18 and 19, 1871, the following resolution was among the first offered by the Business Committee:-- "_Resolved_, That, in view of the controlling power of the Constitution in shaping State, as well as national, policy, it is of immediate importance to public morals, and to social order, to secure such an amendment as will indicate that this is a Christian nation, and place all Christian laws, institutions, and usages in our government on an undeniable legal basis in the fundamental law of the nation, specially those which secure a proper oath, and which protect society against blasphemy, Sabbath-breaking, and polygamy." By Sabbath-breaking is meant nothing else but Sunday-breaking.

In a convention of the friends of Sunday, assembled Nov.

29, 1870, in New Concord, Ohio, the Rev.James White is reported to have said: "The question [of Sunday observance] is closely connected with the National Reform Movement; for until the government comes to know God and honor his law, we need not expect to restrain Sabbath-breaking corporations." Here again the idea of the legal enforcement of Sunday observance stands uppermost.
Once more: The Philadelphia _Press_ of Dec.

5, 1870, stated that some Congressmen, including Vice-president Colfax, arrived in Washington by Sunday trains, Dec.

4, on which the _Christian Statesman_ commented as follows (we give italics as we find them):-- "1.