The Deadly Germ to Good Government by Clifford G. Howell

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 26, 1910

The Deadly Germ to Good Government

By Clifford G. Howell

IMPORTANT truths were recently set forth in a speech by Governor Hughes, of New York. Among other things he said: “I am convinced that what we need is not legislation, but moral character. . . . We can not carry matters of faith into the political arena.”

These principles have been more fully recognized and demonstrated in the government of the United States than in any other nation. Their value has been so fully proved during the hundred years following the adoption of the Constitution that it would seem that no student of the history of the nations of the past, with their dark records of religious intolerance, would ever see the first step taken toward political interference with religious affairs without making earnest protest.

And yet, notwithstanding the light of the past speaks to us, “history repeats itself.” That there is already a strong tendency toward religious legislation in this country, none can deny. In these days of microscopic examination, the germs of disease are recognized, and an effort is made to destroy them before they fasten upon the vitals. Why should it not be so with germs that have ever eaten the vitals from good government?

The Constitution of the United States, and the Master’s command, “Render . . . unto God the things that are God’s,” forbid Congress entering the realm of religion; but the demand has grown so strong that many are becoming confused over the question, and, to an extent, legislators are yielding. During the session of Congress now in progress, a Sunday bill has passed the Senate, and is now in the hands of a committee in the House. Such a thing could not have occurred forty years ago. But in 1863 an organization was formed for the express purpose of getting the Constitution changed so that this kind of legislation could be passed. The indications are now, however, that such enactments will be made, the Constitution to the contrary notwithstanding.

To the honor of most of the senators be it said, they have refrained from voting for this measure warned against by the prophetic Word. Evidently they felt there was something about it which was not right. The bill was opposed by a goodly number. When it came to the vote, a strange thing occurred. There was only one audible vote in its favor; and as there was no opposing voice, it was announced that the motion prevailed.

To some it may seem that heaven is far away; but it surely still has an interest in the affairs of men. When the Saviour bade Peter put away the sword, he thereby forbade that the power of the sword should be invoked in defense of even the true religion. The office of the state is to see that men are civil, not that they should be made to seem religious.

Moreover, there is a conflict between Sunday laws and the law of God. Senator Money, of Mississippi, said, in discussion of this bill, “If anybody considers Saturday as the Sabbath—and undoubtedly it is the Sabbath—and not Sunday,” etc. Is it a light thing that legislation upon earth should lead those who wish to obey all right laws to set aside the law of Heaven?

Every one is concerned in this matter. The example of the United States will be followed by other nations. But whatever one’s views of the Sabbath question may be, surely it is clear that neither the day commanded in the Bible, nor the day long ago fastened upon the world by the Catholic Church, should ever be forced upon the people by the power behind which is the sword.

CLIFFORD G. HOWELL.