ply. that mankind is under no moral oD- ligation to refrain from secular labor on any day of the weekg Is It not Tn di- rect opposition to the received oPlnlon of almost all protesting Christlans2 1t is to that part of the law, more partlcu- larly, which requires, ;n terms, all the postmasters throughout the U. States to deliver letters, packets, and papers, on every day of the week, to which the minority of your committee object, and which is most offensive to the petition CTS. h this statute is at once seen a palpable encroachment on the rights of conscience. It either drives every man, who feels himself morally bound to ob- serve the sabbath in religious manner, from inc service ofhis country, and equal participation in her fayors, or subjects him to the hard terms of remaining in office. at the expenseof his principles. Lis freely acknowledged, that the works of necessity and mercy are not forbid den: and, if the transportation of the mail off Sunday, could be justified on that ground, (which is not admitted) it cannot be contendea, that the keeping open offices, where no mail arrives on that day, is the work of necessity.

 The arguments which have been urged for the transportation of the mail, &c. on the Sabbath, are mainly derived from commercial convenience, and from alleged defangement of business and in- tercoufse. This doctrine initiates against the first principles Of good nor aIs. If these are important at all, they are paramount tothe claims of fexpedien- cy: but this plea makes them subservi- ent 10 the. pressure ofworldIy business, and converts them into mere questions Of profit ree fl: sfiiittii sssfiiitti loss.

 Granting the prayer of the petitioners cannot interfere with the religious feel ings or consciences of any portion of the citizens; because, they ask no service to be performed--no principle to be pro- iessed. Itis only asked that certain du- ties be not required on 8 certain day. Were it imposing any service, or requir- ing the profession of any opinions, those whose religious sentiments were differ 9ent, might justly complain. But hewho conscientiousiy believes that he is bound .feebserve the seventh fay of the week. in religious manner, can have no just reasosl to complain, because, Govern ment takes nothing from him, in per, hitting all classes of citizens to observe the first day of the week as day of re ligioas rest. The case would be quite different did the privilege of resting on that day, impose any thing on any class of citizens, contrary to their conscience. Therefore,

 Resoiuea, That it is expedient to grant the prayer of the petitioners.

 VIM. MsCREERY.