WHY NOT EXTEND IT?

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jul 10, 1893

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 35.

WHY NOT EXTEND IT?

A PEACE or unity which is not willing to extend itself may well be questioned. A peace which is possible only on the most narrow, circumscribed lines, among a chosen few, is very apt to have woven into its woof some very selfish elements. It sometimes happens that serious objection, amounting to rebellion, meets every suggestion or step toward change in church or Sabbath school. The members of a division, or a class, or some other organization, think that they are getting along so well, have such good times, they like each other so much, and, therefore, they do not believe in change, so much so that opposition akin to subordination or rebellion is roused. The peace, the affection, the unity of such a circle may always be set down to exist because of compromise and unity of selfish interests. We do not for one moment decry the very closest union among workers in every branch and division of God's cause; such union ought to exist because each worker is first of all united to Christ. In the limitation of human wisdom a change may not seem good or wise, and every worker interested has the right, in a Christian way, to so express himself to proper ones and at proper times; but if the majority of the church or governing body think otherwise, every true worker will acquiesce, not that his union and peace with former associates may be broken, but that union and peace may be extended into other circles, diffused

without weakening, scattering yet increasing. There is a privilege side to the question.

"Just as the eagle, in teaching to fly, Forceth her young from their covert so high— . . . . . . Murmur then not that He stirreth thy nest, Ever remember—'tis all for the best."

Brother, sister, what is the basis of your union with your fellow workers? If it is peace and union with Christ, why not extend it?