Sunday Movements in New York.
By Editor
Commensurate with the revival movement, we find, as might be expected, the subject of the better observance of Sunday more or less agitated, and increased efforts put forth to bring about that desired result. In New York city the matter has proceeded so far that a memorial signed by over a hundred of the "most influential citizens" calling for the suppression of Sunday traffic, and the crying of Sunday papers, has been presented to the Board of Metropolitan Police Commissioners. In accordance with the petition the following resolution was offered by Mr. Commissioner Bowen: "Resolved, That the General Superintendent be directed to carry the law forbidding the sale of wares and merchandise on Sunday, into effect." This was adopted ; and at the same time it was also resolved "to abate the nuisance of crying 'papers on the Sabbath!'" Against these proceedings the Sunday papers, as the Sunday Despatch, Sunday Mercury, Sunday Courier, Sunday Times, &c., come out in a very anti-revival spirit; and a fierce war of words has ensued upon the subject. The "Despatch" has changed its day of publication from Sunday to Saturday, not because the proceeding of the Board of Commissioners has inspired it with any religious reverence for Sunday, but only, (to use its own words) that it may "be in a better position to expose to the people the miserable hypocrisy of the whole movement, and of its instigators." The subject will doubtless soon assume more importance than it at present wears. Meanwhile we are glad to see the agitation of it increasing. We bid the Sunday advocates all the success which the prophecy warrants them to expect. Nevertheless, a few will be found who will not bow to the institutions of men in violation of the Law of God.