Christianizing the Constitution.
By Editor
IN an editorial article with the above head, the S. F. Chronicle of Dec. 27, makes the following remarks: "On the evening of December 17th the second session of the Massachusetts religionists who want to have the Constitution of the United States amended so as 'to recognize the existence of the Supreme Being,' was held at Tremont Temple, Boston. The session having been formally opened with prayer, a series of resolutions was adopted, the preamble of which included the following :" "WHEREAS, Our written National Constitution though made by and for a Christian people, is destitute of any explicit acknowledgement of God or Christianity, which defect is made the pretext for the most dangerous assaults on the Christian institutions and usages of our nation ; therefore,' etc." "After the preamble, come the resolutions in due order, declaring that the connection which 'has existed and still exists between our government and Christianity now demands expression in our fundamental law ;' that 'while it is not the province of civil government to enforce religious worship or observances, this constitutional recognition of the connection of our Government with Christianity is necessary,' etc., that 'the arguments and reasons for an explicit recognition of the Supreme Being in our several State Constitutions apply with equal force to such an acknowledgement in the Constitution of the United States,' etc." Now, with the utmost respect for the high personal character, moral worth, good motives, and sincere patriotism of the gentlemen who are engineering this singular movement, we must nevertheless express our opinion that they are pursuing a most unwise course, and one which is sure beyond doubt or question, to provoke a kind of discussion throughout the United States which will not advance the interests they have at heart. Why should they, who devoutly believe in God as the Supreme Ruler of the universe, be anxious to have Him 'recognized in the Constitution of the United States?' What need has He of such an indorsement? Is it not belittling Him—nay, is it not insulting to Him to ask for such an indorsement? Moreover, is not the proposition one which is entirely inconsistent with the American idea and doctrine of utter separation between Church and State? Is it not an infringement upon that right of conscience guaranteed to every American citizen? "There are a few—a very few—eminent men who have become identified with this movement, but the names of the great majority are altogether unknown to the general public. The opposition to the demand made by them will meet with an opposition which will not be by any means confined to that class of persons who have no religious convictions or sympathies. Many, on the contrary, in whom the instincts of reverence and devotion are the most vital, will feel shocked at the idea of making a political fight to obtain the 'recognition' of the Creator of the Universe by an earthly Government."