The Golden Rule by William Covert

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Dec 4, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 46.

The Golden Rule.

By William Covert

THE golden rule requires us to do unto others as we wish they would do unto us. Notwithstanding the justice of this principle upon which rests all moral obligation between man and man, the natural disposition cries out against it, and declares that the only true rule to be governed by is to do unto others as they do unto us. We are told that it is an impossibility to obey the golden rule in all its bearings, as it requires us to regard other people's rights as sacred as our own. I cannot see any difficulty in this except for selfish individuals. These are never satisfied with equal rights, but want the advantage in every transaction. They love themselves better than the golden rule requires them to love their neighbor. With such, obedience is an impossibility.

The objector to the golden rule has suggested an improvement in the wording of this rule, so as to have it read, "Whatsoever men do to you do ye even so to them, for this is natural, and therefore right." Now let us test the strength of the logic in this revised copy. A, in business transaction with B, is defrauded to the amount of one hundred dollars. Now it is the duty of A to engage in deal with B, and defraud him in like manner, that he may do to B as B has done to him. But when A has succeeded in the matter until he has the advantage of B as much as he was beaten by him, it then becomes the duty of B to make another trial of his rascality in deal with A, and so on endlessly. But if A should fail to equal B in dishonesty, it follows, according to the natural version, that A is in the fault, because he has failed to do unto B as B had done to him.

But should B become wearied with his neighbor, because he has been more successful in trickery than himself, and attempt to chastise him, as a pugilist is often tempted to do, he would only place A under the necessity of retaliating in the same manner; but here we are met by an impossibility, because, if one man is physically able to inflict corporal punishment upon another, it is quite certain that the man who has received such treatment will not be able to give what he has received, and so he cannot in this case do to others as they do to him.

In some particulars this could be done. A man could bear false witness against his neighbor, and his neighbor in turn could bear false witness against him, and thus be in harmony with the natural rule of right. If one man should abuse another, the injured party could in many cases retaliate, but where is the justice in this? Should my neighbor defame my character, I in turn could defame his character; but there would be too much liberalism in this to please even the most liberal one. But all can obey the golden rule. I can do unto others anything that I in justice could demand of them, circumstances being equal. If I desire my brother or neighbor to speak well of me, I can speak well of him. If I demand that he shall respect my rights in any transaction, I can respect his in the same transaction. If I desire him to be careful of my reputation, I can be careful of his. If I think of publishing a report derogatory to my brother's character, I can, from a moral standpoint, do so when I can desire that he should also do the same to me. I have the right to desire his money, when I can at the same time desire him to possess an equal amount of my means. If I ask his assistance in need, I am entitled to it when I would gladly do the same for him in like circumstances. If I desire the privilege of dictating to him, I can have it when I am just as ready to grant him the same liberty with my rights. It is a perfect antidote for pride and vanity, as it prevents each person from parading self before his neighbor.

But in this sketch I can only suggest a few thoughts, which may lead the mind of the reader into a more thorough study of the subject, for I believe the golden rule is infinitely perfect, and is as enduring as eternity, and as universal as the universe, and will conduct all its devotees in ways of pleasantness, for all its paths are peace. It is the comprehensive commentary on the perfect law of God, and yet an elementary treatise for juveniles to study.

WM. COVERT.