p. 346 | An Appalling Calamity

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Apr 10, 1913

An Appalling Calamity

THE worst disaster that has visited America at any time in its history is that from which the States of Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky are now suffering, and there is very strong probability that before the flood waters of the Ohio and Mississippi reach the Gulf, there will be other records of lives lost and additional millions of dollars’ worth of property destroyed. The worst sufferer

thus far has been the city of Dayton, Ohio, whose loss of life is probably not under two hundred. All the other cities of the State within the sweep of the waters have suffered heavily in both lives and property. No accurate estimate can be given as to the property loss; but in a number of the cities of both Ohio and Indiana the estimates place the property loss in the millions. Thousands of homes have been completely swept away, and many thousands have lost everything they possessed except the land upon which their buildings stood. Cities farther down the course of the flood are now beginning to pay their toll, though, in view of the timely warnings, many living in the most exposed localities are moving back to higher ground. This will save lives, but can not save homes or other buildings that must feel the force of the devastating flood. The federal government responded quickly to the demands of the situation, and all has been done that humanity could do to protect people and property, relieve suffering, and guard against sickness or epidemics. There has been a very liberal response also from the people, and ample supplies of clothing, tents, food, and money have gone forward as rapidly as transportation could be afforded. Some of the tales of individual suffering, sacrifice, and heroism have been most pathetic. This fearful scourge, taken in connection with such calamities as the Nebraska tornado, has furnished the theme for many sermons, and very many among both the clergy and the laity are asking the meaning of such terrible visitations. There seems to be a feeling on the part of a large number of the people that such calamities are not meaningless, that God has a purpose in permitting them to come upon the world, and that it is man's duty to learn what that purpose is. It is undoubtedly an indication that the very forces of nature, so long affected by the curse of sin in the world, are running riot over the earth just as the spirit of lawlessness is running riot in the hearts of men. As such calamities pile up their records one upon another, we see the fulfilment of that prophecy which declares that the earth “shall wax old like a garment.” The forces of nature are delicately balanced, like the forces pent up within the human being. A vigorous man, disobeying the laws of his being, wears out before his time. He throws the forces of his system out of balance, and nervous prostration lays him low. So this world, staggering under the weight of the curse of sin, is losing that fine balance of its forces so necessary to its maintenance as a safe place of abode for men. The day of its dissolution can not be far distant.