New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-02-22
SUNDAY LIBRARY READING.

After a great deal of discussion some of it
pertinent and profitable and some Of Il other.
wise, the Free Public Library of Boston is
opened for readers on Sunday. The struggle
las been bitter and by no means brief
one; but now that the experiment Is to be
tried we trust that it may be tried fairly.
We can understand why clergymen with strict
Sabbatarian views should have opposed
the innovation. But the Sabbath open
ing having been resolved upon, after
the most deliberate consideration by men
who certainly do not intend to be guilty OF
wicked act, we do not think it best for those
who are not pleased to assume that the change
is a sinful one This is what, we regret to say.
certain Boston clergymen are doing. They
have already held meeting and baSlnS their
conduct upon the alleged wickedness OF the
measure, they are casting about for means and
opportunities of its repeal. We must say that
we consider this to be hardly fair. Indeed, it
seems a little like begging the question. If
reading on Sunday in the Public Library
be demoralzing, it certainly is not so
primG tdcio - that is, there Is no
reason why it should necessarily be so. The
public has decided that poInt-not goddess
and infdel public, but a sober and religious
community and now it is for experience to
determine whether the decision Is just and
wise one.
Doubtless, il is a severe blow to. the
strict Sabbatarian idea which has for over
two hundred years prevailed in Boston. On
the other hand, it may be said that the old
theory of Sabbath observance was prac-
tically exploded, even in Boston, long
ago. There are traces there in plenty oil
the Puritan Sunday, but the institution itself.
in all its extreme severity, no longer exists
except in few obsolete statutes, 10 which
even professed IeligiOnists pay no attention
and pretend to render no obedience. The day,
therefore, having to a great extent become sec
ularized, and been made quite as much day OF
rest and recreation as of religious observance,
it seems to us desirable TO save it as much az
possible from abuse and degradation. IL IL
conceded that ordinary vacations are to DO
abandoned, and that Sunday for most men
must be day of leisure if not of laziness'
Idleness is always dangerous. Dr. Watts was
right when he said that "Satan finds some
" mischief still for idle hands ID do The
same good man associated "bOOks and work
and healthful play" in an immortal couplet
Sabbath idleness is particularly and proverblaiF
mischevous. and even the Strictest Sabbath
rian will tell you that il is to be held responsible
for murder, riot drunkenness and many FORM
of domestic and social wretchedneSs. II VIII
certainly be better for the young men
of Boston to be paying their respects
rather to Minerva than 10 Bacchus Ana II
is certainly not absurd to believe that read
ing man will be more likely to be interested
in religious matters than a man who never
reads at all. 1t is barely possible that lew
will be found in Boston who viii go to church
in the morning aud 10 the Library III the
afternoon. If they are told that TO do the
last is a crime, is there not danger that they
will come tc consider the first a BORT
Whether the Sabbath is TO he regarded as OF
divine or human institution, it is too valuable
10 overtasked and OyerwOrked humanity |"
be abolished. Happy are those TO whom
brings rational pleasure, domestic enjoyment
and respite from the fag and the fuss Of exist
ence! Happy are those who, sincerely seek
ing n better spiritual culture, can eliminate
their precious hours from the wOelUl wOrldii.
ness of our persistently materlalNed hFeS'
Happy are those vino can accept the
God-consecrated theory of the Holy Day WIN
no adulteraton of bigotry and uncharltaoe-
nessl Happy those who. having won the"
freedom through the truth, can leave to others
a like liberty. with no ccnsure of their meth-
DDS and with none but charitable wishes 'oi
the best results.