,transcribed from the #ahdi ,partridge and ,oakey edition by ,david ,price4 ,picture3 ,decorative cover from pamphlet ,,the ,chelsea ,working-,man's ,sabbath ,essay4 ,,divine ,,mercy2 ,,or1 ,,the ,,temporal ,,advantages ,,of ,,the ,,sabbath4 ,,interspersed ,,with ,,expostulatory ,,remarks4 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 ,,by ,,george ,,bryan1 ,,one ,,of ,,the ,,late ,,competitors ,,for ,,the ,,sabbath ,,essay ,,prizes4 99 99 99 99 99 8',tis not in artful measures1 in the chime ,and idle tinkling of a minstrel's lyre1 ,to charm ,his ear1 whose eye is on the heart2 ,whose frown can disappoint the proudest strain1 ,whose approbation prosper even mine60--,,cowper4 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 99 ,,london3 ,,partridge ,,and ,,oakey1 ,,paternoster ,,row2 ,w4 ,f4 ,,ramsay1 ,,brompton ,,row1 ,,brompton2 ,j4 ,l4 ,,pouter1 ,,sloane ,,street2 ,,and ,d4 ,,robertson1 ,,glasgow4 #ahdi 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chelsea4 ,,printed ,,by ,t4 ,,wilsher1 ,,manor ,,street4 ,,to ,,the ,,right ,,hon4 ,,the ,,earl ,,of ,,harrowby1 c4 c4 c4 ,,my ,,lord1 ,towards the termination of the year #ahdg1 ,j4 ,henderson1 ,esq41 of ,park1 near ,glasgow1 a gentleman distinguished for his piety and universal benevolence1 offered prizes for the three best ,essays on 8the ,temporal ,advantages of the ,sabbath1 and the consequent necessity of preserving its rest from all the encroachments of unnecessary labour40 ,in the short space of three months #ajde ,essays were forwarded by ,working-,men to the ,adjudicators4 ,some time afterwards1 ten additional prizes were munificently given by ,his ,royal ,highness ,prince ,albert1 in addition to many others which had been previously announced4 ,one month had elapsed before ,i was informed of the original intention1 and at that period the health of my wife was in a very precarious state1 besides which ,i was myself labouring under great distress of mind4 ,notwithstanding these evident disadvantages1 the subject being congenial to my feelings1 ,i resolved on making an effort to express my individual views respecting the temporal value and importance of the ,sabbath-day4 ,although unsuccessful in obtaining a prize1 there were reasons which induced me to conclude that my ,essay1 in its original state1 maintained a most favourable position amidst the host of its competitors4 ,since its return to me ,i have made several material amendments--which ,i deem it right to acknowledge in justice to the arduous duties of the ,adjudicators4 ,several ,inhabitants of ,chelsea1 who had perused my amended ,essay1 expressed a desire that it should be printed2 and1 having since received increased encouragement1 ,i have been induced respectfully to submit it to the ordeal of ,christian opinion4 ,it is entirely my own composition1 even to its final revision for the press4 ,it may be necessary for me to inform your ,lordship1 in order to remove any doubts as to my being a working-man1 that ,i was apprenticed to the late ,messrs4 ,tilling and ,hughes1 ,printers1 then of ,grosvenor ,row1 ,pimlico2 the latter gentleman was a son of the ,rev4 ,j4 ,hughes1 ,m4,a41 one of the ,founders of the ,british and ,foreign ,bible ,society4 ,permit me1 my ,lord1 to express now my heartfelt gratitude for the prompt and kind permission to dedicate the following feeble production to your ,lordship4 ,i am aware that it must be very imperfect1 but ,i know that ,god can impart a blessing even to the most apparently futile means to promote ,his glory4 ,i have the honor to be1 my ,lord1 ,your ,lordship's obliged and humble ,servant1 ,,george ,,bryan4 #f1 ,little ,camera ,street1 ,king's ,road1 ,chelsea1 ,oct4 #ahdi4 ,,divine ,,mercy2 c4 8,god blessed the seventh-day1 and ,,sanctified it40--,,gen4 ii4 #b4 8,remember the ,sabbath-day to keep it ,,holy40--,,exodus xx4 #h4 8,if keeping holy the seventh-day were only an human institution1 it would be the best method that could have been thought of for the polishing and civilization of mankind40--,,addison4 ,barren and debased must be that man who is insensible to the lovely character and genial influences of the ,sabbath-day6 ,it is a day on which the heart1 if only susceptible of the ordinary feelings of conviction1 must ever beat with the sweetest emotions of gratitude for the many blessings which it confers2 for1 in whatever condition we contemplate the varied members of society1 whether individually or collectively1 it is alike beneficial and indispensable4 ,hence the first dawn of the ,sabbath beams with sympathy towards every human creature4 ,to despise such an invaluable boon--by a wilful violation of the beneficent but absolute law of ,god--is to be utterly regardless of life in this world1 and to exhibit no desire to participate hereafter in the blissful joys of heaven6 ,but we have to consider more especially the temporal advantages to be derived from the ,divine institution of the ,sabbath4 ,it having been stated1 however1 that the working classes were willing to be employed on this sacred day for the benefit of themselves and families1 and that they were indifferent to the agitation of our question1 a few preliminary remarks cannot be considered as irrelevant2 but1 on the contrary1 may fairly be admitted as introductory or collateral arguments in support of our general proposition4 ,we need not enter into any lengthened controversy to prove that the first statement is a mere subterfuge to evade the responsibility of ,sabbath desecration1 nor do we intend to refer to any speculative opinions as to the causes of the asserted declension1 as implied in the second declaration4 ,it will be sufficient to confine ourselves here1 as we shall occasionally do throughout our observations1 to undeniable facts--not offered in extenuation1 but simply to account1 if true1 for such flagrant and sinful anomalies4 ,during the last comparatively few years1 in consequence of the vast increase in the population1 and a more universal extension of knowledge1 many great and salutary improvements have been adopted in this country4 ,but notwithstanding this1 and all the continued indications of progression1 there is much over which the ,christian must necessarily deplore4 ,if the once quiet village has now become a populous town1 and the busy town a mighty city1 it must be admitted1 that1 while these changes are evidences of the magnitude of our trade1 c41 they have also been accompanied by an immense amount of poverty1 immorality1 and irreligion4 #g ,it is true also that the swampy level has been elevated and magnificent buildings now occupy its place1 still the streams of iniquity flow around them with almost irresistible rapidity4 ,the blessings of education have likewise been very properly diffused--and it is to be hoped that they will be far more extended1 and based on a recognition of ,christian principles--yet who will deny that there is much in our literature1 and more particularly in our minor publications1 which subvert the minds of youth1 and too often lead them ultimately to entertain sentiments averse to religion1 and detrimental to the general interests of society8 ,utilitarianism is not always associated with ,christianity4 ,again1 the ,beer ,act ,bill must ever be regarded as having had a very injurious tendency on the morals of the rural and suburban populations1 while the costly edifices in our large towns and cities1 for the retail sale of ardent spirits1 which have been so unaccountably tolerated and sanctioned by the ,legislature1 have most direfully increased pauperism and crime4 ,lastly1 the labour performed by a large portion of the working classes has either been oppressive or altogether inadequate to their necessities4 ,impelled by the current of trade on some days with an impetuosity unknown to former ages1 and soon afterwards standing idle for many others on the bleak shore soliciting freight for their fragile vessels of industry--if not carried away by the boisterous waves of intemperance1 or rendered incapacitated by previous merciless lengthened hours of labour--the natural sensibilities of many among them even to appreciate the temporal advantages of the ,sabbath very often become chilled1 and when that blest morn arrives they are frequently enduring the greatest possible privations1 or else secretly if not openly working with an activity surpassing the legally appointed days for labour4 ,exposed to such temptations1 or placed in such an uncertain condition1 uninfluenced by the rays of heavenly light1 they consent to the avaricious demands of their employers1 fearful of dismissal from their ordinary toil as a consequence of their refusal1 #h and not unfrequently too become the deluded followers of men who are avowed disbelievers in the truths of ,christianity--the blind adherents of what is falsely called ,socialism6 ,if1 therefore1 we have advanced in many respects1 it is equally evident that stagnant and putrifying waters are still to be seen1 in every direction1 which emit a deadly influence over nearly the whole surface of the nation4 ,it must be obvious then1 avoiding all remarks of a political nature1 that the present period is well-suited for the consideration of the temporal importance of the ,sabbath4 ,without a fixed ,sabbath we should be reduced to a state of imbecility or else inflamed by unnatural excitement1 and the greatest disorder would prevail throughout society1 #i which would render us unable to devise means to remove acknowledged evils1 and to maintain those laws which are truly valuable and essential4 ,the ,sabbath affords a day for entire repose from all worldly cares1 so that we may be in a better state1 at other times1 to devise such beneficial measures as cool deliberation might suggest4 ,the following well-known lines1 with the slight alteration of a word1 may here