p. 10 | Significant of the Times by C. A. Williams

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 21, 1909

Significant of the Times

By C. A. Williams

C. A. WILLIAMS

The national convention of the Brotherhood of Railroad Carmen was held recently in the city of Atlanta, Ga., delegates being present from every State in the United States, from Canada and from Panama. At an open air meeting held in the immense Auditorium, and attended by thousands of citizens of Atlanta, there were utterances from the speakers which were very significant, indicating the spirit that is gaining control of the minds of men and women, and showing what may be expected when the angels are bidden to loose the four winds. The address that met with the heartiest approval, and was cheered to the echo, was presented by a woman. It was filled with expressions of denunciation of the money power, the trusts, corporations, etc., designating them as tyrants, plunderers, murderers, blood-suckers, and applying to them many other names too horrible to mention. The paper was read with telling effect upon the audience.

The writer has no words of justification for the wicked and oppressive acts of the rich, neither can he condone deeds of violence on the part of those who are not rich. The principles of right and wrong are applicable to all classes and conditions, and human nature is the same in all mankind. Ex-Governor Hoke Smith, who was present, said, “Do not feel hard toward the rich man; if you were in his place, you would do just as he does,” which is, in the main, true.

We are fast hastening to that time when, as in the days that were before the flood, the earth will be filled with violence. Knowing that this time is so close upon us, do we realize what we owe to our Heavenly Father for warning us of these things? May we make haste to finish the gospel work quickly.

There are millions yet to be warned, many of whom are just as honest as we, and will accept the message for these times when their attention is called to it. We must not rest content with the assurance that we are saved. The gospel must go to “every creature” in this generation, and we must each do our part. Then when the storm breaks, we can say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. . . . Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.”