Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1858-04-30
Observance of the Sabbath.

One Of the creates, evils Of the present
day !, disregard OF the Sabbath. However
much the several denominations Of chris
tiap. differ, as to theological points and
dogmas. all agree that the great Bible COM
mand. TO " remember the Sabbath and keep
1t holy" should be properly observed by
all having a decent regard for the ins,iiu.
ton. Of christianity. Its a command alike
binding upon all. whether profcs.ed CHRIS.
iians or not. THIS scripture injunction Is
fully recognized by our laws. IL Is the
great Distinguishing feature between pagan
ism and christianity between savage and
civilized life. Let the American people blot
out the Sabbath day blot out the vice en-
actmen, upon our statute books, requiring
its proper observance and how long would
/, be before the whole nation would relapse
into a condition even more deplorablo than
heat henism? The Sabbath and It's sacred
institutions have a sanetlfying influence up
on the minds Of all who properly observe It.
OF what possible bcneii, or use would be the
numerous churches that dot over our hill.
and valleys, whose spires point away 10 a
purer aud better world, were the entire pop
ulAiion in their vicinity, TO abandon them
n the owl. and bats What sor, VI com.
muni,y is tia, whose Inhabitants all stay
away from the house Of God, aud Who are
never seen vending their way to the courts
Of the Mos, High; who never respond to
the pealing sound Of tho Church going
Bell" Our readers can readily answer
these questions for themselves. Such a
place would be no better than Sodom.
Paren,s. who spend the Sabbaih' in loafng
about their homes, laboring upon their
farms, hunting, fishing, or visiting, incur a
most fearful responsibility. These perni'
cious examples set before their children,
almost invariably lead them into miserable
and sinful habits and indulgenccs. II a
parent desires TO see his or her son on the
hlch road 10 ruin aud almost certain des-
tructiou, he has only TO teach him to DIS
regard the Sabbath, and it is done. II
children are early taught by their parents
or guardians TO visit the church, they will
soon lOyei,, and grow up Sabbath day chris
,ians. Ir, on the other hand ,,their parents
teach them by their example to stay away
and spend the Sabbath in manner contrary
both to the laws Of God and man. they will
be very liable to relapse into..erime and end
their days in the peniten,iary. In proof Of
this, examine the las, annual report Of the
Superintendent OF the " Reform School"
In his statistics he says that Of the whole
number committed since the founding OF the
Institution, (i3g,) three hundred and fire
were " Sabba,h.breakcrs " before their COM
mitment-more than three omih' being OF
this class. Here is q fact, which speaks for
itself. showing the influence OF sabbath
breaking upon children.
In addition TO what we have already said +,
we cannot forbear expressing our honest
conviction. that the dlspleasure Of the Al
mighty follows the sabbath-breakers. What
man ever added to his wealth by working
Sundays? Where can the person be found
who has improved bis temporal condition by
this violation OF Gods law! On the other
hand. how often have persons been over
taken, when engaged in violating the Sab
bath, by disasters and death? We could
refer 10 numerous instances OF this sort.
We ask no pa.don from our readers for
passing reference to this important subject.
Ii is one that vitality interests the whole
community. Aside from its religious hear
inss, viewed strictly rs moral question:
Its Importance cannot be overesi'maied.
The peace aud prosperity, the moral, social,
and religious interests Of every community
in our land require proper reverence Tor
Gods holy day. That place where the
christian sabbath is religiousiy observed is
prosperous, happy, and respected the To-
cality where Gods Law in this particular Is
set at defiance, exactly tho reverse.