Might is Ever on the Side of Right.
By R. F. Cottrell
Not in the "corrupted currents of this world." Here, power is often on the side of the oppressor. The strong nation will trample upon the rights of the weak. And so it is with individuals. It is well illustrated by a little poem which I read many years ago upon the doctrine that Might makes Right. I quote from memory: “A sparrow perched upon a bough,
Spied a poor beetle creep below,
And picked him up. “O spare me, spare!”
The insect prayed, but vain his prayer.
“Wretch” cries the murderer, “hold thy tongue,
For thou art weak, and I am strong.”
A hawk behind him, and in haste,
Sharpens his beak for a repast,
And pounces plump upon him. “Oh!”
Exclaims the sparrow, “Let me go!”
“Wretch” cries the murderer, “hold thy tongue,
For thou art weak, and I am strong.”
The hawk was munching up his prey,
When a stout eagle steered that way,
And seized upon him. “Sure, comrade,
You’ll spare my life; we’re both of a trade.”
“Wretch!” cries the murderer, “hold thy tongue,
For thou art weak, and I am strong.”
A sportsman saw the eagle fly,
And shot, and brought him from the sky.
The dying bird could only groan,
“Tyrant! what mischief have I done?”
“Wretch!” cries the murderer, “hold thy tongue,
For thou art weak, and I am strong.”
’Tis thus that man to man behaves;
Witness the planter and his slaves!
’Tis thus that State oppresses State;
And civil freedom meets its fate.
The weaker States must hold their tongue,
For England, France & Co. are strong.’
But though in this world, power is on the side of the oppressor, and he justifies himself in doing wrong because he has the power to do so; yet Almighty Power is on the side of right, and sooner or later will vindicate it. This truth was entirely left out of the account by those who predicted that the North could never conquer the South and put down the rebellion. They did not recognize the fact that there is an overruling Power that disposes national events, as well as others; and that this Power, ever on the side of right—ever on the side of the oppressed, and against the oppressor—would eventually strike terror into the hearts of traitors, and speak in vindication of the right. But individual crimes do not meet their full retribution in this world. Nevertheless the day of reckoning is sure to come. Right will be vindicated and wrong punished, and there is no possibility of escape; for the power to accomplish it is on the side of the Justice that wills it. In this world the true Christian finds himself with a very small minority. Still he need not be discouraged; for taking into consideration the aggregate of the universe, he finds an overwhelming majority on his side. And though he may suffer for awhile, yet the time will surely come when he will be vindicated and rewarded; for eternal Might stands pledged to vindicate and reward the right.