Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-03-27

evidently does not object to them. but
to the playing on Sunday, and, mos
particularly, to the possible betting
which, perchance, might accompany the
game. Gambling is, beyond dispute
a vice during the week as much as
on Sunday, and should be eradicated
If possible, by an educational process
BY law it will never be eradicated
though it may be suppressed and forced
to change its sphere and methods.
Gambling, however, is an evil in it
self, and does not necessarily accom-
pany base ball, and should, therefore
be treated separately.
Or is any and every game OF amuse-
ment on Sunday necessarily and I'M
der all conditions, no matter what the
persons conviction or religion, 8
crime?
Observation and experience teach the
unprecedented that nothing is so fertile
in the breeding of mischief as forced
idleness, be it Sunday or other day.
Why, then, should all innocent diver
sion, play, walking, books, etc., be pro-
hibited? "Slomo surn. humani me
nihil alienum puto."
Would any one at the present day
actually desire the return to such
primitive Puritanical Sabbath obsery-
ance that man was arrested for kiss
ing his wife on Sunday upon his re-
turn after a six years absence; when
girl and her sweetheart were fined
for sitting together under the apple
tree, and others were punished for non
attendance at church? Those were the
times when the Puritans were said
to have whipped their cider barrels be-
cause the cider worked on Sunday.
And how does DR.. Sooyss propose to
bring about the ideal observance
whatever that may be-of the Lords
day? By instruction and mild per-
suasion? No. He seems to favor the
institution of sort of inquisition, for
he will appeal to the civil powers and
use them for his purposes. He is evil
IDENTIFY determined to make people
think as he thinks, and do as he does
or he will have them arrested. Would
it not be convenient for all preachers
to have people fined for non-attend-
ance at church, and to have a staff OF
policemen ready to arrest Whomsoever
the preacher directs, particularly those
who are about to go to the parks OF
on a Sunday excursion? In Trenton,
n. J., even at the present day, Dr.
Sooy's efforts in behalf Of New Jersey
Notwithstanding, as well as IN other
cities, many men accompany their
wives as far as the church door, while
they, themselves, go to the club rooms.
or elsewhere If this were practiced in
Wheeling, and DR.. Sooy's remedy ap-
piled, it would require an extraordl-
nary large force of policemen, and
would suggest to Chief Clemans to be
ready for the rush. Such methods
would possibly bring about the desired
result, i. e., fill the churches but
would it, after all, be a gain, if people
were to attend services for no other
reason, but that they cannot go else
where, or do anything else to kill time
If a man can get nothing to drink, II
would be folly for him to boast because
he is sober; or, not having a gun, what
credit does he deserve for not shooting
What is life's purpose if not the con-
struction of character and growth OF
moral power by learning self-control
moderation and to do the right thing
amidst the opportunities to do other
wise?
DIR. Sooy's sermon conveyed to me
the impression that he is over-Zealous,
and is there not, at least, a probable
ity that the greater sin is in the indis-
criminate and uncharitable judging
than in the sin itself? No one would
object to a mere protest On his part
provided, however, that it conveyed no
threat or insult. His intention is, it Is
self-evident, the best, his courage and
determination admirable and worthy OF
a better cause. / fear, however, at the
present day the logic of the club won't
go.
Are there no greater evils to over
come, no more important issues to be
met, no cause worthier of the noble
efforts of so great a scholar and orator:
What is the use of wasting gun powder
Why not try the Gospel? Why speak
about trivial and comparatively inno-
cent amusements, when the sufferers
OF sin and crimes are crying to heaven
for help?
/, personally, would consider the clos
ing of the parks On Sundays nothing
short of public calamity, unless 9TH
ers are substituted. l may have many
opportunities for recreation and rest
but thousands have no other except on
Sunday, their day of rest, recreation
and gladness, Dr.. Sooy's statements tc
the contrary Notwithstanding.
Dr. Sooy may be pastor of the largest
congregation in Wheeling. That does
not, however, make him bishop of the
city.
He is not yet in a position to iegis-
late or dictate to others than his own
flock.
Any attempt to do so to others would
naturally, be resented, for are Catho-
lies, other Protestants, Jews and free
thinkers not entitled to the same privi-
leges which DR.. Sooy enjoys?