Sunday-Law Agitation in Oregon by W. F. Martin

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 4, 1909

Sunday-Law Agitation in Oregon

By W. F. Martin

WHEN the Oregon Legislature convened, the Sunday-law advocates were on hand with their stereotyped bill, which two years before had been passed in Idaho, and which they had tried to put through in California. The conference decided to take active steps against it, so special petitions were prepared, and sent throughout the State for our people to circulate. Our people were also asked to write letters to their senators and representatives. The writer was asked to go to Salem to do everything possible in disseminating the principles of religious liberty. I had the privilege of interviewing a number of senators and representatives, and of placing on their desks copies of Liberty and other literature. It was evident from the first that a strong fight was on. The bill was referred to the judiciary committee, and a hearing was set for Monday, January 8, at 4 P. M. About thirty-five ministers went up from Portland to work for the bill. Among them were the strongest men of the city. Elder D. Nettleton and myself went on the same car. Soon after arriving in Salem, they organized not only to support the bill, but to fight the arguments we might make. One of their number was specially delegated to answer my arguments, as he said, in anticipation. He also said it might be embarrassing to him, as he might not strike the main point. He then launched out in a line of argument against the Sabbath.

The ministers seemed to think if they could prove that we were wrong on the Sabbath question, the committee would make a favorable report on the bill. They used the old arguments of round world, lost time, etc. Some very bitter attacks were made on us. Nearly three hours was devoted to the hearing, the friends of the bill leading out.

First on the opposition was one of the leading attorneys of the State. He handled the assembled ministers in a severe way, which they resented by groans and hisses, till the chairman of the committee called them severely to order. About forty-five minutes was given to the writer. The Lord helped in the presentation of the truth. Before going into the meeting, Brother Nettleton and myself had an earnest season of prayer, our souls reaching out after God. He heard us pray, and gave freedom before that packed room.

Lawyers, newspaper men, and members of the Senate and House sat or stood and intently listened to the message. A score or more came to me after the hearing and commended the stand we had taken, and expressed themselves as highly pleased with the arguments made.

It is manifest that no one knows the principles of religious liberty so well as Seventh-day Adventists. The attorney held in his hand two copies of Liberty, and recommended all to read the magazine.

On Tuesday the bill came up for action in the Senate, with an adverse report. Petitions against the bill, with over three thousand names, were presented, and placed on file. After quite a lengthy debate, in which Seventh-day Adventists came in for their share for opposing the bill, it was indefinitely postponed.

We feel to thank the Lord for what we consider another victory for the truth.

It afforded an opportunity to get the truth before men who would not otherwise have heard it.

The ministers from Portland who went to Salem to urge the passage of the bill, were terribly chagrined at their failure.

It is said they are already laying plans for the legislature of 1911.

We look upon all this agitation as a sign of the near coming of our Saviour, and it behooves us to be doing all in our power to spread the light of truth, that men and women may know where to stand.

W. F. MARTIN.