Letter from Samuel Joseph May, Syracuse, [N.Y.], to William Lloyd Garrison, Jan[uary] 15. 1848
Description:
Samuel Joseph May writes William Lloyd Garrison asserting the latter's correctness in supposing his opposition to "all attempts to enforce by legal penalties" the observance of the Sabbath. While declaring that he is in favor of a "day of rest", May opines that an observance of the Sabbath "so obtained" by legal coercion would hardly be acceptable to God. May asserts that he does not find it likely that Sabbath legislation will be passed, and less likely that it could be enforced. May declares that what statutes do remain on the books are but "dead letters". May opines to Garrison his regret that Garrison will go forward with his proposed Anti-Sabbath Convention, arguing that this effort will do more to help than hinder the cause of the pro-Sabbath legislation proponents. May informs Garrison that as he neither sees the benefit of such a convention, nor would be able to attend, he cannot add his name to the circular calling for such a convention.