Who Is the "We"? by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Oct 24, 1900

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 26, No. 43.

Who Is the "We"?

By Editor

Who Is the "We"?—A convention of Methodist ministers in conference at Fostoria, O., on September 12, adopted, a paper tells us, a long report, of which the following is a part:—

"We are the custodians of the Philippines, whether we desire it or not—not for empire, but for humanity's sake. We must be faithful to our trust to civilize and Christianize these new possessions. We are not to be turned aside by the cry of 'imperialism,' but, standing with the sword in one hand and the olive branch of peace in the other, we say to all concerned, 'We are doing a great work, and can not be downed.'"

But the means now being used,—coercion of the bitterest sort and the reign of whisky,—will not "Christianize." No ambassador of Christ carries the Gospel of peace with the sword as an alternative. The peace of Christ will come to no heart save through willing, whole-hearted surrender to God. This can not be forced. It is sad to see the noble sentiment of Neh. 6:3 so perverted into a foolish boast. It might be well to remember that "the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will."