THE SUNDAY LAWS by J. Clarke

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 6, 1879

THE SUNDAY LAWS.

By J. Clarke

For about thirty years the leaders in the proclamation of the third angel’s message have been proclaiming to the world that the Sunday question would yet be introduced into the politics of our nation. At first, this position was considered purely imaginative; and the world said that in this land of freedom it could never be; but the matter is gradually taking shape, and the following, clipped from the New York Times of Sept. 26, 1879, shows which way the wind is blowing:—

“THE SUNDAY LAW IN NEWARK. TO BE MADE AN ISSUE AT THE COMING ELECTION.

“The law and order question bids fair to be made an issue in the coming charter election at Newark. At a meeting of the Eleventh Ward Republicans, on Wednesday night, they determined to repudiate the resolutions prepared by the Central Liberal Committee, and declared in favor of the enforcement of the Sunday laws. The following resolution was unanimously adopted:—

“‘Resolved, That the Republicans of this ward, in mass-meeting assembled, hereby declare that it is the duty of the Republican Convention to be held on Thursday evening, Oct. 2, 1879, to adopt resolutions pledging the party to the enforcement of all laws relating to Sunday observance now on the statute book.’”

“The Law and Order Organization of the Fourteenth Ward met the same evening, and received a report to the effect that the Republican candidates for aldermen had pledged themselves to do all that lay in their power to secure the enforcement of the Sunday laws. Meetings were also held by Liberal Clubs in several wards, at which speeches were made by Gen. Sigel, Dr. Mack, and others, and it is evident that the election will be the most exciting local contest ever known in the city.” J. CLARKE.