Is This a Christian Nation?
THERE are some who are emphatically saying that this is a Christian nation. They are continually pointing to many things that they regard as positive evidences that it is such. There can be no mistaking the fact that the civilization of America, as well as that of the greater part of Europe and much of Asia, has been deeply molded by Christianity. There is a wonderful power in the gospel of Christ to uplift and to help men, even in this life, and that, too, regardless of whether all men will accept Christ. There can be no question that there are living to-day, not only in this nation, but in many other civilized nations of the world, some of the most stalwart Christians. They are men who stand for the great principles of the gospel of Christ, and the world is feeling the uplifting impulses of these characters. Some of these men are in the churches; some of them are in legislative assemblies; and they may be found in the various walks of life. But we must not make the mistake of regarding the influence of individual men and women who are devoted and true Christians for the characterization of a whole nation. Christ specifically said, "My kingdom is not of this world," and it is contrary to the whole tenor of His life and teaching to insist upon any of the nations of this world, as such, being styled as Christian. One of the greatest evils of the early and middle centuries of the Christian era was the mistaken notion that nations as such could wield the scepter of Christ. And the climax of the apostasies of the last days will be reached when the nations again will fulfil the prophecies of the Apocalypse by attempting to direct the civil affairs of this world in the name of Christ. Let us beware of the warnings of history, and thereby our minds will be quickened to regard the warnings of the word of God.