AS WE HAVE OPPORTUNITY.
By Editor
THIS is the direction of the apostle: "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all." We must, therefore, watch our opportunities, knowing that they may increase, and that our responsibilities increase accordingly. Whenever we have a definite precept for a duty we must conform strictly to the terms of the precept. Where there is no special commandment we must make our lives conform to principles. A single principle may cover many actions; but we must also remember that no principle is to be so construed as to render null any precept plainly given. Here is where many err: they ignore principles entirely, and depend solely on precepts, or else they deprecate precepts as subversive of Christian liberty and measure only by principles. We remember an anecdote illustrating the position of the former class. A man refused to sign a temperance pledge because he could find no commandment for it in the Bible. "Show me a text in the Bible," said he to his neighbor who urged him to sign, "saying that we ought to sign a temperance pledge, and I will do it." The spirit of obedience was strong in him—but it was obedience to his own ideas. It chanced that the two were mowing in a field wherein was an unused well, slightly covered, and concealed by the tall grass. Into this the stickler for precept fell, and called loudly for his companion to help him out. "I am not clear about the duty," said his neighbor; "show me a text in the Bible that says I ought to help a man out of a well and I will do it." Under these circumstances the man in the well could quote plenty of scriptures to prove that we ought to assist one another in every time of need, as we have opportunity. An objection against our work, similar to that noticed above, has lately come to our notice. "The Bible says, 'Preach the gospel;' it does not say, Print it in a paper!" Now such people, at least as far as their own consciousness goes, are honest in their convictions; and as there is no hope that they will all fall into wells, which would be the shortest and quickest method to convert them, we will try to help them by stating a few facts. 1. The word rendered "preach," in Mark 16:15, is kerusso, and is defined by Robinson in his Greek Lexicon of the New Testament: "To proclaim, to announce publicly, to publish." Greenfield says: "To publish, proclaim, announce openly and publicly." With this agree all the Lexicons. The interlinear rendering of the word in the Diaglott is "publish." This commandment may be fulfilled by making known the gospel in any manner whatever. It may be obeyed by a mute person, who cannot speak a word. A preacher may continue to proclaim the gospel after he has lost the power of speech; and he may preach more efficiently without speaking than by speaking, by a judicious use of the appropriate means. 2. It is pertinent to inquire: How do these persons know that the Saviour commanded his disciples to preach the gospel? They read it in the New Testament. But how is it that they are enabled to read it there? It is because some of the disciples, instead of orally preaching these truths, wrote them; others copied what they wrote; and others still printed what they found written. Thus we now enjoy the privilege of reading for ourselves the truths of the gospel, because somebody has wisely pursued the very course these friends are so ready to condemn. They are very much in the case of the man who declared his independence of the sun because he had eyes with which to see. They are sure it is wrong to preach the gospel by means of printing, because they have its blessed truths printed for their own use. Let the Saviour's words be fulfilled by every one, to the best of his ability, and as he has opportunity. Our Tract and Missionary Societies are doing most effective service in publishing the good news to all the world. At their own fireside, by sending out our periodicals and other publications, they may be the means of publishing "this gospel of the kingdom" in distant parts of the world, to those whom they could never reach as public speakers. We would exhort them—"Be not weary in well doing." It is a noble work; it is a worthy calling. If we slack our efforts, the emissaries of Satan will not slack theirs. They will make use of every possible means to scatter error, darkness, and death. The printing-press is used as their efficient instrument to carry out their plans for evil. Shall the "children of the kingdom" be less wise than they, and neglect this means of spreading the glorious truth of our Lord's coming? May these words of the apostle ever rest upon our minds—"As we have opportunity."