be profitably applied3-- 8,would you then taste the tranquil scene8 ,be sure your ,,sabbaths are serene2 ,devoid of hate1 devoid of strife1 ,and free from all that poisons life40 ,happy would it be for each of us if we possessed more of this necessary serenity of mind1 and if all our efforts1 whether in connection with politics1 science1 social improvement1 or our daily pursuits1 were conducted in strict accordance with the revealed will of ,god6 ,the latter is an essential without which we can neither enjoy individual happiness or experience national mercies4 ,past and present events most painfully demonstrate that a country may abound with wealth2 that it may be fertile in its productions and possess great resources1 and that the philanthropist may gaze with delight on its many noble ,institutions2 still1 if its inhabitants daringly attempt to abrogate the ,divine law of the ,sabbath1 a dark cloud will assuredly be seen that will cast a fearful gloom over the most highly-favoured land4 8,there is none like unto thee1 ,o ,lord2 thou art great1 and thy name is great in might4 ,who would not fear thee1 ,o ,king of ,nations6 for to thee doth it appertain3 forasmuch as among all the wise men of the nations1 and in all their kingdoms1 there is none like unto thee40 ,jer4 x4 #f1 #g4 ,we will now proceed more in order with our subject1 and1 in doing so1 it is necessary we should remember that we intend to confine ourselves almost exclusively to 8the temporal advantages of the ,sabbath to the labouring classes1 and the consequent necessity of preserving its rest from all the encroachments of unnecessary labour40 ,this mode of procedure is in agreement with the contemplated object1 viz4 to procure from the sons of toil themselves an evidence of the mercy and love of ,god in commanding one special day in seven to be devoted for rest from labour4 ,to contemplate and enforce the importance of the ,sabbath1 in a spiritual view1 is a duty which is being continually discharged by the ,ministers of religion4 #a4 ,the ,sabbath is indispensable1 as a day of rest1 both to body and mind2 without it neither could be exerted with natural vigour4 ,the ,,body of man1 although admirably adapted to perform the varied and arduous duties of life1 is nevertheless compared in ,scripture to the fading flower and the withering blade of grass4 ,the material from which the ,creator formed us1 in his infinite wisdom1 seems at once to convey an idea of its frailty and tendency to bend downwards1 when overcome by excessive fatigue1 to its separated component part4 ,this is confirmed by experience1 for we know that long continuous labour1 without adequate rest1 is certain to impair health1 and to destroy the body before the allotted period for human existence4 ,the usual hours for repose1 excluding the ,sabbath1 are not sufficient to re-invigorate nature4 ,we need not only to rest on our beds at night1 but it is necessary that we should rest at suitable short intervals for an entire day4 ,in thus reasoning1 however1 let it not be considered as encouraging slothfulness or inactivity in business4 ,honest labour is an essential duty1 the proper discharge of which is incumbent on us as members of the community1 in order that we may supply our absolute necessities and procure the conveniences and comforts of life1 by doing which we promote the general happiness of mankind4 ,religion and reason equally enforce it4 ,but slothfulness1 or habitual idleness1 is not justly attributable to the working classes4 ,true1 the number of those who are addicted to intemperance is very great1 and it may be said of such that they are indolent men2 yet1 taking another view of them1 they are the most slavish--and they endure more bodily and mental fatigue than any others of the human race-- 8,labour dire it is1 and weary woe20 but our remarks have reference only to the excessive labour of the steady1 industrious1 and persevering man4 ,this leads us to notice the close connection between the ,,late ,,hour ,,system and ,,sabbath ,,desecration--a system which has been justly denounced as 8reducing man to a state little short of slavery40 ,when ,god divided 8the light from darkness10 there can be no doubt that one of ,his merciful objects was to give us an opportunity to obtain suitable repose4 ,indeed1 this is quite evident from many passages of ,scripture which we might quote4 ,we will merely select one single sentence from the ,psalms1 to shew that night work is contrary to the general tenor of the ,word of ,god--8,man goeth forth unto his work1 and to his labour1 until the evening40 ,here we see a clear and defined limitation to the hours of labour4 ,to this it may be replied that the altered state of society renders it necessary that men should toil much longer now than in more primitive days4 ,we are perfectly aware that there may be occasional periods1 under peculiar circumstances1 when this suggestion might be considered conclusive4 ,it is not1 however1 to the occasional or accidental infringement on an extra hour or two that we object--it is to the system of compelling men1 almost habitually1 to labour far beyond the period which ,,divine ,,mercy has evidently intended4 ,is not this the course pursued in many of our workshops and in various retail trades8 ,it is a well-known fact1 as regards the former1 that it is a common practice for the same men who have been toiling all the day to continue their labour until a very late hour1 if not throughout the whole night1 and not unfrequently during the entire ,sabbath-day6 ,what must be the melancholy condition of the men and boys employed in such places8 ,the ,sabbath is awfully desecrated2 the doctrines and precepts of religion are rendered nugatory2 public morals are totally disregarded2 and the bodies and souls of youth and age are alike sacrificed as victims to the idol of the world--,,wealth6 ,let us now refer to the indisputable testimony of ,dr4 ,james ,,copland1 who may be considered as one of the most eminent physicians of the present day1 in reference to the latter class3--8,it is well-known to medical men that the labour in shops1 which extends to fourteen or fifteen hours a day1 is the most fruitful source of disease which is furnished in the ,metropolis4 ,we are sure to see induced more or less slowly those insidious diseases which undermine the constitution1 and which perpetuate themselves to the third or fourth generation4 ,i believe that no less than three-fourths of the diseases to which human life is liable in the ,metropolis actually arise from this cause40 ,what an awful subject does this afford for the serious consideration of masters1 parents1 and especially the ,christian community6 ,nor is the magnitude of this source of sickness1 sorrow1 and death1 attested and deplored alone by the ,medical ,profession4 ,lord ,john ,,russell says1 8,it is1 ,i think1 one of the greatest evils of this country that toil has become so excessive1 that all considerations of health--all attention to intellectual improvement1 and even all that time which ought to be devoted to spiritual worship--is lost in that excess of labour which the people of this country are compelled to undergo40 ,lord ,,ashley1 in commending the efforts of 8,the ,metropolitan ,early-,closing ,association10 #ad likewise most justly asserts1 that 8the struggle which is taking place at the present time is neither more nor less than a great conflict between materialism and spirituality4 ,it is a struggle between things temporal and things eternal--it is a struggle between the creation of wealth and the objects for which wealth should be created40 ,but let us briefly reflect on the melancholy statement made by ,dr4 ,copland1 and we shall see that late hours of business inevitably destroy the sacred character of the ,sabbath1 and cause many to spend it in some of those modes of desecration for which the facilities are now so numerous and so seductive4 ,the ,writer of this ,essay has two sons who have been brought up to respectable retail trades2 the youngest was compelled1 some short time since1 to attend a shop from seven in the morning until eleven at night1 and on ,saturday it extended frequently to one1 making it nearly two o'clock before he could possibly retire to rest4 ,when he came home1 on the ,sabbath1 instead of being enabled to attend a ,church or ,chapel1 it became absolutely necessary that he should again obtain additional sleep during the greater part of the day1 thus completely depriving him of the opportunity to be present in the sanctuary of ,god4 ,this youth formerly attended the ,park ,chapel ,sabbath ,school1 at ,chelsea1 and the conviction naturally is that to this iniquitous and baneful cause may be attributed much of the demoralization which is so painfully apparent in many of those who have been similarly instructed4 ,the present century has unquestionably presented some of the most mournful and singular anomalies which it is possible to conceive4 ,we have seen the rich ,indian ,proprietor expending large sums of money in this country for general charitable purposes1 and devoting his most powerful energies to obtain justice for every ,british subject1 while1 at the same time1 the winds that howled around him1 as he softly reposed on his luxurious couch1 echoed an appeal from his more distant fellow-man to be emancipated from the chains of slavery6 ,nor has the conduct of some employers towards their workmen been less paradoxical1 although the nature of their oppression has been of a widely different character4 ,they seem not to understand that there are relative essentials1 secondary only to the payment of wages1 which it is their duty to encourage and not to oppose4 ,as we shall1 however1 have occasion to refer to such instances1 as we proceed1 it is unnecessary now to dilate on them4 ,it will be