The Moral Society

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Disciples History Moment for April 6, 2025

In April of 1820, Alexander Campbell, in Bethany Virginia (which became WV in 1863) wrote to the Washington (County) Reporter regarding his objection to the local “Moral Society” which required of every member to "actively. . . promote the objects of the Association by giving information against any one known to be guilty of profane swearing, Sabbath-breaking, intoxication, unlawful gaming, keeping a disorderly public house” and such.

Under the pseudonym of “Candidus” Alexander wrote essays undermining their authority and morality. He noted that the Society valued profaning the Sabbath at $4, profaning the Divine name at less than $1 and so forth. Accusing the Society of differently valuing sins, Alexander quoted from the New Testament book of James which said: “for whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it” (James 2:10-11).

The Society believed that fining individuals for their vices would force them to change their behavior. "When they pay dear for their sins” they will become moral, to which Campbell replied, sarcastically, “. . . what becomes of the fines? Oh! they are given to some pious clergyman to be applied to the education of young men for the ministry. Go on, therefore, in your misdeeds, ye profane, for the more you sin the more preachers we shall have.”

Campbell reminded them that to compel people, who are not Christians, that they must obey Christian beliefs or practices is anti-evangelical and contrary to the gospel and to the rights of individuals. He also uncovered that the Society members often were guilty of the same offenses they were claiming against others. One such member was found guilty of “carrying a burden on the Sabbath day.” He thought about his offense and figured out a way to get out of his predicament. He would report himself so he would be regarded as self-sacrificing, assuming they would elevate his reputation to the other members. Additionally, since the Society gave a bounty of half of the fine, the offender would cut his $4 fine down to $2!

Campbell’s essays in the Reporter had a great effect on the local community, and eventually the Washington Moral Society met its demise. Furthermore, he reminded the public that imposing religious observances and beliefs on people by law has never been successful.

Rev. Kevin K. Adams