The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1875-08-21

Mr.. EDIToR:-The cause of higher morality
and religious order has more than once been
aided by the use to which you have loaned the
columns of the PRESS; and it is on behalf of
cause which has the sympathy and solicitude
of at least a minority of your readers that you
are now asked to give public expression to their
opinions and feeling with regard to the use to
which the public carriers are putting the Lords
day.
1t is with disappointment and most painful
apprehension that some of orr best citizens
have witnessed the recent departure of our
railroads, and one corporation in particular, in
the matter of Sunday trains. Not that there
has not long existed an element which would
welcome such an innovation and make it pay,
but the fact that such demand had been so far
resisted that no regular train from this point
was provided for in the timetables, and that a
year ago the management of one road gave its
word that no Sunday train should run to Old
Orchard during the camp meeting, had encour-
aged the hope that Sabbath order was not to be
infringed by the ralroads-here, as it has been
west OF us.
1t may be claimed that the pressure has in
creased; that full trains indicate growing
want which:the servants of the public must
regard. Is it SO? Will any man or corporation
be justified in keeping employees busy upon the
Lords day as upon any other, because a por-
tion of the public demand and will pay for it?
1t is by no means with the Sabbath as with
othe- days. 1.-THE Sabbath was made for man."
Every man has right to it. 1t is his. And
no man has right to make pnysical or any
demands upon another on that day which in
the least impair its most sacred use. Nor have
the public right o make demands upon
corporation, except that they sacredly observe
the Lords day. And there is no individual or
company who will not gain respect of man and
honor with God by resisting any public demand
which by his own consent or not robs any man
OF the day of sacred rest.
Further: The spirit of our legislation aud
general conduct has always been to respect the
of the Sabbath Laws upon the statute book,
and action of officers, as seen in the court
records of nearly every Monday, indicate that
the voice of authority is still! in favor of the
lovers of Sabbath order, and, under the statute,
have not even minority of the people a right
to quiet on the Lords day?
We ask the railroad managers, in all kind
ness it you do not respect the feelings of a
portion of the community who are as good
as the best, men aud women whose faithful
efforts for the welfare of the community
are not surpassed Are you, under the statute,
(chap 124, sec. 20, R. S. 1917 respecting the
law in inviting or allowing the public to travel
on the Lords day, any more than the man who
keeps open shop or even an open bar on that
day?
There are those who believe that the spirit, if
not the letter of the law, protect them and
their families and the community from the
disturbance and temptation of railroad trims
and steamboat excursions upon the Sabbath.
There are those who believe that, under the
laws of God, the managers WHO allow this
Dissertation Of the Lords day incur a fearful
responsibility in breaking down the sacred
difference between Sunday and other days,
which many parents and hard working friends
of the young feel to be we'll nigh indispensable
in their religious training, and their salvation
from present and future evils
Why will not the pulpit and religions assem-
blies and religious press of this city speak upon
this subject, that a lamentable evil may be
arrested?
Will not the managers of our railroads and
steamboats, reconsider this matter before it be-
comes a settled policy to deal SO serious blow
to the New England and Christian Sabbath, as
that day will receive in the running of regular
trains or excursions.
If it swells the dividends, will it increase the
treasures in heaven?' SABBATH.