Bidding for Votes by Editor

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Aug 10, 1882

Bidding for Votes.

By Editor

WITH party politics we have nothing to do. But politics are now invading the domain of religion, and the issue is raised on a point which affects our conscientious convictions and practice. It is claimed by some that the anti-Sunday platform adopted at San Jose was intended to catch votes. If we are not mistaken that is what both sides—all politicians—are after. Delegates opposed that platform because they thought they would lose votes on it. Men who care neither for Sunday nor temperance are advocating the law; for what, unless to secure votes?

Our Saviour not only told us to render unto God the things which are God's, but also to render unto Cæsar the things which are Cæsar's. Or, in the words of another scripture, to give honor to whom honor is due.

It may indeed be, as some affirm, that there are no "sumptuary laws" existing in California, strictly speaking. If so, that expression in the platform has no particular application. But there is one expression which has an application which we can appreciate, and so can all if they will put themselves in our place, or consider the matter in the spirit of Christian unselfishness—in the spirit of the golden rule. That platform says they will oppose,—

"All laws intended to restrain or direct a free and full exercise by any citizen of his own religious and political opinion, so long as he leaves others to enjoy their own rights unmolested."

Now to all, of every party, ruling "sumptuary laws" out of the question, which narrows it down to the point which we here notice, we have one question to ask: Are you opposed to this expression in that platform? In other words, are you in favor of restraining or directing a full and free exercise by any citizen of his own religious opinion, as long as he leaves others to enjoy their own rights unmolested? How will you put yourself "on record" on this important question?