p. 16 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 39, No. 24. (6/18/1912)

Colonial Sentiments on Protestantism

The Congress of the American colonies met in New York in 1765, and on October 19 of that year proclaimed their first "Declaration of Rights." In the opening paragraphs of that declaration the colonists expressed themselves as "inviolably attached to the present happy establishment of the Protestant succession." On October 14, 1774, the Congress of the American colonies, being in session in Philadelphia, announced their second "Declaration of Rights," in which they complain of an act of the mother country "establishing the Roman Catholic religion in the province of Quebec, abolishing the equitable system of English Laws, and erecting a tyranny there, to the great danger (from so total a dissimilarity of religion, law, and government) of the neighboring British colonies, by the assistance of whose blood and treasure the said country was conquered from France." The foregoing very conclusively gives the sentiments of the colonists relative to Protestantism and Catholicism. There are some who are making the claim that this country was established by the Catholics. It would be well for all such to keep in mind these reliable statements from the colonists themselves.

Eternal Vigilance and Liberty

You, reader, may not feel or believe that there is danger of any union of Church and State or religion and State in this country. But are you resting in the traditions of the past, trusting that present conditions will ever persist? or do you believe that the enlightenment of the age would prevent a recurrence of the history of the Dark Ages? If either is the case, let us plead with you to study conditions. Remember the great truth, so forcibly expressed by Curran, “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.” We may win liberty, but she will abide only in the broad, true souls who won her, and who will endure as much to maintain and defend as they did to win.

Revolution in Cuba

By Editor

At this writing President Gomez of Cuba confesses his inability to cope with the revolutionists in that island, and armed intervention of the United States is probably but a matter of hours. The whole eastern end of the island is burning with anarch and rebellion, and revolution is breeding throughout the island. Foreigners who own mines and plantations are demanding protection which President Gomez can not furnish. Doubtless one of the great reasons for the revolution is too much foreign ownership and control, leading to graft in government.

The I. W. W. Menace

By Editor

It is possible that Governor Johnson, of this State, may call a special session of the legislature to enact laws to deal with just such disturbances as have occurred in San Diego, or rather with conditions and the class that were preliminary to the disturbance. It is felt that on broader grounds the I. W. W. organization is a menace to the Government, and many are requesting special legislation. This is better than trying to meet their lawlessness by counter-lawlessness.

Ministers of the Gospel

The ministers of Christ are not ministers of the law, but ministers of the Gospel. Their mission is not to advocate the enactment and enforcement of civil law, but to preach the Gospel of Christ, which, when received, will write God's law upon the heart.

The Death Roll of Airmen

The death roll of the air men continues to grow. Wilbur Wright, one of the pioneers of modern flying, recently died in his home in Ohio of typhoid fever; and one of his greatest pupils, Parmelee, was killed in a flight in Seattle.

Death of Senator Nixon

Senator George S. Nixon, of Nevada, one of the richest men of that State, died in Washington, D. C., of spinal meningitis, June 5.

First Watermelons from Mexico

The first shipment of watermelons from Mexico reached San Francisco June 5, and prices ranged from $4.50 to $1.50 per melon.