Religion in the Constitution.
The Convention of New England friends of the movement to secure a religious amendment to the Constitution of the United States, met in Boston, Dec. 16, 1874, between 200 and 300 delegates being present. Charles G. Nazro was chosen President; and among the Vice-Presidents were Judge E. H. Bennett, of Boston University, Drs. Webb and Miner, President Cummings of Wesleyan University, and Dr. Dows Clarke. Addresses were made by the President and Secretary M’Allister on the object and methods of the movement, and by President Cummings on the influence of the perversion of truth, in regard to the connection of religion and State. Judge Bennett reported a set of resolutions:— First. That the connection which has hitherto existed and still exists, in fact, between our government and Christianity, now demands expression in our fundamental law. Second. That such an expression and authentication of the connection of our government with Christianity is now required fully and explicitly to harmonize our National Constitution with our State Constitutions, with our common law, and with the Christian usages of our common life. Third. That the recognition of Christianity in the National Constitution does not involve a union of church and State, but rather the opposite, since it enables the nation to express its own relation to Christianity without the intervention of any church organization. Fourth. That as the Christian institutions of this nation do not infringe upon the rights of any citizen, but are a bulwark and safeguard of all rights, the securing for these institutions an explicit legal basis in our fundamental law can be in no manner intolerant or proscriptive. Fifth. That this constitutional recognition of the connection of our Government with Christianity is necessary, not to sustain the Christian religion, but to aid in preserving and maintaining Christian institutions and usages of our nation. Sixth. That recognizing the importance of this subject, we pledge ourselves to present and advocate it until the nation, by the voice of the people, shall declare its Christian character, as it has already asserted its freedom, in the charter of our rights and liberties.