THE UNIVERSAL SUNDAY MOVEMENT.
By Editor
THE following from the Interior of July 25, shows how widespread is the movement for the more strict observance of the Sunday-sabbath:— "Sabbath observance is undeniably gaining ground, and is showing itself in some very practical results, both in America and abroad. It has been announced that on various railroads in this land Sunday freight trains will for the future be discontinued. This is really a great move, as it is far easier for platform advocates of Sabbath observance to talk about it, than for a complicated railroad system to put it into operation. But even at the risk of disobliging some of their connections, the roads have determined on this much-needed reform. Even in France, with its notorious "Continental Sunday," a movement in the same direction is noticed. At a recent meeting of the shareholders of the Paris-Lyons Railway, one of the most powerful French corporations, some very strong speaking in favor of doing away with Sunday trains took place. The manager of the railway was especially disposed to favor the reform, and said that the company would grudge no expense it might entail. Another good sign is that there is a movement to get the foreign exhibitors at the great exhibition to close their sections on Sunday, and so, as the circular that requests this co-operation puts it, "teach our French brethren one good lesson." It is much to be hoped that this proposal will meet with general support, as its adoption would be a sign of respect for the Lord's day which even Parisians could not ignore. All these indications point to a growing sense of the need of the day of rest being made what its name implies." This widespread agitation is most wonderful, especially when we consider the fact that this so-called Sabbath is without a vestige of divine authority. This general movement in behalf of Sunday is, however, just what the Scriptures lead us to expect in the last days, and thus it is a sign of the soon-coming end.