Kings in Exile

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 24, 1916

It has been long years since the world witnessed a time when thrones were tottering as they are today. The whirlwind of the present great European conflict has already swept three kings into exile. Belgium has been overrun, and King Albert has found refuge in France. King Nicholas of Montenegro has been driven from his domain, and King Peter of Serbia has found an asylum in the French Republic. How many other kings or kingdoms will go down in this terrible cataclysm we cannot say. It is a matter of current report, however, that several other nations of Europe are facing grave internal situations.

Truly this is a time when there is “distress of nations, in perplexity,” and when men are “fainting for fear, and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world.” The foundations of the most stable governments appear to be trembling and in peril. But above the warring nations, above earth’s turmoil and strife, God watches over his own, and his children may rest securely in him. In the words of the psalmist they can say:—

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. . . . The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” Ps. 46: 1-7.