ONLY DON’T MAKE IT BINDING.
MEN somehow cannot tolerate the idea of submitting to authority. Dr. Bixby, of the University of Leipsic, has written a book on the ethics of evolution. In it he promulgates the idea that “morality is not a result of statutes, nor can it be referred to the divine will, simply, or to the revelation of it given in the Bible or other sacred scriptures. The Jewish decalogue, and all the rest of the moral precepts of the Scriptures, are but the reflections of the morals of that race and time—not originators of right and wrong. The reason that injustice is wrong, is not because it is forbidden by divine edicts, but it is wrong whether forbidden or not.” Again, “The law of right” is as independent of authority, human or celestial, as it is everlasting.” But however independent of authority men may imagine themselves to be, there must be some standard by which they may judge between right and wrong, according to what is authoritatively allowed or forbidden. “By the law,” says the apostle, “is the knowledge of sin.” And where did the race at the time referred to get its morals to reflect, outside of the decalogue? People seem to say, “Oh, yes; we are all ready to cultivate justice and morality, only don’t give us any authoritative statutes or regulations for these things. We can get along without them.” Better fall in with the spirit of David, who exclaims, “Thou art good and doest good; teach me thy statutes.” Ps. 119: 68.