Despair of Our Efforts to End Vice
By F. D. Starr
THIS heading is given to an article in the Literary Digest for March 7, 1914. The mayor of one of the large cities of our country expresses himself as not knowing what to do about the white slave problem. It is stated that he has "looked into all the recent panaceas that have promised the speedy abolition of this age-long evil." The effect of trying to stamp out this and the drink evil by police force, it is stated, has been to scatter them all over the town. Reference is made to the fact that when those authorized to investigate in regard to these great evils would make their findings public through their report, the commission is prevented from doing so. "Its own great masterpiece in morals is at once forbidden circulation in the mails because of its immorality." The outlook is indeed distressing, and from a human point of view we might well despair of ever seeing anything better. "Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived." 2 Tim. 3: 13. But while vice in so many forms is alarmingly on the increase, we can say with Paul, "We are . . . not in despair." 2 Cor. 4: 8. In the midst of all the enormities that make men's hearts fail for fear, we console ourselves with the view held before us in Rev. 18: 1: "I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory." We look for that glorious city of which it is said, "There shall in no wise enter into it anything that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie." All these evils will be effectually stamped out when the time comes that the saints possess the kingdom. F. D. STARR.