THE GREAT STRIFE FOR POWER, AND THE CHRISTIAN'S TRUE ATTITUDE.
THE most terrible and far-reaching controversy that ever has arisen, that ever can arise, between man and man, is the issue between the capitalist class and the laboring class. It is not only terrible in the light of present conditions, but it is fearfully so—even beyond present comprehension—in the light of the "more sure word of prophecy." The condition described in James 5:1-6 is sure to be realized. No prophecy of evil ever can be averted except by repentance toward God, and there is no indication that the capital and labor issue ever will be settled in that way. So far, all efforts to settle the controversy have been from the standpoint of human conflict to the bitter end. Faith in Christ and the Golden Rule have no place in any of the so-called peace conferences between the contending parties. So far every agreement has been simply a temporary compromise, each party resting on arms in waiting for the opportunity to renew the conflict under more favorable circumstances. Every semblance of peace has been an acknowledged cessation in view of gaining greater advantage in the near future. That the capitalists have had the advantage in the past, and have made a selfish use of it, can not be questioned; in fact, this is not denied, for they claim the ascendancy as a right, and that labor is rather under obligation for the boon of employment. On the other hand, "organized labor" is admittedly contending not merely for equality in the benefits of production, but for a complete reversal of conditions—for the same control of capital that capital now exercises over labor. As an "appeal to reason," a certain "labor" organ advocates "taking over the industries, which will be given into the complete control of the workers in such industries." And this consummation is admittedly possible only through political power. Now history furnishes no evidence, the nature of man furnishes no evidence, that one class of men in absolute control of their fellows is any less selfish than any other class would be if possessed of like advantage. The very desire for absolute control of another's property or service is of itself the evidence of human selfishness. So the whole controversy between capital and labor is a strife for control, for the power of man to dictate terms to his fellow-man. That the people of God can have no legitimate part in such a strife as is sure to come, a strife that is sure to end in anarchy, is shown by the inspired counsel given to them in connection with the prophecy to15which we have referred in James 5. That counsel is: "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and the latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." Now many of the "brethren" will be sufferers from the oppressions of the capitalists; perhaps a goodly number of them are already sufferers from that cause. What, then, are they to do? band together for reprisal in kind? Are they to strive for a position where they will be able to retaliate in like manner?—No; "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, saith the Lord." What, then, shall the "brethren" do under oppression?—The Spirit says, "Be patient." How long?—"Unto the coming of the Lord." What did Jesus do when He was unjustly oppressed?—He was patient. "When He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously." The servant is not to expect any better things than his Master had in this world of sin. It is enough that he be as his Master, and that he endure all things in the same humble spirit. The time is at hand when the "brethren" will also have to suffer oppression from "organized labor," which is manifesting the same spirit that is shown by the capitalists—wherever the power has been acquired. It must be remembered that "organized labor" means the control of "organized labor" by the "labor leaders." Some of the "brethren" have already felt the oppressive hand of "organized labor," and as that element gathers power, which will be wielded absolutely by a few leaders, the oppression from that source will be felt more and more keenly. Then what are the oppressed "brethren" to do? are they to resent the oppression? are they to unite with the capitalistic class to keep down the laborer?—Not at all; they are just to "be patient, unto the coming of the Lord." Are they to place themselves at the beck and call of "labor leaders," to be told when to work and when not to work, for whom to work and for whom not to work, to be fined if they do not march in a parade, or even to destroy the business or property of men who do not choose to join the union?—No; the child of God can not sell himself in any such manner. When oppressed by the labor class, or any other class, he is simply to "be patient, unto the coming of the Lord." All the wrongs that true Christians suffer patiently will be righted in that glad morning. The "brethren" are to have no more to do with the controversy between capital and labor than they have with the issues between other political parties. The capital and labor question is now a mere political conflict, and that means, "To the victors belong the spoils." But it will be a brief, tho bitter, contest, for "the coming of the Lord draweth nigh."