We know full well that Christ should govern the world, we know also that if this were so all would be well, and we know it would be in mercy, for he is the mercy of God to all of us, and who does not feel the need of His forgiving spirit?
It is very evident too, at least to the enlightened, that God uses instruments as He charged to our first parents, Gen. 1st. 27th and 28th. "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He them: male and female created He them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them be fruitful, and multiply, .and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowls of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth."
A solemn responsibility, and in order to fulfill this charge it must he apparent there is great need of heavenly wisdom. Those who are taught by Him are very humble for they see themselves, and they are trustworthy in this first important sight, he trusts them with a sight of others, and this will be in mercy and great patience, not lording it over the heritage.
It is an interesting fact, the shepherd leads the sheep, and Christ leads His followers, He goeth before them and they follow, so the most practical instruments are those who follow Christ, being taught by Him and receiving the commission of His love, invite others to come taste and see that He is good.
One of the most important attainments in this changed condition, would be that which is called, "The Golden Rule," and which obtains into the details of life, so none are taken advantage of, much less injured or hurt.
George Fox, one of the early Friends, said, "He lived in that spirit which took away all occasion of war." If this disposition was thus removed then surely all such inclinations also.
An infidel once said, "that the man who would get cross when differing with anyone, God had made a mistake in making him, but was told it was not a mistake of the Creator who made all things good, but the man had yielded to another influence, "for God had made man upright but man had sought out many inventions." [Ecclessiastes 7:29.]
We cannot but see the world does need reformation, that many about us need it, that we ourselves are in constant need of watching, that there is a responsibility resting upon all, that we be changed in heart and show the results thereof and so become serviceable in His hands for the promotion of His kingdom in the earth and among men. Religious profession really amounts to little if there is not a change of heart, the Early Friends said they were changed men and women before they went about to change others.
Christ had to say to His immediate followers while He was with them, "Ye know not what spirit ye are of." [Luke 9:55.] It was not until that memorable experience upon the day of Pentecost, when they were baptized by The Holy Ghost that they were prepared to be His witnesses, and even after that experience it required the ,grace of God to keep them tn the right spirit and in the unity with each other in the wisdom of Jesus.
One of the important evidences in order for the world to believe in Him, was that His disciples were one as people are really in Christ. This so largely depends on a change of heart that is important in all religious professors as well as the world over, which insures of experiencing the life and power of the gospel of Christ.
Again he said, "By this shall all men know ye are my disciples, that ye have love one for another." [John 13:35.] The love of God and for all His creatures is one of the most practical fruits of this so important change. We will come to understand a little more what was meant where it is written, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believed in Him should not perish but should have everlasting life." [John 3:16.] What love, infinite love, beyond human comprehension, only the little we feel for ourselves, and then as He gives it to us, the love for everybody.
How great is the loss of mankind who are not willing to experience that change of heart where old things are put away and all things become new [2 Corinthians 5:17] because all things are of God, and the ravishing love of Christ will enrich the heart and flow out to all his creatures, and especially unto mankind which will so draw them together that they will know of the oneness and hasten the day when the prophecy will be fulfilled as it must, when, "The kingdoms of the world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ." [Revelation 11:15.]
With the love of Christ to all,
Your friend,