As the world progresses in the knowledge of God, and human life and action gradually broaden into higher and freer modes of expression, the old-time duties of man assume new phases and the responsibilities of past centuries reappear in new forms and need to be considered in the clearer light of present necessities. The mass of intelligent men and women is increasing hour by hour, thereby giving rise to large bodies of people who ask that their viewpoints be conveyed to other greater and yet greater bodies, in a true and orderly way, and representation becomes one of the responsibilities devolving upon certain chosen characters, in modes of such far-reaching consequences that an ambassador of the time of Cæsar would quail before the exigencies of his modern military, civil, or denominational successor. The sacredness of the office of standing for the rights and wishes of others requires much earnest thought and inward preparation; for it holds within its scope the opportunity for great good, or if not accepted in the right spirit, a great deal of seeming evil.
A representative is a man who for the time stands for the character of a class, and he must therefore be willing to place his heart and talents so completely at the service of those whom he represents that he is trusted by them as thoroughly as if each were individually speaking and acting. Such a position calls for self-surrender, truthfulness, and intuitive loving. Only scientific Christianity can supply the qualities of thought which can help one who represents the interests of others to fulfill his gigantic task. There is an incident in the life of Joseph, told in the fortieth chapter of Genesis, where the chief butler is put into prison, and Joseph, himself a prisoner, interprets the butler's dream and tells him that he will soon be restored to his old position, and then adds, "But think on me when it shall be well with thee...and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house." But when the butler was recalled to court, the record states, "Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him."
The tendency of mortal mind when it finds itself in any position of authority is entirely to forget the purpose for which the authority was constituted, and to make an occasion for impressing its own wishes and opinions on the world at large, to tell others how they ought to think, and not in the least to interpret and convey such thoughts and desires as the people themselves are already thinking and wish to make known. Quite as wide of the mark are the speeches and actions of the mortal "representative" who allows himself to be led by his own personal sense, instead of seeking to be of genuine, humble service to mankind. "Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant," said the Master.
