Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1923-04-12
Statesmen Said They
Forgot 1t
BY John T. BOIFEUILLET


CAM w. SMALL, the veteran journalist,
noted lecturer and popular evangelist,
~ has "started something" as is his char
acteristic whenever he sets his genius on any
special theme or in any particular direction
His assertion, recently published in Allan
ia, that religious liberty was not guaranteed
by the Constitution of the United States has
brought forth the expression of a contrary
view by certain intellectual patriots in this
state.
Far be it from me to enter into this discus
sion, but. it may be apropos to remark tina
the word "God" does not appear in the ma
tional Constitution, and that it was deliberate
ly left out of that illustriOus document by ~Ge
trainers of the instrument.
The renowned Alexander Hamilton took
prominent part in the proceedings OF the Con-
stitutiOnal convention. Several of the most
important features of the Constitution were
the fruit of his wisdom. | have read that
Hamilton had just returned to New York from
the convention, and meeting on the street the
noted divine, DR.. Mason, who was at that
time the most eminent Presbyterian minister
in that city, asked him: How do you like
the new Federal Constitution" DR.. Mason re-
piled: "You have left God out of the instru-
ment" Pausing a moment, Hamilton re-
sponded: $50 we have, Doctor, I'VE forgot
that"
Effort Failed in Congress
Many years later, perhaps in 1874, but am
not positive as to the exact date, a strong reli-
to agree to have the word Cod inserted IN
the Constitution. The matter was taken un-
der consideration by the house committee on
the judiciary and an unfavOrable report was
rendered. The substance of the report was
that this question was carefully considered
by the trainers of the instrument; that 1t was
rightly decided upon with great unanlm1ty,
that our republic was to be the home of the
oppressed of all nations, whether Christian or
Pagan, and that in view of the mischief of
0f at other
tions it was thought ineXpedient to put any
thing into the Constitution or form OF govern
ment which might be construed into the rec
ognition or support of any religion, creed or
doctrine"
Washington Used Gods Name
George WASHINGTON, the fllustrious patriot
and great Revolutionary hero, was the hon
ored president of the Constitutional conVen-
ton. He recognized the existence OF SUI
preme Ruler who presides in majesty and
power and surprising glory over the eternal
Convention of all nations 1t is true that the
word "God" is not contained in the Constltu
ton, but Washington, while occupying the
chair as the presiding officer of the great
American convention, used the word GOO,
thus acknowledging Him to whom all nature
bows who ma all worlds, who controls the
destiny of all created beings, and by whose
celestial throne the waves of all the centuries
have rolled.
The circumstance under which Washington
employed the word God during the proceed
ings of the convention, is thus told by Prof.
Fiske in his interesting account of the hap
penings of that momentOus gathering:
The Chairman Suddenly Interposed
at was suggested that palliatives and half
measures would be far more likely to ind
favor with the people than any thorough-go-
ing reform, when Washington suddenly inter-
posed with brief but immortal speech, Whlcn
ought to be emblezoned in letters OF gold ana
posted on the wall of every American assem-
ooO44 10 MI jYn q
or declare policy or pass law, SO long as
the weakness of human nature shall endure.
Rising from his presidents chair his tall
figure drawn up to its full height, he explain
ed in tones unwontedly solemn with sup
pressed emotion 1T is too probable thaC
no plan we propose will be adopted. Perhaps
another dreadful conflict is to be sustained
If, to please the people, we offer what we our
selves disapprove how can we afterward de-
fend our work? Let us raise standard 70
which the wise and the honest can repair; the
event is in the hand of God "
Georgia Constitution Contains God
It is interesting to note that the trainers of
the constitution of the state of Georgia did
not fail to incorporate the word God in this
document 1t appears in the preamble, to-
wit:
"To perpetuate the principles of free gov
eminent, insure justice to all, preserve peace
promote the interest and happiness OF the
izen and transmit to posterity the enjoyment
of liberty, we, the people of Georgia, relying
upon the protection and guidance of Almighty
God, do ordain and establish this const tn
ton"
Religious freedom is thus referred to YIN
paragraph II. section l, article L OIL the coI-
stitution OF Georgia.
"All men have the natural and inalienable
right to worship God, each according to the
dictates of his own conscience, and no human
authority should, in any case, control or inter
Fore Trith RIGHT n conscience.
Paragraph 13 of the same section and ar
ticle further says of religious liberty, to-"lt'
"No inhabtant' of this state shall be mo-
Tested in person or property, or prohlblted
from holding any public office or trust, on ac-
count of his religious opinions; but the right
of liberty of conscience shall not be so con-
strued as to eXcuce acts of Righteousness, or
justify practices inconsistent with the peace
and safety of the state"
Confederate Constitution Has Word
invite the attention of the reader to the
following preamble of the constitution of the
Confederate States of America, when was
adopted by. the historic and celebrated con-
vention at Montgomery, Ala, on March 49,
1861 for a permanent form OF government
for the Southern Confederacy:
"We the people of the Confederate States
each stat acting in its sovereign and lnde-
pendent character, in order to form perm9-
nent federal government, establish justice, IN
sure domestic tranquility, and secure the
blessings of liberty to ourselves and our Pos
terity-invoking the favor and guidance OF
Almighty God-do ordain and establish TINS
constitution for the Confederate States or
America"
Paragraph u, section 9, article /, of this
constitution says the congress of the Confed-
crate States shall make no law respecting an
esta bIishment of religion, or prohibiting the
free exercise thereof"