On the 17th of last January, the people of the United States were astounded by a government order from Washington, that all mills, factories, and industries requiring fuel, excepting those necessary for war purposes, be shut down for a period of five successive days, beginning the following day. The nation was perplexed, and many, some in high places, objected; it would mean suffering to the poor, large loss to manufacturers, and great inconvenience to the country at large.

An inquiry was sent to Governor Bickett, of North Carolina, by newspaper men, as to what he thought of the wisdom and justice of this order for the conservation of coal. The Governor's reply was admirable, whether looked upon as an expression of patriotism, common sense, or even as an example of faith. It is chiefly in this last light that we reproduce it here, containing, as it does, a lesson for everyone-believer or unbeliever, learned or unlearned. The newspapers published the Governor's answer, as follows:

"GOVERNOR WILLING TO WALK BY FAITH.

"Raleigh, N. C., Jan. 18. In order to form an opinion worth anything upon the wisdom or lack of wisdom of the order of the Fuel Administration, closing down certain enterprises for a period of five days, one must know as much as the Fuel Administrator knows, as much as the Secretary of War knows, and as much as the President knows about the facts that, in their opinion, made this order necessary. I am not in possession of these facts, and, therefore, patriotism requires me to walk by faith and not by sight in the wisdom of the men selected to safeguard the highest interests of the nation in this emergency."

The lesson we desire to gather is this:The Governor of North Carolina, himself a man of exalted position in the country's administration, was not above confiding implicitly in the persons at Washington, while many in the nation were perplexed, complaining, or rebelling. The reasons given for this faith are admirable. He did not have-nor could he be expected to have-the combined knowledge of the three men mentioned, in this matter, therefore humility, as well as patriotism, required him to trust and submit to those of superior knowledge without question or complaint.

We admire the faith of a man in his fellows, we commend it; but when confidence in God is required, when it is demanded of men that they trust without question in God, they hesitate, and many even openly refuse to believe; they reason, protest, and rebel. "Why did God allow sin to enter the world?" they say; "Why did He choose Abraham alone, and leave his countrymen in the darkness of idolatry?" "Why did He harden Pharaoh's heart, or command the nation of Israel to exterminate the Canaanites ? " "Why did He allow the only perfectly good man to be crucified ? or the Roman Government to throw Christian men and women and children to the wild beasts, or the hateful Inquisition to torture them ? " And to-day many are asking, "Why does the Almighty allow this war, this 20th century slaughter of innocents, and starvation of people, both in Europe and Asia, who cannot be charged with intrigue or political ambition ? " Or, "Why does God allow such catastrophes as the recent terrible earthquake at Guatemala City, the fairest and most populous city of Central America, leaving one hundred thousand persons homeless ?"

To answer these questions (and many such like), one would have to know as much as the divine Trinity; and, inasmuch as no creature has such knowledge, it becomes us to follow Governor Bickett's example in the matter of the Fuel Administrator's order, and submit without question or resentment, or even shadow of doubt, and say with Abraham, while he pleaded for Sodom, "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" (Gen. 18 :25.) How limited is our knowledge-we know in part, the apostle says; and how small is that part compared to Him whose knowledge is infinite and ways are " past finding out." (See Rom. 11:33-36.)

Coming to our own individual lives, our own personal experiences, how many things happen to cause us inconvenience, pain and loss – loss of property, decline of health, death taking away some beloved one, at times when they seem most needed, as we suppose-father, husband, or wife and mother taken away when, in our judgment, they seem so indispensable! These, and many like occurrences, often cause perplexity in the minds of saints, and even bitterness and rebellion, where faith is blurred and not in exercise.

But, dear tried and often perplexed one, "have faith in God." He knows all, is perfect in understanding, and makes all things work together for your eternal good, as at the same time for His glory. The Governor of North Carolina declared himself willing to trust "in the wisdom of the men selected to safeguard the highest interests of the nation;" and have you not the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ as your God and Father, to leave your matters, great and small, entirely in His hands and to His infinite wisdom, to safeguard the highest interests of your soul, your life, your existence? Can you not too, then, "walk by faith and not by sight," leaving it entirely to Him to choose or command "according to the good pleasure of His will?"

And remember, it is your "highest interests" He has in view in all His seemingly severe, at times , and inexplicable dealings with you ; He scans your future even to and into eternity, just as He now knows perfectly all your circumstances and requirements. If He were less than all-wise, or His love for you anything less than perfect, He might waive your highest interests, and, considering only your immediate comfort, make your pathway easy and pleasant here, and spare you many appointments that now seem loveless, severe, and unnecessary. But He ever has in view our ultimate good. Our Lord Himself was" made perfect through sufferings," as the "Captain of their salvation," (Heb. 2:10).

And you who may not yet be reconciled to God through faith in Christ Jesus, will you not learn from the North Carolinian Governor's declaration to cease all cavils and quibbles against God and His ways with men and the world, and submit in penitence to His authority, acknowledging that all His ways are with wisdom, and His deeds are done in truth? (See Deut. 32 :4; Dan. 4:37.) Above all, submit to His Son Jesus Christ to save your soul from the wrath to come. C. Knapp

"Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace:
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face."