p. 7 | Question Corner by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Dec 15, 1898

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 50.

Question Corner

By Editor

*"Enquire and make search and ask diligently."

893. Is It Right?

Is it right for a Christian to take life in defense of property entrusted to his care? A postal employee is under oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the U. S., and his oath is taken without any purpose of evasion. Can a Christian take such oath, and then allow constitutional laws to be broken in his official presence, that is, when he is in charge of Uncle Sam's property? Feeling that I have no right to take up carnal weapons against my fellow-men, have I a right to make such oath?

It is not the object or desire of THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES to point out each man's particular duty. It is our purpose to preach the Word, to honor God's law, to lift up Jesus Christ as the Saviour, the great example, the One able to make man in all things obedient. But He wants men to know their duty from Him, and to do it for His sake. What would Christ do in respect to the above questions? Would He tie Himself up in any employment of life so that He would be forced to take life rather than lose property? In other words, would He place His conscience at the disposal of men? A Christian may do many things in a public capacity and be true to God; but he must do it all "as to the Lord, and not unto men." If he be a Christian, he is bound to be faithful to God "without any purpose of evasion." "Ye were bought with a price; be ye not the servants of men."