Esau's Argument Reproduced.
By Editor
Not long since, a friend permitted us to read a letter written by a man who professed a sincere regard for religion and for the Bible. But he had also a sincere contempt for all who taught strict obedience to the ten commandments! Among other things he related was an incident which seemed to particularly interest him. It was the case of one of his neighbors who nonplused an "advent minister." This neighbor became convinced by the argument that the seventh day is the Sabbath, but he had too much discretion and good sense to try to keep it! When the "advent minister" endeavored to reason the case with him, and to impress him with the great importance of obeying the law of God, the man informed him that "there is a higher law than the fourth commandment of the decalogue." When asked what is that law, he replied: "It is the law of bread and butter." More than a score of years ago Wm. H. Seward startled the dignity of the United States Senate by declaring that there was a higher law than that of the United States; that the law of God, the highest of all laws, was opposed to the law of slavery. This declaration produced much discussion, and by many the doctrine of Mr. Seward was pronounced radical and dangerous. But at this time his doctrine is indorsed by a large majority of the people, when applied to the subject of slavery! Esop well represented human nature in the fable where the ass came boldly up and contemptuously kicked the lion when he was dead. And later, Dr. Lyman Beecher stated the truth in the case when he said that men loved to berate the devil when they believed him to be in a foreign land; but when they turned and found him at their elbow, they greeted him with a bow and a friendly word. Men believe the Bible, and wonder at the blindness and hardness of the Jews; they will apply its most cutting truths to the heathen, and to the inhabitants of other lands, but never fail to find a good excuse for setting aside or evading its plainest requirements when they are likely to bring a cross to themselves. This "argument" of the "prudent" Californian sounds strange to a Bible believer; to one who believes that the Bible comes with the authority of Heaven, with a curse to him who disobeys and neglects its truths. But it is not new. It was urged by Esau under circumstances where, if ever, it ought to be accepted as sufficient. Esau well understood "the law of birthright," and knew that it conferred on him great privileges and blessings; but in his mind "the law of pottage" was much more important. "Behold," said Esau, "I am at the point to die; and what profit shall this birthright do to me?" Our California friend will see that his "law of bread and butter" is Esau's argument reproduced. It is the same old "law of pottage" which Esau used, and with which he so successfully quieted his conscience. It is true that Paul presented the case of Esau as a warning to us who live in this age. But when worldliness and selfishness rule the heart and the life, warnings fall short of their mark. Esau's example has been and is followed by all those who consider themselves "wise and prudent" in the things of this world. The gospel is hid to them who are lost, because "the god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not." 2 Cor. 4:3, 4. "Diana of the Ephesians" never had a more determined following in her own city than Mammon has even in the professed Christian churches of the present age. And they have so far turned truth backward that "the higher law" of to-day is the law of worldliness, of selfishness, of the popular will, and of human legislation. When the Sunday Law of California was the political issue in the State, "Rev. A. J. Nelson" declared that he was only a low politician who attempted to exalt his conscience above the law of the land! Of course the man of "advanced Christian thought" is the man who subordinates his conscience to human authority, and who ignores the authority of the commandment of God in obedience to mere "police regulations." Strange as it may appear, all this passes for genuine Christianity in these closing years of the nineteenth century. "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" But the men of this generation have not yet learned the first principles of Christ's teaching. They fully believe that they can serve God and Mammon, and they think they are making a splendid success of it. But their work has yet to be tested in the Judgment, and that day, not this day, will declare it. The perils of the last days are summed up in the declaration that men will have the form of godliness, but deny the power thereof. 2 Tim. 3:1-5. Covetousness will be a trait in their characters. These perils are thickening all around us. The deceptions of Satan are increasing. True followers of Christ are wanted now, who will not count their lives dear unto themselves; who, like Paul, will not hesitate at the call of duty though stripes and imprisonment everywhere await them. He proved the genuineness of his faith in braving perils by land and by sea; in the wilderness and among enemies; "in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness." It is quite evident that Paul was not an obsequious follower of Esau; he had no faith in "the law of bread and butter," as opposed to the law of God and to his duty in the gospel. The gospel and its requirements have not changed, but they are sadly perverted. Christ is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever. Heb. 13:8. And human nature, the carnal mind, is the same. And now, more than ever before, do the followers of Christ need to pray the prayer of the disciples: "Lord increase our faith."