Editorial Postscripts

Nationalism!—In these tense days, when the nerves of nations are at snapping point, when passion and resentment, suspicion and accusa­tion, intrigue and realignment, are playing fast and loose with national feelings, we as workers and counselors to our people need to be doubly on guard lest feelings against some nation or race rise in our own hearts, and cripple or thwart our ministry. We are never to forget that the Father of mankind loves all; that Christ died for all; and that our message is for all. Further, that unjust and unjusti­fiable actions of rulers, or of some small con­trolling coterie, are not necessarily chargeable to the masses of the people, who may have had nought to do with the national involvements. We are not to permit "pro" or "anti" feelings to sweep us from our gospel moorings, nor to thwart our appointed work and witness. We, too, are to love all men, and to seek out and save the honesthearted of every nation. This is our duty in an hour like this.

Limitations!—When one accepts credential papers from the denomination, he automati­cally and unavoidably accepts, along with the rights and privileges conferred, certain obli­gations and limitations which cannot right­fully be ignored. When, of his own free will, he consents to stand as a public teacher, he cannot of right commit the denomination by voice or pen to positions that are purely a matter of personal opinion, upon which there is known divergence of opinion, and upon which no denominational position has been taken. No man has a personal right to inject or press issues that divide, weaken, or confuse the church, or alienate the ministry or laity. This is the inseparable corollary to freedom. Questions are not to be made a test by an in­dividual worker, that are clearly declared not to be tests of membership or fellowship by the denomination. Nor can this be rightfully con­strued to be an abridgement of sacred, per­sonal liberty. The unity of the church is the balancing counterpart that must never be for­gotten nor flaunted. This is the automatic restraint of freedom.

Jealousy!—Jealousy is such a mean, despic­able thing—so small, narrow, bigoted, inju­rious! It but grudgingly concedes a point of strength in an associate, for fear of somehow detracting from its own personal prestige. It cannot bear to see another succeed where its own failure is apparent. Greater crowds, larger results, more publicity for another,— these are intolerable. Instead of praying for a brother minister, jealousy leads one to de­tract and slur. It harps on "superficial work," "fortunate circumstances," "favoritism," and the like. It cannot tolerate the method that is different, and which God honors with results. It decries large efforts and aggressive publicity. Ah, we need seriously to search our own hearts to see whether this wicked thing has any place in us. The glory of God and the advancement of our common cause, by any and every proper means and agency, should be our golden rule. The John-the-Baptist spirit—that he must in­crease even if I decrease—this is the earmark of true Christianity, and the gauge of its estab­lishment in our hearts.

Adjuncts!—Sometimes a voice is heard de­crying the Salvation Army, its program and its methods. For shame! While their methods are not our methods, no more sacrificial nor worthy effort to alleviate human suffering and woe is being made anywhere. Let us give honor where honor is due. Theirs is a practical, not a theoretical Christianity, and is wholly dif­ferent from that of the nominal churches. Theirs is not the defense of a mistaken creed, but is applied religion, .even though limited. They reach a needy group no others are touch­ing. They have their place in the scheme of things, and we have ours. They are one of God's adjuncts, while we are the heralds of Heaven's final warning and entreaty.

Rumors!—Like snowballs, rumors frequently grow from little or nothing to amazing propor­tions. Bandied about from one to another, they often ultimately bear little resemblance to the original stories started on their irre­sponsible journeys toward destinations un­known. If they were always harmless tales, perhaps no word were needed; but they are not. On the contrary, they are at times cruelly hurtful, misrepresenting and seriously injur­ing some one's present influence or future use­fulness. A whispered suggestion that a man is unsound or unsafe on this or that, is suffi­cient, and away it goes, violating not only the cardinal principle of humanity, but of Chris­tianity as well. A subtle word that one is careless in conduct, and character assassination grows apace until, sometimes without foundation in fact, grossest injustice is done some innocent victim. But what shall be said of those who relay these expanding tales? Will they stand guiltless before the bar of God? With earnestness we say, Nay. Isn't it about time to challenge all floating rumors? to demand proof and origin, and to smite vicious gossiping, too often spawned in the pit and nurtured by suspicion, jealousy, or spite?                                                            

L. E. F.