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^Bap;iiys ^Cf'-SfsSSJt^SI SK*i£a\<' .tS* '■;;2i5v2E3!.!Sah^It:^' ^

SUPID AY :DIST|:mI*ER,

]ir,i rf'T^-ATfWG THE

NAmfRIS, .CAUSES,. SYMPT^ ^'^\D TR€A'r

T,RE.A/T.I.BvJS

THE

mV'rHA'T'.fiAi

BT' WILMAM 'JA,riSi>'N

' Wl-iat evil tijuig igf tius tiiat ye a»= cfjAno iha 55abbjith Hr)''"*

Tebripgrnon^ vm^alh upyn Isfael }>> i'. . j...iniif the >?'sbb.-itii -.NrV
Mi^H xji), 17. !S,
'• Is there no baltto in Gilead ; is th9r(> i, .Ician tl;

k nol tii© health of ihfe Daugiitei- of mv ycoi) (J reo.o\t
MX-fcH viii. 23. " '

■•jV thftii ii

ifei

363.^
Jl3

TREATISE

ON THE

SUNDAY DISTEMPER,

ILLUSTRATING THE

NATURE. CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, AND TREATMENT

OF THAT BAD

DISEASE.

BY WILLIAM JACKSON.

"What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane theSafebath Day '—
MiAH^fiir/? Ts" "^°" ^''""^^ ^^ profaning the Sabbath. -N she-

" |« there no balm in Gilead ; is there no Physician there ? why thea
.snotthehe^thof the Daughter of my people recover«d."ljVRE-

i I' MIAH VIU. ^J,

HALIFAX, N. S.

PRINTED BY H. Jr, BLACKADAR,
1836.

-1

preser

bleof

truly

knowi

it cam

ted \^

alread

ing; on

met w

xnalad;

there i

tion.

be for

the cer

not by

presuDu

thoie g

iffnorai

will noi

I wo

not tree

of; for

an alan

who kni

called o

case, an

fiouudne

formed I

PREFACE.

t cannot fa 1 to be useful to those who are unhappily afflie
ted with that complaint. I am aware nf .hi,!-*^ t •

thoie gentlemen have done so before, unless I had Lph
Ignorant oi their having done so: and humbly hope they
>vin not give me a pace among the "Q«ac*,/ ^ ^'^
1 wou d also beg leave to inform my readers that T «m
not treating on a disease which 1 am lunZ^h '
of; for I was afflicted with it ftr n^y tafs anVfn'^'^K

TuJ I ^^ hopeIess.-At length a kind Physiciaa

cllZ Tn'a h' rl'-^yr'^'^^^ool but undenorm;
case, and m a short time I was r^s.t..v^A *^ u„„uu _ S

«ouuciness. Nor .s mine the only c«;;~that i:Ls"^n ne7
formed by th.s same Physician, ir he neverLls L c^ur;

* PREFACE.

all that he takes in hand, no matter how inveterate the
case may be — though perhaps no case was more desperate
than mine. Shortly after, I was restored, my Physician
called upon me, on a friendly visit, and urged upon me the
necessity of turning my attention to the studying of the
nature and cure of this disease, and kindly offered me his
assistance. Encouraged by his kind offer I at length com-
menced my studies, and being furnished with the original
Prescriptions. by Physician Emanuel, for that is his name,
I travelled through England, Wales, some parts of Ireland,
and a considerable portion of the United States, where I
availed myself of every advantage to be derived previous to
my arrival in this country.

The renaarks contained in the following pages are the
result of /owr^eew years application — and "as it is for the
benefit of the public, this treatise has been written, a^d is
now laid before them ; it will afford me no small gratifica-
tion to find that it is approved of by, and made extensively
useful to all who are in any way afilicted with the Sunday
Distemper. And while they may serve to warn some
persons of their danger, I hope the most skilful will be
excited to search for a remedy for the cure of this disease.

many

mode

to be.

the m

Some

an acl

which

But, i

vinced

Junctiy

of the

when 1

^eterate the
e desperate
Physician
ipon me the
ing of the
red me his
ength com-
le original
is his name,
of Ireland,
S where 1
previous to

es are the
is for the
en, a^d is
1 gratifica-
extensively
e Sunday
warn some
ul will be
i disease.

TBE SVNSAT PlgTmrp ^m

CHAPTER I.

THE NATURE OP THE SUNDAY DISTEMPER.

.2"? f'^T*?' """^ become so common a« to b« »

ubject of the highest importance, and one in which evtrv

individual ought to feel greatly interested. For there ^

whe7e rh"jr:[t" ''"'r^^'-^y-o '-i'y *» Ch'risttdom
Tf i,I ™ u "°'.''*^» f?" a' o»e time or other by some one
of ts members, in .ts slighter or more «vere forms. It '*

reVne.,",.".' "»?"'»■><=« ""at the public be enlightened in
respect to the Nature, symptoms, causes, and treat-
ment 01 this distressing, and prevailing malady, be<^^s^ it

na7v o7 hr"' r^- '''"""".^'''^ '«"-*"<=« prevail: :r„g

many of the profession on these points, coniequenUv their

tot "'Sd-ff " °"^%"'^ '^'y "--"^'^ of Ihat Hough
IL L,, if- < '^''f«™"<=« i opinion prevails, even among

Somecon e^ "f • '? 't^^"^ "* *'"* ««'"« "^ '-^'^ disease^
an r,^»?H •'" u""S *" " "'■^'""'o disease," that is,

an actual disease m the structure of the part affected and
which rarely admits of a cure, except in its early stage
But, from experience and observation I have been Ion 'conl

oTrheTan aftt . ./ J*"^*"'*"' °f ">« "^'-ral functions
or ttie part attected, and, in every case admits of a cure
when proper treatment is resorted to.

We need not think it strange that so great a varielv „f
opinions should be indulged iifwith regard to the ,!a««Je o

thTt the s'k n 7,7" ?' !T.^y ""* ''"*'^'«<J 'heniKlve,,
fled A„S Ih -"**" "'"'f"' '""""S men has been baf-

t,e»,„/ i*^"™'?; "•='=<"'"' for its never having Wn
tieated on by any of our modern writers. But, I beliW
all are agreed in it, being of the intermitting kiid :' wdTu

THE SUNDAY DISTEMPER.

■

many thousands of cases which have come under my notice
it has invariably attacked the patient evtry seventh day.
And what seems most astonishing is, it never returns but on
the Sabbath Day ; and this seems to have given rise to
its beingcalled, TAe Sunday Distemper. In consequence
of its attacking the patient periodically, some of the faculty
have thought it to be a peculiar kind of Ague : and that
degree of coldness which always accompanies each fit, has
s»erved to strengthen thsni in that opinion, though the shi-
verings which usually accompany the ague are absent in this
distemper. And as every fit of ague consists of three
stages, namely, a cold, a hut, and a swealiny stage, and as
in every case, that I have witnessed, the two last named
symptoms have been wanting in the present disorder, I
ca:i!iot think with them that it is an ague.

