The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1924-10-16
BY Law
IS IMPOSSIBLE,
SAYS COOLIDGE
Religion Is Basis Of Free
dom And Government,
President Declares
rRv Associated Press.)

WASHINGTON, Oct. 15.-Reliance
,,non religion rather than law for re-
form was emphasized today by Presi-
dent Coolidge, speaking at the unvelllng
here of n statue to Francis AsDury
n;oneer bishop of the Methodist Espis-
copal church in America.
1--WE cannot depend upon the gov
eminent" the President declared, TO
do the work of religion. An act OF con-
gress may indicate that reform is
being or has been accomplished put
II does not itself bring about REFORM
The government of a country never
rets ahead of the religion of country.
Is True Foundation
Religion was described by the Presl-
don't as the foundation Of the Asbury,
his associates and other religious Or
paniza tions he declared, that our coun-
try has developed so much freedom
at is well to remember TINS, ne
added, when we are seeking 1or So
cial reforms. Of course, we can neip
70 restrain the vicious and furnlsn a
fair degree of security and protection
nv legislation and police controi put
the real reforms which society In these
days is seeking will come as result
of our religious CONVICTIONS OF they
will not come at III.
1--WE cannot escape a personal ne, re
sponsibility tor our own conouct. W
cannot regard those as wise or saie
counsellors in public affairs VINO DENY
these principles and seek to support
the theory that society can succeeu
when the individual fails.
ConnOt Be Forced
ssThern is no way by which we can
! substitute the authority of law for the
y;rtue of man. Peace, justice human
itv. charity-these cannot be leglslated
info being. They are the result OF u
divine grace. ho
From the life of Bishop Asbury VINO
came to this country as preached De-
| fore the Revolutionary war, the fresl,
dent drew a lesson of sacrifice anu
| devoted which he said has gone into
the making of our country" He re.
called that the pioneer bishop Travelled
about 6.OOO miles a year preaching
ohout 10000 sermons and receiving
ms his highest salary $50 a year.
81 do not see how any one could
recount the story of this early Dlsnop
without feeling a renewed faith in our
country. He met q multitude OF storms
MANY of them caused him sore trials
Rut he never wavered. He saw wars
and heard rumors of wars but what
ever NAV have been the surface APP
nearance underneath it all our country
manifested then and has continued to
manifest a high courage, remarkable
strength of spirit and an unusual aDll-
ity in a crisis to choose the right course.
Something Still Guides
Something has continued to guide
the people. No tumult has been loud
! enough to prevent their hearing the
/ still small voice. No storm has been
heen violent enough 10 divert inspired
! men from constantly carrying the word
of truth. The contests of the day have
hut been preparations for, victories on
the morrow. Through it all our coun'
try has acquired an underlying power
of Judgment and stability of action
which has never failel i, furnishes
it's own answer to those who would de
fame. 1t can afford to be- oblivioul
to those who would detract from 1t
America continues its own way un
challenged and unafraid. Above al
attacks and all vicisistudes 1t has arlsel
calm and triumphant not perfect Du
marching on, guided in its great de
cisions by the same spirit which guided
Francis Asbury.
Our government rests upon religion
1t is from that source that we derive
our reverence for truth and justice, fol
equality and liberty and for the rights
of mankind. Unless, the people believe
in these principles they cannot believe
in our government. There are onl!
two main theories of government IL
the world. One rests on Righteousness
the other rests on force. One appeals
to reason the other appeals to tn
sword. One is exemplified in a republic
the other is represented by despotism
The history of government on this eartl
has been almost entirely a history o
the rule of force held in the hands o
a few. Under our constitution Americi
committed itself to the practical ap
plication of the rule of reason with tn
| 1nnrnr hald in the hands of the neOnle