Annual report of the Philadelphia Sabbath Association

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PRINCETON, N. J. ^^

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SIXTH

ANNUAL REPORT

/ OF THE

PHILADELPHIA SABBATH ASSOCIATION

At the commencement of the Society's last year, our country was
engaged, as it still is, in war with a sister republic. Business on our
canals, and other public thoroughfares, had suddenly increased in a
large ratio. These, and other circumstances, rendered the friends of
the Sabbath apprehensive that this sacred cause, which had for a num-
ber of years been so steadily and rapidly progressing, would be se-
riously retarded. In the report now presented to the public, we shall
endeavour faithfully to chronicle whatever important events have tran-
spired, whether calculated to inspire the zeal, or try the faith, of those
who earnestly desire that the Sabbath may be universally hallowed.

Sabbath Conventions have been less numerous during the last,
than the preceding year ; but they have embraced much more territory,
and larger numbers in their delegations.

Important measures, finally adopted with great unanimity in the
Conventions, have been discussed in primary meetings for the appoint-
ment of delegates ; and thus deep, and, we trust, permanent impressions
have been made upon the public mind. Owing to the great increase of
business on our public works, during the spring of 1846, and to the
extraordinary detentions by fire and floods, a larger proportion of the
boats were run on the Sabbath, through a part of the State canals,
than during the preceding year. This was noticed, and awakened
deep anxiety among those who had witnessed, with great delight, the
constant diminution of business on that holy day, during the four years
preceding. " We feel," is the language of a resolution, adopted at
the Conventions held in Ilollidaysburg, Lewistown and Milton,

" solemnly bound to exert our influence in every appropriate way to
prevent this evil" (the use of the public works of the State on the Sab-
bath) " from being continued among us, and entailed on our posterity."
Various expressions of public sentiment indicate, to use the language
of one of the public officers of the State works, that so far as relates
to the inhabitants along the lines of the canals, " the great mass of the
people are in favour of an entire suspension of business on the public
works during the Sabbath."

Besides the Conventions already alluded to, a large and interesting
one was held in February, at Carlisle, embracing, as did those men-
tioned before, delegates from five or six counties.

County Conventions have also been held in Centre, Lycoming, and
Tioga counties, that have been attended by the General Agent of the
Society.*

Similar meetings have been held in the western part of the State,
which appear to have excited considerable interest.

AGENTS AND MISSIONARIES.

Within the past year the Society have had five labourers in the
field — two constantly, and three during a portion of their time.

The General Agent has embraced twenty-four counties of the
State in the field of his labours the last year — from Adams, Franklin,
and Bedford on the south, to Alleghany on the west, and Tioga and
Potter on the north lines of the State. He has preached and addressed
public assemblies much more frequently than during any former year.
He has also addressed public assemblies and bodies, in the District of
Columbia, and in the States of New York and Rhode Island.

The Rev. William Hance has prosecuted his missionary labours
during the past year with zeal and fidelity. The following extracts

* The language adopted in the Report of the Hollidaysburg Convention may,
with equal propriety, be applied to several others. The Report says : " the resolutions
were all adopted unanimously ; the greatest harmony prevailed ; a deep interest in
the business of the meeting was manifested by the members of the Convention, and
by the large assemblage of persons present. Six Protestant churches were repre-
sented by their ministers and members : viz. the Evangelical Lutheran, German
Reformed, Episcopal Methodist, Protestant Methodist, Baptist and Presbyterian.
The meeting was one of delightful Christian intercourse." In addition to the
Christian denominations enumerated above, persons in connection with five or six
others were in attendance, at other Conventions.

from his communications to the Society" will, we believe, be read with
interest.

To the Board of Managers of the Philadelphia Sabbath Association :

•' Dear Brethren — During the past season my labours have been extend-
ed over nearly all llie principal canals within thn Slate, embracing the main
line of the State canals from Coiuinljia to PittbhurjrJi, tlic Susquehanna
and North Branch divisions to Wilksbarre, the Susquehanna and Tide-
water, tlie Delaware Division, and the Lehigh canals.

" The success which has attended the adoption of liie Sabbath principle,
on the two last-mentioned lines, present a triumphant train of facts as ar-
guments in favour of abstaining from this mode of labour on the Sabbath.
It may not be amiss to glance at the moral condition of the boatmen on this
branch of the public works, previous to the adoption of this measure. Few
if any pious men were to be found on those canals, it being quite a common
expression that " no man could be a boatman and a religious man." Hence
such were almost universally compelled to abandon the canal ; and as a
matter of course, where wickedness reigned, degradation abounded. One
fact, from a multitude, will be sufficient to show the low condition of morals
along the line at llie time. I saw a boat, having for a crew the captain, his
wife at the helm, and a little daughter, about ten to twelve years old, as
driver. This little girl, in rags and dirt, with a horse-trough slung over her
shoulders, was trudging before the iiorse as he fed, while her parents, on
board the boat, were using abusive and most profane language to each other.

