Article December 15, 1923 Issue

Signs of the Times

with contributions from William Anderson Philips, Frank R. Forrest, Mark True, Coolidge, Harry Emerson Fosdick

[From the Christian Guardian, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Oct. 12, 1923]

True gentleness is stronger than violence, and the kindly word is usually more than a match for the angry one. Looked at from the broader point of view we find that the fighters have a way of obliterating themselves, while the meek inherit the earth. The fighter may be strong and skillful, yet sooner or later he will meet his match; and when the generation of fighters has gone, their place on the earth will be occupied by the men who prefer peaceful pursuits. Are you a fighter by nature and practice? Lay aside the sword and try the other weapon, "a soft answer;" and watch the result. We venture to say that it will surprise you by its effectiveness. But you had better be prepared to keep it up; for sometimes one soft answer may only arouse your adversary's suspicion, and it may take a little while for him to realize that you really prefer peace to a fight. But when he realizes it, it will take much of the fight out of him.

[Rev. William Anderson Philips, in the Journal, San Francisco, Calif., Aug. 6, 1923]

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