Morality by Law

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 11, 1913

At a Methodist camp-meeting held at Great Falls, Va., during the latter part of August, Vice-President Marshall made an address in which he spoke some pointed truths with reference to the futility of attempting to secure morality by means of human legislation. The following is an excerpt from his address:—

One of Thomas Jefferson’s deeds, recorded on his tomb, is his authorship of the bill of religious freedom. The right to worship God according to the dictates of one’s own conscience is the right to worship God or not worship him, as one may choose. That man is not worthy of his American citizenship who does not realize that this republic is an outcome of the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.

At the foundation of the republic Jefferson wrote, “Every man has a right to life.” Jesus of Nazareth said, “I come to give you life and to give it more abundantly.” I believe that God gives us the right to ruin our lives or not, as we please. He says, “Give me thine heart;” but he will not take it from us against our choice.

Mr. Marshall said that if he were able, he would have a great revival in all the churches of this land which would fill their pews to overflowing. “But such a thing could not be accomplished by legislation,” he said; for “it is not possible to make good men by that method.” In this he is taking the true ground of religious liberty.