An Argument that Sticks by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 23, 1916

An Argument that Sticks

By Editor

In looking over some of the old American archives recently, we came across an interesting public debate. It was peculiarly interesting, for one of the arguments used was very unique and decidedly difficult to escape.

A certain man wrote a book. He quoted many scriptures in defense of his position. This book was extremely obnoxious to a certain class. However, instead of attempting to meet his thesis through the press or by other legitimate means, those opposing his views got together one day, and seizing their unsuspecting antagonist, gave him a coat of tar and rolled him in turkey feathers. Of course it was a very warm and showy argument, but did not meet the propositions of the book honestly and squarely.

The only reason such arguments, or perhaps more serious ones, are not in vogue today is largely due to education. There is no question but that our people have in several instances been saved from fines and imprisonment because the judges before whom they were tried had been reading the Liberty magazine, and recognized the justice of their position.

The signs of the times clearly indicate that we are rapidly nearing the days when our unanswerable principles of religious liberty will be met by arguments of the tar-and-feather kind, and finally by the death decree.

Some of our people are being prosecuted at the present time for violating religious laws. Read about it in the forthcoming Liberty. Fortify yourself with true principles. You may be the next one to be arrested, and you will want to know how to meet the issue.

Moral: Place Liberty in the hands of every one in your neighborhood, especially those in official positions. It may be the means of saving you from suffering, and also of saving some one from committing himself to a wrong policy of intolerance.