Retaliation by Etta Booth

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 5, 1865

Retaliation.

By Etta Booth

THE principle of retaliation was not instituted as a universal rule in the requisition of an "eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth." Amidst the rich provisions of the Mosaic law for the orphan and widow, for hospitality and general humanity, this law was introduced as a preventive of evil.

The debasing influence of the Egyptian brick-yards, and the foul discipline of heathenish idolatry, had so thoroughly degraded the ignorant, headstrong Jews, it was necessary to apply the sword of justice in the strength of fear. But when the world was prepared, her paths made straight, and the glorious heraldings of Sion's bards fulfilled, the Prince of peace lifted up his voice and proclaimed, "Overcome evil with good."

And whenever this law has been acted upon, that imperative Christian admonition to "love your enemies," has harmoniously united to illustrate the sanctifying influence of a holy life. Joseph loved—his brethren hated. Which exhibited superiority of usefulness and power? Joseph's love subdued his wicked brothers, and disarmed them of all fear when trembling before him in conscious guilt.

The magnanimity of David quelled the murderous animosity of Saul. While engaged in his inveterate pursuit, Saul being delivered into David's hands, he harmed him not; but after Saul departed from the cave, David cried, "My father! see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in mine hand, from that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in my hand; and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my life to take it." "And Saul lifted up his voice and wept. And he said to David, Thou art more righteous than I." In this instance the iron purpose of revenge was softened, the execution of bloodshed prevented, and the most bitter adversary humbled to concession and tears.

"My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them?" said the king of Israel to Elisha, when the bands of Syria "opened their eyes in the midst of Samaria." "Thou shalt not smite them; set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their masters." The Prophet's reply is worthy of great admiration, when the foul errand is considered which caused them to be led blind into Samaria; and the effective result again exhibits the power of that royal law, "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you; do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." "So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel."

How very different the result of this generosity from that of the conduct of king Rehoboam, when the congregation of Israel besought him to make lighter the grievous yoke which his father had put upon them, how easily he might have conciliated the people, instead of following the counsel of conceited youth, and the malignant tyranny of his own heart. By gentleness he might have saved his kingdom from anarchy and ruin. While Elisha received the blessing of meeting evil with good, Rehoboam added evil to evil, ruled amidst tumult and wars, and left the nation in a state of rebellion, lasting separation and captivity.

A circumstance in the life of John the Evangelist, after his return from banishment, beautifully portrays the power of kindness. In visiting and consulting the prosperity of the churches, he observed with interest an intelligent appearing man who numbered one of their members. After a time he became intemperate and corrupt, through the influence of bad company, and was thus led away, when he joined a band of robbers, of whom he was made chief. When the venerable apostle heard these sad facts, his grief over the prodigal led him to expose himself in the robbers' haunts. When he was captured, he said, "Lead me to your captain." The bandit fled at his approach, but the apostle pursued, crying, "My son, why flyest thou from thy father, unarmed and old? believe me, Christ hath sent me." At these kind entreaties the robber trembled and wept, and at length returned to his companions in the church, and lived an exemplary Christian life.

Diversified as are human natures, and various as are the means of acting favorably upon them, and bringing their souls to Christ, retaliation never gained a victory. While kindness, prayerfully and faithfully exercised, will prove the efficient means of opening the fount of goodness in the most obstinate, self-willed heart, and if the balm exists on earth, will cure it of enmity against God.

ETTA BOOTH.