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" Corrupted freemen are the worst of slaves."

VOLUME 2. OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA, JUNE, 1887. NUMBER 6,

Religion in the Public Schools. Reform of this day, but of the genuine Refor-
TI2e An2epical2 Be0i12el. DR. WM. M. TAYLOR said: "It looks very
mation of three centuries ago. In it is em-
bodied all human rights of conscience and
PUBLISHED MONTHLY, BY THE
pious to say that we should have religion religious liberty. Horace Mann was one of
PACIFIC PRESS PUBLISHING HOUSE, taught in our schools; but it is terribly short-
OAKLAND, CAL. the noblest educators that Massachusetts ever
sighted, and exceedingly unstatesmanlike."
E. J. WAGGONER, produced. He was a Christian of unques-
EDITORS. The more the subject is examined, the more
ALONZO T. JONES, tioned integrity. In his Twelfth Report on
clearly will it be seen that this remark is just.
J. H. WAGGONER, CORRESPONDING EDITOR. the Schools in Massachusetts he used the fol-
We are every day admonished, especially in
:Entered at Me Past-office in Oakland. . lowing language :—
religious concerns, that it will not do to trust
" But if a man is taxed to support a school
to appearances. Paul said his countrymen where religious doctrines are inculcated which
JUST so soon as the State presumes to pass
•had a zeal toward God, but not according to he believes to be false and which he believes
a defining and discriminating judgment on
knowledge. The truth, Christianity, has had that God condemns, then he is excluded from
spiritual things, it exercises powers which are the school by the divine law, at the same time
no greater obstacle to its success than the blind
foreign to itself, and thus passes out of its le- he is compelled to support it by the human
zeal of misguided friends. Zeal, earnestness,
gitimate sphere of action.—Schuette. law. This is a double wrong. It is politically
are the criteria of merit with some people. wrong, because, if such a man educates his
44. 0 0
But loud harangues and long prayers are no children at all, he must educate them else-
. SOME will say, " Well, if the National Re-
proof of Christian standing. Fanaticism and where, and thus pay two taxes, while some of
form Association is supported by such em- self-confidence are always zealous, and never his neighbors pay less than their due propor-
inent men and women, it cannot be a bad disturbed with doubts. Self-complacency is tion of one; and it is religiously wrong, be-
thing, so no matter how strong it is." That cause he is constrained by human power to
almost synonymous with pleasurable feeling, promote what he believes the divine Power
is a very uncertain way of judging. Members and many mistake 'good feeling for strong faith,
and names are a good index of the strength forbids. The principle involved in such a
though they may be as far apart as two things cause is pregnant with all tyrannical conse-
of a party, but they are no real index as to can possibly be. quences. It is broad enough to sustain any
the character of its principles. It is a well- To shut the Bible and religious instruction claim of ecclesiaStical domination ever made
known fact that the institution of slavery had in the darkest ages of the world."
Out of the public schools seems, to some peo-
as able, and no doubt as pious, men for its ple, 'to be a sacrilegious proceeding; but to Here is a plain statement of the case in few
zealous supporters as could be found fighting maintain them in the public schools is not words; an argument which cannot be success-
for its overthrow; and many of the eminent only very difficult, but very hazardous. So fully met. It was a very good idea of Rev.
and eloquent ladies of the W. C. T. V. were short-sighted, so illiberal and unjust, are the Dr. Tiffany, that " when our Lord said, ' Ren-
most earnest advocates of that institution. If self-styled " National Reformers," that they der unto CEesar the things that are Cmsar's,' he
they were mistaken then, it is not out of the accuse all of pandering to "the demands of drew a sharp line between the two ; " and,
range of possibilities that they are mistaken liberalism," or even of favoring atheism, who " exsar can only give what is his own." The
now. It has passed into a proverb, that do not assent to their propositions, and espe- Doctor touched an important point in the fol-
"great men are not always wise ; " and when cially if they do not favor the introduction of lowing remarks :—
we see learned judges of the same court, giving the Bible and religion into the public schools. " The reason why so many of the people of
decisions upon the same point, which directly the church act no better than the world's peo-
Our feelings—we might say our prejudices— ple is that so much of that divine institution
conflict, we are warranted in concluding that were once all enlisted on that side of the ques- of teaching religion has been taken out of the
wise men are not always infallible in their tion. We changed only when we became family and put into the hands of Sunday-
judgment. The only way to judge of any- thoroughly convinced that the plan is alto- school teachers. It is, I think, one of the cry-
thing is by its principles. Judged in this gether impracticable. To carry it out, one of ing evils of the time, not that we have Sun-
way, so-called National Reform is fotind to day-schools, but that so much of the function
two conditions is necessary : 1. The people of the family is delegated to them. And
be a thing that is dangerous just in propor- must be all of one mind; 'of one religious be- when you say that the State shall teach relig-
tion as it has strength. We are very certain lief. But, practically, this is out of the ques- ion you cut the sinews of the church. The
that a great many of the honorable men whose tion. Communities of that kind will be so divine institution of the church which Christ
names appear as vice-presidents of that asso- small and so rarely found, if ever, that they himself appointed is not in mere teaching, in
ciation, have given it the support of their names a series of doctrines, but in the atmosphere
cannot be taken into account in providing for of prayer and devotion which it creates, with.
and influence on the strength of what work- general action. 2. One part or class in the the authority of the Master in the institution
ing National Reformers have claimed for their community or the State must enforce the teach- founded. by him for that purpose. The church
movement, without closely examining its ing of their religious opinions or convictions is an institution not merely to state a fact, but
principles to see their tendency. For we are at the sacrifice of those of other classes. But to environ us with an atmosphere.. When
obliged to say that no man eminent for learn- my brother says he cannot send his child to a
this is outrageous and inquisitorial, as all must public school because religion is not taught
ing or soundness of judgment (we cannot say
concede, as all will concede at once, except there, why I would as soon say that I could
as. -to piety) is an active worker in the Na-
tional Reform cause. This makes the situa- those who are actuated by selfish motives, and not send my boy to a restaurant for a beefsteak
have no regard for the golden rule. because they do not give him a chapter of the
tion the worse, for if the movement should Bible while he is there. This is a perfectly
succeed, these who are foremost as agitators This view of the case is no new thing, gotten
illogical conclusion from the premises and it
would come to the front. as legislators, while up to meet the necessities of the present occa- is a perfectly impracticable plan in our cir-
the learned then who are now silent partners, sion. It contains the very essence and spirit cumstances. It is a mistake to put the teach-
would still retain the back seats. of the Reformation ; not of the sham National ing of religion in the hands of the State and
 42 THE AMERICAN SENTINEL,.
not keep it where Christ has put it, in the stands exactly on the same platform with his all the ills of the body politic. In answer to
hands of the church." neighbor, and no mere majority clothes any this it is enough to say that many if not most
This, we believe, is solid truth. The more man in that majority with power to say, You of the great criminals of the day were brought
the State is intrusted with the work that God must be taught my religion."
