p. 21 | What It Will Mean by R. E. Harter

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 17, 1908

What It Will Mean

By R. E. Harter

IN view of the present situation, as it relates to the enactment of religious legislation by the United States Congress, it seems an opportune time to direct attention to the immediate work before us. The Johnston Sunday-rest bill, calling for the proper observance of Sunday as a day of rest in the District of Columbia, has already passed the Senate. The next step will be the consideration of the bill by the House during the next session of Congress, first by the House District Committee, and, unless killed in committee, by the House itself. If passed by the House, it will only need the signature of the President to become a law. The passing of such a law will mean the overturning and abandonment of one of the chief and most cherished principles upon which the government was founded, that of religious liberty.

Most strenuous efforts should now be put forth by every lover of civil and religious liberty to prevent such an unfortunate step. An active campaign should be started at once by circulating petitions, getting as many signatures as possible, and keeping the petitions in readiness to forward when Congress meets. One good brother informs me that he secured seventy-eight names in three days. Let all work earnestly.

R. E. HARTER.