May I present briefly to the brethren in the ministry a matter that has been resting heavily on my mind and heart for some time? There is a class of people as yet almost wholly untouched by this last gospel message, and in whose behalf there has not been extended a real lively interest. I refer to the men who are holding official position in our State and national affairs.
We have every reason to believe that in the closing days many men in high official position will join this movement, and lend their power and influence to the finishing of the work. In my judgment the time has fully come for a real intelligent endeavor on our part to reach the hearts of these men. The message going to the world at this time is one that should appeal to this class of men. Our message is sound, logical, reasonable, and consistent.
Not all men in political life are honest, but very many of them are. We are wont to look upon politics as corrupt and politicians as dishonest; but I can testify that in my association with governors, legislators, judges, and Congressmen, I have found very many who are honest, sincere, God-fearing men,—men who love righteousness and justice, and who are doing their best to stem the tide of evil that is sweeping over the world. If it were not for this fact, conditions in the world would be many times worse than they Dow are.
These men cannot be reached in the ordinary way; yet they have a right to a knowledge of this message, and God will hold us responsible for the manner in which we meet the obligation to give it to them. The time is near when we shall stand in need of the friendship and influence of such men, and I verily believe that God would be pleased to have men in high official position who can be used of Him as were Joseph, Mordecai, Daniel, and others. It is evident that at the present time these men do not understand us or our message. In fact, many of them have a very distorted idea of us and of the doctrines we hold, and also of our attitude toward civil government. As a consequence, I am deeply impressed with the conviction that we should seek to enlighten their minds with reference to our work, and assure them of our love for our country and its institutions.
It is difficult to outline Just the method of procedure; but in order to gain their confidence we must culti- vate a closer acquaintance with these men. We should manifest a genuine concern in the problems of state with which they are burdened. These burdens are as much ours as theirs. We should help bear them. It should be possible for us as good citizens to show an intelligent acquaintance with the fundamentals of government, and an active interest in its welfare. These men resent meddling in governmental affairs on the part of religious organizations, and rightly so. But as individuals we may, and should, offer to help in every way possible, that their task may be lightened, and the institutions of liberty and justice preserved.
We should get on a friendly footing with these men, visiting them in their offices, in their courts, and in their assemblies. You will be surprised to see how human they are, and gratified at their cordial reaction to an intelligent, friendly advance on our part. When they are assured of our sincerity, and of our sympathetic interest and co-operation, they will listen to our message. Do not try to do it all in one visit, nor in several visits. It may take a long time to break down prejudice and win confidence. Be guided by conditions and developments. And above all, make it a matter of much study and prayer.
Lincoln, Nebr.
* Brother Williams writes out of the fullness of the experience of many years in public life. Aside from appointive positions, he has served two terms in the legislature of Nebraska, and three terms as lieutenant governor of that State. And withal he has been a Seventh-day Adventist for nearly forty years.—Editor.
