Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-07

eral institutions, even courts of justice
were closed on Sunday. Supposed conven-
fence did not abrogate law of God. The
general government had not the constitu-
tional power to authorize a violation of the
Sabbath. The example of the government
was pernicious causing young men to
break away from church-going. But,
though thousands of bankers. canal pres
1dents (there were two horsepower rail-
roads them physicians and business men
generally, as well clergymen were
among the petitioners the movement re-
suited in failure, had the previous one
started shortly after the close OF the war
of 1872.
OF course, the early statutes rela ting to
Sunday rest since they were the work of
autocratic rulers, were really in advance of
the temper of the large body of people
The Sunday law of Charles III tl6G0-lti65)
practically marks the period of general pop
ular acceptance of the idea that only work
which is necessary for humane reasons is
legal or proper beneficial mentally and
physically on Sunday.
But at no time during the long period of
dispute over Sunday observance has there
been anything like even similar partial
concurrence concerning Sunday recreation
among English speaking nations. although
Continental Europe long since by common
consent adopted the idea of the so-ca He'd
clV1dual latitude in the matter of recrea-
ton and pleasure
Perhaps the most famous decree on sun
DAY recreation ever promulgated was that
OF James | CT England and Scotland since
by formally -upholding his fathers views
Charles l thereby made more certain the
coming of the civil war that cost him Ms
crown and his head
While on his way back to London from
Scotland King James discovered much dis
content in Lanca shire because the people
had been deprived of their customary spoI,t 3
aIter service, the prevailing English idea
Oh the day being that of festival after
religious duties had been attended to. Now
James had little stomach for Purjtaus WIN
were increasing alarmingly In his realm.
and their straightiaced habits so he issued
immediately what he chose to cali '.The
Book of Sports"
In 1t ne rebukes some Purtanes and
precise people for prohibiting and un,a u
Iun pnnlshins our good people for using
their lawfull Recreations, and honest ex-
ercises upon Sundayes and other Holy
dayes, after the afternoons Sermon or sery-
ice" - ~
Then he sets forth what shall be Lawful,
recreation:
And as for Our good peoples lawful
recreation, Our pleasure likewise is That
after the end of Divine Service, Our good
people be not disturbed letted or discnnr-
aged from any lawful Recreation: such as
dancing. either men women archerie for
men, leaping, vaulting. or any other such
harmless recreation. nor from having of
May-Games. Whitson Ales and Morris
Dances, and the setting up of MaypoIes
and other sports Herewith used so as the
same be In due and convenient time with
out impediment or neglect OF Divine Sery-
ice: and that women shall have leave to
carry PUSHES to the church for the decoririe
or 1t, according to their old custome Bnf
withall Wee doe here account still as pro-
hibited all unlawful games to bee used
Sundayes only. as Beare and Bull-baitines.
Interludes. and at. all times In the meaner
sort of people by law prohibited Bowling
The unhappy Charles rs far-reaching re-
affirmation of his fathers decree runs thus:
Now out of the like pious love for the
service Of God. and Supervising any Hu-
nours that may oppose Truth. and for the
Ease. Comfort and Recreation of our wen
deserving People. we do Rattle and Publish
this our Blessed Fathers Declaration.
I'VE command that no man do Trouble
or Modest any Of Our Loyal People In or
from their Lawful Recreations; and We
Further VIII, that the Publication Of this
Our Command be made by Order OF the
Bishops through all the Parish Churches
Of their several Diocescs respectiveiy.s'
This act OF Charles made the Puritans
moro than eyor convinced OF the utter