LENDING ON THE SABBATH.
By J. Clarke
Suppose that a friend who had often accommodated me, and had favored me in various ways, should on Sabbath-day solicit some article, even the smallest, as a rake, a hoe, or the like: I should be obliged to say to him something like this: My friend, if you wish this article for some work of necessity or mercy, which cannot be put off, as to relieve pain or sickness, to perform the rites of burial, or something plainly indispensable, you are free to take it; but if not, I must refuse to lend anything upon the Sabbath for common use, although I should be most happy to accommodate you on any other day. The Sabbath command is unconditional and universal; it is as much your duty to observe it as mine, and by lending an implement for you to use in the breach of the Sabbath (knowing this), would bring me in as "particeps criminis" in your offense, which I would not dare do. The Sabbath command is a wonderful instrument; so clear and precise, and it clearly enforces the principle that all I possess and legally control must rest as well as myself. I am truly pained to be obliged to disoblige you, who have so often accommodated me; but I take such infinite pleasure in obeying God, that I would rather lose all earthly friends than break so good a law, and displease so kind a parent as he is, who first established and still ratifies the Sabbath. But, my friend, I should be doing injustice to myself and to the cause if I should take the blame of this matter upon myself. No; let the guilt of bringing all this confusion and disorder upon society, rest upon its author, Satan, who has brought in this counterfeit Sabbath with the express design to divide, to disorganize, and distract society. J. CLARKE.