Sunday Agitation

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 26, 1912

THE Scriptures of Truth indicate that in the last days there will go to all the world a message of reform regarding the Sabbath of Jehovah, and that in the hearts and observance of many this institution will be exalted to its rightful place. On the other hand, the Scriptures plainly indicate that there will also be a world-wide agitation of the claims of the counterfeit sabbath. These two great movements are going forward to-day, and, by many the impetus which they are attaining is but faintly realized.

In almost every nation under heaven the message of truth setting forth the claims of the Sabbath of the Lord has been proclaimed, and following closely upon this movement has been a counter-agitation for better Sunday observance and for the enforcement of this institution by law. All classes are appealed to. At the present time there is quite an agitation in England, particularly among the theater and music-hall promoters.

The Era, a dramatic journal, has obtained the votes of all the actors and actresses in Great Britain on the question of Sunday closing. Of 2,834 theaters and music halls, 2,265 favored Sunday closing. As in the days of Constantine, these places of amusement are regarded as competitors of the church; and the clergy to-day, as in the fourth century, are the most active in their efforts to bring about Sunday closing, in the hope that church attendance may be increased thereby.