Page:Studies in the Scriptures - Series I - The Plan of the Ages (1909).djvu/269

 corrupt though they have been, they have been vastly superior to none much better than lawlessness and anarchy. Though anarchy would probably have been quite acceptable to the " prince of this world," it was not so to his subjects, and his power is not absolute: it is limited to the extent of his ability to operate through mankind; and his policy must conform in great measure to the ideas, passions and prejudices of men. Man's idea was self-government inde- pendent of God ; and when God permitted him to try the experiment, Satan embraced the opportunity to extend his influence and dominion. Thus it was by wishing to forget God (Rom. i : 28) that man exposed himself to the influ- ence of this wily and powerful though unseen foe ; and therefore he has ever since been obliged to work against Sa- tan's machinations, as well as his own personal weaknesses.

This being the case, let us again glance at the kingdoms of this world, viewing them now as the effort of fallen humanity to govern itself independent of God. Though individual corruption and selfishness have turned aside the course of justice, so that full justice has seldom been meted out to any under the kingdoms of this world, yet the ostensible object "of all governments ever organized among men has been to promote justice and the well-being of all the people.

To what extent that object has been attained is another question ; but such has been the claim of all governments, and such the object of the people governed in submitting to and supporting them. And where the ends of justice have been greatly ignored, either the masses have been blinded and deceived with reference to them ; or wars, com- motions and revolutions have been the result.

The dark deeds of base tyrants, who gained positions of power in the governments of the world, did not represent the laws and institutions of those governments, buc in usurp-

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