Self the Same in Every Age

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 3, 1914

Self the Same in Every Age

In every age and in every nationality human nature has manifested the same characteristics and the same tendencies. When the prophet of God centuries ago wrote, “The human heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” he referred not alone to the heart of the Jew; he referred to the heart of every human being that dwelt upon the face of the earth.

What an example we have of this in the warring nations of the Old World at the present time! So-called Protestant Germany,—the home of the Reformation,—with its famous universities of learning, its scholars and scientists of international reputation; England, the center of the world’s commerce, the country which has done so much to promote civilization, Christian missions, and stable government in the world; France, with its boasted chivalry, its esthetic tastes,—strange indeed it is to see these leaders among the nations of men waging a bloody conflict in which there is portrayed all the passions of human nature. The world may be more highly civilized today, more broadly cultured, more refined in its tastes, but it has not yet reached that place, with all its vaunted civilization and Christianity, where the leading nations of men can keep from flying at each other’s throats for the sake of national honor or selfish aggrandizement.

What a commentary conditions today afford upon the world’s great need! Truly without Christ the nations of men are lost and undone. Their tendencies are downward. Outside of Christ there is no salvation. Stable governments, just and equitable laws, scientific research, great universities, noted statesmen and scholars, chivalry, refinement,—these cannot change the human heart. There must come into man a power outside of himself, even the mighty power of God. By this power alone can he overcome the natural ferocity, the selfish propensities, the jealousies and animosities, which exist in the hearts of the human family.

Realizing this, let us seek to lead our fellows, whatever may be their station in life, their position, or their environment, to the one true source of salvation. Christ is needed today by the king upon the throne, by the serf in the field. He is needed by the captain of industry and by the prince of finance equally with the humble laborer in the field or on the street. The salvation of every individual depends upon his acceptance of the blessed Master.

We learn from the West Indian Messenger that Elder S. A. and Mrs. Oberg, formerly of Porto Rico, have reached Venezuela, Elder Oberg having taken the superintendency of the work there in place of Elder F. G. Lane, who was compelled to return to this country on account of Mrs. Lane’s health.