p. 162 | Why Is It So? by J. O. Corliss

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 12, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 11.

Why Is It So?

By J. O. Corliss

A RECENT issue of the New York Observer, contained an article in which the writer set forth in an alarming light the present status of society. He went on to say that the Irish enmity to England asserts itself in fiendish atrocities, which have filled the world with horror, and the socialists in Europe and in the United States have declared war on society, and are filling up the measure of their iniquity. What makes the outlook appear so very gloomy to this writer is the fact, he says, of the evidence that in London and in New York many of those who are set as guardians of society, are in secret sympathy with those who are plotting destruction.

In looking at the causes of the existing state of things in this direction, the writer says:—

"The outlook is not bright to the eyes of those who love peace and order and seek to promote good-will among men. What is the meaning of the outbursts of human passion in London and Berlin, in New York and Pittsburg? Why has society received such a shock that men are wondering what will come next? Is there not something wrong? It is easy to ask such questions. It is not easy to answer them without going to the root of the matter as it is expounded in the one Book that has more sound philosophy in it than all the books in the world that have ignored it. There we learn that fightings spring from the heart of man. It is depravity, the ingrained depravity of the human heart, that makes these things possible."

It is well to appeal to the Bible in all matters of morals, because that truly points out the natural depravity of the human heart. But what is true in a general way upon this point now, has always been true. In every age men's hearts have been the reservoirs of evil. Back in the days of the prophets, Jeremiah was led to exclaim: "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" Jer. 17:9. Why, then, it may be asked, were not such atrocities committed then as are now being enacted?

This question may not be answered to the satisfaction of all, but there is a solution of the problem that seems plausible to at least some who have tried to closely observe events. It is a noticeable fact that the state of things now so much lamented, is not confined to any one locality, but is prevalent everywhere, especially where civilization has made the longest strides. The early years of the present century witnessed no such diabolical schemes as are now invented in the interest of supposed wrongs; they were unheard of until within a few years, when, like a ferocious beast of prey, they sprang from their covert, startling the world with their sudden appearance, and the work of destruction wrought by them.

One would suppose that with the increase of general knowledge, and with the development of the arts and sciences, the morals of mankind ought to attain to a higher level. But observation teaches that this is not so. On the other hand, the productions of science, which might be used to promote the peace and happiness of society, are seized upon to satisfy the vindictive rage of some hot-head, or to coerce a government or party to yield to the demands of a minor political faction. All this is in the face of the boasted church privileges of the present generation. The churches and the ministers are powerless to arrest this huge monster of vice, that increases with each stride of advancing science.

Well may the press at large inquire if there is not something wrong. The church has done her part toward bringing about the present condition of affairs. In many cases money and not character has recommended men to their fellowship; and iniquity upon the part of such members has been winked at, until it is an easy matter to find those in the bosom of the church who do not scruple to stoop to any act by which they may get gain, and thus be placed on a social level with others, who are held in high esteem for no other reason than that they possess money. Considering the lax discipline of most denominations, it is not surprising that so many Government thieves and defaulting cashiers are found to be members of churches. Their crookedness was not fully developed in a day; no, they were practicing, perhaps in a small way at first, for a long period—and at the same time counted good members of the church—until their knavish tricks could no longer be covered. The standard of membership in the church has been lowered so long that many have come to feel that their rights are trampled on if any allusion is made to these things. They have no idea of submitting to an abridgement of what they call their "Christian liberty" and wearing a "strait-jacket," just to suit the puritanical notions of some over-conscientious member. And thus "a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump."

The above picture is not overdrawn. The candid observer will testify to all this, and even more that is not desirable. Did the religious world come nearer to reflecting the image of him whom they call Master, there might be hope of a reform in the present condition of society; but in this direction the prospect is far from cheering. The moral situation to-day is just what was predicted by holy men ages in the past. We hear the venerable martyr Paul speaking of our day as follows: "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; from such turn away." 2 Tim. 3:1-5.

Look at this list. Here is enumerated nearly every sin in the catalogue, from that of pride up to blasphemous treason, and that among those who have a form of godliness. Who can deny the truth of the statement? Certainly no one with even moderate discernment. Here then are the evils traced back to the responsible parties. Not that iniquity originated in the church; we know its origin. But the church is responsible, in that she has fostered wrong in her communion by not crying out against it, until wickedness and crime of the most villainous type stalks abroad by daylight. That which would have once ostracized a man forever, is not only tolerated now, but is fondled and caressed, and yet the church is deemed prosperous because of the large number attracted toward her.

And why should not the world be attracted there? On certain occasions fun and frolic may be indulged within her enclosure without hindrance. Questionable games of chance are permitted, in order to swell the depleted treasury, while indelicate actions, not admissible in any place, are unblushingly practiced by old and young. It is true that the church has become numerically strong, but it is a sad fact that she has also come to be weak in virtue and morals. Her illicit intercourse with the world has resulted in a dwarfed progeny, in many cases, that reflect no credit either upon the church or the cause it professes to serve. This is surely a near approach to the condition of things described by the revelator, and which will finally be fully met by the church when she shall have come under the control of the spiritualistic element now embraced within her fellowship. Here is the description: "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird." Rev. 18:2.

This may at first seem like an ill-judged application of the above text, but the Scriptures that follow make it very plain that this is where it belongs. The fourth verse says: "And I heard another voice from Heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." This is in harmony with the admonition of Paul as before quoted, where he enumerates the sins of the church and then says: "From such turn away."

But there is a bright side even to this dark picture. God's own people are in the midst of all this vitiated, demoralized variety. Will they hear the voice of God from Heaven: "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins"? Herein is their danger: To remain in such a place, they must yield their consciences to others' caprices or be disregarded; to go away, is an ordeal hard to bear. What can be done under the circumstances? Will not the church soon grapple with these things and bring about a better state of affairs? Where is the hope? The church has already yielded point after point to the world, until she is powerless to assert her liberty. Besides, the sure word of truth declares that "evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived." 2 Tim. 3:13. The previous verse also says that "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."

All may rest assured of one thing, that the humble, trusting children of God will ever be in the minority in this world. The modern theory of a temporal millennium will never be realized this side of the final consummation. Until that time wickedness will prevail, and, in accordance with the history of the recent past, as the principles of science unfold new ideas, and present to the hand of man new modes of hostility, it cannot be doubted that the struggle will go on, and increase in violence until the coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven.

Indeed, these commotions are but precursors of that crowning event. To the student of prophecy they betoken the time of deliverance near. While men's hearts are "failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth" (Luke 21:26), the child of God looks on calmly, knowing that erelong he may, if faithful, sing the promised song of deliverance.