Call for a National Fast
By Editor
"Call for a National Fast."—We published in our last issue a call for a "Day of Prayer" for the nation by Mr. Moody and others, and intimated that it was another indication in the direction of a national religion. It is thus that National Reformers look upon it. The Christian Statesman of September 26 earnestly adds its voice to the appeal. Quoting a part of the language of the "call," it says: "This means that the nation has relations as a nation with God; . . . and that God's law as given in his Word is the Supreme law of national life." On confession of sin it says: "The nation, as such, then, is guilty of the transgression of God's law. It needs forgiveness, and it needs salvation from its sins and their legitimate consequences, the national adversities that are upon us and the threatening perils that fill us [why not say 'it'?] with perplexity." Yes, and the nation should be baptized, and should partake of the Lord's supper, and should be confirmed, etc! All this may be National Reform Gospel, but it is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The law of God in a government run by National Reformers means the law as interpreted by National Reformers, a law of man exalted by man to an equality with God. God's word in such a government is not "the word of faith," but man's interpretation of the word exalted above the real word. Such a government means hypocrisy for the time-serving, and persecution for the honest, righteous, and courageous dissenter.