y.

* * * * *

"Sabbath-breakers" had multiplied to such an extent in 1815 that
conventions were held in many of the counties in Massachusetts to see what
could be done in reference to the evil. We have a report of the Essex
convention at Topsfield, Oct. 4, 1815. The Committee say, among other
things,--

Although most men, even if they have no regard for the Divine
Being or the welfare of society, when they know that
Sabbath-breaking is offensive to the great body of the community,
will, from regard to themselves, refrain from it, yet there are
some abandoned individuals, who are so lost to all proper regard
even for themselves, as well as their Maker, and their
fellow-men, that in violation of laws, human and Divine, and in
direct opposition to the wishes of the community, they still
continue to travel and labour upon the Sabbath.

Such persons ought _surely_ to be prosecuted, and made to feel
that they cannot violate the laws of the Commonwealth, and
profane the Sabbath with impunity.

If their conduct is suffered to continue, others will be
emboldened to follow their example; the evil will again increase,
and eventually become as great as before.

But if they find that they cannot profane the Sabbath without
being subjected to the trouble, shame and expense of a penal
prosecution, this enormous evil, which has so long been
undermining the best interests of the community, and drawing
down upon us Divine judgments, will be prevented. For past
experience has fully demonstrated, that wherever the laws are
prudently, and at the same time promptly and faithfully executed,
the evil will cease.

And among the Resolves passed by the Convention we find these,--

III. Resolved, that we earnestly recommend to Tythingmen, Civil
Officers and the friends of the Sabbath in every town, to
prosecute, or cause to be prosecuted, without distinction and
without delay, all, who are travelling without sufficient reason,
or in any way wilfully violating the laws respecting the Lord's
Day.

V. Resolved, that we recommend to all the friends of order, to
circulate as extensively as possible, such tracts and pamphlets
as are calculated to promote the due observance of the Lord's
Day.

Voted, that the Clerk be requested to send a copy