Quote from Keyser from his sermon on Love and Hate.
One would think that all people would be only too thankful to Christ and His faithful disciples who warn them of their peril, and show them the plain way to escape to eternal joy. But the hatred of the world to its best friends is one of the ethical paradoxes created by sin. “Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.” You cannot go “cheek by jowl” with the world, and at the same time be a true Christian. This does not mean that you and I are to provoke worldly people purposely; but it does mean that we cannot condone their offenses, nor follow in their footsteps. One of the most specious adages in the world is this: “When you are in Rome, you must do as the Romans do.” It is a maxim of the compromiser and the opportunist, and that spells the ugly word cowardice.
From: Keyser, Leander. In The Apostles’ Footsteps: Sermons on the Epistle Lessons for the Church Year. The Lutheran Literary Board: 1920. Lutheran Library edition forthcoming
