The Call of the Cities by Mary H. Williams

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 3, 1913

The Call of the Cities

By Mary H. Williams

MRS. MARY H. WILLIAMS

In these days of whirring machinery and factory-made everything it is refreshing to read of a true artisan like George W. Fisk, of Greeley, Colo. He is considered the greatest violin maker in America, if not in the world; not great in output,—for he averages less than eight violins a year,—but great in perfection of workmanship. Because his chosen art-craft is a work of love, and one that completely satisfies his creative instinct, it has brought to him great happiness and contentment in a ripe old age.

I have given this picture for the sake of drawing a comparison. It is in pitiful contrast that we view the city's great army of industrial workers, and see in that contrast a most potent cause of the spirit of unrest and discontent for which the present time is noted. In the creative instinct, God gave to man a noble birthright, of which our modern industrial system has largely robbed him. Since the highest incentive to labor is to produce something, to see the work of the hands, one must feel the keenest sympathy for the factory worker, keyed to the highest tension in the strife for efficiency—efficiency meaning the making of a certain number of pieces a day. Think of performing this automatic task year after year till the human machine breaks down, and never enjoying the reward of the old-time craftsman in the finished work! Can we wonder that he seeks relaxation in cheap amusements? He finds no church home among those of wealth and fashion, and perhaps too proud to affiliate with settlement churches, he lives a hopeless and godless life.

It is useless to think of returning to the old order of things, though some serious-minded persons have led a revolt in seeking to revive the old arts and crafts. They have met with fair recognition and success in their efforts to live a more natural and simple life, but we know from the Word of God that the conflict between capital and labor is bound to go on to the end, and the artificialities of life will engender increasing bitterness and strife.

While every right-thinking person must deplore the savagery of strike methods, yet if we look deep enough we shall find some cogent reason for such desperate measures. Neither unionism nor socialism will solve the laborer's problems or find a sovereign cure for his ills. Shorter hours and more pay will only

palliate. We are told that many will find a remedy for their unrest in the message long overdue, and joy and peace in the hope of the soon coming of the Prince of Peace. May we who enjoy quiet rural homes, realize our great debt to these our less fortunate brothers, and be generous with our means to speed on the good tidings of a coming King.

Charles City, Iowa.