Reference was made in chapter nine to the movement now on foot for a grand union of all the churches; not a union which arises from the putting away of error and uniting upon the harmonious principles of truth, but simply a combination of sects, each retaining its own particular creed, but confederated for the purpose of carrying out more extensively the common points of our faith.  This movement finds a strong undercurrent of favor in all the churches.  And men are engaged to carry it through who are not easily turned from their purpose.

And there has suddenly arisen a class of men whose souls are absorbed with the cognate idea of Sunday reform, and who have dedicated every energy of their being to the carrying forward of this kindred movement.  The “New York Sabbath Committee” have labored zealously by means of books, tracts, speeches, and sermons, to create a strong public sentiment in behalf of Sunday.  Making slow progress through moral suasion, they seek a shorter path to the accomplishment of their purposes through political power.  And why not?  Christianity has become popular, and her professed adherents are numerous.  Why not avail themselves of the power of the ballot to secure their ends?  Rev. J.S.  Smart (Methodist), in a published sermon on the “Political Duties of Christian Men and Ministers,” expresses a largely-prevailing sentiment on this question, when he says:—­

“I claim that we have, and ought to have, just as much concern in the government of this couniry as any other men....  We are the mass of the people.  Virtue in this country is not weak; her ranks are strong in numbers, and invincible from the righteousness of her cause—­invincible if united.  Let not her ranks be broken by party names.”

A “National Association” has been in existence for a number of years, which has for its object the securing of such amendments to the National Constitution as shall express the religious views of the majority of the people, and make it an instrument under which the keeping of Sunday can be enforced as the Christian Sabbath.  This Association already embraces within its organization a long array of eminent and honorable names:  Governors of our States, Presidents of our colleges, Bishops, Doctors of Divinity, Doctors of Law, and men who occupy high positions in all the walks of life.

In the Address issued by the officers of this Association, they say:—­

     “Men of high standing, in every walk of life, of every section of
     the country, and of every shade of political sentiment and
     religious belief, have concurred in the measure.”

In their appeal, they most earnestly request every lover of his country to join in forming auxiliary associations, circulate documents, attend conventions, sign the memorial to Congress, &c., &c.

In their plea for an amended Constitution, they ask the people to