"This, brethren, was not a solitary case. Here, too, were to be found
more than a thousand boys from the tender age of nine to sixteen years, ex-
posed to and encouraged in the worst vices and passions of the human
heart, and by far the greater number of the boys are orphans, or deprived
of any parental oversight; few, if any, kind Christian voices were heard
by them to warn of danger or encourage them in the path of virtue.
Thus, in the language of Mr. Wurts, ' they were mutually corrupting each
other.' But a change has taken place ; your Missionary lias met them with
the Word of Life, and endeavoured to point them to ' the Lamb of God.'
Long will I remember the look and expression of one of those little boys,
not more tiian eleven years of age, as with eyes sparkling with delight, af-
ter having listened to my sermon, he said, ' Oh, sir, I was so glad you thought
so much of us poor boatmen.' Much more quietness and order is enjoyed,
especially on the Sabbath, in the various towns and landings along the line.
I have improved the Sabbath opportunities each time I have passed along
the line, in collecting the boatmen together, and preaching to them the
Gospel of Christ. Others, likewise, have been prevailed upon to partici-
pate in those labours, particularly at Bristol, where, nearly every other Sab-
bath afternoon. Rev. T. S. Johnson, assisted by others, have carried for-
ward this good work.

" We have likewise distributed Bibles, Testaments and Tracts, together
with a i'ew other good books among them. We rejoice that those efforts
are not in vain— a gradual improvement in morals is taking place — tlie pious
Christian is now found on a number of boats. I have seen such call the
hands togfther and raise the family altar in the cabin of the boat. Indeed,
brethren, it was good to be present on such occasions.

"A letter from Wm. Zane, Esq., Superintendent of the Lehigh canal, will
enable the public to judge of the eflTects of closing the locks during the
Sabbath, on the Delaware Division and Lehiirli canals. I will not here
omit to mention that we have the testimony of the former President of the
Board of Canal Commissioners, that the repairs on the Delaware Division
canal were made the last sprmg without Sabbath labour, and with more

expedition and economy than on those portions of the public works where
no intermission of labour was allowed on that day.

" I regret my inability to report any action, in favour of the Sabbath, by
the Directors of the Susquehanna and Tidewater canal. I trust efficient
measures may be taken to secure that desirable object. That it is anxiously
desired by nearly all who have anything to do with the canal, we have am-
ple evidence in their repeated declarations and acts."

After speaking of the inducements and encouragements to labour^
on the North and West Branch canals, Mr. H. says :

" Here, too, is to be found the orphan boy, and those compelled by ad-
verse circumstances to leave the parental roof and oversight, and encounter
the most pernicious temptations. We rejoice that our labours among them
are not lost. One pleasing incident may be given in illustration. While I
was riding on a boat, a little driver boy, out of employment, solicited a ride
down the canal until he could find employment ; on being granted, he seal-
ed himself very quietly on his trunk about midship. While I engaged the
captain in conversation, the little boy's attention was arrested, and as we
proceeded he drew near. At that time the captain called in question a quo-
tation of Scripture which I made, when the little fellow could contain him-
self no longer, but cried out, ' Captain, he is right, and I can prove it to
you ;' and, suiting the action to the word, he ran to his trunk and brought
out a neat pocket Bible, and opened to the very passage in question, and
read it to the captain — then continued, 'There, did I not tell you so V and
with much fervour continued to exhort the captain for some time. It re-
joiced my heart to hear the little fellow. Afterwards he showed me quite a
bundle of tracts which he had received from the missionaries on the canal.

"Every where have I been well received — and while I have had to en-
counter various soul-destroying errors, and wickedness in its varied forms,
I have been sustained by the strong arm of Jehovah. In very many cases,
in riding on the boats, the reading of the Scriptures and prayer is proposed,
and very readily acceded to, and many have been the seasons of refreshing
from the presence of the Lord under those circumstances. On this line we
meet the host of emigrants to the far-west. To them we give tracts, and
when able sit down and converse with them. A very few among this class
manifest some little opposition — but with a large majority I am well re-
ceived, and a patient hearing given, while I endeavour to point them to the
Lamb of God. I have been much encouraged in witnessing with what
eagerness and apparent attention our tracts are read by the German emi-
grants, and the manifested approval after perusing. Brethren, our labours
must be blessed from on high; God will back them by divine infiuence,and
fruit shall appear to his glory. Trusting in his promises, our determina-
tion is to go on to further conquest.

" Yours in the Gospel,

"iWarcAM, 1847. WM. HANCE."

Under date of April 20, 1847, Mr. H. writes :

"The efforts of the past, we rejoice to say, have been greatly blessed by
the Lord — in some instances to the conversion of souls, and in general to a
deep interest in the Sabbath cause. The conventions held last summer and
fall, in the vicinity of the canals, have made a decided, and, I trust, a last-
ing impression upon those connected with the business of the canal. As an
evidence of this state of feeling, few if any of the lock-tenders along the

