The Bennington daily banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1877-1877, 1877-08-10
The observance Of the SohhaiI.

Since our village officials lately issued O
somewhat strenuous order concerning the
Lords Day, many of our interested citizens
have been inclined to grumble and find much
fault. AS a matter of consolation to them,
and to show them that they are neither the
earliest nor the greatest sufferersIfrom statu-
tory provisions against Sabbath breaking.
we copy the following law, passed by the
Legislature of Vermont in 1877, which we
lind in the antique volume of Vermont laws,
loaned us by Mr.. Gleason of WoOdford, as
mentioned in last weeks BANNER. We have
not the old. style type with which to repro
duce the law In its original uniqueness, but
its terms and sections we give in full, as a
history Of what our fathers used to think of
Sabbath observation
AN ACT FOR THE DUE OBSERVATION OF THE
SABBATH.
Be il enacted by the General Assembly of
the State Of Vermont, That no tradesman;
artifcer, labOurer, or other person whatever,
shall upon land or water do any labour, bus
mess or work of their ordinary calling, of
any kind Whatever works of necessity and
mercy only excepted nor use any game,
sport. play or recreation, on the fist day of
the week, OF Lords Day, or any day of pub
lie fasting or thanksgiving, on pain that
every person, so offending, shall forfeit and
pay fine, not exceeding ten shillings, as the
nature OF the case may require; that when
ever person shall ON the Lords Day, in or
near any Westinghouse, or place OF public
worship, by rude, profane or tumultuOus be-
haviour, either in words or actions, or 10 any
manner whatever, disturb those who shall
be therein assembled for religious worship,
shall incur . penalty not exceeding forty
shillingsi and II the person convicted Of
any of the aforesaid oifenses be unable to
pay, he shall be set in the stocks not exceed
ing two hours.
And be 1t further enacted by the authority
Aforesaid. That every person who shall trav-
el,Iourney, or drive team, OF drove of any
KIND, on said day, unless in time of war, OF
some business that concerns the war, or that
they are belated, aud forced 10 lodge in the
woods, wilderness or highway the night be-
fore, and IN such case to travel no further on
that day than the next inn, or place Of shell
s sef inSil pay h2s Hot e1eeedigg twenty
require,
That every person who shall 90 from his
or ner place Of abode on said day. unless to
or from the public worship of God, OF on
some work or business Of necessity OF mercy,
shall pay fine not exceeding fifteen shil.
That whatever person or persons shall
Keep or stay at the outside Of the meeting
house. during the time of public worship
there being sufficient room In the house,, or
unnecessarily withdraw themselves from the
public worship to go without doors, or pro-
fame the time by playing or prOfanely talk
ing, snail pay fine not exceeding six shil-
lings.
Provided, That all presentments or infor-
nation against any person OF persons, for
any Of the aforementioned 6ifsnses, be
made within one month after the commission
thereof.
And be 1t further enacted by the authority
Aforesaid, That the grand jurymen, tything-
mon, and constables Of each town, shall
carefully inspect the behaviour Of all per-
sons on the Sabbath or Lords Day, and
due presentment make Of any PROCLAMATION Of
the worship Of God on the Lords Day, or on
any day Of public fast OF thanksgiving, and
of any breach Of the Sabbath which they, OF
any Of them ahall soc or diAOOYeT any per-
son to be guilty Of, 10 the next justice Of the
peace, who ts hereby empowered 10 proceed
threln according rs the nature Of the Otiense
requires.
That each grand juryman, tythingman, or
constable shall be allowed three shillinRs
per day for each day that he shall spend In
such offenders, 10 be paid by the
person offending, or the parent, guardian or
master OF such person, when he Is under age;
and all fines imposed for the breach of this
act on minors, shall be paid by the parents,
guardians or masters " any be), otherwise
such minors TO be disposed of in service to
answer the same: aud upon refusal or ne
glect OF payment Of such fines and charges
OF prosecution, the offender may be commit
ted, unless he be a minor, In which case exc
cutiOn for the lines and claEniia gi,,l -