Great Danger Ahead

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 4, 1916

Great Danger Ahead

WITH little danger of being to any degree pessimistic, one may gather from all the present tendencies of individuals, communities, and the nation at large, that in the near future this nation, hardened through the multiplied horrors of Europe, with its people prosperous, self-centered, complacent, satisfied, selfish, and gorged with money, will fall from its former high standard of civil and religious principles, and enact laws similar to the one now pending in Congress, authorizing the Postmaster-General to exclude from the mails any publications containing any article “which tends to expose any race, creed, or religion to either hatred, contempt, ridicule, or obloquy.”

Although it is difficult for one who is familiar with the principles of free speech to conceive of a more ridiculous measure, when this bill comes to a vote it will have many supporters. It is strange that this should be true in this free country, but such is a fact. Another amazing fact is that many of the supporters of this measure are themselves bigoted, intolerant, and unsparing of their criticism of those who disagree with their beliefs. It would be a sad thing for this nation if such a measure should be enacted into law. Then one man would be vested with authority to stop all discussions of religious beliefs and tenets if he chose to do so. That would be entirely too much authority to place upon one man.

Freedom of religious belief and freedom of discussion are two of the great principles for which our forefathers fought. We must not surrender them. Without religious discussion there would soon be no religious freedom. To keep religious freedom in this land, it will be necessary to be vigilant in educating the people upon the principles of religious liberty. In this time of peace and plenty lies the golden opportunity to prepare for the time of great danger sure to come upon us, and to save from the wreck as many as possible. This is the day for Liberty and its message. If all REVIEW readers had a true vision of the real needs of the hour, Liberty would have a circulation of more than a million copies. Millions need it. The times demand it. Let the wise-hearted meet the demand.