TOTiiti line will assist the passajje of boats on llic Sabbath day— somo of them
will not even assist the packet-boats, and in one case the packet was detain-
ed some two hours, at tlie close of tlic Sabbath, on account of the ferry tend-
er refusintr to assist them in crossinir the river. Another of tlie collector?,
wlio herct7)forc has been in the hahii of cndorsinjj clearances on the Lord's
day, now refuses to do so, and closes his office duriiifj the wliole day. The
boatmen also, in increasing mimbers, beg^in to consider it iheir great privi-
lege, as well Rs duty, to abstain from their toils on the Sabbath. The jdea-
sing rchult of tiiis state of feeling is beginning to develope itself in an in-
creased attention to the great subject of personal salvation. I have held
many deeply interesting conversations, on the greatest of all subjects, with
the iiands on tlie different boats on which I have ridden, and on such occa-
sions I have not neglected the introduction of prayer in the cabins of the
boats, with the crews. These proposals have generally been readily acce-
ded to, and on such occasions the reading of the Scriptures and humble
prayer has been attended by a deep, solemn feeling of the all-pervading
presence of Jehovah, and we could all say emphatically, 'it is good for us
to be here.' It has been my privilege to meet with those this spring that
are now rejoicing in the hope of eternal life, through Jesus Christ, who, a
few months since, were without hope and without God in the world, who
have traced the happy change to the instrumentality of a little tract, and a
few words spoken by your missionaries in the disciiarge of our labours.

" Upon the wliole, 1 have been much encouraged during the few weeks I
have been engaged this spring, since the opening of the navigation."

The following is the letter referred to in the first communicalion
fronn- Mr. IIance :

«' South Easton, Dec. 7th, 1846.
4^ Rev Wm Tiats'CE~~*

" Dear Sir— Your letter of the 1st inst., has been received, in whicii
rou agk for intbrmation with regard to the effect of closing the locks of the
Lehigh canal on the Sabbath, &i,c. It affords mo pleasure to state, in reply,
that the result has been of the most satisfactory character. The boatmen
are not only generally satisfied with the plan, but their moral character has
evidently improved. I have heard of no disorder worlii mentioning at the
places where they rested on the Sabbath, and no cases of quarreling or
fighting, except the case that occurred at Freemansburgh, where a nvin was
shot, and that, according to evidence before the court, grew out of an old
quarrel of long standing. Having rested one day in seven, according to
the laws of God, and the requirements of their nature, the boatmen have
been able to pursue with more energy, their calling during the week, and
as might have been expected, there has been a marked increase of business
on the canal. From the experience of the last two seasons, I am very fa-
vourably impressed with the results of the plan, and hope that it may be
generally adopted.

" Yours, respectfully,

"WM. ZANE."

Mr. Thomas Peoples, whose labours were favourably noticed in
the last Annual Report, was removed by death in July.

Possessing a fine constitution, good mental endowments, an ardent
desire to cultivate his mind, and devoted piety, his friends had high
hopes of his long-continued usefulness in the church of Christ.

6

Mr. Thomas Freejian, from Baltimore, was employed by this as-
sociation for a short period the last season. The following interesting
letter, written by him to the General Agent, will afford a good idea of
the usefulness of his labours.

*' Baltimore, Nov. 21, 1846.

" Dear Brother Powell — I have traversed the Main line of the State ca-
nal to HoUidaysburg — the Susquehanna, to Berwick — the Lehigh, the De-
laware Division, and the Susquehanna and Tidewater canals. Every
where, with few exceptions, I have been well received. Collectors and
others engaged in the business of the canals, have aided me much witli
their advice and information. Ministers and others, of all denominations, in
the various towns through which I have passed, have manifested a lively
interest in the cause of the boatmen.

" Among tlie boatmen I have had some precious seasons — every v/here have
they been glad to see me, and I have been emphatically hailed as the boat-
man's friend, and on leaving them they have urged me to ride with them
again, if we should ever meet. My tracts have been generally well re-
ceived, and I trust they will prove like ' bread cast upon the waters, that
will appear after many days.' Occasionally I have met some opposition,
but all has been overruled to the glory of God. But while I have met a lit-
tle opposition, I have had much to encourage. Occasionally I have met with
pious Christians who were not ashamed to let their light shine before men.
On one occasion as I was walking along the tow-path, some distance ahead
of a boat, quietly meditating on the goodness of God — suddenly the songs of
praise to God were heard, ascending from the men on board this boat. The
place and circumstances were calculated to fill the soul with joy.

" On another occasion, while I was talking to a captain about the goodness
and mercy of God, he was much affected; after supper I gave him a Testa-
ment, and proposed reading a chapter. He said he should be glad if I
would. After reading the Scriptures, I kneeled with the crew in the cabin,
and poured out my heart in prayer to God in their behalf — after which the
captain remarked that it had been twenty-two years since he had been on
his knees before.

" I have seen the boatmen toiling hard through the week, in order to spend
the Sabbath in a neighbourhood where they might enjoy religious privileges.
It is indeed a pleasing sight, of a Sabbath morning, to see the boats laid up
in front of a neat little town, and their crews preparing to attend divine
services. When I have been coming out of church, they have come round
me and said, ' Mr. Freeman, we want you to come and see our families —
we live at such and such places, our wives and children will be glad to see
you.'

