Our Attitude Toward Worldly Organizations by S. W. VAN TRUMP

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 29, 1909

Our Attitude Toward Worldly Organizations

By S. W. VAN TRUMP

S. W. VAN TRUMP

“IN union there is strength,” is a generally accepted axiom. However, it is subject to some modification. The basis of union may consist of principles so weak, and of aims so selfish, that in its boasted strength is revealed more of weakness than of strength. What are the principles underlying the various schemes of worldly organizations? Bring them to the light of truth shining from the sacred page, and see if they match the holy principles there revealed.

A condemnation of all worldly organizations would be manifestly unjust, for there are many with whom we may properly associate. Educational, medical, philanthropic, scientific, temperance associations, and others of similar aims may be co-operated with to mutual benefit, without deviation upon our part from right principles. But there is another class to which we can not give approval in the light of the message which is the one thing of importance to us and all the world to-day. Chief among this class are the secret societies or lodges. It is not necessary to mention any one of the many specifically. They are all founded upon the same general principles,—secrecy, exclusiveness, classism, oath-binding, power through force of numbers, etc.

The church is God’s model of organization set forth in the Scriptures. In this the elements of secrecy, respect of persons, and the idea of strength through mere numbers have no place. The idea of mutual benefit is not the motive actuating those who join the church. The love of Christ is the impelling power that draws, and in that love the members of the church bear one another’s burdens and minister to one another’s need. It is not the scheme of worldly insurance, but the plan of the Lord for the poor of his people that wakens the sympathy of the prosperous, and supplies the want of the needy in the church. The church has the commission to take the gospel to “every creature.” The lodge shares its benefits with the favored few of its own selection. The church trusts in the unseen power of God for its strength, rather than in its numerical power.

This is an age of combination. Under various names and for many purposes men and women are associating together. In finance, politics, labor, religion, etc., the idea of confederating for strength is taking hold upon minds. For obvious reasons the members of such organizations must agree upon certain principles, and consent to prescribed rules, pledging themselves to concerted action. It is here that we meet a vital point. Individual responsibility must in this be compromised, and each one acknowledges their accountability for the united actions of his association.

It is true that many worldly organizations teach lofty principles, and perform commendable acts. Yet these points of favor make only more dangerous the general attitude of its members toward the only organization bearing the supreme sanction of the Scriptures; namely, the church.

The Lord says, “Every plant, which my Heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.” Who desires to be connected with any such plant?

As the last conflict draws to a close, the dividing line between the forces of truth and of error will become more distinct. There will be but two classes upon earth when probation closes,—one the loyal to God, the other the disloyal. Where are you standing to-day, brother, with one foot in the church and the other in the lodge or society? Where will you stand when the other members of the lodge join in the worship of the beast and his image, as all but the remnant will? There will be but two classes when Jesus comes,—the wheat and the tares. Are you binding yourself now in the bundles with the tares, or are you preparing for the heavenly garner?

Takoma Park, D. C.