Editorial January 21, 1928 Issue

Protection

DUNCAN SINCLAIR

WHAT a lesson there is in Peter's exhortation to godliness, given in the third chapter of his first epistle: "For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. . . . And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?" It is a magnificent appeal for righteousness in thought and in word; and it conveys the distinct promise that those who are followers of good—those who think good thoughts, speak good words, and do good deeds—are protected.

Christ Jesus, whom Peter followed,—obediently followed after the Master left this earth,—had proved before the eyes of his disciples this very truth of the protecting power of right thinking which Peter voiced. Did not Jesus on one occasion pass through the midst of those who were incensed against him, and who would have taken him to his grievous hurt? "Moved with compassion," did he not touch without harm to himself the leper who had besought him to make him clean, before he, Jesus, uttered the memorable words, "I will; be thou clean," and healed the afflicted one? Was he not completely protected during the storm at sea, even amidst the fury of wind and wave? Yes, indeed. And did he not actually still the storm through the understanding he possessed of the omnipresence and omnipotence of God?

Supporting the admonitions and acts of Jesus and his disciples was a profound knowledge of spiritual law, and an intimate acquaintance with good; and obedience to spiritual law and the demonstration of good in their lives was what assured to them divine protection. The evil thinker and doer, he who loves neither God nor man, but, instead, practices evil in thought and deed, virtually refuses to place himself under the protection of God; and he accordingly reaps the reward of his folly. On the other hand, he who loves God and man, and demonstrates his love in good acts, in acts of mercy, compassion, and justice, in the measure of his loving is protected as by the direct interposition of Deity.

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