" Often has my heart wept over some of the poor boys on the canal.
While riding on a boat, I was sadly annoyed by the profanity of the driver ;
I tried to impress the captain with a sense of his responsibility for the con-
duct of that boy. ' Sir,' said he, 'that boy is a hard case ; his father was
hanged for poisoning his mother, and I have had much trouble with him.'
My bowels yearned over the poor lad. I said, ' Captain, I will give you a
Bible if you will read a chapter once a day to that boy.' He said he would.
On giving it to him, he put my name, the boy's, and his own in the book.
He received the Bible with tears in his eyes. The next day a young man
who had witnessed the scene, said,' Sir, I could hardly sleep last night while
thinking of the manner in which you gave the captain that Bible, and trust
I shall never forget it.'

"Thus have I passed along tlie canals assisted by the prace of God, and
fondly trust that our labours are owned and blessed by the Lord of the vine-
yard. May he hasten on the time when the sun-burnt boatmen, toirt-lher
with all classes of our fellow-men, shall be filled with the knowledge of
God, is the prayer of

" Yours, sincerely,

" THOMAS FREEMAN."

Rev, Jeremiah Milleu engaged in a temporary agency for this
Association on the IGth of March. He has forwarded to the Corres-
ponding Secretary the following brief, but interesting, account of a late
tour on the main line o^ the canal.

" Mt. Joy, April 21, 1847.

♦* W. Hall, Esd.

" Dear Sir — From what has passed under my eye, in a recent tour to
Hollidaysburgh, I am happy to state that (here is much to encourage well-
directed and persevering efforts for the benefit of those engaged on the ca-
nals. I have conversed with many of the boatmen and lock-tenders, and
there appears to be a strong sentiment in favour of resting on the Sabbath.
They deeply regret that any boat is allowed to pass a lock on that day. The
packets run on the Sabbath, though many of the lock-tenders will not assist
them when passing. The influence of their ruiming on that day, is truly
baleful to other boatmen. Some decisive legislation requiring the locks to
be closed, appears essential, in order to an effectual rescue of Sabbath de-
secration, and opening the way for willing multitudes, who now stand aloof,
to worship God in the congregations of his saints, and secure that intellec-
tual and moral culture essential to their best interests.

"I have found among the boatmen a willingness to listen to serious re-
marks and conversation, and when circumstances would permit, to engage
in prayer. Tlieir conduct to me has been kind and respectful, though in a
number of instances, before they knew my relation to them, it has been pre-
ceded with awful profaneness. The effect of my conversation on this sinful
habit has often been very marked and happy, at least for the time being.

"I have distributed tracts among boatmen and travellers which have been
cheerfully received, and attentively perused. I have left in the hands of
committees, in the villages and boroughs along the line of the canals, from
eight to ten dollars' worth of tracts. These committees have generally been
ready to engage in the distribution with zeal — and, on my return from Hol-
lidaysburgh, I was iiappy to learn that they had gone to work with pleasing
success, and that a number of boatmen had been induced to attend church.
There appeared to be a decided improvement, even in a single week, with
respect to the observance of the Lord's day.

"The Sabbath Conventions, held last autumn and winter, appear to have
had a good influence in opening the way for more successful exertion early
this spring. I have found engaged on the canals quite a number of intelli-
gent and decided Christians, while there arc others who seem far from the
kingdom of God. Good impressions have been given to many young men
and driver boys, and while there is a growing interest felt by those living
in the immediate vicinity of the canals, on behalf of this hard-labouring and
too much neglected class of men, it is devoutly to be hoped that the Chris-
tian public at large will also care and pray for these precious souls, that they
may be rescued from sin, and cleansed in the blood of the Lamb, that they

8

may adorn the Saviour's crown of rejoicing, and enjoy the bliss of heaveu
for eternity.

"Very respectfully, yours,

"JEREMIAH MILLER."

The Visiting Committees, referred to in the preceding letter, have,
by their gratuitous aid, done much to gather boatmen and travellers
into the various churches, along the line of the canals on the Sabbath,
and by distributing tracts, as also in other ways have, we doubt not,
promoted the spiritual improvement of these interesting classes of our
fellow citizens, and aided in securing a better observance of the holy
Sabbath.

AUXILIARY SABBATH ASSOCIATIO^S.

The chief reliance for securing a proper state of public feeling and
action, in regard to the sanctification of the Sabbath is, under the di-
vine blessing, upon the combined influence of the Christian community,
exerted through these associations ; hence it is deemed an object of
great importance, to increase their number and efficiency. We are
happy, therefore, to be able to state, that several new associations have
been organized during the last year, which it is believed -will be active
and efficient. The following letters from two of these auxiliaries are
subjoined.

" Lewisburgh, Jan. 25, 1847.

"Cor. Sec. Philadelphia Sabbath Association:

" Dear Sir — As the Cor, Sec. of the Lewisburgh Sabbath Association,
I have the pleasure to inform you, that through the efforts of your efficient
agent, Rev. O. S. Powell, there was a Sabbath Association formed in this
place in October, 1846, composed of five denominations of Christians, who
appointed two from each church, to act as an executive committee.

" Agreeably to their appointment, the conmiittee held a meeting, at which
it was resolved to hold Union quarterly meetings in the different churches,
at which time a sermon should be preached on the sanctification of the Sab-
bath, and a collection taken for the support of missionary labour on the canal.
Our Association sent thirty delegates to the Sabbath Convention, lield at
Milton, on the 10th Dec. 1846, and there appears to be an increasing inter-
est manifested in the community in regard to the better observance. of the
Lord's day.

