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CgLCUI.AR LETTER. */* THE MiNtstetts and other Brethren eobtfisinfr the Gtoncii Baptist JUsOCIATIOXi 10 the CItURCHKS they represent-*.*end cordial Salutations. BkLOVKO BRF,TH«fcX, » Havjng wjtli sorrow’ observed the disregard of the Sabbath by in general, and es pecially by many who profess the holy religion of Jesus, it was thought < expedient last sessioti*>that it should be the subject of this ad dress. You wis easily perceive this to be too copious to be completely discussed in the limits usually pre scribed to Circular Letters. Your considerations, therefore, will be in vited only to those remarks which appear most important. The Father of Mercies, knowirfg the stupidity of mortals fh'ow slow to learn 1 how prone to forget those tlfripgs belonging to his worship, arid particularly the time appropriated foi* that purpose J ushers in the 4th with peculiar emphasis, Remember the Sabbath day , to keep it holy./* This we are not to consi der as given to the Jews only, for it dots not appear to be of a ceremoni , .nature, but moral ; nor i's this the %st institution, but only the renew al or ratification of it. No doubt the will of God concerning this as well as the other commands, was en stamped on man’s heart at his first God’s resting oh the seventh day from ail his works, his sanctifying and blessing it, seem sufficient intimations, that every se venth day thereafter should be ob serve;’ by The morality of the Sabbath is very evident its in stitution, it being while man was in a state of innocence, consequently be fore all types and ceremonies res pecting an atonement for sins—be* ing Chen appointed bn moral ground, it must necessarily be of perpetual obligation* Ij is proper, however, to be noticed, that we do not keep < the identical same day the Jews did They observed the seventh, we the first. But our obligation to observe the Sabbath does not consist in it’s being the seventh day of the week, but in baing the seventh part of our time ; especially when from the na ture of things it is impossible the same day should be observed in all places of the earth at the same time, it being of a spherical l figure. Hav ing said thus much concerning the origin and morality of the Sabbath, We shalj further consider a few rea-'. sons why we are bound to observe it; 4nd then how it is to be kept holy. We are bound by the authority of Him who commands, “ When God speaks , let man obey .” It is suffici ent for mortals to know that it is the will of their Maker, without saying 4 Why dost thou?.’ God may -chal lenge a sovereign right to dispose of our time, our talents, and our all, as seemeth ta him g'ood—lt is enough for us we obey and adore ; for* in Him we live,, move, and have our being. Should it then be thought too miich that we separate one day in seven for his worship, that we may learn to know him, serve him, and glorify him l Surely it is our reasona ble service ! The goodness of God calls to it. fbtd not the Father of Mercies, ap pointed the Sabbath, it is presuma bly many cruel masters would com pel their servants to toil from year to year without a day’s relaxation.— But by the intervention of the Sabbath, the body is invigorated and fitted for the employ ment of another week, and the soul enlivened and fitted, by grace attending; the : ap pointed means, for a happier clime above. Bless the Lhrd for his good ness in appointing the Sabbatfv. The example of Goff affords anor ther reason. In six days he finished all the works of creation, and. rested on the seventh—Not indeed as one weary* but as one well leased with the instances of his owmgoodness.— Arilf this appears to have been .done as. an example for man; for if-he bad pleased, by his Jiat He could have made all things in a moment. The Patriarchs might rest in the contem plation of the wonders and goodness of God,., manifested in the works of creation ; the Jews in their.redemp tio© » from Egytian bondage ; and Christians in the finished works of redeeming love, i Again,, his, blessing it is another reason of our keep ng it holy. God bus blessed the Sabbath, not only in the consecration of it to a holy use ; but by ordering it in his provi dence that the religious observance of it shall be no detriment unto, but rather a furtherance of their lawful