Reform by Persuasion, Not Compulsion
It is strange how prevalent is the notion that people can not reform without a resort to law; that if certain ones want to reform themselves, they deem it essential that all others must be compelled to follow their example. An exchange says: “The ‘women of Canea, the capital of the island of Crete, ‘have formed a society to oppose the luxuriousness ‘of dress. The members of the society wear only ‘the simplest of costumes, and anathematize jewelry ‘and ornaments.’” This reform in dress is good, to the extent of precept and example; but the extreme is reached when “the government is petitioned to ‘introduce a bill to make the wearing of extravagant ‘clothes penal.’” A good reform may be entirely shorn of practical results by the application of compulsory measures. Compulsion often incites resentment and breeds contempt, where kind persuasion and worthy example would win public confidence and personal adherence. The greatest of all reforms is the Gospel of Christ, but compulsion is in no sense a part of Gospel work. The ambassador of Christ only persuades and beseeches men to be “reconciled to God.” 2 Cor. 5:11, 20.