THE TRUSTS by T. | AdventAI

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jul 26, 1899

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 25, No. 30.

THE TRUSTS.

By T.

GREAT BRITAIN is rapidly following the example of the United States in the formation of trusts.

Trusts formed there recently have absorbed the sewing-cotton business, Scotch cotton yarn dyeing, flannel and blanket manufacturing, worsted yarn and slubbing yarn dyeing, velvet dyeing, card dyeing, rubber manufacturing, the Lancashire coal business, wallpaper making, armor-plate making, etc.

England is a free-trade country, and it has been argued by many that the trusts could not flourish except under a protective tariff; but it should be manifest to any unprejudiced observer that neither tariff nor free-trade is the germ of the trust disease. The foundation of this evil lies in the grasping covetousness that is in the human heart. We may seek anywhere else for the evil, but we will never find it. We may see something else that we think is the cause of it; but sooner or later we will be compelled to acknowledge our error. Just so long as men find it in their hearts to desire to pile up wealth, regardless of the rights of others, just so long will they find a way to do it, and tariff or free-trade or any and all forms of legislation will either be evaded or made to serve their ends.

A very ancient writing tells with unmistakable plainness both the cause and significance of this trust evil. It says: "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous." 2 Tim. 3: 1, 2.

In this self-love and covetousness is the foundation for the trusts. And observe that the text says that this is to be in the "last days," and that it will also make these days "perilous."

What greater evil threatens the world to-day than the conflict between capital and labor? This is one of the recognized perils of these times. And this very condition of things is one of the means by which we may know that the last days are here. Why not recognize this perfectly plain truth that God has revealed to us in His Word? T.