Henry M. Brooks - The Olden Time Series, Vol. 3: New England Sunday

H >> Henry M. Brooks >> The Olden Time Series, Vol. 3: New England Sunday

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_THE OLDEN-TIME SERIES._

16mo. Per vol., 50 cents.

* * * * *

There appears to be, from year to year, a growing popular taste for quaint
and curious reminiscences of "Ye Olden Time," and to meet this, Mr. Henry
M. Brooks has prepared a series of interesting handbooks. The materials
have been gleaned chiefly from old newspapers of Boston and Salem, sources
not easily accessible, and while not professing to be history, the volumes
contain much material for history, so combined and presented as to be both
amusing and instructive. The titles of some of the volumes indicate their
scope and their promise of entertainment:--

CURIOSITIES OF THE OLD LOTTERY.
DAYS OF THE SPINNING-WHEEL.
SOME STRANGE AND CURIOUS PUNISHMENTS.
QUAINT AND CURIOUS ADVERTISEMENTS.
LITERARY CURIOSITIES.
NEW-ENGLAND SUNDAY, ETC.

* * * * *

"It has been the good fortune of the writer to be allowed a peep at the
manuscript for this series, and he can assure the lovers of the historical
and the quaint in literature that something both valuable and pleasant is
in store for them. In the specialties treated of in these books Mr. Brooks
has been for many years a careful collector and student, and it is
gratifying to learn that the material is to be committed to book
form."--_Salem Gazette_.

* * * * *

_For sale by all Booksellers. Sent, post-paid, upon receipt of price.
Catalogues of our books mailed free._

TICKNOR & CO., BOSTON.

THE OLDEN TIME SERIES

* * * * *

NEW ENGLAND SUNDAY

"_Sunday is the golden clasp that binds together the volume of the
week._"--LONGFELLOW.

"_What greater calamity can fall upon a nation than the loss of worship?
Then all things go to decay._"--EMERSON.

"_There are some moody fellows, not a few,
Who, turn'd by Nature with a gloomy bias,
Renounce black devils to adopt the blue,
And think when they are dismal they are pious._"
HOOD.

"_Sundays observe; think when the bells do chime
'Tis angel's music._"
HERBERT.

THE OLDEN TIME SERIES.

GLEANINGS CHIEFLY FROM OLD NEWSPAPERS OF BOSTON AND SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS

SELECTED AND ARRANGED, WITH BRIEF COMMENTS

BY

HENRY M. BROOKS

* * * * *

New-England Sunday

"Old and new make the warp and woof of every moment. There is no thread
that is not a twist of these two strands. By necessity, by proclivity, and
by delight, we all quote."--EMERSON

[Illustration: T AND CO]

BOSTON

TICKNOR AND COMPANY

1886

_Copyright, 1886,_

BY TICKNOR AND COMPANY.

* * * * *

_All rights reserved._

=University Press:=

JOHN WILSON AND SON, CAMBRIDGE.

INDEX OF NAMES.

PAGE

AGASSIZ, PROFESSOR L. 15
Andrew, Charles A. 43
Atkinson, Edward 15

BARNARD, THOMAS, D.D. 21
Beecher, Rev. H.W. 6
Bentley, William, D.D. 10, 11
Blanchard, Benjamin 20, 21
Bolles, Lucius, D.D. 21
Bonaparte, Napoleon 20
Brisset, Citizen 49
Burns, Robert 21

CABOT, JOS. S. 20
Chase, Philip 46
Churchill, Mr. 35
Cleveland, George 43, 46, 48
Coggin, Jacob 32
Crowninshield, John 43
Culver, Mr. 33

EMERSON, R.W. 58
Endicott, Governor John 33
Endicott, Samuel 20

FELT, REV. JOS. B. 8, 9, 18
Freeman, Nehemiah 22
Frothingham, Nathaniel 46, 48

GLOVER, MR. 34, 35
Guppy, Reuben 18

HODGES, CAPTAIN BENJAMIN 11
Hopkins, Daniel, D.D. 9, 21
Hopps, John Page 62

INGERSON, NATHANIEL 40

JACOBS, JOHN 32
Jefferson, Thomas 13
Johnson, Richard M. 47, 49, 50

KING CHARLES I. 37
King George II. 38
King George III. 38
King James I. 37
Kittredge, Dr. Benjamin 43, 46

