A ***“Civic Revival” by K. C. R.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 13, 1908

A “Civic Revival”

By K. C. R.

THE Convention of the International Reform Bureau was held at the Winona Assembly grounds, Winona Lake, Ind., July 19-22, under the direction of W. F. Crafts, its superintendent. The convention was given the unique name of “Mid-Summer Civic Revival,” inasmuch as its object was to secure so-called “civic righteousness.”

It must be admitted that some of the reforms for which the bureau stands are in themselves good and legitimate. Among these might be mentioned prohibition of the liquor traffic, prohibiting the sale of obscene literature and the vice of gambling, etc. Certainly all Christians should unite in opposing these evils, which are exerting such a tremendous influence upon society in these times. It is to be regretted, however, that this movement, while championing these reforms, is devoting so much energy to advocating religious legislation,—one of the principal objects of the bureau.

One of the favorite and striking arguments of the Reform Bureau is that the Sabbath institution is the foundation upon which our whole national superstructure is sustained. Thus all the reforms which have been indicated in the foregoing are but incidental, from their view-point, to Sunday observance. From this it will be seen that while this movement is ostensibly standing in defense of these noble reforms, so long as it champions the cause of religious legislation, it is really more dangerous by having connected with it these things that are for the good of humanity. It is the sugar-coating that makes the evil for which they are working more palatable.

The observance and enforcement of every law upon the statute-books, regardless of its character, was an idea made prominent by these reformers. The first speaker who emphasized this idea was Governor Hoch, of Kansas, who has gained a national reputation by his strenuous efforts in securing a rigid enforcement of the law providing for the Sunday-closing of the saloons in that State. He declared that a failure properly to observe or enforce the existing laws was nothing short of anarchy. Indeed, this was the great remedy suggested, which, if applied, would produce “civic righteousness.”

One could but contrast this idea with the spirit and example of other reformers, who have done a noble work in the interests of humanity. Had the three Hebrews, who were cast into the fiery furnace, carried out the principle of some of these modern reformers by obeying every law in the land, regardless of its character, they would never have been cast into the fiery furnace. No doubt many of the prominent citizens of Babylon regarded them as anarchists. The same was true of Daniel, of the apostles, even of Christ himself; for they all disregarded those laws which conflicted with their allegiance to the God of heaven. The same thing was also true in the experience of the millions of martyrs, who suffered death because they would not obey a law that was contrary to the law of Jehovah.

The Reformation of the sixteenth century, out of which Protestantism was born, would never have appeared, had the principles of these modern reformers been carried out.

The contrast between those who pose as modern reformers, and the Reformers of the Sixteenth Century is very pronounced.

The Reformers of the sixteenth century accepted the Bible as their rule of faith and practise.

The modern reformers abandon this principle of taking the Bible, and the Bible alone, as their rule of faith and practise, substituting tradition in its place.

The Reformers of the sixteenth century originally rejected the civil power in divine things, and accepted the power of the Holy Spirit.

The modern reformers are abandoning the Holy Spirit’s power, and are seeking to obtain civil power in things divine.

The Reformers of the sixteenth century believed in righteousness by faith through Jesus Christ alone.

The modern reformers believe in righteousness by civil law.

The principle contained in the following scriptures should be considered by those who are adopting tradition instead of the power of the Holy Spirit: “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” John 17:17. “We must obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29.

K. C. R.