" A memorial to the Canal Commissioners, for closing the locks on the
Sabbath, has been generally signed by business men here, and forwarded to
the Canal Board.

"M. W. WOODWARD, Sec'y.
" Martin Buehler, Esq."

"Milton, Northumberland Co., Aprils, 1847.

"Dear Sir — Allow me to give you a brief account of the state of Ihe
Sabbatli cnu.«e in this region. We were visited last fall by llie Rev.
Mr. Powell, at whose suggestion, and through whose exertions, a Sab-
bath Association was formed in this place, and a standing cominiltoc ap-
pointed. We had, as you know, on the lOlh Dec. last, a Sabbath Conven-
tion in Milton, which was attended by about three hundred delegates from
Clinton, l.ycoming. Union, Northumberland and Columbia counties, and from
the oneness of sentiment manifested there, I am ready to state with confi-
dence that this section of Pennsylvania is ripe for regarding tlie Sabbath
with respect, at least so far as to cease from all secular employments on that
holy day, and if the proper authorities would direct the cessation of business
on the Sabbatli, on all our public works, it would be highly gratifying to the
people of this community, and honouring to the commands of God.

" The citizens of Milton, soon after the convention in Dec, contributed
to the support of the cause $55. It was resolved by our Association to have
quarterly sermons preached on the sanctification of the Sabbath, and that
collections be taken up at the time in aid of the cause. The standing com-
mittee contemplate soon to have the first quarterly exercise, and hope some-
thing will then be raised worth transmitting to the parent association.

" Hoping that the time is at hand when all men will keep the Sabbath, I
subscribe myself yours in the bonds of the Gospel.

"JOHN MURRAY, Chairman Milton Sab. Ms'n.

"Wilfred Hall, Esq , Sec. Sab. Ass'n., Phila."

IRON MANUFACTURERS.

The letter from Mr. Hamilton, of Ohio, in regard to the manufac-
ture of iron without Sabbath labour, which was published in our last
Annual Report, has excited much interest, and has been extensively
circulated, Mr. H., continues to conduct his large furnace on the
same principle, and it is believed with good success.

Other furnace-men have their attention seriously turned to the sub-
ject, and we have strong hope that, in a few years, the practicability
of conducting this branch of business successfully, without employing
the Sabbath, will be fully established.

A gentleman connected as one of the proprietors, with a furnace in
a large iron-district in this State, has written to the General Agent of
this association, stating that in their furnace no labour is performed on
the Sabbath, during the day-time, and the greater part of the night,
and, that they design soon to cease labour during the whole 24 hours
of that day. He adds, " I am convinced of the practicability of Sab-
bath observance by the furnaces, and doubt not, that in time its adop-
tion in this section of the country will become general."

LIME BURNING.

This branch of business is increasing in extent and importance, in

10

consequence of the large amounts used for manure, as well as for
manufacturing and building ; and it has, until within a few years, been
generally considered impracticable to prosecute it successfully without
Sabbath labour. But there are now many, who consider it just as
practicable to discontinue labour, in the prosecution of that business,
one day in seven, as for the farmer or mechanic to do so. At the
Sabbath Convention held in Milton, Messrs. Benjamin Bear, of Mun-
cey, and J. Jones of Lock Haven, made statements of their own ex-
perience in this respect. " Mr, Jones said, he commenced burning
lime in 1843, with a kiln that yielded about ninety bushels per day ;
that he made two unsuccessful experiments to stop the kiln on Satur-
day, and blow it in again on Monday ; but resolved to try it again,
and did so with complete success ; that he succeeded by filling up the
kiln on Saturday evening as usual, and covering it with slate, and re-
moving the covering on Monday morning, drawing out about fifteen
bushels from the kiln below, which draught not only brought all the
ashes out of kiln, but made the kiln draw better, and burn better lime
than it otherwise would have done ; that his kiln was a perpetual one,
and like all others of the kind, that he used bituminous coal, and that
he burnt nearly two thousand bushels before he stopped."

Interesting communications have been made to gentlemen connected
with this Board, in regard to the cessation of Sabbath labour within a
few weeks, at the extensive salt works in Kanahwa, Virginia ; and also
by lumber-men in running rafts down the Susquehanna and Alleghany
rivers. Each new experiment in any branch of industry, successfully
made, of yielding obedience to this law of God and of our being, is cal-
culated to inspire a desire among all labourers of every occupation to
enjoy the same privilege. The suspension of labour at the numerous
works on the Kanahwa Salines is universal ; and what invests this
fact with peculiar interest is, that the operatives are almost exclusively
slaves, for whose temporal and spiritual welfare the sympathy of their
masters has now allowed the day of rest enjoined by the common
Lord of all men, bond and fyee.