seen that the inconsistencies to which we allude are subversive to the best interests of masters1 and are still more injurious to those they employ--they excite more debasing desires1 which unfit them for labour1 and they snap asunder the link of confidence and kindly feeling which ought ever to unite them4 ,alas6 how many seem to consider the poor labouring man almost as a mere machine1 without a frame susceptible of fatigue1 destitute of the least intelligence1 and without a soul to be saved6 ,it appears quite unnecessary further to prove that the seventh-day is absolutely requisite for bodily rest1 even were the hours for labour limited universally to a just and natural period4 ,ask the poor factory children1 the domestic servant1 the apprentice boy1 the mechanic1 the men who work in pits and mines1 the ill-paid but industrious needlewomen1 the tradesman and the shopman1 the merchant1 the man of literature and science1 the senator--nay1 ask our august and beloved ,,queen and her ,,royal ,,consort--each will readily acknowledge the vast utility of the ,sabbath as an indispensable means to maintain their bodily strength4 8,rest6 without thee what strength can long survive1 ,what spirit keep the flame of ,hope alive80--,,bloomfield4 ,all nature is loud in its cries for rest4 ,the powerful horse becomes weary1 and treads instinctively into his stable1 and the little birds are glad to rest on the slender branches of a tree4 ,it is the universal requirement of all animated creatures4 ,the ,,mind1 if it is possible to consider it as distinct from the body1 equally demands the preservation of the ,sabbath4 ,the entire separation of them1 however1 is impracticable4 ,we all know that it is impossible to proceed advantageously with our daily employment if the mind is not intently fixed on the object of labour4 ,when oppressed1 by unremitting exertion1 it is deprived of its influence1 and cannot effectually govern the actions of the body4 ,it would be1 indeed1 as absurd to suppose a man could perform his work1 under such circumstances1 as it would be for him to expect the corn to ripen without the genial influence of the rays of the sun4 ,the supposition is not tenable4 ,whenever the mind appears to triumph over the body it is caused by violent excitement1 passion1 or powerful stimulants1 which operate on the brain1 the organ of the mind1 so as to effect temporarily the mechanism of the body1 as with those who resort to spirituous liquors1 #ah after a hard day's work1 to deaden the depressive sensations produced by subsequent prostration of strength4 ,but this instantaneous relief is only of short duration--it is1 in fact1 the brain and mind operating conjointly on the body in the same manner1 only at first in a less degree1 as it does on the maniac6 ,the ultimate effect of a stimulated brain is to corrode and weaken the mind1 and1 when this is the case1 the brightness of its comprehension is at once darkened4 ,we will endeavour to proceed a little further with this very important part of our subject1 as drunkenness1 by producing a temporary aberration of the mind1 is one of the principal causes of the desecration of the ,sabbath4 ,the clouds are generally said to be formed of the vapours and moisture of the earth1 and the body of man was created from the dust of the earth4 ,there is here something like an analogy1 viewing the body previous to life being imparted1 which1 although it may appear in some respects not quite parallel1 we will admit to be so4 ,the beauty of an evening cloud is caused by the reflection of the sun1 which gives to it various bright hues and colours4 ,without such an agency it would impart no pleasure whatever to the eye of the beholder4 ,the body of man1 too1 became appreciated only when it received vitality from the ,creator4 ,we here perceive two evident influences--a lesser and a much greater--the brilliancy of the rays of the sun on the otherwise darksome cloud1 and the pure breath of the ,almighty infused into worthless dust6 ,let the splendid sun withdraw1 by the power of ,omnipotence1 and the cloud immediately loses its attraction--it is then simply the vapours and the moisture of the earth4 ,now1 the mind--which may be considered as the intellectual luminary--gives value to the body1 and excites likewise terrene attraction1 in the same manner1 although in a far more important sense4 ,but if the mind is obscured1 the capabilities of the body are deteriorated1 while the cloud1 notwithstanding the absence of its beauteous influence1 retains its original ordained utility4 ,rain descends from it1 which refreshes the inhabitants of the earth1 and makes all nature smile4 ,man1 when his body is greatly depressed1 although the mind is partially operating on it1 becomes an abject mass--of no benefit to his fellow-creatures4 ,still1 let it not be forgotten1 that the mind is the expression of the soul1 and that the soul will exist when all clouds and this earth shall have passed away for ever6 ,how important is it1 then1 to preserve the mind1 seeing that it governs the body1 the actions of which1 if not directed by the ,spirit of ,god1 decide the eternal destiny of the soul6 ,what1 we ask1 can possibly more effectually maintain both body and mind in their primitive vigour--so as to enable us not only to discharge satisfactorily our relative duties in this world1 but to share that sweet and eternal #8rest which remaineth for the people of ,god'--than the strictest adherence to the ,divine commandment1 8,remember the ,sabbath-day to keep it holy80 #b4 ,the ,sabbath is necessary for the preservation of health1 on account of the impurities of the atmosphere1 arising from a variety of pernicious causes4 ,the unwholesome impregnations of the atmosphere1 in densely populated cities and towns1 afford another reason for strictly enforcing the ,divine law as regards working on the ,sabbath4 ,the great amount of mortality1 attributable to this cause1 has of late happily excited the most intense interest4 ,it appears that many thousands of the labouring classes are annually consigned to the grave through inhaling obnoxious air4 ,if we required proof of this fact we need only observe the pallid cheeks and sunken eyes of too many working-men--not those who are unemployed1 and are in a destitute condition1 but those who labour daily in places and situations where the refreshing breeze never scarcely penetrates4 ,we may attribute much of this to the erection of ,gas ,works1 ,varnish and other ,manufactories1 which emit their abominable and destructive effluvia in the very centre of our large cities and towns4 ,to the men employed in such places1 and to the inhabitants who dwell around them1 how peculiarly beneficial must be the return of the ,sabbath6 ,again1 fully admitting the undeniable fact that gas is an incalculable benefit1 we know that to toil throughout six evenings in the week1 and occasionally whole days at particular seasons of the year1 in addition to the oppression arising from breath and the frequent want of proper ventilation1 particularly where there are many men employed in the same room1 too often terminates in ,consumption1 #ba or some other fatal disease4 ,gas is of great utility2 but if1 for illustration1 the sun reflected equal intensity of heat every day alike1 it would not only destroy all vegetation but every human creature--withholding its influence at intervals1 when it shines forth with meridian splendour1 it makes the seed prosperous1 the vine fruitful1 and imparts cheerfulness to man4 ,thus it is as respects gas1 the ,sabbath is a grateful relief1 and affords a highly necessary cessation to re-supply the waste of strength which is incurred by it4 ,we might proceed to a very considerable length with this part of the division of our subject1 but it really would appear superfluous4 ,the following startling and melancholy facts must be considered conclusive4 ,in a late ,return of the ,registrar-,general1 it is stated1 that the average life of a gentleman in ,london is #dc1 while that of the artizan1 c41 is but #bb years6 ,the same official document informs us that the chances of dying among men above #ce years1 in ,london1 is to that in the country as three to two6 ,with such statements before us1 is it not a duty we owe to ourselves and families to maintain inviolably the ,sabbath8 ,it was ordained by the ,creator in mercy to man1 and shall we daringly reject and despise such a gracious boon8 ,some latitudinarian and impious persons have boldly asserted that the labouring classes have no desire for religious instruction--on what positive evidence this general accusation is made it is impossible to conceive--and that therefore the ,sabbath may as well be considered as an ordinary day4 ,this idea is as unjust as it is monstrous4 ,because the ,sabbath is not by the majority esteemed as a sacred day1 is that a sufficient reason why it should be desecrated by labour8 ,many do exhibit an utter indifference to its lovely character and genial influences1 but are others in consequence to be deprived of its inestimable blessings1 and are the great mass of the people tacitly to bow with submission at the shrine of infidelity8 ,because many descend into the dark abyss1 are none to take their flight to heaven8 ,it has been said1 likewise1 that many young men1 not so utterly debased1 make our foregoing argument a pretext for resorting to distant places where the ,sabbath is most daringly profaned1 and where maddening pleasure is the sole inducement1 and that the occasional restriction of employment is of no importance4 ,to admit the soundness of this expedient defence would be to destroy all religious and moral obligations4 ,the natural inclinations of youth are thoughtless and volatile1 and it is the duty of the more reflecting portion of the community to check their vicious