The nation was aghast at the recent reports of death that followed in the wake of student, demonstrations in protest of American military involvement in Cambodia. For sometime now, students have organized demonstrations against the war in Vietnam and the military in general. Unable to get lawful sanction for their protests, they have defied the law of the land and paraded from one end of the country to the other. All who would be numbered with the "in crowd" have marched along with the radicals who have no appreciation for the integrity of this great nation. Led by the militant lawbreakers, many fine young people have rioted in every section of the country.
The mod-dressed, long-haired, turned-on, bearded crowd has led the way. The large numbers of otherwise fine kids have been swept up in the spirit of "social-intellectual freedom," which is the rallying cry of the leaders. So, off go the youth, trampling underfoot the Law and law-enforcement agencies. With bricks, bottles, and other projectiles, they have mounted police barricades. Ordered to dismiss and go back to classes and work, they have, instead, started throwing their rocks into store windows, automobiles, and into the large crowds of policemen necessary to keep a measure of peace and protect the public interest7 Remarkably, the police have contained themselves and meted out only a small punishment to the law-breakers7
But, then the demonstrations took on a new approach7 Armed with fire-bombs, the students started throwing them into public buildings and burning them to the ground, cheering as costly structures fell in ashes. It was only a matter of time until these efforts would end in disaster for some.
At Kent State University in Ohio, someone hit the wrong man7 He was either hit so that he accidentally fired his gun, a sniper set off a barrage of fire from the National Guard, or he got mad. Whatever, the demonstration was of such size that local police could not handle it and the Guard was sent in7 In the rock and bottle exchange with the Guard, someone fired and 4 young people lay dead! ! Then, the cries started sounding with more volume than before. "Police Brutality!!!" It must have been a great satisfaction to the organizers of these movements that they had led in getting young people to defy the law, revolt, against lawful orders, and get killed! They must have had a great party that night in Ohio. ALL THEY HAD DON~ WAS HELP 4 KIDS GET KILLED!! They had surely proven a lot. They were party to death -- AND THAT IS WHAT THEY
WERE PROTESTING AGAINST!! It surely accomplished a lot, didn't it?
What We Sow
Permit this Bible-believing author to cite some scriptures, please. "Be not deceived; 7 God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Gal. 6: 7). If we sow the seed of rebellion and confusion, we can expect to reap the same when it is time to gather in the fruits of our labor. There is not one demonstrator who has a right to cry "brutality." They should say instead. "We got what we were working for." You don't plant corn and get strawberries!!
Law Is Ordained of God
"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power resisteth the ordinance of God: And they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation... for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil" (Ron,. 13; 1-4). God has told us what will happen when we defy the Law He has ordained. We might well expect His will to prevail.
O, Such Wise Counsel
Strangely, some, who originally led in organizing America s youth in Such protest movements, have been the Preachers of the land. Along with our Educators(?), they have
young people to rebel against the law. In fact many of 'them have been at the front of the marches that have been held. Pity the poor Preachers and Educators! They must one day answer for leading in rebellion against God and Country. It might seem quaint, but one would think that such men would know and do better. I am made to wonder just how much Bible these fellows believe, teach and practice. However, that is unkind of me to even introduce such a thought. Sounds almost vicious of me, doesn't it? But, I cannot but wonder what the parents of 4 dead college students now think of such wise (?) counsel. Still, though ironically, I heard one of these parents criticizing the Guard for such strong measures against "innocent" bystanders. I am confident there were some innocent students there. BUT LAW ABIDING, RESPECTFUL CITIZENS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN IN THAT PLACE! They would have been home studying.
I regret that these are dead in the flower of youth. I am made to sorrow with those who Bi have test loved ones!! However, having 3 children that will one day go to college, I am thankful that someone is beginning to take steps to stop some of the confusion and rebellion in our land. I am of the conviction that this is the hope for a sick land. Let the innocent stay out of the way so that law enforcement agencies can pursue the work that we have them hired to do. Then only the guilty will get hurt. Let the ordinance of God in civil government function. No God-fearing person should identify himself with the insurrectionists that would lead this nation to its knees in destruction. And if one persists in defying law, let him reap what he sows. Let him cry if he is still able, but I have no sympathy for him. He has broken the law and is being punished by the same.
In the midst of this confusion, it is encouraging to know that most of our college students are getting disgusted with this nonsensical mess. They stay away from the burning and rock throwing. They have no problem with burning eyes caused by tear gas. AND I THANK GOD FOR THEM! They will be a credit to their generation. They will take the staff of civil leadership in the next generation. As responsible and useful citizens, they will hopefully have a nation left to lead. Our treasure in America is not military power, money, or property. It is the treasure of youth. Youth that have a respect for the founding principles upon which America stands. Youth who have been blessed with parents who love their nation, and who have planted these principles in the minds of their children. My prayer is, MAY THEIR TRIBE INCREASE!! God help us to salvage something of that which He has so graciously given to us through the strength and wisdom of our forefathers. The seeds of atheism that have matured in this confusion can only be killed by the seed of God's word (Lk. 8:11). And, planting that seed is your job and mine, parents! ARE WE DOING OUR JOBS??
TRUTH MAGAZINE XIV; 37, pp. 8-9
July 30, 1970
