The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1890-06-01
The Best Reading for Sunday.

The Christian Advocate, the organ Of the
New York Methodists. rejoices over the an
nouncement Of the Rochester Democrat and
Chronicle that it is about to discontinue the
publication of its Sunday edition. This de-
cision is spoken of by our Methodist friend
as distinct and hopeful concession to the
sentiment which requires more strict OBJ
servance Of the Sabbath" and accordingly it
proceeds to urge all the newspapers publish
ing Sunday editions to 60 and do likewise.
This appeal is made on the ground that the
Sunday paper interposes "a serious him
drance to religious work." and "crowds out
such reflections aud exercises az are neces-
sary to make the day profitable" If that is
the fact, the Sunday journal ought at
once to disappear. 1t Is wickedness to
continue its publication. But 80 also
the nominally religious papers published
for Sunday reading should be abol-
ished as no less sinful. II Christian
duty requires that the first day Of the week
should be devoted wholly to spiritual med
itation. prayer, and religious exercises. the
Christiun Advocate itself is issued in viola
ton OF the obligation. for 1t is run as
money-making enterprise, leads the
thoughts OF its readers into secular chan
nels and diverts them from heavenly to
earthly considerations.
large part Of the space Of the Methodist
paper is occupied with advertisements.
eagerly sought for by the publishers and
all distinctly secular in their character.
Other columns are filled with reports Of the
markets. suggestions to farmers how
they can make the most out OF their crops,
summaries OF the news OF the week,
information as to the fashions for women 1t
may be, and occasionally few musty jokes
and funny stories. Even in the pages de-
voted to religion more especially adVer-
tlsements are printed with the view OF at
tracing attention on Sunday. when the
readers have moro leisure than on other
days to give them careful perusal.
Such paper is a secular paper, OF course;
and we are sorry to say that we fear that Its
opposition to the Sunday editions Of daily
Journals Is not uninhuenced by the consid-
GRAFTON that they interfere with Its business
prosperity. The establishment OF The SUM OF
Sunday was serious blow to some weekly
papers. 1t took away the reason for their
existence, gave the people infinitely better
Sunday reading. and to advertisers q far
more valuable medium OF communication
with tho public. In this town, probably, the
number OF Methodists who read THE
Sun is at least twice as many
as those who can be induced to look
at the Christian Advocate, so vastly inferior
in every respect, religious and literary. The
influence OF the Methodist paper on religious
thought is small In comparison. Its in.
fueuce In helping along the cause OF genuine
religion is not less insignificant proportion
ately; for 1t Is regarded as an official and
perfunctory laborer In the vineyard, while
The Sun Is known and needed as spon-
taneous helper, working for no particular
sectarian ACKNOWLEDGMENT. but In behalf Of
all true religious progress and prosperity.
What are tho motives influencing the
Rochester journal to discontinue its Sunday
edition OF course we cannot tell. Probably
II finds that 1t does not get enough circula-
ton to pay; and that would be sound rea-
son for stopping it. But there is no sound
reason in religion or morals for discontinue
ing q good Sunday paper that Is really
wanted by the public. 1t gives the people the
best reading in which they are likely to