Individualism

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, Cal. · Dec 23, 1903

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 29, No. 51.

Individualism.—There is much talk nowadays about Socialism, applied Christianity, the authority and selfhood of the State, its personality, etc. Do not be deceived. The only just government or system of government, the only true religion, is that which recognizes the rights of the individual, be that individual who he may. Among these rights, as our forefathers declared, are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These include the worship or non-worship of God, the profession or non-profession of religion. Man can not of right deprive himself of this right, nor has any man or combination of men the right to deprive him of his right to freely choose. This right is God-given. God does not compel choice. He sets before man the two ways, and says, "Choose ye." And the only just human government there can be must be on the plan of individualism. For when the rights of each one is conserved, the rights of all are conserved. But if any system deprives a single soul of his equal rights with all men, the system is false, and will, if operative and dominant, extend to others, and eventually work ruin. The only true ism of government is individualism.