callings thiough the week—especi ally as the profaning of .it draws on a train of miseries*— JMit x«V, 48. Ml >reover, he hjjesscd them in it, by Hording thei#*a R lenteous ■amunication of spiritual blessings * ‘ ‘ « ‘'jwKr : ■ • yjWF The law of the lan.lhlso, to *the followers of Jesus are conumand ed to he subject, -enjoins thd ‘strict Observance of this* day. The institu tion is civil in its ends; that God onay be worshipped, man instructed, nations benefitted, and families de voted to tfie service of God. The a bolition of it would not only be ur«- scgiptiiral, (Exo . xxxi, 13./ but un reason abre and disadvantageous to soul, body, society, and the brutal creation. > Let \js now, brethren, consider briefly, ho\r the Sabbath is to be hal lowed. In order then to the keep ing, it holy,, we may consider what should not, and what should be done. What we should not do, is express ed in these word*—TAau shalt not do any work, thou , nor thy soft , Wc.—Ottr worldly business of whatever kind, must be laid aside. This command is particularly addressed to masters of families, who are not only to ab stain from labor themselves, but see that all undentheit care do likewise. The design of the : Sabbath is to serve God .-and instruct ouk souls; every thing which is inconsistent with this, is forbiddeb by this command. How awfully then is it violated by visit- I ing, feasting, hunting worldly a* musements, writing letters, settling accounts, reading carnal books, and worldly conversation. Look about ‘oqr* neighborhoods and highways,- and you see very little appearance of a day of rest/ Alas 1 waat strol ling from place to place—Servants, so far from being restrained by their masters, are stimulated by their ex amples. By needless entertainments how many are deprived of attending on those means of God has appointed for the instruction and salvation of men's souls. The Sabbath is also profaned by idleness. Mere rest of body is the Sabbath of beasts. Isaiah teaches us how we ought to spend the Lord’s duy, (Iviii, 13, 14. J paraphrased by iSurder—“ If thou turn away thy foot ’ from the Sabbath from trampling on it, or from travelling on it, or from walking at large, as if under no restraint— doing thy pleasure on my holy day,—( that is,» from thy carnal do ng that which is agreeable to thy corrupt inclina tions—and cait the Saooatu adetight f the holy of the Lord, and hondruOse; esteeming it above ail other days, taking holy pleasure in tae ways of God— and shalt honor him, not doing thy own ways, nor finding thy own pleasure, nor speaking thy own words ; not gratifying thy flesh, not indulg ing m trilling nor impertinent con versation— then shalt thou delight thy setj in the Lord-~ thou shalt have the honor, pleasure and, profit of it* for God has blessed this day. . , s a -0 ; Y ‘•’ •’ ‘■ Amongst all the works of a tem poral those only of necessity and mercy are to be* performed on this day. Works of necessity are such as could not be foreseen or pro vided for before, nor deferred till af ter the. Sabbath* Those of mercy are moderate refreshment, visiting the sick, feeding and preserving our stock, &c. Luke, vi, xiii, 15, 16,. xiv, S.; I, Cor* sc vi 9 2. In these res pects, the Sabbath was made for man 9 and not man for the Sabbath; and the Jews were severely reprimanded for their superstitious observance of it. Let us however, be cautious, Lest these be pretended, and not real works of mercy or necessity. But there are positive ditties re quiredjof us*. This. day, as aIL o thers, should, be commenced by great -Hale, that when* he comment- j ed the Sabbath properly, the other f duties of the day . easily followed ; j and when’ the Sabbath was Well } spent, the remainder of the u&ek \ was generally so> tqp* This duty of \ private prayer is incumbent on chris- : tians every doubly soon the Lord’s day. For this, there is an argument from the ceremonial |aw> for the daily sacrifice was to be doubled on the Sabbath, Num . xvviii, 9—intimating that they should dou ble their devotions on that day.— Not only secret, but family worship i is enjoined in scripture, by precept ! and example ; praying with all pray— i er, and in all places, then surely in families. Abraham, Joshua** David*. Cornelius* and to crown «dl, the blessed Jesus, are patterns for our imation in; family worship— Gen, j xviii, 19 %• Joshua , xth; 15 >;.