up under religious instruction. Let them pon-
has committed to the church, the weaker the The thoughtful reader may wonder how the
der the following statement from the Church,
church becomes in vital power; and soon the Reformers will meet all these arguments. In
Union :—
State becomes a dictator to the church in re- truth they do not meet them; they affirm and
" Chaplain Bass, of the penitentiary in Brook-
gard to both its teachings and its methods. re-affirm their figments, and, as Dr. Taylor lyn, says that, twenty years ago only about, five
And, with such a state of things as is de- says, they put forth propositions which seem per cent. of 'prisoners had previously been
manded by the National Reformers, it is im- to be pious, but are very short-sighted and Sunday-school pupils, but that now seventy-
unpracticable. Let them say what they will, five per cent. of actual and suspected criminals
possible for the State to be less than a dictator have been such. It is a sad showing. Pastor
in religious matters. Thus Mr. Gault, in the they never can disguise the fact that their
Crafts gives an account of an inebriate asylum
Christian Statesman, marks out the duty of our scheme, if successful, would result in continual where the per cent. is eighty, and another of
Government as follows :— contensions and religious disputes, until one fallen women where all have been in Sunday-
" Our remedy for all these malific influences party had proved itself conqueror in a strug- schools. This is a growing evil. It is a most
is to have the Government simply set up the gle which would leave genuine piety trailing ominous one. A generation in Sunday-schools
moral law, and recognize God's authority be- in the dust. of habitual neglecters of the sanctuary is
hind it, and lay its hand on any religion that growing up. The term formerly applied to the
To delegate the teaching of religion to the schbol, `the nursery of the church,' is getting
does not conform to it." State is as great an incongruity as to turn a to be a ghastly satire. What shall be done?
To appreciate the above, the reader must church meeting into apolitical caucus ; and, A hearty recognition of these facts and of the
consider that Mr. Gault is a very loose writer, in truth, the latter will follow the former, for extent of the evil is of prime importance."
making no distinction between the moral law the Reformers have already decided that, in It is not more religious instruction, certainly
and religious tenets. We have said, and we their millennium, the final decisions of civil, not compulsory religious instruction, that is
repeat, that the State will teach, not the Bible, as well as ecclesiastical, questions will be made needed, so much as a higher standard of relig-
but "somebody's construction of the Bible ; " by the church. According to their plan, as ious instruction. Compulsion in religious in-
and then it must "lay its hand" on the con- has often been shown, the church will be the struction never wins respect, and State religion
struction of all others I And the construction dominant power. And yet, it must be tram- is necessarily of a low type, as may be easily
which it will teach will be that of those who meled in its religious activities by being bound shown. We cannot possibly have any guar-
happen to be in authority at the time when to the civil power. Such an alliance must anty that the State will teach the true religion;
the scheme takes effect. Now, of course, prove unprofitable to both the State and the that will depend altogether on the standing
when the political complexion of the nation church. of the majority who decide whose religion shall
changes, when another class of rulers comes Dr. Spear, in his work on " Religion and the be taught. And when we consider that the
into power, a religion of another type may State," has given us most excellent thoughts largest and most powerful religions in the
become the standard, " with God's authority on this subject. Instance the following :— world are the most corrupt, we leave it with
behind it," according to the stereotyped phrase. " One would think that so simple a propo- the reader that, to take religion from the do-
In view of the fact that the religion and the sition as that which affirms the existence and main of individual conscience, and make it a
church having the most political influence in inalienable character of the rights of a relig- subject of legal- decisions, is a most hazardous
the country is the Roman Catholic, and that, ious conscience as above and beyond all hu- proceeding. J. H. W.
while the National Reformers profess great man authority, ought to have been among the
earliest and most widely-extended discoveries
abhorrence of the Romish religion, they are of the race. The fact, however, is sadly the The Pope in American Politics.
willing to work with the Catholics on their own reverse. Of all the forms of wrong which
terms in favor of establishing a national relig- men have suffered from each other, none have THE following remarks we select from an
ion, the following remarks of Dr. Howard been less reasonable or more merciless and article by James Powell, D. D., under the above
Crosby are well worthy of consideration :— unrelenting than those of religious zeal armed heading, in the Advance. The article was
with the civil power. There is no darker chap- called out by the action of the Pope summon-
"How are we going to take the first step as ter in the history of Governments than that
to- the character of the religious instruction which chronicles their misdeeds in the attempt ing priest McGlynn to Rome to answer for his
that is to be given to the children of the land ? to administer and propagate religion. The part in the Henry Georg'e campaign for mayor
Are we to find a sort of average that all will attempt is a horrible human tyranny begun, of New York City, last fall.
agree upon? Where is the average that all and every step of the process is that tyranny " The fact is, the Pope claims the right, and
will agree upon? There are in this country continued."
between one-fourth and one-fifth of the whole exercises it, to interfere directly with American
Dr. Spear also quotes from the decision of politics. This fact ought to be a startling
population who have not the slightest sym-
pathy with the forms of religion represented the Supreme Court of Ohio in the somewhat message to the whole country. If any queen,
in this room to-night. Are we to leave them celebrated Cincinnati school case, from which king, or emperor on the face of the earth were
all out entirely and say to them, You are a we copy the following in regard to teaching to interfere with the politics of the country,
minority and we have nothing to do with you; religion in the public schools:—
we are the majority and we are going to rule? as the Pope has done in this case, the war
Gentlemen, if. the State is to furnish religious It "violates the spirit of our constitutional fever would take possession of the land inside
instruction, there is another thing that it will guaranties, and is a State religion in embryo; of twenty-four hours. The silence of the press
have to furnish, and that is the Inquisition. that if we have no right to tax him [the citi- on this point is almost entirely owing to the
That will be the legitimate outcome of relig- zen] to support worship, we have no right to
tax him to support religious instruction; that dangerous character of the political teachings
ious instruction by the State. It will be the
logical issue to which you must come. If the to tax a man to put down his own religion is championed by the priest in advocating the
State is going to teach religion, it will have to the very essence of tyranny; that, however electing of Henry George. Socialism is a
compel the people to receive that religion, and small the tax, it is the first step in the direc- justly dreaded evil because of its destructive
in order to do that it will have to have the tion of an establishment of religion; and I
should add that the first step in that direction doctrines, but the truth or falsity of political
strong arm of the Inquisition. But not only doctrines affects not the principle that foreign
that. In your attempt to find out what sort is the fatal step, because it logically involves
of religion you are going to have taught in the last step." powers must not be allowed to interfere with the rights
your schools and what kind of teachers you are All of which confirms the declaration of of American citizens. We give that principle
to get to instruct, you have got to deny and Horace Mann, that "the principle involved in away, when, without protesting against the
destroy the foundation of American independ- such a course is pregnant with all tyrannical interference, we commend the Pope for deal
ence, which is our boast, and the boast of our consequences." with Father McGlynn as he has.
fathers, which brought us, under God, through
the Revolution. The foundation of it all be- And yet our modern Reformers insist that "Suppose that the priest had been silenced;
fore God is individual independence and mut- that is just what we need,—religious instruc- and ordered to Rome to answer for openly de-
ual equality. Every man on this continent tion by the State, and a State religion,—to cure fending our public-school system in opposi-
 THE AMERICAN SENTINEL. 43
tion to the direction of his archbishop, where foremost men of the Presbyterian Church in lows that no one but a saint of God can per-
would be the difference so far as the principle all the country, only a little while before his form the duties and be eligible to civil office.
is concerned ? It would not be any more an death proposed a like alliance, to force religion That the governor's confession is one that no
interference than in the case under considera- into the public schools. The National Reform one but a Christian can make, is clear from
tion; yet had it been so, from one end of the party, composed of " all evangelical denomi- the declarations of the Holy Spirit in the
land to the other, the press and pulpit would nations " and the Woman's Christian Temper- Scriptures. In Romans 10 :10 it is said :
have been heard speaking out. Interference of ance Union, bids for the help of Rome, and " With the heart man believeth unto righteous-
any kind, and to any degree, with American pronounces itself willing to suffer rebuffs to ness; and with the mouth confession is made
politics, on the part of the Pope, should be re- gain her help to amend the Constitution of unto salvation." Also 1 John 4 :15 : " Whoso-
sented not only by popular protest, but by the the Nation so as to make it recognize and en- ever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of
State Departmeia of our Government at Wash- force a national religion. The press of the Na- God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God."
