p. (87) | CUSTOM by G.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Feb 11, 1903

CUSTOM

By G.

When men undertake to uphold the principle of Sunday observance they almost invariably become entangled. An advocate of Sunday-closing in Red Bluff, Cal., supposes a discussion between A and B, evidently endorsing the argument of B.

A is made to argue for opening business on Sunday, and is made to support his side by alluding to the long-standing custom. “B is amused at the reference to custom. ‘Customs are subject to change,’ says he, ‘and the fact that a custom exists is no proof that it is a good custom.’”

Later on in the discussion B proposes a prime reason for Sunday-closing. “To close the stores,” he avers, “is becoming an almost universal custom over the State.”

We agree with his first proposition that “the fact that a custom exists is no proof that it is a good custom.” There are millions of people who observe Sunday as a rest-day just because it is the custom; and many of them know that the Word of the Lord says explicitly, “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God. In it thou shalt not do any work.” And knowing and admitting this, they plead that they can not obey God because it is the prevailing custom to disobey, and to keep the “sabbath” set up by men. The last great moral question that men will be called upon to decide in this world will be whether they will obey God or follow “custom.” And the question is being asked now. G.