L. A. S by L. A. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Oct 8, 1903

L. A. S

By L. A. S.

WE live in an age of the world when the principles of Christianity are so little known and appreciated, even in those nations which call themselves Christian, that one who puts them into practise as the Christian is instructed to do in God's Word, is certain to be regarded by the world as a strange character, and is quite likely to be considered of unsound mind. An illustration of this truth occurred in connection with the recent flood at Kansas City, according to statements printed in the Kansas City Star. A man named Force, says the Star, a Nebraska farmer, recently sold a farm for three thousand eight hundred dollars. “He had read about the Kaw Valley flood, and came to Armourdale, where he has been distributing money in small amounts to the sufferers.” In all, he has disbursed about two hundred and fifty or three hundred dollars. “Yesterday afternoon [September 19] Force went to the home of Mrs. Clara Wyball, 505 Scott Ave., Armourdale, and said he understood she was a flood sufferer, and that her child was sick. Mrs. Wyball said this was true. ‘God has commanded me to give you this,’ said Force, handing her a five dollar bill. Mrs. Wyball asked him to come and watch the sick child a few minutes while she went to get some medicine. Force consented, and the woman ran to the police station and told Sergeant George Jameson. The sergeant sent officer Brockman home with her. They found Force watching the sick child.” He was arrested and taken to the police station. “At the police station Force told the officers he believed it was his duty to give the money God had placed in his hands, to the sufferers. He said he was a member of the Christian Church, and had a brother and a sister in Craig City, Neb. ‘I gave most of the money to the poor people who live in tents,’ he said to a reporter. ‘I read of the flood, and when I sold my farm, I determined to distribute the money here. I came to Armourdale for that purpose.’”

“Force said he was obeying the commands of Jesus Christ, ‘If any man will come after me, let him . . . take up his cross, and follow me.’ ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive;’ and, ‘It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.’”

Mr. Force was held at the station to have his mental condition inquired into. The people with whom he stopped in Armourdale testified that they had never seen the slightest thing about his actions to indicate that he was mentally unsound. To a reporter who asked him what he thought of being locked up, he replied, “It has always been the fate of those who tried to do good.”

It is fashionable to-day to profess belief in the Word of God, but very unfashionable to put a real belief in that Word into actual practise. Sin has so perverted the perceptions of mankind that those who serve God are considered fools, and those who persecute God's servants think they are serving God in doing it. The final scenes of earth's history will be marked by many instances of this kind.