The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1893-02-16
Our American Sabbath.

= Our form of government allowing
equal freedom of thought and ballot to
all citizens, and our excellent system of
free schools, which afford to the rising
generation an education enabling them
not only to cope with the ever present
difficulties of life, but also to build a
higher ideal of civilization, are two feat
ures which make this land beacon
light to all people of the earth. The
public press is also worthy of mention,
for through it we are made acquainted
with all marks of progress: and with
every item of interest from the four
quarters of the earth. In many other
ways free America sets an example of
advancement and virtue, not the least
among which is the sacredneSs with
which she observes her Christian
Sabbath.
. The Pilgrim Fathers filled with long
ing desire to obtain freedom of religious
belief and worship, deeply implanted
in the minds of their pOsterity the great
need of strict observance of Gods
fourth commandment to his people,
Sunday is not observed merely from the
standpoint of duty. but with one accord
the machinery of the workshop is 81
fenced, business is suspended and man
willingly rests; not to engage in idle
pursuits or wickedness. but to turn his
thoughts on the 'giver of every good
and perfect gift" In this thrice bless
ed land of liberty, on hill and in valley,
countless spires pierce the heavenly
dome; while from ocean to ocean, and
the lakes to the gulf, innumerable bells
peal forth the glory Of the Maker of
earth and sky, bidding man forsake the
cares and tolls of siX-day labor and
hasten on the appointed day of rest.
Contrast this with the Sabbath of the
continent. where races. the dance, fine
paradeS of fashion. and various other
kinds of worldly amusementS. are con-
tinually indulged on the day which God
commanded should be kept holy. In
view of the Worlds Fair to be held in
the near future, question of great i'm
pOrtance is before the American people.
Although this question has been decided
by Congress, there is still danger of
reconsideration. and as we have desired
the steps taken. we should be more de-
termined that the resolution continue
to stand. THE gates of the Worlds
Fair grounds shall not be open on Sun
day" What an example for the United
States to set before the world. She, who
is the land of Christian light and liberty.
She, who is needing with more zeal than
ever before the cry of Macedonia, come
over and help us. Shall she then invite
the world to an exposition and say to it,
Bring over your continental Sabbath:
come with your day of revelling, and
without restriction of law" Many points
have been argued in favor of Sunday
opening at the Worlds Fair. The Board
of Commissioners make the assertion
that Sunday will bring the greatest fl
nancial returns. This may be true, but
is our country in such needful state
that she must endanger her good name
for gain of a few paltry dollars? Again,
it is claimed that the wOrkingman has
no day on which to visit the metropolis,
unless the Fair is open on Sunday and
the Board even wishes to compromise
by opening the gates and not running
the machinery. Men are not now en-
slaved by long hours of work as in form
er years: and most factories stop opera
tiOn in the heat of the summer, while
all business men, clerks, ETC., are given
short vacation. So that every labOring
man who can at all OffOrd to visit Chi
cagO will find ample time for viewing
the miniature world. These are the prin
cipie arguments for petitiOning Con-
gress to recind their action; and we