would be too dearly purchased at the sacrifice of principle . If unity could be secured only by the compromise of truth and righteousness , then let there be difference , and even war .
Well would it be for the church and the world if the principles that actuated those steadfast souls were revived in the hearts of God ' s professed people . There is an alarming indifference in regard to the doctrines which are the pillars of the Christian faith . The opinion is gaining ground , that , after all , these are not of vital importance . This degeneracy is strengthening the hands of the agents of Satan , so that false theories and fatal delusions which the faithful in ages past imperiled their lives to resist and expose , are now regarded with favour by thousands who claim to be followers of Christ .
The early Christians were indeed a peculiar people . Their blameless deportment and unswerving faith were a continual reproof that disturbed the sinner ' s peace . Though few in numbers , without wealth , position , or honorary titles , they were a terror to evildoers wherever their character and doctrines were known . Therefore they were hated by the wicked , even as Abel was hated by the ungodly Cain . For the same reason that Cain slew Abel , did those who sought to throw off the restraint of the Holy Spirit , put to death God ' s people . It was for the same reason that the Jews rejected and crucified the Saviour--because the purity and holiness of His character was a constant rebuke to their selfishness and corruption . From the days of Christ until now His faithful disciples have excited the hatred and opposition of those who love and follow the ways of sin .
How , then , can the gospel be called a message of peace ? When Isaiah foretold the birth of the Messiah , he ascribed to Him the title , " Prince of Peace ." When angels announced to the shepherds that Christ was born , they sang above the plains of Bethlehem : " Glory to God in the highest , and on earth peace , good will toward men ." Luke 2:14 . There is a seeming contradiction between these prophetic declarations and the words of Christ : " I came not to send peace , but a sword ." Matthew 10:34 . But , rightly understood , the two are in perfect harmony . The gospel is a message of peace . Christianity is a system which , received and obeyed , would spread peace , harmony , and happiness throughout the earth . The religion of Christ will unite in close brotherhood all who accept its teachings . It was the mission of Jesus to reconcile men to God , and thus to one another . But the world at large are under the control of Satan , Christ ' s bitterest foe . The gospel presents to them principles of life which are wholly at variance with their habits and desires , and they rise in rebellion against it . They hate the purity which reveals and condemns their sins , and they persecute and destroy those who would urge upon them its just and holy claims . It is in this sense--because the exalted truths it brings occasion hatred and strife-that the gospel is called a sword .
The mysterious providence which permits the righteous to suffer persecution at the hand of the wicked has been a cause of great perplexity to many who are weak in faith . Some are even ready to cast away their confidence in God because He suffers the basest of men to prosper , while the best
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