New-York tribune., 1902-02-19
LETTERS TO THF EDITOR.
THE SABBATH IN NEW YORK.

soMB REFLECTIONS OF LOCAL CONDITIONS.
To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: There is no more serious question agitating
the minds Of our best citizens at the presenJ mo-
rnent than the decadence of the Christian church
in great city. There epochs Of what We
call growth well decline, whether in church
or state. every line Of development, all through
the centuries. The present moment IS not the age
Of ,nartyrdom o religious wars, and pleasant
sentiment floats through the air Of calmness and
rest Fortunately, however there those who
still keep their on ready for the conflict in
whatever light it may appear. Success in any
organized work means the accomplishment of the
end designed and the Church of Christ was planted
to draw all mankind within its fold.
For the last half century statistics show not
growth but decadence in our city. Fifty years ago
there church sittirgs for nearly one-half OF
our population: now there are accommodations
in churches synaEogues and chapels for only one
quarter. Less than one-tenth Of our citizens regu-
lary attend church; 70 per cent never go, and the
average Attendance at six hundred churches is less
than two hundred thousand. That this decline has
been going on for the last fifty years is shown
from the fact that statistics have been collected
and published every tel years.
Among the various reasons given for this serious
change the comment is often made that the
ohurchgoing population is moving uptown But
what has that do with the needs of the people
downtown? The church was planted for the
rich or those already within its fold. Christ said
He did not call the righteous. but sinners
10 repentance The worst portions of our city are
fearfully destitute Of churches and yearly grow
ing more so Five years ago this statement was
made: That two hundred thousand had been ADDED
TO the population below Fourteenth-st, and seven
teen Protestant churches had moved out-a star
ting picture Of the rapid growth of motley
population made up of the worst elements OF
society. while the Christian Church is steadily with
drawing the helping hand
II the criticism is made that the downtown move
17ent represents only side view let glance at
the changes on Murray Hill. of the most per
manently settled localities in our city Nlth
eighteen years three evangelical churches nave
been moved away from il torn down. The
palatisl homes the same and the population
has increased. but the churches are not neeueu,
in passing this question Of localities. We must not
forget that some of most prosperous churches
in every department OF work are located IN ousi-
one very serious fact in the decadence Of the
Sabbath cred time is 70 he found in the non
observance Of the day by church members. The
Fourth Commandment is still used as divine
law. about which there can he no misunoerstahd-
ing and vet the very hours OF afternoon. as
we'll evening service fashiona hle dinners. recep-
whom rest the lows of The Christian Church.
Crowds OF men spend the day in the country play
ing golf and other games. among them prorlihehl
members of the church. Is il strange that We hear
the question asked Is Sabbath 70 be preserved?
Was the institution ever going through a more
serious crisis than at the present moment when
the open saloon is being advocated by prominent
leaders in the church? if the Equor selnne Is 10
be allowed. there is no reason why the doors or
any other traffic should be closed: and how sun
sonal opinion, instead of moral and religious law.
Has the Church wandered so far from its original
pianthg as 10 cal 4dN HeFI IN InlS HldIintII
Gods design for the spiritual. well as physical
wants Of the race? The blessing Of the Sabbath;
the holy rest daN. as appointed y 6cd ana reNered
by forefathers. admits Of no argument. Emer
son called SUNDAY the backbone Of our civilization
Inc great thlnker. m"railst ana phlloSopner was
least true TO history and paid P splendid trib-
ute ts 70 that lit vital IL force Of Ghrstanty which laid
New York, February i. 1872.