LANE, DAVID 32
Le Favre, Mr. 10
Le Sage 40
Lord, William 18

MCCLURE, MR. 34, 36
Mitchell, Judge 34, 36

NEAL, DAVID A. 43

OSGOOD, BENJAMIN 32

PAINE, THOMAS 49, 56
Parker, Mr. 10
Peele, Willard 46, 48
Peters, Hugh 9
Phillips, Stephen C. 43, 46
Pickman, Dudley L. 46, 48
Pingree, David 43
Preston, Mr. 65
Prince, Rev. John, LL.D. 21
Putnam, Perley 43, 46, 48

SALTONSTALL, LEVERETT 43
Smith, Jonathan 15
Smith, Susan 15
Spurgeon, Rev, C.H. 6
Stearns, Charles 21
Story, Franklin H. 43
Swan, Mr. 10

TALMAGE, REV. DR. 6
Treadwell, John W. 43
Trumbull, Jonathan 15
Tucker, Gideon 46, 48

VOSE, MR. 34

W----, REV. MR. 41
Washington, George 1
Waters, Joseph G. 43
Waters, Stanley 10
West, Nathaniel, Jr. 43
White, Stephen 46
Whiting, Samuel 32
Wright, Fanny 56

[Illustration]

NEW-ENGLAND SUNDAY.

SEEING in an old paper that General Washington was stopped by a
"tythingman" in Connecticut in 1789 for the "crime" of riding on Sunday, we
were naturally led to think about the "Sabbath question," as it is
sometimes called. We find the account referred to in the "Columbian
Centinel" for December, 1789.

THE _PRESIDENT_ AND THE _TYTHINGMAN_.

The President, on his return to New-York from his late tour,
through Connecticut, having missed his way on Saturday, was
obliged to ride a few miles on Sunday morning, in order to gain
the town, at which he had previously proposed to have attended
divine service.--Before he arrived, however, he was met by a
Tythingman, who commanding him to stop, demanded the occasion of
his riding; and it was not until the President had informed him
of every circumstance, and promised to go no further than the
town intended, that the Tythingman would permit him to proceed on
his journey.

* * * * *

This Sunday question has been so often discussed of late years, and the
opinions expressed on the same are so diverse, that it may be well to print
a few selections on the subject from some of the old newspapers, that those
who are interested may see, as a matter of curiosity, if for no other
reason, what views have been entertained within the past century, more
especially in New England, in reference to Sunday.

In a Salem paper of 1775 the following notice appeared:--

WHEREAS the sober and thoughtful People of this Town are much
displeased by the great Noise and Disturbance made in the
Streets, on Saturday and Sabbath Day Evenings. It is earnestly
desired that all Heads of Families would keep their Children and
Servants at Home, on those Evenings, and thereby greatly
contribute to the Quiet of the Town and Peace of the Inhabitants.

The appearance of Essex Street in Salem at the present time on Saturday
evening would seem to indicate that "heads of families" do not now "keep
their children and servants at home."

* * * * *

From a communication in the "Massachusetts Centinel," April 30, 1788,
"riding on the Sunday" is held to be a "flagrant crime."

_For the_ CENTINEL.

AS the devoting one day in seven to religious purposes is a
bounden duty we owe to God our creator, and a most reasonable law
of our Commonwealth--to see people riding on the Sunday in
pursuit of their worldly affairs, is so disgusting to the man of
true principle, that the neglect of our executive authority of so
flagrant a crime, is to be lamented. The common practice of a Mr.
C----fl----n of H-pk----n is notorious on this account. Would not
wish to traduce the character of any man, but would only query,
whether such conduct is not highly reprehensible, and deserving
the cognizance of the magistrate.

SUFFOLK.

