CHAPTER X.-Differences of Opinion concerning the supposed Lawfulness of Man to transfer the Scriptu- ral Weekly Sabbath to another Day CHAPTER XI.-Differences of Opinion concerning the supposed Authority of Man to institute a Weekly CHAPTER XII.-Differences of Opinion concerning the Importance of the Grounds on which Sanctification INTRODUCTION. THE agreement in sentiment, at least in appearance, respecting the weekly sabbath is so general, not to say universal, among Christians, that there may seem at first view to be no subject for the remarks proposed in the title-page to be made. What occasion,' it may be asked, 'is there for observations on differences, which, supposing them ever to have existed, have long ceased to exist? Even admitting that differences in opinion relative to some minute circumstances affecting the topic before mentioned still remain, why should the peace of individuals or of society be disturbed for such trifles -In the course of the discussion, however, it will perhaps appear that the Christian world has been and still is greatly divided in opinion relative to the weekly sabbath, and that the points at issue are by no means inconsiderable. With respect to any inconvenience that may arise from such an investigation, an intelligent, and much more a religious mind, will pause before it determines on refusing to examine a question that involves any point of Christianity, small as it may be comparatively, in order to avoid inconvenience. The dread of error itself should not prevent inquiry after truth; since the danger of adopting it in consequence of discussion is not greater than that of retaining it through declining discussion. The points on which I propose to consider the differences alluded to, are stated in the following Chapters. REMARKS ON THE DIFFERENT SENTIMENTS, &c. CHAPTER I. Differences of Opinion concerning the Nature of a Weekly Sabbath. THE term weekly may be thought unnecessary: but I have inserted it, in order to distinguish the sabbath in question, not only from the monthly and annual sabbaths existing among the Jews, but also from the days, more or fewer of which are kept somewhat like sabbaths by the generality of Christians. Having premised this, I proceed to the consideration of the subject proposed. The idea of a weekly sabbath, prevalent for the most part among the truly pious of every description who admit that there is one by divine authority-in the British isles at least-is, I believe, the conse B cration of a day, and of the same day every week, during the whole of the twenty-four hours, to religious purposes-that the business or amusements, lawful on other days, should on this day be refrained from, both publicly and privately; no works of such a description being excepted, save those of 'necessity and mercy'-that on this day public, as well as private and family worship, should be attended to that even the subjects selected for conversation, for reading, and for meditation, should either be spiritual, or receive a spiritual improvement-and that the wakeful hours of the night themselves should be subject to regulations similar to those of the day. He who does not aim at submitting to these restrictions, or conform in general to these requisitions, according to the opinion of the people before described, cannot be justly said to keep a weekly sabbath, whatever he may profess to do, or however he himself or others may designate his conduct. I have the pleasure to avow, that I do most heartily concur with the generality of real Christians among my fellow subjects in this sentiment. My aim is the same as their's, though none of us, perhaps, are always so successful in it as might be wished. The variety that there is in the religious exercises which claim attention, in succession, on a weekly sabbath, effectually secure both |