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The Golden Rule

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Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jan 13, 1914

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 41, No. 1.

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The Golden Rule

By William Covert

It is not in the purpose of the infinite Ruler that there should be friction anywhere in the measure of His wide domain; for friction would work injury, and finally result in death. Therefore, in providing a rule by which all reasoning creatures might govern their conduct toward each other, He gave out word that every one was to treat the other as if he were acting toward himself.
In giving formal expression to this rule for the guidance of men, He said, "All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets." Matt. 7:12.
If this rule were perfectly obeyed by all the people in all the world, there could be no friction in society, nor any trouble among the nations. It would annul all selfishness, and make every man an honest helper of his neighbor.
The wording of this rule implies that each individual should regard himself only as a part of the human sum, and that any other member of the human family should be treated with all the consideration he asks for himself. This is the rule of equity that doubtless prevails in every place where the will of God is wrought, and it is the summary of God's law that must apply wherever God reigns.
It was proclaimed by the Redeemer of men, and will be obeyed forever by redeemed men. And who among men can have any proper right to complain of God's law, since, according to the declaration of Christ, it is but the Golden Rule unfolded, drawn out and enlarged for the better understanding of finite men?
And as the rule contains the prophets, or prophecies, too, it must also be a compendium of the gospel as well as a summary of the law. And this is all good logic, and therefore reasonable; for Christianity is simply good law, kindly and meekly drawn out in living characters. And these characters are to be so many as eventually to fill the whole world.
William Covert.