* * * * *

This is not at all strange from the point of view from which Sunday was
then regarded. Indeed many people feel about the same now. They would have
the old laws enforced in regard to riding and neglect of public worship.
They have fears that the day may degenerate into a European Sunday, with
prayers in the morning and amusements in the afternoon and evening.

The changes in the past fifty years in reference to Sunday have indeed been
very great, but we think they arise chiefly from a reaction from the too
strict Puritanism of the past. While we would not have the day too strictly
kept, we yet have no sympathy with that class of minds who think there
should be no "day of rest" or no time set apart for religious exercises or
church services, but would have all days exactly alike.

* * * * *

According to the "Salem Mercury" of Aug. 12, 1788, the ministers of
Connecticut, in convention, publish an address on the "increasing
negligence of the Publick Worship of God," etc.

SALEM, AUGUST 12.

The Ministers of the State of Connecticut, convened in General
Association, have published a serious, sensible, plain Address to
the People of the Churches and Societies under their pastoral
care, on the subject of the increasing negligence of the Publick
Worship of God; which they consider as one of the most painful
and alarming, among the various instances of declension and
immorality, which at the present time threaten the very existence
of religion in this country.--"In what manner," says the Address,
"does this evil affect the political interests, the essential
wellbeing, of the community? All the branches of morality are
indissolubly connected. From one breach of moral obligation to a
second, to a third, and to all, the transition is easy, necessary
and rapid. From negligence of the duties we owe to God, the
passage is short to contempt for those we owe to men. The
Sabbath, in the judgment of reason and of revelation, is the
great hinge on which all these duties are turned. When the
ordinances of this holy day are forsaken and forgotten, the whole
system of moral obligation must of course be also forgotten; the
great, substantial and permanent good, of which religion is the
only source, is effectually destroyed; the political peace and
welfare of a community, the salvation of the human soul, the
infinitely benevolent designs of redeeming love, the institution
of the means of grace, and the obedience and sufferings of the
Son of God, are frustrated and set at nought. Thus, by one
effectual blow of sin, and the friends of sin, are all the great
and valuable interests of mankind overthrown."

* * * * *

Although our remarks are confined to America, we may mention that it has
been stated by some of our own countrymen who have visited London that
Sunday is generally as well observed there as in New England; yet we find
in the "Salem Gazette" of Nov. 23, 1785, that the attendance on public
worship in London was then rather small as compared with what might have
been seen in Boston at the same date. But that was before the days of the
"sensation" preachers, as they are called,--Spurgeon, Beecher, Talmage, and
men of that stamp, who now draw crowds of people, many of whom are not
always the most religious in the community, but who love excitement rather
than quiet contemplation.

LONDON,

_Sept._ 13. Sunday being a day of rest, 739 horses were yesterday
engaged on _parties of pleasure_.

In fifty churches, eastward of Temple-bar, the congregations
amounted, on an average, to _seven_ for each church in the
morning, and _five_ in the afternoon. This shews the state of the
Christian religion in the metropolis to be far better than could
be expected!

1785.

* * * * *

The following extract from the "Belfast Patriot" of 1825 shows how the
"Lord's day" was regarded in 1776 in the "District of Maine."

FIFTY YEARS AGO. At a town meeting, held on the common, on the
south end of lot No. 26, probably where the meeting house now
stands, on the east side of the river, in Belfast, Oct. 10th,
1776, the town then having been incorporated two years--among
other things "to see if there can be any plan laid to stop the
Inhabitants from visiting on Sunday." "Voted, That if any person
makes unnecessary vizits on the Sabeth they shall be Lookt on
with Contempt untill they make acknowledgement to the Public."

* * * * *

Houses of worship were formerly "as cold as a barn."

