The Continental Sunday.
By Editor
THE method of keeping, or rather of not keeping, Sunday on the continent of Europe, has passed into a proverb. Letter writers have dilated upon the fact that the churches have but few attendants of a Sunday morning, and those few hasten to join the multitudes at the places of pleasure and recreation, as soon as the services close. There are a few places in the Old World where Sunday is observed as a rest day, but so nearly universal is the practice beyond the Atlantic of devoting the day to worldly pleasures, that its friends on this side have proudly called it "the American Sabbath." And these facts have raised queries in the minds of some students of the prophecies. They clearly see, not only by the Revelation, but lately by events crowding upon us, that persecution will be raised in the interest of the Sunday, against those who keep holy the Sabbath of the Lord in obedience to the fourth commandment. Many who mocked at our views of the prophecy on this subject a score of years ago, and even less, now readily confess that we were right; that the persecution is coming; that all the elements are in motion to bring about such a result. But the query has been whether the Third Angel's Message—the message of warning against the coming dangers—will be preached in Europe with any effect; whether the lax manner of keeping Sunday there will admit of persecution in its behalf. To this question our answer has been that the prophecy predicts that the message shall go before many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings. The world is fast filling up the cup of its iniquity; fast making preparation for "the battle of the great day." And preliminary to that fatal battle it will take a decided stand against "the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus," and against all those who keep them. And now comes the news that in several European nations steps are being taken to enforce the observance of Sunday by law. The following paragraph in regard to Germany is of deep interest, because the German population have been foremost in their determination to resist all efforts to restrain them from using the day as they saw fit:— "The movement in Germany for the better observance of the Sabbath [Sunday] is assuming very considerable proportions. Since the beginning of last year nearly two hundred centres of population have declared in favor of the closing of shops and the cessation of all work, and in Berlin 12,000 tradesmen have petitioned the Government for the abolition of work on that day. The movement has been chiefly directed by a number of Catholic priests, with the approval of their bishops. The Empress of Germany, always foremost in every good work, has contributed 10,000 francs to the support of the movement." Besides the fact that a great change is coming over the minds of the Germans in regard to the observance of the day, it is worthy of note that the whole movement is directed by Catholic priests, which proves conclusively that the priests have great influence, a controlling influence, over that people. At this we are not at all surprised, though some may have to modify their views of matters in Europe in view of this state of things. But we expect that the influence of the priests in Germany and other European States will increase, and that they will show their readiness to act when the time comes that may favor the revival of the Inquisition or its equivalent. And still another query may arise. If the Catholics are so solicitous for the enforcement of the Sunday, why are they so silent in regard to the question in the United States, while others are laboring for it? We have watched this point with some care, and think the solution is easy. Catholics have predicted and boasted that the Constitution of the United States will sometime be changed in the interest of religion. Their highest hopes for the success of "the Church" in America is based on this expectation. And all may rest assured that they are not indifferent spectators of the efforts now being made by the "Religious Amendment Party," whose organ is the Christian Statesman. But they know better than to make themselves prominent in the movement. If an association of Catholics had inaugurated this amendment movement, it would be vigorously opposed by thousands who are now deeply interested in its success. But let no one think they will always appear so disinterested. They know how to take advantage of the tide when it is at the flood. They largely control the politics of our chief cities, and have done this for years. And the large cities have a powerful influence over the country. It is not difficult to "discern the signs of the times" in this matter. But it is strange that people who appear to be wise and prudent in other matters refuse to be warned; refuse to heed what is said in the "sure word of prophecy." But they may rest assured of this thing, that neglect of the truth of God's word will not hinder its accomplishment. His counsel will stand. Man's unbelief cannot affect the stability of God's truth. Rom. 3:1-4. The blessing of Heaven will ever be upon those who tremble at his word. Isa. 66:1, 2.