The Evening Star THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1874

Evening Star, Issue 3425, 12 February 1874, Page 2

The Evening Star THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1874

The result of the meeting at the Athenaeum, last evening, confirmed the vote passed authorising opening it for reading on Sundays, and we trust the judicious use of the privilege, by those for whose benefit the motion was carried, will justify the step taken. We know of no question lately on which the minds of the public have been more stirred. It has been the subject of conversation and discussion in every circle, whether connected with the Institution or not, and has served to bring out prominently the fact that a gradual change is in progress, tending to sounder views on theological questions than have hitherto been prevalent. The change is based on advancing knowledge of true Christian liberty and obligation. It was not to be expected that such a question could be discussed without acrimony. No debateable ground induces such virulence as questions of belief. It would seem, in fact, that the leas men know of a certainty of subjects on which they differ, the more earnest advocates they become of thenown views. We do not stop to inquire into the reasons of this anomaly. It is sufficient that it exists and has existed in all time, to justify us in calling attention to the advisableness of not letting it sway the minds of either party, now that it is proved by the final vote that the majority of members, and, we believe, of the community, are in favor of the reading-room being opened. The opponents of the measure have had every opportunity afforded them of deciding the question. They were not satisfied with one vote, and the advocates of it gave them an opportunity of a second. The same result has followed, notwithstanding the additional weight brought to their assistance. We trust, therefore, nothing will be again urged in favor of rescinding the motion. The most tender-con scienced must admit that every consideration has been shown him, and as by the vote given by him, he has fulfilled his duty,|it is to be hoped no further effort will be mado to compel the majority to yield their convictions to those of the minority. Many of the speakers endeavored to secularise the question. Mr Barton, for instance, in deqp humility, admitted he was not a religious man, but viewed reading in the Athenaeum as a breaking in upon the Sunday’s rest. There is no accounting for the corners in a man’s

mind that prevent a straightforward view of a subject. We should like to know what the word “ rest” means. If it be cessation from labor, that is precisely what those who voted for opening the reading-room desire. Another will tell us that Sunday’s “ rest” merely means a change of occupation, and therefore very often with him Sunday is the busiest day in the week. Take as examples teachers in Sunday schools, local preachers, tract distributors, and others, who frequently devote more time and energy to their Sunday work than are required for their secular weekday engagements. The excuse for them, put forward by the Rev. Dr Stuart in defence of Sunday school library books being distributed, was that they were part of the Sunday school system of education. With all due deference to Dr Stuart, experience of many years in Sunday schools hardly Justifies such a view of the case. The books lent to the children are not invariably text books of theology : nay, we further affirm, without fear of not being able to prove it, that the generality of the books have no direct bearing upon the primary object of Sunday schools as at present conducted, and that they are intended to amuse and incite to love of reading rather than directly to influence the religious training of the children. And this is precisely the objeet the advocates of opening the reading room have in view. Very strange it seems that the same class of instruments is called by one name when used in one place, and another in another. A Sunday school library is a supplementary educational Institute, and may be used on a Sunday. An Athenseutn library may not. It is part of the routine of the day of rest to do the work of the Sunday school library on Sunday ] but the quiet reading of a book in the Athenaeum is to lead to all kinds of secular work. These curious conclusions look very absurd when placed side by side, and will not bear examination. On any other subject than one of belief, the style of reasoning would be laughed at by the men who adopt it. We should not have thought any remarks on the meeting necessary, did it not appear from one of our morning contemporaries that there is an inclination on the part of the minority to become obstructive in other ways than that of expressing their opinion. We trust, however, that the excitement will be allowed to subside. They should feel convinced that every effort made to thwart the Successful working out of the plan would tend to alienate many who now have a place in their ranks. We have no doubt of the success of the arrangement, nor do we see more difficulty in relieving the librarian from attendance by substituting a volunteer from the committee, than in the voluntary labor of Sunday school teachers in their classes.