Transcribed from the 1853 John Snow edition by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org [Picture: Book cover] A LETTER TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE EARL OF DERBY, ON THE CRUELTY AND INJUSTICE OF OPENING THE CRYSTAL PALACE ON THE SABBATH. “Remember the Day of Rest to keep it holy.”—_Fourth Commandment_. “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”—_The Gospels_. * * * * * BY THE REV. B. PARSONS, OF EBLEY; AUTHOR OF “ANTI-BACCHUS;” “THE MENTAL AND MORAL DIGNITY OF WOMAN;” “EDU- CATION THE NATURAL WANT OF EVERY HUMAN BEING;” “THE GREATNESS OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE TRACED TO ITS PRINCIPAL SOURCES;” ETC. ETC. * * * * * LONDON: JOHN SNOW, 35, PATERNOSTER ROW; BUCKNALL & HARMER, STROUD; AND ALL BOOKSELLERS. 1853. _Price One Shilling_. A LETTER, _&c._ _&c._ MY LORD, Divided as the country is in its political and religious sentiments, there is one subject on which there is a very great unanimity: and I may add also that this union of opinion exists among the most moral of your countrymen; the most loyal supporters of the throne and the constitution; the most enlightened members of the community; and the most benevolent and philanthropic individuals in the empire. I need not say that the point on which all these persons are agreed is “THE OBSERVANCE OF SABBATH.” Here, my Lord, you have thousands or rather millions of citizens who never trouble the realm in any way by their vices or disorderly conduct; who are never brought before magistrates or judges for their offences; and who require no soldiers or police to watch over them and keep them from disturbing the commonwealth. It is a matter of surprise to all sober and reflecting minds that you, my Lord, should wish to set yourself in an attitude of antagonism towards all these peaceful and religious men and women; and especially that you should do this most _gratuitously_ and in _defiance of your own creed_.