SABBATH TRAVELLING. '

The ratio of Sabbath travelling on our extended routes, or what may
be properly denominated journeying, we believe to be still diminish-
ing ; but it is deeply to be regretted that pleasure riding so much pre-
vails around cities and towns on that holy day. Thousands thus vol-

11

untarily exclude themselves from those spiritual advantages, wliich,
doubtless, was the great design of the institution in the mind of its Di-
vine Author. By this means multitudes, especially of the youth, de-
stroy their prospects of usefulness and happiness, both for the present
and future life. Another important evil connected with this practice
is, that it tends to perpetuate the system of running boats and cars on
that holy day on routes where, but for this support, it might be discon-
tinued altogether.

The proposal lately made by the Camden and Amboy and New
Jersey Rail-road companies, to discontinue carrying the mail on the
Sabbath, had it been acceded to by the Postmaster General, would, it
is believed, have met the cordial approbation of a very large proportion
of the community. The truth of this supposition is indicated in part
by the fact lately ascertained from the Post Office in this city, that not
more than from one-fourth to one-third of the business men either
send letters to or take them from the Post Office on the Lord's day.
Many of those who thus manifest their regard to the law of God, are
among the most extensive and prosperous dealers in exchange and
produce, commission and wholesale merchants of the city.*

There is, however, enough of deliberate public violation of the
Lord's Day among us, to convince all who honour Him who has de-
clared it holy, that our work is not yet done, and especially that we
should not cease from presenting kind and faithful expostulations to
our fellow citizens, who unnecessarily deprive their dependents of its
privileges.

We would particularly plead in behalf of one useful class, the
Bakers of our city and county, who are now appealing to their custo-
mers to receive fresh bread on Saturday evening for their Sabbath
supply. Strange to say, there are found heads of families who deny
this request, and who have discharged the baker, who would no longer
consent to peril his soul by subjecting himself and journeymen to ex-
hausting toil, and exclusion from the house and worship of God on
the Sabbath. But still one and another of this profession are calmly
preparing to suffer pecuniary loss, if needs be, for conscience sake ;
and for these we ask Christian sympathy and encouragement in their
struggle. It is upon this awakening of public conscience, — this
spreading conviction among the labouring classes, that, if deprived of

• In London no business is done at the Post Office on the Sabbath ; hence, when
the sailing day of a steamer is on Monday, they remain till Tuesday for the Lon-
don mail.

12

the rest of the Sabbath, they are deprived of a valuable right, that we
would fix the attention of the patrons of this Association, as the ground
of encouragement and hope. Once free in this respect, and after an
experience of the blessings which a Sabbath kept holy unto the Lord
brings to themselves and households, American labourers will be as
reluctant to sell themselves again to bondage, as the emancipated
galley slave to return to his chain and his oar.

The Managers of the Philadelphia Sabbath Association rejoice in
the indications of an increasing interest in this subject throughout
large portions of this commonwealth, by the measures adopted at the
Conventions held during the year, and by the more liberal contributions
to sustain our operations, enabling us, for the first time, to meet all
our liabilities, at the close of the financial year, leaving a small
balance in the treasury.*

As they deem the labours of pious and devoted missionaries, among
those engaged in our inland trade, indispensable to success in our plans
for promoting the sanctification of the Sabbath, and as they believe the
christian public fully concur in this opinion, the amount of such labour
will be considerably increased the present season. May their labours
and that of every friend of this cause, be greatly blest of God, and as
each preceding year has been marked by progressive interest, may the
present be distinguished above all others in this respect.

JOHN A. BROWN, President.

List of Life Members constituted since the first of April, 1846.

Rev. William Mitchell, constituted by Methodist Episcopal Church, Holli-

daysburg.

John M'Kinney,
John Peebles,
James S. Woods.
H. T. Heister,
Matthew Allison,
James Mourse,
James Linn,

Presbyterian Church, Alexandria.

" " Huntington.

" " Lewistown.

St. Marks Episcopal Church.
Presbyterian Church, Mifflintown.

" " Perryville.

" " Bellefonte.

" Robert Hammell, donation Gen. James Potter, Potter's Mills.

* Several liberal collections and donations vrere received too late for insertion
in the report this year.

OFFICERS AND MANAGERS.

PrcsiileiU.
JOHN A. BROWN.

Vice Presidents.
D, WEATIIERLY, ROBERT EARP,

MICHAEL REED, UUCAl ELLIOT,

JOHN M. ATWOOD, JOSEPH PARKER, Jr.

JAMES L BOSVVELL,

Hiram Ay res,
James Barratt,
Thomas Beaver,
Edwin Booth,
VVm. Bucknell, Jr.,
Ephraim Clark,
Joseph A. Clay,
Gilbert Coombs,
H. Conrad,
VVm. Cunningham,
Joseph R. Dickson,
J. Miller,
Elon Dunbar,
John Elliott,
James S. Flanagin,
Wm. Ford,

Corresponding Secretary.
WILFRED HALL.

Recording Secretary.
ISAAC SULGER.

Treasurer.
MARTIN BUEHLER.

Managers.
Charles Harbert,
Isaac Hazlehurst,
C. Ileiskell,
R. K. Hoeflick,
Paul T. Jones,
A. H. Julian,
David Lapsley,
John L. Linton,
Thomas T. Mason,
David C. M'Cammon,
J. H. M'Kee,
J. S. M'Mullen,
Jolm C. Sims,
Simeon Collins,
Edward Olmsted,
Robert Soutter, Jr.