career1 by pourtraying the inevitable fatal consequences which must ultimately attend them4 ,perhaps the following beautiful lines1 which convey a just and stern reproof1 may possibly attract the attention of some among the number3-- 8,thy thoughts are vagabond2 all outward bound2 ',midst sands1 and rocks1 and storms1 to cruise for pleasure2 99 99 99 99 99 ,fancy and sense1 from an infected shore1 ,thy cargo brings1 and pestilence the prize40--,,young4 ,but1 happily1 there are multitudes of working-men and youths who 8call the ,sabbath a delight1 the holy of the ,lord honourable10 and who look forward to its return1 in order to enjoy its spiritual as well as temporal advantages1 with almost more anxiety than the husbandman1 in anticipation of his gains1 to the produce of a bountiful harvest4 ,without a ,sabbath man would become puerile1 sickly1 and spiritually dead4 #c4 ,the ,sabbath affords an opportunity to the labouring classes to attend to one of the greatest social duties--,,cleanliness4 ,if there is any truth in the preceding remarks1 the necessity for keeping the body properly cleansed1 and changing every seventh day our habiliments1 is so palpable that any arguments to enforce either the one or the other would almost appear unnecessary4 ,let us reflect1 however1 for a short time on this part of our subject4 ,the injurious properties mixed up in the materials used by many trades are of a nature that require more than customary slight ablutions to prevent them from penetrating into the system4 ,when the working-man returns to his home1 at night1 he is generally so exhausted that he finds scarcely the least disposition to undergo the process of 8a thorough good wash20 and1 in truth1 although in no respect regardless of becoming decency1 or ignorant of the benefits which it would confer on his health1 he rests satisfied1 for this once1 with a slight rince of the hands and face1 if he does not yield to the suggestion that it may be dispensed with altogether--but 8this once0 has sometimes no defined period for termination1 at least not until the ,sabbath morning arrives4 ,in such cases1 considering the short time allotted for social and other purposes1 and the great depression of body and mind1 the evil is more the result of uncontrollable causes than of wilful disinclination to perform a salutary duty4 ,there is1 however1 no palliation for an habitual daily deviation from a procedure which is so highly beneficial to health and comfort4 ,but1 observe this toil-worn labourer on the ,sabbath1 and then there will be seen a man whose general appearance denotes that he is fully sensible of the advantages to be derived from cleanliness4 ,it is1 nevertheless1 much to be regretted that any portion of the working classes should be so much harassed1 when in employment1 as to render it justifiable that a considerable portion of the early part of the ,sabbath should be devoted to such necessary purposes1 in order thoroughly to purify themselves for another week4 ,still1 in a temporal view1 how salutary is the seventh-day to these individuals6 ,there are others for whom we can offer no such excuse--who seem to place no value whatever on propriety of appearance1 and who display no outward respect for a proper observance of the ,sabbath4 ,the characters to whom we here allude may be seen standing at the corners of our streets1 or strolling along the public pathways1 covered with the dirt of their weekly occupation on the ,sabbath morning4 ,these men altogether reject the implantation of wholesome and necessary duties4 ,the orderly and cleanly apartment of an industrious wife affords them no delight4 ,they can witness1 unmoved by shame1 their neighbours dressed in their best attire1 and many of them repairing1 with cheerful hearts1 to the house of ,god4 ,these latter partake even now in part of the eternal rest of heaven6 8,the ,sabbath gathers to their common home40 ,but it may be truly said of the former that they have not yet learnt 8what is their chief business upon earth1 and what is the reckoning that awaits them at the ,divine ,tribunal40 ,another class of working-men habituate themselves to a custom1 in some trades more prevalent than in others1 which is particularly censurable1 and the impropriety of which deserves their most serious consideration4 ,we refer to the practice of wearing an apron on the morning of the ,sabbath4 ,surely the journeyman and the labourer behold the emblem of toil sufficiently during the six days without unnecessarily exposing it to public gaze on the ,sabbath-day6 ,it is a usage which is generally condemned4 ,the worldling objects to the practice1 because it does not harmonize with the fashions and gaieties of life2 the moralist disapproves of it as not consonant with secular polity2 but the ,christian condemns it1 from a pure and holy motive1 as giving countenance to a breach of the law of ,god6 ,still1 notwithstanding1 how delightful it is to observe the universal appearance of cleanliness on the ,sabbath-day6 ,in whatever house we enter1 with few exceptions1 we see on this special day every thing in comparative order2 the inmates neatly attired1 and the furniture cleansed and placed in its proper position4 ,if we look at the exterior of our dwellings1 we see a public evidence of the value of female industry4 ,without a stated ,sabbath this could not be the case4 ,one family would select a different day to another1 while the sloven1 not being forced by general example1 would certainly pay far less attention to the discharge of these salutary duties4 ,indeed1 it is very doubtful1 under such altered circumstances1 whether contagious or other diseases would not depopulate1 to a most awful extent1 the inhabitants of our crowded cities and towns4 ,thus we again see the importance of the ,sabbath1 as regards cleanliness1 both to individuals and the nation4 #bg #d4 ,the ,sabbath is essential for the preservation of ,,sight4 ,much as we are impressed with the wonderful construction of the various parts of the human frame1 in respect to their applicability to perform the respective functions assigned to them1 the eye unquestionably creates the greatest interest1 on account of its vast utility1 the ,divine ingenuity of its mechanism1 and its liability to receive injury from the slightest accidental cause4 ,the sight is one of the most invaluable blessings4 ,the rich who are deprived of the faculty of vision1 although they may possess extensive domains in a country whose vallies are as ,eschol1 whose forests are as ,carmel1 and whose hills are as ,lebanon1 cannot enjoy the magnificence and beauty of the scenery which surrounds them2 but they can listen with almost unalloyed pleasure to the melodious notes of the warbling bird1 or to the sweet and powerful intonations of musical sounds1 and their wealth supplies every other earthly luxury and enjoyment1 which tends materially to lessen the otherwise severe poignancy of their deprivation4 ,how widely different is the melancholy situation of the labouring man1 when his eyes are impaired by weakness or disease1 or when he is totally deprived of sight6 ,at once he is reduced to abject poverty1 and becomes either the recipient of private charity1 or the inmate of a workhouse4 ,the fine landscape1 much as he too may desire to gaze on it1 is to him of trifling or no consideration--it will not satisfy the hungry stomach1 nor shelter the body from the midnight blast6 ,such is the mournful effect of the loss of sight to the labouring classes4 ,how important is it1 then1 that they should avail themselves of every established right to abstain from work1 in order that this susceptible and essential faculty may receive additional strength8 ,we have previously shown that the prolonged hours of labour are incompatible with bodily health and mental vigour1 and that the ,sabbath is absolutely requisite to enable man to perform his accustomed employment--so it is with regard to the eye4 ,the vision is affected by lengthened intensity of observation on any one particular object4 ,it requires variety and relief1 both of which the ,creator has abundantly provided4 ,the variegated flowers1 the different shades of colour in minerals1 the lofty trees and the little plants1 the mountainous districts and the level plains1 the brilliant and diversified hues that frequently decorate the heavens1 all combine to testify that the eye cannot retain its perfection1 if it is continually fixed on the same scene4 ,the poor needlewomen1 who sit the entire day1 and sometimes do not cease from their tedious and spirit-subduing work until the light dawns on the following morning1 afford a very striking exemplification of the great and unspeakable advantages of the ,sabbath4 ,what would be their sad condition--wretched and deplorable even as it is now--were it not that on the seventh day the eye was relieved of its monotonous and weary application8 ,alas6 many of these pitiable females1 even with this gracious opportunity to repair the injury inflicted by almost incessant toil1 are often at an early age incapacitated1 by defective vision1 from pursuing their ill-paid occupations1 and are then left destitute of their former scanty pittance to procure even sufficient sustenance to preserve life4 ,take1 also1 the men who work in pits and mines--where the glimmering lamp is the only source of light1 and where all else around is chaotic darkness--how essential and benignant must be the ,sabbath to them6 ,defective vision would completely prevent such men from pursuing their hazardous employment4 ,thus we once more prove the temporal advantages of the ,sabbath to the labouring population4 99 99 99 99 99 ,having directed our attention to these four important divisions of our subject1 we will now proceed to make some promiscuous observations in connection with them4 ,reckless competition1 in order to acquire wealth at all hazards in an unusually short period--not the competition which emanates from a natural and laudable desire to increase trade by equitable and just efforts--and the secret influence of infidel impressions1 may generally be considered as the two primary causes of 8,sunday labour40 ,the plea of necessity cannot be admitted4 ,we often hear it asserted1 however1 especially in reference to the periodical press1 that there exists this #8necessity1' in order that the public may not be disappointed in receiving on a precise day their publications4 ,but surely the page of classic lore1 or the ,magazine of ,literature1 ,arts1 and ,sciences--the bright gems of civilization--need not the foul impress of ,sabbath labour6 ,a very little judicious extra arrangement would render it entirely unnecessary1 and the same remark is applicable to every other description of work on the seventh-day4 ,is it not a most humiliating and distressing fact1 that1 on some of the most interesting and valuable literary and scientific productions of the present age1 there are thousands employed on the ,sabbath-day8 ,it is impossible to contemplate the probable baneful effects1 which are almost certain to be produced on the minds and bodies of those industrious young females who on that day fold and stitch the sheets1 without apprehending the most fearful consequences1 even as regards their temporal welfare4 ,the statistics of ,police ,courts disclose many melancholy facts in corroboration of this almost general result4 ,now1 will any reflecting practical man justify the word #8necessity' as applied to this description of ,sabbath desecration8 ,none whatever4 ,then there can be no vindication for an unnecessary act which is so injurious to morality1 and which induces so frightfully to the commission of sin4 ,it is quite clear1 as regards the general performance of trade labour1 that1 if consistency of moral principle--we say nothing of religious conviction--was duly appreciated1 a most cheerful negative would be given to all such propositions1 the result of which would be far more satisfactory at the termination of the year4 ,we must not pass over the sad condition of many of the journeyman tailors4 ,here is a trade where it may be truly said that #8reckless competition has destroyed by want1 or excessive labour1 hundreds of its members1' and has undoubtedly led them to disregard the ,divine origin and temporal advantages of the ,sabbath4 ,we will prove our assertion4 ,many of the fashionable master tailors1 as well as the large establishments which continually advertise cheap clothing1 allow the work to be taken by the journeymen to their own lodgings1 or some hired room for the purpose1 where1 according to one of their statements1 8the families of those unfortunate men are in a great measure totally neglected1 their wives become careless and void of all cleanliness1 and often contaminated by the obscene language of the men1 even while at work frequently during the ,sunday40 ,if we look at the splendid shops of their employers on the ,sabbath1 we see every outward indication of a strict observance of it--but turn to the above demoralized neighbourhood1 glance at the filthy garret1 and what a wretched and revolting scene is exhibited6 ,the heart sickens with disgust1 pity is mingled with abhorrence4 ,what can such masters offer in extenuation for such wilful neglect of the religious1 moral1 and social happiness of those they employ8 ,in speaking to a very poor journeyman tailor1 some short time since1 he said it was not an unusual circumstance for him to be employed on the ,sunday in making a suit of mourning--a very frequent but reprehensible practice which prevails amongst dress-makers1 c4--and that often they were the garments intended to be worn by those he esteemed as ,christian individuals1 who1 if they had thought that such must have been the case1 would most assuredly not have permitted it4 ,the ,christian community must be held responsible for much of this species of ,sabbath labour4 ,we do not expect the worldly-minded would forego any desired request1 but the members of a ,christian church--those who profess to love ,god--we have a right to conclude would delay for a short time1 by making some temporary substitution1 what otherwise must be considered as one of the last manifestations of mournful respect to a deceased friend or relative4 ,it would be well if ,ministers of religion would occasionally impress on their congregations the possibility of their becoming1 through an inconsiderate desire to have their orders completed at a certain unreasonably short period1 the unintentional instruments of sin in this way4 ,in most cases the #8necessity' might be easily removed4 ,let the tradesman frankly state that ,sabbath labour must be the consequence of compliance1 and that the command of ,god is clear and imperative3 8,six days shalt thou labour1 and do all thy work4 ,but the seventh day is the ,sabbath of the ,lord thy ,god3 in it thou shalt not do any work40 ,there can be no doubt that the effect of such a reply would be1 as an especial mark of approbation for his pure and conscientious motives1 the recommendation of many additional customers4 ,but the truth is that many employers are apprehensive that they may disoblige their patrons1 and to secure their support1 as they think1 they sacrifice the health and happiness of their workmen1 and destroy any latent inclination to the formation of religious habits4 ,much of the discontent and bad feeling1 which at present exists between working-men and their employers1 might be removed if the ,apostle's injunction was more mutually respected3--8,look not every man on his own things1 but every man also on the things of others40 ,is this the principle manifested in the present day8 ,we admit our many delinquencies1 but are not many masters equally culpable8 ,it has been already proved4 ,if employers evince no sympathy for the steady and attentive workman--if they view him as a mere inanimate instrument to be used only as occasion requires1 without the least knowledge of his social condition1 and utterly regardless of his happiness1 what otherwise can naturally be expected than that he should be indifferent to the promotion of their interests8 ,the subject is a serious one1 and it is to be hoped that these observations will tend to check a continuance of such unquestionable evils1 and to create a more reciprocal feeling of good-will between them4 ,the situation of the working population is at present most painful1 and we unhesitatingly affirm that ,sabbath desecration renders it still more so4 ,man in general1 by strictly adhering to an observance of this sacred day1 would possess not only great temporal advantages1 but enjoy an inward peace the value of which the wealth of this world cannot purchase4 ,it will be well here to remember that it is the universal observance of the ,sabbath which is commanded4 ,the day was made for man--not for a portion of the human race--and it is consequently a general law1 which1 as regards at least public labour1 #ce cannot be accommodated to suit the circumstances or peculiar dispositions of any class of individuals4 ,this remark is extremely applicable to railway and other excursions on the ,sabbath4 ,we are fully aware that the above mode of reasoning is not congenial to the natural inclinations of man1 and that some very apparently plausible objections are frequently urged to prove its fallacy4 ,the only course1 however1 which the ,christian can take to decide the question is by a direct reference to the ,word of ,god4 ,there is nothing contained in the ,bible which is inimical to the welfare of mankind4 ,the restraints which it imposes are in reality the most evident proofs of the love of ,god4 ,whatever ,he has commanded1 we may rest assured is for the universal benefit of ,his creatures4 ,the believer is experimentally acquainted with this fact1 and he therefore considers a cheerful and strict obedience to the laws of ,god both a duty and a delight4 ,now1 in reference to the great national and social importance of railways1 it must be admitted that the most evident general beneficial proposition may be alloyed with objectionable considerations1 the dismemberment of which is a positive duty4 ,such is the view which the ,christian takes of railway and steam-boat excursions on the ,sabbath4 ,but it is said that they are indispensable for the preservation of the health of the labouring population4 ,it is true that rational recreation and diversified scenes are essential to them1 still1 we must repeat the question1 ,why should the hours for labour be so protracted that the ,sabbath must be almost exclusively devoted to temporal enjoyments8 ,the poor man has no just right to work in this way until his strength is so completely exhausted that it becomes a #8necessity'--in order to preserve his very existence--that he should violate the command of his merciful ,creator4 ,is the ,sabbath the only day when the labourer is to partake of the sweet fruits of his industry8 ,are all the endearments of life1 the caresses of his children1 and the comforts of the domestic circle1 to be only enjoyed by him on the ,sabbath8 ,is his little garden1 should he happily possess one1 to exhibit nothing but wild weeds throughout the year unless he cultivates it on the ,sabbath8 ,the evergreen and the beauteous flower would equally as well thrive in the soil that is attached to the humble abodes of the mechanic and labourer1 provided they had time to attend to this elevating source of delight1 #cf as they do in the ornamental parterres of the rich in this world4 ,again1 we ask1 why should every moral1 intellectual1 and social duty be reserved for performance on the ,sabbath8 ,those who advance such false