Joining With the World by Max Hill

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 28, 1908

Joining With the World

By Max Hill

MAX HILL

And he brought forth his people with joy, And his chosen with singing, . . . That they might keep his statutes, And observe his laws. Ps. 105: 43, 45.

Through all the ages before the children of Israel went into Egypt, there to be made the slaves of their former hosts, God’s people knew the commandments of God, and a few of them observed his precepts. But the world knew him not, and had no regard for his law. In their Egyptian bondage the children of Israel had no choice; they were compelled to perform the tasks imposed upon them. But there came a time when deliverance was promised. All who would might go with Moses to a land of freedom, where they might be their own masters, serving a God of love, whose presence meant prosperity. A mighty host went out of Egypt, rich and strong and great. Over them God “spread a cloud for a covering, and fire to give light in the night.” Their enemies were subdued before them, and at length the pleasant valleys of Canaan were given them. But some there were who refused to leave Egypt, many murmured on the way and perished, many rebelled against their patient leader, even against God himself. Then, having settled in the goodly land, many of them mingled with the strange peoples about them, intermarried among them, learned their revolting practises, worshiped their idols. Thus in a large measure the very plan of God in leading them out of Egypt was defeated; for while they were free to “keep his statutes, and observe his laws,” they refused to do so, the direct result of mingling with the world about them.

One of the most striking messages for the remnant people of God is, “Come out from among them, and be ye separate;” “Be not unequally yoked with unbelievers: for . . . what portion hath a believer with an unbeliever?” Has not God in these words called out a people from the darkness of spiritual Egypt, “that they might keep his statutes, and observe his laws”?

Then wherefore any linking up with the world? Can one handle coal and hope to be clean? Can one drink liquor and be sober? Can one mingle with the world and serve God sincerely? The world is full of societies, clubs, guilds, unions, lodges, whose objects are for anything and everything but the pure service of God. Some of them—most of them, in fact—have commendable features; some of them are “Christian.” But with that very “Christianity,” much vaunted as it is, there are the seeds of evil, the gratification of selfish aims and ambitions, the worship of some man-made idol, a seeking to the state for recognition and support. It may be that “temperance” is a wheel of the machine; but alongside of it is the wheel “Sunday sacredness.” And be assured some of the leading spirits will work for one as strongly as for the other. All members of such organizations are naturally classed together as supporters of all these lines; the fees and dues of all are used for the advancement of all departments.

What, then, shall be the attitude of those who would represent the Lord in their teachings and in their lives? Shall they go with these good people as far as possible, with the hope that some good may come of it? They may show their colors in times of crisis—true; they may by voice and vote oppose error—true again; they may, by well-ordered lives, lead others to the right—and this is true. But will they do it without compromise? Will they take part in all the intemperate feastings, late hours, and excitements these societies indulge in, and then talk temperance? Will they support by time and strength and means these clubs, while their own household of faith struggles on leaderless and unsupported for want of their talent and purse? Shall they affiliate with these organizations whose objects are to convert and uplift the world, by any possible combination of church and state, influence or statute, while all about them are those who need above all things else the personal touch of a ministering hand?

But there is no end. Yes, yes, there is an end,—“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Prov. 14:12.

What would it not mean to the cause of God in the earth if every professed child of his were standing squarely on the solid platform of truth, never wavering! If the world expected none of God’s people to mingle with them, because they were too busy with the King’s business to come down! If every child of God stood for temperance in every act of life, justice for every man, equality before the law, and godliness above all things! Then would it be truly said, as of old: “What one nation in the earth is like thy people, even like Israel, whom God went to redeem unto himself for a people, and to make him a name, and to do great things for you, and terrible things for thy land, before thy people, whom thou redeemest to thee out of Egypt, from the nations and their gods?” 2 Sam. 7:23. “Blessed is the nation whose God is Jehovah, the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” Ps. 33:12.

Mountain View, Cal.