to intermeddle with civil affairs . . . unless by way of humble petition in cases extraordinary; or by way of advice for satisfaction of conscience if they be thereunto required by the civil magistrate." Yet in spite of this specific injunction, lobbying has become a dignified activity for ecclesiastical officials. One day it may be the Presbyterians, whose majority vote determines the will of God, asking that Red China be seated at the U. N., or perhaps that federal expenses for public housing or education be sharply increased; another day it may be the Methodists who denounce congressional investigations as being after the pattern of Medieval Spain and modern totalitarian states. But no, I may have it backwards: it was this last item that came from a Presbyterian source. But it was not Presbyterianism.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if all Presbyterians were Presbyterian!
ANGLERS
(By the Editor of The Testament for Fishers of Men)
Lesson No. 102
MORE HINDRANCES "Hindrances, Inc., Serpent D. Satan, Gen. Mgr.," cleverly clothes its products with respectability and plausibility. The challenge to go and talk to a lost sinner about his soul's salvation is perfectly clear and plain. It is undoubtedly from God. But business, social engagements, health protection (as in case of rain or severe weather and maybe a virus infection threatening!) and the radio or television programs—one or all of these suddenly loom up across the path, and the challenge goes unheeded, or action is postponed to "a convenient season" (Felix). Business is very necessary. We have to make a living; and besides, we are under contract and must keep our promises. "Hindrances, Inc." even quotes Scripture on this: "Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men." (Prov. 22:29). Then there is the social obligation; being a member of the club, and an absentee would make an "odd table." One's health is a sacred stewardship and this threatened rain might bring on a bad cold; sneezed twice yesterday. Also people don't care to have you calling with mud on your shoes. And there's the television program specially interesting tonight: a fellow needs relaxation after a hard day's work. (Aside: it does not really induce relaxation—more often it tightens the nerves, and it literally eats up time.) Also, you are apt to interrupt your "prospect's" television program! (This is a grand excuse! )
There are hundreds of other hindrances that seem perfectly reasonable. In fact, "Hindrances, Inc." has an unlimited list of them, and not one of them is admitted to be unreasonable.
There is just one way to deal with these hindrances. Talk to God about it. One thing is certain. God will not give you a task to do, but He will also make it possible to perform it. There are ways to get around these hindrances, but our trouble is we don't want to get around them. One Sunday night beginning a week's meeting in Houston, Texas, the evangelist urged the church members to dedicate the week to God; to set aside every night in the week to attend services. Two little girls came to him at the close of the service and told him they very much wanted to attend, but it happened to be the week for their most important "test" in the entire semester; that they had never made 100 in any test, and had promised thc'r parents they would make 100 this time at all hazards. That would mean they must stay at home every night and study for this important test. The evangelist asked them if they believed God would like to have them attend the services. "Of course He would," they replied, "but we don't think He would have us break our promise to our parents." The evangelist then said, "Well, suppose you pray about it tonight, and ask God to show you how you can come to the services and make 100 on your test, too; will you?" They said they would, and they did pray. Monday night came and the two little girls were at the church. They told the preacher that while they were praying "it occurred to them" that they could cut out some of their afternoon activities which were not necessary, and take that time for study. They came every night to the services. Friday night they both rushed up to the preacher at the close and told him they had both made 100 in their tests that day. This is just a child's experience, but the same holds good with any real servant of the Lord under any circumstances who wants to do his Master's will. A way will be provided if we ask for it with the willingness to follow His lead.
