Civil Government and Religion

CHAPTER IV. - THE RELIGIOUS ATTACK UPON THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION, AND THOSE WHO ARE MAKING IT

THE principles set forth in the three preceding chapters are the genuine principles of Jesus Christ. The United States Constitution as it is, with its total separation of religion and the State, is in perfect harmony with these principles. It is evident, therefore, that any attempt to introduce into our national Constitution any religion, even though it be, professedly, the Christian religion, would be subversive of the principles of Christ. Any such attempt would be anti-Christian, and would be fraught with the greatest danger that could threaten the liberties of men, and with the worst evils that could befall a nation. Such an attempt is not only being made, but is so far advanced as to make this a subject of the very first importance to every lover of Christianity or human rights. CGRSL 43.1

In the United States Senate, Dec. 9, 1889, there was offered by Senator H. W. Blair, of New Hampshire, the following joint resolution, which was only a re-introduction of a joint resolution offered by the same gentleman, May 25, 1888. We present an exact copy:— CGRSL 43.2

“51ST CONGRESS, 1ST SESSION. S. R. 17.

“Joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States respecting establishments of religion and free public schools. CGRSL 43.3

“Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled (two thirds of each House concurring therein). That the following Amendment to the Constitution of the United States be, and hereby is, proposed to the States, to become valid when ratified by the legislatures of three fourths of the States as provided in the Constitution:— CGRSL 43.4