* //. vi, 20; Acts x, 2, xxei, 30 ; LuJtc ix, j 18. And from the awful denuncia- j tions of diyine displeasure against j those families who call not on his | name, that he would pnur.out of his I wrath upon- them, and scatter brim- I stone upon their habitations l Public worship too, is an ordi nance of God, and of great import ance. * The true worshippers of God ! ♦ from the beginnings have assembled- i for. prayer and praise. They were glad t,o go up to the house of the i#ord, and esteemedday in his cemJt s*isgsk A'"* has commanded his ministers preach unto the peoplty- &nd pro mised his presence—Surely Iben, it is the people’s duty to attend and *hear. How lamentable then to con sider the number who never attend the house of the Lord 1 If the day be observed, let it ( the whole of it) be observed to the Lord. How should we shudder at the thought of the entire abolition of the Sabbath ! Yet those who never give their at tendance at, public worship, declare the Sabbath to be loathsome to them. And you, brethren, beware, lest by lukewarmness in the performance of those duties enjoined by God in his word, -you unwittingly oppose the cause of Him .you profess to lovt.— This is ah important crisis 1 A pru ning, a winnowing season 1 A time when those plants not Manted-by the .Lord of the Vineyard, will shew their degenerate nature- ‘ Let us profess to be the true followers of the hum ble Jesus, manifest a decided disap probation of all by an upright walk and godly conversation. Train up your child in the nurture of the Lord . Ye, who are heads of fa milies, on the Lord!* day, ‘and all convenient seasons assemble your little ones and seivants around you ; read a chapter or two of scripture, a sermon, oy some good book \ ask them a few easy questions concern cerning religion ; endeavor to lead them sweetly > and gently into a knowledge of themselves ahd their God. Te are the salt of the earthy let it not lose its savour f Think how many evils flow from'the neglect of the Sabbath. In France tnere is no Sabbath ; infidelity reigns l Take the alarm ! Ardently’ beseech the Fa ther of Mercies that this may never be the case in this favored land*—. Let us devoutly join the supplication, 4 thy kingdom come ; thy will be done on earthy as it ts in heaven*’ Let us pass our sojourning here in fear and trembling. Let us look upon each day of rest here, as an anticipation of that eternal rest above 1 L,et u.> then observe it as we hope to do, when, with the blood-washeu throng, we adore, bending arOuncF the throne, crying, holt, ttOLr % no* LTy LORD GOD OP ftOS TS ! iinecuoccg. J Answer to a Challenge, The eccentric. H. H.: Brecken* ridge, now one of the Judges of the Supreme court of Pennsylvania, when a young man was challenged . to fight a duel by an English officer, whom he answered as follows : ’ 44 I have two objections to this duel matter. The one is lest I should hurt you ; and the other is lest you should hurt me. I do not see any good it would do me to put a bullet through your body. I could make no use of you when dead for any culinary purpose as I would a rabbit or turkey ; I arc* no cannibal to feast on the flesh of menv Why then shoot down a’ humam-creature of which I could make no use ? A Buffalo would be better meat. For though your flesh might be delicate and tender, yet it wants that firm ness and consistency which takes and retains sail. At any rate it would not be fit fo* a brig sea voyage.— You might make a good barbaeue is true being the nature of an opos* som; for people. are not in the ha bit of barbaeuing -4ny thing that is human now; A* to your hide it is not worth taking.off,-being little bet ter than a two year old colt* So much for you*, As for jnyself Ido not like for tovstaqdjn the way of any thing;that is harmful, i am un der magfht hit me. That being the case* I think it most advisable lo stay at a distance. If you. want to try your pistols, take - some object, a tree or a- barn door, about my, dimensions. If you hit that,-send me word, and I shall ac knowledge, that if I had been in the same place, you might also have hit me/* . A Good Counsellor* Virginia the laws are peculiar ly severe against horse stealing, ma king the crime capital and of course punishable with death. A few years ago* one of