What's the Matter?

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 18, 1910

What's the Matter?

THIS is a question asked by the Chattanooga Daily Times in view of the disturbed conditions which are affecting the physical world at the present time. It inquires:—

Are the times out of joint? We have of late been witnessing and hearing of conditions and happenings that have no precedent in history, it appears. Certainly, as the Columbus Ledger says, “A strange condition of affairs exists. The surface of the earth has been disturbed since Christmas. Nearly every week there is chronicled the report of an earthquake somewhere. Vesuvius and Etna have both been in eruption. There have been volcanic disturbances in other sections. The oceans, and especially northern waters, have been swept with unusual storms. The weather has been remarkable for its many peculiarities. The South has had more snow than it has had in thirty-four years, and now all storm records are being broken. There must be some cause for all this, and the scientific papers of the world are publishing elaborate articles to account for these remarkable happenings.” The scientists may explain it, in a way, but the perplexing thing with the ordinary reader of these explanations is that they do not agree with one another. Plainly when they attempt to explain the many unusual things that have occurred during the past few months, they must largely rely on guesswork; for it is impossible for them to understand, explain, and account for what has been an abnormal atmospheric condition of late.

Neither science nor philosophy can afford an explanation of many abnormal

conditions existing in the world at the present time. We may learn, however, from the Scriptures of truth that these conditions are signs of the times, precursors of still more startling events which are to take place upon this earth. This world is nearing its dissolution. It is growing old with the weight of sin and years. The end of it all will be the coming of the Lord Jesus and the glorious restitution of all things.