THE AMENDMENT MOVEMENT by Uriah Smith

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 13, 1876

THE AMENDMENT MOVEMENT.

By Uriah Smith

Next to the progress of the third angel’s message itself, there is, perhaps, no point of prophetic fulfillment of more interest to S. D. Adventists at the present time than that which pertains to the movement designed to bring about the enactment of a general Sunday law in this country. The rapid progress of this movement, and the strength it is gaining, is indicated by facts which are continually coming to light.

1. In opposition to the National Reform movement, a National Liberal League has been formed, composed of the infidel elements of the nation, who demand that all recognition of religion shall be expunged from the Constitution, and from all governmental organizations, acts, and documents. They have just held in Philadelphia a “Centennial Congress of Liberals.” The days of meeting were July 1–4. Why such anxiety and activity on the part of this class? Simply because they see sufficient evidence that the opposite movement will succeed, and gain the objects they so much dread, unless they can, by rallying all their forces and putting forth superhuman efforts, possibly defeat it.

2. A little fly leaf is just now being scattered like leaves over the country, published by the “Philadelphia Sabbath Association,” and distributed by the “Phila. Tract & Mission Society,” in which are thirteen propositions relative to the Sunday, each headed, “Do you know?” The first is, “Do you know that our American Sabbath is our one national characteristic?” The fifth reads, “Do you know that the State cannot preserve or perpetuate itself, or exist even, without the Sabbath?” The seventh says, “Do you know that the State is under imperative obligations to protect her citizens in the enjoyment of their civil and sacred rights? This is an utter impossibility without the Sabbath.” After referring to the effort to supplant what it calls “our Sabbath,” by the European, it continues, proposition 9, “Do you know that organized infidelity peremptorily demands the abrogation of all Sabbath laws? Here not the Church, but the State only, can come to our relief. It has the power to perpetuate the day of rest.” Under the twelfth head it says: “Do you know that it is essentially a civil or State obligation to uphold and perpetuate the Sabbath?”

This document, though hailing from Philadelphia, we met with in the distant State of Minnesota, at the late camp-meeting. The reader will thus see how widely it has already been circulated. And there is no mistaking its utterances. Thus the different religious organizations are rallying to the support of the National Reform Association. A sure indication of the direction in which the tide of popular religious influence is setting.

3. Last week a fly sheet, entitled, “A Centennial Voice,” sent by some friend, came to this Office. One side contains two large illustrations, entitled, “The Two Sabbaths.” The first represents a quiet family circle in an elegantly furnished home, surrounded by every evidence of intelligence and refinement, reading the Bible and other good books, preparatory to attending the church seen through the open window in the distance. This is called, “The Sabbath which they propose to take from us.” The second illustration shows the interior of a German concert and beer hall, the orchestra pouring forth its vociferous music, while a motley crowd, heavy bloats, gross and sensual men and women, rakish youth, and brazen girls, sit chatting, smoking, and drinking, thus passing away the time on a grossly low plane of enjoyment. This is called, “The Sabbath which they propose to give us.” The reverse side is filled with pointed paragraphs designed to rouse the reader to a more strict observance of Sunday. As a campaign document, it is most skillfully devised, and cannot fail to make a strong impression.

4. The fourth fact which just now comes upon the surface is the formation of the “National Prohibition Reform Party,” who in Convention at Cleveland, Ohio, May 17, 1876, adopted their platform, and set forth their nominees for President and Vice-president of the United States. One plank of their platform reads:—

“Sixth—The national observance of the Christian Sabbath, established by laws prohibiting ordinary labor and business in all departments of public service and private employment (works of necessity, charity and religion excepted), on that day.”

The nominee on this ticket for President is Green Clay Smith of Kentucky, and for Vice-president, Gideon T. Stewart, of Ohio. To this party the Christian Statesman gives its influence.

Of course there is not seemingly the ghost of

a chance for this movement to succeed in the present campaign; but these men, like those who adhered to the anti-slavery cause in the days of its youth and weakness, confidently expect, at no distant day, on these issues to win. And next November will show how much strength it has already developed.

The fact that men in no less a movement than a presidential election, will boldly insert, as one plank in their platform, the proposition above quoted, shows how well matured is this question in some minds, and the aggressive spirit it is henceforth to maintain.

The great question of opening the Centennial Exhibition on Sunday is suddenly making the matter of Sunday observance a great national question. And this general agitation is an essential prerequisite to the enactment of the law in its behalf now so vehemently called for and so sure to come. U. S.