"An Enemy Hath Done This."
By William N. Glenn
THE teaching of Confucius, as well as that of Buddhism and Mohammedanism, always enjoined total abstinence from intoxicants. But when the arduous labors of the Christian missionaries had opened those Eastern countries to the possibilities of trade, the more "enlightened" nations poured in a stream of alcohol and opium. Christianity has been held responsible by the world at large for the destructive influences of these Satanic implements. But the charge is false. Many things are done by the enemies of Christ, and in his name, for which his church has to bear the blame. In those countries, all Europeans are accounted as Christians, and their bad acts deemed to be the result of Christian teaching; this is quite natural. But infidels in our land also point to the results of European intercourse with the heathen, especially to anything disgraceful, as the consequences of Christianity. Generally speaking, they know better; but when men professing to be Christians engage in illicit traffic for gain with the heathen, either as Government agents or on private account, the infidel has some show of excuse for his tirade. Yet in the face of all this, the charge of evil influence in heathen countries cannot be laid to Christianity. As a rule the missionaries have strenuously contended against the introduction of pernicious merchandise in their fields of labor. They have faithfully plowed the ground and sowed good seed. It may be asked then, "Whence then hath it tares?" The answer is, "An enemy hath done this." The emissaries of Satan have followed in the footsteps of the Christian husbandman and sowed tares in the field prepared for the Lord's good seed. It was ever his manner of working, and ever will be. Whenever the Lord's work is to be vigorously prosecuted we may expect the agents of the evil one to be equally vigilant, and if possible mingle his interests so that they will pass for the Lord's. There is no more deceptive trick of the enemy than representing wickedness as the results of Christian teaching. Those who will proclaim the commandments of God in connection with the faith of Jesus will especially have to contend with this phase of opposition; and so-called Christian churches and Christian Governments will be the unwitting agents of the enemy for rearing such obstacles to the work of the Lord. Those who proclaim the commandment message will be charged with abetting the liquor interest because they do not join the Sunday movement. They will be charged with encouraging infidelity because they oppose the orthodox dogma of eternal torment, although many who pass as orthodox ministers do not teach it nor believe it—but they keep Sunday. They will be ranked as "Judaizers," opposed to the gospel, because they advocate the law of God and reject the commandments of men. The results of all manner of evil will be laid upon the promulgators of the final message to the church and to the world. Yet the "little flock" need not be discouraged. "The disciple is not above his Master." "If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? Fear them not, therefore." Matt. 10:24-26. "Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in Heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." Chap. 5:11, 12.