The Olden Time Series, Vol. 3: New-England Sunday | Page 4

on the Lord's day with all his family: On the Sunday evening he always catechised his children and servants on the principles of religion, and what they heard the minister deliver from the pulpit. He had a negro man who never could remember a note of the sermon, though otherwise smart. At last his master peremptorily told him he would on Monday morning tie him up and flog him. Next Sunday evening, when interrogated, he had forgotten all: On Monday morning his master executes his threat so far, as to tie him up. The fellow then cried out, O master spare me, for I remember something the minister said. What is it? said the master. The fellow replied, "_This much may suffice at this time._" His master was so pleased with his wit that he forgave him.
Salem Mercury, August 12.
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From the Rev. Dr. Bentley's notes, edited by Stanley Waters, printed in the "Salem Gazette," we learn that even in old times people occasionally absented themselves from public worship on the Lord's Day.
Under date of 1791 we read,--
Jan. 23. No singing through the whole day--not even an attempt. Mr. Le Favre Swan & Parker promised their assistance, but by drawing a prize of ��300 in the Lottery they have been detained from Public Worship.
And in 1792,--
Mch. 11. Sunday. The Ship Grand Turk burdened 550 Tons sailed this day for India, Capt. B. Hodges.
The previous invitations given to the principal Gentlemen of the Town & the fame of a ship built in the Town & furnished with Sails from our own manufactories urged a curiosity so strong that few people were left in our houses of worship. Weather fine.
Thus we see that pecuniary success and pleasant weather were as influential in 1792 as they are in 1886 in diverting individuals from their ordinary religious privileges.
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The following extracts from the "Salem Impartial Register" of July 27, 1801, will perhaps have interest when considered in connection with some circumstances which have taken place in Salem within a year or two:--
_THE CONNECTICUT SABBATH._
IN ancient days, 't was God's most sacred will, To give his law on Sinai's lofty hill, Whose top terrific issued clouds of smoke, And thus, amidst the flames, th' Eternal spoke; Six days, said he, (and loud the same express'd) Shall men still labor, and on the seventh rest: But here alas! like yon great pious town,[A] They break his law, and thus prefer their own: "And let it be enacted further still, That all our people strict observe our will: Five days and half shall men and women too Attend their business, and their mirth pursue. But after that, no man without a fine, Shall walk the streets, or at a tavern dine. One day and half 'tis requisite to rest, From toilsome labor, and a tempting feast. Henceforth let none, on peril of their lives, Attempt a journey, or embrace their wives: No Barber, foreign or domestic bred, Shall e'er presume to dress a lady's head. No shop shall spare (half the preceding day), A yard of Ribband, or an ounce of Tea. Five days and half th' inhabitants may ride All round the town, and villages beside; But, in their travels, should they miss the road, 'Tis our command they lodge that night abroad." From hence 'tis plainly seen how chang'd indeed, That sacred law which GOD himself decreed! In this one act they think to merit heav'n, By taking half a day from six to add to seven.
[A] _Boston--where a similar law was formerly enforced with rigour._
_"One Man esteemeth one day above another; another esteemeth every day ALIKE. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind."_ Romans xiv. 5.
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The old custom of opening Barbers' Shops in this Town on Sunday ceased yesterday, in consequence of the determination of the Grand Jury to make presentment of all such violations of the Sabbath. Cautions have also been given to the Horse Letters, against loaning any Horses or Carriages on Sunday; and there appears to be a very serious and wise determination in the "Gentlemen of the Grand Jury" to put a stop to those shameful practices, which have for twenty years disgraced the most sober and quiet Town in Massachusetts! _Laus Deo!_ There will be no more horses killed now of a Sunday in going to Boston, either by lack of bating, or by hard driving! It is whispered, that the public are indebted, for this salutary reform, to the covert exertions of a _ci-devant_ PREACHER, who lacking the ability to lead his wakeful flock formerly, is now determined to drive all within his Circuit, into the pale of obedience, and thereby make up for former Sins of Omission. The Federalists predicted the loss of Religion,