The Olden Time Series, Vol. 3: New-England Sunday eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 84 pages of information about The Olden Time Series, Vol. 3.

The Olden Time Series, Vol. 3: New-England Sunday eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 84 pages of information about The Olden Time Series, Vol. 3.

     "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 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, should Jefferson be President.  We certainly have a good Sample (thus early under his administration) that its state will be improved.

* * * * *

Although doubts have often been expressed as to the authenticity of certain Connecticut “Blue Laws,” it is probable that many laws which have sometimes been referred to as such were in the early days of the colony actually in force,—­as the following, which we find in an old paper.  They are certainly not much stronger than laws of the time in Massachusetts.

     No one shall be a freeman, or give a vote, unless he be
     converted, and a member in full communion, of one of the Churches
     allowed in this dominion.

     No one shall travel, cook victuals, make beds, sweep house, cut
     hair, or shave, on the Sabbath day.

     No woman shall kiss her child on the Sabbath, or fasting-day.

     No one shall run on the Sabbath day, or walk in his garden, or
     elsewhere, except reverently to and from meeting.

     No one shall read common prayer books, keep Christmas, or set
     days, make minced pies, dance, play cards, or play on any
     instrument of music, except the Drum, Trumpet, or Jewsharp.

     No food or lodging shall be offered to a Quaker, Adamite, or
     other heretic.

     If any person turns Quaker, he shall be banished, and not
     suffered to return but on pain of death.

     No Roman Catholic priest shall abide in the dominion; he shall be
     banished, and suffer death on his return.

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The Olden Time Series, Vol. 3: New-England Sunday from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.