Adams' Sabbath Principle
StoryIllustrationHistorical Account★★★★President Adams, the elder, was once within twenty miles of home when overtaken by the Sabbath. He had been delayed by impassable snow-banks. A sickly family at home required his presence. His clerical friend, with whom he lodged, told him he thought the circumstances of his case would justify his travelling on the Sabbath. His reply was, that to those who witnessed it, it would have the appearance of evil, as they would be ignorant of the justifying circumstances. The friends of the Sabbath would be grieved to see him apparently disregard the sacredness of the day; and those who wished to be free from its restraints, would rejoice to have him to sanction their indulgence by his example.
Anon.
The point
President Adams refused to travel on the Sabbath despite hardship, valuing his witness and principle over convenience.