Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1844-12-26

appropriate SancuHcauOn, ana tnefe Is
10 such where it is unknown and IN
IGNORED. We beseech our fellow citi-
,ens to maturely consider this conclu- t
ion and the facts which have inev tia
by involved 1t.
Ifthese are the happy issues of obe-
dience to this wise and gracious com
,nand Of our Creator, we are warned
by his word and awful providences,
that its proclamation is proportlonably
dangerous. However pure andhealth-
ful the fountain, if poison be cast into
it, it sends forth only streams Of death;
and so will desecrated and polluted
Sabbaths work our more speedy and
dreadful ruin. Our principles of self
government as people must be aban-
doned. and we and our children must
pass under the yoke of despotism.
There is much to encourage US
The Sabbath, like the Bible, is to a
great extent embedded IN our affections,
our most cherished associations, and
in our social and civil usages. Al
most universally the places ofpubllc a.
musement are closed, and as general
fact and in growing degree there is a
cessation from open labor; and those
from whom this privilege is yet with
held-for withheld it is in instances
fearfully mumerous-have begun to
feel it the sorest evil Of their poverty
that they cannot obtain that even as a
boon which is theirs by inalienable
birth-right-by the legacy of their faith
ers. Of the strength Of this desire for
deliverance there are the most convic-
cling proofs before the Convention, and
among the motives which have assem-
bled US here many of US from distant
homes, were the affecting appeals of
mis- very class of our prescribed fellow
citizens for the help which public o.
pinion and public sympathy may bring
to their relief. Shall it be denied2 and
especially shall the sought aid be with
held by those who have the power TO
grant it; and that for the sake of gains
uncertain at the best, but which if real
lied, will bring no real good, and
which may yet ruffle the pillow of
death.
In conclusion, we would ask Of our
fellow citizens their influence, their
kind persuasions, and above all their
blaneess example in aid of this cause,
to the furtherance Of which so many
and so various considerations prompt
US. The world has never witnessed
the spectacle Of an universal obedience
to the Sabbath in any country; and
its full power to bless nation is yet
unreeealed. In no other land can the
trial be made with such encour-
agements as in this, and with such
power Of example to the world--for if
successful here it will be as the yolun-
tary decision of free people.
It was the remark of one Of the "a
blest and purest ofthose foreigners who
came to our aid in the days of the rev.
dictionary peril, and who made his
home and recently his grave, among
us-the late venerable Duponceau, of
Philadelphia-that of all we claimed
as Characteristic, our observance of the
Sabbath is the only one truly national
and American, and for this cause, if
no other, he trusted it would never lose
its hold Or our affections and patriotism
It was noble thought, and may well
mingle with higher and nobler motives
to stimulate our efforts and encourage
our hopes. And while it is the glory
so eagerly coveted by other nations
that they may be pre- eminent in con-
quests and eXtendsd rule, let US gladly
accept it as our distinction, and wear
it as the fairest of all that grace our
escuteheon, that we pre-eminently
honor the Sabbath and the Sabbath's
Lord. In behalf of the Convention:
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS, Pres't.
HARTMAN DENNY, Secretary.