A BIG UNDERTAKING by Editor

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Dec 30, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 50.

A BIG UNDERTAKING.

By Editor

UNDER the head of, "California's Deepest Need—a Day of Rest," the Pacific, a Congregationalist paper, says:—

"At a recent meeting of the American Sabbath Association of California it was resolved to proceed at once with a vigorous and well-directed campaign against the present widespread desecration of the Sabbath. A large number of well-known and influential business men of this city showed their interest in the movement, not only by their presence, but by their remarks. The necessity of coping with the growing tendency towards indifference of Sabbath observance was discussed at length, and resulted in the determination to restore, by means of State Legislature, the weekly day of rest to its proper position in the minds of the people."

Without reference to the question as to which day is the Sabbath, what is the "proper position" which the Sabbath should occupy "in the minds of the people"? Manifestly it is the position demanded by the fourth commandment. It should be regarded as holy, and so observed. Now think

of the absurdity of the idea that the State Legislature can restore the Sabbath to its proper position in the minds of the people; that a State law can make men regard and keep the day holy. The men who entertain such ideas must have a very exalted conception of the power of State Legislatures, or very low views of Sabbath observance. The State can compel men to put on an appearance of respect for the day, and that is all that it can do. The objection that we have to the State's interfering in religious matters is it can do nothing but make hypocrites.