The Sunday Rest-Day Movement
The Rev. George W. Grannis, General Secretary of the “Lord’s Day Alliance,” in the United States, is making a tour of the Northwest with the purpose of better Sunday observance, and declares that “anything short of fifty-two full rest days a year for all who are toiling will not satisfy us. We are fully aware that we can not go before legislative assemblies, ask the enactment of laws merely upon the grounds that the Bible prescribes a day of rest, and that the churches stand for it in interest of the special work they are attempting to do; for in this sense our Government is not Christian. We feel that we have the right to demand that to all men there may be guaranteed one full day of rest in every seven, and for uniformity’s sake as far as possible these rest days be given on the first day of the week, commonly called Sunday.” When analyzed, this statement shows just this, that they believe Sunday to be the religious day, and tho they can not get the Government to recognize that, they will try to secure recognition in a way that will result in the same thing. The whole thing is religious intolerance. Why not let the workmen say as to whether they want a day or not? Why should all of the agitation come from ministers? Why not let men exercise their manhood and choose for themselves? It would be a system of slavery if men were compelled to work seven days in the week. Sunday advocates know this, and know that no one is compelled to work seven days in the week. Of course, if a man does not, he may lose his job. He ought to be willing to do that for conscience’ sake. The fact that he will stand for duty conscientiously when it costs him something, would make him all the more valuable man to many other employers. If half of the effort were put forth to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ as He has revealed it in His Word, we would hear nothing of asking for laws to enforce religious dogmas. Men would find in quickened consciences that which is worth more than all laws. Furthermore, if they would but candidly examine the only ground in the world for Sabbath observance, namely, the Scriptures, there would be no demand for Sabbath legislation. They would find that God’s Sabbath is sufficient and His law all that is necessary; for true Sabbath-keeping can never be enforced Sabbath-keeping.