Turners of the World Upside Down.
By A. M. Lindsley
THEY were said to exist in Paul’s day. And somehow we find them referred to all through the Scriptures, from some of the earliest preachers of righteousness until the present time. Another curious thing to be observed about them is, that these very ones that wrought such dissensions and divisions among the people were those who were particularly called and sent of God to do a certain work in showing up transgression and reproving sin. Their sharp and cutting rebukes of sin were not at all calculated to soothe the minds and consciences of men and women who were living at their ease, fully satisfied with the pleasures of this world. Even the work of our Saviour, whose mission was one of love above all others, was met with contradiction of sinners, contumely, and scorn, and he said of himself and his work, that he came not to send peace on the earth, but a sword. Plainly he declared that he came to set a man at variance against his father, and the members of a family against each other. Not that his was a spirit of war, but that the gospel of salvation would not be received by all because it would not be congenial to their feelings, and their not receiving it, would, and did, develop opposition on their part. Reproof for sin never was agreeable to the carnal heart, and we do not expect it ever will be. Nevertheless, there must and will be some who will obey the exhortation given by the Holy Spirit through the prophet Isaiah, “Cry aloud, and spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” As iniquity abounds, and all types of wickedness increase, so much the more need of speaking in trumpet tones, that all may hear, whether they will be moved to action or not. God’s people have the “woe” upon them—they cannot keep still if they would. A necessity is laid upon them to obey, or sink in the common ruin. Speak they must, although lions’ dens open to them, and fiery furnaces glow with hottest heat. Though imprisonment, starvation, or cruel deaths, stare them in the face, it is all alike. A power that is omnipotent is infused into them, and feeling its wonderful girdings of strength, they give their message in the fear of God. Many giving their lives to the truth have sealed their testimony with their blood. A glorious reward awaits them but a little in the future, when Abraham and all the saved sit down in the kingdom of God. Oh! how glorious to meet them there, with the great Captain of our salvation, who, himself, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross and despised the shame. We read that complaints were made against Paul and Silas as they were brought before the magistrates of the city, that “these men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, and teach customs which are not lawful for us to receive, neither observe, being Romans.” Well, what was the result? Why, there were many stripes laid upon them and they cast into prison. But at midnight they prayed and sang praises to God. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken, the doors opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. And when the jailer came in trembling, crying out, “What must I do to be saved?” their answer was in harmony with their mission of preaching Christ: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved and thy house. An unseen power moved on the minds of the magistrates, and when it was day they sent sergeants, saying, “Let those men go.” Their work was not finished. They went from city to city, entering into the synagogues of the Jews, reasoning with them out of the Scriptures, —preaching Christ. “And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few. But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people, and when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down have come hither also.” And so has it ever been when new truths, or truths applicable to the time, or special rebukes for sin have been pressed home to those to whom they applied, these faithful preachers have been branded as troublers of Israel, as Ahab said of Elijah; and so used as the powers of the darkness of this world chose to manifest themselves. Now, when solemn, momentous truths for this time are being promulgated, and are yet to go with mighty power, there are enough to say as in Paul’s day, “These that have turned the world upside down have come hither also.” But the opposition of hard and stony hearts will not quench the work of the Spirit, or drown the testimony of those who are doing this great work. God will speed the right; it will prove a savor of life or of death to every individual to whom it is presented. Solemn time! Noah’s day and ours are very similar, and the destruction will follow equally as sure and terrible. Reader, consider well these things, and may you seek the shelter that is provided against the coming storm—the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Rev. 14: 9-12. A. M. LINDSLEY.