p. 19 | Christian Liberty by K. C. Russell

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Feb 15, 1906

Christian Liberty

By K. C. Russell

Reports, Notes, and Comments Pertaining to the Current History of the Rights of Conscience

Liberty Conventions in the District of Columbia Religious

SABBATH, Feb. 3, 1906, religious liberty conventions were held in all four of our churches in the District of Columbia. The program carried out was the one recommended and sent to all our conferences.

Among those who presented papers were Prof. W. W. Prescott, Elder G. B. Thompson, Elder J. S. Washburn, Prof. J. A. L. Derby, and D. W. Reavis. In addition to the writers mentioned, the churches wisely appointed persons, from among their members, to prepare articles to be read at the conventions. The result was indeed gratifying to the officers of the churches, for the experiment developed the fact that there was valuable latent talent brought into exercise which can be made of service in the work of the Lord. The holding of conventions is one way in which we can make our churches training-schools for workers, in harmony with the instruction given us through the spirit of prophecy. Should not all our churches strive to make them training-schools for gospel workers? A large and efficient corps of workers might thus be developed.

The object in conducting these religious liberty conventions is to educate our people in the principles of religious liberty, to which so little attention has been given during recent years.

The necessity of our being acquainted with these principles can be appreciated more keenly if each one will pause and ask himself the question how he would answer were he brought before courts of justice to give the reason of his faith. Do not be deceived; God will not place a premium upon mental laziness by filling our mouths with arguments, even under such circumstances, if we have never tried to inform ourselves relative to these heaven-born principles. I would recommend that all our people read again “Great Controversy,” for there is nothing better for us to read on the question of religious liberty. It deals with vital principles and experiences.

Another special reason for our holding these conventions at this time was that all may be aroused to the great need of the hour in giving the trumpet a certain sound in view of the fact that the enemies of the true principles of the gospel are putting forth most persistent efforts to abridge the rights of conscience.

One of the papers written on the subject of caution to workers was a most practical one, as the principles set forth can be profitably employed by those engaged in every department of our work. The experience of Christ and the apostles as soul winners was emphasized, and practical illustrations were cited showing the wise and the unwise way of reaching souls, especially in the religious liberty work, in circulating petitions, etc. The importance of using tact was emphasized, also that we should never be extremists in introducing reform.

K. C. Russell,

Chairman District Committee.