J. S. Kneedler,
Robert Lig-gclt,
Archibald Robertson,
Samuel Sappington,
John Smart,
C. L. Spangler,
John Sparhawk,
T. W. Jones,
Geo. H. Stewart,
]Milton Smith.
John Wilmer,
Joseph Walton,
Wm. Dulty,
James Wray,
George Young,
M. H. Treadwell.

REV. O. S. POWELL,
REV. J. MILLER.

i Agents.

Missionaries.

REV. WM. HANCE,

MR. CHARLES WOODS.

Executive Committee.
John A. Brown, Chairman.

M. H. Treadwell,
Edward Olmsted,
Robert Soutter, Jr.,

George II. Stuart,
Isaac Sulger,
Joseph Walton.

COMMITTEE ON PUBLICATIONS.

JOHN M. ATWOOD, Chairman.
MARTIN BUEHLER, ISAAC HAZLEHURST.

SUBSCRIPTIONS AND DONATIONS TO THE PHILADEL-
PHIA SABBATH ASSOCIATION,

From April 1, 1846, to April 1, 1847.

Collection in Mount Joy, April 10, 1846, $12.56, March, 1847,

10.00, J. & S. S. Patterson 5.00 each, - $32 56
" Lancaster, April 10, 1846, (balance,) 6.13, March,

1847, 42.06, 48 19

" Middletown 3.7.5, A Friend 5.00, - - - 8 75

" St. Paul's Episcopal Church, .... 10 00

" Etna Furnace, 2 88

" Williamsburg 9 79

" Presbyterian Church, Blairsville, - . - - 4 70
" Alexandria, German Reformed Church 2.93, Pres-
byterian Church, (balance,) 7.90, - - 10 83
" Huntington Presbyterian Church 20.00, Methodist

Episcopal 5.00, 25 00

" Hollidaysburg Presbyterian Church 61.00, Metho-

dist Episcopal Church 20.00, Lutheran Church

1.25, 82 25

" First Baptist Church, Philadelphia, (in part,) - 35 21
" Union Methodist Episcopal Church, per. J. J. Bos-
well, - 67 21

" Fourth Presbyterian Church, - - - - 13 36

" St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church, - - 7 75

" Lutheran Church in Perry Co. per. Rev. Mr. Himes, 3 07

" Northumberland, 6 65

" Jersey Shore, 22 .50

" Williamsport Sabbath Association, - - 6 00
" West Kishacoquillas Presbyterian Church, per

Rev. J. Moore 7.23, per. Mr. Hale 6.05, - 13 28
" York Sabbath Association, - - - - 26 65
" Presbyterian Church, Danville, 20.00, other citi-
zens 9.60, 29 60

" Milton Sabbath Association .55.00, balance of col-
lection at Convention 20.00, - - - 75 00
" Lewisburg Sabbath Association, - - - 30 00

" Chambersburg, 29 25

" Harrisburg, 70 00

" Balance Collection Sabbath Convention, Carlisle, 28 75

" Shippensburg, ------- 5 47

" Marietta, - - 8 56

" Presbyterian Church, Perrysville, - - - 20 00

" Presbyterian Church, Bellefonte, - - - 20 00

" St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Lewistown, - - 20 00

" Presbyterian Church, 20 00

" Presbyterian and Methodist Churches, Newton

Hamilton, 30 00

" Sabbath Association, Lock Haven, . - - 6 50

'< Easton, (balance,) 5 00

15

Gjllection in Clover Creek, Methodist Episcopal Church,' - 81 28

" Columbia Methodist Episcopai Church, - - 4 38

" Newport, 3 30

" Berwick, G 40

" Bustleton, Metlio<list Episcopal Cliurch, - - 3 5)0

" Central Presbyterian Cliiircli, N. L., (in part,) - 10 00

" Ninth Presbyterian Ch. '^3.50, Sab. sciiool 10.00, 33 50

" Presbyterian Church, MilHintown, - - - 20 00

G. Coombs, 5 00

R. Allen, and M. Reed, 10.00 each, 20 00

Mrs. Spohn, J. B. Stryker, Mrs. Elwyn, A Friend, W. S. Cham-
ley, J. L. Linton, Mrs. Hertzog, 5,00 each, - - - - 35 00

Cash from individuals, 46 00

Atwood & Co., 10 00

J. Walton, - . . . 10 00

Morris Patterson, Henry Chester, William Rowland, C. M'Cal-
listcr, Mrs. Whitehead, 5.00 each, Mrs. Field 4.00, A Friend

4.00, Dr. Hatfield 3.00, 30 00

J. A. Brown, 100 00

Thomas Fleming, D. Lapsley, 20.00 each, .... 40 00
A. FuUerton, A. R. Perkins, H. J. Williams, S. H. Perkins, J. S.

