Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-05-22
SABBATH AND THE FAIR.
The Report Of the Late Elliot r. Shepard,
Committee to the Assembly.

The Report of the Late Elliot r. Shepard's
Committee to the Assembly.
The report Of the special committee on Sab
bath observance, of which the late Col Elliot
+. Shepard was chairman from its inception
expressed sorrow at the death Of Col Shepard.
The effort to secure the opening Of the world 8
fair OH Sunday is recited, closing with a state
ment OF the vote In Congress against it. The
report then proceeds.
The importance Of this action can scarcely
be overestmated; it is greater tri-
umph than appears on the surface
1t has given expression to the voice of the
people. The strength of the Sabbath
sentiment has been tried and proven
The people are unwilling to lose the Sunday
rest. Tho question Of Sabbath observance
has been very widely discussed. The
foreign element has been advised respect
ing the American Sabbath and its strong
hold upon our people. The friends Of
the Sabbath in Europe are rejoiced and
their hands are greatly strengthened. But it
is matter Of profound regret that in
all this contest the friends of Sunday
closing have received little or no aid
from the secular press 1t has been
impossibe-save in few cases Of notable i'm
portance-to secure the insertion of judicious
articles in favor of closing. while whole columns
have frequently appeared against 1t. II we
have succeeded it is only because the Lord of
the Sabbath is on our side. Otherwise there
has been prodiglous odds against u.s.
The widespread interest which has been
awakened on the subject of Sabbath observance
of Sunday closing at the exposition has
opened the way as never before
in the history of our country for
the circulation of Sabbath literature This is
rare opportunity, the like Of which may not
occur again in years, to disseminate through
lands, healthful knowledge Of the advantages
Of the Sabbath day.
Your committee recommends the adoption
of the following resolutions:
First. The assembly receives with
deep regret the intelligence Of the death.
on March "a. of Col Elliot F.
Shepard, the chairman Of the committee on
Sabbath observance. and desires to express its
high appreciation of the valuable services he
has rendered to the Sabbath cause by his lib
erai efforts and his large contributions.
Second. The assembly expresses its pro-
cess OF the effort to secure in our national leg
opening at the Columbian exposition
and its appreciation of the action Of
Congress in deciding by so large majority
to continue the time-honored course OF the
the Lords day. 1t joins the whole church
in hearty thanksgiving that we have
been spared the humiliation as
Christian nation Of q public sanction Of the
Sunday opening Of the worlds fair. And it
hereby voices what it believes to be the vel
nigh unanimous Judgment of the church it
represents in declaring that any at
tempt after this public and official
expression Of the nations will to open the
gates OF the exposition on the Sabbath would
be gross affront to the Christian conscience
and fragrant breach Of faith.
A,,l a. -
decided to open the gates of the exposition In
defiance Of the authority Of Congress and in
clear violation OF the principles of common
honesty as well as Of Gods command. There
fore resolved:
Third. That we urge upon our people the i'm
portance Outstanding by their consciences at what
ever sacrifice Of personal profit or pleasure. II
the trial OF their integrity is como let them not
defile themselves with the kings meat DAN
iel, i:S).
Fourth. We call the attention of our
churches to the efforts in progress for
sign OF which is to protect the weekly day
OF rest. We believe that the widespread
interest now taken in this ques-
ton furnishes a favorable opportunity for the
afhliation OF the friends of the Lords day into
associations that can render most efficient SER
vice in protecting the Sabbath against ali in
vasions.
Fifth. We regard the exposition now open in
Chicago as a most favorable opportunity for the
circulation OF Sabbath literature. and we recon-
mend to the members Of the churches under
our care that they render pecuniary help to-
ward this undertaking.
Sixth. We recognize the great service rem
dered by the Sabbath Union to the cause of the
Sabbath, and We heartily commend that or
ganization to the sympathetic interest and
liberality of all who love the Lord Jesus
Christ"