Our Methodist Friends in Canada by W. A. C.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 1, 1907

Our Methodist Friends in Canada

By W. A. C.

The following, which appeared in the East Michigan Banner of May 29, shows something of the attitude of Methodists toward Sabbath-keepers in Canada, and may explain why observers of the Bible Sabbath were not exempted from the provisions of the Sunday law passed by the Dominion Parliament about a year ago:—

Text

“The Rev. Dinsdale T. Young, the noted English Wesleyan preacher, said: ‘A true Methodist can not be a bigot.’”

—Chicago Tribune, June 24, 1906.

Anti-textual

“This year’s convention of London Methodist Conference ended in Central Methodist church, Windsor, last night. Conference held a business session, and the stationing committee completed its labors. Several minor changes were made in the first draft of ministers.

“The conference adopted the following resolution in respect to the Lord’s day bill now before the Dominion Parliament:—

“London conference of the Methodist church in Canada, consisting of five hundred electors, representing two hundred thousand Methodists, most emphatically protests against any Jewish or Seventh-day Adventist exemptions from the restrictive clauses of the Lord’s day bill, also to the widening of transportation privileges or any clauses giving authority to railway commission.

“Rev. David Rogers, President, “Rev. I. B. Wallwin, Secretary.”

“The resolution was sent by telegraph to Ottawa after it passed conference, and will be presented to the government today.

“The conference will meet next year in Goderich.”—Detroit Free Press, June 6, 1906.

Sequential

“OTTAWA, ONTARIO, June 27.— The whole rigid Sunday observance bill now before Parliament was the subject of a lively session this evening, lasting until nearly midnight. The exemption clause respecting the Jews, Adventists, and others who keep some other day as their Sabbath was defeated. The vote on this point indicates that all the drastic features of the measure will be retained, and its passage within the next twenty-four hours is expected.”—Chicago Record-Herald.

We are sorry that the professed followers of John Wesley, who said, “Let every one enjoy the full and free liberty of thinking for himself,” should thus array themselves against the equality of rights, and in favor of an unjust and persecuting law.

W. A. C.