magnitude in supply or demand. It matters not whether it be a real or supposed abundance or scarcity (though intelligence of such a nature is, in general, pretty correct), for a report of either will materially influence the market price, and exalt or depress it as the idea gains ground. It has been known, though, that even in the real plentifulness of any article of landed produce, an opinion of its scarcity has prevailed, and consequently raised its exchangeable value. Thus we see, that so far from any reference being made to the actual cost of production, as a regulator of prices, according to Mr. R.'s, datum, such prices are often guided even by a visionary impression, are frequently ideal, or, in general cases, submit to the ruling power of supply and demand.

31, Bedford St.
Covent Garden.

OR,

AN ATTEMPT

TO CORRECT CERTAIN SUPERSTITIOUS AND

VULGAR ERRORS

RESPECTING

THE SABBATH.

BY GODFREY HIGGINS, Esq.

OF SKELLOW GRANGE, NEAR DONCASTER.

LONDON:-1826,

PREFACE.

In the following Treatise some persons perhaps may think, that too much trouble is taken to refute trifling objections but the Author's object has been if possible to prevent reply. And he has not attempted to refute any objection, which has not at one time or other, been advanced by persons with whom he has argued on the subject.

He flatters himself that not one word will be found in the whole, which can give just offence to the orthodox or reasoning Christian, or even to the sincere follower of Wesley; though no doubt offence enough will be given to members of societies which suppress vice in rags, and cherish it in purple and fine raiment,-itinerant attendants at missionary meetings-such as practise standing in the synagogues, and in the corners of the streets sounding their trumpet, and making long prayers. (Matt. vi. 2—5. xxiii. 14, 15.) Persons well described in the following epigram, written by a much esteemed friend of the Author: How well the character agrees "Twixt new and ancient Pharisees; A surly, proud, vindictive race, Who spat upon our Saviour's face; Because he told them it was wrong Either to pray too loud, or long.

HORE SABBATICÆ,

&c. &c.

1. Of the various rites which have been established by the founders of the different religions of the world, perhaps there is no one which is so intimately connected with the temporal happiness and comfort of mankind, as that of the observance of one day in every seven as a day of rest. The appropriation of certain days, at short periods of time, to the purposes of devotion, of recreation, and of relaxation from worldly cares, seems to be an institution peculiarly adapted to the improvement of the mind, and to the advancement of civilisation. And yet the example of the Turks, the strictest of all the observers of a Sabbath in modern times, proves that excellent as the institution is, human perverseness may prevail, to render it useless, to defeat the ends for which it was probably originally intended, and to destroy the good effects which it was so well calculated to produce.

2. The state of ignorance and barbarism, into which the inhabitants of the countries have fallen, which were formerly possessed by the elegant and enlightened caliphs, makes it evident that this institution is not necessarily accompanied with improvement and civilisation; and after its first institution amongst Christians, it was equally unavailable, to prevent the well-known ignorance and barbarism of the middle ages; but in each case this effect has arisen by the abuse of it, or in opposition to it, not by its means. Its tendency was evidently to produce a contrary effect; and it can only be regretted that its power was not greater and more efficacious.

3. But it is not fair to reason against the use, from the abuse of a thing; and there is nothing in this world which may not be converted to an evil purpose, and the good effects of which may not be destroyed by artful and designing men. A proof of this may be found in the way in which attempts are now making in this country, to convert the institution of which I am treating to purposes pernicious in the highest degree to society-to make use of it to create

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