sympathy for the working classes are themselves supporting a system which perpetuates injustice and deprives the poor of true earthly happiness4 ,let the advocates of ,sabbath railway and steam-boat excursions apply their minds more closely to the consideration of our social condition1 and they will learn that the #8necessity' is to be solely attributed to the avaricious or thoughtless disposition of man1 in despite of the intervention of a merciful ,creator4 ,the defence is a most wilful imputation on the wisdom and universal beneficence of ,god4 ,a strict compliance with the ,divine law1 in any state of society1 infuses peace and joy into the dwellings of the poor1 and sheds a bright beam of hope across the rugged path they tread6 ,we cannot avoid here referring to a reply1 and to a certain extent a just one1 which is almost invariably made whenever any remark is offered respecting the desecration of the ,sabbath either by labour1 railway and steam-boat excursions1 or by journeys taken in vehicles4 ,not to do so would be partial and unjust4 ,the reference is to the number of carriages1 belonging to the wealthy1 which are seen in the metropolis on that sacred day4 ,it is easy to understand the motives which govern the fashionable lite1 who exhibit their splendid equipages in our beautiful national ,parks on the ,sabbath1 but it appears and is altogether contradictory when we see the more reflecting and domestic portion of the ,nobility and ,gentry pursuing the same gay and sinful practice1 and thus setting a baneful example to those around them who occupy a more humble position in life4 8,they have10 it is said1 8six other days in the week when they can take their salutary #8carriage-airings'--it is not so with the poor mechanic40 ,nor can we pass unnoticed the number of carriages which are seen every ,sabbath at the entrances to our ,churches and ,chapels--even while some faithful ,minister of ,christ is sounding the trumpet of alarm to impenitent sinners--with the servants waiting outside1 unconscious of the awful warnings which are being uttered within those sacred edifices4 ,can it be said1 in all such cases1 that bodily infirmity1 age1 distance1 or even the state of the weather1 renders it necessary8 ,does it not more resemble the boisterous and imperious swellings of the reckless wave than the gentle flowings of the calm waters8 ,while such inconsistencies prevail1 the infidel will exult for a time over his supposed triumph1 the ribaldist will continue to sneer at the efforts of ,christians1 and the more cautious worldling will not fail to advance it as a justification for ,sabbath desecration4 ,let us now make a few consecutive observations on the religious1 moral1 and social divisions of our subject4 ,at the commencement nearly of this ,essay1 we observed that it was the temporal advantages of the ,sabbath to which our especial attention was to be directed2 but true morality1 social happiness1 and even intellectual attainments1 are all so closely blended with religion1 or ought to be1 that they cannot properly be separated4 8,it would be absurd10 says a popular author1 8to treat first of the advantages of virtue1 and next of those of justice or temperance1 because the first head evidently comprehends the second40 ,so it would be if we were to attempt to exclude religion from the consideration of moral and social principles4 ,religion is the parent1 and the others are the legitimate offspring4 ,this has been most eloquently enforced by a writer well-known for his piety3--8,every thing which wants religion wants vitality4 ,philosophy without religion is crippled and impotent2 poetry without religion has no heart-stirring powers2 life without religion is a complex and unsatisfactory riddle3 the very arts which address themselves to the senses1 never proceed so far towards perfection as when employed on religious subjects40 ,may we not1 then1 fairly attribute the failure of many schemes1 intended to improve the condition of the working population1 to the entire absence of religious considerations8 ,such propositions may be congenial to the thoughtless multitude and the infidel1 but they invariably terminate in disappointment--because the overruling providence of ,god is not acknowledged1 nor are ,his daily mercies at all recognised4 ,we will now first notice the origin of the ,divine obligation for ceasing from labour on the ,sabbath4 ,it is not essential that we should here discuss the question respecting the ,christian or ,jewish observance of it1 nor is it absolutely material whether it is designated the ,lord's-,day1 the ,sabbath1 or ,sunday1 although the two former appear to be the most appropriate4 #dj ,there can be no doubt1 notwithstanding all that may be advanced to the contrary1 that the ,sabbath was instituted by ,god at the creation of the world4 8,the heavens and the earth were finished1 and on the seventh-day ,god ended his work which he had made2 and ,god blessed the seventh-day and ,,sanctified it40 ,if there is any intelligible inference to be drawn from this simple narration1 it must be plain that it was the ,divine intention to separate one day from the other six for sacred and devotional purposes1 and to afford man an opportunity to obtain repose from labour4 ,god not only blessed this day1 but he sanctified it1 thereby imparting to it a peculiar heavenly and hallowed influence4 ,we will pass over any intermediate passage in the ,old ,testament which might be brought forward to prove our conclusion1 and quote the positive command given by ,god on ,mount ,sinai--8,remember the ,sabbath-day to keep it ,,holy40 ,here is a plain and indisputable enforcement of the original obligation1 laid on man1 to preserve the ,sabbath as a previously sanctified day4 ,the same injunction1 in a variety of ways1 is enforced throughout the entire ,word of ,god4 ,if1 in the ,new ,testament1 it is not so explicitly commanded1 there are abundant instances where ,christ himself inculcated and respected a proper observance of the ,sabbath4 ,the early ,christians universally considered it as a sacred day1 and nearly all the ancient writers testify to its being a day set apart for at least outward recognition4 ,josephus asserts1 8,there is no city or nation1 ,greek or ,barbarian1 in which the custom of resting on the seventh-day is not preserved40 ,philo ,judus declares1 8,it is a festival celebrated not only in one city1 but throughout the whole world40 ,justin ,martyr also says1 8,we all meet together on ,sunday 7diem ,solis71 on which ,god having changed ,darkness and ,matter1 created the world2 and on this day ,jesus ,christ our ,saviour arose from the dead40 ,this last record particularly confirms our previous assertion respecting the origin of the ,sabbath4 ,these questions now naturally arise3--,shall the present generation impiously attempt to disannul the primval law of ,god1 which all ages have formally respected8 ,is the power of wealth to bid defiance to the eternal law of ,god8 ,are the pleasures and luxuries of this world to be held in higher estimation than the undescribable joys of heaven8 ,is infidelity1 in a word1 to triumph over ,christianity8 ,the ,writer must here pause and seriously reflect1 and he entreats the reader to do so likewise1 on the melancholy if not awful consequences that have befallen individuals1 even in this world1 who have wilfully violated the ,sabbath-day4 ,,truth ,,may ,,whisper ,,divine ,,mercy ,,rescued ,,thee4 99 99 99 ,if we have done so in an humble and contrite spirit1 we ought at once to exclaim1 with the penitent ,psalmist1 8,have mercy upon me1 ,o ,god1 according to thy loving kindness2 according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions40 ,the adoption of this course will assuredly lead to a great improvement in our present temporal condition4 ,the testimony of ,judge ,hale1 although so frequently adduced1 seems to force itself on the memory3--8,i have found10 said he1 8that a due observing of the duty of the ,lord's-day hath ever joined to it a blessing upon the rest of my time2 and the week that hath been so begun1 hath been blessed and prosperous to me2 and1 on the other side1 when ,i have been negligent of the duties of that day1 the rest of the week hath been unsuccessful1 and unhappy to my secular employments40 ,but what is the assurance and the promise contained in the ,word of ,god8 8,blessed is the man that keepeth the ,sabbath from polluting it40 ,isaiah lvi4 #b4 8,if thou turn away thy foot from the ,sabbath1 from doing thy pleasure on my holy day2 and call the ,sabbath a delight1 the holy of the ,lord1 honourable2 and shalt honour him1 not doing thine own ways1 nor finding thine own pleasure1 nor speaking thine own words2 then shalt thou delight thyself in the ,lord2 and ,i will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth40 ,isaiah lviii4 #c4 ,god will bless us in this world1 and we shall enjoy hereafter an eternal ,sabbath in the ,celestial ,city1 where we #8shall hunger no more1 neither thirst any more2 for the ,lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed us1 and shall lead us unto living fountains of waters3 and ,god shall wipe away all tears from our eyes4' ,rev4 vii4 #af1 #ag4 ,these are1 however1 truths which but few seem to believe4 ,no doubt the willing compliance of masters to make their men work on the ,sabbath has created much scepticism4 ,it conveys to the unenlightened mind an idea that religion is a mere speculative theory1 and hence that day is treated with but little veneration1 if not with perfect indifference4 ,when such individuals are told1 in justification1 that 8little differences about religion may occasionally be waived when business requires their attendance10 the effect must be1 in a greater or less degree1 to create a dislike for all subjects which have a