p. 8 | An Illustration by W. N. G.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Sep 1, 1898

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 35.

An Illustration.

By W. N. G.

A “judge” in Anderson County, Tenn., recently had two of our brethren brought before him for working on Sunday. A trial was unnecessary, as it was alleged that they had worked in the “judge’s” presence. However, he had only seen them in working apparel going toward the coal mine in which they labored. Without the formality of a trial, therefore, they were fined, and denied the right of appeal. To this a lawyer objected, and threatened to prosecute the “judge” for denying a right due to every defendant. Then the two brethren were allowed to give bonds for their appearance in the Circuit Court the first Monday in September. Many other people in that vicinity, and to the “judge’s” knowledge, work on Sunday, but they do not observe the seventh-day Sabbath. Therefore it is evident that keeping the Sabbath “according to the commandment” was their real offense. And the “Lord’s Day Defense Committee, in affiliation with the State Sunday Rest Day Association and the Reform Bureau, Washington, D. C.,” has inaugurated a scheme for educating the people all over the country to the point of making such action as that of the Tennessee “judge” popular and common. Moreover, the Y. P. S. C. E. is unwittingly being made the principal medium of the committee’s work. But our Saviour says: “Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. [The Father’s will is His law. Ps. 40:7, 8.] Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.” Matt. 7:21–23. W. N. G.