BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS.
By Helen A. Steinhauer
"Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God." Matt. 5:9. "And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." James 3:18. Did you ever wonder, as I have often done, why ministers so rarely preach on these texts? I cannot recall ever having heard a sermon on either, and yet I should think that there were few passages relating to our social duties that more needed to be enforced. Let us just imagine for a little while that all people practiced peacemaking, and see what a difference it would make in the crooked world in which we live. Sister A. has a slight unpleasantness with Sister B. She very unwisely relates it to Sister C. She in turn repeats it to Sisters D. and E., with comments not meant to be unkind, only smart and funny. Her hearers, however, later on are inspired to see how much more brilliant and humorous they can be in the observations with which they adorn their repetitions; and by the time that the tale gets back to poor Sister B.—as back it surely will get—she is outraged at the injustice done her, and heartily wishes herself out of the neighborhood. Finally, impelled by what she believes to be self-respect, she rushes over to pour out the vials of her wrath on Sister A., who in turn is indignant, and defends herself more or less vigorously. And so the discord spreads until the whole neighborhood is at odds, and the words of the inspired writer are in place, "Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!" See also Prov. 17:9. Now suppose, instead, that Sister C. had confined her speech of the matter to her conversation with Sister A., and in a kindly yet sympathetic manner suggested a possible misapprehension, showing her with Christian wisdom where it might have come in, and what would have been the result? In nine cases out of ten it would have terminated there. And the Sisters A. and B. would have been drawn together all the more for the sweet, tender, confessional talk that would have followed, all alone by their two selves. I believe it was Hannah More who, when people gossiped in her hearing, straitway compelled the scandal monger to go with her to the party traduced, and there repeat the story in the person's presence—which we may well believe they ordinarily were exceedingly loath to do. That undoubtedly is an excellent plan in aggravated cases, and unquestionably would prevent a repetition of the offense. But there are a great many disparaging things said which we can hardly help hearing, and which usually take rise in some misconception or other, which could very easily be righted would friends or neighbors take the time to investigate and the pains to set matters straight by "a word in season." Prov. 15:23. But ordinarily such narrations are met with, "I wouldn't have believed it of him," or, "You don't say so!" And then the hearer settles back with virtuous self-complacency, and regards himself as a very good neighbor indeed, because he has said no positive evil. Still others hear in absolute silence, righteously refraining from "meddling," i. e., taking the part of the absent, also pluming themselves on their course, although it may have had no higher spring than a cautious dread of getting themselves into trouble—a selfish motive when tried by the Golden Rule. I once knew a lady, she still lives, who made a business of Christlike tattling. "What," I hear you exclaim with horror, "Christ never tattled!" No, there is no record of his ever having done such a thing; still, as there is a kind of "tattling" which is animated by the spirit of Christ, and which brings forth "the peaceable fruits of righteousness," it may without irreverence be termed "Christlike tattling." This lady came to live in the house with two persons who almost hated each other. But, by skillfully directing their conversation, she managed to have them each time the other was spoken of say some kind word, or make some flattering admission—all of which was faithfully reported to the party most interested; and the kind expressions and favorable admissions these statements elicited were in turn repeated when opportunity offered, and with uniform suppression of all slighting remarks made by either, till these two enemies became firm friends. Thus the peaceable fruits of righteousness were "sown in peace," and the humble little home became a very pleasant place to dwell in. I do not say that it would not at times have been easier to unregenerate human nature to have poured oil on the fire of discord, or to have fanned a flame that might have lighted the path of the devil and his angels, resulting in more unrighteousness, and made joy in hell. But the other kind of tattling pays both in time and eternity; it is a blessed thing to do. Will not my readers from henceforth make a business of being "peacemakers" at all times? If you never have tried it, you will be astonished to find how many opportunities will occur; and you will also be amazed as you realize how "singing happy" such a course will keep your own hearts, and how God's peace will brood over your lives. Then, too, you will have a right to be called the "children of God," which perhaps you are now in name only, but not "in deed and in truth." Come, friends, by God's grace and with his help let us, one and all, from this hour be peacemakers, and win the promised blessing.