Victory in Massachusetts
By Lee S. Wheeler
WE know that the readers of the REVIEW will be glad to learn of the salvation that has come to us here on the old battle-ground of liberty. Notwithstanding our watchfulness for dangerous Sunday legislation at this time, we were aroused not long ago by a report in the Boston Globe that a Sunday bill of the most threatening character had been reported to the State Senate by the Committee on Probate and Chancery. Upon visiting the State-house, I learned that the bill was to come up in the Senate that afternoon, and I hastened home and addressed notes to as many of the senators as time would allow, and returned with them to the Senate. I also enclosed with each note a copy of the “Open Letter” tract, to which I called attention. These notes petitioning them to oppose the bill were immediately distributed by the messenger to the various senators. Other matters then came in, causing the bill to be delayed until a later meeting, which gave opportunity to address most of the other senators upon the subject. When the bill was to come up for its third reading, there was, to our joy, a movement to postpone action upon it for one week. At first this seemed unsuccessful, but when it was urged that many desired to further investigate the character of the measure, it prevailed. It seemed as if angels of God were present at this time, and we were strongly impressed that the Lord was holding the matter, that we might work. We accordingly addressed to each senator copies of the Religious Liberty Leaflets, marking the title page with blue pencil, and calling attention to certain pages. Meanwhile we prayed, and awaited the outcome. Thursday, April 6, the time appointed for the third reading, when we went to the State-house, we found that the bill was exciting unusual interest in the Senate, and that Mr. Kneeland, the lobbyist, was very busy. We were therefore somewhat apprehensive, but when the question was called on the bill for the third reading, it was opposed by an overwhelming vote, notwithstanding a strong speech in its favor, and the fact that it was strongly recommended by the committee and urged by the clergy. The Senate acted under the influence of our literature; the committee acted without it. The effect was manifest; and we can never know to what extent our salvation at this time is due to its enlightening, educating influence upon these men. Let these leaflets be placed in the hands of public men everywhere. 33 Magnolia St., Malden, Mass.