The Portland daily press., 1869-08-07

Doiny Mns'- ess On tar tbash.
MR. EDro4 In my brief note % you last
week, did bt attemptt to discq&1 generally
the sabbath question. kconceded the right
ofevery Sae 10. spsudA tho Sabbath according
to the dicates of his own conscience. He may
smakeits holiday, n he ch0osess and -othevs
have no right to complain, If his conduct does
not tend to disturb them, in observing it as
dag of worship. 1t is mainly because doing
business, or travelling, or engaging in public
lamusements, could distttrb others, that they
are prohibited without regard TO the question
ofthsir being mSrallv rlghk Some strictures
have appeared upon the Suggestions made by
me, inwhich this distinction is overlooked
If one our citizens takes his carriage on the
Sabbath, and quietly rides for pleasure, with
his family; and another takes his yacht ard
spen ist the day among the islands, it may be
morally wrong in them both. While think
it would be wrong, others think it would be
right. But il it is right, this does not Justify
Running street cars or island steamers ON the
Sabbath. Private recreation generally dis
turbs no one. But the running of public con-
peyanees on the Sabbath, frequented by crowds
in them. and on their way to them, most
of whom are seeking amusement, .7neces-
sarily tends to annoy and disturb all who
would make the day'one Of quiet meditation,
rest, and worship. The man who keeps tip
ping house open on the Sabbath might az
well Justify it on the plea that his neighbor il
in the habit Of drinking q glass Of liquor on
that day at home. ~ 5'o-i -s'se
| 1t is said by one who ought to know that the
/ - -
on the Sabbath. No one had questioned it. ]
did not invoke the law. The men who are
responsible for this, ought to act from higher
motives. But unless they think their advo-
cate has decided this question, they perhaps
may read, with profit, that provision Of the
statute which says that whoever travels, o,
does any Uork, labor or business on that day
except works of necessity, or charity, shall b.
punished &C." f,9tfcti
Hthe poor man who opens his little shor
on the Sabbath is to be punished, as has beer
done many times in this city, it is not easy to
see Why . rich corporation should be- allowei
to keep its places Of business" open and en-
ploy men to work as on other days.
Tho same writer courteously admonishe
those who differ from him to ssmind their owl
business" Perhaps the stockholders win some
day comply with this request At any rate
that which concerns good order and public
morality is eyerybody's business, to the OK
tent, at least, of expressing his opinion in re
gard to it. Whatever the Company, and it
advocates may have "the right to do, it ma,
be doubtful if it win prove good policy for then
to taunt the Young Mems Christian Associa
ton on account Of the delinquency of dele
gate to the recent Conventions, or to trampl,
on the religious convictions of . large class o
our citizens. Even corporations, and Join
stock companies, are not always entirely indie
pendent of their patrons. Fsisss saaa
There is no place in the country where tn
facilities for pleasant and healthful recreation
equal those to be fourd in this city. The nu
merous steamers running to the islands in on
beautiful harbor, afford opportunities for this
at an expense so small that it is within tn
reach ofeveryi one. It il pleasant to sec on
people, and strangers so constantly availin
themselves of this privilege. But il thes
steamers are hereafter to be run on the Sal
bath, and the street cars also are to be run O.
that day, then that which has been a gres
blessing may become greater curse. D.