Consent of the Governed and the Image of the Beast
The Independent, October 25, says: “We are hearing a great deal, these days, of the ‘self-evident truth’ that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed. . . . This absolute generalization regarding consent . . . is likely to gasp out its last breath in the pending campaign.” It is greatly to be feared that this will prove true. And if in this campaign that thing does breathe out its last breath, and the fundamental principle of Protestant and republican government be so utterly repudiated by this nation, then no mind can conceive the rapidity of the development of the Image of the Beast that will surely follow. PLANS for the first New York State Conference of Religion, to be held in New York City, November 20–22, are nearly finished. Among the speakers thus far engaged, and their topics, are the following: Rev. Washington Gladden, D. D., “Religion Vital to Democracy;” President George A. Gates, of Iowa College, “Dangerous Classes in a Republic;” President G. Stanley Hall, “Religious Education in the Public Schools;” Judge Simeon E. Baldwin, of New Haven, Conn., “Education by Church and School in Social Righteousness;” Rev. W. C. Gannett and Prof. Walter Rauschenbusch, “Religion, the Life of God in the Soul of Man;” Rev. Dr. Heber Newton and Rev. Dr. Henry Berkowitz, “The Possibilities of Common Worship;” Rev. Charles F. Dole, “The Unorganized Religious Forces;” Rev. Josiah Strong, D. D., “The Message of the Conference to the Churches.” Other speakers announced are Rev. Dr. Charles E. Parkhurst; President Hall, of Union Theological Seminary; Rev. Thomas R. Slicer; Prof. Henry S. Nash, and Mr. Henry D. Lloyd, of Chicago. That meeting will be a direct and also a large contribution to the making of the Image of the Beast. For every one of the subjects announced, with possibly two exceptions, contemplates the union of religion and the state. And from the association, it may be confidently expected that the two possible exceptions will be so turned as to contribute to the one great thought of all the others. Let all read the pamphlet “Christian Patriotism,” and they can easily discern the true bearing of such things as this Conference and the subjects announced.