The Morning Cometh by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Jan 12, 1911

The Morning Cometh

By F. M. W.

ANOTHER year has passed away. As we stand in the doorway of 1911, what emotions thrill the heart, and what thronging queries present themselves for solution! What will 1911 bring to us? What will it bring to us as a church? What will it bring to us as individuals? These are the queries which force themselves upon our attention as we enter the portals of this new division of time. But resolve the problems as we may, no answers can we present as solutions. As, in the past, time has worked out its own problems, so must it continue to do for the future. It is for us to stand patiently by and watch the process, committing in faith and trust our ways to Him in whose hands is the adjustment of all questions and the molding of all destinies.

We know this, that we are living in the most solemn, and yet withal the grandest and most inspiring age of the earth's history. Every moment is fraught with solemn emphasis and import. Prophecy is rapidly fulfilling, history is rapidly making. The coming of the Lord, for which we have so long watched and waited, is now at hand. The horizon, which before was dim and hazy, is now beginning to gleam and brighten with the rising rays of the Sun of Righteousness.

The rapidly shaping events of the past few months are but premonitory of the rapidity with which future history will be made. In the religious, political, social, and physical worlds we see that which indicates the close proximity of the end of all things. Disturbances by sea and by land, in earthquakes, tornadoes, shipwreck, and disaster, indicate that the old earth is groaning under the curse, and that these are but the death-throes of speedy dissolution. The nations are rife for conflict, and every month makes more tense and taut the cords whereby they are held back from actual strife. In the religious world, stir and activity are apparent everywhere. The changing emphasis in religious thought and teaching marks a crisis in the great church bodies. New Thought, Higher Criticism, and other theosophical teachings are rapidly leavening the minds of men. Church federation is eagerly sought by many. The “confederacy” of Isa. 8:9-12 seeks to embrace in its folds the great mass of professed Christianity. Power from the state is now greedily desired and sought for.

What developments 1911 will bring to us, it is not ours to predict. We know, however, from the revealings of the Spirit, that startling things are before us.

But while the power of evil has increased, the truth of God is correspondingly moving forward. Light and life and power from above are descending upon God's people. The loud cry of the third angel has begun. The message is sounding, and going with an energy and power never before witnessed. God is fitting his people to stand in the time of trouble just ahead. The watchword now is “Forward.” Pass it down the line. Let it ring in clarion tones in the ears of every soldier of Jesus. A fierce battle is just ahead. But thanks be to God, victory is already assured through faith.

There should be no wavering nor faltering now. Let none hang back in coldness or indifference. Let ease give place to energy, coldness to warmth, hate to love, cowardice to courage. Self must die. Envy and strife must be suppressed. Brotherly love, unity, harmony, faith, courage, and zeal must now characterize our every action. The question that confronts us is one of life or death to every soul. From a finite standpoint the outlook is most gloomy; but in God it is all light, victory, and triumph.

What will 1911 bring to you, dear reader? Will it bring failure and defeat? In God's grace it may be a year of consecration, a year of victorious achievements. Dedicate your all to him. Live for him and through him day by day and moment by moment, and fear not for the outcome. Victory will turn on Zion's side, and a daily walk with Jesus will insure your triumph with the truth of God a little way ahead.

“He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night? The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will inquire, inquire ye: return, come.”

F. M. W.