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

knocking of

feet on cold days and near the close of long sermons. On such
occasions the Rev. Dr. Hopkins used to say, now and then: 'My hearers,
have a little patience, and I will soon close.'"
Mr. Felt says that Hugh Peters (one of the ministers of the First Church)
was represented by an English painter as in a pulpit with a large
assembly before him, turning an hour-glass and using these words: "I
know you are good fellows, stay and take another glass."
* * * * *
The Lord's Day in Connecticut in 1788.
ANECDOTE.
A Gentleman in the State of Connecticut, regularly attended publick
worship 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.
* * * * *
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.
* * * * *
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.
* * * * *
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