33 



is rather to be dreaded, than encouraged. Knowledge 

 is power : and power, witliout moral restraint, carries 

 with it terror. We fear tlie rage of an animal, wild or 

 furious; the violence of the elements, a tempest or a 

 flood; because they possess power, without moral re- 

 straint. We startle at the coils of the serpent; be- 

 cause, though less powerful, he has subtlety : and we 

 fear the highwayman and assasin ; because, they possess 

 knowledge, without moral restraint. How important, that 

 knowledge be controled by goodness. Let religion and 

 morality be inscribed on the door-posts of every hus- 

 bandman. 



Of the numerous moral and religious institutions, clus- 

 tering around. I select three, as worthy of special notice. 



First. The observance of the sabbath, 



1. The sabbath marks an important division of time : 

 and contributes more to the order and regularity of so- 

 ciety, than any other division of time ; that of day and 

 night excepted. It also contributes much to cleanliness, 

 and health. 



2. The sanctification of the sabbath, is a religious duty, 

 obligatory on all, God has commanded, " Remember the 

 sabbath day, and keep it holy ;" this command is often 

 repeated ; written with his ow^n hand ; " on a table of 

 stone ;" and of enduring fate. With a seeming refer- 

 erence to husbandmen, lest they should, on such occa- 

 sions transgress ; this command is solemnly repeated, 

 " In earing time and harvest, thou shall rest.^^ The 

 practice, therefore, of gathering hay or grain, on the 

 sabbath ; which has been, by some, deemed a matter 

 of necessity, is without warrant, and against the positive 

 command of Him, who is " Lord of the sabbath ;" and 

 " of the harvest,'''^ also. 



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