DURING the year the Committee of the Lord’s Day Observance Society (48 Buckingham Street, London, W.C.), have noticed an increase in the readiness with which highly placed officials, public bodies, and public men turn to their everyday business on the Lord’s Day. When all allowance is made for accidental and pressing matters of necessity the Committee are persuaded that much of this time has been misspent to the loss of the individuals concerned, as well as to the detriment of the country and of the national character. Nevertheless the more prominent evils are not always as serious in their effects as those which push their insidious ways in the background. The former are readily recognised, and often stir up a widespread resentment and opposition, while the latter are left to pursue their hurtful course almost undisturbed.
The Committee have noticed with much regret the growing practice of carrying on State Business on the Lord’s Day, and, from time to time, have approached those responsible, e.g., a letter was sent to the Minister for Foreign Affairs regretting that a Note sent to Germany was dated on a Sabbath.
A protest was sent containing an expression of sincere regret that the British Legion Conference commenced its work on Sabbath, May 20.
Representations from many, including the Lord’s Day Observance Society, were made to the London County Council concerning the mistake and wrong of allowing games in the parks and open spaces on the Lord’s Day, but the permission has been continued.
The most prominent struggle of the year has been in connection with the British Empire Exhibition. Some persons have loudly demanded that opening on Sabbath should be permitted, and the Committee deeply regret that the greater part of the leading newspapers, and not only those of a secular nature, have energetically urged this irreligious course. As might have been expected the true Christian conscience was aroused, and numerous protests were made. The Committee of the Lord’s Day Observance Society, in various ways, did what seemed possible to prevent so grievous a wrong being done in connection with such a splendid Exhibition. Letters were written to the Board of Exhibition, Archbishop of Canterbury, Middlesex County Council, Prime Minister, President of Board of Trade, Premiers of Australia, Canada, Newfoundland, New Zealand, and South Africa, to persons occupying prominent positions in London and Wembley, and to the press. To show forth what is due to the blessing of God, and at the same time to ignore His Word and His Day, would have been a wrong beyond words to describe. The Committee are exceedingly glad and thankful that the Board have decided against opening on the Lord’s Day.
Notwithstanding the very regrettable example set by the London County Council in sanctioning and providing facilities for games on the Lord’s Day within the area of their jurisdiction, and notwithstanding, also, the very sad attitude of some ministers of religion in the same direction, the Committee are very thankful for the unflinching stand taken by others, e.g., the St Alban’s City Council, who refused to allow games on the Lord’s Day in their park by 19 votes to 4; and E. H. Liddell, the British 100 and 200 yards champion, and who broke the world’s record in the 400 metres race, and Scottish Rugby Internationalist, who was prepared to sacrifice the honour and distinction of representing his country at the Olympic Games in Paris rather than compete on a Sabbath.
The natural consequences of these innovations, such as entertainments upon the Lord’s Day, are becoming more and more evident. The worthlessness of the pleas by means of which some persons were overborne is becoming very apparent. More Sabbath toil is required on the part of firemen, and servers in tea rooms, for it is now found to be desirable to have places of refreshment at hand for the pleasure seekers. The cloak of charity is becoming too heavy, and it is being asked, Why should anybody want to open his halls on Sabbath for the simple pleasure of being able to help the local infirmary. And it is rightly said, “If it is inimical to public interests and social welfare for cinemas and theatres to open on the Lord’s Day, then it is no less inimical because part of the proceeds are allocated to charity.” The Committee hope that Councils and Charitable Institutions may soon be able to see this matter in the true light.
As a sinner, then, you deserve death; and every man that sins deserves it also. And sinners, at the judgment-day, will be condemned, not because they were decreed to be damned, but because they did revolt from God, and broke His righteous laws, and sought no hearty refuge in Jesus Christ.—John Berridge.