Mexico weekly ledger., 1899-01-12
TIE GOLDEN RULE.


Therefore, all things Whatsoever 70 would
that men should do 10 you do ye even 90 TO
thsm."-Matt. 7;f2
This has been called, by common
consent, the golden rule. What num-
ber Of protesting Christians ever give
even passing notice to that state
ment7 In the whirling dance Of human
life, where men are looking out for
temporal gain and personal honors,
political and individual advancement
In this world, the above rule is never
thought of. Is 1t possible for anyone
to live in strict harmony with such q
rule of conduct Certainly 1t can be
done or IL would never have been
given to man BY inspired wisdom.
Selfishness predominates SO largely
In this life that hundreds and thous-
ands of processing Christians never
stop and give even passing thought
to what they are about to do or say In
any matter that advances their per-
sonal or selfish interests. Suppose we
try to ascertain as nearly Is possible
what would be the results to mankind
In general 10 the golden rule were
strictly regarded and observed by pro-
Tossing Christians. Az thought is the
foundation OF words and actions we
could mot think evil Of another, for we
,weuld not be willing for him TO think
evil OF as. Neither could we perform
an evil act towards another for the
same reason.
A strict compliance with the golden
rule requires each person to exchange
places with the Individual about whom
he Is in the act Of thinking or about
to do some evil act, and pause just
long enough to ask this question:
cam wiling to have him think and
act In that manner toward me?" II
not, then when we go act we violate
this fundamental law Of our heavenly
King. In ninety-nine cases out Of
every hundred where persons possess,
In any ordinary degree, reasonable
faith in the promises OF the Savior and
have their hearts fully established In
his love this simple rule of conduct
will 90 overcome every tendency to
wrong-doing as 10 exclude II entirely
from all Christian action.
This single paragraph contains In
the clearest outlines the whole gospel
Of the. Savior, 80 far as 1t relates to
and defines human duty one towards
another. Ii will, then, abrogate and
abolish evil thoughts, evil words and
evil acts. The heart will then not
only be pure and holy, for the heart
is the seat and fountain of mans affeo-
tionss but every act Of his mind will
be equally free from Impurities. As a
result, falsshood, slander and detrac-
tion will fee away, fraud and deception
win have no place on which to rest.
Everyone will speak truth to his
nsighbor. A high degree of confidence
viii spring up and men will then meet
on the great level Of time, act by the
plumb of upright conscience and part
on the exact square of Godgiven
rectitude. Men win then study and
prepare themselves to elevate those
who are unfortunate, rather than sink
them lower in the scale of despond-
ency.
Mere sympathy, the chief stock in
trade OF soulless hypocrites and one
Of the cheapest articles on the mar
kets Of time, will give place to honest
deeds and men will prove their faith
by thsir works. II one does favor
to another the favored man will hold
himself ready at all times to recipro-
cate, and II he possess the true spirit
OF the Master he win seek every
opportunity to show his gratitude.
Alterations, then, between friends will
be hard to establish and 1t will require
more than ordinary reasons to bring
thsm about. The one addressed will
say: 81 must see that man before l
can accept your report. He has
proven his friendship for me by many
unselfish acts and owe 1t TO him thus
to act.u This is what the golden rule
requires and this law must be COM
piled with. NJ. 7. DUNCAN.