these equestrian gentry being detected in the Very act of appropriating to his own use an ani mal which did not happen to belong to him\ was brought before the court of a large inland town in Virginia, for trial. Tne proofs of the facts were too strong to admit of any her sitation in the jury, but* as a matter of privilege, secu red by our excel* r lent laws, it was necessary the cri minal should have and as he-had no means of remunerating anyy the court appointed a young man but lately, to-praC* ‘ tice, to do the best he could for him*; After hearing many witnesses against him (half of whom were sufficient to hang him) the court called foig»|l> nesses for the defendant when hfs counsel humoly requcsted the * ourt to permit him *to have- a fe w words conversation with erw««t» (private. The young barrister took .his client to the outer door, ar*d ask ed liiiTiy **are you indeed guilty or are you not ?* ‘I am guilty was the response, * in what possible way can you save me ?* ‘ Why fly this moment; quit the state, and become an honest man V He took the ad vice, without a second bidding, and the barrister returned into!court— The prisoner Was expected* waited for ; and suspicion's arose that his counsel had and let hint off. He w.as by'them inter-, rogated and it ‘ Did you* not/ said he, 1 appoint me the ‘man’s counsel, and of course, by our own act, it my duty to do all I co.uld to clear him—l found that he was'guilty—he acknowledged it_; and 1 knew he would be brought in as such, and hanged.. Accordingly, acting in.the spirit_and meaning of that duty with which I anv by you invested, 1 told him that as his counsel, the only best advice I could give him was ;to “clear himself as quicfas possible 1* A0 :\f INIS rR \r O s S AL,E. On the 20th day of May next • ai the, plantation of Susanna Kolb , deceased , of Jackson County, WILL BE SOLD/ the personal property of said dec. Consisting oi a Horse, Waggon arid hind geer, Cattle, Hbgs, Sheep, Household and Kitchen Furniture, with other, articles too tedious to g~ numerate. Terms made known on the day of sale* - ?, v ‘ JAMES CASH, Administrator. • Apiil Ith, 1 sl4. -’ i ■■■ -'■ a - ‘ ’ t -;r- ~'■ - V ■■ ■ - A List of Letters remaining in the Post Office qt Athensa Gep, the First day of April, 1814'. A. John Alexander, Mrs. £. Alien* •B James Bransford. Maj.Thos. Burke, Sai ah Bankston, J, Boxley, Miss Gilley .Barber, Walter Bell, James B >gs, Miss Bessy Cox* D. John Dearie. . *r’ E. * Joseph Ewin. \V G. Sami. Gambold, Judge Gres ham, Mr. Green. H. John Hodge, Reuben Hill, Lieut. J. P. Hervey, Capt. James Hays, S. T. G. Holt. M. John Marable, 2, William Miller; Dr. William Meriwether, Francis Meriwether, Mrs. Winfred M‘Cluskey, W. Matthews. /<■ S. Thpmas Simmons, Jas. Scott, Samuel Shields. N. v M. C, Nesbett.V*'* P. , Win* Parkj Jos. PafistiV Wm* Parker. V. Richard Vandiford*. W. Notley Wortham,. •• Janie* Wilson, and William Wright. JAMES D. COLE, R. M. EXECUTOR’S BALE, y On Friday the 6i/i day of May nedLt at, the late residence of Sarah Stokes of Madison county , deceased , WILL BE SOLD , y Zjf# the highest bidder foil a credit of twelve months, part of the personal property Fehhging to the estate of r ./ William Stokes , deceased, and part of the personal property belonging to , the estate of Sarah Stokesdeceased , CONSISTING of Horses, Cattle, Hogs* Sheep, Geese, Household & &itcheri Furniture, Plantation Tools and Farming Utensils. Notes with approved’ security will” be required. s WM. M* STOKES, Surviving Executor of Wm. Stokes , dec, t & Executor of Sarah Stokes, dec* April Ul, 1814. - • GEORGIA, Franklin , CouNfr. Whereas Acquilla Shockley and. Adkin Taber apply for letters of administration on the estate of Ben-* jamin King, late of said county, de ceased. . - / • These are therefore to cite and admonish all and singular the kin dred and creditors Os Said deceased, :to be and appear at my qfHe within Ahe time prescribed by law, to shew cause, if any, why said not be granted. Given under my hand at office this SOth-day of March, 1814. FREDERICK BEALL, .