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Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Apr 8, 1903

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 29, No. 14.

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WASHINGTON, D. C.

By J. S. Washburn

The time of the final test on the great Sabbath truth is rapidly approaching. Our people who are employed in Government departments in Washington are beginning to realize that the cords are tightening. One brother, who for many years has not only been free to keep the Sabbath, but to work on Sunday, was suddenly informed that he would be promoted if he would work on the Sabbath. If he refused he must accept an inferior position with no Sunday work. The brother was true to principle and bravely suffered the consequences. Another brother in the Treasury Department had his salary reduced one-third because he refused to work on the Sabbath.
The case of Brother W. M. Lewis formerly of Lincoln, Neb., has attracted wide attention in the papers. Employed in the Post-office Department he was allowed Sunday work in addition to a free Sabbath previous to June, 1902, when he left for California. On returning Jan. 1, 1903, and seeking reinstatement in his old position, he was informed that he would not be allowed to work on Sunday and must work on the Sabbath. He would have been shut out entirely had not Hon. E. J. Burkett, M. C., of Nebraska, made an earnest effort to secure a place for him with Sunday work and Sabbath free. The case was under advisement for some time before the Postmaster General and the first assistant, and it was finally decided that Brother Lewis should hold his position with no Sunday work, and that he might be called on at any time to work on the Sabbath. On his refusal to work on the Sabbath, he would be called up for breach of discipline, and be subject to immediate dismissal. If this should occur he will appeal direct to the President. The Nebraska Congressman, Mr. Burkett, certainly deserves credit for the earnest effort made by him for liberty of conscience and equal rights.
On account of these cases the Sabbath question has evidently been discussed by the President and his Cabinet more than once. The great crisis must come very soon. O that all may realize this, and work with intense earnestness while the shadows are lengthening, and the sun of liberty is setting forever.
J. S. WASHBURN.