Los Angeles herald., 1890-07-12
THE LEAGUE.
THE PROCEEDINGS AT YESTER-
DAYS SESSION.
1.-THE World of Today" Discussed by Rev.
J. B. Young, of Kansas City-Notes
and Personals.

MrS. OSUOfuc opened Jne meeting yes
terday morning with singing as usual
and met with as flattering a reception az
ever. After prayer by Rev. DR.. Will
iams, Mr.. Cole introduced Rev. J. B
Young, D. D., of Kansas City, who, il
his lecture, "The World of Today de
livered one of the most mastery efforts
to which the assembly has yet listened
He said: The time in which mar
lives has very great effect upon hi.
character, knowledge and pursuits. The
saying, "The age makes the man," is
to certain extent, true. More atten
tion is now being given to environment
Its impress is ever upon us. This
truth is so plain that l scarcely
need to urge before an intelli
gent audience the beauty and
necessity of studying the world of to-
day. No sin is more fearfully avenged
upon men and nations than failure to
read the signs of the times. 1t was this
failure on the part of the Jews that
brought words of censure from the lips
of Christ.
What are the moulding influences OF
this nineteenth century? There are
many who never dream of asking such a
question as this, but doubt if they at
tend Chautauqua or Epworth assem-
bly.
The most doleful figure on the face of
the century is the ultra conservative
creature who lives forever in the ''good
times" of the past. He it was who op-
posed irrigation in California, pavements
in Los Angeles, water works, Chautau-
qua assemblies and schools. He is a
chronic brakeman on the car of progress.
He used to live in the days of Solomon,
and, indeed, believe he may have come
over with Noah in the ark, and his lugu-
brious wall may have mingled with the
sob of the departing waters as he mourned
the good old days before the food.
In my opinion the one great drawback
,of this age is the old mossback himself.
The only remedy l know of for his walls
is good blanket of gravel six feet thick,
said that study of history only refuted
the statement that the world was grow
ing worse.
Another curse of the age is form of
religious pessimism which declares that
ithe world is ever growing worse, and the
only salvation for the world will be the
final coming of Christ. But Christ said,
N'Lo, l am with you always, even unto
the end," and how can the world grow
worse?
The optimist is not so. His weather
probabilities always predict "fair
weather tomorrow" even in the east.
His digestion is good, he believes in the
present and the future, and his ardent
faith is factor in the success which he
predicts. God bless the optimist.
One of the traits of the age is it's mar
velous rate of progress. It has been
called "an age of electricity" and other
things characterizing this tendency to
rapid progression. Darwin, at the very
opening of the century predicted: "Soon
shall thy arm, unconquered steam, afar
drag the slow barge, propel the rapid
car" A prophecy abundantly fulfilled
later. Carlyle spoke OF the age as a
mechanical age," but we cannot re-
strict ourselves to any one item.
Men formerly struggled with nature
today they court her. The army of ex-
ploration and discovery will not, at the
command of any one, relinquish its re-
searches. At the command of St. Paul
they 'prove all things, hold fast that
which is good"
The world of today is world con-
sQuereu u-tTaHSHSurtu ny Inc cuOi 70 Va
man.
We are living in an age that saw the
slave trade abolished in all civilized
countries, and self-government allowed,
in measure, in the monarchical gov
.ernments of the old world. This spirit
of liberty is one of the salient features of
the age. No such age has ever afforded
such field for mortal as this.
The remaining exercises of the day
were according to the regular programme.
Notes.
Mr. S. A. Widney removed his family
to Long Beach yesterday.
Preparations for the Chautauqua As
sembly next week are going forward
actively. Ten of the diplomas to be
awarded have already been placed in the
hands of Mr.. Cole. ..
The exercises of the Epworth League
close ON Monday. On Monday evening
an entertainment is to be given in the
tabernacle, which will be lively affair.
A set of "wax-works," under the charge
of Mrs. Osborne, and other novelties are
announced