PHI LOS 0 P H Y . - Classic Works of Apologetics Online

Fir::, then, that interval of relaxation \vhich SUll:­
day affords to the laborious IJart of mankind, contributes
greatly to the comfort and satisfaction of
their Jives, both as it refreshes them for the time,
and as it relieves their six days' labou: by the prospect
of a day of rest always ~.ppr(;'t;hing; which could
not be said of casual indulgences of leisure a~d rest,
even were they more frequent than there is reason
to expect they would be, if left to the discretion or
humanity of interested task-masters. To thi, difference
it may be added, that holi4~ys, which come
seldom and unexpected, are unprovided, when they
do come, with any duty or employment; and the.
ml'nner of spending them being regulated by no public
decency or established usage, they are conlmonly
~onsumed in rude, if not criIninai pastimes, in stupid
sloth or brutish intemperance. -\Vhoever considers
bow much sabbatical institutions conduce, if I ihis re ..
speet, to the happiness and civilization of the labouring
classes of mankind, and reHects ho,w great a majority
of the human species these classes compose,
will acknowledge the utility, v.rhatever he n~1.y helieve
of the origin, of this distinction; and will, consequent1y'
perceive it to be every nlan's duty to uphold
the observation of Sunday, when OTlce establish.
ed, let the establishnlent have proceeded from ~hom
Qr from what authority it will. •
Nor is there any thing lost to the community by
the interlnission of public industry one day in the
week. For in countries tolerably advailced in population
and the arts of civil life, there is al\\1ays enough
of human labour, and to spare. The difficulty is not
~o nluch to procure, as to employ it. 'l'he addition
of the seventh day's labour to that of the other six
\vould hav~ no other effect than to redllce the priceo
The labourer himself~
who deserved and suffered
most by the change, would gain nothing.
2. Sunday, by suspending many public diversions,
and the ordinary rotation of employment, leaves to
men of aU ranks a:nd professions sufficient leisure, and