The paroxysms with which it returns are very violent in
their nature, which, together with that loss of mental energy
which is experienced by the sufferer, has led some to
believe it to be o. fever ; but as 1 do not recollect of ever
having observed any deviation in the functionsof the 6rain,
or those oi circulation, or oi secretion and excretion, I can
hardly think it to be a fever: thou|»h 1 must say I have
frequently observed a low feverish heat during the intervals,
and which some distinguished physicians have cailedfebris
mvndi, or the worldly fever.

This disease differs in xi^ nature ixorn most others, inas-
much as it never seizes young children whose parents are
not atHicted with it themselves : while on the other hand
those children whose parents are under the power ol the
disorder rarely escape the infection, and which, in my
opinion, is a striking proof of its being contagious. My
readers may think nie superstitious for mentioning it, yet it
is an important fact that 1 must not pass o^.r, — that those
who have but nform of religion are most susceptible of this
disease — and, hence, where christianitv has become fashion-
able it is not uncommon to find whole churches affected with
the contagion. And such is the rapidity with which the con-
tagion spreads that in a short tijne it evidences itself to be
Epidemical, and extends, not only through whole con-
gregations, but through private families, till, in a greater
dr lesser degree, nearly all are infected with it, not ex-
cepting Doctors and Divines, as it is unhappily the case
with us at the pie:>eni time.

THE SUNDAY DISTEMPER

er my notice
eventh day.
turns but on
pven rise to
consequence
•f the faculty
e : and that
each fit, has
gh the shi-
ibsent in this
sts of tliree
ta<;e, and as
last named
disorder, I

•y violent in
lental energy
led some to
lect of ever ,'
of the brain, i
return, 1 can ^
say I have
the intervals,
Cii[lei\J'ebris

others, inas- »
|)areuts are
other hand ;
3wer of the
'hich, in my
igious. My
ing- it, yet it
, — that those
;ptible of this
;ome fashion-
attccted with
hich the con-
3 itself to be
whole con-
in a greater
it, not ex-
ily the case

There are some who are of the opinion, that it is a sort of
Leprosy ; on account of those who are afflicted with it fre-
quently assembling themselves together in small groups as
lepers were accustomed to do in ancient times, being fit
for no olhor society. We certainly do read of four being
in one society in Elisha's time; (2. Kings vii. 3.) and ten of
them in another in the days of our Saviour; (Luke xvii.l2)
and, at a distance, a person may mistake those wretched
leper- lookiufj creatures that infest the corners of our streets
every Sabl)ath day for lepers. But, on a closer examina-
tion, w« find them, in general, free from those white scales
which are to be found on the bodies of those afflicted with
that complaint ; therefore, we cannot believe it to be a
natural leprosy ; notwithstanding it bears a great resem-
blance, for both complaints are attended with great fati^^ue.
Others there are who have thought that ihx^ I)' femper
IS a species of Tic Doloureux, on account of its sudden and
painful shocks, and the lery faces which it occasions ; but
when we recollect that the latter complaint most frequently
occurs in the /ace, while the former one is seldom com-
plained of in that part, we are constrained to differ tVom
them also.

It would swell this treatise far beyond its intended size
to enumerate one half of the dift'eren't opinions that have
been indulged in concerning the niitvrc of this distressing
malady with which at this time our Town is so grievously
alificted. And as it is impossible for any person living in
the country to conceive wiiat ice are called to suffer every
«ci;en/A </«?/, I shall now proceed to give a description of
some of its most evident symptoms, hoping that some who
read of our afflictions will be induced to prescribe something
for the removal of this dire calamity, which evidently was
a raging disorder among the Jews,*'(Amos viii. 4— B.) and
has carried its desolating influence into almost evtry part
of the world. *

CHAPTER II.

THE SYMPTOMS OF THE SUNDAY DISTEMPER.

1 have observed the paroxysms to commence at different
eriods; butgeueruliy the iirst fit comes ou about sun-riae

THE SUNDAY DISTEMPER.

on the morning of the Lord's Day, immediately on th«
patient's opening his eyes, and, indeed sometimes before he
has opened them : hence, he is frequently indisposed to rise
till a later hour than on anv other day. [t generally come*
on with a sense of coldness about the heart, slight pains in
the conscience, langour, inactivity, and lowness of spirits j
and then extends itself to the lower extremities, so that the
patient frequently loses the use of his legs, and finds him-
self unable to walk to the house of God. The appetite
does not appear to be injured in the slightest degree, for
when breakfast is ready the patient is generally able
to dispose of his quantum; though in extreme cases it must
be carried to bed to him. Some, who are not attacked so
early in the day, will rise from their beds with an unusual
degree of cheerfulness, and ramble through the lanes and
woods, for several hours together, without experiencing the
least inconvenience, while others, who say they are com-
manded to be '* diligent in business" will either go through
their grounds to examine the catttle, fences, &c. or repair
to their desk where they will sit with ease and regulate
their books, which they could not find time to do through
the week, till they hear the Church-bell strike out. And,
then, as though the contagion flew through the air with the
sound of the bell, they are immediately seized with the dis-
temper and indisposed to attend Divine Worship.

There are others in whom the symptoms are not of so
violent a character, who, notwithstanding they are seized
before they are out of bed, will manage to rise in time for
the Morning Service. When the different Church-going-
bells are announcing the hour for public worship, I am
often led to reflect upon the sad change that has been effec-
ted among us within the last twenty- four hours, for in the
room of seeing our streets filled with bustling, striving, active
spirited men, there are now to be seen but a few straggling
persons, and they with difliculty can get along being scarce-
ly able to drag one foot after the other, and their coun-
tenances sad as though they were performing some severe
penance. It frequently happens that many who escape th*
disease till they get safely to church are taken with it while
there. And some who have told me when we were going to
the house of God together, that thev were ** verv "tPfH" I
have observed shortFy after taking their .seats to be seized
with the following symptoms :— yawning,— itretching of

the arn

any om

next to

or the c

and sor

jknown

Hheir n(

1 those I

I though

I length (

ring pn

ihas seei

|has no s

|has bee;

as thouj

and not

^epting

fthe leng

temper

alarminj

The t

about oi

high boi

ing, sins

All thes

isame pt

inuch de

have loi

rather d

that, bef

jihey are

ihat on t

toasted,

%hen pa

0n a Sab!

loms are

for, no s(

pian the}

languor,

i||ons, an(

JBiey verj

jn^ay, and

Others,

tely on tho
les before he
3osed to rise
grally comes
rht pains in
of spirits;
so that the
finds him-
'he appetite
degree, for
erally able
ases it must
attacked so
an unusual
•' lanes and
iencing the
T are com-
go through
c. or repair
nd regulate
do through
out. And,
lir with the
ith the dis-

P-
not of so

are seized
in time for
jrch-going-
)hip, I am
been effec-

for in the
^ing, active

straggling
iing scarce-
heir coun-
sme severe
escape thiB
ith it while

ire going to
« ,«/>;; '» I

D be seized
etching; of

THE SUNDAY DISTEMPER. g

the arms,--frequent turnings of the head, especially when
any one came in at the door,— whispering to those who sat
inext to them,— playing with some part of their own dress,
or the dress of others, or with their watch-chain, or book ;
.and sometimes, as the fits become more violent, I have
|known them to cram tobacco in their mouths or snuff up
their nose— fouling the floor and frequently the clothes of
those near them,— frequently taking out their watch as
Jthough m great pain and every minute were an hour, till at
jlength they were in such a stupor that they would sit du-
irmg prayer, and sleep the time of preaching. And what
|has seemed to me the most unaccountable, the preacher
|has no sooner pronounced the benediction than every sleeper
|has been awake, and each one appeared cheerful and active
as though they had been touched with some magic wand,
,and not a murmur has been heard from any of them, ex-
ppting a few complaints about the preacher's dullness, or
|the length of the sermon. As the day advances the Dis-
temper spreads and its symptoms become more than ever
i alarming.

