National Reform Convention by C. M. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 29, 1907

National Reform Convention

By C. M. S.

The regular annual institute and conference of the National Reform Association was held at Winona Lake, Ind., Aug. 12-17. The first part of this convention was termed the Christian Citizenship Institute, and the latter part the Christian Citizenship Conference.

This institute had by far the smallest attendance of any of the institutes, conventions, or other special gatherings held on the grounds. It was advertised to be held in a large tent near the auditorium; but for some reason no tent was pitched for it. The speakers used the band stand for a pulpit, and the meager audience occupied portable settees under the trees surrounding the band stand. The chairman of the convention, Rev. J. S. Martin, had on hand a considerable quantity of literature, which was distributed gratuitously, and the names and addresses of all in attendance were taken by the chairman, that the literature of the National Reform Organization might be sent them during the year. As a partial offset for the meager attendance, quite copious reports of the different addresses were published each day in the Winona Assembly Review.

The people in attendance at the Winona Assembly did not seem intensely interested in the themes presented by the National Reformers, in spite of the fact that large cards advertising the meetings and the themes to be discussed were tacked up in every conspicuous place, and the programs were printed each morning in the Assembly Review. This was noted and regretted by several of the speakers; and yet they propose to go on with their project of erecting a Temple of National Reform at this place or purchasing some hall already erected.

Nevertheless, we could make no more serious blunder than to think, and to act upon the thought, that the seeming indifference of the people here toward these questions is an indication that the objects for which the National Reform Association is working are dead or dying issues in this country. The National Reformers are exceedingly desirous of gaining the attention of the thoughtful, earnest people who annually assemble at Winona Lake to attend lectures, summer schools, Bible institutes and conferences, and Sunday-school workers’ conventions. But between the sessions of these various institutes, conventions, etc., these people prefer to take some sort of recreation, on the lake, in the lake, strolling through the park, studying the lessons given them to learn, or attending musicales and band concerts. Their attitude here toward the “Christian Citizenship” convention is not an indication that the National Reform propaganda is raveling out, nor that the country at large is drifting farther away from the principles which the National Reformers stand for; nor even that these same Winona attendants would not give attention to the propaganda if carried on in their own churches.

The National Reformers now understand this, and for that reason they are planning a number of institutes to be held in churches in various parts of the country during the year. But the country is not dependent upon these institutes for the promulgation of the ideas for which the organization stands. Throughout the length and breadth of the land pastors are inculcating the ideas of the National Reform platform, and urging the enforcement of “sabbath” laws.

The writer noted a striking difference between the addresses of this year and last. There was not so much advocacy of political wire-pulling, not so much talk of a union of religion and the state; but there seemed to be a well-organized, deep, purposeful propaganda to educate the

people to an adoption of their purposes. They have seen that the people do not take kindly to the idea of religious legislation. Therefore they are extolling the advantages of “moral” legislation; but through that “moral” legislation idea they will accomplish their set purpose—the enforcement of religion by law. It is their design to educate the people to demand of their legislators “moral” legislation, and to weary them with petitions until they see the necessity of yielding to the growing chorus of importunities along that line.

When legislators have grown to realize how close a relation is to be established between their retention of their office and their attitude toward “moral” legislation, there is no question as to the attitude they will assume toward the demands and petitions of those interested in such legislation. Laws for the protection of the “Lord’s day” will then find easy access to the statute-books of the States. It will not be done as a matter of religion—not at all—only a matter of moral legislation.

Next week we will give an epitome of the positions taken and the arguments used at this convention, and which are to be given in substance at the various conventions to be held during the year throughout the country. C. M. S.