p. 7 | UNWARRANTED OPTIMISM by G.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Oct 15, 1902

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 42.

UNWARRANTED OPTIMISM.

By G.

There is an optimism of Christian profession abroad, as expressed in religious papers, that is not warranted. One journal, while admitting a decline in the ratio of church membership to the population, consoles its readers with the statement that “there is as yet no sign of decay of the influence of Jesus.” To this it adds that “never was the power of the Founder more manifest than in our age.” Again it says, “never was the army of faith larger,” and numerous like expressions. But the evidence adduced is far from convincing. For instance: “We see this in the spread of popular education, . . . in our colleges and universities and their splendid ‘settlements’ and ‘extensions,’ . . . in the multiplication of hospitals, . . . in prison reform, in social amelioration,” etc. It is true that everything that tends to truly enlighten the world is due to the influence of Him who is “the Light of the world;” and everything that tends to ameliorate the condition of men is due to the influence of Him whose mission was and is to “proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” But the temporal blessings that incidentally attach to the spiritual mission and influence of Christ are far short of soul salvation, and are no indication of real Gospel progress. Notwithstanding the great light that shines upon earth, it is still true that “men love darkness rather than light.” They pervert the light of truth into “sparks of their own kindling.”

The education of the great colleges and universities is subversive of the Word of God to an alarming extent. Much of their “scientific” instruction is “science falsely so called,” against which the Word of God directly warns us. How then can their “extensions” be regarded as evidence of an “era of spiritual expansion.” The presence of Gospel light, and temporal blessing as an accompaniment of that light, are not proof that men are being prepared for the kingdom of God. Where is the evidence that men are receiving the light of truth in their hearts to an increasing extent, and manifesting it in keeping the commandments of God? When Christ was on earth He preached righteousness as no other ever did before or since, and spread the Gospel of healing wherever he went, but the masses rejected Him. The outward touch of Christian influence is not salvation. There were ten lepers healed on one occasion, but only one returned to give glory to God. The light of truth may shine never so brightly, but it will not save those who refuse to walk in the light. “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” G.