religious reference4 ,do we not observe this in many working-men1 who decry everything which relates to religion8 ,honesty and general morality they can clearly understand2 but their souls are too barren and unproductive to appreciate the loveliness of those things which relate to another and a better world1 and are consequently unable to discern the unsullied purity of the ,divine character4 ,hence it is that we so frequently hear it asserted in the workshop that the ,bible contains a strange admixture of virtuous principles and gross immorality4 ,the best reply to such wicked and depraved assertions may be found in the words of a most distinguished ,minister of the ,church of ,scotland1 whose writings in defence of ,christianity1 together with the force and beauty of his compositions1 have gained for him universal celebrity amongst ,christians of every denomination3--8,the ,scripture is an exact portrait of man2 if it shews the bright in his character1 it also records the black2 if it proclaims that which ennobles and exalts him1 it discloses that which tends to depress and humble him4 ,there is also1 in the present day1 what is thought delicacy of language1 which was unknown even two or three centuries ago1 and still more so when the ,bible was written40 #dd ,to this we may add1 that the ,christian reads every sentence in the ,word of ,god with the simplicity which denotes his profession1 being too much influenced by the many precious promises which it contains to cavil about the expediency of accommodating the ancient custom of phraseology to suit that of modern times4 ,it is the sceptic and the sensual who alone raise the objections4 ,we may remark1 as regards the ,bible containing the details of the depravity of man1 that they were placed there in order to warn us1 and to remind us of the justice as well as the unbounded love of ,god4 ,let us illustrate our meaning by a reference to fading creation4 ,how often do we view with ecstacy some lovely garden1 admire its varied compartments1 and gaze with pleasure on the choice flowers which adorn it1 yet1 at the same time1 see many obtrusive blades of grass1 or straggling weeds1 which are intended to convey a silent but serious reproof to us8 ,the scattered blades of grass1 if united in close compact1 would excite our admiration4 ,who can behold the simple but beauteous appearance of a lawn1 or the grass that covers the distant hill1 and not feel emotions of delight8 ,it is their isolated and estranged position that creates our censure4 ,just so it is as regards the ,bible4 ,the sinner1 while living apart from ,god1 is compared to the weeds and stubble1 and is threatened1 unless he repents and believes in the ,saviour1 as #8willing and able to save all that come unto ,him1' to be also condemned and to receive that awful sentence which awaits the impenitent4 ,when pardoned1 however1 he is brought into close communion with ,god1 and1 being united1 becomes a lovely plant in the garden of the ,lord4 ,if our hearts were more fixed on the entire purity of ,god1 we should peruse the ,scriptures with an emphatic earnestness which would elevate us far above sensual and infidel conclusions4 ,the real character of many of the declaimers against the ,bible is thus portrayed3--8,in the middle classes1 among the half-thinking1 half-instructed young men1 a sort of infidelity is not unfrequent1 which1 after deducting something for the influence of worse motives1 is attributable to affectation more than to any other cause4 ,it is a mere impertinence1 and indicates a want of sense1 or profligacy of manners40 #df ,and1 now1 what says the late eloquent and pious ,robert ,hall8 8,settle it in your minds1 as a maxim never to be effaced or forgotten1 that infidelity is an inhuman and bloody system1 equally hostile to every human restraint and to every virtuous affection--that1 leaving nothing above us to create awe1 nor round us to waken tenderness1 it wages war with heaven and earth2 its first object is to dethrone ,god2 its next to destroy man40 ,would that these sentiments1 so forcibly expressed1 could be engraven on the hearts of the rising generation throughout the world6 ,the greatest researchers after truth1 and the most eminent philosophers1 have borne witness to the exalted worth and power of the ,holy ,scriptures4 8,i thank ,god10 says ,mr4 ,locke1 8for the light of revelation1 which sets my poor reason at rest1 in many things that lay beyond the reach of its discovery40 ,lord ,bacon observes1 8,it was only by the light of ,scripture1 and the exercises of devotion1 that ,i attained to that acquaintance with ,god1 which ,i had sought for in vain amidst the hurry of secular affairs1 or in the course of my philosophical pursuits40 ,and yet there are some men--possessing very extensive knowledge on nearly all other subjects--who impugn the truths of ,christianity without anything like close and serious investigation4 ,they possess a ,bible1 but1 with the exception of a few abstract and familiar sentences1 they are entirely ignorant of its contents4 ,is it surprising that such individuals merely consider the ,sabbath as a day for cessation from labour1 altogether irrespective of its being first sanctified by ,god1 and afterwards enjoined to be kept as an holy day8 ,such persons are naturally1 when interest or desire prompts them1 willing either to labour or to seek worldly pleasure on the ,sabbath4 ,we have made the above somewhat lengthened remarks because the entire question of ,sabbath desecration1 after all1 rests on a firm belief in the ,scriptures4 ,the ,divine commandment is contained therein1 and if the ,bible is rejected1 or believed only in part1 our main argument must fail to produce conviction2 but1 if implicit credence is given to it1 then1 we assert1 the law of ,god is absolute and universal4 ,in order to confine our observations within a limited space1 although our subject is as prolific as it is important1 we must now shortly bring them to a conclusion4 ,the effect of an abrogation of the ,divine law of the ,sabbath would be most fatal1 as we have already proved1 to religion1 morals1 the advancement of intellectual knowledge1 and even the existence of man4 ,who can depict the horrid condition of the poor factory children if they were deprived of a ,sabbath8 ,why1 our manufactories--wherein are produced some of the richest fruits which emanate from refined taste and from rapid progression in the arts and sciences--would then become national nurseries for prostitution and general profligacy1 or else the infected receptacles of emaciation and disease6 ,such a supposition may be ridiculed by the tolerants of infidelity1 and even the pure and tender feelings of sympathy may suggest a doubt as to the possibility of such an awful event1 but the same iniquitous motive that lately consigned children to twelve and fourteen hours labour each day--until the voice of ,christian humanity declared it should no longer be tolerated--is equally likely1 if not resisted1 to deprive this infantine section of the community of the spiritual and temporal blessings of the ,sabbath4 ,besides1 it is just in proportion as we permit the rest of the seventh-day to be taken away from the adult1 that we weaken the barrier that protects youth from its encroachments4 ,but we may extend these considerations to the children of the entire population4 ,were it not for this blest day they would be reduced--in civilized ,england1 with the lull and benign beams of ,gospel light shining now in every city1 town1 and village--to as low a state of degradation and barbarism as the unenlightened savage4 ,the latter are totally uninstructed1 7what a powerful incentive is this fact for increased ,missionary exertion67 and they therefore roam about in the wildness of their natural state4 ,in this country crime is progressive4 ,the boy who is a pickpocket to-day may become a burglar to-morrow2 the youth who purloins from his master's till not unfrequently commits afterwards a more daring offence2 and the once little innocent girl1 who was permitted to roam in the streets1 becomes too often the future companion of thieves1 and herself branded with infamy4 ,it was as remedial measures that ,sabbath and ,ragged ,schools were established2 yet1 with all these and other ,christian efforts1 the number of juvenile offenders has immensely increased4 ,what would be the condition of children1 and more advanced youth1 were it not for the instruction afforded to them on the ,sabbath8 ,every species of crime would be considerably augmented1 and life and property still more endangered4 ,how appropriately might we here dwell on the value and importance of ,sabbath ,schools6 ,they would afford almost an endless theme for the most consolatory and sublime considerations4 ,but our space will not allow us to enumerate the many temporal advantages which such institutions confer on society1 and man can never pourtray the heavenly bliss of the myriads of once otherwise neglected children1 who1 having been first taught in these ,schools to lisp their ,saviour's praise1 are now singing continually 8the song of the ,lamb0 in the kingdom of their ,god6 8,on harps of gold they praise ,his name1 ,his face they always view2 ,then let us followers be of them1 ,that we may praise ,him too60 ,it is impossible adequately to estimate the temporal advantages of the ,sabbath4 ,the opportunity which it affords for parental and social intercourse is most important4 ,the industrious classes have scarcely any time1 unless it is on that day1 to discharge their responsible duties1 and consequently their children are exposed to every species of depravity4 ,it is true that a ,christian mother is daily with her children1 and1 possessing perhaps a greater natural warmth of affection1 is more likely to be a blessing to them than the