The middle stage of this disease commences its attack
about one o'clock ; its symptoms are a voracious appetite,
high bounding spirits, erroneous imagination, incessant talk-
ing, singing, shouting, and sometimes obscene language.
All these symptoms, however, are not always found in the
pame person, and their severity will, in every instance,
Ciuch depend upon the strength of the disease. Those who
have long been afflicted with this Distemper seem to be
rather disposed to feed it than check it ;— and hence it is,
that, before they venture out, to church, in tiie morning,'
|hey are very particular in leaving their orders at home,
|hat on their return they may find a sufficient quantity of
l-oasted, baked and boiled, to satisfy their appetites : and
^henparties of them get together, as is frequently the case
Dn a Sabbath Afternoon, most, if not all, of the above symp-
toms are present. In others the symptoms are different,
r, no sooner have they partook of an extraordinary m«al
an they are seized with the following symptoms — gaping,
languor, pain or giddiness in the head, drowsiness, eructa-
lons, and an irresistable inclination to go to bed ; which
^ey very soon do. These symptoms sooner or later give
>ay, and the unhappy patient falls into a profound sleep,
pthers, after having satiated themselves, have the pa-

THE SUKDAY DISTEMPER.

roxysms less violent, and the fit is ushered in by the fol-
lowing symptoms :— A general sense of oppression, laneuor
lounging, stretchings, and sickness at the stomach. These'
symptoms are frequently followed by a train of ideas that
haunt the imagination, and such as beget a whimsical dis-
like of other persons who do not see every thing with the
same disordered eyes they do.-a hatred to every place of
worship but that one to which they consider themselves to
beIong,---groundIess apprehensions of injury from some
supposed enemy,— a general disgust and malevolence,— a
constant finding of fault with person, dress, manners, occu.
pation and character ct all who think it right to differ from
them, ^uchare some of the most remarkable symptoms
with which the unhappy patients are afflicted, till the bell
strikes out to inform them its the hour of prayer. It mat-
ters not how many there are in company, or what might
be their particular symptom at the time when the sound of
the bell is heard, as though each one was fixed to its clap-
per a general movement takes place through the whole
And no sooner does this move take place than some are
suddenly deprived of the use of their limbs, and compelled
to retire to bed. While others who are not so suddenly
sojzed and propelled by a love to their petv, will, with
difficulty, crawl to the house of God, and on taking their
seats, I have frequently been led to hope they would escape
the second-stage ot the disease, they appeared so well, but
have as frequently been disappointed. For scarcely have
they been seated before the following symptoms have been

rfKt""^^""'"^^^'^^^"^^" ♦« such a degree that the
mouth has become wide open, and required the assistance of
the patients hand to close it,- a restlessness on the seat,—
a crossing of the legs,-a folding of the arms, -a sound
sleep ! It wou dseem too, the faculty onearing is, for the
time completely destroyed :-for neither the force of the
preacher s lungs, nor of his arguments are capable of making
any more inipression on his afflicted congregation, than they
would do if he stood on a tomb-stone preaching to the
clead. Sometimes the contagion spreads to such an alarm-
ing extent, that, even the preacher himself becomes afflic-
ed with the same disease, and when this sad scene occurs,
t.ie lohowmg are some of its most evident symptoms :^A
violent nasal-twang which has quite an unearthly sound,—
a iad countenance,— one hand in the pocket while the

ptheris

trunk f]

ihe flex

tent foi

iiuonio

uite S€

ave to

Babbat!

those V

put the

Vp by t

home, a

he;uty ii

1 lie t

^ioJent i

|urns a 1

Crequent

ilie blo\A

Diurinivc

rreqiipi!

se^eiu to i

cio.irest I

and Lent

go to Ui

nciigion I

tit' Uill i

t|u' most

USualJy li

th, ir bit*

sc*-iiity,-

dliierenL

%>'!,— ^a

then' iDoii

bitiuits ot

the i<tre(;t

ropctir to

service I)

1 liav<;
^ Close tll(
lIuii is t!!

»a*'t' fVoijIJ

icription ;

I THE SUNDAY DISTEMPER. H

n by the fol- CnkVZtlT?' "■« Ir "' <?f. » book.-the head .nd

ision, languor, 1" flexor „ 1 """"'™'>lc Pos.tion.-but sometimes only

nach. These Ct fcrlT fh "''' "'^t'"''' "''"" ">« "'"^'y '» "?idly

of ideas that fimltu? th;r»l7'"''''7'""'P'""'''™'-'^« ''i^ ^"c-

'himsical dis- Cte rDulchral ^ r ^''"'''''y """"'^ "P.-«-'J the tone

ling ,vithtl,e gave toTav. fn!.. ' t^""""""""' ''<'"" «<'™'' "'^ ^l«>"l<i

fery place of gabblth vl. , * " "l" •"""■'' '=''^«' '" '!»«'■■ Pews till the

themselves to those who h»™'' ' ' '} ,T''' '" ^'m^«^ ; for even

f from some cuthe whole If .If """"''' '.''"^ " '^"'•^'' ""P^« ""rough-

evolence,-a r/hi Hw 1 i !r''';"^*' '"'"' "'^riably, been waked

»nners,o;cu. fcLf/ I' " '"? "'' "''""««." and "have returned

:o diffe'r from t:"";:,^ " ^ '" '"='' ^'''"'^ "'"^ l'^'-'""'^ "f -"the;;

'tirer« .iIt';;;;,'xC,:^!^^^ '^■^'-p- ^-^ -oh „.ore

sr. It mat- l, r„, ' T V ' I V'"'' *™° '°"»'^- -e-

what might fe.M,en v^ ;^ '•■^"""''"■''" "'"'y '*^'''"'"'- '»''«^ "'.st
the sound of ,X,1^ 'I ,""":'"''''=" '"''''= ''•''"I "i'^'inJfy kinds

to its clap. L,t :';f.u ;:': ti," ' T' " "^' »tor„,y,-tL,„:,:

the whole ,l"'"='"V'^'«'^f».*''t"i'"gh It was raining very heiiv^lv

n'tme te l:^:^!^ ,' ^ f'^c ' '."fl"'" ''f ■'^?''^''' ^"^ "- - -^
d compelled o^el e ,1 ' i u 'r.^^'"' '"^^'"'^ '^^"' ' «" " ^t the
so suddenly and I oL 7 ^ ^ '!" "I'l"''"'^ '" "'«"' » »t"""y one

