F. M. W by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 13, 1916

F. M. W

By F. M. W.

Then a thing epochal happens. First a murmur, then a rumble, then a roar, then—the Revolution.

We have surely reached momentous times in the history of this world. From the human standpoint the future looks dark. The apostles of peace may declare that the nations of men will learn such a lesson from this conflict that the peace of the world will be assured. We wish indeed that this might be so, but the history of the human race affords no such assurance. No such assurance is given in the Word of God. We cannot believe that the national animosities and hatreds which war engenders can ever serve the cause of permanent peace. Nations may fight till exhaustion ensues, but so long as individual hearts remain unchanged and national aspirations and ambitions continue unaltered, national prosperity will bring a renewal of the conflict.

The Scriptures of Truth clearly indicate that “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” 2 Tim. 3:13. They assure us that in the day of God’s wrath the nations will become angry (Rev. 11:18), and will make great preparations to take part in the last great conflict. Joel 3:9-16. Because of the distress among the nations and the perplexity which exists, together with the ominous conditions in the physical and political worlds, men’s hearts will fail them for fear, and for looking after the things that are coming on the earth. Luke 21:25, 26. Surely we are coming into evil days, and as conditions grow worse, we may naturally expect great unrest among the nations of earth, both internally and internationally.

It seems probable that the church at Rome will take advantage of this condition the same as she has done during many similar periods in the past, and the same as she is even now attempting to do, to proclaim herself the arbiter of international disputes, and advocate that the recognition of her authority is necessary to peace. When we read the seventeenth chapter of Revelation, we are forced to the conclusion that there will come a time in the days before us when the powers of earth shall “have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast;” when the Papacy shall again be exalted to her old-time glory and prestige; a time when she shall say, “I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.” Rev. 18:7. Deprived of her temporal support, the papal power of Rome has been in a state of widowhood for many years; but alliances with the powers of earth will again restore to her temporal prestige.

In her the nations of men will repose hope, but they will find that they are trusting to a broken reed, as did Israel of old when they went down into Egypt. Great Babylon will come into remembrance before God to receive the judgments which she has justly merited. “Therefore,” says the Word, “shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.” Rev. 18:8. The nations of earth may declare a truce for a little time. We do not know how this will be. But if there shall come a cessation of hostilities, it will prove only a snare and a delusion to the peace prophets. It will be the lull before the final storm, the little breathing spell, the moment of preparation before the final Armageddon.

And there is danger, if this little time of peace does come, that it will prove a snare to some of the professed children of God. They will feel that they can still go on with this world’s trade and barter, missing the opportunity which heaven has afforded as a time to dispose of their property and use their means for the promulgation of the gospel.

But there is one great satisfaction, and that is that in the midst of the turmoil and strife which is now going forward, every child of God may find peace in his own soul. Says the Lord, “In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.” God’s hand is still on the lever. He is still watching over the affairs of this earth. Out of great tribulation will he bring his people at last. Let us recognize the meaning of the events taking place on the earth, and be admonished by them to find in Christ a rock of defense now, and a refuge throughout eternity.