' ington. The Pope should be given to under- tion publishes whole columns of cablegrams It will be seen, therefore, that no one but a
stand that when he summons an American from Rome, telling how imposing are the pa- Christian, except he be a detestable hypocrite,
citizen to answer in Rome for political acts rades and ceremonies of the Pope, what crowds can act as a civil officer, if his duties are such
and words performed and spoken in the exer- of people attend, how they fall on their knees as Governor Scoles has performed to the in-
cise of his political rights, he assails the Re- as the Pope enters in state, how many kiss tense gratification of the Instructor. Let it
public. his hand, and to whom is granted the sublime be known generally that National Reform
"No jugglery of word definition should be dignity of kissing his toe. Government ves- principles, if fully carried out, would make
allowed. Rome is well up on that little trick. sels of the United States, carrying official rep- every man ineligible to office, who is not a
She knows, how to make the word religion resentatives of the Government, put the Pa- professed Christian, and it would instantly
elastic enough to mean anything that is pal flag in the place of honor, instead of the fall to the ground. A government founded
wanted. She can easily make a definition Stars and Stripes. And this is the way in upon National Reform principles would sim-
to> mark any -political theory she wishes as which the pulpit, the platform, the press, and ply offer office as a bounty for the most de -
"contrary to the teachings of the church," the Government, give " full ventilation " to testable and Heaven-daring hypocrisy,
and then, under the pretext of discriminates. the interference of the Pope with American The Instructor, in indorsing Governor Scoles's
ing between religion and politics, proceed by politics ! A. T. J. avowal that his appointment of a day of wor-
anathema and excommunication to carry out ship " by the authority of almighty God,
Remains of Popery.
her purpose. The Republic is not called upon through Jesus Christ his Son," goes Rome-
to' accept her definitions. It is intelligent IT is curious to observe how tenaciously the wards further than the Ritualists can do, for it
enough to make its own, and strong enough ecclesiastical mind still holds to some of the is the very essence and foundation of Popery.
to stand by them: This incident of Father principles of Popery which were not uprooted Do not misunderstand us; we recognize God
McGlynn is a providential opportunity to by the Reformation. In the minds of many Almighty as the source of all power and au-
hold up the Papacy before the people as it Protestants the functions' of civil rulers are in thority; we know it, and do not quarrel with
really is,—a foreign power claiming the right part spiritual, and they are ready to invoke Governor Scoles about that. What we deny
to. interfere with Governments. It is the old the sword of government in the enforcement is that God has ever given the civil ruler
story. of religion. power to appoint days of prayer, thanksgiv-
" It will not do to say that Rome does not The Christian Instructor, published at Phil- ing, praise, or any other part of divine wor-
allow its priests to mix in politics. It does. adelphia, and representing the conservative ship. The assumption by Governor Scoles of
It has done, it. Priests are all the while mixing wing of the United Presbyterian Church, looks this power is the same in kind, and only differs
in politics. So long as they are fighting our with a jealous eye upon every ritualistic in- from that of the Pope in extent.
common-school system, the very bulwark of novation as a dangerous step toward Rome. That Christ, the king and head of the church,
our free institutions, not a word is heard from In particular it deprecates the introduction of has commissioned his church to appoint such
the bishops; they are all in it themselves. the organ in the praise service of the church days as are indicated in the providence of
Nor from the Pope; that is in the line of his as Romish in its origin and tendencies; and God, there can be no doubt. In thus doing
.temporal policy. But when a priest takes 'a with a fidelity to its convictions that does it they have the promise of the presence of
political position that antagonizes the theories honor, gives the organ a sturdy opposition. Christ to direct them by his Spirit, and he binds
of Rome, then politics becomes religion—a It is however to be feared that the Instructor in Heaven what is thus bound on earth. Has
definition does it—and the poor priest, if he is going Romewards in another direction much Christ, the head of the church, given the same
:fails to see it in this light, is declared to be faster than its contemporaries of ritualistic authority to the civil ruler? We compassion-
disobedient to the holy mother church, and tendencies. ate the man who has so little brains or is so
exposed to all the censures and punishments Last year the governor of North Carolina hopelessly swayed by prejudice as to so assert.
that belong to the heretic. And what is that? issued a Thanksgiving Proclamation over If the civil ruler has power to appoint one
The loss of his soul. So he himself and all which the Instructor rejoices, and expresses its day for worship, he may appoint any number
good Catholics must regard it. What a terri- approbation by saying, " We could wish we of days, and the church as an organization
ble engine this for working mischief in the had more governors like him." The features separate from the State is useless. His gov-
Republic! Whatever the outcome, whether of the proclamation that call forth this ardent ernment being purely spiritual, in a conflict of
Father McGlynn submits or leaves, the inci- indorsement are as follows :— prerogative with the State, she must succumb,
dent is full of meaning and significance. Press, " Believing that God Almighty is the source or the State carries the sword to compel obe-
pulpit, and platform ought to give it full ven- of all authority and power in civil government, dience to its appointments. The power as-
and recognizing him in the person of his Son, sumed by Governor' Scoles is the same as is
tilation." the Lord Jesus Christ, as the Saviour of man-
Yes, the press, the pulpit, and the platform kind and the giver of every good and perfect described in 2 Thessalonians as the man of
ought to ;give it full' ventilation, but they will gift," etc. sin, "the son of perdition; who opposeth and
not. Instead of giving this menace full ven- The confession the governor makes which exalteth himself above all that is called God,
tilation or any ventilation at all, press, pulpit, so greatly pleases the Instructor is: (1) A con- or that is worshiped; so that he as God
and platform will pay assiduous court to fession of the governor's faith individually, sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself
Rome, and invoke her further interference. and (2) a declaration by whose authority he that he is God." We do not unite with the
Rev. C. C. Stratton, D. D., one of the foremost appoints a day of worship. Instructor in the wish that we had more such
men of the Methodist Church on the Pacific As to the governor's formal confession of governors.
Coast, visits the Archbishop of San Francisco his faith to the world, we have only to say Let the Instructor present any argument
to form an alliance, in a political measure. that if that duty is inseparable from the possible for the right of the civil ruler in the
The late Rev. A. A. Hodge, D. D., one of the functions pertaining to civil office, then it fol- name of Almighty God through Christ as
 44 THE _AMERICAN SENTINEL,.

Mediator, to appoint days of worship, the Morality is obedience to the revealed will form of actions or open violation of the law.
argument will be equally valid for the ap- of God, whose law is a moral law, the only It is for this reason that covetousness cannot
pointment of any worship that men can ren- moral rule. Had man retained his innocency, be prohibited by human governments. As
der. We think, therefore, that those who are he would still have been a religious being, ac- soon as it takes the form of action it comes
laboring to inaugurate a system of civil gov- cording to the primary sense of the word, and under the eighth commandment, which for-
ernment, the avowed object of which is to would have worshiped. God as the angels now bids stealing.
interfere in spiritual things, and to enforce do. But religion in the commonly-accepted Thus it will be seen that a civil govern-
them by penal enactments, are further on sense would not have existed. There would ment which pretends to enforce the morality
their way to the Papacy, and infinitely more have been no need of a Saviour; Christ would of the' ten commandments will find itself
to be feared, than the Ritualists. It is clear not have died, and Christianity would not hedged in by impossibilities; it is compelled
to the writer that if the civil ruler is clothed have been. Alexander Campbell, in his de- to govern only on a civil basis ; and if it at-
with authority in the smallest particular in bate with Bishop Purcell, said the ten com- tempts to go any further than this, it will
spiritual things, to that extent he is Pope. mandments are a synopsis of all religion and usurp the prerogatives of Him who alone
ORIENT. morality. Webster says the ten command- knows the secrets of the heart.
ments are a summary of morality. Both Now, inasmuch as Christianity is secondary,
Morality and Religion. statements are true, if we consider religion ac- or remedial, in its nature, and its laws and
AS- RELATED TO THE STATE-SHOULD SUNDAY cording to its primary signification. But the institutions have no moral element, being
OBSERVANCE BE COMPULSORY? ten commandments do not 'contain within purely religious, it is a matter of conviction,
themselves the, Christian religion; for this is of the heart, and does not come at all within
CAN laws which guard religious rights and
remedial, and a law cannot be remedial. No the scope of civil government. Without con-
protect religious privileges be considered op-
system which does not contain pardon can re- viction, without the heart's full and complete
pressive to non-religionists? By no means.
cover from guilt and its consequences; law acquiescence, it is nothing. It is a matter
It is the duty of every Government to guard
cannot pardon; Christianity does. Therefore solely between God and our own souls. Man
all rights, and to protect in the exercise of all
the law is not a religious instrument in this has no right to restrain it, and it is impossible
privileges which may lawfully be exercised.
sense. for him to enforce it. Any attempt on his
This is not oppressive to the non-religionist.
The ten commandments as a whole are the part to do either is a presumptuous usurpa-
But religion is a voluntary matter; under co-
moral law. Each one contains an elementary tion of the rights and prerogatives of the
ercion it is worthless and a mockery. Na-
principle or truth. Though they are all Creator.
tions, States, or individuals cannot be voted
moral, they are also religious, using religion The sentiment that the State should sup-
pious. That which is a privilege to one, be-
in its primary sense only; that is, obedience port Christianity is not a new one, but this
ing a matter of conscience, is no privilege to
to, or worship of, God, such as holy and un- does not demonstrate that it is not a danger-
another, whose conscience is not exercised in
fallen beings could render. But they differ ous sentiment. Dr. Talmage, in a recent ser-
the same manner. A law to compel the non-
in this, that the religious element predomi- mon upon the subject of God in our -politics
religionist to observe religious rites and rules
nates in the first four, because they relate and in our Government, to the supposed ob-
because they are privileges to his religious jection that there may be somebody who does
more directly to our duty to God; and the
neighbor, is oppressive. It is an injustice to not believe in God, says
moral element predominates in the last six,
the man and an injury to religion.
because they relate more directly to our duty " Well, my friends, there are a great many
The duty of the Government is not ex- people who do not believe in chastity, a great
to our fellow-man. But they cannot be so'
hausted when it has protected the rights of many who do not believe in the sanctity of
separated that a man may be truly religious
the religious. Governments are not estab- the marriage relation, a great many who do
and violate any of the last six, or be truly not believe in the rights of property, a great
lished for the benefit of any class of their
moral and violate any of the first four. many people who do not believe in any style
subjects. It is no more the duty of Govern- of government—people who would rob and
But Christianity is a religion in quite an-
ment to protect the religionist than it is to steal and murder. Do you refuse to make
other sense. It is purely remedial; it grows
protect the non-religionist. The non-religion- laws against criminals because they are crim-
out of the sole fact that man sinned. It is inals? Will you refuse to recognize God in
ist has a citizenship; he acquires property;
essentially different from the moral law, and the Government affairs because there are men
he builds a house; he pays taxes; and he has
its rites -and institutions are religious only. who do not believe in God?"
the same right to be protected that his relig-
They have no moral element. For if they We have a regard for the Bible and-Chris-
ious neighbor has. He has no right to dis-
were moral, also, they could not belong to a tianity, but we protest against that persecuting
turb his neighbor, or hinder him from living
remedial system, as they would then be a spirit so foreign to true Christianity, which
out his religion; and his religious neighbor
duty on their own account. When the pre- places an unbeliever because he is an unbe-
has no right to disturb him in the peaceful
cept was announced, " Repent and be bap- liever, on a level with adulterers, thieves, and
possession of his home, because he is not re-
tized," it was not declared because it was an murderers. There was a time when " the
ligious; he has no right to compel him to
original or moral obligation, but because of church" declared that "heresy is the highest
observe religious rites in which he" does not
sin; and thus it was added "for the remis- crime." Do we wish to return to such a
believe. Neither has any class of religionists
sion of sin." We now come to an important state of things?
any right to disturb others because they pro-
consideration, namely, the relation of the We believe in making laws against "crim-
fess a religion different from their own. And
State to religion and morality. inals because they are criminals," but for no
it is equally the duty of the Government to
Though the ten commandments-are moral, other reason. We do not believe that heresy,
protect them alt in their rights, whatever their
only a moral governor can enforce them on a or unbelief, or infidelity, is a crime with which
religion may be, or whether or not they have
moral basis. This is shown by considering human laws have anything to do. To set up
any at all.
that the tenth commandment, which is among such a standard of crime is menacing to our
In its broadest sense religion is any system
the moral precepts, because it relates to our liberties -both civil and religious. The pres-
or method of worship, without regard to what
duty to man, cannot be enforced at all by ent efforts to secure a stricter Sunday law are
the object of worship may be. In this sense
civil government; of its' violation man can " straws " in the direction indicated above.
the angels are religious, for they worship God.
, take no cognizance. Human governments Mr. Cook, in the prelude to a recent Monday
But in Christian lands the word is used in a
more restricted sense. He is not counted are, in this respect, quite limited in their lecture, said: "You will in vain endeavor to
religious, who does not believe in God, his scope. Pure morality has respect to inten- preserve Sunday as a day of rest unless you
Son Jesus Christ as the only means of salva- tion as well as to action. In the sight of a preserve it as a day of worship. Unless its
tion, and the Bible as a revelation of God to moral governor, hatred is murder and lust is observance be founded upon religious reasons,
man. But religion is not to be confounded adultery; but in the sight of civil govern- you will not long maintain it at a high stand-
with morality. ments these are no- crimes until they take the ard." Shall the civil law enforce a religious
 THE AMERICAN SENTINEL. 45
institution? Will such a course increase The Doings of National Reform. teer lecturers, who have given about 100 lect-
men's piety? Can the people of Massachu- ures. The greatest help has been by the
setts be made Sabbath-keepers by a few strokes WE herewith present to ,our readers a report
Woman's Christian Temperance Union.. Two
of the pen by our legislators? Nay, verily. of the doings of National Reform assembled
years ago the Union establigied a department
Compel a man by law to perform a religious in convention in the city of Pittsburgh, and
of Sabbath observance.. One year ago, at the
act contrary to his convictions, and you make also a summary of the work of the Association suggestion of National Reform, the Union es-
a hypocrite of him. If he resist the law and for the past year.
