Delegation Visits the President

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 19, 1913

Delegation Visits the President

THE delegation appointed by the Conference to present an engrossed address to the President of the United States visited him at the White House Thursday, June 5. In presenting the address, J. O. Corliss said:—

MR. PRESIDENT: I have the honor, sir, on behalf of this deputation representing the World's Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, to present to you the greetings of that people now assembled at Takoma Park, in this city. Delegates from the world's nations have there gathered in quadrennial session to consider the vital interests of gospel work.

We are not unmindful, Mr. President, of the fact that the powers that be are ordained of God, with certain limitations. We are therefore glad to array ourselves on the side of religious freedom as exemplified in the teachings of Dr. Witherspoon, one of your honored predecessors, of Princeton University, who tutored Madison, Mason, and others, in the American principle of total separation of church and state.

Be assured that our sympathies and best wishes are with you in the discharge of the important duties of your high office.

Copy of Letter Presented

WASHINGTON, D. C., June 5, 1913.

To the Honorable Woodrow Wilson, President of the United States.

From the World's Conference of Seventh-day Adventists now in session in this city, we have the honor to bring to you the greetings of our people.

As Christians, we are endeavoring to extend the blessings of the gospel throughout the world. We maintain that God and his Word are supreme in all things spiritual, recognize civil government as of divine ordinance, and honor all in authority.

We believe in the American principle of total separation of church and state, and honor the names of Washington, Jefferson, Madison, and others of your illustrious predecessors who have stood for the great principles of civil and religious liberty. We therefore oppose all religious legislation; and, while conscientiously observing the Sabbath ourselves, disapprove of enforcing Sabbath observance by civil enactment.

We wish you health and success in all your efforts for the peace, prosperity, and welfare of this and other nations, and pray God that you may be enabled faithfully to uphold the principles of religious freedom as taught by Mr. Witherspoon, the honored president of Princeton University, and the founders of the great American republic; defended by the Presbytery of Hanover, of Virginia; and later guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States.

A. G. DANIELLS, Chairman; W. A. SPICER, Secretary.

In response to this greeting, the President very cordially and with feeling replied, 'I thank you most sincerely for the greetings from your people.'