p. 188 | A Troubled World by W. S. Foote

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 15, 1866

A Troubled World.

By W. S. Foote

In view of the iniquity which now abounds throughout the world, it is not to be wondered at, that intelligent, thinking men, should make up their minds that we are living in a time pregnant with important events. Said a preacher of some note, and whose body is now turning to dust, "I believe that between this and the year 1870, there will be a very critical period in the earth's history. I look forward sometimes with hope, but generally with fearfulness."

An intelligent lady remarked, "I believe that you Advent folks are right; but I have no heart in the matter, I think that the time is near when I and my family will all perish together."

Another, in view of the moral darkness which is prevailing and increasing, said, "I think those who are in their graves are the best situated." Professed ministers of the gospel (some of them), are getting into trouble in consequence of the low state of religion. "Two thirds of the members of my church," says a pastor, "are honorary members. They don't come to prayer-meetings; they do not attend Sunday-school; they don't add to the life of the church; they are but passengers on the gospel ship; they bear no burdens, add no strength; their names are on our books; they are honorary members."

The Wisconsin Puritan says: "Certain children of the Devil, dressed in Christian clothes, are trying to join the churches. One of these is the card table, which, it is insisted, is perfectly harmless if only used without stakes. Another is small domestic billiard-tables. Another, still, is domestic wine. And still another, is parlor dancing, and now and then a public ball."

The masses are watching the course of the fallen churches, and the worldly-mindedness, and inconsistent walk and conversation of the membership, is driving them further and further from salvation, and many

are troubled, not knowing which way to look for a remedy.

Another cause for trouble, is the degeneracy of the youth. A Boston paper says, "The race of Puritans has pretty much passed away, and with them the manners, and to a great degree, the morals of their day. I do not believe the young generation is as good as the preceding one; I am certain that the boys and young men of to-day have more vices, less regard for decency, and are more unrefined than those of the preceding generation."

The progress of the Papacy is another cause of trouble with many. The paper above referred to, says that Bishop Haskins of that city was one of the committee appointed to determine upon the wants of the theological department of the public library, and adds, "Bostonians need not a long memory to go back to the time when a cross was a sure sign of a Romish institution, but now the symbol of redemption crowns alike the Unitarian, Methodist, and the Orthodox churches; and the Sisters of Charity depend very largely upon Protestants for their support."

The London Patriot says, "A strong petition has been sent from England to the Pope of Rome, asking for a restoration of communion between the two churches, and that people may smile at such attempts, but parties putting them forth are in earnest, and are men of settled purpose."

Things in the natural and moral world are a source of trouble. The Cincinnati Times has, under the head of Great Times, the following: "Cholera in Italy and France, Trichinæ in Germany, and Rinderpest and Sheep plague in Russia, Holland, and England; fatal miasmatic chills among the birds of Italy; epidemic among the oysters on the French coast, and 'suspended animation' of eleven American States, to say nothing about Fenianism." He might add, increasing intemperance, awful profanity, abounding licentiousness. Crimes increasing of every kind, and of the blackest dye. The progress of Spiritualism, making the fallen churches "a hold of foul spirits and cage of unclean birds." In view of these things, together with the vast preparation for war among the nations, and increasing perplexity among them, is it strange that men's hearts are failing them for fear of those things which are coming upon the earth?