Christianity and War / 417

Samaritans did not receive him; James and John, when they saw it, were enraged too, that they said: "Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, even as Elias did?" But Jesus turned and rebuked them, saying, "Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of;"or according to Luther: "Know ye not what spirit's children ye are"-"for the Son of Man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them." Lu. 9:52-56.

How ready were James and John to avenge themselves, of this affront to their master, by commanding fire to come down from heaven to consume those who had offered it! This was still, in their hearts, the manifestation of old Adam,, the natural man, the unregenerate heart.. But Christ taught them a different lesson.-Instead of calling down fire and vengeance upon those who despitefully use us, we must call down grace and forgiveness upon them: "Father, forgive them" was the prayer of Christ. He did not destroy men's lives when persecuted and abused by them, and therefore, neither have his followers any right to do it. Herein Christ has also "left us an example that we should follow his steps."

Surely, then, if Christians are members of Christ, and branches of him, the true vine, yea, possessors of his Spirit, and anointed with the same; they cannot be engaged in destroying men's lives and property, and at the same time have in their hearts the love of Christ.-Now, it seems the Jews were well aware of the fact, that Christ taught a non-resistance doctrine, when they said: "If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him, and the Romans shall come and take away our place and nation." in. 11:48. Jesus said to Pilate, "My kingdom is not of this world; if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I would not be delivered to the Jews; but now is my kingdom not from hence." in. 18:36. This seems to have been the reason-because his kingdom was not of this world-that his servants would not tight, and if they would not fight then, why should they now? although Peter, it seems, was quite ready to fight for his Master, when he drew his sword and cut off the ear of the High Priest's servant. He was not yet fully acquainted with the nature of Christ's kingdom; but here again Christ sharply rebuked him saying: "Put up again thy sword into his place, for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword." Matt. 26:52; and Jesus in order to "leave us an example that we should follow his steps," touched the servant's ear and healed him. Lu. 22:51.

But how can this be so, that all who "take the sword shall perish with the sword?" since many take the sword and go forth and slay their enemies, and yet do not perish thereby. This is very true, but there is yet another sword, even the word of God, which is called a sword, and by that sword shall men be judged at the last day; so that by taking the carnal sword to slay their enemies, contrary to Christ's teachings men put themselves in danger of perishing by the spiritual sword, or "the sword of Christ's mouth." Rev. 2:16."Repent, or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth." Rev. 2:16. Again: "He that killeth with the sword, must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints." Rev. 13:10; Mark: "He must be killed with the sword." The sentence will be pronounced against him by the sword of Christ's mouth: "Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels."