p. 3 | Fighting Lawlessness

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 12, 1908

Fighting Lawlessness

On every hand the evidences are multiplying to prove that we have entered upon those troublous times which, according to the predictions of the Scriptures, are to precede the second advent of our Lord. The shocking record of the deeds of lawlessness which is found in the columns of the daily papers, the terrible disasters which follow one another with such an impressive regularity, and the death-dealing outbreaks of the spirit of anarchy are arousing a sense of peril in the minds of the people, and are stirring the authorities to undertake repressive measures. The feeling of apprehension and the plan of operations are revealed in the following announcement, which has appeared in the daily press:—

Thoroughly concerned over the outbreak of anarchy which has found expression in the murder of Father Leo, in Denver, and the attempt to assassinate Chief-of-Police Shippy, in Chicago, the government has determined to adopt drastic measures for dealing with “Black Handers,” Chinese highbinders, and the criminal anarchists generally.

State and municipal authorities will be asked to co-operate with federal officers in locating alien anarchists who are here in violation of the immigration laws, and when found, these persons will be deported.

It is expected that an effort will be made to effect an international agreement between all civilized nations to provide that where a citizen of one country seeks admission to another country, he shall produce a certificate, officially attested, giving his home record. While this may work hardship in cases of persons who flee to escape persecution and can not obtain the necessary certificates, it is believed that some such radical course is necessary to prevent the spread of anarchy.

We are not surprised that the government is impelled to take drastic measures to prevent lawlessness. The logic of events seems to demand it. It appears to be necessary to exercise the authority of the nation in order to protect the life and property of its citizens, and to insure its own existence. Nevertheless, the path thus entered upon is a dangerous one. This is indicated in the statement itself. The proposed action will close the nation’s doors against those who would seek in this country an asylum from oppression and persecution, and such a movement can easily be turned into a campaign of persecution against those who choose to obey God rather than men when the laws of men conflict with the law of God. All this can come about so naturally that even good men may deem it necessary, for the good of the majority, to do injustice to the minority.

The true explanation of the present situation is found in the fact that the Spirit of God is being withdrawn from the earth because of the rejection of God’s messages of instruction and warning, and thus the evil passions of unregenerate human nature, being more and more freed from restraint, are manifesting themselves in lawless deeds. The trouble is not confined to America. There is hardly a country of any importance on the face of the earth which is not facing the same problem of evil in one form or another. And if all the countries should decide to deport those men whom they regard as dangerous to society, where would they be sent? and would the condition of the world as a whole be improved? The reader can easily make his own answers.

We may not look for conditions to

improve in the future. The only cure that for these troublous times will be found in the coming of the Lord. Only by the destructive glory of his own presence will the forces of evil be conquered. The only hope of individuals centers in the gospel message of preparation for the coming of Christ. Great is the responsibility which rests upon those who have been called to give this message to the world.