“Watchman, What of the Night?”
By C. P. Whitford
UNDER the above significant heading, a writer in the columns of the Montpelier Freeman confesses that of late he has discovered some things which he does not understand; and as editors are supposed to know some things which others do not, he appeals to him, to be helped out of his dilemma. It seems that the writer has noticed the proceedings of the late convention, the object of which was to ask Congress to so alter the Constitution of the United States as to make it distinctly recognize Almighty God as the supreme source of government, Jesus Christ as the supreme Law-giver, and the Bible as the supreme fountain of legislation. From what he has learned of the proceedings of this convention, he is led to ask, What does all this mean? to which we reply, It means (and to use their own language) that “all good men throughout the nation should be thoroughly organized and prepared to act promptly and unitedly in opposition to everything which endangers our free institutions.” Among the things which they set down as endangering our free institutions, they mention “the destruction of the Christian Sabbath.” For twenty-six years, Seventh-day Adventists have taught that in this government oppressive laws would be enacted in religious matters, as brought to view under the symbol of the image to the beast. Rev. 13: 11–18. Yet some professed expositors of prophecy have ridiculed this part of our faith, as a thing too incredible to be entertained for a moment. A few years since, nothing could be seen of this work, only as it was discovered by the eye of faith through the unerring word of God. But to-day, what do we behold? A series of movements, all looking to this end, are rapidly taking place in all parts of the country. Associations are being formed; conventions, called; public documents, everywhere circulated; and all American citizens, without distinction of party or creed, are invited to engage heartily in the work proposed. And well may the question be asked, “Watchman, what of the night?” In their recent convention, Dr. Jonathan Edwards is reported as saying that the earth would soon become a hell, if the Constitution was not soon so amended. Mr. Holmes is reported to have said that New York would yet see her streets flow with blood. Mr. Milligan is reported as saying that the Constitution, drafted in the May Flower in 1620, was in favor of Protestant Christianity, and he thought no one opposed thereto had any right in this country. It is also reported that Dr. Treat of Vineland, attempted to speak in opposition to these sentiments, but was met with cries of, “Put him out,” “Sit down,” “Shut up,” &c., from all quarters of the room. And, in view of all this, the writer in the Freeman wants to know if “when these Christian brothers get their God, their Christ, and their Bible into the Constitution, that none but members of the Protestant Church are to enjoy any rights, political or civil, in America?” If not, what does it mean?” To which we say, in reply, It means (and to use their own language) that, “if we are Christians, let us make no hypocritical pretensions of founding our government on Christian principles. If we are, and believe they should govern our whole life, let us have them incorporated in the basis of our government, and the national policy shaped to them. Let no one hold an office of trust and profit whose life has not been conformable thereto.” No one can fail to understand the import of such language as this—No one but Christians to hold any office! But who shall determine who are Christians? Why, the ruling churches, of course. All others will be branded as heretics, and all rights denied them. This is where we are surely drifting. For several years this work has been daily growing in extent and importance. Indeed, no movement of equal magnitude of purpose has ever sprung up and become strong, and secured favor so rapidly as this. In the city of Philadelphia, there is published a paper called the “Christian Statesman,” in advocacy of this movement. Every issue of that paper goes forth filled with arguments and appeals from some of the ablest pens in our land, in favor of the desired Constitutional Amendment. The success of the “proposed amendment” virtually destroys one of the first principles upon which our government was founded: viz., All men shall have the privilege of worshiping God according to the dictates of their own consciences. When the time shall come that the Constitution of our country enforces the observance of the first day of the week as the Sabbath, what will be the fate of those who conscientiously believe, and lay hold of, the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and dare to keep it? They will be considered outlaws, and branded as heretics. The crisis is approaching. Beyond this nothing remains but the sharp conflict of the people of God with this earthly power, and the eternal triumph of the overcomer. “Wherefore, take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand.” C. P. WHITFORD. Berkshire Center, Vt.