“American State Papers,” Revised Edition
By Editor
“It is to set forth the true American idea—absolute separation of religion from the state; absolute freedom for all in religious opinions and worship—that these Papers have been collected and republished. “The reader will find in this work a large number of most interesting and important state documents on this question. Part I deals with the ‘Colonial Period.’ In this, samples are given of the erroneous ideas of legislation and of the province of civil government brought over by the colonists from the Old World, together with a sketch of the life of that man who, more than any other, laid the foundation for the full and complete development in the national government of the principle first enunciated by Jesus Christ, of the complete separation of church and state, or of religion and civil government. Parts II and III contain the history, in documentary form, of the development of this principle during the ‘Federation’ and ‘National’ periods. In these will be found some of the most profound utterances to which American minds have ever given expression—veritable masterpieces of English and sound logic—bearing on the rights of conscience and the province and limits of civil authority. Part IV contains some important ‘Court Decisions’ regarding Sunday laws and religious instruction in the public schools. Part V contains the provisions in the State constitutions guaranteeing religious liberty, and the various Sunday laws now upon the statute-books of the United States; Part VI deals with the ‘Operation of Sunday Laws;’ Part VII is entitled ‘Sunday Laws Before the Bar of Reason;’ and in Part VIII is presented a brief but comprehensive ‘History of Sunday Legislation.’ In the appendix will be found the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and other valuable matter.” This enlarged Revised Edition of “American State Papers” contains 800 pages, printed in large type, with very complete marginal index and general subject index, which help to make this one of the best arranged and most useful books we have published. Do not fail to supply yourself with a copy. It is worth many times the price asked for it. • India paper, bound in flexible leather, $2.50. Order from your conference tract society.