Answers to Correspondents.
By J. H. W.
Question. A seventh-day Sabbath-keeper sells fifty cords of wood to a man who does not keep the Sabbath, who opens the gates of the Sabbath-keeper and hauls wood from his premises on the Sabbath-day. Is the man who sold the wood responsible for violation of the Sabbath in such a case? Ans. This is a practical question and demands an answer, and it appears that the answer is plain. 1. The terms of the fourth commandment make a person responsible for that which is done on his premises, provided he has power to control it. This must be the interpretation of the command that “thy stranger that is within thy gates” shall rest upon the Sabbath. 2. Although the wood belonged to another man that fact does not give the buyer the right to abuse the premises of the seller in taking away his property. If no reserve is made, however, and the buyer does not know that it is an infringement to labor on the premises on the seventh day, then the whole responsibility of the wrong rests on the professed Sabbath-keeper. The only safe course is to always have a clear understanding that the Sabbath shall not be violated in fulfilling contracts. Question. We are solicited to unite with a society known as Farmer’s Grange. Can you inform us what is its object and is it right for us to join it? Ans. The avowed object of these societies is opposition to railroad monopoly, especially as regards the high prices of freight transportation. They are increasing very fast, and it is impossible to judge in what they will result. Whether they will be able to accomplish their purpose, is by many considered very doubtful. It seems to be prudent to avoid connection with secular “societies,” especially if their object is not fully understood. J. H. W.