Notwithstanding all the comforts and conveniences of modern places of
worship, to say nothing about the more interesting preaching and other
exercises, some people consider it a hardship to be obliged to attend even
one service on Sunday. How was it in "old times"? Our ancestors were
obliged to conform to the prevalent custom of going to meeting whether they
liked it or not. The law did not then excuse any one from attendance at
public worship, except for sickness. Not to be a "meeting-goer" in those
days was to range one's self with thieves and robbers and other outlaws. No
matter if the meeting-house was cold, and there was danger of consumption;
it was apparently "more pleasing to the Lord" that a man should get sick
attending services in "his house" than by staying away preserve his health.
Mr. Felt, in his "Annals of Salem," says: "For a long period the people of
our country did not consider that a comfortable degree of warmth while at
public worship contributed much to a profitable hearing of the gospel. The
first stove we have heard of in Massachusetts for a meeting-house was put
up by the First congregation of Boston in 1773. In Salem the Friends'
Society had two plate-stoves brought from Philadelphia in 1793. The North
Church had one in 1809; the South had a brick Russian stove in 1812. About
the same date the First Church had a stove and the Tabernacle had one also.
The objections that [to heat churches] was contrary to the custom of their
hardy fathers and mothers, [and that it] was an indication of extravagance
and degeneracy, had ceased to be advanced. Not a few remember the general
knocking of feet on cold days and near the close of long sermons. On such
occasions the Rev. Dr. Hopkins used to say, now and then: 'My hearers, have
a little patience, and I will soon close.'"

Mr. Felt says that Hugh Peters (one of the ministers of the First Church)
was represented by an English painter as in a pulpit with a large assembly
before him, turning an hour-glass and using these words: "I know you are
good fellows, stay and take another glass."

* * * * *

The Lord's Day in Connecticut in 1788.

ANECDOTE.

A Gentleman in the State of Connecticut, regularly attended
publick worship on the Lord's day with all his family: On the
Sunday evening he always catechised his children and servants on
the principles of religion, and what they heard the minister
deliver from the pulpit. He had a negro man who never could
remember a note of the sermon, though otherwise smart. At last
his master peremptorily told him he would on Monday morning tie
him up and flog him. Next Sunday evening, when interrogated, he
had forgotten all: On Monday morning his master executes his
threat so far, as to tie him up. The fellow then cried out, O
master spare me, for I remember something the minister said. What
is it? said the master. The fellow replied, "_This much may
suffice at this time._" His master was so pleased with his wit
that he forgave him.

_Salem Mercury_, August 12.

* * * * *

From the Rev. Dr. Bentley's notes, edited by Stanley Waters, printed in the
"Salem Gazette," we learn that even in old times people occasionally
absented themselves from public worship on the Lord's Day.

Under date of 1791 we read,--

Jan. 23. No singing through the whole day--not even an attempt.
Mr. Le Favre Swan & Parker promised their assistance, but by
drawing a prize of L300 in the Lottery they have been detained
from Public Worship.

And in 1792,--

Mch. 11. Sunday. The Ship Grand Turk burdened 550 Tons sailed
this day for India, Capt. B. Hodges.

The previous invitations given to the principal Gentlemen of the
Town & the fame of a ship built in the Town & furnished with
Sails from our own manufactories urged a curiosity so strong that
few people were left in our houses of worship. Weather fine.

Thus we see that pecuniary success and pleasant weather were as influential
in 1792 as they are in 1886 in diverting individuals from their ordinary
religious privileges.

* * * * *

The following extracts from the "Salem Impartial Register" of July 27,
1801, will perhaps have interest when considered in connection with some
circumstances which have taken place in Salem within a year or two:--

_THE CONNECTICUT SABBATH._

IN ancient days, 't was God's most sacred will,
To give his law on Sinai's lofty hill,
Whose top terrific issued clouds of smoke,
And thus, amidst the flames, th' Eternal spoke;
Six days, said he, (and loud the same express'd)
Shall men still labor, and on the seventh rest:
But here alas! like yon great pious town,[A]
They break his law, and thus prefer their own:
"And let it be enacted further still,
That all our people strict observe our will:
Five days and half shall men and women too
Attend their business, and their mirth pursue.
But after that, no man without a fine,
Shall walk the streets, or at a tavern dine.
One day and half 'tis requisite to rest,
From toilsome labor, and a tempting feast.
Henceforth let none, on peril of their lives,
Attempt a journey, or embrace their wives:
No Barber, foreign or domestic bred,
Shall e'er presume to dress a lady's head.
No shop shall spare (half the preceding day),
A yard of Ribband, or an ounce of Tea.
Five days and half th' inhabitants may ride
All round the town, and villages beside;
But, in their travels, should they miss the road,
'Tis our command they lodge that night abroad."
From hence 'tis plainly seen how chang'd indeed,
That sacred law which GOD himself decreed!
In this one act they think to merit heav'n,
By taking half a day from six to add to seven.

