DRAWING ON.-What? by Editor

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 29, 1870

DRAWING ON.—What?

By Editor

The time when government shall interfere in religious matters, and bring about the crisis in this country, foretold in prophecy.

A series of movements all looking to this end, are, with little noise, but almost simultaneously, taking place in all parts of the country. The Pittsburg Convention has already been noticed. On the 22d of February last, the Methodists of the State of New York, met in convention at Syracuse, to consider the “subjects which they deem vital to the maintenance of the Christian religion and a pure government.” The 13th plank of the platform setting forth their “position,” bears this inscription:

“The Christian Sabbath is fundamental to American freedom, its protection by the government is therefore a high public trust.”

The italics are ours. In reference to their organization, they say:

“We do not propose to form a Christian, nor even a Protestant political party; but we take the position that good men throughout the State and the nation, should be thoroughly organized and prepared to act promptly and unitedly in support of these principles, and in opposition to everything that endangers our free institutions.”

Among the things which they set down as endangering our free institutions, they mention, “The destruction of the Christian Sabbath.”

Again they say: “The cordial union of all citizens accepting and representing these principles is of paramount importance. We therefore do hereby tender to our fellow citizens irrespective of denomination or party, our hearty co-operation in the work proposed, and invite the appointment of committees for mutual consultation and united action. We strongly endorse the petition now in circulation, to the legislature.” They also make provision for the calling of another convention.

And so minds are working and the agitation moves on. There is a hidden power impelling it forward which will soon make it the leading question of the day. Let us prepare for the scenes before us.