father2 still1 how very desirable is it that the latter1 particularly as they advance in years1 should exercise a judicious superintending control1 and thus strive to maintain the discipline1 and carry out the instructions1 which have been so anxiously and affectionately imbued by the mother during the six days8 ,deprive us of our ,sabbath1 and fatherly influence is as unproductive as the soil of the desert6 ,we lose one of our greatest privileges--the natural right to assist in the formation of the religious1 moral1 and intellectual characters of our offspring4 ,again1 as respects the adult population1 has the preaching of ,god's ,word1 and the congregating of all grades in society on the ,sabbath1 no effect on the mass of the people8 ,does it not1 leaving out of consideration the eternal results1 create deeds of charity which impart temporal relief to the poor8 ,the ,sabbath is the peculiar day when the streams of benevolence flow rapidly through the land4 ,it is principally by the contributions then given that our humane and benevolent ,institutions are sustained4 ,we might also prove that civil governments rise or fall in proportion as the people venerate and observe the ,sabbath1 but it is assuredly unnecessary4 ,if it is an institution of paramount importance to a family1 it must be equally so to a nation4 99 99 99 99 99 ,working-,men6 the subject which we have been discussing demands your most calm and serious consideration4 ,if we tacitly permit the ,sabbath to be wrested from us1 even in part or whole1 we give up the most invaluable right which we possess--a right which the ,almighty ,creator conferred on man when ,he first gave him existence1 and which no earthly power can justly take from us4 ,shall we then bear the yoke of continuous labour around our necks8 ,the ,sabbath is a fixed and indispensable day of rest1 and we should therefore manifest a decided determination to resist all encroachments on it4 ,let us remember that by working on this sacred day we destroy the universality of it1 which is the essence and beauty of the ,sabbath4 ,when we are so requested to labour1 let us respectfully but resolutely decline it4 ,considerate employers will respect our motives2 and1 in order fully to prove that we are sincere1 we should evince a full sense of the value of our right by a constant and assiduous attention to our respective duties4 ,may the dawn of a happier day be not far distant1 when the dark clouds which now cast such a fearful gloom over our country shall be dispersed1 and when both masters and men shall unitedly resolve to obey the law of ,,god--8,,remember ,,the ,,sabbath-,,day ,,to ,,keep ,,it ,,holy60 99 99 99 99 99 ,,the ,,end4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,chelsea3 ,,printed ,,by ,t4 ,,wilsher1 ,,manor ,,street4 ,,footnotes4 #g 8,the progress of bricks and mortar and of inclosures has sadly restricted the spaces on which the ,english peasantry could take healthful exercise4 ,respectable people keep away from these crowded spots4 ,the influence of their example is lost1 and in its place is substituted the influence of the idle1 the dissolute1 and the depraved40--,moral ,economy of ,large ,towns1 by ,dr4 ,w4 ,c4 ,,taylor4 #h ,the ,writer was1 some years ago1 addressed in the following manner3 8,it is monstrous1 you have no right to let your religious opinions interfere with business in this way40 #i ,in the ,french revolutionary mania1 in #ahjj1 8the year was divided into twelve equal months1 of thirty days each1 completing the year by the ingenious invention of five complemental days4 ,the month was divided into three decades1 or weeks each of ten days1 by which the days of rest were reduced to three in each month1 which were substituted for the four ,sundays4 99 99 99 99 ,in some towns1 workshops and warehouses were closed 7on the regular ,sunday71 in others they were closed upon the ,decadi 7or tenth day72 nay1 frequently1 in the same town1 in the same street1 ,,the ,,contrast ,,presented ,,the ,,spectacle ,,of ,a ,,mischievous ,,diversity ,,in ,,the ,,ideas ,,and ,,in ,,the ,,morals ,,of ,,the ,,people40--,thier's ,history of the ,consulate and the ,empire4 #ad ,there are some very excellent little ,tracts published by this ,association on the above subject1 which can be procured by application to ,j4 ,lilwall1 ,esq41 the ,secretary1 #cb2 ,ludgate ,hill4 #ah ,although the ,writer was at no period of his life 8a dram-drinker10 he has nevertheless suffered severely from occasional intemperance1 and he would therefore most earnestly commend the consideration of this subject to the labouring classes4 #ba 8,of the #de1jjj deaths occurring every year in the ,metropolis1 about #e1fjj arises from this fatal disease2 and upwards of #aa1jjj persons1 being about one in #agj of the entire population of the metropolis1 and more than one per cent4 of the adults1 are constantly wasting away under the attacks of this lingering malady4 ,of these #aa1jjj cases1 about three-fourths occur in males1 of whom a large proportion are working-men1 unable to provide for themselves and families4 ,many--very many--of these poor sufferers are the acknowledged victims of unventilated workshops1 ill-constructed dwellings1 vitiated atmosphere1 long hours of work1 and the want of open places for exercise and recreation40 ,there are #ha ,patients at present in the ,hospital1 and the number prescribed for daily1 as ,out-,patients1 is at the rate of #cf1jjj in the year6--,report of the ,hospital for ,consumption1 and ,diseases of the ,chest1 at ,brompton1 #ahdi4 ,the ,writer of this ,essay cannot refrain from making a most earnest appeal in behalf of this truly ,christian ,institution4 ,gratitude prompts him to the discharge of this duty1 and he trusts that his humble position in life will not weaken the effort to promote the interests of a ,charity to which himself1 three sons1 and seven daughters1 are so greatly indebted4 ,during the period in which he was engaged in the composition of this ,essay1 and for nearly #ah months previous1 his wife was receiving the most kind1 attentive1 and skilful treatment from the ,physicians of this ,hospital1 who considered her case as almost beyond medical relief4 ,she is now in a much improved state of health4 ,surely this simple statement will be deemed as sufficient evidence of the value of this ,institution4 ,it depends principally on the amount of its ,annual ,subscriptions for support1 and it would be a source of great pleasure to the ,writer1 if it should be found that1 through the publication of his feeble ,essay1 only ,,one ,benefactor had been added to the list of its ,patrons6 #bg ,it is very pleasing to observe that many thousands of the working classes avail themselves of those admirable places for the preservation of health and happiness1 the ,public ,baths1 which have been some time now established4 ,we may also notice the laudable efforts recently made to encourage ,open-,air ,bathing in the ,serpentine4 ,a very interesting and important pamphlet on this subject has been lately written by ,thomas ,embling1 ,esq4 ,it really appears essential that every ,bather1 and especially youth1 should peruse a copy of this invaluable treatise4--,published by ,w4 ,f4 ,,ramsay1 #aa1 ,brompton ,row1 ,brompton4 #ce 8,the ,divine law prohibits civil labour1 or work in the way of trade on the ,sabbath1 but acts of mercy are acceptable to ,god on any day4 ,we have several instances of this recorded in the ,new ,testament1 in reference to ,christ and his disciples40--,dr4 ,s4 ,,smith',s ,dissertations on the ,bible1 #agcg4 #cf 8,the flowers of a garden--those silent preachers to which ,christ himself referred his disciples as eloquent witnesses of the bounty of ,providence--speak lessons of loveliness to the soul1 and give an immediate check to gross vice and foul pollution4 ,we too often forget the humanizing and moral effects of a garden40--,dr4 ,w4 ,c4 ,,taylor4 #dj ,the ,writer1 since the completion of his ,essay1 has perused the ,first ,volume of ,the ,apocalypse ,interpreted in the ,light of the ,day of the ,lord1 by the ,rev4 ,,james ,,kelly1 ,m4,a41 ,minister of ,st4 ,peter's ,episcopal ,chapel1 ,queen's ,square1 ,st4 ,james's ,park1 from the ,preface to which he has gleaned the following particulars3--#8,the word ,sunday is a very ancient ,heathen appellation1 the days of the week having been called by them after the names of the planets4 ,the first day was denominated the day of the ,sun1 or the ,lord ,sun4 ,all the ,oriental nations gave the ,sun the title of ,lord4 ,no doubt the early ,christians elevated its application4 ,for this ennobling of the common term1 they considered that provision had been made by ,god himself1 in the setting forth of ,christ as the ,sun of righteousness4 ,malachi iv4 ,by most of the early ,fathers1 and from their time onwards1 the term ,lord's-,day has been used to designate the ,christian ,sabbath4' ,the ,writer of this ,essay1 therefore1 humbly submits that ,christians should now call the seventh-day either the ,lord's-,day or the ,sabbath-,day4 ,in the present times this 8ennobling of the common term0 seems peculiarly necessary4 ,the above ,work explains many hitherto apparently mystical passages in the ,revelations1 and a perusal of it1 in a right spirit1 will supply arguments which will at once silence the sceptic1 and1 at the same time1 confirm the reader in his belief that there is nothing contained in the ,holy ,scriptures1 which shall not be made manifest to those who seek to be enlightened by the ,spirit of ,god4 ,it is published by ,messrs4 ,,nisbet and ,co41 ,london4 #dd ,the reader is entreated to read 8,is ,christianity from ,god80 and also 8,god in ,history10 by the ,rev4 ,,john ,,cumming1 ,d4,d4 #df ,history of the ,transmission of ,ancient ,books to ,modern ,times1 by ,,james ,,taylor4