The Eastern Question and the Koran by H. C. OLMSTEAD

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 11, 1912

The Eastern Question and the Koran

By H. C. OLMSTEAD

H. C. OLMSTEAD

WHILE canvassing at Kimberley, in 1909, for “Heralds of the Morning,” I chanced upon a Mohammedan priest reading the Koran. He was reading about Joseph, and he translated a few paragraphs, which sounded like a story of Joseph rather than the simple Scripture narrative.

As I continued to point out the value of my book, it became evident that he was fully awake to the Eastern Question. He said the Koran taught much about it and the final battle of Armageddon. I asked him what it taught. Then, to my surprise, he said that according to the Koran the sultan of Turkey would sometime move his capital to Jerusalem, and that the present sultan expected to be obliged to do so. After this change, Jesus (a mere prophet) would come and lead the Mohammedans back to Constantinople, conquering the Christian world. “This is the time,” he continued, “when blood will flow to the horses’ bridles.” He said that at that time Mohammed would return and become the eternal king of the earth, restored to the faithful followers of the Koran. The priest intimated that the Koran prophecy included some sign indicating when the move to Jerusalem would be made, and at that time the sultan would be faithful to their sacred book, and transfer his capital.

This seemed remarkable to me, as I had not expressed any views upon the subject, simply referring to the great war preparations and the coming conflict of nations.

Basutoland, South Africa.