Article August 18, 1934 Issue

Holding Our Ground

WILLOW H. TAYLOR

Just now the world in general is seeking for the courage to press on, in spite of setbacks, in spite of discouraging circumstances. It is looking for a sure foundation whereon to build its hopes, one that will not fail, and upon which it may stand fast until victory is at hand.

A writer of another century, Harriet Beecher Stowe, gives encouragement in these words to men and nations that seem to encounter overwhelming difficulties in their progress: "When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hold on a minute longer, never give up then for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn." This stimulating admonition cheers with the firm counsel, "Never give up," for one can always "hold on a minute longer;" and though it gives no definite truth to which one may pin one's faith and confidence, it nevertheless conveys the writer's belief in a power outside one's self which will cause the adverse tide to turn.

The Bible chronicles a great victory achieved because the advice to "stand still" was heeded, when the fleeing Israelites were pursued by the Egyptian hosts. Standing on the shore of the Red Sea, unable, as they believed, to go on, and overwhelmed with fear because of their approaching enemies, they turned against their leader. But Moses was moved of God to speak to them thus: "Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." Then came the command from God to "go forward." Their deliverance from the enemy was signalized in Moses' song of rejoicing, wherein he declared, "The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, ... and I will exalt him." Centuries later, in his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul's inspired confidence was voiced in his admonition, "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."

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