Sunday Rest and Religious Faith
By Editor
The Rev. H. A. Ketchum in the Occident desires 'that petitions be circulated, signed, and forwarded to the directors [of the Midwinter Fair], asking that this exhibition, in which we all feel a deep, genuine interest, and which we all wish to attend, may be so conducted that all who desire may rest from their labors on Sunday, that toil and tumult may be reduced to the minimum.' But may not 'all who desire' now 'rest from their labors on Sunday'? Is a religious regard for Sunday of any worth if it will not lead a man to rest from secular labor when there is no law to prevent him? Is that religion of any worth which will not enable a man to do what he believes to be right, even though there is law against it? If Sunday is all that is claimed for it, is it not worth dying for? Would it not be well to inspire a little of the spirit of faith and endurance in those who desire to 'rest from labors' on that day? If the Christianity they have is not sufficient to enable them to keep Sunday when there is no law to compel them to do otherwise, have they enough to save them? Is there not more need of gospel work in the churches than for political work outside? But if these petitions are heeded, according to Mr. Ketchum— 'Then the favor of God may be expected to rest upon the Midwinter Fair, because his command is obeyed, 'Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.'' But if the directors heed God's command, they will never close Sunday, and Mr. K. does not want them to heed that command, but his construction of it. He says in effect, Just close Sunday; it does not make much difference what else is done, how much wickedness is wrought on other days, only close Sunday, and God will bless the Fair. Great is the Sunday Diana.