A New Power in Politics.
By Editor
FROM the Los Angeles Mirror we clip the following item:— "In Chicago, the clergymen, without regard to sect, have taken their coats off, and have entered the campaign in favor of law, order, and decency. The Times says it begins to look as if the minister might be an actual force in politics." So it does. We have seen indications of it here in California, and we look to see more. It may seem all right to others, but to us it looks as though such an action on the part of ministers of the gospel, is a confession of weakness. Paul says that "the servant of God must not strive; but be gentle to all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves." And again he says: "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God." Now what must we conclude when we see ministers of the gospel "taking off their coats," and entering vigorously into politics? We must conclude that they have lost the use of spiritual weapons—that in their hands the gospel is not the power of God unto salvation. They may make themselves a power in politics, but to that same degree will they lose their power in the pulpit. We believe in the rigid enforcement of the laws against crime, and ministers must of necessity cast an influence in favor of law and order, but they are not to make or enforce laws themselves. Ministers should be "ambassadors for Christ;" but Christ's kingdom is not of this world. Peter once thought that it was, and he was ready to fight for it; but he learned better after he was converted. Many modern ministers seem inclined to follow his example. Would that, like him, they would become truly converted!