 not forbid. but require the faithful and
universal observance Of the Sabbath !"
and also this other, that "lhe observance
Of the christian Sabbath is in no sense in.
curious TO the civil and political arrange
menis uf our coun.ry, but on The contra
ry would greatly promote the public wel-
tare in every respect" Its the part of
wisdom TO regard the opinions put forth
-by such a body of men, US ut slight or or
evidepcs of The public will; but on
The contrary, as testimony upon The sub
ject we are discussing, which should pre-
sent itself to the mind Of Legislators, hav
ing the public welfare in charge, with jr.
resislible power. BY what method Of
reasoning il can be maintained, that be
cause this ccDyention lhns voluntarily ass
sembled, under no requirement Of law,
ibid not "in its associated capaciiyn nn-
dertake TO ''enfoIce by lzwp a due re-
gard to lbe Sabbath, this Legislature
should therefore refuse 10 listen TO the re-
quest Of several hundred respectable citi.
zens who have constitutional rights 10 ap.
proacb this body, the undersigned does
not pretend 10 comprehendj hence that
portion of The report of the honorable
chairman is left for the explanation Of
others more learned in logic Of that kind.
Time will not permit the undersigned
10 present all the facts and arguments
which in his view Of the subject, most
incontrovertib!y show, that The public
welfare requires that the prayer Of these
petitioners ought TO be granted; he Can
only add, tina, in his judgment, it would
be no difficult task TO prove 10 the salts
faction of any candid, unprejudiced mind
The following facts;
LIST. That a great majority of the mer
chants, manufacturers, and traders, desire
thai tue navigation upon ur%canals sEou't
be closed on The Sabbath.
I'd. That a like minority Of the owners
OF boats thereon, wish the same thing.
Sd. The boatmen solicit it.
4th. A great proportion of the people
residing in towns and villages on the ca
mails, are anxious TO be relieved from thu
lumult and confusion incident to the pas
sage Of boats through their towns on tina
day.
9th. The present system shortens thu
lives and depraves the morals of those
employed IN navigation.
9th. In proportion as the privileges o.
the Sabbath have been restored 10 tn,
boatmen, their morals have improved.
7th. Laboring six days in a week il
more profitable dian seven.
The undersigned has a5siained from
urging the claims ofthe Sabbath, as rest
lug upon the commands of God, not iron
a want of due reverence to this high au
thority, or TO these commands as gwen il
the holy scriptures, but for the reasoI
that the Bible is in the hands Of all, an
the injunction remember the Sabbat
day 10 keep it holy" is so plain that h
who runs may read.
Having arrived at the conclusion, tina
the request of the petitioners is reasona
BILE and proper, and if granted, will grea,
y tend to the improvement OF the condi
ton of our people throughout the State
the undersigned asks leave to present
bill in accordance with The praye. of tn
petitioners.
4 WAN UnDnpC