t we
respect the Sabbath and its holy institutions: for this very
reason we reprobate conduct which has a direct tendency to bring
these institutions into contempt. In all ages, the
_anti-christian spirit_ of _christian professors_ has done more
injury to the cause of religion, than the attacks of its declared
enemies. Real Christianity cannot flourish by persecution.
Excessive rigour defeats the very purposes it is intended to
subserve. In time there will be a re-action, and men will go to
the opposite extreme--religion and morals will be as much too
lax, as they were before too strict.

In no part of the world is the sabbath so scrupulously observed
as in _New-England_. As we keep it, it resembles more the _Jewish
Sabbath_, than the Sabbath of all other parts of Christendom. We
had much rather see this nice punctiliousness, than that
indifference which prevails in some places. But we think there is
such a thing as _drawing the cord too tight_--so tight that it
will be in danger of snapping in sunder! The good habits of our
countrymen, and the increasing regard which is entertained for
religion, will be a sure guaranty of the respectful observance of
the Sabbath. There are very few men in the community, who dare to
outrage public feeling by a wanton violation of the solemnity of
the day. We have excellent laws to punish those who disturb the
devotions of any society or individual. Let these laws be put in
execution without fear, favour or affection. But for the rest,
let religion take care of itself--it needs no assistance from the
feeble arm of the magistrate.

* * * * *

Tythingmen's Notice.

WE the subscribers, Tythingmen of the several towns annexed to
our names, having taken the Oath of Office, it becomes our
indispensable duty to see the laws of this Commonwealth, "for the
due observation of the Lord's Day," faithfully executed; which we
are determined to do as far as may be in our power. We,
therefore, call on all persons to abstain from the violation of
said laws; as they would avoid "the several penalties annexed to
the several offences therein described," and save us from the
painful necessity of a prosecution, which otherwise must
immediately follow.