The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-01-21
SUNDAY. JANUARY y 1900.
cnUpCn AND STATE.

We print elsewhere in to-day's paper
a. communication from the Rev. +. r.
Parham. which is most gratifying to our
ecel;nrs IT Is a tribute OF which any
newspaper might feel proud. 1t has ever
been our honest endeavor to print the
news fairly. to print both sides OF the
news, and never to suppress or after
facts tn order 10 BOLSTER up any posi-
zion which, we might have assumed in the
editorial columns of the paper. In eur
editorial discussions we have also tried
to be fair and honest. our one purpose
being to present tho facts and tbs
arguments in such a way as to give our
readers an intelligent understanding OF
the great questions of the day as We
theory OF our own. We have our own
views on all public questions and we have
not 11csitated. upon occasion. to express
them, and If we have appeared at times
ITO be too assertive. we have at least
honestly endearored never TO pervert the
facts. It is human to err. and The Times
does not pretend to be infallible. but We
do honestly and earnestly cndcavor TO be
tair in prin ing the news and IN dis
cussing the questions of the day. As our
correspondent says. there are two sides
TO every question. and to be assured by
minister of the gospel that The Times has
so presented Both sides as to broaden his
views and to give him clearer under
standing OF leading questions of the day.
is a tribute OF which we are pardonably
proud
AS to the attitude Of The Times toward
the Prohibition question. TO which our
correspondent alludes. NE would say
this much. If we know our own mind
and heart. we firmly and steadfastly be-
liere in the principles Of tine Christian
religion and the principles OF Jef.crsonian
Democracy There has never been any
conflict in our mind between these two.
We believe in tho absolute separation OF
Church and State, and we Dcaeve mat
the cause of religion and the causc of
Democracy are TO de promoted by adher-
ing to the doctrine Of the fathers that
this separation shall he absolute. We
insist that the State shall not interfere
In the affairs of Church and that the
c,hurc!, shal! not interfere in the affairs of
State We insist that every man shall be
at liberty ito worship God in his own way;
that there shall be no discrimination
against him because Of his religious faith:
and that every man shall he free to act
as he will. and to do as he will. with his |
l,fzl Mi oSS
the rights OF others.
Democracy is that which stands be- |
tween Anarchy on the one hand. and So |
cialism on the other. 1t believes in the |
law. in the supreme majesty of the law. |
but It believes also in as little law and |
rernment in private affairs as is consistent |
With the public good aud With the
tab!!shed institutions of Church and So |
ciety. we do not believe that men can
he made moral or religious by legislative |
enactment. We believe in freedom Of |
thought. freedom OF action and freedom |
OF trade. We do not believe that 1t is in |
the province OF government to teach |
morals or religion, or. by class-legisIa-
tion. TO help men 10 acquire riches. There
are distinct functions of government and !!
Democracy has declared them and get the
bounds Under that system we have
built up the greatest republic on Garth.
AID whenever there Is a n,ar!fes. dispo-
eision on the part OF any faction or po-
i,sica1 party TO have the government de-
part from those established principles and
usases. We LIT our voice in protest. It
Is for the State to look after the liberties
and constitutional rights OF the people. It
is for the Church TO teach morals and
religious lessons. The Church can and
docs DO a great deal 10 Uphold the gov
srnnen, and TO enforce The laws OF gov
erf,:nens hut this great work is to be ac-
coa,.sis.,ed Independently. The wosss
q .hn Church, ii, our opinion. Is never
1,e.ped. hut rather imaeded by any
,a~,s which interfere and tr,espass upon
ti.a Distinct prerosatives OF the Church.
Tho Church does not need the aid Of