Strangers and Pilgrims.
By Adolphus Smith
‘Though God, in a providential manner, “rules in the kingdoms of men,” yet it is certain that “the kingdoms of this world are not yet become the kingdom of our Lord and his Christ,” but are evidently in possession of the “Prince of the power of the air;” God only so far overruling the political plans and schemes of men, as shall best promote the interests of the elect; who are represented as strangers and pilgrims in the earth, having here no abiding city, but seeking one to come; even the heavenly, and the new-made earth. Paul speaks of ancient believers on this wise: “And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonments. They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.” Heb. xi, 36-38. We know not how soon those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, may have a like experience. Therefore, brethren, let us prepare, by weaning our affections from this earth; by being strangers in deed and in truth. We are in the midst of a world whose language we can understand, because we once spake it; but they cannot understand us; for we have learned to speak the language of Canaan. They toil, and plan, and strive, to gain that with which to pamper their depraved appetites, and gorgeously decorate their bodies. We, to glorify God, and obtain a heavenly crown; for which we are marked by the world as singular, odd, fanatical, and are therefore hated, despised and persecuted. When a man becomes by adoption, a citizen of an earthly government, he thereby ceases to be a citizen of any other. Likewise we, when adopted into the family of God, cease to be citizens of any earthly government, except in a very subordinate sense. See Matt. xvii, 24-27; xxii, 21; Eph. ii, 19; Rom. viii, 17; Heb. xii, 28. As a part of our duty to God, we owe a cheerful obedience to any government under which we may live. We are not to speak evil of dignities; and no distinction is made between the good and bad. We are to be in subjection “not only for wrath, but for conscience’ sake.” We must be no brawlers. Our voices should not be heard in the street, hurrahing for any political aspirant, or incumbent. “If any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” We may lawfully cast our votes for the right; but let us be forever free from all political parties; never taking part in any political discussion so far as to betray the confidence of our opponents in our character as Christian men and gentlemen. Let us “set our affections on thing above and not on things on the earth.” “Our treasure and our heart are there,
And our abiding home.”