Not Altogether Supposition.
By Editor
Suppose an individual, the head of a family, commences to keep the Sabbath, and his family not only oppose him in this, but take advantage of his working upon the first day of the week to turn that day for themselves into a holiday, for hunting, fishing, excursions, and general pleasure, what is his duty under these circumstances? When they persistently refuse to keep the Sabbath, shall he say nothing, or shall he rather than countenance the looseness which attends the keeping of no Sabbath, endeavor to persuade them to keep Sunday? This case is not altogether a supposed one. One correspondent has described herself in such a situation, and applied for suggestions in regard to duty. Others also may be similarly situated. We do not know that we can present any thoughts which would not naturally suggest themselves to the mind of any one thus circumstanced, but will simply remark: 1. The case is evidently to be understood of those children who have come to years of maturity and discretion. 2. Such persons have no right to make the obedience of their parents, or of any one else, to the truth, an excuse for their disregarding any institution which they think the Bible upholds. Therefore, 3. If they still consider Sunday the Sabbath of the Bible, and yet disregard it, they betray a lack of principle for which the example of others can offer no excuse. 4. If they do not believe in any Sabbath for this dispensation, they cannot plead the example of those who keep the true Sabbath, to justify themselves in making Sunday a day of amusement. They do it upon their own responsibility, according to their views of the Bible. 5. If they are thrown into a state of doubt and uncertainty by the conflicting opinions and practice of those around them, then should they seek to the word of God for their duty. In whatever light we may view it, therefore, we can see no excuse for the transgressor, neither can we see how the example of the faithful follower of truth can be appealed to in justification of wrong. But what shall be our teaching to such? If they still regard Sunday as the Sabbath, and from a lack of principle are making a holiday of it, we would entreat them to strive and cultivate in their hearts a principle of obedience to God. If they have this, so that they can obey God because they love to do so, they will be willing to keep his commandments as he has given them, and keep the day that he has designated. But if they will not keep the Sabbath, would it not be best to advise them to keep First-day? We would rather see a person, if he really believes Sunday to be the Sabbath, show some religious principle by keeping it, than an utter lack of it, by disregarding it. But we could not under any circumstances advise any one to keep Sunday as a religious duty, any more than we could advise a person, should he reject the true God, to worship Baal. The fact is, God does not require either of these services at our hand. So long as a person is sincere and honest in observing the first day, his honesty and sincerity may be pleasing in the sight of God. But how long can he retain these? No longer than till light comes. The world will be condemned for disobedience. Their condemnation will be that light came and they chose darkness rather than light. And we hazard the assertion that no one can thoroughly investigate the Sabbath question and honestly reject the seventh day. Their outward appearance and profession before men can be no index to the state of their heart, in the sight of God. An unbelieving husband may forbid a believing wife the exercise of her parental influence or authority to prevent the violation of the Sabbath on the part of the family. Our judgment in this case would be that the responsibility rested upon him, and we would say, if he so choose, let him bear it to the judgment. But under all circumstances let the follower of truth present both by precept and example, a clear and shining light to all around.