The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1886-06-09
For the Central Presbyterian.
Report to Lexington Presbytery
on the Sabbath.

The permanent committee on the Sab.
bath would report to Lexington Presby-
terry that for the past year there are
some encouraging facts to note. The
Literature upon the subject of the Sab
bath has been largely increased. The
international Sabbath Association con.
tinues to scatter its sheets and tracts
over the land. By appealing to railroad
managers, by educating public sentiment,
and by thorough and united organization
this Association is accomplishing noble
work. The postal department recently
threw its influence in favor of the Sab
bath by directing that special,delivery
letters at certain points should not be
sent out on Sunday
After some time spent in experiment, a
practical demonstration of highest au-
thority, showing the entire practcability
and decided advantage of Sabbath rest
for the Iron furnace has been made. The
successful operation of the Mount Alto
Iron Works, Pa the Martel Furnace,
Mich, the Pine Grove Furnace, Ohio,
the Ashland Furnace, KY, and the Pitts
burg Bessimer Steel Works upon the
principle Of strict Sabbath observance
has finally settled this problem. These
examples OF Sabbath observance have
been coupled with financial success. The
iron industry is vast one, and much
will have been accomplished when all
furnaces accept this demonstration, and
obeying the laws founded in divine wis
dom, give their employees rest of body
and soul to fit them for the toll and du
ties of life.
On the other hand the discouragements
are many. Of the rail lines through our
bounds, two (the @. & o. and the S. W
run both passenger and freight trains
upon the Lords day two (the R. & A.
and the B. g. o. report that on that day
they move trains only in cases of neces.
sity. The Sunday newspaper increases
in number and circulation. Popular
amusements and excursions unite In
destroying the quiet and hallowed infu-
ence of the Sabbath. In one of the largest
States, Ohio, the Liquor Dealers Associa-
ton openly demands that they be allow
ed to open their saloons on the Sabbath,
and in formal meeting assembled defy
the law. The general report to our last
Assembly showed 8 Presbyteries advanc.
ing, 10 stationary, and retrograding.
Such report indicates, at least, but slow
progress either in preventing the desc.
Grafton of the Sabbath or in improving
public sentiment.
The consequence of this dissertation is
as manifest as the desecration itself. The
Sabbath is the laboring mans day and
right. Deprived of it that class is a
bursting volcano of social discomfort 1t
is the day for home influence to work
Deprived of it, domestic ties are losing
their sweetness and strength. It's God 3
day of SPECIAL union and communion with
the creature. Deprived of its ennoblinp
influence men seek other objects of desire
and the Church is losing her worship.
pers.
Such being the Importance Of Sabbath
Observance and such powerful influences
being at work to destroy it's sanctity your
committee would recommend that the
following resolution be passed
l. The Presbytery of Lexington re-
news its testimony in behalf Of this d..
vine institution and earnestly protests
against it's further dissertation Our
ministers should from the pulpit and our
officers by word in private and by their
example strive deeply to impress upon
the minds Of our people the perpetual
obligation OF the Sabbath.
2 This Presbytery urges upon the
Sessions Of it's churches the necessity Of
greater wstchlulness over the conduct OF
our church members in this particular
Reports reach us that public convey
ances are more or less patronized by
some Of our people without any inter
ference on the part of our church courts