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.