A Plea for Legalized Christianity.
By William Covert
[We think the reader will readily see the force of the following presentation of the position of those who are endeavoring to Christianize this nation by an Act of Congress, and will pardon the irony used by the writer.—ED. SIGNS.] It is thought that Christianity in this country would be greatly advanced if we would assert in the national constitution that "This is a Christian Nation." If this can be done without doing violence to the ninth commandment, and we can get such large returns in Christianity with so small an investment in effort, we are not wise if we neglect the opportunity. If we have attained to such a mark of distinction there should be some action taken that will call the attention of other nations to our superior virtues. I suggest that an international council be called, and that we apply for a diploma of Christian character. Could we have such a degree of honor conferred upon us, we could then with our national modesty and Christian virtues mightily help other nations, and perhaps we could soon induce them to imitate us in legalizing the Christian religion. Perhaps it would be best to proceed in this manner; for if we should declare ourselves to be a Christian nation it would have an appearance of egotism, and there would be danger of jealousy and fault-finding from abroad. But if we can induce other people to give us the honor due us, we will not be under the necessity of uttering our own praise, and then we would not be afraid of Prov. 24 : 24. As Christianity is not merely a local institution, but was designed to bless all nations, it would be contrary to the spirit of it for us to endeavor to monopolize it in this country. Therefore it is absolutely necessary, from the nature of the case, for other nations to also declare that they are Christian nations, that we may be one brotherhood, and the world become one Christian community. Some departure of this nature is a necessity of the times, because the world is losing confidence in our revival efforts, and we must do something to retain our hold upon the people. And why should it be thought a thing improper for us to seek to legalize Christianity? Did not Mother Rome do in effect what we are proposing to do? And did not kings call her blessed for such a service? Let us also remember that very many who profess conversion in the modern revivals are not benefited more than were the pagans when Constantine imposed the Christian religion upon the people in his day. Wherefore it is clearly our province and our duty to proceed at once in this matter. Many can be influenced to connect themselves with us that at present are keeping aloof from us. If we could but get the nations to declare themselves Christians, certainly we could then say the world is converted, and the millennium has come. Then again, it seems clear that we would be enabled, in a short time, to control the finances so that all would be compelled to contribute to our support. Certainly if Christianity is to be placed on a legal basis it will be entitled to a legal support. There could be nothing wrong in this. Rev. 17 : 4. In short, we think the time has come when we should assert our rights and make ourselves to be appreciated! Should we lay aside our veil of modesty and settle the Mormon question, and prevent Chinese immigration to this country, and in Europe dispose of Mohammedanism the world will then recognize our skill and ability, and court our favor. I think we have been too timid in the past. When the Constitution of the United States was being formed, we were asleep and let them bind us with thongs; but we must break their bands asunder, for our numbers will give us the victory. Instead of being regarded as a widow and entirely divorced from the world, we should sit as a queen. Rev. 18 : 7; Isa. 47 : 7-9. It is high time that we should pour the oil of gladness upon the nations and their rulers, that we may share in their good favor. Isa. 57 : 7-15. It is necessary to have the good opinion and the friendship of the world if we expect to help them. Jas. 4 : 4. Doubtless a few fanatics may consider themselves persecuted if we should make a practical application of our legalized rights, but these few should realize that we have a great mission, and to accomplish it we will be under the necessity of giving life to our measures; and the few should be willing to suffer many inconveniences that they may have the privilege of living in such a country as we will have when we get the law in our hands. Let no one say that we do not contemplate sufficiently practical ends. What we want is law to regulate our Christian differences, that all may share in our superior clemency, which will show fractious ones what their end shall be when our legislation shall conform to the spirit of Christianity, and all shall learn that we are not of this world, and that our kingdom is not from hence.