. will. witiJ ^:^^^:i:T"'^:^'''r'^''^'';^'-^'^<^''^-i'^'^'^t

taking their fei,, o , " ^, , , ''T "''" '""'^^ "» profession of

-Id scape :h:;i:,r,riv: ;rL;:t'''Trjr' *""" '""'"' -'■

well but tfce m.,., evident syn-pto, s W .en tl"o 'fk'"^ "''u '°"'l "^
arcely have iismllv l.,.,.,^ ♦!, • ' V V "^" i'"<'' "t seizes tlieiii thev

s hav; been Z^ it^",^::"^'""'' "^V'^'"""""-'^ '^'"'^'^ '»^e-
•ee that the Zuyl'^^^^^^ and ob-

issistance „f ^>C^,;, .i^itll"™ ■~;r4rr'^ T' '"^^ *° ""'

9 is, for the Wtan.rjn roj w^ tlol" '"Ihe b^lT^r '''''' ^" """^ '"''='-

orce of the the sir.vls bcin.. Hem-?, f "ni 1 . ''^""8 stopped and

e of making renuir l, tl „ niW .^^^^ ''."' themselves, they then

.. than the? s«ivi"e n, '"c^ m /t'tL ''"^'" """'''I'' "''"■ "-

hingto the c«n,r.,.uion viS by thlm ""'■'' """"^""^^ "^--X

irsTffic: . cV:"i.^!;:;;:'^„trf '• ''-'' - »'- -j^'^i.-aws toward

:ne occurs, iha. i. u'<^"'T:. ," T "'°'' ?"'' "'"''« ''''"■""'>'^- ^"'1

.toms: A ,av>. f.e<,ue;.;ro,r;ers;;;;Snf t^r'?^,/™-^''' »

y sound,—- ;cr i)tio»j • -m.l v, hw.i, ■ ^>"M"<J"»s ot the followinir jg-
while the iuuuweu each other in rapid

THE SUNDAY DISTEMPER.

succession, — restlessness, — staring round at every thing
and every body, — talking, — laughing,— reading novels, —
chewing and throwing about tobacco, — disturbing all who
sit near them, — putting out the lights,— pouring out and
drinking liquid iire, — breaking the windows, &c. These
symptoms are not all to be seen in the same patient, or
during one paroxysm ; and I am happy to have it in my
power to say, it is a considerable time since I observed
either of the three last named symptoms in any one. The
service being ended the greater part ot the congregation
return home, complaining of great weariness,-;-the length
of the sermon, — the dullness of the preacher, — or of the
too pointed and personal remarks that were made by him ;
and, shortly after, retiring to rest they soon fall asleep, when
an end is put to all their sufferings till Sunday comes
again. Wliile others, whose symptoms continued with
greater severity, become so blind, that on leaving the house
of God they have not been able to see their way home, and
have found themselves next morning, after the symptoms
had left them, where they would have blushed for any other
muii to have found them.

Having given you a faint description of the unhappy
sufferer's symptoms who stop in town through the day, I
should fail in doing my duty were I not to tell you there
are others whose symptoms are very different from those
already named: and who leave the town shortly after the
return of the paroxysms. The syni' toms are — sleepless-
ness, — unusual vigour, — attachment for a dog. — a gun, —
a fishing rod, — shot-belt, — powder flask — and basket — an
irresistable inclination to range the woods, fields and lanes,
and to keep conjpauy with the beast rather than man.
Consequently they leave the town, and what are their par-
ticular symptoms through the day I am notable to say from
my own observations ; — But I have been repeatedly told
by those who were once attlicted and had those symp-
toms, but were then happily restored, that, on leaving: the
town, some would stroll the woods and fields, — rob the
birds of their nests, — break down fences, — kill poultry, —
and carry ofl" whatever they could. Others resort to kennels,
called taverns, where they drink, curse, swear, smoke, gam-
ble, lie, cheat, dauce, fii;ht, and sing, like so many man-
iacs. While others will scramble over rocks and through
bushes, with a gun in their hands, for many hours together

THE SUNDAY DISTEMPER.

every thing
ing novels, —
rbing all who
ring out and
, &c. These
5 patient, or
ave it in my
;e I observed
ly one. The
congregation
—the length
,— or of the
ade by him ;
asleep, when
IDAY comes
nti/iued with
ingthe house
ly home, and
ic symptoms
for any other

the unhappy
h the day, I
ell you there
t from those
tly after the
e — sleepless-
^.— a gun,~
I basket — an
ds and lanes,
than man.
ire their par-
3 to say from
)eatedly told
those symp-

I leaving: the
ds, — rob the

II poultry, —
t to kennels,
smoke, gam-
many mau-
and through
lurs together

waiting for a poor robin .>r some other bird to take away
its life ; and which, when done, is not of any service to
them. Some, whose symptoms are less violent, have the
following indications— love of solitude,— sitting by the
water-side for many hours together, holding a long stick
with a worm suspended by a thread at the end of it,— an-
xious solicitude,— sometimes attended with profane lan-
guage, and frequent sighing. These different patients
return to town at different times, and, usually, by differeot
ways ; while others who left town in boats, who possessed
similar symptoms, have sometimes died in those fits and
never returned.

This disease is evidently of a stupifying nature, for none
of Its unhappy victims are ever heard to complain on account
of their not being able to get to public worship, or of not
prohtmgby itifthey were there. There are many other
symptoms which, for the want of room, I must omit to
name, but indulge a hope, that those already pointed out
will be suflicient to enable every one to distinguish this ex-
traordinary disease from every other, and that all who hear
of the deplorable condition of our town will be induced to
to do all they canto promote a cure of The Sunday
Distemper.

CHAPTER III.

CAUSES OF THE SUNDAY DISTEMPER.

In searching for the causes of this disease I have had to
meet with considerable difficulty, and frequently with great
discouragements, and oppositions. Some have thought
this distressing malady is not a natural, but, rather a moral
one ; it is, notwithstanding, strongly argued on the other side,
that as the patients generally complain of a natural indispo-
sition. It must, therefore, be a natural disease. I must ac-
knowledge, that at first, I have frequently been greatly sur-
prised, and have not known which side to speak in favor
ot. l^or when I have missed any out of the congregation I
have been naturally led to enquire into the cause, and on
being informed thev were **»•#?»« sirh " h^xr^ ^^ — cc^.i ^„
concern and intentions of visiting them the next day.
^ Accordingly, the next day, I have gone to visit the afJlicted,
and to ray astonishment have found her as actively engaged

THE SUNDAY DISTEMPER.

in her domestic aftaire as if she had not experienced the
least indisposition ; and if my visit was intended for the
husband, I have been no less surprised to learn, that, in-
stead of his being in bed, as 1 expected, he was out upon
his usual business. And when on the Sabbath, I have
heard the*n " acknowledge their manifold sins and wicked-
ness " and in a most plaintive manner repeatedly cry ** Have
mercy upon us miserable sinners,^' I have been frequently
led to conclude that their disease was of a moral nature, and
that the unhappy sufferers were sensible of it ; but when I
have paid them an early visit for the purpose of pointing
them to the only remedy, and have reminded them of their
*• condition," they have retorted and said, *' We are as good
as any, and much better than many of our neighbours."
Thus have I been perplexed in my endeavours to find out
the cause of this truly mysterious malady. J3ut since then
1 have found the paroxysms go away with the Sabbath,
and the patient experiences no inconvenience till the Sab-
bath again approaches. I have sometimes tiiought of le-
commending a physician to attend to their case ; but when,
on the following morningj I found all their infirmities and
indispositions removed, I knew not what to do.

