p. 16 | Signs of the Times, Vol. 32, No. 1. (1/3/1905)

An All-Absorbing Purpose—An Iron Will

An All-absorbing Purpose—an Iron Will.—December 10, one hundred years ago, William Lloyd Garrison was born. January 1, 1831, he began the issue of his radical anti-slavery sheet. In his salutatory he uttered these words:

I will be as harsh as truth and as uncompromising as justice. On this subject I do not wish to think or speak or write with moderation. . . . I am in earnest—I will not equivocate—I will not excuse—I will not retreat a single inch—and I will be heard.

The friends of the "lost cause," our Southern brethren, may cherish no pleasant memories of the man who, tho meek himself, could write so intemperately, yet all will admire the courage, the bravery. It is such a spirit as that which is needed in God's cause, not in harshness nor vindictiveness, but in zeal, in courage, in persistence.

The Test of Modern Christianity

By Editor

The Test of Modern Christianity.—Rev. Chas. D. Williams, Dean of Trinity Cathedral, Cleveland, has a striking article in the current number of McClures, in which he touches the very core of the matter when he tells us that the "searching and final test of our modern Christianity" is, Can it produce strong, righteous men in all the walks of life to-day? "If it can not or will not, it must perish, whatever arguments may be alleged as to its authenticity and authority." We will have more to say upon this next week.

Trusting God Through Every Trial

God is guiding the Gospel Ship, and if we are really in the ship we can afford to trust His guidance at all times and under all circumstances. "When storm after storm rises dark o'er the way," He is not limited in means of action; He can either still the tempest or sail the ship in spite of it. So what is the difference to us which He chooses to do. If the difficulties in the way serve to keep us humble, realizing our dependence on Him, and if it be so that we can not be so kept any other way, then blessed be the trials that come to us. If, as in the case of Job, affliction come to prove that a servant of God can be kept by the spirit of faith from the temptations of the enemy under the sorest of trials, let us endure the chastening for the sake of the "peaceable fruit of righteousness" that is to follow. "Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him; for they shall eat the fruit of their doings."

Yosemite Valley, California

By Editor

"Yosemite Valley, California" is the title of a beautiful little booklet which has come to our table from Mr. Charles S. Fee, Passenger Traffic Manager of the Southern Pacific. The writer is A. J. Wells. The book is a description of some of the wonderful features of the wonderful valley. It tells the reader the best time to see the valley, and the way to visit it so as to pass through the Mariposa Grove of Big Trees, the route via Raymond and Wanona. This is the finest grove, and is said to be by all odds the finest route. This little booklet is packed full of information, and it is worth the five-cent stamp which brings it, if you never intend to go. Address any Southern Pacific representative, or Southern Pacific Advertising Bureau, 431 California Street, San Francisco.

And the Cossacks, Too?

And the Cossacks, Too?—The dread Cossack arm of the Russian soldiery, which for a long time has been the main dependence of the autocracy and the awe of the peasantry, is at last showing a disposition to join the ranks of the dissatisfied masses. A St. Petersburg despatch says: "The third squadron of the Don Cossacks is reported to have held a meeting and to have drawn up service demands, claiming that the men are fed like dogs and shabbily clothed. The government officials were forced to deprive the soldiers of their rifles and lances. This is the first sign of disaffection on the part of the Cossacks."

Corporation Laws of California

By Editor

We have been favored with a complimentary copy of the "Corporation Laws of California," compiled by Hon. C. F. Curry, Secretary of State. The volume contains 483 pages, bound in cloth, and copiously indexed. It is a very convenient book of reference, and will be found valuable to the legal fraternity and to all persons who have to do with corporations. Mr. Curry has rendered valuable service to the people by such work at various times since he has held this position of trust.

Russian Peasants Demand Land

The peasants of Russia are demanding land, which is owned in vast estates. A press despatch says that eight hundred land owners in the vicinity of Saratoff have appealed to the government to take measures to satisfy the land hunger of the peasants, in the hope of ending the agrarian uprising. The aid of troops is demanded to prevent the sacking of the remainder of the estates in the Volga region.

Flood Japan

Flood Japan.—Japan, again, warns us of the risk of procrastination in missions. A nation ready to be moulded is liable to be marred; the pliant sapling may be easily deformed, or the plastic clay shaped for dishonor. Into these openings go the devil's agents, if the Lord's do not; and while we sleep they sow tares in the mellow soil. What can be more important than, at the crisis of Japan's history and destiny, to flood the land with the Gospel of the Son of God.—Selected.

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