The only way we may know what Christ would do if He were on earth in the flesh in the 19th century, is by studying what He did when He was on earth in the flesh in the first century. "I say unto you, That you resist not evil; but whosoever shall smite you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." (Matthew 5:39)
These are the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, and therefore are to be followed by Christians. The fact that it is not easy or natural to do so, does not affect the case a particle. Christ himself, in His own actions, has given us all the comment upon the above text that is necessary. "I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair; I hid not my face from shame and spitting." (Isaiah 50:6) "Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps; Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed himself to Him that judges righteously." (1 Peter 2:21,23)
But the word of God reaches to the thoughts and intents of the heart, as well as to the actions; so that the commandment, "Resist not evil," (Matthew 5:39) means not only that we are not to strike back, but that we are not to wish to do so, nor to indulge in harsh, bitter thoughts. "Love thinks no evil," (1 Corinthians 13:5) or "takes not account of evil." Christ was oppressed and afflicted, and was led as a lamb to the slaughter; yet He opened not His mouth, except to say, "Father, forgive them." (Luke 23:34)
That was the illustration of His own precepts. The words may be learned by anybody; the example can be followed only by those in whom the Spirit of Christ dwells.--Present Truth, April 19, 1894--Original title: Front Page--Timeline: IV-15 (Sermon on the Mount)--Matthew 5:39.