A Short Bible Reading on Religious Liberty
1. What rule did Jesus give by which means conduct toward each other should be measured? "All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." Matt. 7:12. NOTE.—If Christians really believed and practised the Golden Rule, they never would in the nature of the case ask for religious legislation; for no Christian could believe that it would be right for the Chinese idolater to demand of the Christian that he, the Christian, should reverence his joss. The Christian may be right; but being right, he has no authority to demand that men shall worship as does he. 2. What did Jesus say of Himself in this respect? "If any man hear My words, and believe not, I JUDGE HIM NOT: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world." John 12:47. 3. What rule ought to guide us in the service that we should render? "Whose image and superscription hath it? . . . Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which be Cæsar's, and unto God the things which be God's." Luke 20:24, 25. 4. Why did our Lord not use force while here upon the earth? "My kingdom is not of this world: if My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is My kingdom not from hence." John 18:36. 5. What means only may the Christian use? "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men." 2 Cor. 5:11. 6. What are even the highest in God's church forbidden to be? "Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock." 1 Peter 5:3. 7. In what alone may the Christian stand? "Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for BY FAITH YE STAND." 2 Cor. 1:24.