Arizona republican., 1910-10-11
CHURCH FEDERATION
 QUESTION DISCUSSED
Words of Protest By a Minister of
 the Adventist Faith,

TO the Editor of The Republican: Slr-In your paper of October 9. on page F, we read an article relative 10 federation of the churches of Arizona, and we beg to offer through the columns of your valuable paper a few thoughts regarding the pro- posed plan, and its meaning to the student of phophecy.
 Probably there was never a time like this, of "Confederacies." "Feder- ations" and Unions; and from the bootblacks to the clergy we find the spirit to combine" Has this a meaning? We wish particularly to notice the efforts of religious bodies and teachers in this direction, and if continued, what the inevitable end must be, when their fourth object. as glven in the attiele referred to. is accomplished. We quote in full:
 Fourth To secure a large com bined influence of the churches of Christ in ali matters affecting the moral and social condition of the people, so as to promote the applica- tion of the law of Christ in every re- lation of human life"
 The object seems to be very good. but let us examine this whole propo- sftion in the light of the past.
 When the churches of the third and fourth centuries had in a large measure lost their spiritual power they sought other support; and by a great united effort-a "union"-thev sought and gained by political meth ods such so-called reforms as they desired. In this way, a union of church and the civil power. and a domination of the state by the church were pushed forward in the days of the Roman emperor Constantine: and its sad and sickening results were truly visible during the dark and awful centuries following. The church people sought and gained their ends in that time by securing Sun day legislation. The narrowing his tory of the church from the framing Of the first Sunday law, March z. 321 A. D., is spread out before all It reveals unwonted power onA the part of the church, superstition and igno- rance on the part of the people, and arrogance and domination on the part of the, clergy. Some of its final
 
 lution and "Infidel France" A re- cord of similar results appear today, spread on the first page of every American daily, as in Portugal and Spain. are seen their struggles for liberty and advancement
 Had there never been a federation of the churches, and by domination of the state "in every relation of hu- man life in political things" the sad dest struggles among men since the days of our Saviour, would never have been.
 Shall we feel satisfied to see repetition of those first unfortunate steps of the early centuries by our churches in Arizona in 1910 with not one voice to protest? Shall we lift no note of warning when we see des- olation and trouble coming? In this supposed movement for reform, we see one of the gravest dangers that can possibly threaten the republican features sof our nation. The honesty of many of the promoters of this gi- gantic scheme need not be questioned, but we ask. is it right?
 The work of all christians is clear ly taught by the precept and example ! of their divine Lord. He never en- gagged in any controversy with civil | authority, but taught that Caesar should have his tribute. and to God | should be rendered the things that | are His.
 To seek the reform of the individ- ual is all Christ's church was sent to attempt God does not reform men by nations. Men are not made religious by law More grace" and not more legislation is needed by f the churches today; more fervent Diety ard less effort to control poli- | -ics; better work in the pulpit and oy the fireside, and less time in ansl attempt to secure an enforcement of