After fourteen years close application, and having wit-
nessed many thousands of cases of this alarming disease in
all its varied and aggravated forms, in addition to my own
experience, I feel no hesitancy in pronouncing it a Moral
Disease; and not a natural; and I shall accordingly en-
deavour to point out some of its causes.
' As 2^ primary disease, it is, in every instance, the result
of personal uncleanliness, (Ps. Li. 5. Isa. I. OJ though the
most cleanly are capable of receiving it by contagion ; and
it always appears most where the Sabbath is regarded least.
(My reader will, no doubt, excuse me for referring to the
Bible, since there is no other book can give us so much
useful information on the subject.) It is frequently pro-
duced by a Catarrh, or a Cold, which takes its seat about
the region of the heart; and wbich soon evidences its
being seated there by that worldly feverishness which is

sooti afterwards felt. Excessive indulgence in unbelief and
distrust of the »irovi(lence of God

a« QlI^Q f> <^'bnf ■xvithniii-

■ ■ 3? "■ "

reserve on the windy diet, and unwholesome fruits of the
world invariably bring on this disease.

THE SUNDAY DISTEMPER.

ienced the
ed for the
1, that, in-

I out upon
th, I have
fid wicked-
cry *' Have
frequently
nature, and
but when I
)f pointing
em of their
are as good
eighbours."
to find out
; since then
e Sabbath,

II the Sab-
ight of le-

butvvhen,
rmities and

avi ng wit-
disease in
to my own
a Moral
dingly en-

, the result
hough the
igion ; and
irded least,
ring; to the
s so much
ently pro-
seat about
idences its
5 which is
nbelief and

11 rr ■\vitnmit

its of the

Persons who sit for hours together in an unhealthy play-
house, or close rooms, with wicked, vain and carnal com-
panions never escape the infection. The poisonous fumes
of night revels never fail to infect those who come in contact
with them. Those who sit at card or other gambling-
tables never escape the disease. Whoever expose them,
selves to the eliluvia arising from a race-course, where the
noble horse is shamefully, and unmercifully treated, cannot
fail to meet with this complaint. Heating the blood in a
ball-room, or freezing it over a novel, never fails to pro-
duce the distemper alluded to. But there is no cause pro-
duces so many hopeless cases of this distemper as the poison-
ous furnes of alcohol ; for it is impossible for any one who
comes in contact with its ba^ieful vapours to escape this
woeful disease.

It sometimes happens that persons who, to oil appearance
have been cured of the Sunday Distemper Ml into it again;
and whenever this happens, to use the language of an emi-
nent Physician, ** the last state of that man is worse than
the fr St, {Matt. XI 1. 45.) And whenever a case like this
occurs it may be traced to the following causes — a neglect of
secret retirement— of self-examir.ation- inattention to a
stiffness which is well known to gradually affect the knees,
and which, when neglected, soon renders them incapable of
bending in closet- prayer— an omitting to take regular
daily portions of family worship — not attending to the pre-
scriptions of Physician Emanuel, who alone can cure and
prevent this disease — mixing with those who are infected
with it— partaking too freely of frothy discourse— treating
with inditference public and social worship— a delight in
pleasure parties— theatres— and polite gambling— frequent-
ing drinking clubs— polluted haunts— and night feasts-
fixing the heart on the things of this lower, instead of the
upper world— loving pleasure more than God, &c. The
above causes I have observed, invariably, to bring on a
relapse. I was at first led to think thai the infection re-
mained in the patients' Sunday clothes along with their
religion ; but when I recollected that most of them were
seized before they were out of bed, and consequently be-
fore they had put on their religious clothes, T had to'^ivc «•>
that idea, and knew not what "could be the cause. B^ut now
1 am fully convinced the Sunday Distemper proceeds
from some one, or more, of the causes I have already named.

THE SUNDAY DISTEMPEJR.

There is another cause so prolific in its nature, that •!
should fail in my duty was I not to lay it before my reader.
The cause to which I now allude is that great and lament-
able ignorance, oir, to say at least the indifterence,* which
prevails among some of the ministers of the gospel on the
nature and principles of the treatment* of this disease. For
were they sensible of its being of a moral NATURE, and
were to evidence to their congregations that they, not
being affected with it themselves, were concerned for theit
recovery, by fearlessly exhibiting their unfaithfulness — ^for-
hiality and backslidings — their delinquency in attendance
upon the ordinances of God's house, andthe means ofgrace,
and warn them by the threatnings of the Almighty Jeho-
vah of the fatal consequences, instead of crying peace,
peace, when the pestilential breath of the destroyer is
withering all the graces of religion ; we should soon see
the spiritual health of the people greatly improved, and
the lumber of cases of this disease would be much less than
they are now.

Every period of the religious world bears proof to the
fact, that as are the Priests so will be the People. A
mightier power than that with which the ministers of the
gospel are invested does not exist under heaven, and which
it is possible for them to exert. Nothing could stand
against a combination of Evangelical principle and con-
centrated talent like that which the Ministry might exhibit.
Only let a congregation be convinced by the clearest evi-
dence, that their minister seeks not theirs but them, and
then it is for him to fix the standard of moral virtue. In a
very great measure, it rests with ministers what shall be
the tone of moral sentiment throughout the country in which
they dwell. Not only families, but communities derive
their character from the character of their ministers ; and by
ttiei" movements the surrounding society is regulated in
theirs.

* I make this assertion with great respect and affection toward my
brethren in the ministry, and nothing but an imperative duty I owe to
an afflicted public, would induce me to write so plainly. The mischief
which has arisen iVom many ministers having no correct principles of
treatment in this Distemper is incalculably great and widely spread, and
something must be done to suppress it.

XLII.

THE SUNDAY DISTEMPER,

e, that t
my reader,
d lament-
ce,* which
pel on the
jase. For
URE, and
they, not
[I for theit
Iness — ^for-
attendance
IS ofgrace,
hty Jeho-
ing peace,
estroyer is
1 soon see
oved, and
h less than

oof to the
*eople. A
ters of the

and which
ould stand

and con-
;ht exhibit,
earest evi-
thera, and
tue. In a
it shall be
ry in which
ties derive
rs ; and by
mlated in

1 toward my
,y I owe to
The muchfef
principles of
y spread > aud

CHAPTER IV.

TREATMENT OF THE SUNDAY DISTEMPER.

