A Fatal Error by S.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · May 13, 1903

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 29, No. 19.

A Fatal Error.

By S.

—Is peace a crime? A writer in a labor journal declares that it is a crime to be at peace when we know that injustice is being done; that it is permissible to indulge in anger and violence to right wrong. This is a doctrine that is finding thousands of adherents to-day, especially in the field of labor disputes. It is not only believed in, but actually practised in connection with almost every such dispute. It is an error, and a dangerous and fatal one; for instead of “righting a wrong,” it makes two wrongs where but one had been. The example of Christ is better. He, tho having done no wrong, suffered wrong even to the taking of His life, and suffered it without “violence” on His part, without “anger,” without vindictiveness; nor did He permit one of His followers to resort to any violent means to prevent the wrong that was being done Him. It is better to suffer wrong than to do wrong. It is better to be at peace in the midst of wrong than to attempt to bring justice by being wrong and doing wrong ourselves. In addition to His own example, Christ has given us a direct command upon this point: “I say unto you, Resist not him that is evil; but whosoever smiteth thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Matt. 5: 39. Now who is the criminal? The writer referred to would claim it was Christ. But there is a higher and a wiser Judge, and we know what His verdict would be.