The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-06-19

The laws OF government are based
on the laws of God given in the COM
mandments to Moses, and these laws
were given because they are right and
are to the best interests of the human
race. 1t Is wrong to KILL II Is wrong
to steal; IL Is right to reverence God 8
holy name. 1t is right to work six
days and to rest the seventh.
The State can make no mistake in
lending it's support to laws that orig
mated with God and were given by
Him in solemn command. The State
can make no mistake so long as 1t
sticks to the business with which
Caesar has to do, and does not under
take to dictate In those matters that
concern our direct relations and duties
to God.
when the State passes a law COM
pelling church attendance, as 1t did
going outside its realm. because II Is
none OF the States business whether
/ go to church or not.
Separate Church and State.
Sunday laws began to be enacted
during the reign OF Constantine the
Great, emperor of Rome. when I'M
fortunately Christianity became the
religion of the State Every one
should rejoice that the principle of
separation of church and State, for
which Baptists have always stood, and
to maintain which they have suffered
no little persecution, holds good in
this fair land of ours.
Il think it Is WELL however, that
the State in promulgating It's laws.
has. under the influence of Christian
ity and In carrying out the will of the
governed. adopted Sunday as the day
OF rest. and instituted certain laws
for its observance as such.
The State has the right to do this
on the ground of economy and eff
cheney and in the. interests of human
welfare and In performing the SOW
ereign will OF its citizens.
Now regarding the present agita-
ton over enforcement OF Sunday laws
in Richmond, the laws that are on
the statute books are either right or
wrong. If right they should be en-
forced. II wrong they should be re-
pealed or changed
Where men and corporations have
gone right on violating the law and
engaged In business that is not neces-
sary. unquestionably unnecessary, and
simply INDUCED In for gain, the duty
of the State to enforce Is clear and
plain, and where there is a serious
question as to whether what Is be-
ing done Is necessity 1t is most
proper that It be tested in the courts.
But in regard to the provision
made for exemption from interference
with works Of necessity and mercy on
the Sabbath day those In authority
should have and should exercise some
common sense.
The attempt on the part OF the
leading officials of this city to make
a worthy and just law appear ridieu-
lous and absurd deserves rebuke from
fair minded men and worthy citizens.
Personal Problem.
The civil problem should not per-
sonaliy disturb any Christian. The
Lords Day Is holy day TO the Chris
tian. He who loves the Lord Jesus
who has given Him the allegiance of
his heart, will surely have II as his
hearts desire to be in the Spirit
on the Lords Day
He will not make the Lords Day
common, ordinary day II our
hearts are right toward the Lord Je-
sus we will make His day a day of
rest so far as we. can from daily
tolls and secular labors, we will make
1, as restful as we can for those who
may be our servants or employees.
we will make It day of worship. not
forsaking the assembling OF ourselves
together for spiritual refreshment and
nourishment. and we will follow the
example OF our Lord and Saviour in
doing good on this day, making II as
far as we can a blessing to ourselves
and to others, and an honor TO our
Lord"