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Another Sunday Bill

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Feb 13, 1913

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 90, No. 7.

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Another Sunday Bill

THE latest report from the field brings the information that a Sunday bill has recently been introduced into the legislature of the State of Connecticut. The main provisions of this bill are found in Section 1, which we quote:—
“The first twenty-four hours of the week are hereby designated as Sunday, and Sunday within the meaning of this act is hereby defined to be a day for general rest and the more convenient exercise of religious and charitable duties and offices. On Sunday no person shall, except as hereinafter provided, keep open any shop, warehouse, or mechanical, mercantile, or manufacturing establishment, or engage in any sport or athletic games, or entertainment, or any secular business or labor, except works of mercy or necessity, or such as shall be required for the maintenance of public order, or the preservation or promotion of health or safety, or necessary for the general welfare or convenience of the community.”
No general exemption of any character is provided in the bill, but provision is made for special exemptions which must be authorized by a vote of the town or city at a meeting called upon the petition of twenty-five or more electors.
It is so evident from the mere reading of this section that the purpose of this bill is to promote the observance of Sunday as a religious institution that no argument is needed to demonstrate this.
The many attempts to secure paternal and religious legislation indicate the trend of sentiment which will later develop into the idea that the state must enforce religious observances. This furnishes the opportunity and creates the demand for a strong educational campaign throughout the country in the principles of religious liberty.
On Sabbath, February 22, the attention of all our people will be directed to this subject by the presentation of the readings prepared for that day, which have now been sent to the elders of all the churches, and a special collection will be taken for the support of this work. In view of the demand for aggressive effort, our people are urged to make as liberal a donation as their circumstances will permit.