National Reform at the Pennsylvania Capital by George W. Spies

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 28, 1907

National Reform at the Pennsylvania Capital

By George W. Spies

February 14 and 15 the ministerial association of Harrisburg, Pa., assisted by the National Reform Association, held a conference in the Board of Trade building at Harrisburg for the study of “Bible Principles of Civil Government.” Nearly fifty speakers took part in rendering an elaborate program which covered every phase of reform, beginning with Sabbath observance.

Mayor E. Z. Gross, of Harrisburg, extended a hearty welcome to the National Reform Association in behalf of our capital city, and stated that Harrisburg is “in hearty accord with this movement.” He expressed himself as hopeful that the time would soon come when the principles of the National Reform Association would become general throughout the land.

The writer never listened to a more thorough confusion of the functions of the church and the state than at this convention. A spirit of intense determination characterized the speakers, who made no effort to conceal their purpose to have the church dominate the government by “concerted action,” and “concentrated pressure” upon legislators.

One speaker emphasized the fact that the State must grant every one “the right to worship;” that this worship “shall be spiritual;” but that the right to worship must be exercised “as the laws of the State or nation shall permit.” The right not to worship was not conceded.

Some of the reformers were much concerned over the refusal of our nation, hitherto, to “speak” and confess its faith in Christ by a Constitutional utterance. This, it was stated, would result in great blessings to the nation. In Rev. 13:15-17 these blessings are enumerated.

One speaker who gloried in the “inestimable blessings of civil and religious liberty” in our country, informed the infidels and Jews that they “came in after the State was formed;” and that if they were permitted to carry out their peculiar views, it would be “by courtesy and not by right.”

Elder W. H. Smith and the writer, being present at the convention, enjoyed, or rather endured, a little of this “courtesy.” During an “open parliament,” in which a call was made for remarks on the “seventh-day side” of the question, we made repeated efforts to secure the floor, remaining standing at one time for several minutes. But the presiding officer was far-sighted; he seemed to be unable to see us, although he saw another clergyman at the rear of the auditorium (we were near the front), who acted as if he wished to rise, but did not. He was called upon, and we were ignored. We learned afterward that there had been a meeting held of the Harrisburg clergy, at which we were subjects of discussion, and that our “courteous” treatment was a part of the program.

Although we were ignored at the convention, and had no opportunity to speak, we had the privilege of pointing out the nature of Sunday and the origin of Sunday legislation in an open letter to the clergy in the leading Harrisburg daily, which, up to the present time, has elicited no reply.

The usual list of resolutions was adopted concerning the “Sabbath,” the home, the saloon, education, polygamy, etc., etc. Everything in connection with this convention has emphasized the fact that the golden orb of liberty in our State and nation has well-nigh set. May we all work while it is yet day; for the dark night when no man can work is hastening on apace.

GEORGE W. SPIES.

Harrisburg, Pa.