The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-03-08

ern Christendom to establish civil gov
eminent on the doctrine of the liberty
or conscience, the equality of opinions
before the law" or like this: will
ilams would permit persecution OF no
opinion. OF no religion. leaving hercsy
unharmed by law and orthodoxy un-
protected by the tcrrors OF penal stat
utes"
From Part II. or Bancroft Mr. Daug-
trey may learn that Roger Williams
and John Clark, the tolerant Baptist"
were instrumental in securing tho
charter for the colony. containing the
clause. NO person within the said
colony. at any time hereafter. shall
oe any wise molcsted, punished, dis
quoted or called in question for any
difference in opinion In matters OF re-
igion; every person may at all times
freely and fully enjoy his own judg-
ment and conscience in matters Of re-
iigiouS GOVERNMENTS And If he will
continue his investigation lie Will come
upon these exact words: Freedom OF
Conscience TO every man, whether
Jew or Turk or Papist, or whomsoever
that steers no otherwise than his CON
science dares,' was from the first the
trophy of Rhode Island" Ny friend
admits that Roger Williams was n
Baptist and that no founded Rhode
Island
could state many historical facts
about the relation OF the Baptists to
freedom Of conscience. Consider the
weight OF two more quotations from
Bancroft which author Mr.. DauRhtrcy
seems 10 have at hand The single
minded simplicity with which the Bap-
lists had from their origin asserted tho
acknowledgements Of mind and the equal
rights of the humblest classes OF so
ciety naturally won converts in Amer
lea" He will find that under "Vir-
ginias Reward for Loyalty" Before
we close the volume. let us quote
again: The paths of the Baptists were
paths of freedom. ploasantness and
peace" ] sincerely hope this will con-
vince my brother that did not over
state the case for the Baptisjs More
can be said. Baptists have ever been
the consistent champions OF religious
liberty. They are the sworn foe OF
the union OF church and state Their
record has never been stained by per-
secution. In the language OF q repu
table writer: I'm the establishment of
the American principle OF the noninter-
ference of the state with religion :.
so far as this work was work of In
tclligent conviction and religious faith,
the chief honor must be given to the
Baptists. The active labor IN this
cause was mainly done by the Baptists.
II is to their consistency and constnncy
in the warfare against tho privileges
OF the powerful Standing order of
New England and OF the moribund es
tablshments of tho South that we are
chiefly indebted for the final triumphs
in this country OF that principle OF
the separation of church from state,
which is one of the largest contribu
lions of the New World to civilization
and to the church universal"
Separation OF church and state
Iii Maryland grew out OF commercial
cxpcdiency rather than out of the lofty
principles OF George Baltimore and his
son, Cccilius. Lord Baltimore was
hardly profound political philosopher
or n prophet of the coming era Of re-
lgious liberty, but he was an adroit
oourtier and a man OF business acu
men. He WAS engaged in IN enormous
land speculation, I'm which his whole
fortune was embarked, and no aid not
permit his religious predictions to
interfere with business. Leonard
Woolscy Bacon, In his fllstory of
American Christianity.'. says: I'VE
would not bcsrudge the amplest recog-
milton Of Lord Baltinlore's faith or
magnaniInity or political wisdom, but
wo have failed to find evidence of his
rising above the plano OF the smart
real estate SPECTATOR. willing to BIO
all things to all men. If so no might
realize OF his Investments. Happily,
H. was clear lighted enough to per-
ccive that his own interest was In
volved in the liberty. contcntmcnt and
prosperity Of his colonists."
! Mr.. r. u. Neill has devoted much
! time and rare ability in Investigating
I the original sources OF this part of