plundering their fellow-citizens, and filling their own pockets.
In some towns they have been stationed at every turn of the road,
ready to dart out upon the traveller, like a spider from the
corner of his web. We rejoice at every occurrence which checks
this persecuting spirit.--Those who know us, know that we
respect the Sabbath and its holy institutions: for this very
reason we reprobate conduct which has a direct tendency to bring
these institutions into contempt. In all ages, the
_anti-christian spirit_ of _christian professors_ has done more
injury to the cause of religion, than the attacks of its declared
enemies. Real Christianity cannot flourish by persecution.
Excessive rigour defeats the very purposes it is intended to
subserve. In time there will be a re-action, and men will go to
the opposite extreme--religion and morals will be as much too
lax, as they were before too strict.

In no part of the world is the sabbath so scrupulously observed
as in _New-England_. As we keep it, it resembles more the _Jewish
Sabbath_, than the Sabbath of all other parts of Christendom. We
had much rather see this nice punctiliousness, than that
indifference which prevails in some places. But we think there is
such a thing as _drawing the cord too tight_--so tight that it
will be in danger of snapping in sunder! The good habits of our
countrymen, and the increasing regard which is entertained for
religion, will be a sure guaranty of the respectful observance of
the Sabbath. There are very few men in the community, who dare to
outrage public feeling by a wanton violation of the solemnity of
the day. We have excellent laws to punish those who disturb the
devotions of any society or individual. Let these laws be put in
execution without fear, favour or affection. But for the rest,