the infidel, which is almost universally one of horror, and that of the believer in the Bible, which is usually one of peace, joy, and hope. For the world I would not deprive the latter (though I knew his religion a deception,) of this source of comfort at that trying hour; and I very well know, that if the Sabbath were given up, the Bible would of course become a useless book, and we should hasten back to barbarism."

Men who are indifferent about God and the future state, and even such as are avowed disbelievers in divine revelation, nevertheless know that a man, as an individual, and as a member of society, needs a day of rest; that he can do more to improve his temporal condition, enjoy life better and longer, and die more happily by observing, than by neglecting that institution.

Worldly wisdom and expediency never yet accomplished much in religious matters; and if there is now so much danger in arousing the enemy, who may be sleeping, rest assured he is not to be driven from his stronghold without a mighty struggle. It is not numbers, let it be remembered, that will produce a change from the profanation of the Sabbath to its observance. Truth alone, set home upon the conscience, is to work this change; and this must be urged not only privately, but publicly, fearlessly, plainly, pointedly, powerfully, unceasingly—always in love.

We know ministers have much to fear and much to lose, should they proceed thus in regard to this evil; but they have more to fear, and more to lose, should they neglect to do so.

But what is the legitimate consequence of this kind of expediency?—this tame and silent attack on the powerful enemy of whom we have spoken? While we are thus moving, if moving it may be called, the tide of worldliness and impiety rises higher and higher, preparing to sweep the institution to a returnless distance, from this generation at least. But there is no necessity for so much caution in this reform. Vastly more will be gained by coming out boldly, trusting in God.

Examples are decidedly in favor of this bold, open course. NEHEMIAH, though but a man, and alone, powerless in himself, as men at the present day are--and in a community where the sin was universal, went forward, pursuing an entirely different course from the one recommended by many at the present day

as most expedient. He commanded the professed people of God to "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy”—exhorted the enemies of the Rest to do the same, and threatened them with civil punishment, if they persisted in its violation. He did not stop to form a correct public sentiment, before telling the people what they were doing, what they ought not to do, and what they might expect. Neither did he ask what they would think of him, do with him, or say about him if he went about his work and reproved them for this sin. It was enough to settle the question of duty, to know that the Sabbath was profaned. Men must everywhere, within their borders, and even without the gates of the city, cease from the profanation, and that immediately. Though he combated the evil at fearful odds, he succeeded. But it was truth he was wielding, and that in defence of one of the most important institutions of Heaven. Truth, in that instance, as it will in all similar circumstances, prevailed; and this fact should encourage every friend of the Sabbath to go and do likewise.

PETER and the rest of the apostles followed this example. They charged home the sins of the Jews upon their consciences, saying, "with wicked hands ye have crucified and slain the Lord of Glory." Worldly expediency would have said, Why, Peter! you must not speak so plainly, so boldly, so loud; the Jews will hear you, and put you also to death-you act very rashly, and indiscreetly—we shall not only tell the “unfortunate” Jews, that we disapprove of your conduct, but shall do all in our power to destroy your influence among the believers. But Peter wished to form a correct public conscience, and he adopted the most efficient means to bring it about; while his associates, backed his declarations, strengthened his hands, and encouraged his heart, instead of traitorously joining in with the enemies of all good, as too many at the present time are doing.

LUTHER, and the other reformers, laughed to scorn the Diet of Worms; and, instead of first laboring silently to form a correct public sentiment, they thundered, in the ears of their opposers, the truth of Jehovah, and repeated it with so much energy and severity, that the Pope saw his forces scattered, his power undermined, and felt the entire foundation of the Romish Church

rocking, as if shaken by an earthquake. By thus exhibiting truth, they formed a public sentiment, and then the evil was cured.

All the means they selected might not have been, and probably were not, the very best, possible; for imperfection marks all the doings of man; but we learn from the result, that they were, on the whole, such as God could bless.

WILBERFORCE pursued a similar, open course, in regard to the slave trade. Instead of working under cover, converting to his views, one by one, silently, he boldly and publicly presented his plan, headed Truth and righteousness; and like a good soldier, stood firm amid discouragements, unmoved by calumny, and undismayed by threats; and the glorious result is known to the world. Truth prevailed. "One did chase a thousand and two put ten thousand to flight." God loves to have his children boldly hold up the truth; and he always honors it, when thus exhibited before his enemies.

How did KITTRIDGE and BEECHER begin to form a correct sentiment on the subject of Temperance? They took the only speedy, safe, and correct course to remove the evil they would combat. And what was the result of all these efforts? First a storm of wrath, as might have been expected, was poured out, but subsequently truth has prevailed, and the enemy lies bleeding, ready to die. If enemies, as well as friends are not brought to embrace the truth, little is done. The same arguments which convince one side, must be used to convince the other also; and it is a saving of time and labor to address both classes at once.

OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE LONDON SABBATH PROTECTION SOCIETY.

Just as this work was prepared for the press we received from the Secretary of the London Society, "for promoting the due observance of the Lord's day," a file of their publications, among which is the following, being the seventh reason of the committee, urged against objections, and in favor of the course pursued by Sir Andrew Agnew in presenting his bills on the subject of Sab

bath desecration to the British Parliament, which we are happy

to insert in this place.

"It is the most fair and honest mode of dealing, on the part of those who are of opinion that the exigency of the case calls for a comprehensive measure, and to declare at once what is the utmost extent of the objects they have in view; and what is the exact amount of the measure with which they may be satisfied; and it is considered that such a course is the most likely to attract the approbation and good opinion of right thinking individuals, and (which is an infinitely higher consideration) to draw down the blessing of Almighty God."

Enough has been said to show, that the only way to form a correct public sentiment, is to give TRUTH its appropriate place, the very fore front of the battle. Then God will smile on the enterprise and speed it. But if we consult worldly wisdom, the result will be defeat and shame. The Bible does not allow us to use, in these enterprises, this time-serving policy, but unites with experience in teaching, that, it is never wise to cover the sword of truth with a scabbard. The wicked must be rebuked, and severely wounded, yet in love, and with a kind, though determined spirit.

These remarks are not meant to imply, that whenever a reformation is to be effected, it is always necessary to produce a tremendous excitement, and awaken a general opposition, as if desirable on their own account, or for the sake of putting men in a rage as a preparative for their reasoning correctly. A general reformation, like the one under consideration, however, is always attended by great excitement and opposition. And these are among the most prominent indications, that truth has taken root and is bringing forth fruit. No great and powerful nation ever yet yielded up her possessions and her glory without a struggle, nor has any prominent vice been uprooted and destroyed until all its votaries, one by one, have been attacked, beaten back, taken, bound hand and foot, and slain, or converted into friends. And this is not the work of a day, to be accomplished without effort-difficult, embarrassing, trying, and we had almost said, deadly, and unending.

It would be folly, not to say madness, to attempt to remove

the evil of Sabbath-breaking, so deeply rooted, so universal, in this land, without making the truth blaze upon the eyes of all, and relying on the power, grace, and mercy of God to aid in the undertaking. And does any one suppose this can be done without producing excitement? As well might the full blaze of noon-day pour its thousand rays into an eye unaccustomed to the light, without producing pain or emotion.

Then let us act openly. Let the sin of the Sabbath-breaker, and his immediate duty be plainly, speedily set before him. The sooner the truth, and the whole truth is told, touching this matter, the better. While men are laboring secretly to set the public mind right, the evil and the difficulties of removing it, are increasing faster than a correct public sentiment; God is meanwhile dishonored, the church continues to suffer loss, and immortal souls, in countless multitudes, crowd the broad road to crime and perdition.