The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1859-07-23

Yes, the American Sabbath. I remember
the scene, though it occ;rre;l thirty years ago.
as distinctly as if it had been an event of the
last month. a proposition had been made to
open the AthenRnm, in PHILADELPHIA, for
public use on Sundays The directors had
been appealed to, and they had referred the
matter 10 the stockholders. Due notice had
been given, and large asscmhage met in
the spacious room Of the society. There was
warm, though very dtcorus discussion.
L was maintained, on the one side, by gentle
meE who argued in favor of the right Of self
enjoyment, and the advantages of such enter
talnmcnts, when contlaStcd with rioting and
the dram shop, Just as men now do in rela-
ton to railroad and steamboat excursions
while on the contrary, the sanciy Of the Sab
''ath on divine authority, and its beneiicient
influences, were urged modestly by laymen
less accustomed TO speak in public than they
are at the present day.
At length the venerable form of Peter s.
Duponceau arose, and am sure the heart of
every friend Of the Sabbath huttcred as he
gazcd around the assembly. Mr.. Duponceau
was Erenchman he was an aid Of Baron
Steuben, the great diSci plinarian of our revo-
| lutlonary army. With all the ardor Of Law
fayette, Pulaski, and Steuben, he had entered
i'll our struggle for Liberty, but unlike those
heroes he had made America his home, and
devoted himself to the profession of the law,
and at the time alluded TO was regarded as
the fist civilian in the United States. He
was eminent also in the world of science, be-
ing President Of the American Philosophical
Society, one of the successors of Jeiersor-
lie was a man of peculiar appearance. a
huge head, with prominent features. sur
mounted frame ABOVE the ordinary size, and
his loose dress and shaggy, gray hair, bespoke
an md ference to public opinion. or rather
manifested independence of mind, which well
enough comported with his past history.
uembcd for our cause when, in the soft
accents of his Gallo voice, he began his adj
dress. 1t was, as nearly as | can recollect,
in the following words, slowly and distinctly
uttered, as Of one who spoke with authority
81 have listened with attention to this dis
cusson. have heard the argument in favor
of a sacred observance Of the Sabbath founded
on the divine authority, on which the insti.
tuition rests, and also on its bencticicnt in
iluence on the morals and happiness of the
people. They appear to me just and conclu
sive. But the subject has struck my mind
| forcibly in another aspect; it is that of its
influence on our love OF country, and as fos
terlng that patriotism which will seek its wei
| fare.
Sunday IS observed in America as it is
not anywhere on the Continent of Europe; so
differently, indeed as to constitute a national
peculiarly: and the American who leaves
his country for health. OF science, or business
as he roams over foreign lands, will, one day
in seven, call to mind the customs Of his
native country, The thoughts O his childhood
! ana the memories connected with that day
will come to MIN, and he will say to himself,
they don't keep Sunday so at home, and he
will love his country for its very popularity.
" trust the resolution before the meeting
will be rejected"
There was not another word spoken. 1t
reminded me Of Jobs reference to the days of
his prosperity: "Unto me men gave car and
waited, and kept silence at my council. AT.
ter my words they spakc not again, and my
speech dropped upon them.,'
The question was put, and a few faint ayes
were answered with q tremendous no.
think that decision did much to preserve us
a Sabbath-keeping people in Philadelph -
Sunday School Ii9leS.