p. 16 | Individualism

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Oct 4, 1899

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 25, No. 40.

Individualism

Individualism.—One noted orator recently declared, in a half defense of the trust system: "I am told, however, that if we promote this co-operation, we will destroy individualism. Individualism is another of the phrases which have been specially invented for the perplexity of mankind. Individualism, in its last analysis, is savagery." Nevertheless, the doctrine of the Gospel is that of individualism. God does not call men by nations. It is, "Ho, every one that thirsteth," "whosoever will," "if any man." It is one God. It is one Gospel. It is to each man. Faith is not a matter of co-operation, save between the one soul and the one God. It is not held by an ecclesiastical stock company to be parceled out through bishop and priest at so much a dole. Priest and minister may help a soul to God, but to be effectual the faith in God, the grace from God, must be personal, individual. The doctrine of false religions is to do away, if possible, with true individualism. The true Christian knows there is no other way of salvation.