Prophecy Fulfilling by William Ambrose Spicer

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 24, 1903

Prophecy Fulfilling

By William Ambrose Spicer

DAY by day events are shaping for the world-crisis before us. Groupings and alliances of the nations, which in themselves might concern us slightly, become of thrilling interest as we see prophecy fulfilling.

In the thirty-eighth of Ezekiel the prophet describes the gathering of the peoples “out of the north parts” to the battle of the last great day, under the leadership of the “prince of Rosh, Meshech and Tubal,” the Russian power. In this prophecy Persia is definitely associated with these peoples of the north quarters. For years British and Russian diplomacy have keenly contested the ground for the predominating influence in Persia. Gradually Russia has seemed to make headway, until, within recent times, Muscovite influence has apparently won the day.

Last week the London cables brought word that, in order to save British trade in southern Persia, the government had been compelled to “come to terms” with its great northern rival, and Lord Cranborne has been treating with the Russian minister to hold the open door for trade in the Persian Gulf. It is reported that certain concessions on the Bosporus have been given Russia in consideration. However that may be, Persia, as the prophet said so long ago, has fallen to the northern power in the lining up of the nations for Armageddon.

In the same prophecy, Ethiopia, the modern Abyssinia, is also associated with Russia. There is no geographical relationship between Ethiopia and Russia to suggest any such combination. But over twenty-five centuries ago the prophet of God declared that Persia and Ethiopia would stand with the people of the north parts. During several years past we have seen relations between Russia and Abyssinia being fostered, first by a drawing together of the Greek Church and the ancient Abyssinian Church, and more recently by political missions from Russia to the court of Menelik. Russian military instructors are teaching the Abyssinians the art of war. Ethiopia is now counted as the one place on the African continent where Russia has direct influence. Thus, whatever shifts and changes there may be, we may see the sure word of prophecy fulfilling before our eyes.

On the side of the world, all things are about ready for the last great struggle. The final preparations are being feverishly

hurried on day and night. It is we who are behind with the message God has given us. Swiftly now, through these very nations gathering for the battle of the day of the Lord, we must press on with the message of peace and the warning cry of the judgment hour. W. A. S.