American State Papers

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 13, 1911

“American State Papers”

Bearing on Sunday Legislation. New, Revised, and Enlarged Edition Ready by August 1

A COMPILATION of rare and valuable documents on religious legislation, which have appeared at various times during our colonial and national history, showing, by plainest principles of deduction, the attitude civil government should sustain toward such legislation. It is one of the most interesting books on the subject published, and invaluable to a correct solution of some of the most vital questions now confronting men in both political and religious life. It presents, in their own words, the ideas of the founders of the American government upon the great question of the proper relation of church and state.

The book is divided into eight parts, besides an appendix, as follows: Part I deals with the “Colonial Period.” In this are given numerous examples of the Sunday laws of all the early American colonies; a sketch of Roger Williams; and the claims of Rhode Island to its being the earliest civil government founded upon the principle first enunciated by Jesus Christ—complete separation of church and state. Parts II and III contain, in documentary form, a history of the development of this principle during the “Federation” and “National” periods. In these are found some of the most profound utterances to which American minds have given expression—veritable masterpieces of English and sound logic—bearing on the rights of conscience and the province and limits of civil authority; Patrick Henry’s great speech; history of Liberty Bell; full text of the famous Sunday Mail Reports of 1829 and 1830; history of the National Reform Association; Sunday legislation in California; the Blair, Breckinridge, and other Sunday rest bills; Sunday closing of expositions; memorials to Congress; and a list of all the religious measures introduced in Congress since 1888. Part IV contains important “Court Decisions” relating to Sunday laws and religious instruction in the public schools, including the Supreme Court “Christian nation” decision of 1892. Part V is entitled “State Constitutions and Sunday Laws.” Part VI deals with the “Operation of Sunday Laws” in the United States, narrating about one hundred prosecutions under these laws. Part VII is entitled “Sunday Laws Before the Bar of Reason;” and Part VIII presents, in brief, the “History of Sunday Legislation” from Constantine to the present time. In the appendix will be found the Declaration of Independence; the Constitution of the United States; terse arguments on precedent and the constitutionality of Sunday laws; Senator Heyburn’s speech in the United States Senate, May 26, 1911, against the Johnston Sunday bill; and gems from noted men and well-known authors.

No other book like it in the United States; no other contains so much matter upon this subject. It is virtually eight books in one. Every American should have it and read it. Its “Foreword,” by Judge Cooley, and its closing argument in Part VII, by ex-Postmaster-General William F. Vilas, were both written especially for this work. There are copious notes throughout, with numerous cross-references, and all thoroughly indexed.

The book contains 800 pages, or more than twice the number in the first edition, and, bound in cloth, sells for only $1.25. We bespeak for it a wide field of usefulness, and trust that it may have a large and extensive circulation. It ought to be placed in the hands of every lawyer, judge, legislator, minister, educator, and school-teacher in the United States, and in all the public, college, and school libraries throughout the land. The fact that it contains the text of all the Sunday laws of the United States, including those of Alaska, Hawaii, and Porto Rico, should alone sell the book to thousands.

The following item from the Washington Herald of Feb. 11, 1911, shows how persistently Roman Catholics are working for the extension of their literature:—

“Through the assistance of the Catholic Convert League and the Children of Mary of the Sacred Heart, a catalogue of Catholic books in the public library [of Washington] has been published. An introduction by Father Russell calls attention to the value of reading Catholic books.”

This is both significant and suggestive. Let the American public have an opportunity to read “American State Papers.” This will throw light upon a subject on which many are now in great darkness.

Order now from your tract society, so that you may receive the book as soon as issued.