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The Sunday-Law Movement in England

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 27, 1908

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 85, No. 9.

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The Sunday-Law Movement in England

WRITING under date of Feb. 3, 1908, Elder W. T. Bartlett, editor of Present Truth, says:—
“While the situation here is not so critical as it is with you in Washington at the present time, we are within measurable reach of Sunday legislation which will be a distinct advance on existing statutes. Bills are to be introduced into both Houses of Parliament during the present year. For some years past Lord Avebury has been introducing bills which provide a greatly increased and progressive penalty for Sunday trading. We have many laws dealing with this subject, but the penalties are so small that shopkeepers who wish to open on Sundays can afford to pay the fine rather than close. Lord Avebury is desirousof stopping this defiance of the law, and is being backed up by a steadily increasing force of public opinion.
“During the past year or two there has been a national campaign in behalf of improved Sunday observance, and all the churches have thrown themselves very heartily into the movement. Mass-meetings have been held in all the large cities, and resolutions have been passed promising the leaders in the movement the cordial sympathy and co-operation of the churches.
“At present, however, there are such a large number of government bills before Parliament that the Sunday question is not likely to find opportunity to come to the front. It will, however, do so in connection with the temperance bill, which is promised for the present session, over the question of closing public houses on Sunday. At present they are open part of the day.
“We are reading with interest the reports which are appearing in the REVIEW of the development of the situation in Washington, and sincerely hope that the brethren who have the matter in charge will be divinely assisted in their efforts to stem the tide, and to lay the truth before those in positions of responsibility.”