I consider the part on which we are now entering, of the
present treatise, to be the most important, and consequent-
ly, it has received from me the greatest attention. Under
this head of Treatment I shall lay down that plan of
management which is always applicable, and which, when
persevered in, never fails to meet with success ; so that my
reader will, I trust, find a mode of treatment of general and
superior eflicacy for this complaint. 1 have, in most cases,
found the soothing plan of treating this disease to be the
most successful, and therefore the best ; and this conviction
has influenced me in the instructions and advice now
offered to the public. I believe it is generally allowed by
Physicians — The great object of medicine is the relief of
irritation ; and this general principle I have constantly kept
in mind while laying down a plan for a cure of the SuN-
iJAY Distemper. In the commencement, I informed my
reader that J received the original prescriptions from Phy-
yician Emanuel, and, as the whole of his writings are
now to be had at an easy rate, 1 shall take a few extracts
from them and refer you to the parts where they are to be
found. Without detaining you any longer I shall now
proceed to lay down an irijallihle mode of treatment for
this distemper.

The best mode of treatment is to take an emetic
during the first stage of the disease, (Matt. ix. 12) for it
will be vain for the patient to hope for a cure until he has
been made exceedingly sick of whatever caused the disease,
and has cast it off from him. A gentle emetic may be suf-
ficient if taken at the commencement ; but if the complaint
is of long standing and has become of an aggravated nature
a stronger one will be required ; and sometnnes it will be
found necessary to have it repeated. There is one thing
that ought never to be lost sight of, if you would insure
success— wheniiver the emetic taken has been sufficiently
strong the patient will, not only cast off whatever caused
t.ie disease but will, also, loathe himseif, as may be seen
by referring to the following cases and instructions, (Job
XLii. G. Ezek. VI. 9.) Soon after, the stupor has left
i B

THE SUNDAY DISTEMPER.

the patient, he begitis to look upon his own as a lost case,
(Isa. VI. 5.) and vehemently cries aloud for help, (Ps. XLI 4)
Having attended to the instructions already laid down,
you must then apply, or take the halm of life: which you
ipust procure fresh drawn from the wounded Tree of I^fe.
This balm can always be procured /resA on application to
Physician Emanuel, who is so perfectly well acquainted
with the constitution, disorder, and every other circum-
stance connected with those who become his patients, that
he was never known to lose one. It may be proper for me
to observe, thit, this Sov<;rd[/n halm is not given in bottles
and boxes, but, in promma such as the following, " Let
the iL'icked forsake his waijii and the itnrifjhteovs man his
thovrjhts : and let him return unto the Lord, and he it ill
have mcrcij upon him ; and to our God, for he will abund-
ant Iti pardon.'^ ( isd. i,v. 1.) ** Jf we confess ovr sins, he is
faithful and jnst ioforyirevs ovr sins, and to cleanse vs
'from all nnrhjhtcovsiiess'." (I John, I. i)) This 6a/m must
be apj)lied and kept close to the parts affected by means of
a bandage made of strong -faith. (Gal. ill. 2^— 1>7. Heb.
XI. 1.) The patient must feed on the Bread of Life, and
of this he cannot partiike too freely, and without it there
can be no reason to hope for a cure ; but whenever this is
made the chief of his diet a cure is certain. This will be
found to be the most wholesome of ail food, and, indeed it
is the only food that can be depended upon, and is v ,ry
grateful to the taste, as is borne testimony toby ihose who
have tried it. (Ps. xix. 10. and.cxix. 103.) Indeed it
is said of some who had experienced its beneficial eliects,
they looked out with such earnestness for a fresh supply
that even their eyes failed theni;(l*s. cxix. 12:3) and the
Physician 1 have already named assures us, that, it is im-
j^ossHhle for a man to die v/ho feeds on it ; for a turn of the
disorder having taken place the danger is so far over, and
to use his own words, tlie patitMU is " passed from death
nnio lifer (John \.'1\.) For a particular description of
the nature, and properties of this bread, 1 would beg to
refer my reader to what is said of it by Physician EmaNUEL
himself. Jolin vi. 4H~0.3. In another place he assures us,
that, such is its powerful eflicacy, it will bring the dead to
life.' (John xi. "2^. 2(5.) But as the patient would tind it
difficult to live on bread alone, I would advise him to break-
fast every morning on spiritual prayer, and sup on the same ;

THE SUNDAY DISTEMPER.

lost case,
Ps. XLI4)
lid down,
f[\\ch you

iOFl^FE.

ication to
icquainted
r circuiu-
ients, that
per for rae
1 in bottles
ng, '• Let
us man his
nd he icill
ill abvnd'

sins, he is
) demise tis

balm must
y means of
-t>7. Heb.

Life, and
owt it there
ever this is
his will be
I, indeed it
md is vory
' those who
Indeed it
ial eft'ects,
resh supply
:3) and the
at, it is im-
ituin of the

over, and
from death
iciiption of
on Id bes^ to

EMaNUEL

assures us,

the dead to

rould tind it

im to break-

)n the same ;

and to let his meat be such as the world knows not of: and
to eat freely of bread with each meal. Particular attention
must be paid to whnt the patient drinks. He must care-
fully avoid all putrid and stagnant waters ; — and drink very
freely of the living waters which are well known, by
all who have tried them, to be of a healing and cleansing
nature, and are wonderfully restorative in their nature :
and when taken plentifully they maintain and perfect the
strength of the patient, and so long as he continues the free
use of them he can never meet with a relapse. To know
their properties they must be tried : and if you would know
what is said of them by the head physician, read Isiah xxxv.
5. 0. 7. and Ezek. xlvii. 1—11. and John iv.lO — 14. and
John VII. 37. aa. And what should make these waters
the more valuable, is, there is an abundance of them that all
may be plentifully supplied, on their making application.
without money, and without price, by that kind Physician
so often referred to in this treatise.- See Isaiah lv. 1. and
Itev. XXII. 17. The patient may also drink freely of the
sincere milk of the word which is very strengthening. I Pet.
II. 2. Poison must be carefully avoided, or a relapse, and
death may speedily follow. 1 should have considered such
a caution as this unnecessary, did not our land abound, yea,
swarm with Poison- Makers, Poison Importers, Poison-
Zicencers— and, consequently, Poison-Drinkers ; and the
caution will appear more needful when my reader is inform-
ed that those poisons which are sold •* by license^* have dif-
ferent names given them in order to deceive the unwary ;
and by which means many are deceived. 8ome of the
names are Hum, Gin, Brandy, Whiskey, Cordials, Wine,
^-c. 4'c. 4'c. But unless you have a violent cold in the
head, you may always know when you come any where near
to one of those Poisoner's dwelling, or, store, as it is some-
times called, by that unhealthy and disagreeable scent
which is sure to aftect your nose ; and which seems to
bear some resemblance to, but is far worse than 'dhog*s swill
tub. it would be well, therefore, on passing such places,
if every one would hold their handkerchief over their nose
and mouth, for I am persuaded that all who in any way
partake of such poisons must become the unhappy victims
of the Sunday Distemper. Physician Emanuel,
declares that, ♦* Their wine is the poison of dragons, and
the cruel venum o/ asps.''— (Deut. xxxii. 33.) See also

THE SUNDAY DISTEMPER.