tablished a department on the Bible in public
it be enforced upon him, you have inaugurated The Convention assembled Wednesday eve- schools." The secretary himself had addressed
persecution. If my conscience impresses upon ning, May 11, at 7 :45. After the formalities their National Convention, and they had
me the conviction that I should observe Sun- of opening there was a speech by Rev. T. P. thanked him. " Of the monthly responsive
day, let me do it as best I may, but never Stevenson, editor of the Christian Statesman, readings of the Woman's Christian Temper-
should I lift my hand to compel my neighbor and one by Rev. J. P. Mills, the MethodiSt ance Union, three were in the line of National
to pursue the same course. If I Can convince Episcopal " District Secretary " of National Reform—one on God in Government, one on
him that it is right, that it is a Christian act, Reform; after which Dr. McAllister closed the Sabbath observance, and one on national sins.
and he ,ought to do it, well and good, but co- evening meeting with a statement and an Miss Willard loses no opportunity to declare
ercion is not the prerogative of, the individual appeal. The statement was that the Associa- that the Government rests on His shoulders.
or. of the State in such matters. tion began the year with a debt of between Both Miss .Willard and Mrs. Woodbridge ad-
Mr. C. says : " Let us bring the whole popu- $2,500 and $3,000, and that the work had dressed the workingmen and introduced Na-
lation to the church and Sunday-school." been carried forward on so broad a scale that tional Reform ideas. And not the least grati-
Now if we are right in " compelling all, by there had been a little added to the debt, al- fying sign is the fact that for the first time in
law, to rest so that we may secure the liberty though the receipts had been over $7,000. our history the fear of God has found a place
of each to rest," why not compel all by law to Four men had been laboring all of the time, in political platforms. And that this oppor-
4ttend the church and Sunday-school? Yes, 'and three others a part of the time. One tunity might be made the most of, the following
why not go a step farther and compel all to man had preached 150 sermons, delivered 60 memorial had been framed, and is to be sent
be baptized? addresses, and had written articles by the to every person that can be reached; to be
Again Mr. C. says : "Let church members score. signed and returned:—
be instructed in the full scientific as well as He stated that the successful work in the
" The undersigned, who has sympathized
biblical significance of Sunday observance." South had awakened enthusiasm in the North, and acted with the party, desires that
Here we apprehend is where a difficulty especially in Pittsburgh. He said: " There is the future platforms of that party shall not
developing one of the grandest movements fail to contain an acknowledgment of Al-
will arise. The conscientious Sabbatarian in- mighty God as the source of authority and
trenches himself behind the fourth command- the world ever saw,—a work that is to bring
the North and South together. It will bring power in civil government, of Christ as the king
ment of the decalogue, which says, "The sev- of all nations, and of the supreme authority
enth day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God, together all patriots. If we can unite the of his moral laws • together with declarations
in it thou shalt not do any work." But Sun- Christian sentiment of North and South, we favoring the prohibition of the liquor traffic,
shall bridge what has been called the `bloody the defense of the Sabbath, the Christian
day is the first day, and he insists that its features of our public education, and a na-
"biblical significance" is a myth. Shall such chasm.' " The appeal was then for funds to
tional marriage and divorce law in harmony
be compelled: to observe a day which to them carry on the work. " In the South men of all with the law of Christ. The names of women
has no religious significance whatever? the different denominations are ready to take are desired as well as the names of men ! '
Again, will the unbeliever, the infidel, or hold. There ought to be three or four men " This with the special design of pressing
to go all through the South, to organize the the subject upon the attention of all parties
atheist be made pious by compelling him to at their next National Convention."
work. The cause is worthy of your confi-
religiously observe the Sunday?
dence and your means." Also last fall an " admirable draft " for
We Can but admire the first amendment of
" secretary " Weir is the man who has just thanksgiving proclamations in the name of
our national constitution. We cannot imag-
made a tour through the South, and an ac- Christ had been sent to all the governors, but
ine how the actual and necessary limitations
count of his trip, was made the special order the request had been complied with in only
under which human Governments rest can be
for the evening session on the morrow. one instance, and that was Governor Scales, of
better expressed than they are in that amend-
The first thing after the opening exercises North California. In conclusion he stated
ment : " Congress shall make no law respect-
on the morning of the 12th, was the annual that " never before were there echoes of Na-
ing an establishing of religion, or prohibiting
report of the Corresponding Secretary. He tional Reform from so many, nor so influential,
the free exercise thereof." In no one part of
stated that " the past year has been memora- quarters," and referred to statements made by
that instrument is, the wisdom of the founders
ble in the history of the cause, because never Dr. Talmage, "Sam " Jones, Joseph Cook, and
of our Government shown more than in this
before was there such a readiness to receive others.
first amendment. And if we prove ourselves
our speakers. We had speakers at Ocean Next there was given the reports of District
worthy of such an ancestry, we will preserve
Grove, at Chautauqua, and at Saratoga. At Secretaries. Secretary Foster reported 135 ser-
it just as they left it to us. mons, 65 lectures; interviewed 10 presidents
Neither Congress nor the Legislature has Saratoga was the most hearty reception. Ar-
rangements have been made for an all-day of colleges, 30 professors, and 12 editors;
any right to erect a false standard of religion,
session at Ocean Grove the coming season, preached in 12 Presbyterian and 11 Methodist
and it is not their prerogative to enforce a
also at a popular resort in Maryland, and Churches, and lifted collections averaging
true one.—D. A. R., in Worcester (Mass.) Daily $109.78 a month. And the people ready for
near Chicago, and for a three days' session
Spy. at Lakeside, Sandusky, Ohio. The Christian National Reform !
IT is interesting to observe that our Master, Statesman has been placed in 289 reading- Secretary Wylie reported for " three months,
though several times importuned to declare rooms of the Young Men's Christian Associa- 'spent mostly in Michigan and Indiana, espe-
himself to take issue with public evils of the tion. More than 30,000 of the old series of cially in connection with the Prohibition Cam-
most patent enormity, and to exert his influ- National Reform documents, and 5,000 of the paign in Michigan. Delivered 25 sermons,
ence on pressing politico-moral questions, on new series, have been distributed. So that, 39 lectures, visited 2 annual conferences of
every occasion palpably declined to do any- including the Christian Statesman, there has the United Brethren Church, and 1 of Free
thing of the kind.— W. W. Harris, D. D. been circulated by systematic and habitual Methodist, and 3 colleges. No difficulty to
N H• distribution 2,710,000 pages of National Re- get a hearing in colleges."
"PUT them in mind to be subject to princi- form literature." Secretary Weir reported that from April 1,
palities and powers, to obey magistrates, to " Besides the regular lectureship of the As- 1886, to February 4, 1887, he had addressed
be ready to every good work." Titus 3:1. sociation, there have been nearly fifty volun- in the aggregate over 7,000 people, received
 46 THE AMERICAN SENTINEL.
over $500; traveled 6,400 Miles, held 97 inter- to be composed of all who are interested in accompany such an illicit connection, is on
views, and addreSsed 4 synods, 2 colleges, and this movement, to covenant together to offer the eve Of a fearful success? How long shall
W: C.: T. Unions in 3 places. All signs he " a prayer at the noon hour, wherever they the AMERICAN SENTINEL have to stand alone
said point to this as the hour when these may be, every day till our prayer is answered amongst the journals of the nation in point-
things should be pressed upon political parties. in the abolition, of the liquor traffic, and till ing out the dangers that threaten religious
" If our enemies say these things shall stay this nation is made God's kingdom." The liberty in this land of freedom? How long?
out, we must be determined that they shall go proposition was heartily endorsed by the con- A. T. J.
in." He spoke of "the workingmen, whom vention, and Mr. McConnel was given charge
What Is the Remedy?
