Among the many journals that come to our editorial desk is one, Christian Economics, published in New York. In the issue of last November 29 there appeared a serrnonette that set forth in clear, simple language the great truth of the moral law. It is heartening when such clear evaluations of the law of God appear in journals of this kind, and we feel that our readers will appreciate this simple message.
The downward trend of true morality as seen in many places is causing Christian leaders great concern, and it is refreshing to witness a change in religious thinking toward a new appreciation of the great principles as set forth in the Ten Commandments. These very conditions provide an environment for the proclamation of the truth.
Here is the sermonette:
"More and more widely the idea is being accepted that whatever is standard practice is right—that there is no immutable moral law of God, but only the custom and usage of the times.
"Truth is said to be determined by the consensus of opinion, i.e., by whatever most of the people are saying and doing.
"Polls and samplings are accepted as guides to truth and morals. Today we hear more about trends and tendencies than about principles. The majority determines as between right and wrong.
"Polls may determine what is being thought and done but that has no bearing on the wisdom of the action.
"Kinsey proved that a lot of people are committing adultery, but that does not repeal the Seventh Commandment, nor save those who violate it from suffering the penalty.
"Public opinion approves of drinking but nevertheless, 'Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging; and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise' (Prov. 20:1).
"Polls only prove that many are 'not wise.'
"Truth has flamed with many a martyr at the stake while the crowd—the majority—jeered. Within the moral realm polls and majorities do not determine truth. That lies in the province of God. Though all the people say otherwise, God's law cannot be amended or repealed. It may be ignored but not with impunity.
"The consensus of opinion sanctioned the revelers dancing about the golden calf, but the moral law of God carried down from Mt. Sinai by Moses declared otherwise, and God's law was right. Had that matter been determined by the consensus of opinion, as expressed by sampling or poll, the Ten Commandments would not have been accepted.
"The consensus was against Daniel, the three Hebrew children and the prophets, but they were right.
"A sampling of public opinion condemned Jesus to crucifixion, but truth, nevertheless, hung with Him on the cross.
"The moral law ordained by God cannot be changed by mortal man.
" 'For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled' " (Matt. 5:18).
