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THE COMBAT DEEPENS

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 15, 1877

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 50, No. 20.

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“THE COMBAT DEEPENS.”

By Editor

The article by Eld. Geo. I. Butler in last week's Review, on “The Constitutional Amendment,” was much to the point in showing the progress of that work, and how the forces are gathering to carry the amendment which is proposed, and precipitate all its attendant results.
We have still further evidence to present on this important subject, looking in the same direction.
In The Universalist, of Oct. 6, 1877, published in Boston, Mass., appears a report of “The Massachusetts Convention of Universalists,” which was held at Worcester, Mass., Sept. 25, 1877. From this report it appears that certain resolutions were offered in the convention of 1876, and were then referred to a committee. One of the resolutions reads as follows:—
“Resolved, That since the silence of our fundamental law is being construed as a rejection of Christianity as a source of national strength and prosperity, giving countenance to the claims that our government should be made entirely secular, we heartily sympathize with the aims of the National Reform Association in seeking a legal recognition of God and his government.”
The committee reported at the convention of last September, and after lengthy remarks showing the importance this question is assuming in the minds of men, recommended the adoption of the resolutions.
As the question came up for discussion, Mr. Henry Kimball moved to strike out the resolution we have quoted above, as he “feared it would start up a new matter of controversy.” He said, “We may initiate a religious war, of all wars the most bitter.”
Dr. G. T. Flanders said: “There is danger in the resolution.”
Rev. Mr. Chambré said: “It is a reactionary movement, hostile to the religious liberty whereof Universalists have been special champions.”
“Rev. G. W. Haskell said that the Association which seeks the change in the Constitution only keeps its Calvinism in abeyance. That will come in due time if it gets encouragement.”
After these plain statements in regard to the nature and tendency of the proposed amendment, Rev. S. L. Beal moved the indefinite postponement of the resolution. This was lost by a vote of 44 to 64.
The original motion to strike it out then came up for action, and was lost by a vote of 42 to 59.
A motion was then made to adopt the resolution; and this motion was carried by a vote of 61 to 47.
A motion then introduced to adopt all the resolutions, and the report of the committee, was carried by a vote of 69 to 20.
The action of the Liberal League in calling for the abolition of all recognition of God and religion in State instruments and operations, and making the government wholly secular, is alarming the fears of professed Christians, and arousing them to action to repel what they consider the danger; and, as Bro. Butler remarked last week, who cannot see that this is to precipitate the conflict on the Amendment question, and that speedily? And who doubts the ability of the professedly Christian portion of the people, to carry any point on which they may unite?
The fulfillment of the prophecy of Rev. 13: 11-17, is sure to be seen, and its accomplishment is coming on, not only surely, but speedily. Are we duly preparing for the issue?