Socialism, and Anarchism, and Catholicism, of the concern.
are all trying to catch." But in the Executive Thursday evening, the closing meeting, Sec- AN appreciative reader of the SENTINEL, in
Committee the day before it had been decided retary Weir occupied in giving the account of Hamilton County, New York, who says that
that National Reform must secure the work- his Southern trip. It began February 24 and he has read the SENTINEL from the first of its
ingmen, and that they could best be secured closed May 11. During this time he deliv- publication, and has also read everything that
through the agitation of the Sabbath, for work- ered 42 addresses, visited 7 States, traveled he could get hold of on the National Reform
ingmen do not want to work' on the Sabbath. 2,800 miles, addressed 7,700 people, collected side, sends us the following clipping from the
Secretary Mills reported seven months' work $157.07, and held 103 interviews, three of New York Times, as an indication of the
principally in his own conference, Northern which were with the governors of North Caro- great straits to which men in high positions
Ohio, and chiefly among M. E. Churches. He lina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The others are driven "in order to avoid the show of
published a small sheet himself to help spread were with preachers, professors, officials of religious persecution in the enforcement of
his views; gave 12 lectures a month on Na- Woman's Christian Temperance Unions, and the Sunday law : "—
tional Reform direct; collected in all $375. editors. Meetings were held in 6 churches of SUNDAY LAW FOR JEWS.
different denominations. Out of the 42 meet-
Secretary Coleman had addressed 9 meet- " J. P. Solomon, the editor of the Hebrew
ings 24 were in these churches; some were Standard, recently wrote to the mayor regard-
ings, 2 ecclesiastical bodies, and 5 colleges.
even union National Reform meetings. In ing the enforcement of the Sunday law against
The coming year the way is open to reach
Raleigh, N. C., the Methodists and Presby- those Hebrews who kept Saturday as the
twice as many colleges. He said, "The bad Sabbath. In his response the mayor says :—
terians united. He gave addresses in 16 edul
are growing worse, and the good are growing " The Sunday law has been the subject of
better." rational institutions, 9 of which were colored,
judicial construction, and it has been decided
and he never had, he said, more attentive that it is not based upon religious principles,
A series of about twelve resolutions was in-
listeners. His reception throughout was cor- but upon public policy, and that it is to be
troduced. But neither in the resolutions nor
dial. "Never," said he, " was I better treated observed by all citizens without regard to
in their discussion was there anything devel- condition or religious belief. It does not
than by the people of the South. All denom-
oped that had not been covered in the speeches deny to any portion of our citizens the right
inations, every one of them, all gave a hearty
and reports, except in the one in which the to observe the Sabbath-day, and it does not
welcome to the cause of National Reform." compel them to do so. It merely provides
convention complimented the Woman's Chris-
He only met three people who flatly opposed that one day in seven shall be a day of rest,
tian Temperance Union. One speaker caused
National Reform, and all three were ministers. and inasmuch as that day cannot be made to
a 'good deal of sparring by saying that he suit everybody, a day is selected which suits
Mr. Weir described the outlook as most
"would not have the ballot put into worn- the majority. Doubtless this inflicts a hard-
promising. He said: "Any man can take
an's hands." Mr. Stevenson remarked that ship upon the minority, but under our theory
National Reform principles and carry them of government it is a hardship which cannot
he foresees far larger results froin the Woman's
safely and satisfactorily all through the South. be avoided. . . . The remedy is for these
Christian Temperance Union influence in Na-
In Atlanta, among all the leading people, there citizens, whom you regard as unoffending, to
tional Reform than even they themselves re- obey the law which will give them immunity
alize. Within five years they have was no need to explain National Reform. They
their from arrest. I can assure you in conclusion
understand it, and are ready to join hands
hand on the legislation of twenty States, and that I have a great respect for the rights of
with us. I believe it is going to be a walk- conscience, but if the doctrine were once ad-
have secured scientific temperance instruction
over in the South. A confederate brigadier mitted that the law is to give way to every
in the public schools. Another speaker said:
said, I am a Southerner, was a confederate man who puts in the plea of conscience, the
" This movement is bound to succeed through law would become a nullity.'"
soldier, a secessionist. But all that is past
the influence of the Woman's Christian Tem- Dr. Franklin said that it is a very conven-
perance Union." now, and I am ready to join hands with you
at once.' And nine out of every ten will do ient thing to be a reasonable creature, "since it
Another said: "When we get women and enables one to find or make a reason for every-
the same thing."
Christ in politics, and they will both go in to- Mr. Weir then closed with the impressive thing one has a mind to do." There is not
gether, we shall have every reform, and Christ appeal: "Don't we see in this our opportu- the slightest doubt but that any good Catholic
will be proclaimed King of kings and Lord of nity—an opportunity such as seldom comes could demonstrate to his own satisfaction the
lords." to any cause? It will have a welcome every- reasonableness of attending mass every Sun-
The chairman closed the debate on this where. Don't we see how it will build for the day, and if the majority of the [Link] the
resolution by saying that "when woman un- unity of the nation? Don't you see in this United States were Catholics, they could com-
dertakes anything good she will do it. And the unifier of this nation? Some say prohi- pel the minority to conform to their custom ;
if she attempts anything bad she will accom- bition will unite them, but this it is that is to but in such case the rights of conscience
plish that. What Ahab would not do Jezebel do it." would be outraged, although not more than
did. And what Herod would not do to John And we could not possibly say but that it in the enforcement of Sunday rest upon those
the Baptist otherwise, his wife caused him to is true. We have not space for any further who do not believe in it.
do:" No one attempted to explain just ex- comment, but only to remark, that in view of Mayor Hewitt admits that the enforcement
actly where, in this observation, there lay the• these plain statements of fact in the progress of the Sunday law will necessarily inflict a
compliment to the W. C. T. U. It seemed to of the National Reform movement in a single hardship upon the minority who observe Sat-
the SENTINEL representative that the compli- year—all given in sober earnest, and none urday, but he says: "Under our theory of
ment was rather backhanded. And yet we with any air of extravagance nor of bragga- government it is a hardship which cannot be
could not help wondering whether in the end docio—how much longer shall the movement avoided." With all respect for his honor, we
the observation might not prove true and the have to prosper so, how much longer will it must say that that statement indicates a very
simile appropriate, even though it be not pre-. have to grow, before the American people will slight knowledge of our theory of government.
eminently complimentary as it stands. awake to the fact that the National Reform Has he never read the Declaration of Inde-
Rev. Mr. McConnel, of Youngstown, Ohio, movement, which bears in its train the union pendence? Does he not know that that dec-
proposed the formation of " a Praying League, of Church and State, with all the evils that laration, which made us a nation, and of
 THE AMERICAN SENTINEL. 47

which the Constitution of the United States amusing to hear any organization put forth having the Christian laws on a civil basis?
is but the outgrowth, was based upon the such statements as the foregoing, and then In place of uselessly spending our time,and
Self-evident truth that " all men are created watch their ebullitions of apparent indignation talent trying to legislate the "Lord Jesus Christ"
equal, and endowed by their Creator with when we tell them their work will produce a into the position of "ruler of nations" in this
certain unalienable rights, among which are union of Church and State. We have never world, would it not be well to listen and
life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?" heard them say so, but it is quite evident give heed to some of Christ's own words?
