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The Presidential Election

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 12, 1912

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 89, No. 37.

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The Presidential Election

By Editor

This present year above any of its predecessors is one of stirring activity and excitement in the political world. In the United States the contending parties have increased to some half dozen, each eagerly striving for the victory of its cause. Already more or less bitter contention has been injected into the campaign that is being carried forward. This doubtless will increase to the close of the contest. Probably not since the close of the civil war has greater interest centered in the presidential election than is felt in the one now pending.
On the part of Christians, there can be no question in any mind as to the relative value and importance of civil questions when compared with the work and truth of God. The earthly should not supplant the heavenly, nor the human be regarded paramount to the divine. God's children should be careful that the spirit of political excitement, discussion, and debate does not fill their hearts and minds to the exclusion of the Spirit of grace. Of this there is great danger. Sad indeed would it be were the temporal to supplant the eternal in the devotion and regard of the children of God.
Particularly should our workers be guarded lest by some course of conduct on their part political discussion is encouraged and partizan feeling engendered. Some may hold decided opinions regarding political issues, but it is well to consider if the expression of these opinions advances the cause of Christ or increases for good the influence of the gospel worker.
God has a work in the earth; let this ever be kept in mind. The Lord is soon coming, and the world is to be warned of its impending doom. The long battle between truth and error is soon to be consummated, and this earth and our day are to witness the final scenes, and we are participants. We stand either for or against the rule of the Prince of Peace. To stand stiffly for the right, to lift up the crucified and risen Saviour, to manifest in our lives the principles of the gospel of Christ,—this is the work of Christians to-day. And it transcends in importance every other issue which the world has ever seen.
If we realize the greatness of the work, and the dignity of our high and holy calling, the Book of God will have more attraction than the newspaper reports of political speeches and conventions. The words of God will appeal more significantly and sensibly than the words of any political orator. Prayer will not become distasteful, nor the service of God a round of lifeless, meaningless ceremony. If the trend of our political interests and alliances is to lessen our love for God or our labor for souls, then better, far better, sever such relations than to permit ourselves to be thus drawn away.
May the work and truth of God and their interests become the great central thought, the all-absorbing purpose, of every follower of Jesus. Then we may be assured that every other question will take and maintain in our consideration its proper and consistent bearing and relation.
F. M. W.