SUNDAY--A. D. 321 by A. S. HUTCHINS

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 18, 1860

SUNDAY--A. D. 321.

By A. S. HUTCHINS

Not long since I heard a discourse delivered by an aged preacher on the subject of Sunday Schools, in the course of which he read from Goodrich's Church History, to show the time of their first organization.

And having been urged to be seated in the desk, I deemed it not improper at the close of the services, to ask the preacher if he considered that history an authentic work.

A very decisive answer in the affirmative was given, assigning as a good reason the fact that all commentators quote from it.

I then opened the book at page 496, and read, “321, Sunday appointed to be observed,” raising at the same time the question, How do you understand that?

Though the minister did not recollect that this record was in the history, yet here it was, in a work regarded as authentic by commentators, and endorsed by himself.

“I don't know,” often the only outlet leading away from a frank and honest acknowledgment of the truth, would hardly do here. So I was informed that great men differed as well as little men, and that even the apostles differed, &c., and his mind was to love all who give evidence of being Christians, whether they believe as he does or not.

But look here, if that history is, as he firmly believes, authentic, what room is there to differ respecting the appointment for Sunday observance? The fact that men have not seen and do not see alike on other things, is no argument on this point. If so, the same circumstance would justify a difference of opinion respecting the year when Columbus discovered America, or the time of the declaration of the Independence of the United States; and indeed, we might differ on the same principle relative to all historical dates and records, and were it a matter of the least importance to disagree on, we certainly might differ respecting the time when Sunday Schools were first organized. Truly, “consistency is a jewel.” Of how large a class it may be said, “Eyes have they but they see not!” A. S. HUTCHINS.