Kneedler, E. F. Backus, 10.00 each, 60 00

G. W. Toland, James Bayard, E. S. Whelen, A. White, J.
M'Lanahan, J. C. Donnell, J. R. Campbell, M. W. Baldwin, T.

Harris, 5.00 each, 45 00

Cash, 9 00

Miss Livinorston, per. Rev. J. W. Stewart, . - . . 10 00

Messrs, Eckel, Spangler and Raiijuel, - - - - - 50 00

A Ladv 5.00, Mr. Mathey 3.00, S. Batten 1.00, ... 9 QQ

W. S.Roberts 5.00, J. R. Smith 5.00, 10 00

Female Bible Class, No. 2, St. Andrew's Church, - - - 5 00

•T. Parker, Jr., - 3 00

J. R. Weeks 1.00, Mr. Wright, Wrightsville, 2.00, - - 3 00

S. M. Leiper 5.00, A Friend 38 cents, 5 33

L. Eldrido-e, T. Sparks, A. Whilldin, Mr. King, J. C. Farr, R. W.
Clark, C. Robb, S J. Dreer, Misses Clarks, C. H. Hughes, 5.00

each, W. Clark 10.00, 60 00

T. Craven 3.00, W. Whilldin 4.00, 7 00

R. W. Davenport, F. A. Raybold, D. C. M'Cammon, George

Young, 3.00 each, 12 00

H. Stevenson, S. Robb, W. Tavlor, 2.00 each, ... 6 00

Mrs. Shaw, J. C. Ciiance, 1.50' each, 3 00

Cash from individuals, ....... 16 00

Hacker, Lea & Co., 10.00, D. S. Brown & Co., 10.00, Worrell,

^ Coates & Co., 10.00, Dulles, Aertscn &. Fisher, 5.00, - - 35 00
I'ales, Ix)throp &, Co., D. B. Hinman, Thomas &. Martin, T. P.

Remington, 5.00 each, ....... 20 00

A. Henry, 25 00

A friend in Bethlehem, 2 05

G. Burton, J. F. Leaming, 5.00 each. Cash 50 cents, - - 10 50

J. M. Davis, C. Harbert, 10.00 each, ..... 20 00

A friend in Mercersburg, -150

Dutilh &. Humphrey, Reed & Brother, 20.00 each, - - 40 00

C. Harkness, D. Leech &. Co., 10.00 each, - - . . 20 00
A. M'Intyre, J. Caskey, 5.00 each, 10 00

D. M'Intyre, A. Robertson, 10.00 each, 20 00

W. R. Hanson, Mrs. Hanson, 5.00 each, .... 10 00

16

Miss Still e, Joseph Wray, 10.00 each, $20 00

Miss Davis, 100

J. Steele & Co., Rev. E. R. Fairchild, 5.00 each, - - - 10 00

N. B. Thompson, C. S. Wurtz, 5 00 each, .... 10 00
W. Bucknell, Jr., Thomas Wattson, D. Jayne, J. M. Linnard,

Thomas Earp, 5.00 each, 25 00

Barcroft, Beaver & Co., 20 00

George H. Stewart, 50 00

William Ford, A. Green, 3.00 each, cash 2.00, ... 8 00

J. M. Paul 20.00, J. N. Dickson 10.00, 30 00

H. L. Hodge, Bingham, Dock &. Stratton, 10.00 each . . 20 00

Harris, Turner & Irwin 5.00, J. R. Gemmill 5.00, - - - 10 00

James Bruen 5.00, cash 5.00, 10 00

W. R. Thompson, 5 00

R. Soutter, Jr., Mrs. Blaine and family, R. Earp, H. Elliot, Miss

H. Holland, 10.00 each, 50 00

M. Johnson, J. M'Arthur, William Kirk, W. C. Patterson, James

Leslie, Mrs. Brown, J. B. Linnard, Miss M. Stille, J. B. Ross,

A Friend, James Hogan, W. A, Porter, 5.00 each, - . . 60 00

S. A. Mercer 3.00, Cash 3.00, 6 00

Mr. Hough, R, Dunlap, 5.00 each, 10 00

Hieskill & Hoskins, 10 00

W. Williamson 10.00, I. Marter & Son, 5.00, - - - 15 00

R. J. Grigg, G. Russell, J. Stockton, 1.00 each, ... 3 00

Cash, 1 25

P. Beaver, Millerstown 5.00, J. G. 35 cents, ... 53 5

2,126 61

Philadelphia Sabbath Association in account with M. Bcehleu, Treasurer.

Dr.

To amount paid Rev. M'Knight Williamson, arrears of salary, - $184 87

To amount paid Rev. 0. S. Powell, Rev, J. Miller, Rev. William

Hance, Messrs. Thomas Freeman and Thomas Peoples, salary up to

April 1, ....-..-.

To amount paid the same for travelling expenses, . - -
To amount paid printing report and bills, room rent and sundries,
Balance on hand to new account, - - . . .

Ch.

By cash received of former Treasurer,
Amount of donations during the year.

1,650

216

138

76

00
15
92
83

$2,266 77

§140
2,126

16
61

$2,266

77

The undersigned, appointed a committee by the Sabbath Association to examine
the Treasurer's account, hereby certify that they have compared the above account
with the vouchers, and find it correct, leaving balance in the Treasurer's hands,
seventy-six dollars eighty-three cents.

ROBERT EARP,
ISAAC SULGER

J

Committee.

Philadelphia, April ZO, 1847.

Sir

fCi

1