V'hathe says in PMalnis Lviii. 4, and Horn. in. 13. Those
passages bear hard upon poison venders and drinkers^
and I hope will serve to put my reader on his guard and
keep him there.

Kvery thin^ that is unwholesome must be cautiously de-
clined, as cards, novels, plays, dances, parties, revellings,
drunkenness, uncleanness, horse races, cVc. tor it is certain
that the end of those things are death. (Uom. vi. 21, and
Gal. V. lU — 21.) Air and exercise must be constantly
attended to. Without air life cannot be maintained ; and
nothing can be more essential, in health, than for a person
to breathe the pure air at least twice a day. When David
recovered from hia distemper he fountl it necessary to breathe
it seven times a. day . (Ps. IIIJ. 1()4.) No wir is so pure
as that wliich conies from heaven and is breathed to heaven ;
and by having the lungs well intlated with it before leaving
home in the morning, the patient will not hp so liable to be
infected with those unhealthy vapours which are constantly
Hying abroad through the day. And it will be found very
good EXERCISE to take, every day, an occasional walk
through the valley of self-abasement : and sometimes, as
far as the strength will admit of it, to climb the mountain
of Spiritual mindedness ; it will also be found very service-
able, as oft as occasion may require, to do a few jobs of
self-denial. We have this practice recommended by one
who from experience could testify the great good resulting
from it. Acts xxi v. IG ; 1 Tim, iv. 7.

Particular attention should be paid, also, to the patient's
CLOTHING. Much diversity of opinion prevails on this
subject, but the majority of the most skilful believe, that
for comfort, convenience, economy and neatness, there is
nothing can equal, for inner clothing, fine linen ^lucc and
white; (Rev. xv. (>.) while all his other clo*!; r ' should
be made of the best humility : (I. Pet. v. 5.) excepting
when he goes to court, then he must put on his best robe,
which must be entirely wrought of Christ's righteousness,
without a single thread of any other materials being inter-
mixe<l. (Phil. iii. i)) Refreshing Sleep is generally
known to be a powerful restorative, and it should therefore
be studiously cultivated by all persons. In order to ensure
conifortable sleei"* it will be necessary to take nlentv of
exercise through the day ; and to be very careful to have
no thorns of remorse in the bed ; but to let it be well filled

, Those
inker*,
.rd and

nsly de-
ellings,
certain
21, and
istantly
id ; and
L person
1 David
breathe
so pure
icaven ;
leavinijf
1(! to be
istautly
1(1 very
il walk
rues, as
Duntaiii
jervice-
jobs of
by one
^suiting

atient's
on this
3, that
liere is
ro and
sh uUl
3epting
it robe,
iisness,
; inter-
nerally
erefore
ensure
ntv of
) have
I filled

THE SUVDAY DrSTEMPER.

"vvith the soft down of repose. And then it is said, by one
i^ho knew from experience, •' Thou shalt lie down, and thy
sleep shall be sweet." (Prov. m. 24.) ^

It is well known that many persons, who were far eone
in this distemj^er, have frequently recovered from a chanire
of CLIMATE. I would, therefore, advise all who are livinjr
any where near to Dimpalim Swamp, or, Intemperan^
//o^r, to remove to a more healthy part of the town. And
as 1 be.ieve there is no part so healthy, or where the Sundau
Wtjr^ewjpcrisso little known, as the parish of Repentancl
and as there are many houses there unoccupied, the afflicted
won d do well to remove tliere as early as possible. I
would further state, that. Reformation Hill will be found
the most pleasant part of that parish, and particularly so if
the patient will be careful to procure a house with a south-
ein aspect that he may have the rays of the Sun of
Kighteousness, not only on, but in his dwelling. Before I
conie to a conclusion allow me to say, Let the nature
of the disease be duly considered— its causes carefully
exammcd,-^its symptoms narrowly observed,— nnd its
TREATMENT promptly attendedto, and we shall soon have
but little cause to complain of the ravages made by The
Si/NDAY Distemper,

CONCLUSION.

Among all the contrariety of opinion that still exists iii
regard to the wa^Mrc of the Sunday Distemper, there are
none, I believe, who are not blinded by it, but will readily
admit that it does exist, and has spread itself among w* to
an alarming extent; and that it is high time for something
to be done to put a stop to its rapid and awful progresi.
What is to be done .?— Upon whom shall I call ?— Some-
thing can be done— and must be done ; or we shall soon be
undone ! If I were to urge upon the Doctors the necessity
of something being immediately done for the relief ofoin-
afflicted town, after what has been said, they would tell mfe
that pills, plaisters, draughts, and boluses, would be of no
service in this complaint, seeing it was not a natural dis-
ease : but, that I must call upon the Divines, whose indi's-

Densil)le diitv it ie tn oomo i\y.r,w,r,^A <. l ^ ^i

= - -.- - • ' j-^i TVu.ua aiiu cAcri me pOWCT

ttiey are invested with to remove this dire calamity.

M' ere I to address myself to the Divines I am afraid
some would think me presumptuous, if not ♦« craztf,'' and

left'

TH15 SUNDAY DISTEMPER.

consequently treat with indifference whatever I might say.
What, then, can /do ! — Which way can I look !— Look
which way I will time is flying— the distemper h spreading,
men are dying — Heaven is frowning — and Hell is moving !
I dare rot appeal to Justice, in consequence of having
brought the disease upon ourselves ; 1 will, therefore, cost
what it may, make my appeal to Mercy, and call upon its
Messengers for help.

Ministers of the Gospel ! I address myself to you,
and while 1 humbly acknowledge my inability so to do, I
am encouraged to make the attempt from the example of
Naaman's little captive maid. 1 have for a long time
been deeply impressed with the vast difference, between
the primitive preachers of the Gospel, and those of the
present times. Formerly Ministers made it their main
business to" prcacli theicord," and not their own notions
and fancies — they were " instant iv season and out of sea-
son," and did not fail to *' reprove, rebuke, and exhort with
all long suffering and doctrine. They were not afraid to
" reprove" sin wherever they found it ; they paid no re-
gard to a man on account of his being a scholar, but would
*' rebuke" him li' he were a. sinner, while they spared no
pains to •* exhort" the humble believer to hold on his way.
They travelled far, laboured incessantly, and fared hard:
and so great was tlieir love to the blood-bought souls of
men, and their regard for the cause of the Redeemer, that
in the midst of unnumbered sufferings they would be con-
strained to cry out, '* Woe is me if 1 preach not the Gos-
pel !" xill things, by them, were '< counted loss for
Christ" — and so great was their concern for the salvation of
the people to wiiom they preached — and their desire to
well instruct them, that God might make and count them
worthy to dwell with him in glory, that even their own
lives they counted not dear unto them. They were accus-
tomed to go *'from house to house :" — not for the purpose
of introducing dawdling, silly, diuir.al chat, or to give their
numerous opinions on politics, literature, the state of the
funds, or the news of the day ; but for the purpose of
" breaking bread — praising God — and having favor with
all the people." I forbear to draw the contrast.

We are more concerned to be looked upon as gentlemen^
♦hoii tn Ko f/jh no miiiivtprsi. niifl. lu>nrf», whpu in comoanv
are afraid of committing an outrage on the feelings of those

THE SUNDAY DISTEMPER.

