p. 12 | An Ominous Perplexity by C. M. S.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 28, 1910

An Ominous Perplexity

By C. M. S.

THERE is an increasing prevalence of perplexity in the world to-day. All nations and all people are burdened with a weight of dread. It is an ominous condition, and it has a meaning.

The perplexity of the nations is given as one of the signs to Christ's followers that his coming is near at hand. It is to be a perplexity that is present in all the nations at the same time—a mutual perplexity, a dread which they share in common. The cause of the perplexity is not restricted to any one thing, to one nation's dread of another. This has been shown by the world-wide perplexity over the insidious growth and the deadly power of anarchy. The dread of it is greatest in those countries that inflict the most rigorous punishments upon its adherents. The dread of it and the perplexity regarding it are increased by the fact that its adherents are not known in those countries save to one another; and that it is possible for most dangerous anarchists to be servants, or apparent friends, in the households of statesmen, governors, kings, and emperors. The recent assassinations in Russia, Finland, India, and Egypt, and the attempts upon the lives of European rulers,—all serve to emphasize that dread and that perplexity.

Wars and rumors of wars, the apparent necessity for haste in preparing for defense, the discontent of the people under heavy, grinding taxation, the necessity for finding markets for the industrial products of overcrowded manufacturing centers,—all these have been perplexing the nations with an ever-increasing power and persistence. The perplexity which anarchy and the military burden are causing is but heaping up the load which the world has been carrying, adding to the general perplexity. This is in truth the age of perplexity; it is the age of distress of nations; it is the age of a universal dread of war; it is the age of violence; it is the age in which all these things are to culminate. That culmination comes with the second coming of Christ. Here are his own words in reference to these things and that event:—

“There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth; for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Luke 21:25-27.

We are in the time here brought to view, as everything in the earth to-day bears witness, and the coming of the Just One draweth nigh. As we look upon the perplexity and distress of nations, let us remember that God has faithfully warned us what it all means, and what it portends. Then let us lay ourselves upon the altar of God, permitting him to take out of our hearts the anarchy that has separated between us and him, so that when the opening heavens shall reveal him,—as soon they will,—we can look up to him as a loving Heavenly Father, and fly to the shelter of his outstretched arms. That is the blessed privilege that is held out to-day to every son and daughter of Adam. To reject it is sorrow and death; to accept it is joy, and peace, and life everlasting. Let us make a wise choice. C. M. S.