Famines in Divers Places.
Among the signs of "the end" foretold by our Saviour, are "famines in divers places." Those who see in passing events signs of the near approach of the millennium, are confirmed in their views by the desolating famines which have prevailed in distant parts of the world. Two years ago the people of Persia were held for more than a year on the verge of extinction for lack of food. The destruction of a still vaster population in India has just been averted by the most vigorous exertions and lavish outlay on the part of the British Government. And still more recently, the same scourge has fallen upon Asia Minor. Late letters from missionaries of the American board at Cesarea present an appalling picture of the suffering which prevails. In a region nearly as large as New England, embracing ancient Galatia and Cappadocia, in consequence of a drought last season, cutting off the grain crop, followed by an unusually long and severe winter, supplies of all kinds for man and domestic animals have been, in many places, wholly exhausted. Flocks and herds have been greatly reduced or wholly destroyed. Men, women, and children, fleeing from their homes, have perished by the roadside, and sometimes in the streets of the cities to which they fled for food. The missionaries in Cesarea, at the last advices, were distributing bread and soup to hundreds of all classes who came to them for help.—Christian Union.