*/. C* Ci 0. TAILORING BUSINESS, i§fi ’ ‘.Jhfcf : „#t> , • Watklksvxlle, . ‘ if k.. V v^, I. E. PASCHAL respectfully ac quaints the inhabitants of YVatkins viile and its vicinity, and the public in general, that he has commenced the abofb business in this place in all its various branches, and that his utmost endeavors will be exerted for the complete on. se-Her will be extremely 1 assiduous to give satisfaction to those who may be pleased to employ him; and their favors will be gratefully acknow ledged. He will be at pains to pro cure the neatest and newest fashions His terms will be moderate and ac commodating. i * “ .v*_. W, FEMALE ACADEMY, V •« .. . •- •*;* * « A*y ATH HNS. BY “the first of May next Mr< Smith will open a SCHOOL, in this town so? Ajie instruction of ’ * , roUi'JG LADIES. ‘ » ‘ ’ m ‘* v She will teach all the cdmmoi branches of an English education, ill eluding English Gratfunar, Geos graphy and History—the French Language, gram niati c#ll y «—N'eedlo Work, Embroidery, Drawing,* &c» A Music Master of unquestionable abilities will be etrrployed to give* lessons on the Forte Piano, three times a week. Board and tuitioa from iOO dollars to 120. February 24, 1814. NOTICE. ’ • \ f- y “■ ; ; i NINE months from the datft hereof application will be made t# the Honorable Inferior Court of Clark Coustty, for Real Estate of the late Cob Peter Randolph, deceased, or as muck thereof as is situate in the said coun* *ty ; Tot* the benefit of the heirs and creditors. > , { • . THOMAS W. COfcß* Adm* cum, left* annexom i March 21, 1314. i * • j GEORGIA, Jackson County, Whereas John C. Smith & Wil liam Smith apply for letters*of ad ministration on the estate of Asa Simmons, late of said county, de ceased. These ar> therefore to cite and ad monish all and singular the kindred and Creditors of said deceased, to b© and appear at my office within the* time prescribed by law, to shevr cause, if any, why said letters should not be granted* t Given under my -hand.this I8t& day of March, 1814. 1 < EDWARD ADAMS, C. C. GEORGIA , Clark CoVnrr, Whereas Isaac Newton applies for letters of administration on the estate of Walter* J« Newton, late of said county, deceased. . A , These are therefore to cite and admonish all and singular the kin* dred and creditors of said deceased to file their objections In my office* if any they have, within the time prescribed by law or said letters will be j Given under my hand ‘and seal at office ihis &ist day March, 1814. ’ JOHN HODGE, C. C. 0, \ jmi m’ r ‘ •- ‘ J ( * r \ -|’n t ( GEORGLA, Clark County, Whereas Edward Paine, Esq. ap* plies for letters of administration ok the estateof Alexander D. Strachau, late of the State of Virginia, deceas ed. These are therefore to cite and admonish &!1 and the kin* dred and creditors of the said dc eeasedyto file tfeir objections in ms, office, If any they have, within th» time prescribed by* law, or said let* ters will be granted. V Given uud’er my hand and seal at office this 21 st of March , 1814. JOHN HODGE , C. C, O. ■■ --- • ;*- • • y ( GEORGIA, Clark Couufr. Whereas Caroline Barnett, Na than B. Barnett and John F. Bar nett apply for letters of administra-t tion on the estate of John Barnett* late of said county, deceased# These are therefore to cite ?n4 admonish all and singular the kin dred and creditors of said deceased to file their objections'inmy office, if any they have, within, the time prescribed by law or said letters will be granted. Given under my hand and seal at office this 2\sP dayof Mhrch, 1814. JOHN HODGE, C. C. O. - ■ j GEORGIA, Madison County . Whereas Col. Edward Ware bath applied to me for letters of admini** t rat ion on the estate of Briton Sap*j ders, late of said county, deceased. These are therefore to cite and admonish all and singular the kijH dred and creditors of said deceased* to file their objections in my office? be any they .have, within the tiiqa | if escribed by law or said letter* will pr granted. Given unden my? hand and seal a$ office this 17th day of March , 1814. WILLIAM SANDERS, C. C. O. .j *» GEORGIA, Madison county. 1 WHEREAS Ephraim SticklandJ sen. Cade D. Strickland & Thomp«- sonC. Strickland apply* to me for! letters of administration'on the es tate of Abseil B. Strickland, late said ** £j3t*jlL > These sire to cite and) admonish all and singular & kir*« dred and creditors of said it*«ase4 to be and appear at my office witmo the ft me prescribed by law, to shew cause, if any, why said letters should ;not b, yjjb&j, £ •'v Given under my Hand at <s®t» this lYlh day of Marc.., 181'V. : WILLIAM S6» Q. 0|