* * * * *
This is not at all strange from the point of view from which Sunday was
then regarded. Indeed many people feel about the same now. They would have
the old laws enforced in regard to riding and neglect of public worship.
They have fears that the day may degenerate into a European Sunday, with
prayers in the morning and amusements in the afternoon and evening.
The changes in the past fifty years in reference to Sunday have indeed been
very great, but we think they arise chiefly from a reaction from the too
strict Puritanism of the past. While we would not have the day too strictly
kept, we yet have no sympathy with that class of minds who think there
should be no "day of rest" or no time set apart for religious exercises or
church services, but would have all days exactly alike.
* * * * *
According to the "Salem Mercury" of Aug. 12, 1788, the ministers of
Connecticut, in convention, publish an address on the "increasing
negligence of the Publick Worship of God," etc.