The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1879-09-09
SUNDAY LAWS.
What the Rev. Or. J. B. Jcter Thinks
About Them.

CAN THE SALE OF LIQUOR BE RESTRICT
ED7-LEGISLATlON SHOULD INTERFERE
AS LITTLE rs POSSIBLE WITH THE
RIGHTS AND PURSUITS OF INDIVIDUALS
AN INQUIRY: WHO PAYS THE COST OF
DRUNKEN BRAWLS AND BLOODSHEDH p
DRUNKENNESS THE MOST DEGRADING
VICE OF THE UNDERSTANDING PEG.
PLE-"LET US CORDIALLY SUSTAIN OUR
JUDGE OF THE HUSTINGS COURT "A
GOOD WORD FROM THE DOCTOR FOR THE
LlQUoR-DEALERS. ...".
Editorial of The forthcoming number or the RSt1-
gious Hsrntd-puslished hele oy request OF Dr'
JeIer.l
Laws to enforce, or rather to facilitate,
fbe observance OF the Sabbath, have lately
awakened much interest in this city and in
other places OF these laws we have but
little knowledge. They may be wise OF un-
wise, strictly or loosely enforced, for ausht
that we know. On the general subject OF
Sunday laws, however, we desire to submit
some remarks for the candid consideration
OF our readers.
None can doubt the importance OF this
subject. Apart from the question OF its
Divine authority the Sabbath has strong
claims to public observance. Man needs
relaxation. The necessity for Sabbath is
Inscribed on his constitution. 1t is the
opinion Of the most intelligent and careful
observers that he can do more work, and do
It better, by laboring only six days in seven
than he can by uninterrupted exertion.
The brain and the muscle alike fail under
continuous labor. II man needs rest for
the preservation OF bis health and strength
it is maniiestly desirable that it should be
secured BY some wisely-devised and firmly
established regulation. The Sabbath, then,
is demanded as sanitary and economic
measure.
IN ALL CHRISTIAN COUNTRIES
Sunday, or the Lords day, is observed With
greater or less strictne>s as time OF rest,
religious instruction, and worship. 1t can
not be doubted by the we'll informed and
obseryant that those places in which 1t is
most highly priced and most carefully kept
are most notable for morality, good order,
and prosperity. The slightest attention to
the subject must convince any Discerning
aad honest mind that Sabbath obseryances
are an important means OF Intellectual cul-
ture. 1t is impossible for people who
duly regard them 10 be ignorant. Though
the pulpit is designed chiefly for religious
instruction, an intelligent ministry is emf
neatly suited to awaken thought, inspire a
desire for knowledge, train the mind in
The art of reasoning. and lmpart valuable
information on secular as we'll as spiritual
subjects. Sunday schools are an Invaluable
means OF mental and moral training.
Who can estimate the amount OF use
ful knowledge communicated TO the rising
generation, and the wholesome influence
eNerted over their manners and morals, by
the carefully prepared lessons and the at
traciye papers and books of these pious
semisaries! Thousands Of children with
no means OF training but those furnished By
Sunday schools have become intelligent and
yauSSIe citizens. ill.,,
1t adds immensely to the worth of the in
struetion derived from
TEE PULPIT AND THE SUNDAY SCHOOL
that il is all on the side OF morality. Chill.
dren, youth, and persons OF ripper years, are
taught 10 do Justly, love mercy, and walk
humbly with God" Is it possible that, Ne
ceiying such instruction every Sabbath
under solemn circumstances, from lip!
which they have been trained to yenerate
they should not be made wiser and Worthief;
Some ef them may act in a manner unbe
coming their instruction, but as class the!
will he better citizens. and better in all th'
relations of life, than if they had neglected
the Sabbath.
We take 1t for granted, and it must 81
conceded :by all fair-minded citizens, THAI
Sabbath institutions are worthy of preseI-
yation, and, il need be, OF legal protection
Obviously, II there were no Sunday laws
SUNDAYS would be as other days. The dir
Of busitaess would sound on our Streets
apprentices. clerks, laborers, men OF busi-
ness, wGnId all be kept at their employ
ments. The banks, courts, and public OF.
fees woGld beOpened. Persons desiring
to observe the,Sabbath would be compelled,
by the rivalr,es and necessities OF business,
to continue their work. Ii would be i'm.
possible TO keep up Sunday schools, and
public worship would be maintained at
great disadvantages. Who among
THE osPQNs,sgS OF sUSRAYLAws
oGesires to see such q state OF things?
Laws cannet besfstRed to suit every body
40 diversified arelthe views, tastes, interests,
and aims OF men that by no hQeuS-pocuS Of
legislation could thay all be pleased. Laws
Nshekid be enacted in :tale Interest OF the ma
2aNe'. and Of moralityand public order, in
aeftstlpg as little as possible with the rights
ana wishes OF mtnorities. They should al
lowithe largest liberty compatible Svith the
public veal.
We ttske it for grautad that an over
suhHo majpiltS. Sot only OF Qar CITY
population, but Of the people at large, de.
sire that elr Sabbath services shall be pro-
tected bylaw; and that, to secure this end.
there shat be suspensioa of labor, shat
there may he quietness. that public worship
may De free from interruption, and thst
Mi-chisdrens servants, ana employees of
every class-may enjoy the privilege, If they
esare II, OF participating in its benefits. OIL
eoasse the special enactments needed to So
S;a afe these ends must vary according to the
si'sslhed sasa circumstances, customs, and
ss o. the people. .o'" &s4
are these concessions too great for q large
Sy Sssg%ity to demapd3 We think NOT. They
sslld impinge on @
The RIGHTS or rHE MINORITY
ssy ysay At single point-that is, the snspen-
sssn sas o. labor. They are not required TO OBJ
~ ss He Sabbath religiousIy; 5; but simply
ssraaain snaain from such excercsses as would in-
e,hssss With its proper observance by
byfha,- point that might well be conceded
H. @ especially as many inestfmabIe bene-
obvipalJac Intellectual, social, and moral,
al ANY an aoR from Sabbath obserYsnces.
"a sss ~ sssnls, Il The undoubtsd right, not /
WY, @ she msjority 10 protect the |