Evils of Religious Legislation
By H. W. Reed
Prof. Frederick J. Stanley, D. D., Secretary of the American Sabbath Union, gave two addresses at the Sparta convention last October. In one of these he made the following statement: “The Wisconsin Sunday Rest Day Association is the most efficient and best equipped of its kind in the United States, with the possible exception of the one in Pennsylvania.” I will now quote a resolution passed by this association at the Sparta convention last October:— “Whereas, President Roosevelt and several governors and other executive officers have so entered on the work of law enforcement as to arouse an unusual interest in this most important public issue and make this a most opportune time to arouse united action in this matter; therefore,— “Resolved, That we urge all organizations in each community that believe in law and order to unite in a ‘Federation of Christian Forces’ which shall,— “First, use every practicable effort to secure the enforcement of law, especially by inducing executive officers to do their full duty, and heartily upholding them and co-operating with them in every effort to prevent lawbreaking and punish lawbreakers. “Second, enter at once on a vigorous campaign of education to secure the nomination and election of honest, faithful citizens as city, village, and town officers, who will impartially enforce all laws, especially those that protect moral character.” I will now make one quotation from the report of the executive committee of the Wisconsin Sunday Rest Day Association rendered at the Sparta convention last October: “At our secretary’s suggestion at the Rochester meeting, it was agreed to petition the Interstate Commerce Commission to investigate the connection between the lack of weekly rest days of employees and railway accidents, and to unite in efforts to secure national and State legislation similar to that in force in Switzerland with great advantage to all parties, securing fifty-two full weekly rest days to all employees. Such a bill was introduced last winter in Madison, but was defeated. Vigorous measures should be taken the coming year to prepare such public sentiment as will secure its passage in the next legislature. The governor expressed a strong desire for its passage, and our labor commissioner worked vigorously in its behalf. Our new labor commissioner and railway commission promise co-operation in its behalf. As we started this most vital movement, we should push it to victory in State and nation. Professor Ely, of University, says that it is the most important movement for Sunday rest yet made.” Paul, speaking in 1 Cor. 2:8 of the wisdom of God, says: “Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” If Paul were living to-day, he could just as truthfully write of this Sunday Rest Day Association: “If ye leaders of the people only knew the wisdom of God, ye would not crucify the Sabbath of the Lord of glory.” If they knew the wisdom of God, then there would be no need of any association of this kind and character. It never would have been born if they had fully understood the Constitution of the United States, and adhered to it. In the Declaration of Independence they as well as we all should recognize the principle of equal rights to all as the principle that would perpetuate this republic. If this were done, there would be no danger that religious liberty would ever be crushed to death by its foe—religious legislation. May the God who giveth wisdom and understanding unto the simple make us wise unto salvation through faith in Jesus Christ our Lord.