A Distinction Defined by William N. Glenn

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 19, 1885

A Distinction Defined.

By William N. Glenn

It is quite generally supposed that there is a difference between morality and religion; but the dividing line is probably not so generally understood. This being the case, it may be interesting to many to know that at least one point of difference has been defined, and that they are indebted to the Congregational Club (ministers of San Francisco and Oakland) for the development. The recent attempt of the club to revive the Sunday law agitation in California has brought out an acknowledged distinction between morality and the religion of that denomination, or at least that portion of it represented by the club.

The D. D. who led off in the movement is reported as saying that "it would be impossible to secure the enactment of a Sunday law in this State that would satisfy the extreme Sabbatarians [that is, Sunday advocates], and that the most that could be expected was to satisfy the moral, not the religious class." Then, on account of this impossibility, the same speaker expressed the opinion that "all that should be asked for was a protective, not an oppressive, law." These statements logically give us to understand that the "moral class" would be satisfied with a "protective" law, while the "religious class," or "extreme Sabbatarians," would prefer an "oppressive" one.

Another D. D. of the "club," who emphatically voiced the sentiment of the "religionists," observed that this is a Christian nation, and he thought the "Christian Sabbath" should be enforced as such. He contended that there was too much talk about the "civil Sabbath;" the "religious Sabbath" is what is wanted.

Many conscientious people will concede that the line between morality and the spirit of such religion has been fairly drawn by this representative ministerial club. History amply testifies that this species of religion has been the most "oppressive" element the world has ever known, while morality, which is the very essence of Christianity, is ever charitable. The Saviour set forth these two great moral principles: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind;" and "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Then he added, "On these two commandments hang all the law [no reservation whatever] and the prophets." Matt. 22: 37-40. Again, "All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the law and the prophets." Chap. 7: 12. Here is morality, or Christianity, of the highest type, which is the standard of true religion. It will be seen at a glance that there is nothing "oppressive" about it.

W. N. GLENN.