p. 568 | A Word of Warning by Editor

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Sep 18, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 36.

A Word of Warning.

By Editor

In our report of the Nevada camp-meeting we mentioned the cause—or the main cause—why the churches in Nevada had not prospered spiritually as they should have done. The brethren entered warmly into politics, as partisans engaging in contentions with one another. Their interest in that direction increased with their efforts, and they soon arrived at that point where they contended far more earnestly for their political parties than they did for the faith once delivered to the saints. We do not speak these things to harrow up their feelings; we are happy to say that they see and repent of their error. We rejoice with them in their recovery from a snare. But we speak of facts that our brethren at large may know that our word of warning is not uttered without our knowing whereof we affirm.

We are now in the midst of a political canvass which agitates our country from one end to the other. It promises to be a very exciting campaign—possibly one of much bitterness before it ends. There are so many parties, and so many tickets are in the field, that the feelings of every man will be appealed to, whatever his position may be in society or even in the church. Under these circumstances our brethren will have to be watchful, prayerful, and careful, or they will be drawn into the vortex and perhaps make shipwreck of their faith.

Some may think that we magnify the danger, and that we have an undue prejudice against politics. Not so. We love our form of representative government, and in such, elections are a necessity. We have not a word to say against any man voting who chooses to vote. We are not surprised that our brethren have their preferences for parties and for candidates. It is right to have a proper regard for the welfare of our country, and for the upholding of our laws. Our Government is the safeguard of our rights. But the amount of recklessness and depravity that is manifested in a political campaign is absolutely appalling. Intrigue and chicanery are the common methods used to win in politics, and cheating is considered not only justifiable, but laudable, for the success of the party.

Now we do not wish to be understood to say that there are no honest politicians, and no conscientious candidates. Far from it. But we do say that a political campaign is a whirlpool of excitement, with designing men on every hand pulling the wires, and too often controlling the whole machinery, and that no Christian can retain his spirituality and mix with it. Among active, zealous, working politicians we are confident that honest, conscientious men are but a small minority. We regret that this may be said, but we believe it is truth. In former years we had some opportunity to see the inside working of "the machine," and we do not think it has improved any in the last forty years.

We believe that a man of the world may enter into the arena of politics and so conduct himself as to maintain his self-respect and the respect of his neighbors. Of course we believe that a Christian may do the same; he may maintain his character for integrity and honesty. But to maintain his spirituality of mind in the midst of such surroundings, with such associations as he must accept, we do not believe is possible. Many think they do it, but it is only because their standard of Christian consistency is much lower than ours.

But we have special grounds on which to appeal to our brethren. Our views of the future, both of the church and the State, are different from those of others. We found our faith and hope on the "sure word of prophecy." They who act heartily with a party are expected to indorse the work of the party; and if, for the best reasons, from conscientious motives, they cease to act with or to indorse the party, their former associates will become their most bitter opponents when trouble comes. It has been so in the past, and human nature is not improving. Brethren, perilous times are just before us. Prophecy is fast fulfilling. We must study to show ourselves approved unto God. If the love of God dwell in our hearts; if we are zealous for his truth, and alive to the interests of his cause, we shall have no taste for the whirlpool of politics. Our great fear is that the excitement will be the means of checking our missionary work, and for a time of hedging up the way for the successful spread of the truth. Let us pray continually that nothing shall be suffered to bind the word of God. And if we have any earnestness and zeal, let it be manifested in efforts to save our fellow-beings from everlasting ruin, and lead them into the way of life.