Not Institutions, but Men
ONE of the objects of the Christian Citizenship movement, the American Sabbath Union, the National Reform Association, and other "religious combinations" now existing "to effect a political purpose," is to protect, or to promote, or both, certain religious institutions, among which is the so-called "American Sunday," or "American sabbath," tho what there is about it exclusively or particularly American no one has ever told us. In other words, it is the church Sunday. But herein these organizations are opposed to true Americanism and genuine liberty; for the true province of civil government is to protect, not institutions, but men—to protect men in their equal rights. As Thomas Jefferson expressed it, "Equal and exact justice to all men, of whatever State or persuasion, religious or political." This is the true principle of liberty in government.