WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE UNBELIEF?
By M. C. W.
In “Leaflet No. 7” of the “Sabbath Observance Department” of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, the question is asked, “Where are we drifting?” And among the replies is, “into hatred of religion, which means atheism.” That is, the growing disregard and open so-called desecration of Sunday, is responsible for this; and one of the great means of checking infidelity is for Congress to pass a law protecting Sunday! We wonder if the good women of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union believe this. Most of the atheistic, skeptical, and worldly class in this country know that the first day is not the Sabbath; know that the only Bible Sabbath is the seventh day. Now will it help their unbelief to see these would-be reformers endeavoring to lay hold of civil law to compel an observance that cannot be defended and is not supported by the word of God? Do not these classes know that the term “Sabbath” is inappropriate to the first day of the week? that the calling of Sunday by the term Sabbath, is but a trick to deceive and prejudice the ignorant? and that every text brought from the Bible to prove Sunday sacredness applies only to the seventh day, and is, therefore, only a perversion of God’s word, and a hiding of his counsel? The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union must105know that many of the people—thousands and millions—know all this to be true. On the other hand, the people will reason that these Sunday Reformers know better; they know that Sunday is not supported by the Scriptures, or else they would not be so clamorous for civil law. Therefore it follows that infidels will remain infidels; skeptics will remain skeptics; worldlings will remain worldlings; for they will look upon all religion as exemplified by these reformers; and that religion, or pretense thereto, they know to be a mockery. But will not the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union and their co-reformers influence some by their appeals to religion? Very few, perhaps. They will influence many by political influence, political intrigue, and soft speeches. Politicians are susceptible creatures, and the unprincipled can defend any side of the Sabbath question which pays and will help them to retain office. And the dear Woman’s Christian Temperance Union will call them such “grand men,” and “noble Christians.” It will not be the first time that woman’s wooing has brought woe. May God save the honest from the deception. But before closing we wish to put one question to the honest hearted women of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, and that is this: In view of all the facts pertaining to the Sabbath and the Sunday, biblical and otherwise, and in view of the people’s knowledge of these facts, who is responsible for the infidelity? those who are supporting a sham, or those who are opposing it? How will you look at these things when before the throne of God, where every secret thing will be brought to light?