New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-06-26
AGAINST THE SUNDAY GAME.
DIR. SHAW. OF PATERSON, DENOUNCEs
GOLF-PLAYING on THAT DAY.

DR.. SHAW. OF PATERSON. DENOUNCEs
GOLF-PLAYING on THAT DAY.
Paterson y J.. June % ;speciaD.-At the Second
Presbyterian Church tonight the Rev. Dr. Charles
D. Shaw. the pastor. preached on The Evils OF
Sunday Golf" He took his text jeremiah xvii.
81. p. and said In part:
Wrough; with the very texture OF the Ten Com
Tnandments is that rule OF life which just much
forbids Sabbath desecration It forbids theft n
false witness, murder. or any other crime. II i
not have been placed In the decalogue
This Divine law has been both hercely and In;
sdiously assaied IN this country OF late years and
lat,erly there has arisen foe so bold and unblush-
ing that It's audacity aazes the friends of the Sab
bath The game OF golf has made its appearance
among us and virtually It's admirers claim that II
is above the law OF comma ndments and is OF a
nature so refined elegant and presumably so
week snda law is The one most Mt for it's enjoyment
STai t61s ,s no stating tbs case too strongly
when we all know that Sunday after SUNDAY lead
engrossed in their favorte sport, and when cltr-
gyInan thinks It wise. and probably necessary. TO
devote part, at least. Of sermon TO It's defence
1t would seem that there must be something In the
game that lifts It beyOnd the range OF common Nv
But what can that wondrous popularity be?
What is that characteristic which makes this game
io1rment particuiariy fitted for the Lords Day?
Closest examination reveals no such trait, ~ Il y
antlquated croquet and the almost forgotten ten
mis- 1t involves active and healthful exercise; 50
do rowing and basketball II gives opportunity
for a picturesque or grOtesque costume so 90
bcycIing and lawn tennis But while all these
sports have been and are practiced on Sunday TO
some extent for not of them has II ever been
claimed that IT was peculiarly fitted FOR the Sab
bot or that Il was beyond rebuke from the friends
o. law and OF religion To golf alone Ia this suprern-
acy awarded. II the claims and practices OF us
admirers are allowed
But / declare. what you all well know. that sun
day golf has no right reason for being. and that
those who practise IT, however elegant their man
ners however lofty their tone. however elevated
their social rank. are guilty Of Sabbath-oreaEing
flst as much the men that roar around the
baseball grounds on every fair Lords Day.
This Is its FIRST and greatest evil, after when the
others follow
sunday golf in violating the law Of God. IS per
pefratinc and helping 10 perpetrate a great evil
nothing less than disobedence ana HISrtspcc'
toward God.
After that great evil no doubt Il seems a lesser
a-ra!grment that a misUces holy time. Yet this
is worthy Of remark. because Il Is fact some
rcople saw We'll so 70 church Sunday morning
that's al right. but play golf In the afternoon
that Sunday afternoon Is not long enough for the
devotees OF this SPORT
MANY bright Sunday morning. while the bells
ere ringing for church the golfers are already on
the links and while congregations are worship
ming God elegant and fine men are
that exquisite that thoroughly delightful that al
together too sweet and noble game the very name
OF which is ade an offence in Christian eyes by
this evil misuse OF H. which abuses the Lords day
Is this a proper example for leaders OF society 70
set7 Does this gl0rlfv GOD promote human well
being? Are the precious hours OF holy time thus
To play golf IN Sunday Is a worldly and ire
Iiglous act No friend % Christ afford 10 give
his sanction 20 H.