It is well known, that in nearly every State of the Union, the observance of the first day is enforced by law. It is certainly remarkable that these States, so distinguished for their otherwise liberal and enlightened policy, should retain, with such tenacity, this hateful feature in their legislative system; thus subjecting to the alternative of conformity, or to the liability of fines and imprisonment, a large and respectable portion of the community. To obtain the redress of these grievances, and the exemption from being made amenable to civil processes served, or made returnable upon the Sabbath, petitions were circulated for two or three consecutive years, in the different States where the Sabbatarians reside, and then presented to the consideration of the legislative bodies. In no case, however, were they attended with the results anticipated, either by a repeal of the obnoxious statutes, or by the enactment of other laws, more conformable to the spirit of the age. Upon several occasions, the Seventh-day Baptists have attempted to participate with their first-day brethren, in Sabbath Conventions, and similar convocations. But, as might have been expected, they have been uniformly excluded from these deliberations; courteously, it is true, and with expressions of Christian feeling and charity. In consequence of this, they have instituted, and held, within their own bounds, several Conventions and similar meetings, designed to advance and disseminate the Bible doctrine of the Sabbath. SECTION II. EASTERN ASSOCIATION. The Eastern Association of Seventh-day Baptists, embraces the churches located in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Jersey. The history of these communities must be highly interesting, and fraught with instruction to every pious mind. CHURCHES IN RHODE ISLAND. This little territory, which circumstances have rendered so peculiarly dear and interesting to every pious mind, was settled at a remarkable period in the history of the world, and under circumstances not only new and peculiar, but strongly adverse to former theories and practices. It remained for the founder of this little colony to make the discovery that the consciences of men were above the cognizance of penal regulations or legal processes; but the principles of religious freedom which he exposed and incorporated in his government were regarded by all other bodies, both civil, judicial, and ecclesiastical, as in the highest degree visionary in theory, and dangerous, disorganizing, and impracticable in real life.