Prophets of Evil

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 25, 1912

CONSERVATISM, even in the church of God, may reach a point where it will amount to an extreme pessimism discouraging to Christian enthusiasm or progress. Some see the dark side of every picture. Like the ten spies that went up to view the land of promise, they see only the giants. The Lutheran of Dec. 21, 1911, cites the following incident as illustrating this principle:—

In a certain town there lived an old lady who had never seen an electric trolley-car. In time, the enterprising business men of the town formed a company and built an electric street-railroad in the town. Many evil prophecies were spoken. The wits let loose their ridicule and sarcasm. The day for the opening of the electric railroad came. There were speeches, a parade, and band music. The first car was to start from the grand stand. The old lady was there with a mingled look of distress and triumph. She told her neighbors standing about, “It will never run. I know it. Without horses? I tell you it will never run.” The motorman took his place and turned the controller. The car stood still. The old lady flung her arms into the air, and shrieked, “I told you so. I knew it. It won’t run.” After a few slight adjustments the motorman again turned the controller. This time, with a crack and a swish, amid the applause of the rustic multitude, the car shot forward and up the track. The old lady, with open mouth, leaned forward over the track, shielded her eyes with her hand, and looking after the car, said, “It ain’t going to stop, I tell you. It never will stop.” Some never have faith in any projects until others make them go.