p. 159 | Respect to Superiors by JAMES SAWYER

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 16, 1866

Respect to Superiors.

By JAMES SAWYER

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another. Rom, xii, 10. Let nothing be done through strife or vain-glory, but, in lowliness of mind, let each esteem other better than themselves. Phil. ii, 3.

In the above quotations, the importance of a respectful deportment toward others is taught, and from a reference afterward made to the example of Christ, who became obedient to the death of the cross, we may deduce this principle, that an obedience to superiors is admissible, and even necessary.

In both of the above quotations it is implied that some are greater than others, for how could one prefer another in honor, without making him greater, and how can one esteem another better than himself unless he were greater; that is, in his endowments? The gifts of God make him superior. It seems that God has dealt out differently, but to every man his measure, while it is said of the church, that it is one body composed of members which have not the same office. One may by the grace of God, be calculated to prophesy; another may be suitable for the ministry; another may be apt to teach, another to exhort, another to lead, &c. It seems that the Lord has given order in the church.

Some one has aptly remarked thus, in reference to the order of God:

“Order is Heaven’s first law,—and this confessed, Some are and must be, greater than the rest.”

Granting that we have superiors, it may be well for us to regard them as such. Though it is difficult for the carnal mind to yield, and be under government, yet it is often well that it should, for its own good.

In any department of life, little seems to be accomplished without order and system. In a well-regulated household we may always observe order; and if in a small society it is necessary, how much more so in a civil government or a Christian church. What would become of a vessel at sea unless the sailors were always obedient to the officers? Although, at times, orders seem to be questionable, yet it is generally wise, and best to obey, especially while we acknowledge ourselves under instruction. A circumstance will illustrate: A few years since, a young man shipped aboard a whaler, bound for the North Pacific. He soon became sea-sick, and his sickness became almost intolerable. In this state he remained below deck in his watch, until the mate called out for him to come up. He asked him why he remained below. His answer was, that he was sick. The officer, with an oath, said it was a lie, cuffed and kicked him, asserting that it was laziness. The young man did all he could to perform his duties. It was useless to appeal to others for sympathy, and, of course, the captain would have confidence in his mate. He afterward avoided remaining below at the expense of suffering. He also became so feeble that it was thought best to leave him at the first port. No port was soon entered. After a few weeks he began to improve in health. When near Cape Horn, a sperm whale was captured which was worth about $8,000. While some of the sailors were endeavoring to secure the whale, the heavy chain that was attached to the tail of the whale got loosened, ran out into the sea, and dragged the whale downward. Fears were entertained that the great prize was lost, and blame was attached to this young man who had been sick. The captain sprang fiercely toward him, saying, with an oath, that if the whale was lost, he would gullet him. All looked aghast toward the young man, and blamed him because the captain did. The accused went below with a sorrowful heart without replying to either captain or crew. The rope that was attached to the head of the whale held it until the chain was again secured, and the whale saved. Not long after, as the captain was walking the quarter-deck, he went up to this young man that had been sick, and who was then endeavoring to learn to steer the vessel, and addressed him thus, “You are going to be able to steer a vessel.” It was quite a query in the mind of the sailor, and he thought to himself, how can I, who am the lightest person in the vessel, be able to do this? But, sure enough, before the voyage was ended, he who was cuffed and kicked, was called to take charge of the helm in the severest gales, in preference to most of the old seamen. He was often chosen from his watch to steer among icebergs, along dangerous shores, and in going into port.

The vessel was out about six months, when he was chosen steward. He then had access to the captain’s library, and could use his nautical instruments in the study of navigation. Many advantages were given him, because he had been obedient. And if it be for our advantage to serve with fidelity, earthly masters, how much more readily should we esteem and honor those superiors whom God in his providence has placed over us.

JAMES SAWYER.