IN ARIZONA, ALSO by W. N. G.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Oct 14, 1897

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 23, No. 40.

IN ARIZONA, ALSO.

By W. N. G.

The principle of Church and State union, at least its pioneer feature comprised in Sunday laws, has been so far encouraged in the past decade that we need not be surprised to see little scions springing up anywhere in the United States. There is no State Sunday law in California, and the constitution of the United States, which directly prohibits the establishment of religion and guarantees the free exercise thereof, is by the State constitution made the supreme law of the State. Yet there are several counties and municipalities where Sunday closing ordinances are in force. Compelling men to close business on Sunday is enforced religion; it is to that extent an establishment of religion for the people by the civil authorities.

But it is not only in California that this species of

religious tyranny is showing itself in the civil ordinances of small localities, contrary to the spirit and even the letter of the fundamental law. We find the same thing in Arizona, altho as yet it has appeared in but one locality. The little city of Yuma is the one place in that territory where the principle of Church and State government is in force. The territory has no general Sunday law, but Yuma has a municipal Sunday law; and we learn from the Phoenix Press that a prominent merchant “has been fined $50 for not complying with the town religion.” Thus we see the boldness of that professed Christianity which dares to judge and condemn men in the realm where Christ himself said, “I judge no man.” The imposing of penalties by the civil magistrate for non-compliance with any religious dogma is just the opposite of Christianity; and its being done in the name of Christianity is all the more deceptive. Neither by precept nor example has Christ ever given such authority to man. It was against such action that Protestantism arose three centuries ago, and against it true Protestantism must stand to-day.

W. N. G.