American Sabbatarianism

In nineteenth century America, the Puritan interpretation of the Sabbath as Sunday was prevalent. Many states had laws restricting what citizens could and could not do on Sundays. These laws were not seen as a holdover from a more religious past. They were commonplace and respected. It was taken for granted that the government had the right to enforce the separate nature of Sundays.

In 1810, Congress passed a law requiring post offices to open on Sundays. Many churches protested the law. They began to gather widespread support across New England. The famous Lyman Beecher added his considerable influence to the cause. They circulated petitions in support of repealing the law, which they sent to Congress. Sabbatarians protested any Sunday activity that detracted from the holiness of the day. By the 1830s, Sabbatarianism was a widespread reform movement.

Sabbatarianism was especially strong in New England. Congregationalists and Presbyterians were its most steadfast supporters. Jonathan Blanchard’s New England upbringing, his ordination in the Congregationalist denomination, and his friendship with Lyman Beecher cemented his Sabbatarian convictions.