[A] _Boston--where a similar law was formerly enforced with rigour._

_"One Man esteemeth one day above another; another esteemeth
every day ALIKE. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own
mind."_ Romans xiv. 5.

* * * * *

The _old_ custom of opening Barbers' Shops in this Town on Sunday
ceased yesterday, in consequence of the determination of the
Grand Jury to make presentment of all such violations of the
Sabbath. Cautions have also been given to the Horse Letters,
against loaning any Horses or Carriages on Sunday; and there
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.

No woman shall kiss her child on the Sabbath, or fasting-day.

No one shall run on the Sabbath day, or walk in his garden, or
elsewhere, except reverently to and from meeting.

No one shall read common prayer books, keep Christmas, or set
days, make minced pies, dance, play cards, or play on any
instrument of music, except the Drum, Trumpet, or Jewsharp.

No food or lodging shall be offered to a Quaker, Adamite, or
other heretic.

If any person turns Quaker, he shall be banished, and not
suffered to return but on pain of death.

No Roman Catholic priest shall abide in the dominion; he shall be
banished, and suffer death on his return.

Some years ago, a law-book which had belonged to Jonathan Trumbull,
containing the early statutes of Connecticut, was in the possession of a
Boston gentleman,[1] who informs us that at the end of the volume, in
manuscript, were found reports of "Brother Jonathan's" adjudications of
small cases which he tried as "justice of the peace." Among them was one
where "His Majesty's tythingman" entered a complaint against Jona and Susan
Smith for a "profanation of the Sabbath;" namely, "That on the ---- day of
---- during Divine Service on the Lord's Day _they did smile_." The
culprits were adjudged to be guilty of the offence, and severally fined
"five shillings and costs." This book was shown to the late Professor
Agassiz, who examined it with great interest and then made the following
remark: "I find here evidence of the difference between the Calvinism of
Switzerland and the Calvinism of America. I was brought up in that faith. I
went to meeting in the morning, I danced with the parson's daughter on the
green in the afternoon, and I played whist with the parson in the evening."

[1] Edward Atkinson, Esq.

The legislature of Massachusetts in the year 1760 passed the following
laws in relation to Sunday and to the proper observance of Saturday
evening:--

"Whereas it is the Duty of all Persons, upon the Lord's-Day
carefully to apply themselves publickly and privately to Religion
and Piety, the Prophanation of the Lord's-Day is highly offensive
to Almighty God; of evil Example and tends to the Grief and
Disturbance of all pious and religiously disposed persons.

Therefore that the Prophanation of the said Day may be fully
prevented: Be it further enacted, That no Person whatsoever shall
keep open their Shops &c. &c.--do or exercise any Labour nor any
Sport, Game Play or Recreation on the Lord's Day or any part
thereof &c. &c. under penalties of not exceeding twenty shillings
for every offence."

Travelling was also prohibited, and it was enacted,--

"That if any Person or Persons shall be recreating, disporting or
unnecessarily walking or loitering, or if any Persons shall
unnecessarily assemble themselves in any of the Streets, Lanes,
Wharves, High-Ways, Commons, Fields, Pastures or Orchards of any
Town or Place within this Province upon the Lord's Day, or any
Part thereof, every Person so offending shall forfeit and pay
the sum of five shillings and upon a second Conviction bound for
good behaviour,... If any Persons being able of Body and not
otherwise necessarily prevented shall for the space of one Month
together absent themselves from the Publick Worship of God on the
Lord's Day, they shall forfeit and pay the sum of ten shillings.

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