'ht sav.
— Look
•eacling,
loving !
having
re, cost
ipon itc

'to you,
do, I

tnple of
ig time
between

of the
ir main

notions

of si^a-
ort with
fiaid to
. no re-
t would
ared no
his way.
d luird :
souls of
ler, that
be con-
he G OS-
loss for
vation of
lesire to
nt them
leir own
re accus-

purpose
pve their
e of the
irpose of
voT with

entlemen,
coninanv
i of those

present, by introducing a Creator, a Preserver, and Re-
deemer. In vain do we preach on the value of time, in the
pulpit, when we fail to improve it in the parlour; and it is
but too apparent, that some of our modern preachers labor
more to render themselves " popular," than useful. — How-
ever it may have been ridiculed, there is an important truth,
when rightly understood, in what John Wesley saitl to his
preachers. — *' Vou have no more to do with bein^ gentle-
men, than dancing-masters." The minister takes a higher
walk than that of a mere gentleman. He will not disdain
to learn nor to practice the decencies ofsocioiy, and be the
farthest possible from a rude man : but he will sustain a
still higher character than that of a gentleman. The history
of every period of the religious world attests the important
fact, that as are the Minhters so will be the People. It is
from the character ot ministers that families and communi-
ties derive theirs ; and by their Uiovements the movements
of surrounding society is regulated. How important is
the oflice we sustain ! The fate of millions depend on
our faithfulness. — The ministry of reconciliation is com-
mitted to us by the King of kings to proclaim to a revolted
world. Never was there any work undertaken by mortal
man so solemn, so important, or big with such amazing con-
sequences as that in which we arc engaged. Tiioie is not
one among all the thousands to whom we preach but will
take some impression fiom us, that neither time nor eternity
will ever wear out. Let us ever remember our awtul respon-
sibility, and devote toour work, our time, our talents, cur all.
Our work has to be done below, let iis tlieretore, rather than
build and mount a lofty scailold tar above the reach of the
people, get down amongst them, and endeavour to make
hard things easy, and dark things plain. Jn order that
we might warn souls, win souls, and enrich souls we must
deliver the whole counsel of (iod : — Shall we continue to
see the Sabbaths of our God so shamefully broken, and
in.piety stalk through our streets at noon day without a
mask, and not cry out against the crying sins of the people?
God forbid! Jlather let us cry aloud and spare not, and,
lifting up our voices like trumpets, make it known, that,
.leither drunkards, adulterers, swearers, liars, murderers,
nor Sabbath' breakers shall ever inherit the king<lora of God.
Our post ih^ on tl'.e w\iU of Zion, oiir bn-^ine^s is to warn
the wicked of their danger, and should they perish through

THE SUNDAY DISTEMPER.

our neglect their blood will be required at our hands. For
us there is no middle destiny — we must have either a loftier
seat in glory or a deeper hell :if, therefore, sinneis will perish
let their blood be upon tlieir own heads, and not in our
skirts. Soon, yea, v^ry soon, we shall have to meet with
our respective charges at the bar of a holy ( od — we to give
an account how we preached, and what we preached ; and
they what they heard and how they heard. What an awful
scene will then present itself between each Pastor and his
flock ! — Then will a neglected Saviour be a severe Judge ! —
The silly excuses that we now make for a neglect of duty
will not be heard there. — Then will it be made appear to
an a^isembled world that an all-seeing eye was upon us every
time we composed a sermon —read every motive and motion
of our heart— followed us to the pulpit — watched every in-
difterent feeling — and witnessed every reach we made after
the applause of men ! There shall be no sleepy hearer
(here — no heart will wander then— the Sunday Distemper
will be no longer felt — all hearts and eyes will be fixed on
their own misery, which they will not now believe! — O my
dear brethren ! think if you can what will be your feelings
when you hear from the happy throng on the right of the
Judge bursting shouts of praise that ever they heard the
sound of your voice ! — And a wretched herd of miserable
wretches on the left hand weeping blood, and groaninj? forth
their bitter lament, that you had not lifted up a louder
voice and more faithfully warned them ! You will not
think then, that your sermons were too plain, nor your
prayers and intreaties too importunate and agonizing.

What form is that I see ? A form of man ! a ruined,
haggard form, with tears like molten lead drops standing in
his eyes ! Hark ! how he wails— and grates his teeth !
while around him crowd infuriated beings, whose eyes and
gestures show they are pileing curses on his head already
scarred more deeply than the rest ! It is an unfaithful min-
ister ; who, while he talked of heaven, walked down to hell
with most of bis congregation '.—See ! how they cling unto
his guilty soul, and like mill-stones bear him down into the
lowest hell '.—where all the sermons he to them in time has
preached,— to him they will recite throughout Eternity !
His doom is sealed and hopelessly he sinks to drink the cup

rVi;i/% iioll'u ^larL- nnvi^rnu thiiiiflpr With thfs sound »

of his own groans, and the curses of his flock ! My soul

THE SUNDAY DISTEMPER.

s. For
a loftier
11 perish
i in our
let with
i to give
3d ; and
an awful
and his
iidge ! —

of duty
ipear to
us every
i motion
ivery in-
ide after
y hearer
istemper
fixed on
— O my
• feelings
it of the
eard the
niserable
inp^ forth
a, louder

will not
nor your
«g.

I. ruined,
mditig in
s teeth !
eyes and
L already
hful min-
m to hell
ling unto *
1 into the

time has
Eternity !
)k the cup I
the sound i

My soul

sickens, turns away and cries, — Let me have the frowns of
a wicked world— let me be bound, chained, racked, or
burned, but O my God save me from an unfaithful preach-
er's hell !

Whatever may be our differences in opinion on other
subjects, in this we all agree, that, No Sabbath-breaker
dying in that state, can ever enter heaven. While
we admit this solemn truth, shall we look with indiffer-
ence upon the awful outrages that are committed in our
sight every Lord's Day 1 Is it nothing to us that grog-shops
are kept open and crowded — the liqtiid fire served out —
and our congregations continually annoyed by the swarms
of walking nuisances vomited out of those sinks of iniquity .'*
Can we think it strange that our different charges become
infected, while we who have to stand so near a holy Lord
God, take no more notice of it than a thing of no moment '(
O my brethren ! for the Lord's sake let us unite heart and
hand against this common foe ; and resolve to take no rest
until his day becomes a day of rest ! It can be done ; and
we are well able to do it ; for the power with which the Lord
of the Sabbath has invested us, is greater than any other
power under heaven. A combination of evangelical prin-
ciple and concentrated talent, like that which the Ministry
might exhibit, has no foe to fear : nor is there any result
however momentous and grand, which might not be
achieved by means of such a confederacy. For, the
weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through
God to the pulling down of strong holds : casting down
imaginations, and every thing that exalteth itself against the
knowledge of God," Let us then take to curseives the
whole armour of God ; and with the Bible in our hands,
and Christ in our hearts, and treading the steps of th«
Capt«ia of oUr Salvation march boldly on to certain victory.