3386.— Compulsory Work on Sunday
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
A person who keeps the Sabbath hires a man or woman to work for him who keeps the first day. Should he or she be required to work on the first day? Would it be right to require them so to do? E. C. W. This is supposed to be a free country. Involuntary servitude is not permissible. No man or woman can compel other men or women to work the first day of the week, or require them to work if they do not wish to work. If one works contrary to his convictions, it is because he prefers the wages he gets to his conviction of duty, or he fears to offend his employer, or he fears he will lose his place. No one can be truly said to regard or keep as a Christian any institution or ordinance which he would yield for temporal consideration. Understanding of such matters should be had at the time when bargains or agreements are made. So much for the employee. On the other hand, no man or set of men, laborers or employers, should even speak to compel a single soul to violate conscience.