THE ONE ALL-SUFFICIENT FRIEND.
By Editor
An article of most excellent advice appears in the American Pen (a paper edited by Mr. J. H. Dismukes, colored, of Americus, Ga.) of July 24, on the lynchings among Negroes. The editor evidently believes that many of those lynched are innocent, but he speaks in no spirit of retaliation. Of the conditions in the south the writer has no personal knowledge, and the SIGNS OF THE TIMES is not in politics on the race question, nor on any other question. It is established to preach the Gospel to all men of the “one blood,” bond or free, yellow or brown, black or white, intra American or extra American. The editor of the Pen gives this commendable counsel to his people: “We say to the Negro, Obey the law and attend to each his own business. This will not save or protect you from race prejudice and hatred; but do it. God will in his own time and opportunity vindicate your innocence.” He points his people to the right source for comfort, and warns the enemies of his race in these words:— “We warn our white friends the Negro has one friend, and that is God. He is wise and just. Not one Negro wrongfully convicted in your courts, robbed and punished, but has a just Advocate at the bar of heaven and a powerful Executive. He will review and pass upon all your earthly decisions. The Negro citizen and the Negro man shall have justice done him. The Judge of all the earth will do right.” And all this is true, and we believe that every Christian, north or south, will heartily respond to the sentiment; for we can hardly believe, as the Pen says, “The Negro has no friends in America or anywhere on the globe.” We know Christ to be his friend, and we know that every one in whose heart reigns the Spirit of Christ is also his friend. And surely there must be many such in all parts of this broad land. Yet, while all human friends are weak, God is strong and able and willing. He has given an example of trust in Jesus Christ. Follow him, and commit thy cause to Him that judgeth righteously. 1 Peter 2 : 23, margin.