The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1878-01-19

rapidly; but we shall not do we'll it
we neglect the lessons.lt suggests.
The year Just closed has been Il re-
marable one. Events Of great sig
niticance have crowded upon each
other. One year ago political Diff
culties of a very grave character
and demanding the utmost wisdom
of statesmen and forbearance of
parties, agitated the country. A
few months. later, other disturb
ances, apparently arising FROM the
unsettled relations of labor and
capital. but, perhaps, really pro-
duced by a kind of reconnaissance
in force of communistic elements in
society, perplexed aud exasperated
the people. The Southern qnes-
tons. though favorably modified
by the policy of the Presidet, was
not, finally, so far settled as to put
to rest all apprehensions: while
financial questions, coupled with
new heresies, are becoming fresh
sources of solicitude.
Abroad, even more important
events and questions have absorbed
attention. The Turkish empire,
corrupt within and deserted by its
allies, IL falling before the arms Of
Russia, and seems about to quit
Europe as it entered tin the
practice of nameless atrocities,
which compel those most in SYM
pathy with it to thank God that its
power is broken, France, for
months on the verge of revolution,
is giving fresh illustration of the
deadly coAict that RACES between
opposite ideas in government, and
of the desperation to which the foes
Of civil and religious freedom are
driven. In England, the question
Of disestablishment, aud an entire
change in the relations of Church
and State, involving vast interets
and a great modification in the
modes of religious observance al 4
thought in that land,is steadily d
toward solution.
If ever the world was unsettled,
it is now; if ever old prejudices
we're assailed, old abuses were dis
turbed, conflicting theories of social
life we're agitated, and divers con-
illusions about truth were declared,
they are so to-day. Fundamental
doctrines, regarding both God aud
man, are br night fnto question I;
old CONVICTIONS are being subjected
to new tests; new readings Of old
records, and new interpretations Of
Gods revealed will, are forced up
on attention; while the material as
poets of human life show an inten-
sity Of thought and purpose which
no previous age has exhibited
such facts make the present a
seed-time. If evils are rampant,
they are, by that fact, exposed to
attact. If changes in governments
and ideas are going forward, oppor-
tunities are thereby presented to
strike more vigorous blows in be-
half of truth and virtue and reli-
yion. Repose and stagnatioH do
not afford the best conditions for
intoxicating truth. Indeed, abuses
thrive best when times are quiet,
and errors are safe when inquiry
1t was when men slept
that the enemy sowed tares. There
IS no wisdom in fearing revolutions,
Or even commissions. Light may
have, come into the world, but it
awaits the breaking mp of prejudice
and the exposure Of error, before
t can penetratete the mind and
heart.
The Empire OF Turkey is proba-
ply not destined to fall at once and
become extinct bnt Turkish des-
oostism will, doubtless, be 80 modi-
led that they who would increase
he power in Christian truth in
hat land will have the fullest OPP
portunity to do so. The papal pow
sr will not re-establish itself. how
,ver energetic and tiTeless lis en-
leavors to effect that purpose; but
is effort to adapt itself to the de-
hands Of the age is forcing upon
{ changes which uncover some Of
Is weaknesses and expose it to At
Jack. Tue new doctrines of the
ma erialists will not convince men
hat man ~ destitute Of a soul; bnt
hey will turn attention toward
questions which are more impor-
ant than those of the market, and
open many an avenue to Christian
ruth.--[N. Y. Observer.