Herald Of The Times

THE MORALIST

"'Tis only amaranthine flower on earth, is virtue;—th' only lasting treasure, truth."

RESPECT FOR THE SABBATH.

The following is a copy of the note of Col. Haskett, in reply to the proposal to walk on the Sabbath, during the contemplated walking match.

SIR, I hasten to express my extreme regret, not so much that I am to communicate my opinions, as that my professed friends should have been ignorant of them on a subject of so much moment.

In reply to your note, permit me to say that separate from the high obligations I owe to Him to whom I am bound to devote that day, a life chequered with adventures and enterprises, has fully demonstrated to me that the laws of nature in the alternate operation of the principles of action and rest, have prescribed the Sabbath as a day to "cease from our labors," and have prescribed the profanity of that day, by a penalty, affecting and ultimately destroying the physical character of man. I have observed the wretched fatality that marked the earthly conclusion of those, whose profanity of that day was signalized by their untimely deaths, I have the silent monitions of a voice from the tomb of a beloved and christian mother, with all the thrilling emphasis of a dying whisper— to "sanctify the Sabbath:" and sir, under these feelings, and with these views, you will be pleased to communicate to your friends my unalterable determination. I will not walk on the Sabbath.

Although sir, I am desirous to preserve my character from fanaticism, yet I prefer it to that gross violation of feeling and morality, of which I should be guilty, in complying with your proposition.— I could never consent to pass the doors, ON THE SABBATH, of those persons in New England, from whom I have received repeated assurances of respect and kindness, when I know such a course would be replete with a grievousness not to be borne, or even tolerated. I am proud of that respect, and I trust I shall never be ungrateful for that kindness, or barter them for the wealth of the Carolinas.—

In conclusion, sir, permit me to add, that for the paltry sum which I may probably gain, I will never consent, so long as I can live on bread and water, 'to trample on obligations so imperative— set at nought reason so teachable; and though last not least, I trust I shall never forget those monitions of purity and holiness that fell from the lips of my dying mother, "Remember the Sabbath, and keep it holy."

Sir, be pleased to accept the usual assurance of esteem and friendship from yours, most respectfully.