Perhaps he has read that statement without from their platform that if they are not work- "My kingdom is not of this world; if my
knowing what it means. It means that in ing for a union of Church and State, they mean kingdom were of this world, then would my
this country the laws must give equal protec- to have it all Church and no State. Perhaps servants fight, that I should not be delivered
tion to all; it means that the powerful majority that is a secret of the organization as yet in to the Jews; but now is my kingdom not
must not pass laws to suit their own conven- the background. from hence." John 18 : 36. To undertake to
ience, regardless of the rights of the feeble There is one point that we cannot get clear legislate Christ into the position of king of
minority. The Declaration of Independence in our mind, and that is, If the Reform party the nations of this world, when God in his
is founded upon the principles of justice, and succeeds in setting all Christian laws and word has given us such plain statements as
justice works n6' hardships to a man simply usages on a legal basis in the law of the land, the above, would be the most absurd folly.
because , he is in the minority. A law that do they not also intend to enforce them by It would be as foolish as the action of France
works injustice to a single individual is an civil power? And if they do not intend to during the " Reign of Terror," when they
unjust ,law. enforce them by civil poWer, why put them on passed a law that there was no God. Yet
We can tell exactly how to avoid inflicting the basis of civil law'? Again we ask, Why ? God existed, and still exists, the French law
a haraship upon the minority who observe If Christian laws are enfOrced by civil en- to the contrary notwithstanding. And when
Saturday ; do not enact Sunday laws. " But actment, there is no reasoning that can show Christ has expressly said, "My kingdom is
this would not meet the minds of the major- that such a condition would not be a union not of this world," can finite man legislate to
: ity." Perhaps, not; but it would not hinder of Church and State. Sophistry might think to the contrary, and cause the Son of God to
the majority from keeping Sunday, and why show differently; but unsound reasoning has acquiesce in opposition to what he has so pos-
should one man be compelled to do a thing no blushes, and what it lacks in reasoning itively and plainly declared? 0 sophistry,
which he does not want to do,*simply because it makes up in bombast and ridicule. Let where is thy blush ! A. 0. TAIT.
two other men wish to do it? The injustice the leaders of the movement step forward and Time to Renew.
of such a proceeding is the more marked tell us why they want " all Christian laws "
on a civil basis if they do not mean to inflict PLEASE examine the address label on your
when we learn that the two can do what they SENTINEL and if it• reads June or July please
want to, whether the one does it or not. civil punishment upon the transgressors of
send us your renewal this week. Our terms
But reasoning will have no effect to stop a those laws ? And if they do want to inflict are, cash in advance, only fifty cents per year,
proceeding which outrages reason. Just be- civil punishment upon the transgressor of or if you will send us two new subscriptions
cause there can be no just reason produced Christian laws, how is it, then, that the Church we will send you the paper one year free.
for laws enforcing the observance of Sunday, is not in union with the State. The Church
or any other religious ordinance, those who decides the penalty, and the State inflicts it. Assorted Back Numbers.,
are committed to the enactment of such laws If this is not a union of the two, will some one
kindly show us wherein is the disunion ?, Now is the time to do missionary work
will carry them through. We write with the with the AMERICAN SENTINEL. as most every-
hope of increasing the number of the minor- Some more of this sophistry is shown in body is willing to read about the, Sunday
ity who will at least protest. the following : Pres. J. B. McMichael, D. D., Question, Constitutional Amendment, Na-
of Monmouth, Ill., made the following signif- tional Reform Party, etc.
icant statement: "To kiss Him (the Son) in We will send assorted back numbers of the
What Sophistry! SENTINEL, post-paid, for $1.50 per hundred
any other way than through the regenerated
copies. Address, Pacific Press, Publishers,'
WHEN we consider the course of action hearts of its citizens, the nation wouldn't sur- Oakland, California.
marked out by the National Reform Associa- vive the wrath of God an hour longer than
tion, and the object at which they are aiming, though it hadn't kissed Him at all." To
Religious Liberty,
and compare them with their avowed state- which the Rev. M. A. Gualt replied through
A SPEECH of the Hon. Robert H. Crockett, in the.
ments that the success of their work will not the Statesman : " There is no one proposing Arkansas Legislature, in behalf of a bill which he
produce a union of Church and State and to have the nation kiss Him in any other had introduced into the Legislature, granting im-
bring about religious persecutions, we are all way than through the regenerated hearts of munity from the penalty of the Sunday law, to those
led to exclaim, What sophistry I its citizens, except you and other enemies of who observe the seventh-day Sabbath. The speech
In a pamphlet published by the association National Reformers, who persist in thus mis- itself explains the situation which made the bill a
necessity. We have compiled an eight-page tract
we find that Article 2 of their Constitution representing the movement in order to excite
from the speech as it appeared in the Signs and
reads thus : "The object of this society shall be opposition to it. The movement is laboring AMERICAN SENTINEL (April number) and will send the
to obtain such an amendment of the Constitu- to first educate in the minds and hearts of the tract, post-paid, for $1.00 per hundred copies, or that
tion of the United States as shall suitably ac- people submission to Christ; and it does not issue of the SENTINEL at three cents per copy. Ad-'
knowledge Almighty God as the source of all want the national confession until it comes dress, PACIFIC PRESS, Publishers, Oakland, Cal.
power and authority in civil government, the through the regenerated hear_ toe people."
Lord Jesus Christ as the ruler of nations, and This is only a sample of their sarcastic indig- Sentinel Tracts.
the revealed will of God as of supreme author- nation. Laying aside the sarcasm, let us ap-
TIIE Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal., has just issued
ity in civil affairs." The Christian Statesman, ply a little reasoning and see how it comes some new tracts treating upon the subjects d:scussed
the organ of the association, also declares that out. We fully agree with President McMich-, in the AMERICAN SENTINEL, which they will send,
one object for which they are working is to ael. But if, as Mr. Gault says, the National post-paid, at the rate of one cent for each eight pages.
" place all the Christian laws, institutions and Reform does not propose " to have the nation Religious Liberty, 8 pages; National,Reform is
Church and State, 16 pp. ; The Republic of 'Israel, 8
usages of our Government on an undeniable kiss Him in any other way than through the
pp. ; Purity of National Religion, 8 pp.; What Think
legal basis in the fundamental law of the land." regenerated hearts of its citizens," why have Ye of Christ? 8 pp.; Religious Legislation, 8 pp.; The
Mark their statements : " The Lord Jesus the Christian laws on a. legal basis in the law American Papacy, 8 pp. ; National Reform and the
Christ as the ruler of nations; " "the re- of the land? Will not the regenerated hearts Rights of Conscience, 16 pp. ; Bold and Base Avowal,
vealed will of God as of supreme authority obey all the requirements of God's word with- 16 pp. ; National Reform Movement an Absurdity,
16 pp. ; The Salem Witchcraft, 8 pp. ; National Re-
in civil affairs ; " " all the Christian laws " on out being forced by civil authority ? If a
form Constitution and the American Hierarchy, 24
a " legal basis in the fundamental law of the man is regenerated in fact and not in name only, pages.
