Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1885-11-27
OBSERVANCE OF THE DAY OF REST.


To the Editor of the Free Press and Times:
Noticing "A paragraph in one of your re-
cent dailieS, upon the subject of Sunday
papers in New York, and the discussion
which has been elected by DR.. Crosby's
letter, it occurred to me that there might
be some among your readers, who were
not aware of some hopeful signs of the
times" with regard, to the much needed
reform in the observance of Sunday, es-
pecially in our large cities. One such
sign is the existence of an organization in
this country and in Canada, called the
sabbath International ASSOCIATION, form
ed for the purpose of creating and develop
ing Il stronger and healthier public senti-
ment on this subject. AS its founders
put II, they aim to secure the use of the
Lords day according to the truths of
Scripture, the laws of nature, the best in
terests of labor and property, and the ne
cessities of free government This or
ganization was completed in the latter
part of the year, 1872 and practical
work began i'll the year follow
ing. 1t wished to promote among
Christians, Il deeper sense of the di
vine authority of the day, and therefore
its more conscientious observance, and
among citizens of all classes, a better I'M
derstanding of the value of the day to
themselves, their families and the State,
and seeks to lead them not only to sus-
tain the laws which protect their right to
it, but to resist whatever tends To deprive
them of it. OF course, one of the best
means of accomplishing these objects was
the diffusion of such literature as should
awaken and deepen an intelligent interest
on the subject, and it therefore decided
to issue, at such intervals as seems eXpe-
dent, Il journal called the Reporter,
which should contain an account of such
work, as they attempted, and such results,
| if any, as they should attain. This
journal does give to the public, through
its various committees, ii great deal
of well prepared and valuable information
bearing on this reform. 1t commences in
the civil department, seems to be especi-
ally strong, and their industry and good
Judgment, in efforts to secure from large
corporations, such regulations, and prac-
tice, with regard to the use of Sunday, as
should serve the highest interest Of their
employers, has been very noticeable, and
its record is both an interesting and en-
couraging part of their journal. They
also issue tracts or leaflets, under the
general head of international Series, upon
such topics as Chow to meet the situation
and demands of to-day" "An appeal for
Sunday rest" addressed particularly to the
owners and managers of railroads, Sunday
mails" etc, etc. They make great point
of the need of enlightening and intluen
cling the foreign population, and nav e
started breezy and attractive little Ger
man paper, for distribution among that
class of our population ; for this they need
pecunlary aid very much. OF course they
deem it very important that the young
should learn to prize the day and grow up
strenuous for the preservation of their
highest privileges. The above is but IA
meager sketch of what they attempt, but
! think the facts are of great interest and
significance. l..