and." It is indeed surprising and not a little he surely will. Then wherein is the need of
 48 THE AIVIERICA.N SENTINEL.
shows that the National Reformers themselves want anything now is to practice terrorism, to
TI e An2eFicar2 Ber2tii2e1. do not expect that all who join their move-
ment will do so from purely unselfish me=
make themselves as disagreeable as possible,
so that it shall be necessary to conciliate them,
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA, JUNE, 1887. tives :— and those who appeal to reason find them-
"There is no more persistent man alive selves disregarded. On the other hand, the
NOTE.—No papers are sent by the publishers of the
than the typical • representative American of- public men seek peace and quiet by sacrific-
AMERICAN SENTINEL to people who have not subscribed
fice-seeker. Of that class, the most of those ing anyone who cannot or does not know
for it. If the SENTINEL comes to one who has not sub- who have not yet found whether they are for
Christ or not, or who are openly decrying enough to make a great clamor in order to
scribed for it, he may know that it is sent him by some
friend, and that he will not be called upon by the pub- this movement, are ready to be its firm friends appease a clamorous faction. It is thought
lishers to pay for the same. as soon as they acquire wisdom to discern the to be the triumph of practical statesmanship
signs of the times, and are assured of its to give the clamorers something which will
speedy success. They may pull back now quiet them, and a new and special kind of
THOSE who wish to learn what " National Re-
at the hind axle, or scotch the wheels of the
form" really is, and who wish to become thor- car of progress; but when they see it move, legislative finesse has been developed, viz.,
oughly familiar with every phase of it, should they will quickly jump in to get front seats, to devise projects which shall seem to the
read the AMERICAN SENTINEL. A single issue and avow ,that they always thought it was clamorous petitioners to meet their demands,
of the SENTINEL contains more National Re- a good thing." yet shall not really do it.—Prof. William G.
form argument (always refuted) than both And when with such help as this they have Sumner, in Independent.
of the National Reform organs do in a month. voted Jesus Christ king of this republic (!)
The Statesman has now taken to copying then they think they Isv11have given him all IF the triumph of National Reform theories
from the SENTINEL articles which National the honor that is .his We can only pity were dependent upon the efforts of the body
Reformers have sent to us, and which we have the blindness of those who have so low a known as the National Reform Association,
reviewed. It is perhaps needless to say that sense of the honor due to Christ the Son of the lovers of "pure religion and undefiled"
the Statesman never favors its readers with God. The only way that he can be honored would not be called on for very strenuous op-
the reply of the SENTINEL. It well knows is by humble obedience to his requirements, position, for although it boasts a great many
that its only strength consists in keeping its and this must be the voluntary tribute of names, it cannot boast many original ideas.
readers ignorant of the argument against its each individual for himself. Says Christ : Both the Christian Statesman and the Christian
theories. In this respect National Reform " Why call ye me Lord, Lord,- and do not Nation seem to have long ago exhausted the
closely follows its exemplar, the Papacy. the things which I say ?" argument for National Reform, for were it
The SENTINEL will still continue to publish not for the Constitution of the National Re-
"both sides," always being careful to indicate Legislation by Clamor. form Association, which they keep standing,
clearly on which side truth and justice stand. IT is already evident that one feature of the the reader would often be at a loss to know
0. . 0 " new time " into which we are hastening will why the papers are printed. But what- are
IN his report from North Carolina, "Secre- be the subjection of Legislatures to the press- called National Reform principles are not con-
tary" Weir takes occasion to eulogize Governor ure of groups of persons who are capable of fined to the National Reform Association.
Scales, because he alone accepted the sample controlling newspapers or combining votes. There are individual women of the W. C. T.
thanksgiving proclamation, which the National Under the old notions of Legislation, the duty U., who are doing more for the advancement
Reform Association sent last fall to the gov- of legislators was to study carefully the details of those principles than all the men connected
ernors of the various States. Mr. Weir says of proposed legislation, to debate and discuss with the National Reform Association. And
of him: " He is, of course, greatly interested measures, and so, by deliberation, to arrive the W. C. T. U. is not the only additional
in National Reform, although not yet familiar at decisions as to what should be enacted. factor in the work. George Parsons Lathrop,
with its doctrines and work. To use his own The notion was that the statesman should writing of national Christianity, in the May
language, he is for whatever will advance the know what he intended to do and should con- number of the Atlantic Monthly, said : " It has
honor of the Lord Jesus.' sider the proper means of reaching the desired not been tried yet, and it is not one of the
If that is the case, he will do well to let result. This theory of legislation never has least hopeful signs of the times, that a dis-
National Reform alone. Christ cannot be been very thoroughly put to practice any- position to give it a serious probation is de-
honored by any such cheap means as voting where, but now the idea seems to be that it veloping simultaneously in several quarters."
him king, even of all the earth. Whatever is antiquated, that we do not intend to seek The movement will receive some of its most
power Christ has or ever will have is solely a more complete realization of it as a reform powerful assistance from quarters where it
by virtue of his being the Son of God, and in legislation, but that we abandon it alto- would least be expected, for politics makes
any action that man may take will not affect gether. strange bedfellows. National Reform heresy
his state in the least. If every man on earth At the same time, therefore, that there is a is developing as though, like a physical pes-
should say, "We will not have this man to vast extension of the field of legislation, we tilence, the germs were in the air, and men
rule over us," his power would not be dimin, abandon all sound traditions as to the method who love liberty need to be awake and guard-
ished ; and if they should all vote to make of legislative activity. Legislative bodies not ing every point.
vew
him king, they would not add a feather's only lay themselves open to be acted upon by
weight to his power and glory. On the con- outside influences, but they submit to clamor " ONLY he who respects the liberty of others
trary, a vote to recognize the Lord Jesus more than to any other influence. The tend- is worthy of liberty."
Christ as the ruler of nations, would be dis- ency can be traced through the legislation of
honoring in the extreme; for it is inconceiva- France, England and the United States, dur- THE AMERICAN SENTINEL.
ble but that in the most perfect campaign ing the last twenty years. If a faction of any AN EIGHT-PAGE MONTHLY JOURNAL,
possible among mortals, some would vote kind assails the Legislature with sufficient de- DEVOTED TO
The defense of American Institutions, the preservation
through policy or desire for gain. And in termination, they carry their point, although of the United States Constitution as it is, so far
no way [Link] more dishonored than by the sincere opinion of nearly all who vote for as regards religion or religious tests, and
the maintenance of human rights,
hypocritical professions of loyalty to him. the measure may be that it is foolish, or idle, both civil and religious.
war or mischievous, or crude, or irrational, or ex- It will ever be uncompromisingly opposed to anything tending
WE stated above that it would be impossi- travagant, or otherwise improper to be passed. toward a union of Church and State, either in name or in fact
ble but that in any general election that could Opinions differ greatly as to what it is which TERM S.
be held, some votes would be cast, not from is "falling" or " going to decay" just at present. Single Copy, per year, - - - - - 50 cents.
To foreign countries, single subscription, post-
principle, but from hope of gain. The follow- These phenomena support the. notion that it paid 2s.
ing quotation from a speech by a Dr. Browne, is "the State" which is passing away. On the Specimen copies free.
Address, AMERICAN SENTINEL,
in the Pittsburgh National Convention of 1874, one hand, the highest wisdom of those who 1059 Castro St., OAKLAND, CAL.